What you learn from working in a swamp

Apparently my last post about bananas and hair was a hit... and I am happy to report that my head didn't sustain heavy losses and is on the road to recovery from the minor ordeal. But in actuality, my hair is very little tended to lately due to one minor (ahem, more like gigantic) part of my life... 

I am working at the swamp again.

Don't get me wrong. Working at the swamp (aka North Fork) is a wonderful blessing. I get paid well and the people are wonderful. I love the environment and the people I work with, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. I am a greenhouse worker, which means I get to learn all about the wonderful species of native plants to climates like Idaho. Super DUPER interesting, huh? (I'm actually being serious here on that one.)  But while working out there, I have added a few more bits of learning to the vast expanse extremely small amount space in my memory. Here are a few things I have learned:

1. Greenhouse work isn't all frolicking in beautiful flowers and basking in the glow of the sun through the greenhouse walls. No. No no no. Green house work is lifting stuff. A lot. What lots of people don't realize is that when plants grow up, you need to replant them. And then replant again. And you know that space it left behind? You have to move everything around the greenhouse to fill it in. Sometimes that's all I do most of the day and it's real tiring. But I won't say no to buff arms will I?

2. Once upon a time I played soccer. And I would get really stiff and sore from playing soccer and doing workouts. But then I worked at North Fork, and it was then I realized that I didn't know what sore was. Sometimes you bend over to pick things up quite frequently, and you become apparent of things that get sore that you didn't know could. Like finger joints and your whole flippin' back. But you get used to it, and I'm pretty sure my back is practically a steel plate by the end of the summer. 

3. I used to think soccer tans were bad/good. Bad in that I get weird lines from socks and good that I get tan. WRONG. Working for 8 hours everyday makes you realize how utterly wrong that is. It's like the difference between watching Bambi vs Psycho. One is light and fluffy and about baby animals and the other is dark, scary, and intense. Didn't know tans could be scary? Well peeps, if you see the picture of my tan line from last summer, you would most likely scream due to the odd things blinding white and dark brown do to your eyes when seen at the same time. I'm sure it burns. But that also means you're tanner than most other people. Totes worth it. 

4. Grass is grass, right? WRONG AGAIN. If you were to walk into greenhouse 2 at work, you would encounter a sea of grass. And it is all different. There are probably 10 different kinds in there. Now take some tweezers and go weed them of invading grasses. Your eyes feel like they might go cross eyed and stay that way due to straining your little gray cells to determine if that blade of grass is really the right species. It makes me more grateful that I can actually see stuff.

5. But most importantly, I have learned that hard work is always worth it. It makes the time go faster. You feel more satisfied with what you do. Even when there seems like an endless amount of 5 gallon buckets to carry, there's always someone to talk to. 

P.S. If you want to learn more about North Fork Native Plants, look it up. These are all pictures from the website.

So, I will add my moral of the story like I usually do. Life is hard work. Some days are harder than others, but there is always someone there to help lift that DR 14 container to the next spot. There is always hope. Keep your head up. Push through it. Life isn't a punishment--it's meant to be enjoyed. It's not going to by a joy ride, but let's take time to relish in those happy moment, because that's what's most memorable. That's why life is worth it.

The banana mask of almost no return

Last night I decided that I wanted to try some sort of natural concoction on my hair to try to help it out. It's kind of brittle from all the dyeing and highlighting, so I wanted to find a natural remedy to give it some relief. I'd seen these natural "hair masks" all over Pinterest, so I as like "eh, what the heck."

 After riding the exercise bike (because I figured I as going to take a shower anyway) I found a recipe that called for one ripe banana, some honey and some olive oil.

I mashed up the banana and added the other ingredients until it was a somewhat chunky paste. I went to the bathroom and added the goop to my hair. I put a towel on it and went downstairs to finish the movie the rest of my family was watching. 

Fifty minutes later (twenty minutes longer than it was supposed to be in) I pulled off my towel and attempted to wash the banana mess out of my hair. I found quickly that this definitely was not going to be an easy task because the banana pieces were stuck in my hair and no matter how I tried to wash it out, the pieces would not leave the entanglement of my hair. Cold water, warm water, hot water (ouch), shampoo, and conditioner--none of these aided me in getting that stupid mixture out of my hair. Finally, I decided to stop washing, get out, and try to comb though it. One look at my hair after trying to dry it off a bit and I knew that unless I could get a head transplant,the only way  I was going to get rid of the pieces of banana was to shave my head and wear a wig for the rest of my life. So naturally I used the only option I had left. I called for Mom. She walked into the bathroom and took one look at my hair and just laughed. The distraught/frustrated/hopeless look on my face and my chunky hair was apparently just too much. She walked out and came back in with this bottle of conditioner and told me to put a lot on my hair and brush through it with the conditioner in and get all those wretched pieces of banana out. So I did. And it worked. No more banana and I still have 80% of my hair.

 As I was sitting in bed, I wondered what I could have learned from this, other than the obvious--don't EVER put banana in your hair, don't EVER trust the internet again (the person who posted that should have their internet privileges revoked) and Mom ALWAYS knows the answer. Then I started looking at it from a gospel standpoint. What if those chunks of banana in your hair are like your burdens and sins. No matter how you try get rid of them whether it's trying to ignore them, distract yourself from them, or forget about them, they will still be there. After trying to find multiple ways of coping on our own, we finally give up our pride and ask for some help. That help is Jesus Christ and his atonement. He is always there just waiting for us to humble ourselves and be willing to accept his sacrifice. He knows how we feel, and he is willing to lend a helping hand to "wash" away our mistakes. He loves us. Always. He will constantly be with us to "rid our hair of banana chunks" if we except him as our Savior. I know these things are true with all my heart. Jesus loves every single person out there. No matter what you've done or what "red you have in your ledger" (name that movie), He still loves you. ALWAYS.

C'est La Vie

Ah man... I haven't blogged in a while, and I don't think many read my blog anyway, but it's nice to have something to write in and pour out the secrets of your heart... Jk, but really. I haven't written forever. I got a little busy with friends and some major life changes and well, here I am.

Woah, yeah I know. I'm blond again! Yes!! Honestly, I liked my long brown hair, but deep, deep down inside I knew I was a blond at heart, and that I need to stay that way... And about the length. See, I was on Pinterest this one day and saw this picture, and I was like 'yes'.

Number one, Julianne Hough is gorgeous, so that automatically makes that hair style look good, and number two, my hair was really fried after all the dying and highlighting I had done. So that was that. I cut it all off and had it re-blonded and here I am! I love it. I really do. It's sooo easy to do and I don't have to worry about it looking scraggly or anything. Double plus.

Second of all, I was planning on going to BYU-I. Then, lo and behold, the day before my birthday as I was reading my scriptures the thought that I should stay in Provo kept popping into my head. I sat there trying to rationalize it and be like 'you are making the right decision. You already have housing in Rexburg and you should just stick with the plan', but I felt almost sick with it, and I was like, 'well, I'm pretty sure that's the spirit.' and that was that. As I was praying about BYU-I, I never felt any answer, so I thought that was my cue to make the decision. And I did. And the spirit eventually got to to me (I was probably pushing him away because I wanted to do what I wanted to do) and I changed my mind. And I feel at peace. It's amazing. I'm so excited for next year, and even though I wasted a 150 dollar deposit in Rexburg I don't regret it at all. I'm just gonna trust the Lord. 

And that's why my new motto is 'C'est la vie.' First of all it's French and I learned some in High School, and second of all, well, such is life. It's so true. I, for one am learning to let go. I thought I knew what I was doing and letting go before, but all I was doing was holding on to what was comfortable and safe. Nope. Now I am just going with the flow. I don't know how my finances will work out (I missed the application deadline due to my stupidity) but I am going to let what happen happen and do my best to work with it. It will be an adventure :)

Oh for the love of old things...

It's Monday... Oh such a fabulous Monday. Not really, but that means I'm 11 days from heading home again! Yay for Presidents' weekend. Also, I'm really excited because....

WE GOT A PICKUP TRUCK!!!

Well technically my parents got a pickup truck. But we deprived Thurston children in Provo have a Buick that is very unreliable (Poor ol' Beula...) and we needed something that can get us from Provo to Sugar City. 

And so we got a pickup truck. 

It's red. It's little. It's old. And it's stick shift. TOTES my type of car. I'm already thinking up names for him.So far I've got Benji, Calvin, Franklin, Wlibur, Gilbert, Humphrey, Percy, Louie, Walter... as you can tell I like the old fashion names. Cuz, well, he's pretty old.

Now some people may ask, why the love for old cars? I think that answer lies with my previous car. No, not our big have-a-whole-couch-to-yourself buick, 

Our (ahem, I call him mine... I loved him most) little Geo Prisim.

I got this image off of google, so ours was actually gray. But that little guy has a real story. And SO much personality. His name is Geoffrey.

Now Geoffrey is like 20 years old... And he is still going strong. Well somewhat. He shakes a little when you get above 50. Understatement. He shakes A LOT when you get above 50. He's also a manual transmission. Some of my best car memories with him are stalling in the middle of an intersection with a cement truck right behind us... Good times. Also, I think it's safe to say that he might need some plastic surgery. And some skin grafts. Oh and maybe a new eye or two. The guy has broken handles, broken cruise control, no muffler, a slipping belt, sagging ceiling, shattered overhead light, a dent and chipped paint where we hit a Saint Bernard on the Highway (long story...), missing carpet, windows that don't roll up straight, stained seats, broken air conditioning, chipping dashboard,  and missing arm rests. But the engine never stopped running. Pretty much, this car was bomb. Only worth like 50 bucks, but totally bomb. 

What happened to squealing, muffler-missing, vibrating Geoffrey? We sold him to a family that needed a car after a wreck. So he's in a good place with people who need him. I miss him terribly, and he--and all old cars--will always have a place in my heart. 

But apparently he's enjoying himself because the last I saw him was a picture of him being used as an obstacle to jump over. With skis. Definitely living life on the edge. Like usual.

So here's to another vehicle and some more adventures!

Dreams

You know how from age ten you have your life totally planned out and everything is supposed to go according to that plan? Well folks, it doesn't. Ever since I was twelve, I dreamed of coming to BYU, playing on the BYU women's soccer team, dating some athlete, and getting married. I also dreamed that I would be this average height girl that had pretty long blond hair that all the guys would love. Welp, I think reality is just a little different than what I dreamt of as a kid. Right now, I'm 5' 1", I have weird curly/wavy/straight thin brown hair, and I can definitely attest that I'm not that popular among the guys. I haven't been on a date for six months. I have acne. I've never been kissed. Actually, I've never even held a guy's hand. The guy I do like isn't really interested. And I'm transferring to BYU-Idaho in the fall. There is no way I would have pictured my life as it is right now, even a year ago. But you know what? It's perfect. I wouldn't have it any other way. Well, there are things that I don't like and I wish I could change, but these trials and difficulties that I have today are going to make me so much better in the future. I know it. And I choose to look on the bright side. I'm 5' 1"? Well, that gives me a unique perspective. I have really awkward hair? Hey, at least I've got some. I've never kissed a guy? Well it's going to make it so worth it when it does happen. And I'm going to BYU-Idaho? The Lord must have something in store for me there. And even though I am giving up so much down here, I just gotta have faith.

But this in no means translates into me giving up my dreams. Because I have lived many of my dreams, and I wouldn't give those up for anything. I went to state with my soccer team junior year. I was captain senior of my team. I was MVP. I got to play with a wonderful group of friends.

 I made the Advanced Jazz Band. I learned how to play the alto saxophone.

I took AP English and Calculus. I passed both tests. I graduated as Salutatorian in my class. I got accepted with a scholarship to BYU.

I gained friends for life.

And most importantly, I gained a testimony of the gospel. That, most of all, is what I cherish most.

Dreams are important in life. Even the far-fetched crazy ones that we envision as a kid. And even if the way we plan out our life may not be how it turns out, we can always revise, rewrite, and reevaluate our dreams. If dreams didn't ever come true then there wouldn't be happy endings. If there doesn't seem to be a happily-ever-after in sight, there will be one--if we keep reaching and hoping and praying and doing. And after all, we'll come to understand hindsight is sometimes the best perspective on life because it's then we realize that those unexpected and different paths of life were in our dreams after all...

Books

I really love to read. Sometimes it's bad, because it distracts me from homework and school stuff, but I still enjoy it nonetheless! I love all sorts of books: dystopian, mystery, adventure, romance (not too mushy though), and comedies. I love me a good witty book. So,  I thought I would share some of my favorite books with all ya'll.

Ok, these are some of my all time favortites. The author is Lisa T. Bergren, and she does a wonderful job. She is very clean, and that's what I love best about these. She can incorporate a love story and an adventure without having to be yucky. I hate reading books where it has that one part that just ruins it for you, and you never pick it up again. Nope, not these. It's about two sisters who travel back to medieval Italy. Totally worth your time.

Also another of Lisa T. Bergren's is the Grand Tour Series. The first one is the only one published (second one comes out in March. AHHH!) and it is just fantabulous. This one is about a girl named Cora who is trying to find who she is, and the way she's going about that is taking the Grand Tour in Europe. She comes up on some unexpected adventures, all which keep you hooked into the story the whole time. It takes place in the 1920s (I think) and I highly recommend.





Alrighty, these next ones I have been reading since like tenth grade and there was no way I could just drop them. It's probably because I have always wanted to go to a school for genius spy girls. Yeah pretty intense.


Ally Carter is just hilarious. She so is. And she's totally relatable. Very clean and funny and full of adventure. There's only one more book left to complete the story, and although I will be sophomore in college, I'm totally looking forward to it.

And then there's the second series that Ally Carter is writing called Heist Society. This one is about teenage thieves who are stealing art work back for those who rightfully own them. Even more intense. There are two books so far:

They are about a girl named Kat who is pretty good at stealing stuff. She really wanted to get away from the family business, but got sucked back. And let me say, Ally Carter does pretty good with her male characters. You will love Hale ;) The next book comes out on Tuesday!! I am so excited.







Next one: one of my all time favorites. If you like Pride and Prejudice, then you will LLLOOOOVE Edenbrooke.

I never really saw myself liking this kind of genre, but this book has definitely changed my mind. Pretty much it's about a girl who inherits a large sum of money from her aunt and no one knows. At least she thinks no one knows. Really, I couldn't give a summary of this book without giving something away, and I definitely couldn't give it justice. Just read it. Just do it.









I really couldn't take the time to show every book I've read and loved. Here I'll just type a list:
Old Maid of Honor by Heather Horrocks
The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson
Divinely Designed by Rachel Anderson
The Princess of the Midnight Ball (and all other books she writes) by Jessica Day George
Percy Jackson and the Heroes series by Rick Riordan
Legend by Marie Lu

And really the list goes on. But let me just mention one more book. The best of all I've read and the one I've learned the most from. Read it, and I promise, it won't disappoint :)











Have a wonderful weekend!!! :)

50 questions

Well guys, it's Wednesday. Such a wonderful Wednesday. I have to keep telling myself that haha. And for this blog post, I'm gonna do a get to know you thing. Well, here goes nothing.

50 questions!!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No sir. No middle name either.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Uhhhh, last Friday I think.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Some days. I don't really care. Usually, I don't like taking the time to make it look nice.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Turkey...

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No. And not for a while. Haha I haven't even been on a date for like six months.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Haha, um, yes??

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Never... Ok, yes.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yup. We're like best buds.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I'd like to think I would. If I got the chance.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Cocoa puffs. Or Reeses Puffs. Or Marshmallow Mateys. Take your pick.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nope! I usually don't wear too many things with laces...

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
For a little person? Yes. Yes I am.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Cake batter. We're in love.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Smile. I like a good smile :) and then their eyes.

15. RED OR PINK?
I guess I'd say red, definitely not pink. I'm more of a blue/gray person.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Eh, I'd say my hair. It's super thin.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My friend in Hawaii. And the one at Utah State. I don't get to see them as often as others.

18. WHAT IS THE PAUL MCKENNA TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
I wouldn't know because I have no idea who that is. Haha!

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Brown combat boots.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
A breakfast omlet: hashbrowns, eggs, cheese, and ketchup.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
I was listening to the life story of the girls down the hall. Very interesting.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Light Blue.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
The post office. I used to walk in there just to get a wiff...

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
The stake president's secretary's answering machine...

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
I'd say beach house. If I had the beach to myself, ha!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Basketball. Love watching basketball. They can come back really fast, and it makes things intense. Also, I wish I could actually play it besides a game of horse with my brother (I win of course.)

27. HAIR COLOR?
Carmel-ish, brown-ish, blondish. Will probably keep heading towards blond.

28. EYE COLOR?
Greenish blue. With some weird yellow around the middle.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes. I would be lost with out them. Literally, I wouldn't be able to see where I was going.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Chinese. But I'm starting to lean towards Italian.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings! I hate scary.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Extended version.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Blackish gray.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer. But I don't like really hot. It kills me. So let's say spring-ish summer or fallish summer.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Uh, seeing as I haven't ever been kissed, I wouldn't know.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Frozen yogurt. Cake batter. With brownies. And fudge.

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Cardio. Run, run, run.

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Um, I'd say computer. Not too much of a TV watcher. I only watch movies and sports on TV.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I should be reading my nutrition textbook, but the last one I read was called Old Maid of Honor. Oh and the Book of Mormon. That's too important to forget :)

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't have one!

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
I love the sound of rain when going to sleep.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles. But I haven't listened much to either.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
I've been to Hawaii, and I've been to New York. I'm guessing Hawaii is farther haha.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Um... I'm a pretty good listener. And empathizer.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Rexburg, ID

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Provo, UT

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
My apartment complex is made of brick.

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
I don't have one now (haha see my second to last post) but it was red. But I miss by gray geo. It was the best. Stick shift baby!

50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS?

Wasn't too bad :)

Well I hope you got to know me a little better :) Have a wondrous Wednesday! Eat your friuts and veggies.