T-10 weeks

It has already been a great week! 

I only have less than 10 weeks until I go to Utah. It has been so weird thinking about a mission. I actually know where I am going. I am so excited. Every time some one says something about Denver - I listen closely :) It is odd that it is actually here. 

Anna and I practiced our spanish numbers this week. I really do love her and am so glad that Heavenly Father put her in my life to bless me. She is the Unit Coordinator at work and is just

 so kind. She has actually been investigating the church. 

Tonight I read my whole missionary packet. I am a little bummed on the fact that I can't wear shorts or jeans (my mission specifically), but I know 

that obedience no matter on what it is will bring blessings. It is so nice to be able to hold my call in my hands. It really is the thing that helps me realize its real. Some mornings I have woken up and thought that this is actually not happening. 

I am also getting ready to go to the temple. I am so excited. I have a lot of pondering and studying to do, but I do know that the Lord is here. 

On another note, this weekend is General Conference. If you are interested in wat

ching/ listening go here. 

I cannot wait to go with questions. I love hearing what the Lord wants the world to hear. 

Tonight in institute we talked about the prophets and why its important to have a prophet. I have been thinking about Light and Darkness. I feel that these two things are very real. Ever since I have put in my papers, it has been harder to hold on to the light. It "seems" like darkness is rolling in. In D&C 21:6, it says that if we follow the prophet, " the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your

 good, and his name glory." That is awesome! So listen to conference and have darkness go away! 

Also Conference weekend is awesome for other reasons. I feel like it should be celebrated. 

Friday - Tomorrow

Hair cut

Make pie!

Sallie and Alice are coming into town. 

I have the day off - woot woot!

We are going to the Corn Maize

Saturday

I am sure we will eat something great in the morning.

Conference Session 1

Go out to eat - most likely Yamagatas!

Conference Session 2

Do something

Girls night while boys are going to priesthood

Sunday

Eat good food

Conference Session 3

Pot Luck

Conference Session 4

Fun!

I really do love conference for so many reasons. 

My Mission Call

So yesterday started off very differently than I thought the day I found out where my mission call would start...

I woke up in Junction, TX. I was on a work retreat. 

I knew my call was waiting for me. I held it in my hands on Friday, but I didn't open it. I wanted people I cared about to be there. So I waited...

I left Junction with a car load of students in the mini-van rental :) Drove all morning. I thought I would be back by 2:30 to open the call. Well we were back in town by 2:00. But, because of lots of things we were at the airport at 3:30. So Anna and Levi, my awesome coworkers dropped me off at my house. I had told everyone to go wait at Chief's house. So I met my mom and we drove to Chief's house :)

When I walked in everyone clapped and was excited. I was so nervous. My hands were shaking. 

I opened the envelope and found the packet. I thought that maybe they kept a copy of the call in the packet. So I start reading and realize, I am not reading the right part :) So I look at the packet and realize - I am going to COLORADO!

Then I find the letter and realize that I will be serving in the Denver Colorado South Mission - Spanish speaking! I am so excited. It feels so good to know. I will report to the MTC on December 8, 2010. 

So only a little over 2 months in Lubbock :(/:)

Last night, Chris Weed invited some of us over for Tacos. I had a nice time. I am really going to miss getting together with great friends and just eating and talking. Life is really good and it is going to continue to get better :)

-Hermana Spencer

Call is here!

Blessings

I should be packing, but don't want to forget this moment. 

Ever since I put in my mission papers...It has been VERY hard. 

Not in ways I expected. I feel like I don't smile very much and that I generally feel like I don't make a contribution. I know why I am feeling this way - its just hard to over come these feelings. I have been feeling very empty - like the light went out. 

Thats not me. 

I feel like I always have a reason to smile, even when life is miserable. I feel like there is always sunshine...even when the dark clouds are there. (Sorry for the cliché word choice). 

So I have been actively trying to alleviate this business. 

Tonight I got a blessing and you know what I feel like I can do it a little longer :) AND that I can help others - which I feel like I haven't been able to do as much lately. 

I am so very grateful for the priesthood and for worthy willing priesthood holders. I hope to be better friends with these gentlemen. Thats really what they are. 

I also feel more certain about going - in the sense that it will actually happen. 

Now back to packing :)

Becoming

I am so full of gratitude.

Today was a long, crying, good day. 

I woke up with the right attitude. I wanted to be better this morning. 

I read  "Finding Strength Through Obedience" by Pres. Monson. This talk was very inspiring. 

It tells the story of a man who was good. He did what he needed to do. 

Men of learning, men of experience sought out this humble, unlettered man of God and counted themselves fortunate if they could spend an hour with him. His appearance was ordinary; his English was halting and somewhat difficult to understand; his home was unpretentious. He didn’t own a car or a television. He wrote no books and preached no polished sermons and did none of the things to which the world usually pays attention. Yet the faithful beat a path to his door. Why? Because they wished to drink at his fountain of truth. They appreciated not so much what he said as what he did, not the substance of the sermons he preached but the strength of the life he led.

To know that a poor man consistently and cheerfully gave at least twice a tenth to the Lord gave one a clearer insight into the true meaning of tithing. To see him minister to the hungered and take in the stranger made one know that he did it as he would do to the Master. To pray with him and partake of his confidence of divine intercession was to experience a new medium of communication.

Well could it be said that he kept the first and great commandment and the second which is like unto it,that his bowels were full of charity toward all men, that virtue garnished his thoughts unceasingly and, consequently, his confidence waxed strong in the presence of God.

This man had the glow of goodness and the radiance of righteousness. His strength came from obedience.

The strength which we earnestly seek today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when, with fortitude and resolute courage, we stand and declare with Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

I want the Lord to be able to say the same for me. So...with this being my motivation I started off the day trying to make a difference. Life has been rough for me and must have been rough with others as well. I tried to smile more and talk to people with my whole heart. At times I have failed today...really bombed. But the Lord was aware of my efforts and everything so far has worked out well. 

I have heart someone unintentionally - and I feel really bad about it. I isn't as bad as it sounds, but I know that I could have handled it better. 

I know my life is not for me  - its to bless others. I have felt so many blessings today. I am so grateful! The Lord truly loves me. I hope one day I will be a person that others feel great around. That they will want to be better by knowing me and that in my presence they will feel love. I guess I'm saying "I'm trying to be like Jesus."

Fido and Dating

Meet Fido. 

He is your typical dog. Good looking. Shiny fur coat. Likes to run and put stuff in his mouth. 

Can be quite messy - he pees by lifting up one leg. 

Likes to sniff and lick. Some times awkwardly. 

When in trouble gets sent to the dog house.

But, all in all he is a dog.

Meet the "more" than average male. 

He is your typical male. Good looking. Nice hair.

Likes to run and put stuff in his mouth (usually food).

Can be quite messy - if there is a toilet seat to be left up - don't worry he can handle it.

Likes the way girls smell....hopefully doesn't lick, but may awkwardly show affection.

When in trouble gets sent to the dog house.

But, all in all he is a boy. 

So a good friend has recently talked to me about a boy - who just is like Fido. 

I am not saying that boys are dogs - just that they do similar things. Women try to train boys like you would train a dog. I do not know if I agree with this entirely. 

However, I do think that there is something going on with the dating culture. 

What happened to the standard of asking girls out on dates. I am not saying that is doesn't happen anymore - just that it is almost old fashioned. 

Last night, a group of us went to the Temple to do baptisms. Afterwards, several of them wanted to go get ice cream. I wasn't going to go because I had already spent money on some Ben and Jerry's....yum. So I told this boy that he should go ask a girl to go with him. I told him say to her "Hey you (their name) - you are going to go get ice cream with me!" Knowing this boy, who is not creepy and good looking - no normal nice girl is going to say no just to say no (whether she has plans already is a different story).  So he points to me and says "Hey Allison - you are going to get ice cream with me!" And you know what I said yes.

He opened my door, bought my ice cream, made conversation, sat by me, sang along to Journey with me, took me back to my car and you know what I had a great time. It was just fun. Why can't dating be more like this all the time. 

So here are some of my thoughts...

Some boys don't ask girls out they suggest "hanging out." You can only do that so many times. What is wrong with dating. 

Also, why has the word "dating" turned into a huge commitment ? I do not get this. A date is simply stating I would like to spend this ___ amount of time with you. It does not mean automatically 1) That I am interested in a relationship with you 2) That we should get married for time and all eternity or 3) name your excuse. I am not saying that is doesn't mean those things .... lol because some of us had had that experience. BUT, more than likely its just a date. 

Also use a telephone for calling. Texting is not a proper way to ask anyone out. Calling is good and shows effort. 

Also, dates do not have to cost lots of money...they can even be free. Have fun. Be creative. 

Boys ask girls out. Girls accept. Both try to have a good time. 

Boys need to plan in advance. Ask at least the day before (unless the timing is appropriate. like last night). Know what you want to do, OR suggest something and see what she says. 

Be a gentleman. Open her door. Pay for her. Compliment her (there is always one good thing you can choose). Look like you tried. Have a good conversation. Walk her to her door. Be appropriate.

Girls be nice. He is opening your door, buying your food, complimenting you. Look like you tried. Have a good conversation. Be courteous. And say thank you. Be appropriate.

I am not saying that I am a dating expert. This is certainly not true, but these are things that are plain and simple. 

I really like going on dates and hope that in the future I get asked out on more. 

Bob the Builder vs. Super Trouper

Bob the Builder can we fix it? yes we can!

Super Trouper beams are going to blind me, but I won't feel blue, cause' somewhere in the crowd there's you. 

Bob knows how to fix everything and Super Trouper lights up the room.

Bob takes action and Super Trouper smiles.

Bob has ditzy tendencies and Super Trouper is real.

Bob is attracted to tools and Super Trouper is attracted to good things. 

Bob tries but Super Trouper always wins. 

But why does Bob loose? Its not because he doesn't try. Its not that he has no skills. He is actually fantastic.  Its just that she has no interest. 

Why does Super Trouper win? No one really knows. His smile? His ability to bring happiness? So the real question is does she win?

And the answer is NO.

PJ Shrimp Magic

So this last weekend was incredible.

Great Friends!

Great Food!

Great Fun!

Great Friday!

It started off with PJ Shrimp - one of the best reasons for Life on this plane

t!

Garrett, Melanie and I have discussed resurrecting PJ shrimp - but we wanted it bigger. 

We had lots of people come:

Melanie, Garrett, Sam, Chris, Isaac, Byran, Kip, Phil, Chris R., Kimberly, Adam, Kevin, Anna, and Me!

I also made a blueberry apple pie that was great! Happy Birthday Amish Anna! Recipe to come soon!

We talked, laughed, played games and listened and sang along to Phil jammin' out!

After that late night - I slept in. Took care of things and played Ticket to Ride with my Roommates! They are a bad influence because we played until 1...in the morning!

Then Sunday! I love Sundays....(I'm sorry if this is a boring post, but I just had a great Sunday). 

I had to teach...no I got to teach. I have been so blessed by my calling. I feel like I just know more what to study and how to ask questions. It has been really great for me - and hopefully my class. This week's lesson was on the Atonement. I love it. I love that that is the Central Theme of the gospel. I am only starting to understand that love that motivated our Savior to complete that near-impossible act and how its "infinite and eternal." I guess that is why we have our whole life to study Him.

We also had a fireside by Elder Scott. The message was wonderful - it was about dating and marriage. I really loved the way he spoke of his wife. Not to be cheesy, but thats what I want. I want to make a difference in someone's life - I want them to think of me that way - meaning I need to be like her. 

Now my "Manic Monday" is over. Life is good. God is Great!

So PJ Shrimp is awesome! Here is the link to the goodness! http://janeheiress.blogspot.com/2009/12/creamy-shrimp-scampi.html

Sprinkles on the Floor

Sprinkles on the Floor – August 30, 2010

 

Today was not a fun day. I woke up and it was Monday – which when working a lot, feels like the weekend never occurred. I dragged my bottom out of bed and then began getting ready for work. I was going to leave on time to work. However, while pulling my awesome raisin bran out of the cupboard, I knocked down a glass jar of pink sprinkles – which happen to be my favorite sprinkles. Every time I put them on cookies - it just made me smile. Pink sprinkles, mixed with glass on the floor. It wasn’t a big deal, just had to clean it up....Right?

 

So I ran a little late to work. I made it though web site training, random work, meetings and assignments. Then at two o’clock central time – I freaked out! My wonderful Faculty Mentor sent me an email requesting my data and basically all of my research. At this moment, I realized that it was all my fault. I have not worked on this project for several weeks. I have been so busy with mission prep, work, deciding about boys, and life that I did not take enough time to fulfill this obligation. There was time – there is always time, but it was not a priority. So I promptly emailed him back and told him I would get everything done by this Friday morning. From then on I had a horrible feeling in my stomach. I felt so tense.  I didn’t know what to do. How was I going to get all of these things done?

 

I left work and picked up a Sam to take to Wal-Mart. I needed food. Then there was an insane amount of traffic. Really the worst I have ever seen in Lubbock. Then as I get on Marsha Sharp, we got stuck at one light for like 7 cycles. Sam realizes that we are not getting a left arrow (and you can only turn left on those at this intersection). Traffic is backed up. I didn’t want to call 911 for this, so I called 411. I got a hold of the police department and before I knew it – we had a left arrow. During this hour long car ride, people were driving crazy, and being dumb.

 

While we were waiting in traffic, I felt like a baby. I knew everything would be fine. When have things not turned out fine? Never! Sam, after my complaining, said “its probably Satan.” You know what its Satan. After that realization, things did not get instantly better – my favorite purse broke – random things.

 

After working a little on my project for work – I am feeling better.

 

Life is difficult at moments, but we cannot forget what we have been given. We can feel peace at these times. When we are about to do something wonderful, Satan will make it seem like we have no where to turn, that we are “doomed to sudden destruction.” But, we know that this is how our faith is built. The Lord is with us and we just need to know that he is God and that we can do all things with His help.

 

So at the end of this horrible day – which was not that horrible – I feel like I can get it all done, and that I don’t need to be so melodramatic. After all, what are a couple of sprinkles on the floor worth? Almost nothing.

Papers

So....Bad News (sorta).


My papers were never actually sent in. There was a small issue.

BUT,

They went in today - start the ACTUAL countdown!

I just have to remember everything happens for a reason :)