Joys of life

I love people.

I love talking to people, hearing their stories, listening to their problems, sharing in their excitements, smiling at them, seeing their faces light up when they smile back at me. There's a little saying I have heard that says, "People are closest to perfect when they smile."

Of course that is true. 

2 Nephi 2:25 "Men are that they might have joy." 

What a merciful God we have to allow us to come to this earth and smile at people. 

I talked to my Grandparents today. First I called my Grandma Panganiban. I love her so much. When I was younger and I lived in California still I would visit her in the Summer for a week. It was a great time. I loved just being with her, hearing her accent and being enveloped in her smell. Before we got off the phone she told me how much she loved me and that she prays for me. Oh how I miss her and love her. She is a beautiful woman. I hope I can be as strong as she is and bear trials as gracefully and solidly as she has. 

Then, I called my Grandma Pingree. Another amazing lady. My grandpa died 4 years ago and I know it has been hard for her, but she is still always so happy and cheerful. I was able to hear all about my extended family and how they are all doing. It is so wonderful to have a family. Another tender mercy from God. 

Both grandparents, when I told them about my indecisiveness about my major, encouraged me to study what I love. My parents and siblings all encouraged me to do the same thing. I am so grateful for a family that encourages me to be me and to do what I love. 

Sometimes you just need family. 

And sometimes you just need to smile. Really smile. 

So. Smile...it's contagious!

Just because sometimes I really miss him and his smile.

Keys to Success

Today I was in a parade. 

I have been in many parades. When I was a Senior in High School I was on the Ivins City Royalty and we participated in every parade in our community. That was a blast. It was so fun participating in the pageant and then it was so fun being in parades and having little girls exclaim to their mommies that we were princesses. Yeah, definitely one of the best experiences that I have had. 

But, today, the BYU Homecoming Parade was by far the best parade I have ever been in. It was so fun! We had our cute little keys around our necks and we were throwing candy to all the little kids (and big kids). There were so many people there and their BYU pride was so great! It made me, again, so grateful to be here at BYU. 

I love my job. 

The people I work with are the best. We have such a fun time together. The full-time employees are the best too. One of our "big" bosses helped us make all of the keys and was even there to take pictures and reload our candy mid-parade. He is such a kind man. Through this process of preparing for the parade I have been able to meet and interact more with the "big" bosses at Physical Facilities. They are so great. I have been blessed to work and associate with such great people. 

So the moral of the story is: If you ever get the chance to go to the BYU Homecoming Parade. Go! It's so fun! 

Samples and Vultures

This weekend is BYU Homecoming. I haven't really been super school spirited since my Sophomore year of High School, but something about this University makes me feel spirited. 

Tomorrow morning is the BYU Homecoming Parade. Along with several of my co-workers I am going to be a Key in the parade. 

Yes, a key. 

I actually told my brother this last night and he laughed in my face! Apparently being a key in a parade is super humiliating. Maybe, but maybe not! I am stoked. 

Anyway, my co-worker, and great friend, Saryn, and I went to Costco to buy candy today. Boy, was that a treat.

I haven't been to Costco in a really long time. Since I was young and my mom actually had a need to buy everything in bulk. The most exciting part is always Costco's samples.

FREE LUNCH PEOPLE! 

I remember it being exciting, but today was a whole different experience. 

All I have to say is that the Costco sample people have to be pret-ty aggressive. 

The olds were crazy! The second there was a new batch of samples out they would flock to them and snatch them like we were in the great depression again! Bumping elbows and squeezing between people I felt like I was among vultures. One Sample Lady put her arm up and firmly explained to an eager young man that he couldn't grab a sample before it was put under the plastic display. There was this mom with her extra-large cart, filled with stuff and her two children, that almost ran me over to get to an inch of cinnamon role. When I looked at her irritation radiated from her eyes. 

I'm sorry I was in the way of your mini cinnamon role Lady!

Oh man, I couldn't stop laughing. 

Next trip to Costco I will be more prepared for the intense competition for those samples.  

Too Good Not to Start Early

I listened to Christmas music today. 

Sometimes Christmas music is the only thing that will make you feel better about, well, everything.

Who doesn't love celebrating Christmas? Thinking about baby Jesus, giving gifts, singing carols, making cookies, and decorating the house with red and green? 

Oh, oh, oh, the Christmas tree! That's the BEST part. I love putting up the old ornaments that we've had for years. 

Christmas will be a little strange this year. My parents moved to Rexburg and so I might actually have, well, I will almost for sure have a White Christmas! So, so, so exciting!

I forgot about the movies! White Christmas, A Christmas Story, Santa Claus, It's a wonderful Life, and Elf.

Okay, so maybe before the Christmas tree being the best is just being around family. Family makes Christmas time the best, for sure. 

It's all the best!

I can't wait for Christmas!! 

Only 2 months people! Two months until we celebrate the best Holiday all year!

 

Doesn't that look cozy?

This is totally not related at all, but I went to dinner with my brother tonight. We went to Cafe Rio. Soooo good. They best part and this was another thing that made me feel real good was their after-the-meal mints. Maybe I walked out with my pockets full....(a little Ghetto, I know!)

Random Tribute

I was walking around on campus today when suddenly the National Anthem started to play. Looking around confused I noticed that everyone was standing still. People who were sitting down previously were now standing up and everyone's right hand covered their heart. I am still not completely sure why this happened or if it happens daily, but I am so thankful it did. 

My great grandfather, my grandfather, and my father all served in the U.S. military. I love America. It was such a blessing to stop in the middle of my crazy, hectic day and remember those who have sacrificed so much for our country. 

Being in the middle of BYU campus, surrounded by my peers, who were all paying respect to our national anthem, filled my heart with overwhelming joy and gratitude. I am so blessed to live in a free country which allows me to attend an amazing university where I can worship my God through gaining intelligence and experience. This is truly a Promised Land.

Thank you BYU and God Bless America!

  

Catching up on Some ZZZ's

Naps.

The greatest and worst things. 

Today I decided to be productive and not take my usual nap after work. My naps only last 15 to 20 minutes tops, but today I realized why I take them. Wednesday's are the days that I have the most classes. I fell asleep in two of them.

Falling asleep is not hard for me. My head hits the pillow or whatever I lay it on and I am out. When I was in elementary school and middle school I wouldn't ever fall asleep in class because I was afraid I would slobber or snore. Ever since I got into high school and took Mr. Hunt's Medical Anatomy class right after lunch I have never been afraid of sleeping in class.

Last year at Dixie, I was early for my Chemistry class so I decided to sit in the hall with the windows. It was warm and the reading I was trying to get done was not holding the attention of my brain so I decided to lean my head on top of the display cupboards. The next thing I knew I was closing my mouth, wiping slobber from my mouth, and trying to hide my face from all of my peers walking by. 

After waking up from a quick nap in my class today the boy I was sitting next to offered me a "Curiously Strong Peppermint Altoid." In my delirious state I asked him if something was going to pop out of it. He assured me that nothing would "pop out of it," but told me that that would probably help me wake up too. 

Who am I? 

No shame man. No shame.
   
My naps at home after work seem a little more important to me now.