CHE GIOIA!!!!!

I FREAKIN LOVE MY FAMILY! yes, it's true. i've never realized it like i've begun to now. being away from them, especially as they're all growing up and i want to be a part of that experience, has really given me some perspective on the matter.

in one short hour i will be reunited with my beloved parents and dear mischievous brother, who is entering the mtc for his fijian mission in two days (hence the short utah vacation). and in case you couldn't tell, i'm so incredibly excited to see them! we've got plans to eat at places that reach beyond my collegiate budget, see some sights that require the car i don't have, and visit some friends that we haven't seen for a couple years. basically, this is the highlight of my summer thus far and by far.

really, i love my family so much. each member of it has become worthy of the title "best friend". we've got each others' backs, and are all deeply invested in each others' lives and personal success.

it's the most marvelous feeling to rely on a group of people so entirely, without a shadow of a doubt. ever.
family, this post goes out to you. i love you the most! (even though you try to hijack my bed when i'm not there.)








just remember, whatever terrible thing is happening, you've always got nine other people around to back you up.

A day well spent

today i saw some of my friends. we had a lot of new laughs.

i went running for longer than i have in quite a while. i felt strong.

i listened to some angry rock music while i ran. it helped me vent.

i thought deeply about some stuff. i feel ready for a new day now.

then i walked home through a fresh summer rain. it was beautiful.

i should try to have more days like this one.

I've made a decision

that life is too short. if you're having a problem, just tell yourself that and somehow it makes everything a little easier. it's like magic.

there are things i want, but the universe doesn't seem to understand that, and i can't change it. i'll just accept it and try to have a good time despite my disappointment.

Cupcakes make my heart happy.

i have seen the chief cupcake maker of the universe, and her name is sister canfield. they quickly climbed to at least the top 5 section of the most incredible things i've ever eaten. and that's on looks alone. my favorite: funfetti + white chocolate + reese's peanut butter cup + frosting + 2 dumdums + 2 melon-o's = 1 cupcake. i love it!

let me just put this out there - break the fast can be such a bliss. it helps start my week out right.

p.s. i have in fact realized my recent attention to my lovely baby blog. i don't really know why that is. maybe it's because my roommate is gone and i want someone/thing to ramble pointlessly to. good thing these blogs don't have rules and protocol to follow. i can be as sporadic as i want!

why yes, i'd love some cheesy motivation. thank you for asking.

"Remember always that, when you shine, the entire world grows a little brighter."

thank you suspiciously hallmark-ish card. sometimes all it takes is a random little thing you meant to throw away months ago turning up to make you feel like your existence might actually have a purpose.

"There could be no greater light in the world than a person living life to the fullest."

don't you just love the random motivational stuff you can find in the dark corners of your room?

i'll never be done learning.

i am not progressing.

my days are consumed in a never-ending cycle of monotony. it's great to have a routine, but this is more than that. i never push myself to learn more, to experience more with every sense i possess, to become more. what's the point of my existence? i find myself taking up valuable space and finite resources so that i can pretend to make a non-existent mark on the face of humanity.

sometimes i catch myself in moments of contemplation on what i want to teach my future children. i don't know when or if i'll ever get the chance, but i like to think i'm preparing myself for that great adventure. but i digress. one of the most important things i will teach them is to always progress, learn, grow. life isn't fulfilling enough without that progression, plus it's one of the purposes of life in general. why waste such a choice opportunity?

so, new goal. yay! i will succeed every day in pushing my limits to learn new things. i will learn more in school, grow spiritually, and discover more about myself and the world around me.