Goodbye Waves and Driveways

And, so phase two of our relationship begins: The mission.
Next Wednesday, Justin will be reporting to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah. And, there he will begin his two year mission. Two years! It sounds like such a long time! That's 24 months, or 104 weeks, or 730 days, or 17520 hours, or 1051200 minutes, or 63072000 seconds.
On Sunday, Justin and I had our last day together before he leaves. Since he lives in Edmonton, and I'm in Calgary, it worked better this way. It was a weekend of many emotions. We were happy to be together, but sad about the fact that we knew it would be the last time we'd see each other before he leaves. Funny thing about our last date... two years ago, on this same weekend, we had our very first date.
We decided to only e-mail this week, because talking on the phone, and not seeing each other wouldn't be very good. I am constantly checking to see if I have e-mails, and out of habit, always checking my phone for texts. It's hard not talking to him. We met just over two years ago, and since that time, we have had some sort of contact every day except for a few days when I was in the States that summer, and a week when he was at camp last year. So, we're kind of used to hearing from each other. Ask anyone. Really.
It's been two days. Two difficult days. I feel like everything is quiet. And I don't quite know what to do with myself. But, I have a wonderful family, and friends who have been a great support. I also have the knowledge and testimony that Justin is doing the right thing. I am expecting some major blessings for this. I don't know if that's wrong to say or not. But, I do know that this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do to, and I know that if Justin and I are doing what is right, we will be blessed for it. In one of my e-mails this week, Justin told me: "We can do this together. We can do tough things. We are tough people." On my Granny's fridge, she has a note that says "Tough times don't last. Tough people do. We are tough people." It has been a sort of motto for Justin and I this last month. I look forward to checking more days off my calendar and seeing the growth in both of us. It will be a good (but hard) experience.

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On another note. I have found a new love. Not a boy love. A different love.

Poetry. And sonnets! This one here is one of my absolute favourites.

Sonnet 43, Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight 

For the ends of being and ideal grace. 

I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. 

I love thee freely, as men strive for right. 

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. 

I love thee with the passion put to use 

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose 

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, 

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, 

I shall but love thee better after death.

School's In For-ever!

On Tuesday, I started classes. I was so, so excited to be back in a classroom, but I was strangely nervous this time. I think it was because these lasts four months have seemed to go dreadfully slow without school. So, Tuesday was my day of Psychology. Last year, I declared Psychology as my minor (my major is English), so I get to take some great classes, and it's not a waste. This semester, I am taking Psychology of Aging, and Cognitive Psychology. Both are very interesting classes. I really look forward to the rest of the semester. Also, I am pretty thrilled that I only have tests -- no papers! I get enough of that in my English courses. Wednesday was my day of English. I started the day with Shakespeare. My professor is hilarious! I think I'm really going to enjoy this one. Our first play is Richard III. So far, I'm really enjoying it -- especially the way my professor reads it. The book probably weighs ten pounds, as I mentioned before, but it's okay -- I need the muscles. After Shakespeare, I had a break. Luckily, my good friend Shenica has a break at the same time, so we had a chance to catch up before her class. My next class was Poetry. I know this one is going to be heavy, but I think I will like it. My professor seems pretty good, so that's a bonus. I love school. I love learning. I love sitting in a lecture hall, pen ready, anticipating all of that knowledge that is about to enter my brain. I am so thankful that I listened to my brother. The truth is, I started university because of the wisdom of my brother, David. When I was nearing the end of grade eleven, or starting grade twelve, David told me that I should go to school as soon as I could. So, when the time came for me to decide what to do, and where to go, I made that decision as soon as I could. I am so glad I did. I love it. I worry Justin when I say I want to go to school forever (he's thinking of all that money!), but really, I just don't want to stop learning. I really want to be a lifelong learner (like my Granny) whether it's in or out of a classroom.

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"Let's go to the mall! Today!"

This Monday, Justin and I decided (well, I decided, and he went along with it) to go on another adventure. We decided to take a little trip out of the city and visit the new mall, Crossiron Mills, or Mallzac. I was really excited to go because, there is a Bed Bath & Beyond there! So, needless to say, it was incredibly busy. Busy, busy, busy! But, we had a good time. As always. Surprisingly, neither of us bought anything (besides a yummy burger). But, being with the one you love is far better than buying a new sweater.

Super Furry Animals

It's been a busy, busy week! So, I have a lot to write about. So, I'll break up all the happenings into different posts.
Today: Saturday at the zoo.
On Saturday morning, Justin picked me up at my grandparents' and we set out on the adventure that was to be our Saturday. We went to breakfast at Denny's, where I had some delicious granola cereal and fruit! Yum! Next, we headed to the University bookstore so I could pick up my textbooks for this semester. Very expensive. Very heavy. My textbook for Shakespeare probably weighs ten pounds! But, it's totally worth it! After spending lots of money on only a few books, we drove to the zoo to meet Dennis and Candi. It had been a few years since I'd been to the zoo, so I was really excited. We saw lots of animals, and had a lot of fun. We got to see the cute baby gorilla, which was probably my favourite. I love gorillas! We also saw koalas -- they aren't bears! "Every time someone calls them a bear, they die inside" (that was for you, Candi), tigers, bears, elephants, and more! 
Also, we saw these guys:

These are prairie dogs. We were sure that they might suffocate from all their fat. We just couldn't get over how big these things really are! Yikes.
After the zoo, we went to BP's, because we were both famished! It was definitely delicious. After dinner, we went back to my place, where we played Monopoly (the new electronic version) with Marni and James. It was a lot of fun. But, I am really terrible at Monopoly. Really. Dreadful. I think it should come with an advisor to help me make my financial decisions. 
Here are some other pictures from the day

Patience is a virtue

... that I do not possess.
I have never, ever been a patient person. I'm sure my mother could vouch for that one. Currently, I am very impatiently waiting for:

• school to start (7 days!)
• Justin to come this weekend (3 days!)
• my hair to grow out (unfortunately, no timeline for that one)
• this cold to go away
• etc.

 Are you patient? If so, how?!

 

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Roses and Frisbees

"Stop and smell the roses!".
I'm sure you've heard that one before! Maybe a little too much. But, have you ever witnessed someone actually stop to smell the roses? The real roses? I did. Today on my walk home from work, I saw a woman stop her walk to smell a rose. It was kind of sweet. She seemed to feel the need to stop and smell the beautiful fragrance of that rose. Now, thinking back, I'm almost ashamed to confess I didn't smell that rose after seeing her do it. Nevertheless, it made me think. I love inspirational moments like that. Oh, and here is a picture of what my lip looked like on Monday night. For FHE, we played Ultimate Frisbee. I love playing Ultimate. It was getting late, so we were wrapping up the game, and it was down to the last point to win the game. So, naturally, I was playing with a little more fight. I was guarding someone, trying to stop them from moving up to score, and all of the sudden, I was hit with the Frisbee! Right in the mouth! My lip then proceeded to bleed as everyone hovered around me to see what happened. I got cleaned up, and headed home for some ice. The next day, it was much better, and today, it's pretty much 100% healed. I'm lucky I got hit in the mouth and not the eye or cheek or head. Plastic can do a lot of damage. And, even though it's hard to tell, there is definitely some swelling happening there.

Counting Down the Hours

I get to go back to school in twenty-six days! Six-hundred and twelve hours. I am so excited to sit in a lecture, take notes, hear big words. Really. I love school! If I could go to university for the rest of my life and just get degree after degree, I would!
Also, last night I registered for the Jeopardy! College Tournament Test. Ha ha. I'm not smart enough to be on Jeopardy yet, but I decided it would be fun to do, so let's see how I do! Someday I'll be on that show. Just you wait! I might be the oldest contestant at 101, but that's okay! So, yay for learning!

 

The Rock Show

I just realized that I have not yet devoted a post to the concert. I got to see blink-182. Yes. No joke. That may not seem like a big deal to you, but it is to me. It was amazing! Well, the beginning and the end. The middle, not so much. All-American Rejects opened the show. I was really excited to see them because I have loved them since I was about thirteen. They were one of those bands that got me through my hard beginning to middle teen years, so I owe a lot to them. Even with Tyson's body glitter and strange ways (which Justin kept talking about), they were really good. Unfortunately, the venue was pretty empty during their set, so I don't think it was as good as it could have been. As we were watching them, I turned to Justin and said, "I feel like I'm thirteen again!". I really did. I was pretty stoked. After their set, we had to endure Fall Out Boy and their less-than-intelligent fans (proud of me for not saying idiotic or stupid, mom?). I was so happy not to be on the floor for that because there were so many inconsiderate people down there. But, we had our share around us too. So, after I suffered through Fall Out Boy, we were rewarded with Mark, Tom, and Travis. Amazing. Really. I never expected to see them live -- ever. Especially after the day I found out they broke up. It was grade ten (or eleven?). In the hall way where I had my locker. Andrew told me and I didn't believe him. Anyway... yay for bands getting back together! Mark and Tom even hugged, which was beautiful, but maybe still awkward because I think they might still hate each other. Oh, and the encore! Travis Barker, you have my heart! I cannot adequately describe what this extremely talented man did, so here's a video.              

After they were done playing, Mark began to sing about being in Edmonton, and then about not knowing how to speak French. It was hilariously. Those guys are definitely great performers.
They make my top 5 (tied for first with Brand New).

Golden Years

Flashback: August 6. 2007.
I was eighteen. Fairly unsure of myself and feeling completely out of place. I had graduated from high school that summer, and was getting ready to start university in the fall. It was like the summer of limbo. I didn't feel like I fit in anywhere. But, that lovely afternoon on the beautiful green university campus, my life was changed and I didn't even know it.
Two years ago today, I met my best friend, Justin. He was the first person I talked to at EFY that summer. And, even though he doesn't remember, there was an instant connection. Our friendship started strong, and blossomed into something that cannot be adequately described.
Whenever I remember to count my many blessings, Justin is at the top. I really didn't have any clue how much my Heavenly Father loved me until I met Justin. I mean it when I say that I have the best boyfriend. I do.
Our years together have been nothing short of fantastic. Truly, these are the start of some golden years. HAPPY TWO YEARS, JUSTIN!

Then.

Now.

Have we changed?

Oh, Ain't He Sweet!

I came home last night from Edmonton since I had to work this morning. I had a really amazing weekend! I got to see blink-182 (more about that later, it deserves it's own post), spend time with my wonderful boyfriend, and hang out with my big brother. After the very long weekend I'd had, and lack of sleep (thanks to the 2AM crazy-hurricane-like-storm), I wasn't so thrilled to go to work this morning. Added to that was the fact that Justin was in Calgary and I wasn't going to see him. He had come down with his mom to take his sister to EFY, so since he'd only be here for a bit I understood why I wouldn't be able to see him. But, as I mentioned above, I have a wonderful boyfriend, so I shouldn't be surprised about this next bit. When I was at work, I looked out to the front, and I saw a familiar face. The face of my wonderful boyfriend! Justin decided he wanted to see me before he went back home. I only talked to him for a minute, but it was worth it. It definitely made my day, that's for sure.

 

The Perfect Ending

It’s always an adventure getting to Edmonton. Friday was no exception.
Since both my parents had to work Friday morning, I was on my own to get to the bus station. I checked the bus and train schedules a few times and thought I had it all figured out. I got up super early to make sure I could be ready in time to leave, and give myself some cushion time. And so, my adventure began. I got downtown, and got to the street I thought I was supposed to be on. But, I couldn’t find the right bus stop. So, I kept walking, thinking I’d eventually find it. I did find one with the right number. But then, I saw one heading down the other way. I hadn’t remembered to check which direction I was going! You’d think with how directionally challenged I am, I’d have figured that one out! So, I called Marni, thinking she could check online for me. But, she wasn’t at work yet. But she suggested another way to get there, which I had overlooked. I then called my dad just to make sure it was close enough, and he told me the way to go. So, I walked back to the train, and went a few blocks, then got off. I was praying so hard the entire time that I would be able to find the bus station, and get there on time. And, so I kept walking. Then I got to the right avenue, but couldn’t remember which way to go. I was pretty sure it was one way, so I tried that. I eventually saw the sign, and continued that way. By this time, I believe I had twenty minutes before the bus was scheduled to leave. Needless to say, I was quite a wreck. As I got closer, I couldn’t figure out how to get to the other side of the street, but I just kept walking, hoping I’d see something eventually. And, I did. I just about bawled when I got into the bus station with fifteen minutes to spare! I got in the very long line, and waited to board. When I was two places away from the front, they said the bus was full and they were just getting another one. I didn’t panic, because it’s happened before and didn’t take long. But, it did take long! A very long time! Sitting in a bus station for one hour, waiting to find out when you can leave is not fun. But, alas, I made it onto the bus! Even though the trips to Edmonton are always laden with delays and frustration, it’s always worth it. Seeing Justin’s smile and getting that “I-missed-you-hug” is the best reward - the perfect ending (or beginning.)

All Caught Up

I guess it's time to catch up again!

I'll start on Friday. Friday was Justin's nineteenth birthday (yay!). He drove down to Calgary that morning, and got here just after ten. We headed over to Prince's Island for a walk and maybe something to eat at Eau Claire. When we got to the parking lot, we didn't have very much change, and since it happened to be the first day of the Folk Festival (which I didn't realize), we had to park a few blocks down. But, it was a beautiful day, so we enjoyed the extra walk on the path along the Bow.

We walked through Prince's Island a bit, then over to Eau Claire. I hadn't been there in a few years, so it was nice to see what it's like now, and to introduce it to Justin.

We had an early lunch, then walked some more and then after a dusty walk back to the car (they were doing some construction on the sidewalks), we drove back to my house so we could get ready to go to Cardston.

Once we got home, we helped my parents get everything together, and then we were on the road!

After we stopped in Claresholm for some chicken (yum!), we started playing the name game. It was a lot of fun! I need to read up on my "Y" names though! Those are the tricky ones!

When we got to Cardston, we stopped by the campground to see my aunt and uncle (they are running the campground this summer). My cousin and his wife were there with their adorable son! He just turned one and he is so cute!

My parents were going to the temple, so Justin and I decided we'd take a walk down main street, since he hasn't spent much time in Cardston before. First, we wanted to get some allergy pills for him, so we tried to find the pharmacy. But, alas it was after 6:00 on a Friday night, so of course it was closed! (Oh, how I love living in the city!) after checking each gas station, we went to Extra Foods and thankfully, it was open, so we got what we needed!

After the exhausting search, we were quite famished, so we went to Dairy Queen for some food and ice cream (in cones!). Then, we we went to the book store, where Justin found the books he needed for his mission.

After that, we thought we'd head over to the temple to see if my parents were done yet, and on our way there, they drove past us, so we hopped in the van and went to get some food for the morning. After we went over to my cousin Sarah's house and watched the football game with Jared and his wife Sara (since Jeremy and Sarah weren't home yet). Jared and Sara's little guy Theran entertained us quite a bit. Seriously, so cute!

The next morning, we drove into Magrath for Magrath Days. Since my dad was raised in Magrath, we used to go there a lot when I was younger for Magrath Days, but I hated it! Now, I actually enjoy it. Funny how that happens.

We watched the parade, and thankfully didn't get soaked like some. I decided that one good reason for not living in a small town is that no one knows you, and won't get you wet in the parade.

After the parade, we met up with Marni and James and went over to my grandma's to have lunch and hang out. After a bit, we decided to check out the stuff going on at the school. While over there, we ran into an elder that served in our ward a few months ago. Small world!

Justin and I went back to my grandma's and talked with my mom for a bit, then we met up with one of our friends, Carolyn, who we met at EFY the year we met. We decided that since there wasn't much to do in Magrath, we'd go into Lethbridge. So, with Carolyn and her boyfriend, we ended up going mini golfing. It was fun. It was supposed to be glow in the dark, but it was so dark in there, and only have the lights worked, it was more like mini golfing in the dark. If you went by highest score, I won!

After golfing, we got some pizza, then drove back to Magrath.

Then, after hearing some really terrible noise coming from a guy who thought he could sing, we got ready for the fireworks to start.

The fireworks were great! Justin had a lot of fun snapping pictures with his brand new camera that he got for his mission. We got to sit with Sarah and her two oldest girls. They were so cute when we were watching them. They just loved them! Her oldest, Bailey kept on saying "Oh, I love those ones! I like those ones! Those are my favourite!", every time!

And, during the fireworks, there were a few fireworks going on behind us! My sister was proposed to! I'm really happy for her and James! And I get to be her maid-of-honour, so planning has been fun. (For the full scoop, check out The Life of Marns)

After church on Sunday, we came back home, and then Justin went back to Edmonton. I had such a good weekend, and was really happy to spend some quality time with Justin after such a long time (FIVE WEEKS!).

And, I get to go to Edmonton on Friday for the blink-182 concert, so we only have a week apart, which is pretty great!

I think I'm done now. Well, at least my fingers are... lots of typing!

Your Garage Band King

Andrew McMahon. This guy is amazing. He has been on my list of favorites since I was about 13 years old. My initial love has deepened into a seven year music romance. Tonight, I was listening to Jack's Mannequin's "Caves". My heart melts every time I hear those beautiful notes of the piano. And, bonus, he's a good person too. And brave. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with leukemia. As far as I know, he's still cancer-free. But, really. If you haven't listened to any of his stuff, do it. Right this minute. You'll fall in love. Plus, he's nice to look at (post-Something-Corporate-long-wavy-'do) Am I right, ladies? Yes, I think I am. 
Listen and watch this video (sorry that it's not the entire song). I'm serious. Andrew McMahon is your guy. You'd be his punk-rock princess if he'd be your garage band king. 

Those Good Old Dreams

 I found a few interesting things today in some of my journals and notebooks. I love reading back and seeing what was so important in my life at the time I wrote my thoughts. Some things I found were really funny, some were shocking. So, here's what I found. This first one was dated December 1, 2006. For as long as I can remember, I've always had a plan for my life. It has been that has continually changed, but it's always been there. On this day, I wrote my current life plan. 

My Life Plan

(If money is no problem) June 2007 - graduate high school Summer 2007 - work, go on small road trips, meet "him" Fall 2007 - start school at U of C or Mt. Royal Spring 2008 - go to the states for shopping (maybe Cali or NYC?) Fall 2008 - second year at University, choose History as minor? Summer 2009 - go to Europe

Fall 2009 - third year at university (transfer to U of C or U of A if at MRC) Summer 2010 or 2011 - get engaged Fall 2010 - in fourth year of university Fall/Spring/Summer 2010 or 2011 - get married, go on honeymoon to Europe or Australia

When I found this, I couldn't even remember writing it! Some things didn't happen. Some surprisingly did. I did meet "him" in the summer of 2007. I did start school at U of C in the Fall of 2007. I didn't go to California or New York, and I'm not going to Europe this summer. I didn't choose History as my minor, I chose Psychology. As for the rest... we'll see. The next thing I found was a list of the characteristics I wanted in the man I would marry or date. I believe it was written in 2006, but I'm not positive. It's a laugh, really. 
This is what I thought I wanted in my guy:
- brown, wavy or curly hair
- good taste in music and movies (i.e. mine)
- good sense of humour
- can watch an entire episode of "Gilmore Girls" and laugh at the appropriate parts (and understand why)
- is planning on continuing education (preferably Music, Art, English or History major)
- does not drink or smoke
- knows who Jane Austen is, and be open to reading Jane Austen
- is aware of the art of making mix tapes
- likes Bob and Doug
- good with witty one-liners  
 It's so funny how I thought some things were so important. They're really not. Also, I think my list might have been slightly influenced by Seth Cohen and that I had just read Nick Hornby's High Fidelity. I love reading my old journal entries, because I can really see how I've grown, and how I'm changing. Three years ago, I expected different things. Even though everything hasn't happened the way I'd planned, I am so happy with my life now. I really can never fully express how lucky I am. Oh, and another thing that I found really shocked me. In February 2007, I wrote how unhappy I was with my weight and that I really needed to lose weight. I didn't do anything about it then, but I had all these great plans. Anyway, I wrote down my weight at that time which is almost 25 pounds more than I am today. I couldn't believe it. I am so happy now. Life is amazing. 

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Surprise, Surprise

Ever planned a party? A surprise party? In your mind it goes right according to plan, doesn't it? I had the same delusion. 
It's my sister's birthday today (Happy birthday, Marni!), and I decided a few months ago that I wanted to throw her and surprise party, because I knew that she has always wanted one. I had it all planned out to invite everyone, and make sure that everyone could come. And then, it was a week before, and my mom reminded me that I had not yet invited anyone. So, off I went to handy facebook, and invited some of Marni's close friends. I didn't get the response I wanted, but I sent some texts and talked to a few, and it seemed like we would have some people coming. Then the day came, and I was busy making cupcakes and spending hours (yes, hours!) in Superstore shopping for the food with my mom. 
More than a few had confirmed that they were coming, so I was really excited. I really wanted to throw Marni a great birthday. My mom had figured out how to get Marni here, and it seemed like all would just fall into place. But, it didn't. A few people weren't able to make it, and some didn't even let me know they wouldn't come. 
So, when we were ready to shout the big "SURPRISE!", it was just me and our good friend Candi. However, we had a terrific night. There were only six of us (Marni, James, Candi, my brother David, and his girlfriend, Alison), but it was a really good night. And despite the fact that I really am disappointed in those that do not follow through with commitments for no apparent reason, I'm happy with the night we did have. And, once again, Happy birthday, Marni! You're the best big sister. Love you! (ps: in case you can't read it clearly enough, the cupcakes say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, M!"

Happiness by the Kilowatt

Working in a women's retail store, I have the great opportunity of seeing a lot (a lot!) of really cute kids. I also get to see some pretty unhappy, destructive and troublesome children -- but that's beside the point. Anyway. The other day at work, I was ringing a customer's purchase through at the till, and her adorable little girl was sitting on the counter. I smiled at her, as I usually can't help myself from smiling around the cute ones. A few moments later, she turns to her mom, and says "Why is she so happy?!". Her mom didn't know who she was talking about, and asked who was this "she". The girl (who was probably younger than four), points to me, and says "her!". I thought it was so funny. But, like most things I can come across, it made me think. What does make me happy? I've made a list.

1. Knowing that I can be with my family for eternity

2. Starting a new book

3. Re-reading a beloved book

4. Being able to share precious memories with the people I care about

5. Having an amazing boyfriend (and best friend)

6. The fact that I can consider my family members to be my closest friends

7. The hope of my future

8. Green!

9. Watching (and singing along to) musicals ("We've got trouble! Right here in River City!")

10. Having an emotional connection to specific songs

11. Singing

12. Runner's high

13. Scrapbooking, writing, and just being creative in general

14. Having a testimony 

15. Baking and cooking

16. Knowing that I can overcome any trial that comes my way (but realizing that that won't be a walk in the park)

17. Getting my daily dose of fruits and veggies

18. Accomplishing goals I've set for myself

19. Learning! (Only two more months exactly until Fall semester starts!)

20. Making time to read my scriptures

21. Meaningful prayers

22. Institute!

23. Knowing that I will have a mother-in-law that I get along with very well

24. Having  been raised by two of the greatest people

25. Finding that perfect shot, and capturing that moment on film

26. Knowing that I will still be happy in the future

27. Having dreams

28. Making plans

29. Being healthy

30. Being in love

Obviously this list is far from complete. But, these are the ones that are in my mind at the moment. So many things and people make me happy. I am just so lucky. 

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O Canada!

I forgot to post last night, so here it is. Happy (belated) Canada day, eh?! I really am proud to be Canadian. On Sunday, as our closing hymn in Sacrament meeting, we sang "O Canada!" (yes, all four verses!). I love singing our national anthem. Singing it on Sunday, the lyrics really touched me. I am so blessed to live in a country with so many freedoms and benefits. I love it.
Also, on another note of gratitude...
Today, at work, I was reminded again of how lucky I am. One of my first customers of the morning was a man in a wheel chair. He needed my help finding a size in a shirt (probably for his wife), because he said his hands don't work very well, and he'd probably mess up the piles if he looked for it. As I was helping him and watching him, I realized that I am so incredibly blessed to have all of my fingers and toes and arms and legs, and that each of my limbs work remarkably. I hope that I will never have to learn how to live without them.

 

The key, the scissors and the colour

It's been a good week. Busy week. Lots to do.

I started training to be a Senior Sales Associate this week. Exciting. I'm just happy because it means I can now open (or close) the store - all by my lonesome. Being in the store, early in the morning, lights off, quiet. It's fantastic. Then the customer's come. Sometimes I wish I could keep the doors locked.

Also, today, I got a haircut. I love getting my haircut. I have had a terrible hair week. So, yesterday, I decided that it was an absolute must that I get my hair cut so I could deal with it. I love it. I'm so happy that I'm at the age now where I can have shorter hair (a few inches above the shoulders - perfect for summer!) and I don't look like I'm fifteen -- because that's not good.  The sound of sharp scissors cutting off my dead ends is a beautiful sound. I love it. 

And, also. I found a wonderful shade of nail polish. For the longest time, I've been looking for a really dark shade of purple or brown that looks almost black, but isn't. So, by chance, the other day, I found it. It was destiny. I am in love.

California!!! Here he comes!!!

 So, it's been a few days. Before I get into the usual, I have some news!!! My boyfriend, Justin, finally got his mission call this morning! He will be serving in the California Riverside mission! English speaking. He leaves at the end of September. I am really so happy and excited for him. I know he will be such a good missionary, and the experiences that he will have while serving his mission will be so priceless to him, and a real benefit to me as well.
Now, back to the usual.
I had a fabulous weekend. It all started on Thursday night. My boyfriend, Justin, came down to see me, as it was my birthday the next day. He had a rocky trip down with an overheating car, but he eventually made it here safely. We didn't do anything that night, because it was late by the time he got down. But, the next morning, he came to pick me up at my sister's place. He took me to breakfast at Tim Horton's (breakfast bagels, yum!), then to do some shopping at Superstore (both he and his mom gave me gift certificates for JOE!), then to the mall for more shopping (I had another gift certificate from Justin, and one from a co-worker). It was really fun. I love shopping with Justin. He is really good at helping me pick out things, and telling me what looks good (everything, of course!), and he's just fun to be around. After shopping, we drove out to Airdrie to meet my mom, where she had finished work. We got some lunch at Tim Horton's (chicken wraps, yum!), then headed to Big Hill Springs. My mom was taking her cub group with their dads there the next day, and she wanted to check to see it was still good, so that there would be no surprises. We had a nice walk, and my mom let me use her beautiful Pentax to take some pictures. I might post them later. Then, we drove back to Airdrie, and Justin and I drove back into Calgary. As we got about a block from my house, his car started overheating again, and as we turned the corner to my house, it started to steam. Not fun. So, after it cooled off, and he topped it off with some extra liquid, he took me to Moxie's for dinner. At Moxie's they have this one dish that I absolutely love! But, Justin really doesn't like it, because it tends to be very garlicy. However, as I was the birthday girl, he let me. It was delicious. It took a long time to get our food though. But, it was still enjoyable. After, dinner, we had to rush back to my place to meet my sister, so we could drive down to Cardston. We were having a ward temple trip the next morning, so we went down the night before to stay with our cousin, Sarah. We got to Cardston after eight that night, and hung out with my brother and his girlfriend, because David has been down in Cardston working at the camp ground. We had a good, but late night. 
The next day, I was so excited to go the temple. It had been over a year since I was last able to go. And, I am so happy that I went. It was amazing. From the minute I walked in, the spirit was so strong, but so peaceful. It was just really comforting to be there. I love the temple. I definitely want to make it a priority in my life to go whenever I can.
After going to the temple, Justin and I drove back to Calgary with my brother's car. Then, that night, I had some friends over for a barbeque and some games. It was a lot fun. Not many came, but those that did made it a good time. And, as yesterday was Father's Day, after church, we had a dinner at my house. My grandparents and one of my aunt's and her boyfriend came. It was really nice to spend some good quality time with my family. I love my family. I have realized a few things this weekend. First, I learned that birthdays aren't as special as they used to be when I was younger. It's just another day. But, that's okay. I am thankful for everyday that I am blessed to be alive on this earth. Another thing that I have realized is that I am so incredibly blessed! I have so many people in my life, family and friends included, that really care about me. I am so lucky. I just can't get over it. I am the luckiest. 

"She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah!"

So, today is our anniversary. As of today, my boyfriend, Justin and I have been dating for seventeen months. The past seventeen months have been so amazing. Being in a long distance relationship (I live in Calgary, he lives just outside of Edmonton) has not been easy, but it has been worth it. 

When I get to see Justin after a long time (usually any where from one to five weeks), I get to fall in love with him all over again. I am always amazed at how well we go together. Although I can be incredibly stubborn - he calls me his "stubborn Scottish girl" - he still puts up with me. I love how well we connect. We've been that way from the beginning. From the very first day we met (almost two years ago) we were at ease and comfortable with each other and we've never had trouble finding things to talk about. 

I love Justin. I really do. I am so excited that tomorrow, I get to see him and spend a great weekend with him.

I am so lucky to have Justin in my life. It's really magical being with him. 

You're my wonderwall, Justin. I love you!