California Livin'

California. 
It's been almost five months since we moved to California. 
I have to admit, most of the time I had been in denial. Change has never come easy for me. I didn't want to change our routine of being college students. Because that meant we had to be grownups. I didn't think I was ready for that kind of commitment. So I know there have been times when Denver has been ready to smack me upside the head (just kidding) to have a better, more positive attitude. It's a little nerving to admit that you have weaknesses. I mean, I realize no one is perfect. But no one likes to admit their faults. For a while now, California has been a huge adjustment for me. 

But yesterday, a lot of things changed. Denver got a JOB. And not only was that a blessing answered by a loving Heavenly Father, it was also a nudge (more like a huge kick in the pants) to accept that California is my new home for a while. It feels so good to settle down though. Denver and I have been in limbo for so long, I'm a little beside myself that we get to be in one place for a while. Now we can start a routine, which I'm a big fan of. 

So since we've been in California, we've had lots of wonderful experiences. We've finally settled into our "grown up" lives. And that's all I really wanted in the first place. 

11 Things About Me

Thanks Shannon for tagging me in your blog post...it was certainly a kick in the pants for me to do another blog post. So here it goes! Here are the questions I was supposed to answer:

1. Do you plan, or are you flying by the seat of your pants? I am definitely a planner. I really love when things are planned out and taken into consideration. Flying by my pants sends my heart racing and my mind whirling. 
2. Today was amusing because _________Our little puppy Chomper would NOT, and I repeat NOT go on a walk today. Mid-walk she just decided to sit and not move. Tantrum much? So I had to carry her home. 
3. How hungry are you right now? Not very hungry. I had breakfast awhile ago, my usual Cream of Wheat with chocolate chips.
4. Bad news:  sugarcoated or straight-up? Straight-up. I would rather have it over with rather than trying to make me feel better before bad news.
5. How do you get out of a rut? Following my mom's advice, Get busy! If I sit around doing nothing, it's super easy to feel depressed. So, if I'm in a rut, I have to pick myself up and pluck me into a new situation to get going again. 
6. What are you a geek about? Movie trivia. I'm sort of a geek when it comes to actor's lives. I know, really, who cares? But it's interesting. Also, books. I LOVE reading so I can relate anything in life to a book I read.
7. What do you crave? Depends on my mood. Sometimes, ok actually more than sometimes, it's chocolate. But I can really crave chips when I need something salty.
8. What was the last bad movie you watched? I can't remember. It was something on Netflix.
9. Do you have any new friends? Yes, my sister-in-law Heidi. We are spending more time together, and it's been wonderful having a girl friend.
10. You want a new _________ book. I can't get enough of books.
11. What makes you feel wonderful? When my husband tells me I'm wonderful, or something I've done is wonderful.

Time Out!

I'm supposed to be finishing a paper right now, and on top of that, starting another one. But I just had to take a "time out" for a minute and breathe. Something I've forgotten to do these past couple of weeks. I've always hated the end of the semester because the days just drag on, and on, and on. When I was single, we had to have white glove clean checks the final days before going home. Now that I'm married, we just have to clean when we move out.And that's no fun. But these last couple of weeks have been so very stressful for me. And I hate to admit it, I've lost sight of the big picture. 


See, admitting this isn't the easiest thing. Nobody likes to admit their mistakes or faults. But I feel like I have to express all this anxiety out in order to concentrate on those papers. :) 


So, back to the root of my stress. I have forgotten the big picture. I have been so wrapped up in writing papers, going to class to get attendance points, mindlessly doing homework, and generally, having a pretty negative attitude about everything. And when I say everything, I do mean everything. From my clothes, to my apartment, to work, even complete strangers. I was just stuck in this "I hate everything" phase. Kind of ridiculous for a twenty-three year old. So finally, I just had to say, "Buck up buttercup." And it wasn't easy to say that. It should have been, because who wants to be stuck in a state of worry, despair, and fear? No one. 


My catch phrase through all of this comes from Elder Wirthlin's talk, "Come What May, and Love it." Actually, it's just that phrase. I had to tell myself that in the grand scheme of things, getting a low B in archery class is not a big deal. Working at a fast food joint and dealing with the stress of being in management will end. Graduation from college is a mere 15 days away. All of these worries will end. I realize stress never ends. It's just a part of life. But since graduation is so soon, and the reality of leaving Rexburg for good has hit in, I had to ask myself what I have learned in my four years of being up here. Here's what I came up with: 

• Learning how to get along with people. (Elementary right? Not so much)
• Accepting the fact that I cannot control other people or their actions
• Learning to love others
• Marriage. (Still learning about this)
• Loving my spouse and accepting him for who he is
• Learning to "bloom where I'm planted"
• Learning how to eliminate making snap judgments about people

So, I've learned a lot more. But as I realized, coming here to school has really taught me how to be a better person. Yes I've learned how to write a great thesis statement, and how to diagram sentences, but it's really all about being a better person in the gospel. 


So that's my little blurb about my feelings. Have to get back to those papers, but to sum up: I'm grateful I was able to attend BYU-Idaho. I'm grateful for the experiences I've had so I was able to learn from them. I'm grateful for Denver and all he teaches me about becoming a better person. Ok, enough with the soap opera mush. Go hug someone you care about. :)

Date Night and Update

I realize it has been a while since blogging, so I thought I would offer a quick update on the Andersen's. Denver has been busy working and being involved in his business IBC class. In that class, the students are supposed to create their own businesses and sell products. Denver and his group are selling churros this semester, and boy are they good! Denver's churro stand is the best one by far on campus.( I promise I'm not biased or anything). Between that class and working, Denver is pretty busy. What a trooper. 


For me, I have been busy, busy, busy with school. Graduation is less than a month away (yikes!) I have two final 18-20 page papers to write. Needless to say, school has kept me on my toes. Even though I have developed a major case of senior blues, I can't wait to graduate and move forward. I started a second block tennis class last week which is a great stress reliever. I even have a pink tennis racquet. I have been working as assistant manager at work now, which is more stress and time, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. (That's what I hear anyway). 


Anyway, Denver and I have really busy conflicting schedules, and we hadn't been on a date literally in forever. So, last night we went down to Idaho Falls and a wonderful dinner at Texas Roadhouse and then saw the movie "John Carter". We had a wonderful time being together. Before the movie we stopped at Target to browse. I love when we go places together. I want to spend all my time looking at things for our future place and updates I would like to make. Denver heads for the electronics, inspecting everything. Silly boys. We decided being superheroes for the night was the way to go. (I love how ridiculously creepy we look). 

I'm changing my name to Katniss.

Another semester has started. Luckily, it's my last. And Denver's. And I cannot be more excited. So this past week has been crammed full with work and school. It's a good thing I like school, or I would have dropped out years ago. Just kidding. Anyway, my most interesting and fun class so far this semester is archery. Check out what I get to shoot two days a week. A compound bow. It's pretty sweet to say the least. I'm going to have mad bow hunting/shooting skills once this semester is done.  Hunger Games will have to recruit me. 

A little bit of sunshine

Last week, Denver and I had a great opportunity to vacation to Cancun, Mexico for a pre-graduation present (thanks Teresa and Dan!). It was such a relaxing, incredible week for us. No distractions, no work, no annoying people. We soon settled into a comfortable routine of getting up around 9:00, and then we would head to the beach. We wanted to avoid the hottest parts of the day so we wouldn't get too sunburned. We would stay in the resort room for a couple of hours in the afternoon, and then go to dinner. Most of the resturaunts were American, but I didn't mind. I'm kind of a sissy and like to know what I'm eating. Denver and I had two major events we got to do. We went snorkeling on a Jungle Tour. In our group we got into boats and drove to a reef in the ocean to snorkel. Denver loved driving the boat, and I was happy to go along for the ride! We also went to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chicen-Iza. Take a look!

I loved seeing the ruins. It really was mind boggling to get a glimpse into the lives of these ancient people. Fascinating. This was my favorite part of the trip, although the humidity did hit me pretty hard, and I became cranky for a while. Poor Denver did his best to put up with me though. 

The trip was so much fun. It was great to spend quality time with Denver. Kind of like a second honeymoon. Actually, people kept asking us if we were on our honeymoon, and I shocked them when I said we've been married almost three years. :) We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and loved the Westin resort we were able to stay at. Even though we were in Cancun over Spring Break, our place was classy and the people were mainly older or with families, so no crazy party people for us. Whew! 

Guess it's time for me to go back to the real world. I hate that expression. :) Because what is real life anyway? It's with Denver. Duh. 

What I've Learned

What I've learned... a lot. 


Lately I've been visiting with the idea of how much I've learned throughout my life. I realize that this is indeed a provoking thought, and cannot be figured out in one day. I don't know why, but this last week my  brain has received a great workout trying to sort through all this. This past week, I have revisited concepts I've heard since I was young, but finally, finally they are beginning to really hold meaning. For instance, 


eternal life. Yes, I have heard about this wonderful, amazing concept for years. But finally, it stuck with me. That I have an opportunity to receive eternal life through my worthiness, and be able to live with family forever. I honestly think this train of thought came about while watching the movie "Contagion" with Denver. I told him I couldn't go to bed for an hour after we watched it because I kept thinking about death, what happens after we die, when I die will I have felt I achieved everything I wanted to? Pretty heavy stuff for eleven at night. But, this eternal life is no fantasy, no fiction novel. It is a real life concept, and it is real.


Atonement. I was reading a fabulous talk by Elder Boyd K. Packer from last General Conference entitled, "Counsel to Youth." Although technically I am an adult, I feel like a youth again. Elder Packer gave wonderful counsel to the youth of the church, especially about the Atonement. I loved how he put it, "It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes...here it is time to remind you of the Atonement, repentance, and complete forgivness to the point that you can become pure again." I love that because maybe it set in that I will have kids someday, and more than anything, I want them to know and understand the Atonement, that although we will make mistakes, whether critical or not, we have the Atonement and we must use it. If we don't, it is saying that what our Savior did was of little importance. I will not have my children or even myself have the idea that the Atonement is only for those who have made serious, critical mistakes. 


Love. Ok, so of course love is a simple thing to understand. I have been saying "I love you" to my grandparents, parents, brother, and friends since I could talk. But recently, I found out that most husbands need their wives to hear them say "I love you" more. Luckily, this is no problem for me, because I tell Denver that every minute it seems. But on a deeper level, love is such a wonderful gift we are able to feel for others, and I couldn't imagine a world without love. And being married to Denver has made me realize what love really is. That sounds so cliche, but it is so true. To be able to love someone with as much intensity and care is overwhelming at times. But it is wonderful to love those in your life with care and intensity. 


I think I have been extra sensitive lately to how I've been living my life, and how I act with others. Maybe it's because I'm finally learning how to become better, living a more fulfilling life. And I've learned that we are not on earth to be alone or to live a solitary life. We are on earth to love others, embrace and live the gospel. To love one another. I certainly have a long way to go and improve, but I am willing and able to accept that challenge. I loved this other quote by President Packer--
"Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant."

Nice is nice

I have a confession. I have always been an avid people watcher. I know, kind of a creepy statement. But lately, I have unintentionally kicked it up a notch. Work for me is at a fast food joint. Not glamorous by any means, but it is a job that requires me to be in contact with people...all the time. At the counter, cleaning tables, at the drive thru window, you get the picture. And lately, I have been noticing how common courtesy is going down the drain. How people rarely smile anymore, or simply ask, "How are you today?" This post is not meant to be cynical or depressing. Quite the contrary. It has helped me realize, holy crap, I hope I am not one of those people who have a permanent scowl on their face, and act like a snapping turtle through a drive thru window to innocent victims. 

I realize that my job is way down the food chain of jobs people want to have. But having this job has really helped me open up a bit, and really get to observe people. And I wish with all my heart that people could be nicer to one another. Because I know everybody has a story. I know that even if I just ask someone how their day goes, I can get a smile out of them. Or just having a cheerful voice over the drive thru intercom, it makes a difference to some people. I admit, there are some days when people are rude to me, that I just want to yell at them to get a life. Or ignore them completely, somehow, I have perfected the Silent Treatment when people are rude to me. But I have to stop and tell myself, "This isn't the last time someone is going to hurt your feelings." I have to remind myself to just be nice to people, and everything will be ok. 

Elder Neal A. Maxwell said,  "More meekness does not translate to weakness, but “it is the presentation of self in a posture of kindness and gentleness. It reflects certitude, strength, serenity; it reflects a healthy self-esteem and a genuine self-control” 

So. This post was a little scattered, but this idea of being nice is not an old fashioned practice. It is something that should be so easy, yet people make it so hard. Being meek is not being weak, it is a Christ-like attribute. So, if anything worthwhile came out of my brain right now, it is to just be nice. 

Bloom Where You are Planted

Lately I've been in a kind of funk. It usually happens a couple times a month. It is an annoying visitor that knocks on my door, and most of the time, I let it in. One of my New Year goals for this year, is to turn that visitor away. I've noticed that for this year, many people want to just embrace and love life more. I think that is a goal every person should strive for. And surprise, I am one of them. Because like other people I know, change will be abundant this year for Denver and I. Here's just a few: 

• Graduation
• Moving (hopefully) 
• Blooming wherever we have been planted 

I have a minor confession. I have never been strong at "blooming where I've been planted". I detest change, and even detest stagnant life. I can never make up my mind, sometimes I want change, to have a new adventure, to move somewhere else, etc. Yet, when that happens, I want my old life back! It's such a ridiculous cycle. So, like I've been told a hundred times before, I need to just accept where I am now, and live with it. 


"...in the strength of the Lord and through His grace, I know that you and I can be blessed to accomplish all things." --David A. Bednar 


"If the Lord is to help us gain strength during our struggles, we must do the things He has counseled us to do. This involves turning to Him and applying certain principles of the gospel. Trust in Him...Follow His counsel...Ponder His promises...Take responsibility for our choices...Cultivate faith...Develop righteous desires...Deepen our commitment...Fast and pray...Remember priesthood blessings...Ponder our patriarchal blessings." --L. Lionel Kendrick 


So. As I face my life this year, I will turn to the Lord more. I will take responsibility. I will ponder His promises. I will deepen my commitment to the aspects of my life. i

A Day Into 2012

2012. Can't believe it's another new year. I say that every year. But it's true! Sometimes I just have to pause and  marvel how fast time goes by. How different things are, how much I've "matured" (what a fun way to say growing up) and how grateful I am for everything. 


How did Denver and I spend the New Year? Well, on New Year's Eve, we both had to work. We had plans to go to a friend of a friends' house after, and so that was the only thing getting me through work. So, funny story at work. We were supposed to close at ten, but our manager forgot to leave a set of keys at work, so we couldn't lock up. And for some unidentified reason, people kept thinking we were open, and wanted ice cream. I was ready to pull my hair out. Finally, our manager showed up and locked up those doors. Then I had to take apart the ice cream machines. I thought that would take five or ten minutes. It took longer because the machine decided to explode ice cream everywhere. Happy New Years! :D Needless to say, that was an experience I won't forget. But I finally got out of there and got to enjoy the rest of the night (two hours) with friends playing Apples to Apples and eating. And don't forget the fireworks. Denver and his buddies had a ball with lighting those things off, while us ladies just went inside and sat on the couch. 


I apologize for not having pictures. I really am not a picture person, and I lost my charger for my camera, so until I find it, Denver is responsible for taking pictures. 


As I was thinking about the New Year, I decided to make New Year Resolutions. I do this every year, and it never gets old for me. I love looking through my journal to see what goals I wanted to make throughout the years, which ones I kept up with, and ones I didn't do so hot on. So here are a few goals for 2012. 


NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS 

• Focus on the positive 
• Embrace change 
• Exercise more faith and not fear 
• Strengthen all the relationships in my life 

So. There are some goals for me to work on this year. I wish everyone a happy start to 2012.