Missing

How can I just be going along with life pretty normally and then boom! I miss tons of people--not just one or two people, no, like 80 people?

Ok, maybe not quite that many. But it is a little disorienting and it's so many people (right now I can think of 12). It's such strong missing that I want to make anything happen in order to see these people, but since they live in at least five different places (that I can think of right now), it kind of makes it difficult. Oh well, I guess I'll have to visit some of them and make do with phone calls or other communication with others. Maybe I should send them cards! Hmm, that's always fun.

Highlights of 2011

So, yes, I may possibly be a month and half late on writing this post, but I still wanted to write about the wonderful things of 2011. It was a pretty great year, a bit challenging, but the challenges taught me a lot. Some things that I always want to remember from 2011 are

• I was hired at Western Governor's University as an editor. I am loving it.
• Lauren, Jordan, and I went to Alaska and stayed with Lauren's family. We went dog sledding, went to Micaley's school musical, and did tons of other fun things!
• I bought my car, Ronald.
• Jordan, Lauren, Tyler H, and I went to the health and healing expo.
• I helped Kaylee move back home for the summer. My car was so full! It was hilarious.
• Lauren and I had a summer of veggies. We did a CSA through Bell Organic Farms, so every week we had tons of veggies and were able to try new veggies. It was delightful.
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
• Jackson Hole is always the best. Lauren L came with us for the first few days. We went to the figure 8/demolition derby one of the nights, and it was so, so fun. One of the best nights of the year. Nick, Kaylee, Lauren, and I all would choose which car we wanted to win the round, and then we'd cheer them on. I think Nick was the champion. We also went on lovely hikes.
• Tim McGraw concert,
• Josh Groban concert of loveliness. I went with my mom, and it was amazing! Josh's voice is beautiful, and he's kind of hilarious. His opening act was really cool too. I don't remember his name, but he played the piano in a new way.
• Lava, Kaylee, Nick, and I went to the aquarium kind of as a final party before Kaylee left for school again. It was really fun.
• Lauren and I went paragliding.
• I ate very healthily and learned more about natural health, which I love.
• I went to St. Louis to visit my friend Tasha. She showed me around, we ate tons of delicious food, and we just enjoyed hanging out with each other. Love her!
• Oh! and that was my first time traveling alone both ways of the trip. I left out of and came into Provo airport. It is so tiny and cute.
• Halloween was fun. I was little red riding hood and my roommates and I went to our multi-ward dance.
• The holidays went by so fast. I didn't quite get to do everything I wanted to, but there is always next year, aka this year!

I know there are more things, and so this list may grow as I remember them. This year is going to have a lot of changes, but it's going to be good!

My Nana always makes up rhymes for each year. I haven't heard what it is this year, but I'm going to say that my rhyme for the year is Improve and Enjoy Myself in 2012. It doesn't quite rhyme, and it's a bit wieldy, but that's what it is.

p.s. I forget how much I really love lists until I write one again. I just love them.

Art!

Do I love summer?

Yes, I definitely do!

This weekend I went to the Utah Arts Festival. It was so fun! I love seeing the amazing talented things that people can do. I watched a jazz band, a folk singer, and a magician. I overheard a poetry slam and a rock-ish band. Right now I especially love art that is made out of unique materials, and there were some amazing things at the festival.

This past year, I have felt the need to be creative so much more than other recent years. I have been writing and singing and inventing and creating. I know that most people will probably never hear or see what I create, but that doesn't mean that I should stop creating. Creating makes me happy and helps me help some of the people in my life. I made a bracelet for a friend, a floral arrangement for my mom, good food for friends and family. Being creative in my own ways is who I am, and I think that being true to myself is important. It helps me be a better me! Seeing the beautiful art at the Arts Festival just reminded me about my own creativity.

Cheesiness

Dear World,

I know I can be pretty cheesy. I like it that way. :)

Have a great day!

Love,

Michelle

Happy Easter!

My extreme love for holidays has died down a little. This fact is kind of sad to me. Where has my enthusiasm gone? However, I am determined to get it back. I am not a grown up! I am a child at heart! I must be on the right track because I was pretty excited about Earth Day on Friday (I do really love the earth), and I am pretty happy that today is Easter.

Easter has always been a pretty peaceful holiday for me, and I love it that way. Spring is beautiful and exciting, but I love having the chance to feel peace and admire the beauty of the earth. I enjoy experiencing the beauty of family and of friendships. I also love hearing about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and remembering all that He has done. Life can be really hard, but stepping back to see all the love, beauty, and all that is good helps me face anything.

I hope everyone has a very happy and peaceful Easter!