it's moments like this that create my passion for seeing the world

I think about India everyday. This is one of my favorite moments while I was there:

I just stood there. Sounds of horns, people, vendors, and cars. Sights of oxen, staring, and more people. India is loud, India is busy, and right then, in that small market, there I stood in the pouring rain. As it poured harder, I didn't see the people and the vendors, I didn't hear the cars and the horns. No, I didn't see. I Didn't hear. I felt. I felt peace, I felt joy, and I felt love. Peace, because I knew where I was standing at that moment, was where I was supposed to be. Joy, because I wanted to be there, and love, simply because God is good. Friends and family, wherever you are, I encourage you to embrace the moments God gives us, and just stand there.

Life Word

Jan Term has begun and my roommates have returned! AnnAlise is still home, but she will be back soon, making our home complete once again! Jamie arrived yesterday and it was such a JOY to see her walk in with her captivating spirit yelling, "Hi Hills!" I love having my roomies back. It makes life a lot more fun that's for sure! My Jan Term class is going to be super easy, fun, and interesting, and that will make this month a time to relax and hang out lots.

I have been catching myself getting into these moods of stressing about money or being too tired or not having enough fun or in other words- just not being able to do what I want when I want.

I don't like that I have been in a funk of such crummy thinking, so I am going to step out of it, take a deep breath, and just be thankful. Because there is so much to be thankful for.

I have a job that allows me to be bubbly and friendly everyday.

I have a job that allows me to hang out with some amazing girls.

I have a home that is cheap to live in and cozy to sleep in.

I have a family that visits me a lot and treats me well.

I have five beautiful roommates who I can count on.

I attend an awesome university.

I have a God that I can rely on.

It's hard not to worry or stress, but when I do, it's always good to stop and remember what I have, where I've been, and to remember what I am thankful for.

When I returned from India I chose a word for my life, "Remember." If you haven't chosen a "life word" you should. It plays a big part in my life. This is an excerpt from "Sex God" that I fell in love with, and helped me find my word.

"When we’re not at peace, when we’re not content, when we aren’t in a good place, our radar gets turned on. we’re looking. searching. and we’re sensory creatures, so it won’t be long before something, or somebody, catches our attention.

and it always revolves around the “if,” doesn’t it? if i just…

the idea creeps into our head and heart that we are lacking, that we are incomplete, that this craving right in front of us is the answer.

the “if” means we have become attached to the idea that we are missing something and that we can be satisfied by whatever it is we have in our sights. there’s a hold, a space, a gap, and we’re on the search. and we may not even realize it. when we are in the right place, the right space–content and at peace–we aren’t on the search, and our radar gets turned off.

this is why gratitude is so central to the life God made for us. until we can center ourselves on what we do have, on what God has given us, on the life we do get to live, we’ll constantly be looking for another life. that is why the word remember occurs again and again in the Bible. God commands his people to remember who they are, where they’ve been, what they’ve seen, what’s been done for them."

toilet paper

our house is out of toilet paper. i bought four roles before i left and they were gone when i returned 24 hours later. i dont want to get more because my roommates should buy it. but they wont. and this is where i learn to be patient. silly toilet paper...

Christmas

This guy makes me smile... ( I think I make him smile too)

Maxx (We like to call him maxi pad)

Christmas decor in the living room

Alexis driving me around!

I got home the 22nd and surprised my family. I had two full days at home, and while I was there I really started to feel the holiday bug creep up on me. I was really sad when Christmas break started and I had to work and stay in an empty house. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I felt as though it was passing by me so fast, that I couldn't grab ahold of any memory-making, holiday moments.

It is the famous tradition of our home to ask for money for Christmas, skip the presents, head to Seattle, and shop till we drop.

I wanted to save my money, so Seattle for a day (because I had to return back to work) did not seem like that much fun this year... I was going to skip out on the tradition this year, but found out my unexpected Christmas present was arriving in Seattle on Christmas Eve.

My mom bought Drew a ticket to come spend Christmas with me. If anyone has ever done long distance, I praise you! It is difficult and pretty depressing...But spending this Christmas with Drew was the best gift I could have ever received. It's hard being away from the people I love, especially during the holidays.

But having Drew and my family in one room, sharing smiles back and forth, was the most beautiful place I could have ever been. I am a lucky girl. I have some amazing people in my life, and this not so Christmas break ended up being better than I could have imagined. It might not be a full three weeks of relaxing and having fun, but I got two really special days that make this year come to a blessed end.

our form of entertainment

Home Finally!

Working in retail really makes vacations short and lonely. I am tired of being in school or working all the time and am ready to be home! I got a short little vacation with Drew and his family and I miss them already! Drew, you are the greatest and I miss you tons! Thanks for always putting a smile on my face.

I got home this morning and am totally stoked! I have already hot tubbed with my big sis, watched a movie with my little sis, and have been laughing tons. Check out these funny photos and vid. Alexis and I have too much fun on my mom's new mac desktop.

there are so many reasons to dance today

This song is so stinkin fun.