Things that have changed my life

I was just thinking of an experience I had recently that I feel has changed my life. It's probably too personal of an experience to go into a ton of detail here in the blog. Anyway it just got me to thinking about experiences that have changed my life. Here's a few in no particular order.

1. My dogs. I have written about these two, Kya and Pepper, before. I suppose I've always had a soft heart especially towards animals. However in our time as dog owners it has gotten to be almost ridiculous. Anytime I hear or see any news story or movie about dogs I only imagine my sweet dogs in their place. For example, a while ago Oprah did a show about puppy mills. I didn't see all of it, but every horrible story on the show about the cruelty to these animals in my mind was a story about cruelty to my dogs.

2. Third grade. I learned how to write in cursive, it was the first year I got a love note from a boy (which I tore up and threw away. I was into older men like Tom Cruise and Kevin Costner... don't judge.) and I began my many works as a writer, which still continue to this day. My teacher was amazing and aside from the curriculum, she taught me about being kind and fair to everyone. Now that I myself am teaching third grade, I feel some pressure to make my students' experience in my class as positive as my own was.

3. Clinique make up. When I was a junior in high school my Christmas present from my parents that year was a makeover (complete with the purchase of all the makeup and skin care products) from the Clinique counter at the mall. I had only ever gotten my make up at the grocery store. In fact I think my mom at that point probably only got her make up from the grocery store too. I felt so special to go to a department store and get pampered. It was a totally foreign experience, but one that I had envied other girls for having. I thought maybe we'd buy some lip gloss and call it good. I was SO excited (and shocked) when my mom said we would take all the products we had used. She said maybe we shouldn't mention to my dad how much we spent. Your secret is safe with me mom!

4. Family road trips/reunions. I always came back feeling like I was a survivor and if I could make it through those trips, I could make it through anything! (I'm only slightly exaggerating.) :)

5.Nathan. My husband has forever changed my life. I fell in love with him almost seven years ago. From him I have learned many things: a)Love is not just a word. b)If at first you don't succeed, try try again. The man pursued me for 3.5 years. The first time he asked me out I said no. I'm glad he didn't give up. c) If you ever break into an old Spanish mission that is "haunted", make sure there are no alarms throughout the building. If there are and you happen to set it off... RUN! d)A pizza cooked with the cardboard still underneath it is still edible and attains an "interesting" texture.

6.Eggs. I hate them. They hate me. I have never been able to enjoy a true breakfast taco because of them. They are gross. However I do appreciate how fluffy they make brownies and other assorted food items.

7. My girlfriends. I have been so blessed with great friends. Among the best are my girl friends. They have been with me through all levels of schooling and education. They have spiced up my life with our late night talks and confessions,shopping excursions and cross country trips. They have consoled me through heart ache. They have given thoughtful insight into the mind of boys and other perplexing phenomena, and we have celebrated many occasions and milestones together. They are awesome and I wouldn't be who I am without their friendship.

8.Prayer and revelation. This is the one I won't go into too much detail about. I suppose in everyone's life we must all go through our own Gethsemane. The funny thing is that you may have an experience that at the time you think is the hardest thing you've had to go through. Then a while later something else comes your way that made the first experience look like a cake walk. In the midst of one such struggle I questioned some particular points of my faith. It wasn't until about eight months later that I got the answer to my prayers on those particular matters. It came via a church broadcast intended for young single adults. A friend was telling me about the talk Elder Holland recently gave. I felt impressed to go online and watch it. It's message not only answered my queries but enabled me to feel the love of Heavenly Father in a way I never have before. That experience has changed my life in the profoundest of ways.

9. Austin,TX. The most wonderful city ever. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you've never been. You should change that.

10. Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley. Obviously there are thousands of experiences that go under this heading. I feel like growing up in the valley is like being a member of a club. There are certain things about that place that cannot be explained,only those who have lived there can understand.

These are only a few and I've probably missed some big ones. If you know of any, let me know!