Merry Chirstmas!

Christmas time can be so busy! I've felt more stressed this year at Christmas time than ever before. As think of all the things I'm trying to do and the money I'm trying to make, I feel like I haven't had as much time to think about Jesus Christ and his birth. None the less, I've been leaning quite heavily on my Savior lately and he has been a big part of my life.

I work at a restaurant and lately, they've cut everyone's hours. Go figure right? Christmas time and they cut hours. I've been working about half as many hours as I need so I've been picking up tons more shifts at my second job where usually, I'm just a substitute when someone goes out of town. Not only that, but I've been babysiting and people have paid me to wrap presents for them. China and school are expensive just by themselves, but put them both together and you have a lot of money... Heavenly Father promised to bless me and I've been blessed in a lot of ways, but I've had to work to receive those blessings. I've learned a lot and really had to push the stress levels down a lot. Things work out, but only if you do your part. I have to admit I am really ready to just take a day off of everything to relax. I'm so grateful to all the people who have been supportive and willing to help me out. I couldn't ask for better friends and family.

Just one month and two days until I go to China with my best friend! It's coming so fast! I remember when I first decided to go. It was over a year ago now. It's been a long time coming. I remember when I learned our departure date and it was four months away. How time has flown! I feel so unprepared to go and there are so many things to consider and put together before I leave. Not only that, but I'm anticipating being really homesick like I am every time I move away. I know it will be completely worth it and I plan on emailing and skypeing tons and tons. I think it will really help to have my best friend with me also. When I was at the resort, I felt much more at home once I had made good friends.

I hope that everyone has felt loved and cared for this Christmas season as I have. I also hope that it hasn't been too stressful and that you've thought of Jesus and his birth as he is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to you all!

The Prize at the Bottom of the Box

Remember when you were little and your mom bought those cereal boxes that have prizes in them? I sure remember the fights that ensued as to who would get the prize. i.e. "You got it last time!" "I haven't had one in forever!" "I really wanted that prize!" I especially loved the prizes hidden inside the cereal bag. You would be poring your cereal and all the sudden, there was a prize in your bowl. Who ever thought of doing that was a GENIUS.  I wish I was rich so I could only buy cereals with prizes in them. Sigh. Unfortunately, being in college means being poor. It also means you don't go through a box of cereal as fast as you did when you were living at home. Every so often, I think I will splurge for a good prize. It would be worth it, after all. Why does everyone have to grow up and become boring. You are NEVER too old to get a prize in a cereal box. Never.