I'm all GROWN UP!!!! =O

As I was doing my daily routine of humming a song to myself while happily blowing soap bubbles in the air in a public restroom, it finally hit me- *I'M AN ADULT!!!!!* Well, that's hit me a few times before but I usually just forget it and go back to whatever activity I was engaged in before I thought it and the thought somehow always escapes me. But this time, it hit me pretty hard. But then I shrugged and continued blowing bubbles until an older lady came in and scolded me for it. "That's very childish of you." "Wha- Hey lady, That's very OLDish of you! How about you lock yourself up in one of those stalls so I don't have to see YOUR face anymore!!" and then blow one more bubble and leave with a smirk on my face...ok I had a little exaggeration going there as you can tell..

But now that I think of it, Where have all the years gone??

I see technology has advanced. People around me are getting older and more tired. Places I used to play are getting smaller and smaller and I'm getting taller. People who were already old are getting even more old.. and grouchy.. and annoyed by the little things I do to entertain myself that they call immature. Why is this I wonder?

I feel like everything around me is changing- except me. I'm still the same person I was 10-15 years ago, only a few inches taller. I still think the same, only I know more. I still look the same, only a little more adult-like. I still have the same ear to ear kool-aid smile and bug puffy hair.. Am I not the same person?

I'm still the same girl who loves eating candy and jumping on my bed.. and picking flowers, drawing pictures and playing dress-up, and loudly singing Disney songs as I skip around my living room with a Popsicle in one hand and a broom in the other as I clean my house.

I still believe in magic. I still make wishes on shooting stars and fallen eyelashes and I still believe that dreams DO come true.. They can. They will.

Why does all the magic have to END when one turns 18? Why is there no more genuine joy and everyone's focus becomes "Do good in school," or "Get a good job," or "Get out of debt," or "Get married." ?? I'm sure those things will happen at some point in everyone's lives including my own, but why let go of all our childhood hopes and dreams because it's what society expects of us? Since when does society care about our individual goals and aspirations? Why must we become like robots and settle for such boring routine lives?

Whatever happened to "When you grow up, you can be anything you wanna be" I wonder? I still believe in that, and I still plan on being EVERYTHING I wanted to be when I was younger. An actress. a model. A fashion designer. A writer. A Doctor's assistant. A baker. A business woman. A successful sales"woman." An artist. A poet. A dancer. A stand-up comedian. A youth advocate. A mentor. An inspiration and a role-model for younger children- Come to think of it, I HAVE been all of those already!! Now I'm just going to college to get a degree so I can be a PROFESSIONAL [all of the above]. This is just proof that The Magic Doesn't Have To Stop when You Grow Up. Don't get me wrong, I do take responsibility at times when it is necessary, but it's such a waste of life stressing over things that shouldn't matter that much! I know that I have a long way to go and that things will change such as the places I go, the people I know and the things I see- but I most likely won't. I'll be an old lady with the same personality that I have now. I like being different in my own way. It's what makes me unique.

Life will always have its downfalls, but they're just slides on a playground, ya know? That's the FUN part!! Everyone must bear the short-term discomfort of climbing the ladder if they want to enjoy the intense, thrilling, adrenaline rush of the slide with no regards to what society thinks, no rush to succeed, no heavy responsibilities pushing you down and nothing but the wind in your face! Enjoy life, Followers. Be different. Be the magic. ;)

Ahhhh Home Sweet Home..

It is a BeAuTiFuL day in Riverside, California!!! I am outside in my backyard sitting on a swing in the playground, looking out in the distance of the entire city. Our house is nestled on a hill and the view is clear and serene! It's about 71 degrees outside, palm trees are swaying, children are playing outside in the neighbor's yard, it's warm and sunny and there is a slight breeze. Our dog Harley greeted me earlier with his slobbery chops and left a large green slobber stain on my brand new pants (ewwwwww) which completely made me forget this majestic experience!

It's nice to be home..

I am visiting home for the weekend to see my brother Gary return from a mission he has been on. He's been in Mexico preaching the gospel for the last 2 years and tonight he's coming home!! My family and I have plans tonight to pick him up from the airport and go out to eat and then all hang out at my sister Emily's house. I bet there'll be TONS of people there, especially tons of kids, which makes it tons more fun!

My Mom and Dad are inside the house right now. Mom's on the computer working on something for her Primary class that she teaches and my Dad is sitting on the hearth of the fireplace eating a plate of cauliflower and ranch dressing. He is running for Mayor of the city and has been super busy with all his campaigning lately. My parents are AMAZING. Karri (my twin of course) lives here right now but she's at work. 2 of my brothers and a sister in law are all sitting in the living room talking about family and life and everything seems just right right now.

I really like my family. Karri was telling me the other day that Dad came in her room and sat down and told her how grateful he was the she lived at home and that she's a good girl and it made my day to hear that. I automatically accepted the compliment as well (since we're twins) and it made me really grateful to be a part of this family.

I am proud to say that the reason I'm good and the reason I stay motivated in school and at work and in life is because there are people who care about me and are looking out for me. I know that they want the best for me in life and I don't want to let them down. Of course I understand that I have a choice and that I live in a place where I am on my own and can do Whatever I Want, but I CHOOSE to be good and always do good because I want to make them all proud. Especially my parents. I know that they pray for my well-being each night and I feel their love from almost 1,000 miles away and it helps to keep me motivated and strong and move forward with happiness. Try doing this sometime! It means a lot to yourself AND your loved ones.

..Just so everyone in the world knows!!! :D