I'm Dreaming of a Whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiite post-Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Yeesh, what a crazy but fun week I've had!

Thanksgiving was a blast- I drove to Cali with my 2 brothers and a cousin to spend the holiday with my adopted family. I got to visit many members of my biological family also, which was awesome. Thanksgiving was AMAZING and I have MY FAMILY as the #1 thing I'm grateful for. I'm sooo grateful to have been adopted and to be a Lauritzen! I'm going on 3 months now, but it seems like it's been an eternity with them already and I hope it ends up as one. I got to decorate the table by myself- my Mom was super tired and overwhelmed the night before so I snuck into the dining room after she went to bed and stayed up until 1am decorating and cleaning the place :) I'm glad I finally have somewhere to go and people to visit for the holidays that I can call my own family, people who are interested in my well-being and who sacrificed so much just to call themselves my family. I had sooooooo much fun visiting my Twin Sister, seeing family and friends, playing with 16 kids and consuming a week's worth of calories..

We all talk about things we're grateful for during Thanksgiving, but Thanksgiving's over now so let's get real. Today has been a very ungrateful day for me. Don't get me wrong, everyone and their moms know that I am Miss Grateful when it comes to life but today just hasn't been my day!!

Lemme start off by saying that I'm in Utah.. here's where the *understanding spot* in everyone's hearts may swell a bit, hopefully.. Yep, I just got back to Utah (safely) last night from my Thanksgiving vacation. I woke up this morning and got ready for Church and the minute I went outside I was like WHOAAAFALIPATHUHH!!!!!!

It was snowing outside!!! Not just light snow, like the kind we hope to someday see on Christmas day, but HUGE HEAPS of it was falling from the sky!!! Nonstop!!!

Luckily I was wearing cowboy boots, and as I trodged (I don't even know if that's even a word) through what seemed like almost a foot of snow covering my lawn, I finally found my car. Literally, there was soo much snow, I couldn't tell the difference between what was the street and what was the curb. It was awful.

..So I scraped off all the snow from my windows and mirrors (with my bare fingers and a Styrofoam plate because I'm from California and no one tells me where to get snow scrapers from..) and finally get inside my car and head to Church. About 2 blocks away from my house, my car swerves to the right and gets stuck in a giant pile of snow and won't move AT ALL. I was like, ughhhhh this can't get any worse!!! No matter how I tried to accelerate, my car would not go anywhere! I thought of taking a snow day from Church but realized that it wouldn't benefit me in any way so I finally gave my accelerator a good long shove and gunned it and finally was in the street again.

I made it safely to Church at the end of the first meeting, had a great day, and here's what made me ungrateful-- As I was leaving Church, I again attempted to shovel the thick snow off my windshield, mirrors and windows (again using an old plate and my bare fingers) and finally got the car started. As I was driving, I noticed some strange skid marks in the street and wondered why 2 cars had decided to park their cars in a bush with their trunks halfway in the street. I know it was cold outside, but it looked dangerous to park there! The drivers were talking amongst themselves and I was like, hah, what a bunch of gimps.. and no sooner had I pulled out, my car started veering left STRAIGHT TOWARDS THEIRS!!! I had no idea what to do-- my breaks weren't working and my car was just **sliding** their direction! I had to make a quick decision and ram my car into the same pile of snow and bushes that theirs were in. That's when I realized that the other 2 cars there had swerved and crashed, and were just as unfortunate as I was..

Here's the worse part- My car had stopped about 3 feet away from rolling down a hill and into oncoming traffic!!! As I put my car in park and tried to calm myself down and catch my breath and stop shaking, I heard people screaming and BAM!!! Another car slammed right into my tail.

It was then that I had many ungrateful thoughts come to mind. Thoughts like *I HATE UTAH* and *I HATE SNOW* and *I WANNA GO BACK TO CALIFORNIA* Some people came by and asked if I needed to borrow their cell phone and I thought, who would I even call?? I don't have too many close friends in Utah, at least not that I can call if I ever got in an accident, and my only family is in California!! So I did what the typical California girl does and I called my attorney. (Apparently he wasn't reliable on the weekends, ugh..) So I called my dad and inquired of his expertise opinion.

Although this all happened so fast and I didn't see any of it coming, here's what I learned that I should have been grateful for:

-I was safe and didn't get hurt (luckily no one did)

-My car only had a few scratches on it and no major damage was done, but the other cars were bent and busted up

-I made it home safely afterwards despite the continuous harsh weather conditions

-I DO have a family who loves and cares about me, and I know that they pray for me and my safety each night and that's probably the main reason I was okay

Maybe this accident was meant to happen. Maybe I was meant to have been involved in these so I can have experience driving in the snow and so I will know what precautions I should take to keep safe in this weather. Maybe I was meant to have a few dings on my car so I wouldn't be so prideful and laugh at other peoples' cars and how bad they looked. Maybe I was meant to go through this so I can practice using and trusting my judgement, just in case if something worse may come in the future- and I'll be more prepared next time.

I'm glad that I learned how to drive slowly and safely so I don't not only threaten my own life, but the lives of others around me. It's not fair for me to say that I am ungrateful for ANYTHING I've been through in my life because the good has always come in the end and I know that it always will come- and for that knowledge, for those experiences, for my very life, I am grateful.

Gloomy Day today.. but no reason not to SMILE!!! :-)

Halloween was Awesome!!! I got Lots of candy the popular way: by Trick-or-Treating. :) Hey, all the kids are doing it these days and chya know, it was free..

I never thought I'd be saying this- but I LOVE MONDAYS!!!! Why, you may ask? Well, unlike most "normal" people who make unconscious decisions to slave away in a cubicle or in a classroom fulla smelly college kids with glazed looks in their eyes, all hyped up on diet Coke and Jolly Ranchers from last night's hoppin' party.... I've decided to take Mondays off everything- off work, off school, off life so I can catch up with my personal life. Kinda like Missionaries and their P-days.

On Mondays, I get to sleep in, run errands, grocery shop, exercise, take a dance class, FHE with friends, catch up on all the homework I've procrastinated, study for tests, paint my nails, draw, enjoy the snow while eating candy & skipping merrily down the street, run back inside because it's flippin' Freezing outside, run back outside because I dropped my candy on the floor, run back inside and determine how many seconds the candy was on the floor to see how sick I'll get if I ate it, run back outside to examine the Exact location the candy landed to see if any bugs or dirt was there also, run BACK inside because it's freezing outside still, run a personal cost/benefit analysis on myself to consider the effects if I did eat this highly-coveted piece of sugary goodness, eat the candy, run outside and barf, run inside and watch the barf freeze onto the pavement, run to a Doctor's office....

Just kidding. Hahaha..

Right now I'm staying productive and warm. It snowed outside earlier then rained and all the snow's gone. I'm a little worried because I've heard that it's awful trying to drive in rain/snow and that I need to get certain types of tires to accommodate my driving.. I have a dance class to go to at 7 that I hope I can learn how to glide from and not my car.

It's getting a little better- the whole "seperation" process. I talk to Karri all the time via Skype, text messaging, Facebook and phone calls. We also send pictures back and forth all the time. I miss her a lot, but I've learned from my own analogy of homework- no matter how much you kick and scream and throw a tantrum over it being hard, boring, dumb, not challenging enough or lame, it's still due the next day. Similarly, no matter what I do, she's still in California. I trust that she's doing well out there and I imagine that she trusts that I'm doing well out here. One more month and I'll go to California during Christmas break and go see her and the rest of the family. I can't wait for that day- but there's no point in moping around or being depressed because eventually, the time will come. I have to remain positive while I'm out here. The good will come- it always does.

Thanks for following and feel free to share this with friends and family!!! I need more followers in order to set a good example for MANY people ;) Take care everyone!!!

Fantastic Fall

*Gasping for breath* Hi everyone! Corri here! I'm.. *gasp again* outta breath because.. *inhale, exhale* I was running around barefoot outside.. in excitement and joy because I SEE SNOW!!!! =D


...REAL snow!!! Not the fake clods of bubbly gick they heave through the air at all the upscale shopping malls in Los Angeles! =D This is sooooooooo exciting!!! I ran like a bloodhound after pork to the front door, flung it open and BEHOLD!!!! ...It just looked like rain cuz it was dark outside. Well I don't wanna bore you so I'll tell you what really happened..


I felt it and I caught a few snowballs on my hand and felt the burrrrrnnn!!!! Then I proceeded to scream a loud squeal of delight to make the neighbors aware of my discovery. And THENNN, (I'm not done) I skipped merrily and lolligagged around my front yard and jumped from the porch to the driveway *getting lots of air* with my mouth wide open in hopes that I'd catch a few of these magically scrumptious clumps of sweet cream dreampuffs in my mouth!!! My neighbors may have seemed unresponsive at this special moment in my life where I experienced REAL SNOW, or they may not have shown any interest in my amazement and astonishment, but deep down inside, I bet a happy tear fell out of each of their eyes as they recalled their very first sight of REAL SNOW.. :)


LOL okay so all that didn't really happen the way I put it.. I didn't mention the part where I licked my car windows to see if my tongue would freeze and get stuck to it..(oh wait, I wouldn't do that!! That's why! Silly me..)




It's sooooooooooo weird to see snow-- in OCTOBER!!! When I think of snow I usually think of Christmas! and presents! .. and spending Winter break with family and friends!!! Not the fact that it's not even Halloween yet and I'm walking to school in 35 flippin' degree weather, not having ANY warm clothes that I dare wear in this wet damp weather.. shivering to my very soul, wishing that I was under California sunshine.. I was only dreaming of a white Christmas..


I need to practice a little more responsibility here.. this morning I woke up to find that I had a MIDTERM today that I had not studied AT ALL for... Oh mannn I didn't know what to do- what Do you do in that situation? Especially when you realize you have no time whatsoever to even study for it!! Luckily, I have a twin sister who IS responsible (no she didn't fly up here in a plane and take the test for me.. wouldda been nice though.. ahemm) and I remembered her intelligent words:


"Do your own homework!!!"


uh, not those words..



"That sweater looks better on me!!!"



Hmmm, not that either..

"You stole my face!!!"

Errrr not quite...

Hmmm what did she say? Must've been important.. Hm, oh well.. Have a nice day followers! Bye!!!!

Oh wait I remember now!!!!

Karri told me that she had used an online website called quizlet.com that allowed her to create online flashcards and quizzes and fun games that helped her study for and pass SO MANY tests! Without a moment to lose, I quickly signed up for the (free) website and BAM! I went to class feelin' like a total Super Star!!! I'm positive I ACED that test! Thanks Karri.. uh, I mean Corri.. after all, you stole MY face. :)

Happy Halloween everyone!!!!!

I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!!

This one will be short but I just wanna say that I'm on Fall Break for school and it's already Friday and even though I haven't gone out and went skydiving like I had planned, I went on 2 dates, ran around in circles, helped a bunch of people out anonymously, went to the Temple and the Family History Center and found a few names of my ancestors, skipped with a guy in a Wal-Mart, rolled down a 50 foot hill TWICE, tipped a nice waiter TWICE AS MUCH as my food cost, rode a horse and carriage through the city, ETC!!!! I'm having a lot of fun out here. I miss my friends and family in California and I really wish I could share the joys of life with them out here!!!

Hey, where ya going? I'm not done yet..

I HAVE AN AWESOME FAMILY, great friends, a fun job, (I won't mention school but I'm GLAD that it's paid for and I'll try to work harder on it) a place to live, an Amazing church to go to, and a pink digital camera now!!!!

I've also been informed by many people that I am their Role Model and that they look up to me. Followers, Fans, Family and Friends- I WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. =)

I will be posting videos about My Wonderful Young Life here because it's just as fun as writing!!!



I just wanna say that Life is GREAT and I am BLESSED!!!! =D


HERE'S A LINK TO MY SECOND VIDEO IN CASE IT DOESN'T SHOW UP:

"Corri's Adventures in Temple Square!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SEl5H8hwLw&feature=youtube_gdata

57 days on my own now.. How am I you ask??

Hmmm.. Lemme think. I'm sitting at home at 2am, wide awake, eating leftover brownies (They're actually Really good). I probably should be sleeping right now but I'm not tired. It may be because of the sugar overload, it may be much more than that. Like, stress.. or anxiety.. My stomach is grumbling..

A bunch of people just left my house. We had a movie night and I made lots of treats. It was nice.. I like my friends and roommates here a lot. They're simply- Amazing.

I should feel EXTREMELY upset, sad, and heart broken at this same time right now because of a recent experience that I had- I fell a victim to internet fraud. I work online doing promoting. I made a lot of new friends along the way, especially this one guy who I became good friends with but never met him. Eventually I found out that he "didn't exist." It was a fraud. It was a guy going around making TONS of online profiles, a fake family, false pictures-- living a lie basically. I had no idea. Everything about him was believable and sounded so true and he seemed like an Amazing person- but I found out that it was an online solicitor, and could have been very dangerous. People asked me why the heck I am soooo nice and caring and naive? And why do I let people take my kindness for weakness and use me? And how, after I've been cheated so many times, why don't I put up walls and block everyone and everything that comes in sight and just completely shut down??

Earlier today I had a serious conversation with one of my roommates earlier and she asked me why I am always so happy, and how do I deal with stress and emotions; and howcome I never cry.

Its true that I'm not a cryer. No, seriously. I just don't. I don't get mad, I don't cry, I don't get angry. It's not my "persona" if that makes any sense. I actually forgot how to. It's kinda strange..

Growing up in foster care, I was always reprimanded for crying. The foster parents and older foster siblings would tell me that "Crying does not take the pain away" and that "It won't make your parents come back and get you." Unfortunately I believed them. I did not like how people acted when I saw them angry and so I decided to completely shut away those two emotions and for years, I've never found any valid reasons to display those feelings. It doesn't seem like much, but since then, I've created ways of taking out my emotions on "things" rather than people. At a very young age I learned that expressing emotions like fear, anger, sadness, etc. is pointless. Later on in life as I avoided most negative emotional expressions, I somehow forgot how to. I realized that everyone has a right to be mad or upset, but never to be cruel.

What I would do was write. I would write in my journal, online, in books or on my computer. I would write poetry expressing how I felt; I would write songs, short stories and letters to people that were never sent. It always made me feel better knowing that all of my frustration was taken out on a piece of paper or a document that can then be hid, torn or someday made public. If you type in my name on helium.com you can find a few poems and stories that I wrote about random people and things.. They may seem recently added but trust me, I wrote most of them lonnnnnnnnng ago when I was a scrawny little kid in the "system."

I also drew. I would draw pictures that were very symbolic and store them away from the world's eyes. I would sometimes be so upset that I would stay awake overnight trying to finish collages that I was drawing. I would always draw with a black pen on white paper and all my frustration was again taken out on something.

My old therapist saw some of the pictures and the poems and she was very impressed. She told me that it was "natural" for humans to display emotions, but it was a good and healthy idea for me personally to handle them the way I do. This may not be the smartest idea of taking out emotions, but it worked for me. Everyone who sees me knows that I'm generally a happy person. I'm very genuine and honest and I have absolutely NO ill intent. I do not desire to be a bad or a mean person at all. I love people and I love making new friends. I think that maybe more of us should try this-- to ensure that no one else gets hurt along the way or from seeing our bad reactions.

-I hate seeing children suffer because they have angry parents who can't express their frustration without yelling at each other or hurting someone.
-I hate when I see people laughing at other people or hating them just because of the clothing they're wearing, or their accents, or the color of their skin.
-I hate when I see people lying, or cheating, or stealing, or cursing, or talking bad about someone.

These things are simply "mean" and no one likes to get hurt, no one likes to feel bad, no one likes to cry. As humans, we all like being happy. We all like smiling. We all like feeling accepted and loved. THAT'S what I want to share with others. THAT'S what I want people around me to feel- happiness, joy, acceptance- no matter what they look like or what they do or how they act. I've experienced both acceptance and rejection and I prefer acceptance.

It's not like I haven't learned from this experience though- I have. I am a lot more cautious and aware when I talk to people that I'm not familiar with, but I never have and never will ignore or reject an opportunity that I have to be a friend or serve someone. I don't care that they do the same with me, I don't care that I do not get paid to do good works- I only care that others are taken care of because we are all children of God- brothers and sisters, and we all have similar needs.

Followers, take this time, take any opportunity that comes to be a friend and help someone out. It may not mean a lot to you, or you may not feel that it means a lot to them, but it does. The entire world could change for good by one person's small act of kindness. Trust me, it passes on, it's exchanged, it's given and taken each day. If we all simply "cared" about others as we care about ourselves, there would be no room in the world for loneliness, sadness, anger or hatred. I honestly believe that one smile could bring about world peace.

Here's a video that I put together of our reunion when Karri came last weekend. If it doesn't show up, here's the link to it on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/calicorricutie1#p/a/u/0/7jRArhZ_gBM

Enjoy!

After 45 days... I GOT TO SEE MY TWIN!!!

Yes, after a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng 45 whoppin' days here in Salt Lake City, Utah; after having gone from class to class, dance to dance, church, work, studying, sleeping, DREAMING without a twin, I was reluctant to have her here with me this last weekend. Let me remind you all that this has been the LONGEST time we've ever been separated in our LIVES. Yes there was communication via cell phone, text messaging, Skype, email, etc., but it's just not the same when you're missing someone who has always been by your side since birth.

At first, I didn't know what to think. What if I had gained a bunch of weight since our separation and Karri comes and I automatically become classified as the "fat twin"? What if her hair has grown longer than mine? What if she was non-social due to the fact that she hasn't seen me in so long? What if I've become a boring person or too independent and wouldn't want to be around her?? All these questions kept running through my mind, but then I realized, she's my twin. She will always be like me, no matter what we do or where we go.

Seeing Karri pull up in my Mom's car was one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had out here. I was so excited to see her, yet all my worries melted as she got out of the car. I realized that she still looked and acted just like me, and that she was just as happy to see me as I was to see her.

Karri stayed with me for the weekend, and she got to meet my roommates. I was by spending time with her that I realized how non-social I've been out here on my own. My roommates even noticed how much happier I was, how playful and goofy I acted when I was with my twin. We had a blast dancing, cooking, playing, goofing off and laughing together.

Karri left early this morning and I already miss her, but she's going back to her life and responsibilities in Pasadena, CA and I'm staying here in Salt Lake and will continue with my life and responsibilities here in Salt Lake, UT.

I know it's going to be hard to stay out here for a year, but that was my plan and I'm not backing down. I needed this. I needed to see, to feel, to learn what it's like to be an individual. I feel that this will greatly effect how I talk, think, act, live, learn, etc. and I know that there's many other reasons why I'm here in Salt Lake that I haven't figured out yet. I usually don't know why I move somewhere- and at times life gets sooooo hard but something good always comes out of each experience. Like foster care, this too is my temporary home and I'm going to take what good I can get out of it to support my quest to find happiness and independence.

P.S: I am sooooooooo grateful that my Mom and Dad could come too!!! I absolutely LOVE them soooooo much and enjoy any opportunity I have to spend time with them. I am so grateful to have been adopted and I am proud to be a Lauritzen. =)

The advice I offer today is for myself as well all my fans and followers, "Stay strong. Good will come- it always does." Thanks for following me, and keep checking my blog- I'll be writing more!

Getting Started with Life... My View

Heyyyy everyone, I'd like to welcome my new follower! LOL I noticed that my blog now has 10 people.. Haha that's not the actual number of people who are reading my blog though. I actually have a setting here that blasts my blog out as an email to another 20-50 people. And if you know anyone who would be inspired by my words, feel free to share this with them!!!

Like my new head shot?? Things are looking REALLY good for me in Utah! I just signed a 1-year contract with Urban Talent, a modeling/acting agency in Salt Lake City, UT. I'm really excited to finally be able to work out my dream-come-true here and I know that doing so is not the easiest but is definitely worth it. I'm getting into film instead of doing modeling and commercials where I usually improvise or am in the background..

I'm staying very active here in Utah. Active of course in Church and school, and also in extracurricular activities. I'm currently taking a few classes BESIDES college right now- I'm taking a Phase I Professional Actor's Workshop class, a hip hop dance class, a break-dancing class and also I go dancing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. I'm also making plans to volunteer at children's centers and just play with the kids. I eventually want to be a TV show host for a Children's Talk show (which I will do later on in life because I need experience of having my own kids first that I can add to my experience on the show). I figured all these "communication" and "child psychology" classes will make me an Excellent mother, and what better idea than to take classes for these in Utah, which is KNOWN for high family Values?? =)

I LOVE kids more than anything. Everyone who knows me would agree. Kids like me too, which is a good thing. :) It's always fun whenever I go to the store after having a horrible day and I see a baby look and smile at me- it warms my heart. I love how, whenever I am walking through the city or in the mall, I dress up very feminine and wear a skirt, heels, bouncy curls, a cute purse and of course, A SMILE and whenever kids see me their eyes glow and I have no idea what they're thinking, but I'm sure it's something nice. :) Something along the lines of "She must be a fun adult!" Kids know what "fun adults" are and I've been called one MANY times before. There have been countless times when, as I'm playing with kids, they say, "How come you don't act like all the other adults? They're all old and boring, and you're a grown-up but you're fun." I love that. :)

I would never want to live the life of one of those strict, mean grumpy adults who never have time to goof off or play with kids- the only thing that's good for is to assist people in the "rapid aging" process. Life is too fun to be boring, or mean, or strict or to not want to play! I mean, there are times to be serious, but I think those should be very seldom.

On holidays, my foster families would always have 2 tables- one for the adults and one for the kids and honestly, I've NEVER sat at the adult table. I've attempted to once but their conversation became so dull and boring and sometimes draining that I would have rather melted into a puddle of slime and rolled onto the floor and had the dog eat me than having to listen for 2 more minutes.. I always went and sat with the kids because they had more interesting conversations (everyone knows this). Older people would always see me in "play mode" (which is like, always) and say, "You think it's so easy? Wait 'til you have kids," and I tell them, "Bring it on!!! I'll be the mom to START the food fight!" Then they usually smirk and get back to whatever they were doing..

Life is Great and I am Blessed. :)

Heh heh hehhhhh....

Hahhh it's like, 2:40am right now and I'm writing a blog.

It's dark..

..and cold..

..I can't hear anything but my breath and my heart beating fast. Where am I?

I'm on a boat!!!

JK JK JK I should probably turn on a light.. Just got home LOL.

How long has it been since I moved here, anyways?? Wowww I feel like a cast away or a prisoner who scratches into the wall (with their bare fingernails) a mark for every day they stay isolated.. Haa well Utah is not THAT bad. I am making many new friends here and I really like that. I've been dancing all night with hundreds of people. I work at Studio 600 and I get to help promote it online.

Lemme tell you a little bit about Studio 600. I think it's an AMAZING place. A Splendid idea!!! (Ok that sounded nerdy) Studio 600 is a non-alcoholic club located in the center of Salt Lake City. They don't serve anything but water and energy drinks. Lots of young adults come here on the weekends and dance, meet people, and have fun. AND they actually GO HOME afterwards. That's what I like about it. (Mothers you don't have to be so worried about your kids now!) The owner is Mormon and despite how some people think a club without drinks is lame, I REALLY admire my boss. He enforces LDS standards to everyone who goes in- that is, no drinking, smoking, drug usage, no inappropriate behavior, and everyone who goes in MUST dress modestly. I really like the fact that these rules are enforced. This one man has a great vision in mind for this place and he has made a difference in so many people's lives-- think about it:

This eliminates all the bad, rude nasty people who hang around clubs just to do bad stuff. It eliminates all the druggies and the gangsters. Its is not a Mormon-only club, he just wants good people there- people to come and go and Remember how much fun they had the night before. HUNDREDS of married couples today have met there and many people who are dating happily have met there also. It's honestly a Good Place and a good cause. Why not help promote it to EVERYONE in Salt Lake City?? I also get to go to all their dances free which is totally awesome =) I like Studio 600.

Besides that, I just took my first 2 exams at school. It's only been 2 weeks since school started!!! Ugh I have a lonnnnnng way to go. I hate semester systems with a passion. Its like, 10 weeks at a quarter-system school and "YOU'RE DONE!!! Peace out, Professor!!! Have a nice life!!!" **insert fireworks and rejoicing young adults dancing here** =D But a semester system.... Ughhhhh it's lonnnnnnnnng and laaaaaaaaame and it goes on for about 20 weeks!!! Blehh..

On a good note, I went to the Salt Lake City Temple last Tuesday and it was BEYOND AMAZING!!!!!!! =D It's Beautiful inside and everyone there was so nice!!! I seriously had a stiff sore face afterwards from all my smiling. PLUS I met people there who took me out to ice cream afterwards! Total strangers!!! They were Super nice and-- Oh man I just love how it's easy for me to make friends. I'm so glad I am a nice person and am not too reserved or too shy to talk to people. It makes all the difference while being out here and helps me not feel alone.. As Otus the cow in Barnyard puts it: "It starts with a smile and slowly BUILDS!!!" =D

I had fun at the dance tonight.. It's 3am right now. I just got home. I was dressed up like a break dancer and I made all these friends with the B-boys and they're teaching me a few new moves. Haa just WAIT til I come to California and show everyone what I got!!! =D Wooo I can't wait. Haa OK OK I'll go to sleep now...

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZzz... ;)

Yessss Life is Sooooooooo Tough... :(

I guess I learned my lesson about Fairy Tale Fantasies vs. Faith.. Finally I see it more clearly. Fairy tales are nice and happy and in the end, birds chirp, rainbows light up the sky while butterflies and flowers sing as they glimmer in the sunlight. Everybody wins. Everybody gets a set of wings and can fly away into the sunset and everyone's happy and they never have any problems again. Its obvious, isn't it? How do I apply that to reality? Hmmm... I really dunno.

Faith on the other hand, has a lot to do with trusting in a Higher source for guidance. And it deals with sacrifice. And a hope in a bright future, and for things which are not seen. With Faith all things are possible but not guaranteed. sadly, everybody doesn't win. I like that answer more than the first- its the truth. It sounds more promising. It seems more real and I've seen it work TONS of times in my life. Why not trust in Faith?

At this point I really wish I could be given a set of wings and was able to fly away from all my problems in life.. I would be gone faster than a one legged man can river-dance. But I haven't had the slightest feeling that the possibility of something like that happening is even possible. =( So here I must admit, that life is tough. But that doesn't mean its the end of it- obviously I'm still alive and got a lonnnnnng way to go..

So a bunch of people are wondering exactly WHAT THE HECK I WAS THINKING!! when I broke up with Randy…

Here’s the thing. Most people have a mental list of qualities that they want or hope to see in a future spouse. They both need to have physical, mental, emotional as well as Spiritual attributes. However, if one does not have some of those traits before marriage, he or she most likely will not somehow develop them throughout life in marriage, but will remain the same all their lives, and practice the same habits all their lives with little to no change. There are numerous studies that prove this. I don't believe in the whole "list" thingy but I do believe that there are basic things that a guy “Corri” dates exclusively should have.

A serious relationship to me is where you date one person exclusively and you see if they're the right person for marriage. If it works, it works. If not, then you drop it before you both become too attached and things get bad. There's no third option. You can't keep someone around just because “it’s fun” or you "look good together" or because you don't wanna be alone- that's Super Selfish and it's not fair for either person.

Randy is a great guy. He’s super sweet, fun to be around, and everyone said we “look cute together.” I enjoyed being around him- he really was like a best friend for me. I am Extremely grateful for him and his kindness. He was strong, protective, honest, and easy to trust. I know he would’ve done anything for me. He had all the physical and the mental qualities that I admired in a person, BUT... that was it.

It wouldn’t be right for me to list his flaws or mistakes or errs. Regardless of them, I’m not that kind of person. He honestly was a nice person and did nothing wrong. I’m pretty sure that the worse thing I’ve ever done in my entire life was break his heart by breaking things off, and it was not fun and I felt REALLY bad- but it had to be done.

Randy confessed that he did not see me being his future spouse and that he had every intention of just dating me for a while and breaking things off at the end of the year when it was time for me to go home. *** Just like that. Us, just departing and never talking again as if the whole thing meant Nothing to either one of us. THAT’S what bothered me. Knowing that it would not work out, that it was not meant to be eternal, how could I stay in that type of relationship? It’s apparent that we each have a different definition of the word “love."

Growing up in foster care and in and out of many different homes, schools, jobs, etc., I know how important it is to maintain healthy relationships THAT LAST. I have lived a life full of people who walk into my life and then just walk out without the slightest regards to whether they meant anything to me at all. From an early age I’ve grown a tendency to cling to anyone I know will be around in fear of losing them and being alone. My biggest fear is losing people who mean a lot to me. At the same time, I cannot stay with someone knowing that we’re not meant to be together- it’s almost like, waiting to say goodbye.

I totally thought it would have been a waste of time to keep dating him. I could not see him as an eternal companion either, but rather just a really good “friend.” I’m not saying that he meant nothing to me- he was my best friend in Utah. I didn’t want to hang around Randy though as his girlfriend and limit my dating options knowing that things would not last between us. I did not want to limit HIS options either and ruin it if Ms. Right did come around for him- by being in her way. I thought about it- If we were to just keep dating “because it was fun,” and the end of the year came and it was time for me to go back home to California, I would totally have had a harder time breaking things off later, knowing that we both have different plans for our lives.

Dating is a very important thing for me and I don’t like to think of it as an excuse to not be a loner. Even though I do not have experience with long relationships like many of my friends do, one thing I have learned and I offer this advice to all, is this- “The wrong person is the Right person to lead you to the BEST person.” Every person you date is better than the last in SOME WAY and that you learn something new in each relationship. I know that the right person will come around in time, and that I must be patient and continue to live in a way that I will be available and worthy of him when we do meet. There should be no fear in the thought of being single or alone- that’s just what the adversary wants. The opposite of fear is FAITH and that is the power by which I find comfort and hope and I know that I my life will unfold as it should as long as I stay positive, optimistic and do as Heavenly Father asks- for He knows what’s best for me. I really appreciate nice things, but something that’s more valuable to me than roses, teddy bears, ice cream and a card when I’m sick is a Priesthood Blessing and that’s something I can't get from just any guy.

Week 3.. Is it REALLY??

I'm fine, thanks for asking! How are you??

I'd like to apologize in advance because I cannot write much today although this week has really been Sumpthin! I have been sick for the last 3 days.. may have had something to do with stress, or anxiety, or being overwhelmed by my new homework but it was SOOO Not cool to be both homesick AND home sick. I think I had like, Meningitis or something. And I just found out that my health insurance DOES NOT work out here.. (Of course!) Thus, I stayed in bed all day. I'm getting better now.. I guess that's why I type instead of speak in my blog.

What made my week Completely is that Randy called me after I sadly cancelled our date for the night due to my high fever. I told him we couldn't hang out because I didn't want him getting sick and that I needed to rest. I wake up about an hour later and my roommate Messah's banging on my door saying "CORRI!!! You have a surprise here!!!" So I dragged myself out of bed and slouched down the hall after nearly blacking out because of a POUNDING headache that overcame me as soon as I stood up- and there he was.

I was so glad to see Randy and grateful that he came to visit "the sick and afflicted" LOL but he did more than that- he brought me a quart of cookie dough ice cream, a teddy bear, a get-well soon card and a dozen roses. I was like, =O !!!

As little girls we always daydream of our Prince Charming who comes in and sweeps us off our feet right in the middle of our moment of distress- he's tall, handsome, strong, courageous, valiant, faithful, humble, True, etc. etc. We often give up on our dreams because we never see people like that anymore and we lose hope and stop believing and turn away and deny ourselves of our inner child. Our once "Fairy Tale" fantasy becomes a lie to us and we end up living a life full of dread and dullness and convince ourselves that just because we don't believe it anymore that it's not real. Most people lose faith and end up settling for whatever slithers their way OR WORSE- they're so used to not believing that they settle for an unhappy life and completely MISS it when Prince Charming DOES come around!!! Or they don't recognize him and they pass him by and never know what could've been.. Ahh the fear of the unknown..

I'm not an unhappy person. I am not meant to live an unhappy life. Whether or not my life unfolds as I want it to, I will remain positive and optimistic and happy about it because Heavenly Father has blessed me in SO MANY WAYS and I recognize it. I see it everyday. I have a beloved Father in Heaven who loves me and cares about me and wants what's BEST for me. There's no room for even a Speck of anything that is not positive in my future.

...I just sometimes wish I could recognize the difference between Fantasy and Faith when it comes to love.

Week 2 of SEPARATION- My first Day of School

Sooooo...

I started school yesterday.. At the University of Utah. that school is abnormally LARGE and I don't see how on earth they find it appropriate to continuously build MORE to it. I decided to wear sweat pants and jogging shoes and a cute top because I figured I'd be walking a few miles that day from class to class. I had no sleep the night before school- as always. I kept waking up in the middle of the night thinking I was running late. Finally I wake up, get ready and go to school. I left 40 minutes earlier than I was supposed to, thinking that I could use that time to find my classroom but instead, I was using that time to FIND MY SCHOOL!! Its still SUPER hard getting around Utah so I rely on my only valid source of reliable information- My GPS. Unfortunately my GPS decided to take some kind of early vacation without prior notice so I'm circling throughout town looking for any sign of the U. I got sooooo frustrated trying to find the Institute parking lot and on top of that, my GPS froze and I ended up going the wrong direction in a one-way street.

Finally I managed to find school campus, and I just parked at the first open space I could find. A nearby Professor pointed me out to the building I was supposed to have class at. Luckily I made it to class EXACTLY on time, and my Professor even brought donuts for the entire class!!

Right now I'm taking a General Psychology class, Professional Writing, Health Psychology and Family Studies at the University of Utah.

After my first 3 classes, I decided to go buy my books. They were around $600 for all of them (YUCK) and I carried the heavy load across campus by myself to where I THOUGHT I was parked. I looked around- no sign of my car.

I walked to the next nearby parking lot, which was HUGE also, and looked around. Still no sign of my car.

For a school that has 54,000 students, you'd think they'd give their parking lots NAMES of something, or at Least have the decency to line up all their parking lots. Instead, I was walking AROUND THE ENTIRE CAMPUS looking for a little white Dodge Neon with a Hollywood bumper sticker. How I longed for relief of my super heavy load at that time.. But there was no help. Every time I asked someone, they'd tell me they couldn't help and they didn't know where I parked either. This was sooooooo frustrating for me, and after TWO HOURS of looking around the school and sitting down to pout Twice, I FINALLY found it. I completely missed the beginning of the first day of one of my classes, and I was so sweaty and sore that I just threw my books in the trunk and went home. (of course, my GPS was still on vacation so I got lost on my way home and ended up stopping all lanes of traffic in an intersection when I tried making a 4 point U-turn on a yellow light and got one of my tires stuck in a ditch..

Yes, that was my adventure of the day.. It was Horrible.

But wait- it gets better-

My Wonderful new boyfriend (GUESS WHAT?? I HAVE A BOYFRIEND NOW!!!) Randy took me out that night on a date and made up for my terrible day. It turned out he had a bad day also, and it was nice for both of us to take a break from all responsibility and just enjoy ourselves. We went to Sundance Ski Resort and rode the ski-lifts up the mountain to watch the stars and full moon. It was scary to be up so high, yet peaceful and serene. I really enjoyed myself and I'm sure he did too. A little bit about Randy- he's 23, he works with his father in a pipe company and he's an AMAZING photographer. You can find his works at http://www.randymajor.me/home.html He has an amazing personality and he's super fun to be around. He's a gentleman and I feel safe around him. I'm grateful to have met him and I'm glad that I can have him as a close friend also to talk to anytime. In a sense he fills the gap of having no twin here with me. I'll keep everyone posted on my adventures again this week!!

WEEK 1 OF "FREEDOM"

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHH!!!!! GET ME OUTTA HERE!!!!! I can't take this!! Its soooooooo FRUSTRATING trying to get used to the streets out here!! They all have numbers and letters, like, going South on 400 East?! Who does that?? Its impossible!! Ughh and not to mention how frustrating it is trying to get classes in order, find a way to get to school, find a job and get mentally prepared for a whole new year! Ughhh when does it end?

Ahh, the Honeymoon stage, as we see it.. Sighhhhhh here's how it all started..

Last Friday night I threw the most AMAZING going away party ever. It was kinda weird.. me, throwing MY OWN going away party.. but it was HUUGE!! I got over 100 friends there, and they all had a blast, and in the end, me and a few people jumped in the pool with all our clothes on. That was Amazing!! and as everyone was gathered around the table singing "Happy Going Away To You," I stared deep into the lit candles on the cake I had before me and thought, ya know, I'm happy here. I have TONS of friends, a great job, a place to stay, money in my bank, parents who care about me-- all is well. I didn't need to make a wish as I blew out the candles. It was simply everything I've ever wanted at that very moment.

AT THE SAME TIME, part of me wanted to explore.. I wanted to see what it was like living outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to claim my own life and learn what its like actually being on my own. Its always been easy to make friends because I have a twin and I wanted to see what it was like for *individuals* to make their way through life, and the opportunity came. Its only a year that I'll be out here- so why not come? So after a LONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNG drive all the way to Salt Lake City, Utah with my parents leading the way in their car, I came here. Salt Lake City. As some people put it, the Mormon capital of the world?? I highly doubt that though.. California has more LDS people than Utah. They're just spread out more.

Whelp, I'm all moved in and unpacked and everything. My room was SOOOO plain when I first came, but I added a few "Corri touches" to it and it's a little more bearable.. ;) I'm all set with school supplies and clothes for about a month or until it starts getting cold. I have 5 friends so far- all of which are my SUPER NICE roommates- Messah, Lilly, Isabel, Jenna and Sarah, who doesn't live here but comes over a lot. I'm glad to be able to hang out with them a lot and have fun. Soooooooo happy to not be a loner.. well, compared to how many friends I had before, I'm kind of a loner now.. But that'll change hopefully when I go to my new ward for the first time on Sunday.. I've met my home teachers and they're SUPER cool and super cute so I can't wait to see what the ward is like!! I'll let everyone know how that goes =) Take care everyone and BE HAPPY!!!

I JUST GOT ADOPTED!!!!!!!!

GREETINGS, FOLLOWERS!!

So, just in case you didn't get the news, KARRI AND I WERE RECENTLY ADOPTED into the Best Family in the Entire World!!!!! =D Our new names are Corri & Karri Pierce Lauritzen. It's gonna be a pain trying to change all our legal documents including license, banking, school information, etc. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh... but on the good note though, we finally have and belong to a Family.

A little bit about the Lauritzens:

Verne and Donna Lauritzen live in Riverside, CA. They are a wonderful couple who celebrate life with their 9 other children, 7 boys and 2 girls. They have around 17-19 grandkids, all of which LOVELOVELOVE me and Karri. Verne works in Riverside county as a chief of staff for a guy names Jeff Stone.. I think he's a VIP cuz his name is Jeff Stone.. (Kinda sounds like the name of a wrestler though.. Haa) Donna is a home maker, and she's a pro at what she does. I call them Mom and Dad. They were always so nice to us.. They actually knew Karri and I when we were babies, and when we lived in a foster home near them, they took us to Seminary with their kids. Our foster parent at the time REALLY hated Mormons so she would be very harsh and would not support anything we wanted to participate in, such as Church on Sundays, Girl's camp and social activities. One day as the Lauritzens were bringing us home from Church, they asked us if we wanted to come stay with them, and even if we wanted to be adopted. We were like, "What? You- take US in? Really? Someone who wants US?? You want US to be a part of YOUR family??" We didn't feel worthy because they were such a happy wonderful shining example of a family that we admired and we felt so insignificant and unspecial to be part of what seemed like a "Perfect family." Feeling that it could be right and that only God Himself could arrange such a miraculous union, we said YES and never looked back. After a year and a half of staying with the Lauritzens, we realized how Amazing they were to us and that this family could be Eternal so we got adopted to them and we will be sealed soon and yes, we DID live Happily Ever After. But that's not the end of our story.

What I like about Dad:

*He's a great Father. The best Father-figure I've EVER seen. He supports me in all the good things I do, and always gives fatherly advice whenever I need it. He is very supportive of my dreams and he came to all my school plays, my high school graduation, and fashion show. He's the best Dad I've ever had (and trust me, I've had MANY FATHERS).

*Dad has a very strong Faith and Testimony. He lives what he believes and acts upon Inspiration. He's a former Bishop and he is well respected in Church as well as at work. I look up to him and am grateful that he loves Mom and supports her and their family of 13 now.

*He is HILARIOUS!!!! He is quick with jokes, always has funny comebacks and I love to see him whenever he's frustrated about something. He does this little grunt that anyone around who hears can't help but to laugh at. He's good at making friends with ANYONE.

What I like about Mom:

*Her Christ-like examples in EVERYTHING she does. Mom is patient, kind, caring, diligent, gentle, humble, and the list goes on and on and on..

*Her love. One thing that REALLY fascinates me about Donna that other foster parents just did not do was love me. I know she loves me. Other foster parents denied my membership in their family. They did not take me to their family activities and did not allow any bonding with them at all. Whenever I was sick or in pain or suffering, they stayed as far away from me as they can- as if I was some kind of monster, some contagious germ that they wanted nothing to do with. I was just a kid!! They never gave parental advice or expressed appreciation to me at all. Only standards, rules, expectations and consequences if I did not agree. Donna was COMPLETELY OPPOSITE. She cared for and about me. She is the most SELFLESS person I've ever met. She took good care of me and always made sure I was happy.

*Her patience. Mom's had so many experiences in her life that, if I were her, I would have exploded. She's patient with children, she's patient with friends and associates. She's diligent in her callings and she's a wonderful Relief Society President and Visiting-teacher. I wish I could be like her in so many ways.

*Her Faith. If it was not for Mom, I don't know where I would be Spiritually. Mom always enforced daily Family Scripture Study, being on time for Church, regular Temple attendance and FHE. She made sure that we were taken care of Spiritually and physically.

I TRULY BELIEVE that the world is a better place because Verne and Donna fell in love one day and got married. So much good has came of that, so many good people, so many good things have happened and it only gets BETTER!!!

I love my new family!!!!!!!

SCOOOORRRRRRRRE!!!!

First off, I owe a GINORMOUS **THANK YOU** to my roommates Amber and Liz. I almost died TWICE and both times, they saved me!! OMG so I was skipping along Merrily throughout my room after a long progressive day, looking forward to showering and pondering what Sweet dreams of hot guys and ice cream I'd have that night when all of a sudden, a MONSTER jumped out and revealed itself to me!! Little did I realize about 5 seconds beforehand that this could be MY LAST DAY. (Dun dun DUNNNNN!!!!!) But the brave Lizette stepped out of her zone and BRUTALLY MASSACRED THE BEAST!!! It thought it could escape- it thought it could run away using all the strength it possessed in its 8 legs, but the little freaky demonic pestilence was wrong. Loyal Liz outsmarted the creature on my behalf and I praised her as she defeated it. THE NEXT DAY, today, I was on my way into the kitchen for a midnight snack, when all of a sudden, the BEAST was BACK!!! It thought it was slick- the traitor thought it could come back to life and disguise itself on the wall like a camouflage coat in the forest but it was No Match against the the Amazing Almighty Amber!!! After a gruesome battle and the sacrifice of one of her dearly beloved flip flops, revenge was sweeter than my jelly toast. I am now content as we have won the battle and defeated our ultimate enemy.. and I hereby proclaim, as I smear the legs of one creature and the guts of the other onto a banner and raise it high above my bedroom door and I pronounce: "SPIDERS, YE BE WARNED."

..Whelp, other than that, I've had a FABULOUS week so far!! I've been on the lookout for a place to stay in Utah, and I finally found one today! I'll be housing in a big 2-story house with 5 girls (I get my own room) who I hear are WONDERFUL!! LOL we seem to even have friends in common even though we have never met each other yet. I like how this world seems to get smaller and smaller the more people you know.. Haa..

So this week I'm going to focus more on better budgeting. I always think- being a college student, where do you draw the line between successful or failing? Should I have a certain amount of money saved up or should I be in debt? Luckily I have absolutely NO DEBT WHATSOEVER so far.. and I'm doing well. It's not easy to save- its easy to spend, I think. Its SO easy once you're on your own and you got a little savings and you think you OWN THE WORLD... and the next thing you know, you can't decide between NEEDS and WANTS and you end up dipping into your savings account more and more and more until you notice it disintegrates and then you realize that you were just OWNED!!! ..Maybe that's just me.. Well, I would never get THAT bad at it.. LOL I have learned a few GREAT things at YMO (If you don't know what YMO is, read my earlier blogs) about budgeting and money management and I plan on using them. It is easy to believe that everyone out there is out to get me sometimes.. That all people want is money. Ugh it gets pretty intense- anything you want or need or even the Thought of having something *costs*. Kinda like car and health insurance. I've had my own car and health insurance since I first started driving, and have been paying hundreds and thousands of dollars just to have the "Title." Just to say "Hey! I'm covered." But I have never really used them for anything. I'm super healthy and I may be a crazy driver, but I'm SAFE. I've never gotten into any accidents that were purposely my fault. *knock on wood* Well I guess I'll be glad if an indecent does happen in the future that's uncalled for- I'll be glad to have "just the Title" of insurance so that I'm covered.

I think that's enough blabbing for one night.. Keep following me! You know why you should? Cuz I'm Simon and Simon Says "FOLLOW ME!!!" Take care y'all!

Weeks 3-4 have gone by so fast...

...but have been been Enchanting, Enticing and Entertaining to me. Last week I woke up with the worse care of the flu I've ever experienced in my entire life and I thought I was gonna die. ***I SAW the Light*** It was beckoning for me to come unto it- it was Soooooooo bright!! ..lingering over my very head like a ghost when I noticed that it was just my cellular device, which had EVIDENTLY crept under my face as I slept and left a huge imprint on my cheek. Who knows who I was talking to last before I fell asleep.. LOL hopefully I was only talking, and not breathing heavily over someone's voicemail recording..

So this last weekend I wanted to do something FUN all by myself, without having to wait up on anyone or to take anyone with me. Thursday night was YSA Temple night, of course, and I had a blast as I always do. On Friday I drove to the hidden city of Yorba Linda which I did not know existed until I drove there that night.. There was a dance there at a community center and I had a blast, but what was MORE FUN was after the dance, I took a few friends to the park behind the building and we played on the playground. ITS ALWAYS FUN TO GROW "DOWN" EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE AND RELIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD ADVENTURES... I ran down the hill, through the obstacle course and playground, then got on the swings. We closed our eyes and jumped off the swings and LANDED ON THE MOON!! The moon was an amazing place- there are playgrounds on the moon- tunnels and caves that lead to extraterrestrial civilizations.. One can only see them if he or she closes one eye, spins around in a circle then whistles 3 times. We glimmered and shimmered and got drenched by some sprinklers that sprayed billions of tiny stars out onto us that as we ran through them.. we also had to avoid getting captured by astronauts and funny looking dogs that wore eyeglasses and fake moustaches as they walked their barking pet human aliens. Everything looked so real- as if we were in a parallel identical planet that deemed Mother Earth as its role model..

I ended up getting home at 4:19am that next morning. Time flies when you're having fun!

On Saturday (after having 4 hours of sleep the night before) I had to wake up extra early to help clean my Church building as I had volunteered.. I then went to a pool party at a friend's house and was SOOOO WORN OUT afterwards that I crashed as soon as I got home! An hour later I woke up and got ready for a date with a guy named Rudd. Yes, me.. date. I do that kinda stuff. Rudd is doing some kind of project where he asks out 16 girls on dates and gets to know them, interviews them, and then writes something special about each one on his blog. So I'll proceed to do the same thing for him (because he'll probably read this). Rudd is a great guy- very friendly, humorous, and very much a gentlemen. He wears his Testimony as I like to say- you can see it in his eyes that he has great faith and is very knowledgeable and passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He works in the Temple and also works at a party rental store (If anyone needs party supplies or floats) *Ladies, he's single* ;) I met Rudd at a dance I believe, in a competition. I guess I was having too much fun to really notice him but I won the competition hands down *not to brag or anything, ahemm* and I remember going to the back and trying to teach him how to "jerk." Thats all I remember.. I should have been more considerate then, knowing that he'd ask me out later. I know so many people that sometimes it gets hard to depict those I do know verses those I do know and I just am nice and welcoming to EVERYONE as if they're my Best Friend. =) Anyways the date was a lot of fun. We went to Wendy's and got frosties and then to the Observatory to look at stars and telescopes. I don't think I was fully myself that night- I usually am a HUUUUGE talker, goofball, super hyper, crazy and simply loud person, but that night, I just wasn't that way. I was almost content. I was worn out from a busy day, but as I talked to this guy I realized something fascinating that I'd never seen before. We had so much in common! This was not one of those "You like anchovies on your ice cream? SO DO I!!!!" moments.. It was more like, things he said were Exact things and deep thoughts that had crossed my mind at times and it really amazed me. It was a little creepy, but more-so cool. I don't think I wouldda realized that if I were to keep blabbing away about myself and my life's experiences.. It was so nice being able to learn so much about another individual and in a sense, it taught me how to be a better listener and to have "serious time" every once in a while.

I somehow picture trillions of spirit children in Heaven, all sitting together in the pre-existence, listening closely as Heavenly Father is teaching us all what Earth-life would be like. I imagine I'm sitting next to Rudd, with Karri on the other side. Heavenly Father then hands all of His children presents. We open ours up, which are huge boxes, and inside of these, there are blessings- including gifts, talents, perspectives, opinions, traits and characteristics that we will bring down with us to Earth when we go. Mine and Karri's blessings are IDENTICAL. Somehow, as we are rejoicing because of our gifts, Karri and Rudd accidentally bump into each other and some of their gifts, talents and perspectives fall to the floor. As they scramble to pick things up and claim their individual blessings, a few may have gotten mixed up. Just sayin...

OK ya this does sound kinda weird, but I promise it'll make sense. If not, then it may be used for pure entertainment only and reader, I'm sorry to have wasted your precious "facebooking" time. Well, here's an example. Ever since I was 17, I've ALWAYS said to myself that my dream job would be to work in the Temple someday, All the time. I think that would be TOTALLY AMAZING. I don't hear too many others talk about having similar dreams.. Lol but last night as we walked around the observatory, Rudd randomly blurted out that "his dream job would be to work in the Temple all the time." I tried so hard not to yell out "No way!! Me too!!" because it would obviously look like I'm retarded in one way or another.. So I thought nothing of it until later when we somehow got in a conversation about babies and children. As he was talking, I started thinking of how precious babies are to me. They must come directly from Heaven! I thought about how I've always admired their innocence and how I felt that a baby can sense spirituality in a person, and how I'd love to one day ask them what heaven was like because I'm sure they remember it but just cannot express it. Ya know, I kinda think that that's why babies cry when they're born- because they're separated from God and Heaven as a spirit. Think about it- they're also drawn to light.. They are calm whenever they sense spirituality in soft music, etc. Its totally believable!! I'm convinced that they know much more of Heaven than we "adults" do. Where I was going with this, was the fact that my date completely said everything I was thinking at that point.. Coincidentally.. Word for word. We also have VERY similar dreams and aspirations in life- both want to be TV show hosts for a talk show and both thought highly of child psychology and communication.

I don't know if I'll ever see the guy again- maybe at a dance or randomly before I leave for Utah, but I learned a lot from our conversations. I think that we're more of friends than we realize now and I'm sure we'll cross paths again in life.. I'm grateful to have taken the time to make a new friend. He also told me what he admired about his parents most- about how loving, service-oriented and charitable his mother was, and about how wonderful and responsible his father was, and how they work together to support the needs of their children. I love asking friends what they think of their parents- I listen for the qualities that they admire most about their parents and all of them have to do with being selfless and living the Gospel. I want to be just like that when I grow up.. (I always say that.. it's not literal of course)

I want to be the friend I've always wanted.. the mother I've always wanted.. The girl who people look to for advice and for a good influence. I feel that the world is in desperate need of considerate and selfless people, and I want to be a living example of the change I want to see in the world. Ya know?

Thank you for reading my blog and hearing of the wonderful adventures of my weekend!! Stay tuned for the next Amazing blog! Whelp, I gotta go floss my bird's teeth.. Hahaha peace out!