My New Baby!

Isn't she a beauty?! I decided it was time to upgrade. I listed my camera on Amazon a couple of days ago. It sold yesterday. I headed to the store and bought this one today. Right after that I went to the post office to mail my other camera. And then, I had a photo shoot a couple of hours after that!

It was kind of bittersweet parting with my old camera. But, it was time. It wouldn't have been worth anything if I had waited much longer. They don't even make that model anymore. My new camera is a Canon T3i. It has video, more megapixels, etc. Should be good!

Close to the Temple!

I just mapquested my new address and the address of where the Phoenix temple will be. Guess what?! Only FIVE miles away. I'll be pretty close! I'll be there when the open house and the dedication occur. I can't wait to see the progress of the temple and be part of this! (You can bet I'll be visiting the temple site often!)

I Got an Apartment!

Well, things didn't work out with the apartment with the two other RMs. The timing just wasn't right. They wanted to move in at the end of January (and there weren't any available until the end of January). We looked at the apartment complex together tonight. When I left I knew it wasn't going to work, so I headed right over to another complex I had looked at before. I was lucky, the office at this place just happens to be open later on Thursdays.

When I visited this complex a couple of days ago, the earliest they had an apartment available was the 12th of January. That wasn't going to work for me, as I start work on the 7th.

To my surprise, the lady I had been working with on this e-mailed me this morning and said they had had a cancellation and there was a one bedroom available on the 5th. That's when I was looking to move in. Also, this one is $50 cheaper a month than I was originally quoted. So, I signed up.

This should be interesting. I've never lived by myself before. I am looking forward to having my own space to decorate, etc. Although, as of right now I have no furniture. I'll be sleeping off an air mattress for awhile. It's going to be a humble little dwelling. I didn't realize how much it costs to start from scratch... furniture and the little things (Random things... like a toilet brush. They add up.). Most people get presents from their wedding reception to help them start off. I hope they're grateful.

Anyway, I went to Culver's (they have them in AZ) in celebration of this. It's nice to have this taken care of before I leave tomorrow to go to Utah for Christmas. Oh, and I'm really glad this place has a gym! And a couple of pools. :) Did I mention it is right across the street from my work? It'll take me about a minute to get to work.

I'm looking forward to starting fresh... in a new ward, new job, etc. I'm planning on keeping myself very busy, as usual. I do NOT want to be a hermit in my apartment. That's no fun!

Christmas Miracles

I'm lying here in bed, thinking about things. My life has changed so much in recent months and more changes are coming. I cannot deny that I have been led every single step of the way. It took a little faith and a little courage and Heavenly Father has already blessed me a ton. Honestly, as I think back on it all, I am in awe.

I am experiencing a Christmas miracle. I've been offered a job- one with a good company (where there's room for growth. Oh, and where they actually have an HR Department). A job that pays more than my previous job, will cost me less for health insurance (and offers it from day 1- no waiting period), and offers dental insurance.

I'm so grateful!

My Announcement!

Story time!

Last week I applied for a temporary gift wrapping job. This morning the lady e-mailed me and asked me to come interview and fill paperwork out this afternoon. I was driving along the freeway on my way to the interview when I glanced over at my phone sitting on the seat and noticed I had a missed call.

I took the next exit and pulled over to listen to the voicemail they left. It was Best Western (finally!). The lady said she'd try calling again. I thought that was a good sign... if I didn't get the job they'd probably just tell me on the message. So, I called back, but she didn't answer. I then called my mom to see what she thought I should do about the interview I had coming up in just a few minutes. While I was on the phone with her, the lady from Best Western called back. I was offered a job!!! My official title is "Digital Marketing Representative." I will be working with motel owners (each is individually owned) to help them improve their online presence (their websites, social media, etc.). It's full-time with benefits and pays more than my previous job.

Oh, and I will have to travel once or twice a year. Bummer. (Not!) I hope I have to travel to Hawaii.

I'm just in awe at the Lord's timing. I was supposed to hear back about this job last week. I didn't and was getting very impatient. Of course I hear back about it on my way to another interview. I'm glad he stopped me just in time. :) I'm also glad I can finally make some plans. (I am sad that this means I will miss my family vacation to Disneyland next month. Boo.)

Looking back on things, it makes so much sense. If I had moved to Arizona after the holidays (I contemplated it), I wouldn't have gotten this job. I needed to be here to interview for it last month. Also, this is why I didn't feel right about any of the houses I looked at here in Gilbert.

I never considered living in Phoenix. I really had no desire to. But, it's where I'm supposed to be I suppose. The job is in North Phoenix, which is about an hour away from Gilbert.

I actually attended a singles' ward in the area yesterday. I wanted to check things out and see how I felt about the area. The ward I attended seemed "older" and had a good feel to it.

It'll be interesting to see how things unfold. It seems like a good job. I just hope I have awesome co-workers and a good boss.

A Seriously Super Saturday!

Yesterday was a good day. I went for a jog in the morning (in short sleeves-70 degree weather-, I might add). Later, I participated in a study at the ASU Polytechnic campus. It was kind of a random thing- I saw a listing on Craigslist the night before asking for participants. I was skeptical at first, since you can't always trust what's on there. But, I went for it. I've never participated in a study before and didn't know what to expect. Well, it was a computer simulation with the other participants. There were "buyers" and "sellers."

It was a little complicated, but basically, I was a "seller" and had to set prices for my items in order to make profit. I was given the resale value. The purpose of the experiment was to gain more information on people's buying habits. Not sure how that all worked, but hey, it turned out to be pretty simple for me. And, since I was one of the ones who made the most profit, I was actually paid more for my participation! It was an hour and a half of my time and I walked out of there with $50. Pretty awesome.

Saturday evening I had the privilege of hearing Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles speak... in person!!! In fact, I got an awesome seat. I was three rows back. I was literally just a few feet away from an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. So amazing. And, an extra unexpected bonus... we (Young Single Adults in Gilbert) also got to hear from Bishop Gary L. Stevenson (Presiding Bishop) and Elder Walter F. Gonzalez of the 70, as well as Elder Wright of the 70.

I cannot even adequately describe how amazing that fireside was. I am in awe that I got so lucky to be there. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if that is the sole reason I have been in Gilbert (I would not have attended if I was elsewhere. It was only for the Gilbert YSA Stake). I don't plan on being here much longer (probably going to settle in Mesa or Phoenix).

There were so many things said in that fireside that I needed to hear. Elder Cook said he prayed to know what to speak about and got the impression that he needed to speak about doubts and fears. He kept saying, "push your doubts into a corner." He also said, "Emphasize your faith; not your fears." I have a lot of doubts and fears about my life presently and my life in the future. But, I really found comfort in his words. I'm really going to try to overcome those doubts and fears. He said, "I bless you as one of the Lord's apostles that if you will push your doubts away, blessings will come into your life." I believe that.

That was such a great end to a great Saturday!

Today's Tender Mercies

I went on a walk tonight to a little pond nearby which I have decided is my peaceful, happy place. I've really grown fond of it. As I was leaving, the sunset was absolutely gorgeous. That's one thing I've noticed about Arizona- it sure has some amazing sunsets. My phone picture doesn't even do it justice.

When I got back from my walk, I opened my e-mail and saw that I was invited to interview with a company tomorrow morning (talk about short notice!).

Then, later tonight I was driving and I saw a shooting star. I thought maybe I was just seeing things, but no. I saw the star fly across the sky and then it kind of burst. It was pretty cool.

Just some tender mercies from today I thought I'd share.

Thanksgiving in Pictures

We had a relaxing, enjoyable day. The food was delicious!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I got to spend Thanksgiving with these little cuties. Love them! We had turkey today (of course) and enjoyed a nice bike ride.

I have to admit, I did participate in black Friday (Thursday?) shopping tonight. I convinced Dad to come to Wal-mart with me. It was such a zoo, of course. I normally don't do black Friday shopping (because I don't like staying up or getting up really early), but I succumbed this year. I attended Wal-mart's "Event 1" at 8. I stationed myself near the crock pots and hand mixers. I've been thinking about getting a new crock pot. The one I have is really small. Since this one was going for $9.44, I couldn't resist. I also got a hand mixer for $3.88 and Tupperware for $6 something. Success. It was really crazy though. And I do feel bad for the workers. It is sad that we have become a society so hungry for possessions.

It has been a nice holiday. So grateful for time with family. There's always much to be grateful for.

It's Thanksgiving... We are Gonna Have a Good Time!

These pictures were taken tonight at an Asian restaurant called Pei Wei.

I'm here in Utah this week. Wasn't planning on that. Mom called me up and asked me to come for Thanksgiving. Since I don't have a job yet, I decided to come. It's weird, since I just left a month ago. It doesn't really feel like I left at all.

We're celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow since Mom has to work. Dad, Christi and I are heading to St. George on Wednesday to celebrate the official holiday with Traci and fam down there. It should be fun.

I hope you all have a great holiday! In case you haven't seen it, below is a little gem for you to enjoy. It's pretty great.