Cardinal and Gold....With a Little Bit of Blue.

So every year the UCLA marching band has a "Band Day" where different high schools come and bring their bands and they get to play with the UCLA marching band and they also get in free at the game that day. The high school I teach at participates in this band day so I, being a lifelong USC fan, got to see what these UCLA games were like. I bought a UCLA t-shirt just for the occasion, which my family responded by calling me a traitor. But you know me... I always have to dress and match for the occasion. Well, the game itself wasn't that great. It was exciting in terms of football and it was exciting to be there with the people I love most besides my family. The band did great and Mallorie and I looked great haha. It was REALLY hot though so we peaced out early to get out of the heat. Overall fun day, but my heart still lay with USC. So on Friday night my dad comes home with four tickets to the USC v. Cal game! Yes! We just HAD to go. I rushed out that night and bought my mom and I USC shirts to wear for the game. We all have our share of USC gear, but after all these years, I still didn't have a short-sleeve USC shirt, so I simply had to get one because... I always have to dress and match for the occasion =] Raymond also went with us to the game yesterday. And it was an AMAZING game! Before half time the score was USC- 42, Cal- 0. It was fabulous. USC games are just more fun in general, even if it means drunk people. I loved seeing the band! My best friend's husband insists that they suck and that they have no musicality butttt they are still so entertaining, and even though they play the Spirit of Troy about 1000 times per game, I still love it and nothing can beat that song! I loved being out with my family, and getting away from the stresses that life has brought to us. I'm glad my dad was able to have a fun break away from the cloud that has been over his head, and he did it in his favorite way. So yes, I bought a UCLA shirt and went to a UCLA game, but nothing can replace the Cardinal and Gold. Fight On forever!

Am I Supposed to be Loving This Time of Year or Hating It?

Like I've said before, I truly suck at blogging. It's like keeeping a journal which I have never been good at and so I seem to update this thing like once every 4 months or something. But once again, I am going to try to do better especially since this is the time of year where there are tons of things to blog about. I love Autumn. I love the colors, the weather, just the overall feel of what Fall is. It also gives way to Christmas time which is my favorite time of year. But this Fall is different in many ways. There is a lot going on with me and the family and quite frankly I can't decide whether or not I'm supposed to be loving this time of year or completely hating it. There are a few reasons why: 1) I actually MISS Idaho. That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard myself say but unfortunately it's true. I miss my friends mostly and the spiritual environment there. I usually love coming home and I dread going back, but I am anxious for school to start for me again. 2) My sister is getting married! How crazy is that?! I can hardly believe it. Of course I knew my sister would get married one day but for some reason I've always had my mind closed off to the fact that I would live to see the day when it actually happened. It's sort of surreal for me. She's my only sister and she found her eternal companion! I am going to have a new brother! I am going to have nieces and nephews soon! (Not too soon..) It shatters my entire universe. But I couldn't be happier for her and I am having fun planning the wedding with my mom. I think my mom is enjoying it as well even though I am sure it is also stressing her out like crazy. But it will be simply beautiful. 3) I'm working at Alhambra High School again this year with the marching band. It is definitely a different experience this year to say the least. I miss a lot of the kids who graduated this past year. The band is definitely missing something without them. This year the band lacks motivation and drive and the desire to be great. It's something that I am struggling working with. In addition to teaching the kids the proper technique of marching and teaching them a 7 minute field show, I work as a motivator as well. However, it's hard to motivate and inspire them when they act like they don't even want to be motivated. Most days I feel that I am at a loss with those kids. I love them with every fiber of my being, like they were my own babies. But most days they look at me and the rest of the staff with blank faces and they don't seem to be retaining anything. Over the course of the season thus far we have tried different methods of getting through to them, but nothing seems to be working. Hence my feeling of being at a loss. I don't know. It's just not going as I had hoped. Hopefully things turn around, and soon. We're running out of time. 4) My dad's trial started yesterday for the second time. Wow, it was exhausting. I don't know how my dad does it. In the two hours I was there listening, I felt totally drained and tense afterward. I walked out with a headache and I was just sitting there listening to them... listening to them attack my dad that is. I won't say too much about it except that I think I should become an attorney becuase I'm pretty sure I can do better than the low-lifes on the prosecuting side. I've never heard worse lawyers. It's actually quite entertaining to listen to them stumble over their words. They probably have such a hard time because they know they don't really have any real evidence that my dad is guilty. Well, there is a lot I'd like to say about this, but there will be a time and place for that when this is all over. In the mean time, keep my family in your prayers. I hope we can get through this alive. Like we really need this in the midst of everything else. Like.... 5) My dad's campaign! Yayayayay! It's going to be a real race this time around. Usually my dad has this thing in the bag. But because of this stupid trial it's going to be a real challenge for him to be re-elected. Despite everything, I know that my dad deserves it the most and that he's the best man for the job. Serving the community is what he lives for. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn't lose that. So in addition to your prayers, I also ask for your VOTE! Vote Rex Gutierrez for the Rancho Cucamonga City Council! So those are just a few things that are going on that are making life just a little bit more difficult. Oh wait, I forgot one-- I CAN'T GET A DRIVER'S LICENSE! I don't think I'll ever get it. I've failed the test twice now. I just got a new permit yesterday so I get three more chances before I need ANOTHER new permit. Basically my feelings on this are CALIFORNIA SUCKS! I'm a good driver.. I just can't catch a break in this forsaken state. Anyways, so am I supposed to be loving this time of year? Well, yes, I should be. But am I? Like hell I am. Maybe my attitude has something to do with it. Let's see if I can't make the next 3 months more enjoyable. Until next time! <3

UTAH: the 4th and Blue Devils!

I love Utah! This past weekend I went to Provo, Utah for 4th of July weekend to visit my sister. I love visiting my sister and spending time with her. This was the first time this semester I've had the opportunity to visit her and it was fun as always but a little bit different of an experience. This time around we had my sister's boyfriend with us, who I see being my future brother-in-law very soon. I enjoyed very much getting to know him better and he is a really great guy. I'm glad he makes her happy and that he treats her well, because she deserves the best. So we had plenty to do over the weekend. On Friday Alison and I went to see Eclipse. I had already seen it at midnight but I wanted to be with Alison when she saw it for the first time. It's definitely good compared to the previous two. Team Jacob all the way! Then on Saturday we watched the firework show that was held at the BYU stadium. We watched from the fields above the MTC. It was cool to see where I'll be living in 6 months! Sunday we went to church and my sister gave a lovely Sunday school about the fall of King David. Then Alison made Steven and I a dinner of hot dogs and ice cream pie! After that we headed to Salt Lake to meet Steven's family and light our own fireworks and homemade bombs. It was pretty sweet. Monday morning I woke up early and walked with Steven to the park to meet Alison at the finish line of her 10K run! I am so proud of her! She made it in 54 minutes! She was disappointed with that time but I couldn't do that in a million years so I was so impressed! Overall it was a fun weekend and it was glad to get away from Rexburg! So less than 48 hours after I got home from Provo I left again on Wednesday afternoon for Ogden, Utah! I had originally wanted to go home for 4th of July weekend because there was going to be a drum corp show that weekend and I was dying to go to see one of my best friends Kyle in Blue Devils, the number one drum corp in America! It ended up not working out because I had a band concert Thursday and I was bummed all weekend because I couldn't make it to see Kyle. Well, on Sunday I went to Blue Devils' website to check their schedule JUST TO MAKE SURE that there wasn't a show that was possible for me to go to. Sure enough, the schedule said that there was a show in Ogden, Utah on July 7! I simply had to go. I decided not to let Kyle know that I was coming; I wanted to surprise him! He wasn't going to be expecting a familiar place all the way in Utah and I wanted him to be surprised when he saw me! So on Monday night at 11:30 pm my bestie Jessica and I made arrangements to go to the show on Wednesday! It was completely crazy and would be a long way but I had to do it! So on Wednesday after Jessica and I got out of class, we left for Ogden at 3:45 and drove the three hours there. We got there at exactly 7 pm and we went to straight in search of Blue Devils. When we found them, I instantly spotted Kyle but it took a second for him to see me. When he saw me, he had to do a double take and then the look on his face when he realized it was me was PRICELESS. He had this look mixed with confusion and surprise. It was fabulous. To make the day even better, I scored two free tickets for Jessica and I from the nicest lady who wouldn't let me pay for them! The show was amazing and better than I expected! I am so proud of Kyle for all that he has achieved. It took him three tries to finally make it into Blue Devils and now he is thriving in the group. It was wonderful to see him and to catch up with him; I miss that kid like crazy! After spending three and a half hours in Ogden, we said our goodbyes and Jessica and I drove three hours back to Rexburg. The day was simply amazing and it was worth every penny and the three hour drive each way!

I Will Give You Rest

The scripture Matthew 11: 28-30 has been on my mind as of late: "Come unto me, all yea that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Lots to Share!

So I clearly am terrible at blogging... I always think I have nothing to blog about but now that it's been forever, I have SO much to blog about. So this is going to be a long one! First off, I'm in my 4th semester here at BYU-Idaho and I'm half way through already! The first half of the semester, I can honestly say, was terrible. I am only taking 15 credits, but they all required so much work, I had little time to do much else. FHE was pretty much my sole source of fun. I have a great FHE group this semester. The guys are a bunch of goof balls. Next, this past semester I had the opportunity of going to my sister's graduation at BYU! She got her Masters in Public Administration with an emphasis on non-profit organizations. She's amazing and is such a good example to me. She is someone I try to live up to and I want to follow in her footsteps. Another SUPER exciting part of the semester is I had the opportunity to go home and be Maid of Honor in my best friend Mindi's wedding! It was SUCH a beautiful day and it was so exciting! She's my second best friend to get married and I couldn't be happier for her! She is such an amazing girl and her new husband is perfect for her. I wish them the best of luck. I know that they will last forever! I was honored to be her maid of honor! Sometimes BYU-I brings awesome groups to perform and have shows at the school. As BYU-I students we get discounted prices on the tickets to these events. A couple of weeks ago the Nashville Tribute Band came to do a couple of shows! The first time I had ever heard of them/ seen them perform was this last fall back in Rancho Cucamonga. Someone from our stake knows them personally and had them come to do an exclusive show for the missionaries. Basically it was the missionaries' jobs to spread the word about the show. Unfortunately, it came as such short notice and they performing at such an awkward time (Monday afternoon, when everyone is working) that the turn-out was pathetic. But being buddies with the missionaries in our ward, my friends and I got word of the show and we attended. It was truly a delight! The band has two albums and one in the making. Their first is a Nashville Tribute to Joseph Smith; the second is a tribute to the pioneers; and their upcoming album is a tribute to the missionaries. Anyhow, Rancho is where I saw them the first time and I remembered enjoying them so much that when I saw the poster for their appearance in Rexburg, I had to go. I bought a ticket for myself and for my best friend, Jessica. We had such a fun night! I don't typically like country music, but this music is different because this band is literally testifying of the truthfulness of the Prophet of this dispensation, the pioneers and their hardships, and the beloved missionaries who do the work today. The spirit is strong during their performances and I love it. There was a meet and greet after the show so Jessica and I had the chance to purchase one of the albums and have them sign it! I told them that I had the opportunity to see them in Rancho as well and that got them all excited. Another cool thing was that the band traditionally has a guest female singer who sings the songs of Emma and the women in the stories. That weekends guest was Katherine Nelson who plays Emma Smith in the movie Emma Smith: My Story! I believe she also plays Joseph's wife in the Joseph Smith movie that played in all the temple visitor's centers for a while. I also remembered that she had done a fireside in Rancho years ago like when I first turned 12 or something! I had never made the connection that she was the same person! So, after the show I had her sign my cd as well and I told her that I remembered her fireside in Rancho. Turns out she's from Upland and Jessica and I had a wonderful time talking to her extensively about southern California and her performances in the show and in Emma Smith. What an amazing woman! It was an honor meeting her! That night was truly a highlight of my semester! Finally, this past weekend there was a 3 day weekend for Memorial and I had the chance to get together with my cousin Allie, who also goes here, and go up to Boise to visit our grandparents. I usually go at least once a semester, but I'm normally by myself. It was so nice to have a friend there this time. We had such a good time! It was the first time we've gotten together in years! I really enjoyed her company and I hope she had a good time too! We both love the camera and we had lots of fun taking pictures by the lovely waterfall in the neighborhood where my grandparents live! I'm glad we get reacquainted with each other and I'm glad we get along just as well now as we did when we were kids! I love that girl! We also had such a good time with our grandparents! They are so amazing! We wouldn't trade them for any other grandparents in the world!

Bishops: Servants of the Lord

I am so grateful for all the bishops throughout the world who serve their members so faithfully. I have been so blessed throughout my life. The bishops in my life have been willing to take me under their wing and teach and guide me through the rough times in my life. They take the time out of their busy schedules to sit down with me and simply make sure that I'm doing alright and that I am still on the strait and narrow. And the amazing thing is that these men don't just do this with me, but with 100-200 other people at the same time. They give up so much of their time; time that could be spent with family or doing the things they love. But they spend what little spare time they have to serve the members of their ward family and they do whatever they can for them. I'm so grateful for the bishops I've had throughout my life, especially for the bishop I have at home in the singles ward and here in Idaho. They both have brought out the best in me and have helped me see my full potential and that I don't have to settle for less than I deserve. I'm so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It makes me who I am today and I would be lost without it. No words can express the sheer gratitude and love I have for my Savior, my Brother, Jesus Christ. Nothing in this world could ever matter more than the Atonement because I apply it in my life every single day. I am eternally grateful for the saving ordinance of the Atonement.

Apostle of the Lord

Today Elder Russell M. Nelson came to BYU-Idaho to speak at our Tuesday devotional. I had the opportunity to sit in the second row and be up close and personal. I have seen a few other apostles at BYU-Idaho before and they have always been amazing spiritual experiences. Today's experience, however, is by far the greatest. It is custom that when the prophet or apostles enter the room, everyone stands. Today as I stood up as Elder Nelson entered the auditorium the Spirit hit me like I've never felt it before. I felt pressure on my chest and I felt as though I couldn't breathe for a second. Then the Spirit rushed through me as I saw him. I have never felt the Spirit quite like that before in my life. I continued to feel the Spirit as Elder Nelson gave his talk. He spoke of searching the holy scriptures and seeking an education continually. After the devotional I had the amazing opportunity of shaking Elder Nelson's hand. I looked in his eyes and told him that he looks like my grandpa right down to the sparkle in his eye and that he is my favorite apostle. He smiled at me and said, "Well, thank you, it's so nice to meet you." What a great man! It was definitely an experience to remember forever!

Sistee

Yesterday was my 20th birthday and it was an amazing one for two reason. The first is my sister. On Thursday I got home from class and I got a call from my older sister who lives in Provo. She said, "What are you doing?" and I said, "Nothing much, just got home. What are you doing?" and she said, "Just driving to Target." and then she said, "Have you gotten my package yet?" and I said, "No, not yet, hopefully it comes today." And then she smoothly asked, "What apartment are you in again? I don't know if I wrote the right one on the box." I said, "309". She said, "Good, that's what I put." So that was that and we ended the conversation and hung up the phone. Then about 10 minutes later, there's a knock on my bedroom door. I say, "Come in." My back was facing the door so I hear it open behind me so I turn around to look who it is. And there, standing in the doorway, was my sister. Holy crap. My first thought was, "This is a dream." And then I realized I wasn't dreaming and I almost started crying as I got up to hug her. What an amazing sister I have. She drove 4 hours from Provo on icy roads just to be with me for my birthday. I have been feeling kind of homesick so I was so glad to have her with me for my birthday. I love my sistee more than she knows; she's such an amazing example to me. My birthday was also awesome because I have amazing friends. I love Hannah Montana. And on my birthday my friends surprised me with all this awesome Hannah Montana stuff. I love it. My friends and my sister did a lot to make my birthday special and it was definitely a special one. Thank you to them and everyone who sent me birthday wishes. Thanks mommy and daddy for the George Foreman!! It will make my life easy =] Love you!

New Blog, New Semester

So I'm starting a blog... This is way complicated for me. I probably will suck at this for a while. In addition to starting a blog I am also starting my third semester at BYU-Idaho. I guess even though it's -29 degrees here I am blessed to have the opportunity to receive my education at this university. Every day I have the opportunity to walk on dedicated, holy ground and attend my classes in dedicated buildings. I get to start every class with a prayer and a hymn. I get to listen to servants of the Lord speak inspired words every Tuesday. I live and attend a place that has the Lord's university and his temple on the same hill. That is truly an amazing blessing and I plan to take full advantage of it. I miss my friends and especially my family while I am here but my family has sacrificed much to allow me to come here and I will not disappoint or take for granted their sacrifice. I love my family.

Blog Entry on Friedman

We have been talking about something similar to this in my Social Work class. Franklin D. Roosevelt had said that public assistance should not be a matter of charity but a matter of justice. I think Obama is saying something similar. He's calling for change in that we look at those who are struggling in a different way and we see that it's our duty to help them. In this light I definitely see myself responding to that change of helping our fellow man by becoming more educated on the developing world. I also learned in my writing class that indifference is worse than hate. Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, said, "To be indifferent to suffering is what makes the human inhuman." Hate at least elicits a response to suffering in contrast to indifference which is just unfeeling and heartless. I want to be educated on the suffering outside our borders and form an opinion whether good or bad to it. I fully agree with Friedman that we need to encourage others to develop a positive imagination and export hope instead of fear. Not just with developing nations, but even this nation is spiraling our of control and hope and positive imagination is really all we have to get us out of this mess. I think it's important to remember that we're all in this together and together we got into this mess and together we have to get out. Without hope there is nothing. We have to tackle the suffering head on and deal with it, not shy away in fear.