"Remember" is a place from long ago . . .

"Long ago, far away, life was clear; close your eyes..."


Allow me to reminisce for just a moment as I reflect on the past year of my life, particularly my internship experience . . . .

Exactly one year ago from today I was leaving for Washington, D.C. to begin what would become the greatest adventure and best experience of my life! (so far)
Filled with large amounts of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation I boarded the plane . . . and that is where the story begins.

I have thought about Washington, D.C. every day since returning back in August. I long to go back there so much that it hurts. It literally hurts.

I was perusing through a blog the other day of a friend of a friend who recently returned from doing her internship in D.C. As I looked at pictures and read through stories, I was reminded of my own unique experiences that I had there; people who have become special to me, who have changed my life.

Here are some of the lessons that I learned while in D.C. :

• I have the ability to find and make friends in any place and in any situation.
• No matter where I go, I can always feel at home when I go to church and enter within the sacred walls of the temple.
• Time will rob you of experiences if you allow it; take advantage of every moment you have and make the best of it.
  
• I can make it out there on my own in the big city!
• Life never turns out how you expect it to.

I'll tell you one thing, a year ago I certainly didn't expect to find myself in the current situation that I'm in. Although my life isn't everything that I had hoped right now, I know that my expectations will be realized in the future. And I certainly can't deny the fact that I am learning lessons and making new friends along the way. . .

In commemoration of this great day, I thought I would include some of my absolute favorite Washington, D.C. pictures. I had a hard time narrowing it down so you're going to get a good 15 or more in no particular order . . .
Enjoy!

Mount Vernon

Just looking at this picture makes me crave a Potbelly's ice cream sandwich.
Nothing can compare!

This is where I worked - um, yeah, can you say amazing?

Some of my favorite "regulars" who would come into the fitness center.
These people are the best!

The amazing fitness center staff!

Concert at the Capitol - July 3rd.

Kayaking on my 22nd birthday!

Gotta love 5 Guys!

. . . and of course I had to include a picture of one our potlucks.

Best sushi I have ever tasted!

movie night

David in his infamous baby-blue polo.

Cupcakes on Ashley's 21st birthday.

My last evening in D.C.

What little boys are made of . . .

Yesterday morning I had the opportunity to babysit my little nephew, Eli, and his older brother Nathan. They are both so adorable!


As you can see, baby Eli is not so little anymore. He will be one year old on June 26th! I can't believe it. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I got the phone call telling me that I was an aunt: I was in downtown Washington, D.C. (Chinatown to be exact) with some of my best friends. It had been an uneventful night of wandering and we were just getting in the car to drive home when I got the call. I was so excited and overcome with emotion. I had no idea you could love somebody immediately without even meeting them.


Since it is an open adoption, we get to see Eli every few months. His whole family is so great, and I love having the opportunity to occasionally see them and spend time with them. I am looking forward to attending Eli's first birthday party next month!

A rude awakening

Lately, as I have had plenty of time to contemplate my life and the direction I am headed, I thought that I had finally settled on something that I want to do when I grow up. As many of you know, I have a passion for health and the human body as well as caring for other people. Why not become a nurse? I questioned myself. I talked myself through the fact that I may have to clean many a dirty bed (which had held me back from considering this option sooner), and resolved that I would just have to grin and bear it, because all the other work I would be doing would make it so worth it. Finally I had found direction! You have know idea how exciting this is after you have been floundering around in a sort of limbo for the past five months! I began researching schools, financial aid options, prerequisite requirements, and so on. It felt so good to be working towards something.
Well, all my plans and dreams were rudely interrupted and cut short this morning as I was reminded of the fact that I don't do well with blood. I never have been able to stomach it, and fear that I never will. Heaven help me when I have small, adventurous children who will surely sustain scraped knees, cuts, and possible broken bones. . .
My mother cut her finger while working out on the deck yesterday and asked me this morning to help her find any possible slivers that may have remained in the wound. Looking at the cut alone already made me feel a little queasy, but I decided to face my fears and help. My job was to peel back the skin with a pair of tweezers while she dug around (literally) in her finger to find stray pieces of wood. The cut started oozing blood and, much to my dismay, I just couldn't handle it. I was absolutely no help to my mom and had to leave the room. I could hardly stand without feeling woozy. Pathetic. I was reminded of similar instances where that same feeling would flood through my body, like the time I tried to help my dad remove stitches from the horse, or when I had to have blood drawn, or even times when I would cut myself shaving in the shower. Super pathetic.
Now I am back to square one trying to figure out some other medical career that piques my interest and that does NOT involve blood. I am open to suggestions . . . .

My Dad's Wedding!

As promised, here are some pictures from my dad's wedding! I am hoping to get more pictures later since all the ones I took are on Chris's camera. It was such an awesome experience to be there for the wedding, and it made me feel good to see my dad so happy. :) He couldn't stop smiling. Amber and I had to tease him about being nervous beforehand too. How many girls get that opportunity?

The wedding ceremony

Here is my dad and Chris with my four new step-brothers: Bobby, Zac, Grady, and Trenton.

Nana, Grandpa, Dad, and Chris


Me showing off the card that Amber and I made for the newlyweds.


And of course we couldn't pass up the opportunity to take pictures of ourselves . . . being goofy.