I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason

"The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit a millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light my not only lead others but warm them as well." - Neal A. Maxwell

I know that I have kind of touched on this topic in a few previous blogs but 1. None of you probably really remember it much and 2. It's been on my mind a lot lately. So, I'm going to write an entry about it anyway.

The quote I started this entry out with was something my Doctrine and Covenants teacher shared with us, and I loved it as soon as I heard it. The concept that the Lord places people in precise orbits meant to bring their lives together is something I've gained my own testimony of in the past few years. It's also something I've been reminded of a lot in the past couple of months because of certain people I have in my life. I'd like to share just a few of the people in my life, whose lights have and are still leading and warming me.

I know, without a shadow of a doubt that God places us in families for a reason. I love my family, I love my parents and my siblings, and I would not be Lydia Ruth Hirschi without the role they have played in my life. My parents are some of my best friends, and growing up I built a relationship with them that a lot of kids aren't lucky enough to have. I tell my parents everything, and because of that they trust me. That is something I truly value. I know that the way my parents raised me helped lead to that trust, that perhaps I wouldn't' have found with someone else. I've been reminded of how much they mean to me in this last week as I helped them pack and move. I was tired and hot and kind of sore, but it was a great feeling to just be working on a project with my family. I know that I was meant to be part of the family I am in, and I am so grateful for that.

Another group of people that Heavenly Father brought into my life were the girls I roomed with during Freshmen year. I know I've mentioned it before, but it still amazes me how girls that have such different personalities could have grown as close as we have. They've helped me through a lot, and I still talk to them about everything. I know that our friendship will last for years to come, probably forever. And I know it all happened because the Lord knew how much I needed them each in my life.

I also feel so blessed to have the girls I roomed with this year in my life. I met Kiera and Amanda in quite interesting ways, and the speed with which we built our friendships could be called miraculous. I'm glad I know that they will always be a par of my life. And it was so great to meet Kinsey and Shannon this year, because they both played a part in who I've grown to be over the last year. I plan on staying in touch with them for a very long time.

Lately I've found another group of close friends from a kind of unexpected source. The people I work with are fantastic! I don't know if I've ever had so much fun with a group of people that I've worked with. We're all pretty close and I talk to them about all the exciting things going on in my life. We enjoy keeping each other updated, and I know I can go them all for advice anytime. I may not see them very often outside of work, but I know that they are a blessing in my life.

Finally, I know the reason I'm in the ward I'm in is so that I could build lasting friendships with people I wouldn't have met any other way. I've got a great circle of friends right now. People I care about, and that I know care about me. We know how to have fun together, and how to help each other through any tough times. I love my life right now because I get to spend time with them on a daily basis.

Something I've mentioned in past entries is that happiness is a choice(it's kind of my current mantra, so deal with me mentioning it a lot). I believe that this plays a role even when it comes to the people we have in our life. The Lord may place our orbits in such a way that they collide, but we have to choose to let others into our lives, and into our hearts. And then we also have to choose to acknowledge the Lord's hand in the friendships and relationships we build.

So next time you meet someone new, consider what the Lord could have in store for that meeting. Don't miss out on the chance to gain a needed friend, or perhaps even more importantly to be that needed friend for someone else. And if life is taking a different direction then you may have expected, realize that the Lord just needs to you be in someone's orbit for a while. It may be for them, but may just as well be for you. And as long as you let the Lord direct your life, you can give and receive the light and warmth you need to be happy in this life.

What I learned during Spring Term

Okay, so some of these may have been mentioned in previous entries, but most haven't, so you'll be okay.

1. All stories are invasion stories, even if they don't seem like it.

2. I can tell you the sentence pattern of any clause or sentence, and then precede to diagram it for you.

3. I know why everybody loves Bro. Bott. He really IS that good.

4. Happiness is a choice.

5. If you spend too much time with someone, they will eventually corrupt you with part of their personality....but there is a whole story behind that one I won't share. Don't worry, its not overly interesting.

6. I can say no to random proposals...6 times in a couple weeks. (Don't worry, they were all jokes)

7. Running through sprinklers at 1 A.M. with your coworkers can be a lot of fun.

8. Spring Term rocks because you get to know more people better.

9. It's okay for me to change my mind, and make random decisions. They just have to be the right ones.

10. Happiness really IS a choice. (I still need to work on that one)

11. Mirror messages are a great mode of communication, but they don't' make up for actually seeing your roommate.

12. I CAN survive college without all of my girls, but it gets really hard sometimes.

13. Don't take 9am classes when you work until 1am. At least not if you need plenty of sleep like I do.

14. You can live off of granola bars and fruit snacks for lunch.

15. You can learn a lot in two months.

That's just a few. I'm really grateful for this opportunity I've had to be where I am in my life right now and to learn these things and many more. I'm looking forward to learning more during summer term, even if it isn't about why you really should say "lie out" instead of "lay out".

Last Day at home

So, I went home for Father's day today. I love my dad. See the previous post. But anyway, my family is moving this week, and I probably wont' be able to make it up to help them because of work and transportation etc. That means that I probably was in our house for the last time ever today. It was home to me for 8 years plus, and since I tend to get a little attached it was a little hard. Not as bad as it could have been, but I still felt pretty sentimental. Enough to take some pictures. My family made fun of me, but I don't care. I want to remember that house, I made a lot of memories there. But my whole family is excited for a new start and a great adventure, it will be awesome. And part of growing up is moving on, so I'm okay with this.

I'm grateful for the chance

to honor and thank my Dad this Father's day. I've always kind of been "Mommy's little girl" which is kind of fitting since I'm the youngest. But that doesn't mean I love my Daddy any less, and he means so much to me. I'm pretty sure he knows that, but just as a reminder to him and everyone else I'm writing this entry to talk about the few things I love most about my Dad.

He taught me to work hard. I've watched him do so much over the years to build a good life for my family. He isn't' afraid to dig in and get his hands dirty if there is something that needs to be done. He can take apart and put back together a whole lot of things, and if anything breaks, Dad can most likely fix it.

That fixing thing extends to more than just objects. I talk to my mom way more than my Dad, but when things are really crazy and I don't know how to handle them, I know I can always turn to him. Somehow he always knows the perfect thing to say to make everything better, or to at least get me heading in the right direction.

Dad knows how to be serious when I need that, but he also knows how to have fun. He is a tease, and he can always make me happier. He is the reason I see teasing as a sign of love and caring, because that is why he did it. I've made some great memories of just goofing around with him when that was exactly what we needed.

I've always known that my Daddy believed in me. He taught me that as long as you give it 100% of your effort you've done the best you can, and you can be proud. He has supported me through all of my efforts for twenty years now, and never once have I doubted that he was there for me.

He hasn't just led and taught my family by word, but also by example. And he has been a great teacher for me of how to live a good life that you can be proud of.

Those are just a few of the reasons I love my Daddy. I am so blessed to be his daughter. I am so thankful for his love, support, and trust over the years. I look forward to many years of the same, and hope he knows just how much he means to me.

Pretty pretty please...with a cherry on top

I know some of you may be getting tired of this request, but I am asking again anyway. There are a whole bunch of new poems on my writing blog from my creative writing class this last term that I would really love to have people read. I would love even more to have some comments, I don't care if you know what you're talking about or not. Or if you totally love them or absolutely hate them. I just want some opinions, I'm trying to improve myself as a writer and feedback helps. So, in case you don't' know it yet, my writing blog is http://lydiasliterature.blogspot.com/
and I would love you forever and ever if you could take a look at some of my stuff. It doesn't' have to be the newer stuff either. And comments are proof that you cared enough to do this for me. (yes I'm trying to guilt you into it, but I'm admitting it so its not that bad and you should do it anyway) Thanks in advance to anyone who is so kind as to help me out.

You all need to see this

Calvin who I work with told me I needed to watch this, so I came home last night and did just that. You all need to see it too. So here is a link for you. http://www.hulu.com/watch/67437/saturday-night-live-high-school-musical-4

if it doesn't work just go to hulu and search for high school musical 4 SNL. It is totally worth your time. Enjoy. :)

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimmng

The pool is open again. FINALLY. I have been going crazy waiting for this because I love swimming. I think sometimes that surprises people, you know, that I'm a swimmer. But it's true. Sometimes I really miss the good old days on swim team when I had a reason to swim laps. I know I didn't' feel that way about it then, but I do now.
The pool is TINY now. And, I have to complain about that. The whole five feet thing I can deal with, because you can do flip turns at three feet, but I think I get about 4 butterfly strokes in before hitting the other side. Yeah, that isn't really the best way to get back into swimming. Which I really want to do. But I realised something today; it has been way too long since I've done some good swimming. My fly stroke felt so slow, and even my freestyle was lacking. Good thing I finally have a pool, just when I'll be getting some free time.
Everyone is all excited about the larger hot tub. And, I appreciate it, I really do. I just wish I could have it and a longer pool. But, I think I'll make do with what we have, since I'm pretty sure I'll have to pay to use the pool on campus.

So, besides my random ramblings about the pool and wanting it to be bigger because I want to swim and not be so out of shape I should tell you about my awesome night. None of it was planned before I did it, but I had so much fun.
I went swimming. And then Chelsea decided to curl my hair. And then we decided to go to the stake BBQ and dance. Where it rained, and we danced in the rain. It was beautiful. And then we came back and I swam again. And then I watched Hairspray with some totally awesome people in my ward.

Which reminds me of something else. I really like Spring term. Why? because all these great people from my ward are still here. And before we knew each other and sure we were friends. But now I'm getting to know them better and hanging out with them. And it is fantastic because they are stupendous people.

Santa Claus came to visit

Well, not really. I lied. But someone just as awesome did come: Amy Gomez! Who may or may not be the coolest older sister that my BFF Sara has ever had. It was awesome to see her. We chilled, mocked Sara for not being there with us, and she helped me decorate an amazing cake for Kiera's birthday(thanks Amy). And that cake was fabulous. But, my camera decided to be all temperamental and not work. So if you want to see pictures either Kiera or Amy will have to help you out there. But anyway, Amy told me all about possible adventures I will have in New Orleans, and now I am more excited than ever!

Plus, not only did I get a visit from Amy, but my sister Sarah stopped by as well, AND we had a party for Kiera. Basically it was an awesome day yesterday. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

P.S. I think I might miss Sara's baby. Otherwise known as her bamboo plant, which Amy came to pick up from my apartment. At least I'm not responsible for keeping it alive though, I'm apparently not the best at that. Since the plant Kaitlin gave me for my birthday is looking a little neglected. (sorry Kaitlin, I promise I love it. I just forget I actually have a living plant)

P.P.S. Kiera left me for a week. All alone in our apartment. I do not like being alone at night. And I do not like the fact that I will have to do cleaning checks by myself, when I'm supposed to be studying for finals. yeah, it sucks. But I hope she has fun visiting Shannon.

A discovery

So, Moydie, a friend of mine has a punching bag. And last night they talked me into trying it. At first I argued that I had to be angry to want to hit something that hard. They said that I didn't have to be angry...and that I probably was angry at something, and just wasn't acknowledging that. Eventually they talked me into it, and I realized they were right. There was something I was angry about.

I think I easily admit being sad, and I easily admit when things have hurt me and caused me sorrow and heartache. But, I don't know how often I really admit that they also make me angry. Last night I did. And I punched that punching bag for three minutes straight. And, WOW, it felt great. I think I shall have to return, Moydie said I can use it anytime I want. And, with how therapeutic last night was, I am planning on taking him up on that offer frequently once Spring Term is over.

Who would have thought that I'd discover a passion for beating up a punching bag? But I think I have.

Having mentioned Spring Term, there are a few more things that I'm planning to do more of once I have extra time: READ!!! Swim, Scrapbook, Study the gospel, have fun, discover new talents, play the piano, spend time outside, exercise. yeah, there are some things I'm looking forward to.

Turn that sad face upside down and smile that frown away.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how I am Happy. Because I am, really, truly, and deeply happy. Even though life isn't' perfect and I still have trials, and all of the bad things from my past, I am happy. I started wondering why that was. It isn't' like my life is so very different or amazingly better than it was when I didn't feel this happy, so what changed?

This is what I realized. I changed. I CHOSE to change. I DECIDED to finally stop letting my pains and sorrows control my life. I CHOSE happiness. The fact really hit me today that happiness is a choice. Even though God wants us to be happy and says that "men are that they might have joy" we still have our free agency. He will never force us to find happiness in this life. It has to be our decision, and we have to be the ones who want it. And that is a glorious thing. Because once we sincerely want to be happy, then the Lord can take away our pains. But he can't do anything about them if we insist on holding them close, keeping our pain right where it can do the most damage.

I'm not perfect at this. I know I still need to let more things go in my life. But I finally realized that I spent way too many years allowing myself to choose unhappiness. And slowly, bit by bit I'm letting my Lord take my pain from me. It is the most beautiful feeling in the world. I can't describe the joy I am finding in my life right now, and I am so grateful for the Atonement that allows that to happen.

So, if you're not happy, figure out why. And let it go. Choose today, this very moment to be happy. And you will be.

My future new home

So my parents bought a house. I haven't seen it yet, but I hear it is beautiful! It is in Fruit Heights, and even without a finished basement has a master suite for my parents, and 2 bedrooms, so David and I will be good. My parents are both really excited about it and so am I. Apparently it has a BEAUTIFUL backyard. And we are all happy because it has a fireplace! Which we have missed. Anyway, eventually I'll have my own pictures of it. But for now if you're interested you can check out THIS link. There are a few pictures you can look at.

A Rose by any other name.....

would mean that this blog entry would have a different title. :) Apparently I'm in a blogging mood of late because in the last 24 hours this will be my third entry, but oh well. You don't have to read them, and for those of you who do...I hope you'll enjoy.

I went for a walk today, a ten minute walk around the block. On one of the corners there is this old house. It looks all worn down and I'm not even sure anyone lives there presently, but I noticed that the yard is full of beautiful roses. I was amazed by them, and they made me think. I was already in a thinking mood, but they gave me a direction to go in. So here are what my thoughts were like.

Everyone always asks a girl what her favorite flower is. I never wanted to be boring and claim the rose, and so I picked something more exciting and unique; the snapdragon. And I do love them, because they are pretty, and you can play with them. However, I realized today that I also love roses. In some of the offices this week there were roses in vases, and I took a chance to smell them. They just made me happy today. I was trying to figure out why roses brought a sense of peace to me, since I've never really thought of them much before today. It didn't take me long to figure it out.

They make me think of a place I can call "home". Not a place I've actually lived, but a place where I know I will always belong, and will always find peace. This place is my grandparents house. And roses make me think of it because my grandpa has a large garden, and along the edge he has tons of rose bushes. They form a frame to the yard that made a great backdrop for my sister's reception last summer. But they aren't just rose bushes, they are rose bushes in nearly every color of rose possible. And grandpa once taught me that every color has its own distinct scent. I've tested it out, and although it can be hard to notice the difference, it is true. Test it for yourself sometime.

Memories like that one, that I have with grandpa in his garden are why I love roses. And I really appreciated that discovery today on my walk. I think I'll have to take that walk more often, at least until the roses stop blooming.

Let the adventures begin

Remember this post? Where I talked about wanting to do something with my life, and how I was going to start this summer? I decided it was time to stop just talking and actually do something about this. So, about a week ago I had an idea I decided to follow through and put into action. This means that today this girl:

(me)

bought a round-trip plane ticket to visit this girl:

(Sara K G)

And we will be reunited again

(like this)

IN LOUISIANA!!! Yep, that's what I said. I'm flying to New Orleans in July to spend a week with my BFF Sara and I am so excited! I couldn't sit still in class today, and I've been making up songs about it all afternoon. (Good thing Kiera is gone for the weekend, even if I do miss her already) I'm sure you can picture it, but I'll give you a sample, it goes to the tune of "Goin to the Chapel"

Goin to Louisiana, and I'm
gonna see Sa-a-ara
Going to Louisiana,
gonna see Sa-a-a-ara
Gee, I'm so excited and I'm
gonna see Sa-a-ara
Goin to Louisiiiana!

Hope you all liked that. I wanted to share my excitement with you all. I don't know what exactly we'll do while I'm there, but I'm ready for an adventure. I do know we're going to the midnight showing of Harry Potter, how sweet is that? And I get to meet the rest of the Gomez family. They've got to be pretty darn awesome because I already love Sara, Amy, and their mom. Yeah, this is going to be awesome. Now I just have to survive a month of waiting. Just be warned that I may post a countdown quite frequently.

P.S. I haven't been on a plane since 8th grade. And I've NEVER flown by myself. So...I'm a little scared about that. And the plane tickets cost me 360 bucks, that's most of one paycheck. But...I get the feeling this will be so worth it! 1 month, 9 days. :)

"It's okay, I read Twilight"

So I was just remembering the other day about an experience my brother shared with me. It went something like this;

He was forced to go to a club in Vegas because the friend he was with wanted to go with his friends, who they happened to be staying with. So there he is at this club, just standing to the side not wanting to be there when two girls come up to him and one of them says,
"You look like a vampire."
Just flat out says that, and while her friend says something like "no way", my brother is looking at them thinking, did you seriously just say that?
Then this crazy girl goes on to say, "You even have kind of pointy teeth." Now on that she has a little bit of a point, even my brother will admit that a couple of his teeth have a point to them, but still, by this time he's thinking she's entirely crazy. Of course she had to make it worse by saying, "But it's okay, I like vampires, I read twilight. And you're cute."
Suffice it to say my brother is thinking this girl belongs in a mental hospital and wondering where in the heck his friend got to. Of course, you're all thinking that the girl who disagreed may be a little more sane than her friend, but then what does she do?
She bites the air at my brother. I don't' really know how else to describe it, but you know what I mean. That really forward flirting technique that I actually find repulsive? Well, my brother thought so too and simply walked away.
Isn't that just funny? You have to wonder if the girls were just stupid, of if they had been drinking or something. Anyway, just thought I'd share that with you, I was certainly laughing when he told me the story.