Of a purring cat.

I love waking up and falling asleep to the sound of a purring cat cuddled next to me... Or on top of me. 

Of kitty cuddles.

Of clean tv shows.

Lately I've started a couple new tv shows and get about 3 episodes in and quit cuz they are raunchy or violent or just boring. It is nice to have TV shows that avoid that. And good theatre too. Shout out to Stewart Lemoine, the most fantastic playwright in all of Edmonton. 

Of scavenger hunts.

I have a dear friend who likes to be crazy and over the top with me and I love her for it. She and I have been planning a Bond themed scavenger hunt for a month and today was the day it all came together and I loved it. Man, I just love my friends :) 

My sister.

'Nuff said. 

Of those moments when you just know you are in the right place doing the right thing.

I had one of those moments today. And it rocked. 

Oh. And Carla came to visit me and that is always epic. 

And we had roommate bonding time. 

And I love Settlers of Catan. And my friends. And missionary work. All of that is awesome. 

Of answers found when listening to the Spirit.

I'd like to think of myself as a religious person and while I may not always be perfect, I do strive to do what I can to live a good, honest, Christ-centred life. 

Today I was really blessed. I almost didn't go to my Institute class because there was this work function I could go to and then I just wasn't feeling great and wanted to stay home. Some lame reasons really. But, thanks to a good friend's prodding I decided to go and I am so glad I did. 

It was one of those classes where I found answers and I found peace. It wasn't what the teacher said or what anyone else said either but those presented invited the Spirit into the room and that is exactly what I needed. I truly believe that tonight, the Spirit spoke to my heart and answered a question that has weighed on my mind for the last year. Amazing. Seriously amazing. And I am so grateful to have access to programs and classes and organizations that give me opportunities like this to have those moment.

Aw man. It was just super awesome. Yup. The church is pretty awesome. And I have some really fantastic friends. 

Of frozen yogurt.

A new froyo placed opened by my house. It is delicious beyond explanation. Cake batter froyo. Enough said. I love that it is so close. I love that I have friends. I love that I can combine the joy of froyo with my friends. It's golden. 

Human Fooseball

So. Fun.

I love fhe.

I'm gonna hurt tomorrow.

Of kisses and folding arms.

Carla came to visit this weekend and that always comes with hilarious goodness. We shopped and went to the Red Piano and laughed and chatted and went to church and all that good stuff. I just love having her around and I am incredibly upset that she decided to move. Brat. The weekend was great and had hilarious inside joke moments that I am sure we will laugh about for a very long time. All I'm all a good weekend and a good day.

Also, five hour naps never hurt anyone.

Of new friends.

Making new friends makes me feel like I'm back in elementary asking someone if they want I play with me at recess or if I can be in their club. It's always nerve racking and I seriously feel like I am still just as awkward as 7 year old Randi was. But every once in awhile it pays off! And I feel awesome and so blessed to have someone new be a part of my life. Yay! I also love dancing. And hilarious and awesome Stake Conferences.

Of Books.

I like to read. I don't read nearly as much as I would like to but every once in awhile I go on a reading binge. I sit and read for hours on end sacrificing sleep and food as I turn page after page as I progress towards the end of the book. I love those peaceful moments where I can escape real life as I curl up in bed and immerse myself in the different world that can be found within the pages of a book. And a huge part of me finds great satisfaction in finding mistakes in books. Doesn't matter if it is spelling or grammar, it makes me feel awesome and smart.

Of criminal minds marathons.

Of job offers.

Yup. They rock.

Of my Mom.

She is awesome.
She is cooler than you're mom.
She puts Nutella on a graham cracker for me and then tells me if I want more I'll have to do it my own darn self cuz she raised me to be self sufficient.
She dyes my hair.
She listens to me rant.
She lets me steal her clothes.
She supports me financially when times are hard.
She encourages me to travel and experience life.
She taught me so much about patience and hard work and perseverance and forgiveness.
She stays up late to hang out with me when I come over.
She makes me corn casserole.
She gives the best hugs ever. They could cure cancer.
She loves me.
She worries about me because she loves me... And cuz she's a worrier.
Basically she is the best ever.
And you should be jealous she isn't your mom.

Of Ryan Gosling.

Movie marathon with Sarah. Weekends don't start off much better than this!

Of beautiful snow storms.

I hate the cold but I love how beautiful the snow is and can be. Seriously gorgeous. We got around 30 cm in ten hours or so. It is ridiculously beautiful. It was stay inside and watch movies beautiful. And that is exactly what I did.

Of clean sheets.

I had free time. Enough to change and wash my sheets and take out the garbage. That's a good day.

Of endless laughter and giggling.

I have some awesome friends. They get my sense of humour. We have fun. Oh so very much fun

Of analogies.

Today in RS we were talking about being childlike. We talked about how children are small and how they grow and learn sooooo much sooooo fast. Then we moved on to discuss the parallels to the gospel in this and a thought hit me.

When a child is learning to walk it often spends more time on its face than on its feet and we are no different as we go through this life and build our testimonies and are tried. We will probably spend more time on our face than on our feet. In spite of all this there is constantly my Father there and the minute I fall on my face and begin to cry He is right there picking me up and plopping me right back on my feet (whether I want to or not) with every confidence that I will get it this time. He holds me and comforts me and puts band aids on my wounds when I fall really hard. And even more often than that when I am about to fall He is there to catch me and balance me before I hit the ground. Oh man. Love it.

Ahh!! THE CHURCH IS SO AWESOME!!!

Of analogies.

Today in RS we were talking about being childlike. We talked about how children are small and how they grow and learn sooooo much sooooo fast. Then we moved on to discuss the parallels to the gospel in this and a thought hit me.

When a child is learning to walk it often spends more time on its face than on its feet and we are no different as we go through this life and build our testimonies and are tried. We will probably spend more time on our face than on our feet. In spite of all this there is constantly my Father there and the minute I fall on my face and begin to cry He is right there picking me up and plopping me right back on my feet (whether I want to or not) with every confidence that I will get it this time. He holds me and comforts me and puts band aids on my wounds when I fall really hard. And even more often than that when I am about to fall He is there to catch me and balance me before I hit the ground. Oh man. Love it.

Ahh!! THE CHURCH IS SO AWESOME!!!

Of friends.

I feel like I have friends and I like it. It is hard sometimes cuz I don't quite feel like I have that group of friends that I could call up and know they'd come over and hang out and we could have a jolly good time. I have friends scattered all over but they aren't connected and they're not that one group that I really wish I could have and rely on.

This weekend was really good though. I spent time with people that normally wouldn't and we bonded. And I felt loved. And comfortable. Maybe that's the difference. I haven't felt comfortable in a group for awhile. I don't know what it is that changed and I don't care. I have friends. And I am grateful for them and they made today awesome.

I have a plan.

My life has been in shambles lately. It has been killing me. I don't know what to do or how to do it. I don't know what I want to do with my life or what industry I want to be in or anything. I feel so ridiculously lost all the time. I had a breakdown and my fantastically awesome home teachers came over and gave me a blessing. I didn't tell me exactly what I should be doing step by step like I secretly hope it will every time but it was a blessing of comfort and affirmation that things will did a way to work out, that He does have a plan for me, and things are happening for a reason. At work yesterday a plan started to formulate. Doesn't mean that's what's going to happen or that it'll work out unit I am finding great comfort in at least having a direction to work towards. So, we will see.

Also, today, well yesterday truthfully, was awesome because of great friends. One old. One new. The new friend invited me out for dinner and we sat and bonded. We chatted for hours and it was great to open up to someone and have them open up to me too. It was fantastic. Then the old came over and we did makeovers and partied.

It seriously an awesome day. And ended it with cactus cut potatoes at BPs. Awwwesome.

Of late night Chinese.

Mmm.... Ginger beef.

And getting that message, note, text right when you need it.

And friends who are willing to listen to your crap.

Of super long naps.

Yup. Five hours later. Feeling awesome. Sooooooo needed.

Life kinda sucks right now and yet I am still loving it!

So, my job is falling apart and my car is 100% dead and I have to move next month. A lot of things are seriously falling apart and yet I am still just loving life. Many things could contribute to that but doesn't matter what those are. I am just grateful I'm feeling so positive. I'm just loving it! Woot!

The roadshow.

Acting and singing. I love it.

Of butterflies in my stomach.

Giddy. Excited. Butterflies.

Love them all.

Of silver linings.

1) I get to sleep on the couch.
2) I am not setting an alarm.
3) I had popcorn for dinner.
4) a super long weekend.

Of my competitive and fearless nature... Sometimes.

I went skiing today. It was so fantastically awesome. Last time I went skiing I was probably six or younger. So needless to say it was quite awhile ago. I went with some friends and it was SO much fun. A lot of that had to do with the fact that I am willing to push until I accomplish my goal and I had some pretty good coaches. I am going to really hurt tomorrow but I feel so awesome!!!!

Of a clean house, the smell of clean laundry, and dedication.

My good friend, Dave introduced me to this app called Lift. It has been such a blessing. I am forming good habits and growing and getting so much accomplished. Basically it is an app where you make a list of goals and join groups of people with the same goals as you. Then every time you complete a goal you check it off. And then people from that groups can give you props for doing it and it just makes me feel so fantastic. I am accomplishing so much more now and building routines and habits and eating healthier and all that good stuff! And my house smells like clean laundry :)

Of my little brothers and the priesthood.

Today in Sunday school we talked about the Aaronic priesthood. It caused me to reflect on my fantastic little brothers who I love so so much. I love that my little brothers value their privilege to hold the priesthood. Super cool. Yay for the restored gospel!

Of zombies.

I hate zombies. I think they are gross and ridiculous. That being said I do love themed movie nights with Kaleena. This time we decided to go see Warm Bodies dressed as zombies and drink red juice and eat spaghetti that we dubbed as brains. The movie was hilarious. I had a blast getting ready. And really, any time spent with Kaleena is good time.

Of long conversations with Dad.

I love my dad. He loves me. It's awesome. We had a fantastic hour long conversation today and it was a pretty fantastic chat. Loved it.

Of impromptu Skype dates.

I hate that my friends are far away but I love that I can still feel like they are close. Yes Dave, this is in reference to you. Thanks for brightening my day.

Of small accomplishments.

Today I bought floss. And used it. And checked it off a list. Makes me feel pretty awesome.

Of old friends.

Today I went and got together with my old friend Jenn who I haven't seen in years. It was fantastic. I have missed her and our awesome chats. I'm definitely grateful for good friends who love me always. Even when we are super awkward.

Of family games.

Yesterday we went to my uncle's house to play games. I love games. Like a lot. And I love my uncle and his family. I wasn't feeling great and didn't want to go but I did and I am soooo glad that I did.

Of leaderships and callings.

My bishop is pretty awesome. He reaches out and is supportive and told me to plan a trip. That's a good bishop in my books.

My calling as a ward missionary is hard for me but I love the challenge and it builds my testimony. Love it.

And I got to spend time with Sarah today. I've missed her. Lots. Yay for old friends!

My best friends. Excel, Damon and Sarah.

Tonight was awesome. I spent it with my favourite tv boyfriend, Damon Salvatore. That immediately makes it a fantastic evening. It was even better though cuz it was spent with Sarah, my person and excel, my BFF. All in all a fantastic evening.

Of cousins.

Yesterday I got to know my cousin better. It was awesome and hilarious and very enjoyable. We laughed. We made a trip to Michael's. I met new people. We gave each other henna tattoos. It was super fun. I'd do it again.

Of surprises.

I had an exciting surprise/tender mercy today that is hugely appreciated and not only makes my next adventure a reality but it also ensures that I will be able to use my Spanish and be relied upon and be a needed resource. I am so excited. Makes me feel like all of my work and the money spent to use learn and use the language will have paid off.

Of basketball.

Okay.... So I have been horrible. Friday I was grateful for basketball. I went to the EQ bball tournament and it was fantastic. It brought me right back to my high school days and I love, love, loved it. Made me want to play again.

Of Jodes.

Good roommates are hard to come by. Soulmate roommates are even harder. I'm gonna miss her. For many reasons.

Including:
Laughing a lot.
Being equally loud.
Her awesome style.
The way he talks and her quirky vocabulary. (Dude, man, fact, I have a testimony of that)
She put up with my crap.
Her fiery personality.
Her love for Vampire Diaries.
She took baths as long as mine.
Her crafty scrapbooking.
Her love for diet coke.
Her constant diet changes.
Her crazy workout schedule.
Our trip to chapters.
Our long talks about boys.
Her fierce loyalty to me.
Our night at the ballet.
Our night wandering the legislature grounds.
Late night junk food.
Midday junk food.
Okay, constant junk food cuz her new diet always seemed to be starting tomorrow.
Her ranting.
Her sarcasm.
Her swearing.
The time we spent joking in the back of the class in Sunday school.
Our trip to the Red Piano.
Dancing in the car.
Slightly inappropriate dance tunes.
Our theme song.
TV binges.
Her love for Anthony.
Her love for Pinterest. It's almost as strong as her love for Anthony.

I could go on but I need sleep. Let's just say she is awesome. In a million ways and it has been fantastic living with her am I am sad it had to come to an end. Stupid goodbyes....

Of long walks and nail polish.

Today my car died when it was -25 which felt like -34 with the wind chill. I sat for an hour in the cold while I waited for a tow and then walked 25 blocks from the shop to work. I know there were other options but they all sucked so I went with the walking option. Even though my feet and hands and legs and basically every body part was numb and I fell and it took HOURS to warm up, there is something oddly awesome about surviving a walk in those conditions. Made me feel patriotic. And it was generally awesome. Assuming I didn't get frostbite. If I got frostbite I will be viewing this situation a whole lot differently.

Also, painting your nails is quite therapeutic while simultaneously being waaaayyyy frustrating. I never paint them because I end up chewing on my nails and the paint chips but in spite of that it is still kinda fun to do. Side note: it is impossible not to mess at least one nail up once your done painting. Took me a grand total of 12 seconds this time. Oops.

Of family.

Sometimes life is stressful and overwhelming. Usually that falls right in step with change for me. Not a fan of change. At those times the best remedy ever is family. So, today is awesome because of my family.

For example:
Mom having food ready for me to eat.
Snacks galore.
Late night boy talks with my 14 year old sister.
Hugs from my little brother.
Endless 12 year old boy stories about YouTube videos that I have no desire to watch.
Quoting movies.
Mom hugs.
Dad rambling at his computer.
Relationship advice.
Parents actually caring about the pointless things going on in my life.
The cat. I love that cat.
The dog always running to say hi.
Doggy cuddles.
The electric blanket in the room that I get to claim as my own when I come home.
Mom packing me a lunch.
Late night snacks with the little sister.
Bugging Sidney as she is trying to sleep.
Mom staying up past her bedtime to spend time with me.
The feeling of peace when the lights of Spruce come into view when you turn that bend in the highway.
The familiarity of the city.
The feeling of home.
Chasing the cat as it runs from me.
Trying to convince the younger siblings to do everything for me.
Laughing. Lots.
Ridiculous statements like "We should call State Farm so they can find you a husband and then you can get married and then you can get a cat."
Sitting around and doing nothing but enjoying it cuz you are doing nothing with other people.
Siblings buying you tickets to their events because they were thinking of you and they want you there.
People coming to greet you at the door.
Realizing the kids are getting older and developing into these crazy little human beings with awesome personalities.
Taking credit for their awesome personalities.
Stories.
Inside jokes.

Basically, I love my family. A lot.

of FHE.

Today was great for many reasons.

I got off work early.
I had a nap.
I got some really good advice about life.
I had a burger from McDonald's which is horrible and super bad for you but simultaneously delicious.
I got to bond with my roommate over a ridiculously embarrassing moment at Chapters.
I got to eat ice cream and laugh and hang out with Spencer and Adam at their place.

But, I think the big highlight was a hilarious evening of awkward family photos with our fantastic FHE group. Seriously, our leaders are awesome. And hilarious. And have some super great ideas for activities. We laughed so hard my face hurt. In a good way.

Good times indeed.

Of fun nights out with friends

Tonight we went out for dinner and then danced and sang the night away at the Red Piano. The group that and could not have been more perfect. Carla came up from Calgary and i got to spend the night with her. Yay!! We let loose and had a fantastic time and my face hurts from laughing and i lost my voice from singing and it made me so grateful for the friends in my life.

Especial my roommate. It is going to be so hard to have her leave. I'm excited for her to get married and all that but at the same time not really. Cuz I'm selfish. Tonight everyone else got a taste of how crazy and fun she is. It was great. It was like I got to show her off. Haha! Good times were had.

Oh and today was also awesome because I found this app that let's you insert random cats into your pictures. And that's just hilarious.

Of popcorn.

Popcorn for dinner. It's a thing sometimes.

Of VD and bath time

I love my tv boyfriends.

1) Because they are beautiful.
2) TV boyfriends usually come with girl's nights and nachos.

And I also love long baths with candles and TV and having to refill the water cuz it's getting cold.

That's all.

Ooh. It's not. Today I figure out an awesomely complicated excel problem. And I applied for a crazy job that I would love. And I cleaned the house and felt super productive. And I got to spend the night with my fantastic roommate who is leaving me soon. Not excited about the whole leaving thing but everything else was awesome.

Of pruney fingers from a really long bath.

I like baths. Long wonderful baths. That usually involve watching a movie in said bath. Glorious. And relaxing. I need to invest in some bubbles for my bath. I feel like that would be a good thing.

Of institute.

I love institute. So much. The scriptures can just uplift and bless and teach. And I love that this year in institute, we are facing challenges and questions and worries that come from the anti mormon doctrine out there and everything. I love approaching the church from a educated, logical point of view. The church just gains so much more validity for me when we look at it from that perspective.

Ahhhhh!!! LOVE IT!!!

Of Jane and John.

John is my coworker. We had a fantastic time being sarcastic today.

Jane is my friend. We had a fantastic time being sarcastic and chatty and eating seven layer dip with lime chips. Nothing quite like a good girls night in when its cold outside.

And I have an awesome bishop.

And visiting teaching is awesome.

And I shoveled my walk and felt productive.

And I started my day by biting it hard on the icy road. It made me laugh and was more comical than painful.

Today was awesome.

I am actually working towards completing a New Year's resolution

Go me!! So... New Year's resolutions. I never really make them. And like most people, if I do I often don't do them. This year I decided to make a list of 101 things to do and see how many of them I could get done.

One of the things on the list was to take a picture everyday. It's been 20 days and I haven't been doing so hot. Maybe it is just that I haven't been able to find a way to track it. Or even just to remember to do it. Haha!

I have decided to make it into a blog, a gratitude blog. Let the thankful journal through pictures begin!

And go me for actually starting!