Sunday 28 August 2011

DAY 21

DONT MESS WITH TEXAS!!

Well I had my plane trip to Texas and was I excited. Mainly because I had never been there but also the fact that well it's Texas.

So I have a 2 hour flight with peanuts which I love and sprite. I like drinking sprite on plans...not sure why.

I get all nervous because I am seeing my first mission companion for the first time in over a year. It's exciting actually it's close to 2 years. Woooo. She was my trainer so the missionary I looked up to! She was an amazing missionary and is still an amazing person love ya!!!

We meet and greet and I still think it's like the mission but Brianne didn't think so. She even has a wicked white Toyota corolla. Love it!!


From the airport we head home and drop off my bags and then head to the giant mall to find postcards. Ha love it inside the mall there are pirahanas and a hotel. A hotel inside a mall. Crazy I guess your just going to shop if you live there so that would be a good reason to stay.

W try on the toe shoes the ones that separate your toes and are still hard enou to be. Shoe...weird but strange becuse you only have four toes because your last two are together. Weirdo knowwbut kinda comfy. I think my feet would sweat too much if I had them.

W then headed home and steph Brianne's roommate came home. Yay and then we headed out to Mexican hahah it's Tex-Mex cause your in Texas eating Mexican!! It was delicious I had a taco and rice and beans and gorilla chips and salsa crazy how much you eat here! It's disturbing but it's so good you don't want to waste it!

From there we head to family home evening. We are writing cards to an American solider in afghanastan who people know and eating ice-cream sundaes yummo.

I think so Odets need a bit of hope and encouragement whilst they are out serving their country so I decide to write a nice and loving letter to a guy I have never met. It was heartfelt about how much I loved Texas and topped off with a hint of perfume and kisses in red lipstick to seal my love for Texas. I hope he enjoys the piece of unthawed gum I left him inside the envelope which also had my address in it so if he wanted he could write to me. That's right!! Solider penpal.

So unfortunately we had to leave because a friend of Brianne and stephe was in a car accident. She was fine but her car was a bit mangled. "hello mr policeman!"

I thought this would be an opportunity not to miss. There is a fun policeman who doesn't like his job and thinks that San Antonio is a nice place to visit. So I ask him if I can sit in the back of the police car. W had to wait for the ore cop to go before my dream was accomplished!!

It took for ages for the other guy to go but my chance came. Is not that comfortable in the back of a police car. The seat is hard and plastic with these weird hard plastic things that when you sit on them jab into your bum. Not my kind of car but hey when you've done something bad your not going to be given the royal treatment. It was a bit scary when they closed the door because there are no door handles on the inside so you have bars on the windows, plexiglass infront of you and your sitting on some weird plastic seat thing. but hey all in the name of crazy things.

We left the policeman with a card that had the Mormon.org website on it. One day he'll be baptized!

We drop Brianne's friend off at her house and then head home. To sleep. It's hard doing crazy things but it's fun!

So remember to do something crazy but avoid being arrested the car ride isn't comfortable!



DAY 20

Sunday yay!! Church!! Church started at 9 and I managed to be late. Mainly because I didn't trust my directions. But when you4're about to give up the Lord always shows us the way. I was about to turn down another street but I turned to my left and tadaaaa there was the chapel. I know hey!

I had missed sacrament so I waited a bit and the man told me of a Samoan ward meeting at 11 that I could go to! Ahhh Samoans my people ha jokes! The talks were about missionary work and being a missionary. One of the speakers was down syndrome man who was the happiest person I had ever seen in my life. He was smiling and so excited to be sharing his testimony with us. I didn't really understand what he said, but I felt that he loved His Saviour Jesus Christ.

From there I ma friends with a Hispanic lady who showed me to Relief society but we just sat in a room which was weird but we chatted and then I had to go at 11.

Well the almost the whole service was in Samoan. Which was hard because the only word I knew was amen. Ha so I just waited until everyone said it and then I knew it was good. But it was an experience. One I was excite dot be a part of. Polynesians are so warm and friendly. I think if we adopted their love for each other we'd be alot happier and more loving towards each other.

So after my Samoan love I headed out to the famous sign of Las Vegas. I took a photo and then chilled out in my room eating the left over cereal and peanut butter. Yummy meal love it. You do strange things.

But it was a good day. It was my last day in Vegas and I was excited but sad to go. D because I love the temple more then anything and happy because I wasn't a fan of the weird sin city lifestyle.

Smetimes you get the weird things mingled into the nice. But just remember to do something crazy with your day even if you don't know what's going on!

DAY 19

It was a bit of a lazy start to the day but one that was far beyond heavenly.

Today was the day where I would go to the Las Vegas temple. A temple I love dearly and one that I think is my favourite temple. I am not sure why but I think its just so profound that it's an oasis of refuge even in the slum of the world like the sin city of Vegas.

I arrive and am like sweating from nerves and excitement but also the 45degree desert outside. I remember feeling excited to go inside. I wanted to feel something special in this temple and I did. I know that our Father in Heaven has a profound love for each of us. It's a love that will never end. Sitting inside the temple you begin to put life into perspective and to think beyond this mortal relm.

I will always love the Las Vegas Temple. It was my oasis admits the sin city. It doesn't look the same as the pictures, it's better when you walk around the grounds and feel heaven.

Reluctant but almost 3 hours from arriving I left to do some shopping. I had heard of the legendary outlet stores so I hit the road to catch the bus to the outlets. Well I was surprised. It was alot different then I had thought and yet I found another pair of converse shoes...that are actually kids ones but are amazingly cool. I love them and will not disclose there decoration until I return. I got a couple of tops and that was all. Oh and a wallet. Still looking for a watch.

I got back to my hotel at around 9 and I just hit the streets and walked around absorbing the perfume of the Las Vegas night life. It's a different one of chlorine and gas. Random I know but the night life is really the best time to see Vegas. It's ment to be a night time city because of the spectacular water performances that look like volcanos. It was fun just walking the street.

That was pretty much my Saturday. A realxing yet filled day with fun times.

Remember people do something crazy with your life.

Wednesday 24 August 2011

DAY 18

Friday

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!

It was a dream to come true. Io have always wanted to go to Vegas and I have no idea why but I have and just wanted to see it and live it and to just be there.

So my sad farewells from the beloved Bistline family I love them so much for letting me stay and chill out at their house LOVE YOU GUYS!!

From Orderville to Vegas was like 3 hours but I had a hankering for peanut MnM's so I stopped at wall mart second home!

Once you leave the mountains of Utah that in a way separate the states there is nothing but flatness...all the way to the city of las Vegas. You occasionally see houses but rarely unitl you come closer to the city it's self. 

It's drugs sex and gambling. That's Vegas. As you come closer to Las Vegas you can see the strip nestled in houses and casinos and flatness.  It's pretty amazing how just one street is home to like a million pele a night and turning over $1 billion dollars collectivly. I have no idea but heck it would be alot of money!!

Well I rocked up to the valet at le Paris hotel. Had booked my room from next door at the Flamingo because Paris was cheaper and the lady at flamingo said the rooms were nicer...and they are Gorgeous.

So the valet man took my car and I went to check in. So inside the Paris is just a nice lighting of mid afternoon. Genlt not harsh lights and neon polled left right center up down everywhere. Money is being destroyed here all set in the fun and exciting interior of a little cobble stone street in Paris. Te roof is curved so the painting of the sky seems so real you feel like your floating when you look up.

There are 3 sets of 8 elevators that service over a thousand rooms. It took me a couple of goes to get to my room but hey the elevators have nice music so pleasant and french.

My room over looked the strip so I could see part of and across the way was the Bellagio hotel famous for it seated spectacular which I could see partially form my room. I scored on the room!

It was huge I had a Room sorta on the corner of the 6th floor and could see a beautiful view especially at night. The bed comfy, the bathroom fancy and French and then rest of the room was just well decorated!

I wanted to see a couple of shows so I went down stairs and came to the concierge who directed me to the discount tickets! BET! 

I walked like a mile ok so more like a few meters down the road to where it was via a bus and bought tickets to see Cirque de Solie' s magical performance of Ka! Google it. And finally the bodies exhibition that I found out about in Idaho many moons ago!

So I headed over there after trudging back to my hotel to pick up I'd because well people take cards so you need an I'd to match it. I know hey random but true. 

The bodies exhibition was being held in the Luxor casino which is egyptian themed and is actually a giant pyramid in the middle of the strip. Inside is pretty mad with like a massive water feature and arch thing that leads you to the casino. 

I took about 3 hours walking through the exhibition just staring at the bodies and how Heavenly Father made them so intricate. I was blown away and felt insignificant in the grand scheme of things but grateful that I have a unique body which I now appreciate more.

I learnt that our tounges and brains have individual patterns on them setting us even more apart. Scientists don't know why we yawn and it's not because we need oxygen they just made that up.the folds in our brin give it more surface area to hold stuff. It was mad and I got to touch a lung that had been plasticized and part of the instestines I think I dunno but it was amazing. I think I spent 1 hour just on the bones and muscles of our body. Wiggling my toes and fingers and being amaized. The funny thing is that the bodies were mainly men and Asian. I think they had fake eyes but it looked real and that's kinda how you could tell they were Asian.

By that time it was about 7 so I went back to my room got pizza down stairs and then changed and went to my show!

I sat next to two love birds who were on their anniversary from Utah but weren't members. They told me to watch the seals in San Fran and that Kentucky is a bit backwards. Tey couldn't tell me much about Chicago...no one can so I guess I'll just explore.

The show was amazing and seriously gravity defying. At one point we saw a guy skippin on a moving spinning thing and nearly die!! But he kept going and did it again. Crazy guess thats why my dad will never let me join the circus. Sad but safe.

It ended about 11 as it started about 9:30 so I headed back to my hotel and freaked out when the lights were still on afternoon mode. It was weird because it was way late and darkish outside well minus the neon lights everywhere.

But Vegas day one classic!
So I guess Vegas to some is the age old motto do something crazy with your life.

DAY 17

Thursday

Early start as Anna's dad made a full on breakfast! Yip we had pancakes, eggs, bacon, beef patties, potatoes and grip ketchup and milk. My friends I love breakfast. It is my favorite meal of the day! I love it because it tastes so good! And to have it made by The Bistline family I love you guys!!

The best start to our day. We were heading to St George as it was my last temple to see in Utah and Anna's grand mother had passed away so her viewing was in St George.

On the way to St George there is a town called Colorado city. This is a place where polygamists live. They are a break off of the LDS church and are now known as the fundamentalist Lds. They still practice polygamy which involves havng more then one wife. It is illegal but the other wives except the first are not classified as married but are single mothers with 12 children. Interesting hey.

They dress in old styled clothing and some refrain from using the Internet and have strict rules about contact with the outside world.

The LDS church of which I am a member stopped polygamy a long time ago by official commandment from God. But many continue the practice today and are not part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However they are living what they know.
For more information on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints look at www.lds.org and more information about plural marriage can be found.

So we went to the temple which was beautiful and the St George area was built on a swamp. It took 7 years or something like that to get the foundations solid enough to build the temple on it. They had taken lava rock form the hills and pounded it in that ground with a cannon. The ones you shoot cannon balls out of in pirate movies. The Prophet Brigham Young said that the foundations will be finished when the cannon bounces on the surface 3 times. And sure enough it did bounce 3 times and that's when they could start building the temple. 

Check it ous on www.lds.org and see the St George temple and all the other temples I have visited! Beautiful!

So after our wonderful time in the temple we head to luck at the infamous Cafe Rio ah delicious! For dessert we head next door to the frozen custard p lae and ahhh yummy!! I had chocolae almond one that was just heavenly and huge. Like a Sara lee tub size for $4 something. Amazing but late it melted in the car...

Finished at the frozen custard place we head to Annas grandmothers funeral. It was the first time i had ever seen a dead body in person and well they look plastic. No disrespect but they do. They don't look alive. It wasn't weird but I found out the Japanese do the same and have viewings. I don't want an open cascket funeral. I want it closed.

But it was an experience. I had said to people I was going to America for 2 weddings and a funeral. Me hoping the funeral Was a dead animal not so much a dead person but however I got to see one. She looked like a happy lady who loved life. Her family members spoke highly of her. My condolences to the Bistline family for their loss.

So it was a sad trip home but we got to go and see Zion national park which was more rock and some ancient cave drawing of the native Americans. That was cool. The rocks out those ways are really pores so your like walking on sand paper so your walking on a slanted rock but you don't slip or slide. PRetty neat experience. More rock photos taken too!

Home was a happy sight and the bed an even more exciting one. It had been a long day and a long few days now it was in deed time for bed.

Remember to do do something crazy with your life!

DAY 16

Wednesday

Welcome to Grand Canyon. Not yet but today was our day to drive to Arizona and check out the natural wonder of the world.

But we had to drive back to Bryce canyon to see if anyone had found my wallet. I'd had that night so many dreams about going home and only this time it wasn't as scary as having them on the mission. I was just going with what the Lord had in store for me. I wanted my wallet back but if I don't find it well...such is life.

So the drive was shorter this time and my stress levels...could have been cured with some more shooting but I pretty much ran to the visitors center I don't think Anna stopped the car but I went in had to wait and then braced myself for the verdict...home or USA?

I thought about how I would have more money, if I left home early how I could buy that house...ha dreaming! But the nice man at the desk looked excited when I told him I had lost my wallet. 

Describing my wallet is easy, it's green with flowers and has Kathmandu on it. The man asked wher ei lost it and I told him at the general store. He then opened a cupboard and gave me a piece of paper that had...the description of my wallet on it. He said he'd be back. Longest wait of my lfe! And he walked through those doors holding my wallet. If the bench thing hadnt of been there I would have hugged that man till his eyes poped out! He was the best thing I had seen. My wallet I love it! And immediately separated my credit cards and hugged it.

I know Heavenly Father answers prayers. He has a plan for us and I guess my plan was to stay here in USA for just a little bit longer.

We drove back to Orderville and the smile was still on my face. How excellent! We plucked up Si and Brandon friends of Anna who are legendary and we drove to the Grand Canyon.

It took us a bit and we got there at about, 1pm not bad. I think one word sums the Grand Canyon up. HUGE you look for miles and miles and it just keeps on going. 

We did some sight seeing walks around the main part and went to the visitors center and then headed further north up the canyon to some ancient American ruin. Lol ha.

The ruins were of their old houses and where made of stone. It was pretty neat. In the summer they would live at the top of the canyon and then in the winter they would live in the bottom of the canyon. Interesting how they would have made it cause heck it's steep.

We then went to the famous rock I think called Angels window where we took some sweet shots with Brandons camera.

It was fun and there was a cloud out on the canyon whic had a shadow of a t-Rex dinosaur ha so cool. It's a beautiful place and full of some amazing views. You feel small when you look at the grand wonders of this world. I think Heavenly Father made them so that we can be reminded that ere are bigger things out there!

We headed back to our little home town Orderville ready for movies and peach cobbler. AMAZING!

So institute was held at the seminary building only for like 30mins and then with the glory of peach cobbler which was made by Boots his nickname I honestly can't remember his first name but he served in hawaii on his mission! Love it! And love his peach cobbler!

Then the movie was up at the little legue field with a projector, white sheet and a laptop and speakers. BET! We watched source code which if you don't think about ti s a mad movie but if you do then its dumb. Just watch and let your brain be mystified!

At one point I think a bat fly across the screen. We were sitting outside on camping chairs. The best! Ever stars above us and cool air! Love Orderville!

That was that. Wednesday was my day for miracles and emmense gratitude for my Heavenly Father. Not only for answering my prayers but for creating such beautiful things so that we Can be reminded of Him. So remember to do something crazy with your life and don't loose your wallet!

DAY 15

Tuesday
 Bryce canyon known to be greater then the grand canyon but hey I wasn't going to take the advice of the old guy. 

Orderville is samll but I like small.we went to the post office teheran stress of paying for the bo the lady told us to go to terry's to see if he had any boxes for free. And sure enough he did, sweet I saved $3 marvelous! My box was Sent containing the essentials to ones life,canned pumpkin.

Bryce canyon is known for their Hoodoos which are giant rock pillars that  are created from rain and snow degrading the rocks forming as some call it hammers of the gods. 

On our journey to the hammers lands we drive past a place that sells Elk. Now my brother is an avid hunter and one dauy watching his hunting video I see the buntings of elk. Now I decide to try it. 

Nestled in the rugged outback of Utah is the cowboy diner that is home to our infamous elk burger. Well well well what does elk taste like? Delicious. I has more flavor then a steak. It's a rich beef flavor that when minced tastes like beef heaven. Served with amazing chips and a soda bob is my uncle and i am happy.

We continue onwards and enter into the National park. By this time its about 2 pm. Stop off at the visitors center and visit the museum that shows a bit of the history of the park and its natural surroundings.

We journey onward to the walks that Anna had picked for us to do which led to us walking down deep into the canyon.

There are lookout s placed strategically all around the edge of the canyon and good on them for that. You can see from all angles the little nooks and cranked of the canyon. Anna took me on a trail that is call najvoo, meaning hard bring water. Nah just kidding it was deceptively easy walking zigzag down the canyon into the wash and from there you get amazing views of the canyon from the bottom. The day was picture perfect with the red rocks and the blue sky and the obese chipmunk. This thing was HUGE massive. I jus thought oh yeah fat but when I later saw smaller ones...it was like an cat to a mouse ratio, it being the cat.

The track took you down into the wash or a dried river bed and then onto the other side of the hill. The reality of scaling. Ahil sets in when you start blaming your fitness levels on the altitude. It's true it's harder to breathe in the mountains...

From there we take the track back to the car stopping for an ice-cream and drink. Remember this place it will be important for my later dramas.

So we head from the general store to drive to the other look outs. They are further along the way. We stop and get out I take more photos of rocks...oh I have a lot of rock photos. Utah has a lot of rocks. We see a classic sign that says "dangerous cliffs watch your children." classic!

We see actual living deer...not the dead bloated ones on the side of the road that have been mangled by the onslaut of diesel trucks oh no...living frolicking deer. 

By about 6:30pm we head back mind you it's like daylight and still hot. Driving down the long highway well state road 89 I snap a few pics. The drive from Orderville to Bryce canyon is about an hour. Another important thing to remember. So along the way Anna and her amazing musical talent is introducing me to some amazing bands and I decide to write them down. In my wallet there are always receipts so I hunt for my wallet...not in my bag...not on the floor...we stop the car.

Its 7:30 ish and the park closes at 8pm. What have I done with my wallet. Flash back to the general store and the feeling that I shouldn't put my wallet down comes rushing into my mind...yip it would be sitting on the bench right outside the general store overlooking the hill. Scenic.

We call the lost property, nothing. The visitors center only answers the phones till 4:30 pm. It's lost...money, credit cards, memories, all gone poof.

I think of all the things I can do to save my money. Cancel my cards and fly home. I had no money. 

TRAVEL MUST: separate your cards. Have spare cash in your bags in various places. Don't ignore those thoughts and feelings about your personal belongings. 

Well we drive home to Anna's house and I by that time had said a prayer and decided to call dad and wait for his call on what to do next. 

Dad is in Sri Lanka and advises me to not cancel my cards but to drive back to Bryce canyon tomorrow to see if anyone had found my wallet.

Anna has a love for guns. Guns and shooting stuff. This is what I love about Anna. So she decides that we need to go shooting it's a stressful day and well let's go shoot off some steam.

Annals grandfather owns a gun shop ( I am pretty sure she said that) so we head over to his house where the family is chilling out on the front lawn. I love this about small towns everyone has porch with chairs on it so you can wave to your friends as they go down the street. Love it! 

We head to the cove with a 22 rifle and a pistol in the back steatite. Annals like well if I leave them out in the open and I get pulled over I'm not in trouble. I was like wow not in Australia. I love America and their love for guns!

So the cove is s property out the back of Orderville and we go hunting for things to shoot. We find a couple of cans a drink box and cup and a glow stick in the back of Annas car!

Well I've shot a couple of guns before but Anna just loaded the rifle and handed it to me. Safety on and all I had to do was cock it, point, and shoot. Well I did pretty good I got all of them and left the glow stick for Anna. 

I love guns. Ha Anna it's rubbed off! Is IS a stress release. Love it. The pistol was loud. When you shot it left your ears ringing and slightly muffled. And at this time well we didn't bring ear muffs. Ha I'll blame not being able to hear my children on shooting guns without ear muffs.

While we were out ther shooting we meet Anna's second parents who are out on their four wheeler shooting too. He had a nie gun,a black fancy rifle. No idea what it's called but I want dto shoot that one. I just loved how we were shooting and then they were shooting and then well all of a sudden we meet shooting. The best part was it was normal to see that. The best! They went on their way and I finished my rounds.

It got to dark but we had some fun and thank you to Anna and her idea to go shooting and her grandfather for the guns and her mum for the amo.

The rest of the night we chill while Anna finds cool places around the Grand canyon to see. Her sister made s'mores outsi and I graced them with my presence...for a s'more oh yeah coconut marshmallows are the bomb! 

That was our day. Missing wallet, gun practice and an adventure in the canyon. Pretty sweet day wight he possibility of an early plane home if no luck tomorrow with my wallet.

So remember to do something crazy with your day...and don't loose your wallet!

DAY 15

Tuesday
 Bryce canyon known to be greater then the grand canyon but hey I wasn't going to take the advice of the old guy. 

Orderville is samll but I like small.we went to the post office teheran stress of paying for the bo the lady told us to go to terry's to see if he had any boxes for free. And sure enough he did, sweet I saved $3 marvelous! My box was Sent containing the essentials to ones life,canned pumpkin.

Bryce canyon is known for their Hoodoos which are giant rock pillars that  are created from rain and snow degrading the rocks forming as some call it hammers of the gods. 

On our journey to the hammers lands we drive past a place that sells Elk. Now my brother is an avid hunter and one dauy watching his hunting video I see the buntings of elk. Now I decide to try it. 

Nestled in the rugged outback of Utah is the cowboy diner that is home to our infamous elk burger. Well well well what does elk taste like? Delicious. I has more flavor then a steak. It's a rich beef flavor that when minced tastes like beef heaven. Served with amazing chips and a soda bob is my uncle and i am happy.

We continue onwards and enter into the National park. By this time its about 2 pm. Stop off at the visitors center and visit the museum that shows a bit of the history of the park and its natural surroundings.

We journey onward to the walks that Anna had picked for us to do which led to us walking down deep into the canyon.

There are lookout s placed strategically all around the edge of the canyon and good on them for that. You can see from all angles the little nooks and cranked of the canyon. Anna took me on a trail that is call najvoo, meaning hard bring water. Nah just kidding it was deceptively easy walking zigzag down the canyon into the wash and from there you get amazing views of the canyon from the bottom. The day was picture perfect with the red rocks and the blue sky and the obese chipmunk. This thing was HUGE massive. I jus thought oh yeah fat but when I later saw smaller ones...it was like an cat to a mouse ratio, it being the cat.

The track took you down into the wash or a dried river bed and then onto the other side of the hill. The reality of scaling. Ahil sets in when you start blaming your fitness levels on the altitude. It's true it's harder to breathe in the mountains...

From there we take the track back to the car stopping for an ice-cream and drink. Remember this place it will be important for my later dramas.

So we head from the general store to drive to the other look outs. They are further along the way. We stop and get out I take more photos of rocks...oh I have a lot of rock photos. Utah has a lot of rocks. We see a classic sign that says "dangerous cliffs watch your children." classic!

We see actual living deer...not the dead bloated ones on the side of the road that have been mangled by the onslaut of diesel trucks oh no...living frolicking deer. 

By about 6:30pm we head back mind you it's like daylight and still hot. Driving down the long highway well state road 89 I snap a few pics. The drive from Orderville to Bryce canyon is about an hour. Another important thing to remember. So along the way Anna and her amazing musical talent is introducing me to some amazing bands and I decide to write them down. In my wallet there are always receipts so I hunt for my wallet...not in my bag...not on the floor...we stop the car.

Its 7:30 ish and the park closes at 8pm. What have I done with my wallet. Flash back to the general store and the feeling that I shouldn't put my wallet down comes rushing into my mind...yip it would be sitting on the bench right outside the general store overlooking the hill. Scenic.

We call the lost property, nothing. The visitors center only answers the phones till 4:30 pm. It's lost...money, credit cards, memories, all gone poof.

I think of all the things I can do to save my money. Cancel my cards and fly home. I had no money. 

TRAVEL MUST: separate your cards. Have spare cash in your bags in various places. Don't ignore those thoughts and feelings about your personal belongings. 

Well we drive home to Anna's house and I by that time had said a prayer and decided to call dad and wait for his call on what to do next. 

Dad is in Sri Lanka and advises me to not cancel my cards but to drive back to Bryce canyon tomorrow to see if anyone had found my wallet.

Anna has a love for guns. Guns and shooting stuff. This is what I love about Anna. So she decides that we need to go shooting it's a stressful day and well let's go shoot off some steam.

Annals grandfather owns a gun shop ( I am pretty sure she said that) so we head over to his house where the family is chilling out on the front lawn. I love this about small towns everyone has porch with chairs on it so you can wave to your friends as they go down the street. Love it! 

We head to the cove with a 22 rifle and a pistol in the back steatite. Annals like well if I leave them out in the open and I get pulled over I'm not in trouble. I was like wow not in Australia. I love America and their love for guns!

So the cove is s property out the back of Orderville and we go hunting for things to shoot. We find a couple of cans a drink box and cup and a glow stick in the back of Annas car!

Well I've shot a couple of guns before but Anna just loaded the rifle and handed it to me. Safety on and all I had to do was cock it, point, and shoot. Well I did pretty good I got all of them and left the glow stick for Anna. 

I love guns. Ha Anna it's rubbed off! Is IS a stress release. Love it. The pistol was loud. When you shot it left your ears ringing and slightly muffled. And at this time well we didn't bring ear muffs. Ha I'll blame not being able to hear my children on shooting guns without ear muffs.

While we were out ther shooting we meet Anna's second parents who are out on their four wheeler shooting too. He had a nie gun,a black fancy rifle. No idea what it's called but I want dto shoot that one. I just loved how we were shooting and then they were shooting and then well all of a sudden we meet shooting. The best part was it was normal to see that. The best! They went on their way and I finished my rounds.

It got to dark but we had some fun and thank you to Anna and her idea to go shooting and her grandfather for the guns and her mum for the amo.

The rest of the night we chill while Anna finds cool places around the Grand canyon to see. Her sister made s'mores outsi and I graced them with my presence...for a s'more oh yeah coconut marshmallows are the bomb! 

That was our day. Missing wallet, gun practice and an adventure in the canyon. Pretty sweet day wight he possibility of an early plane home if no luck tomorrow with my wallet.

So remember to do something crazy with your day...and don't loose your wallet!

Saturday 20 August 2011

DAY 14

Begin my morning as usual, pray, shower ,dress, eat, clean. Ok so not all of my wonderful mornings areas delicious as this but you know what I like mornings great things are planned.

I finished cleaning Megans apartment! A SHOUT OUT to MEGAN for letting me stay at her house I love her and hope she's rocking it out in Boston!!

So I had to drop a few things off to her sister so she came around. We signed the forms and then headed home but it was about lunch time and my good old friend Panda Express needed some company. We delighted him with our hungry stomachs. Panda express is like the heaven of Chinese food. I love it so much! I had orange chicken and kangpow chicken. Yip I had seen it on movies and so I tried it. Not bad actually had bait of a pow to it but you just had to avoid the giant chill is and bobs your uncle!

So after Miranda (Megans little sister) and I finished our lunch we headed over to her shooed and I said my farewells and began my drive to Orderville. Check it out on the map boy!

So the history of Orderville...it's about 4 hours drive south of Provo and is pretty. Orderville was settled in the 1870's by 30 pioneer families who were members of thenChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So pretty much everyone here is a Mormon.

In 1847 a law was given called the United Order where men and women would work and give their goods to God and then according to the needs of each family or individual they would distribute the goods. Orderville was called such because this town was named aver the united order. This law would only work if all were united and willing to live a higher law. The Town would gater together to eat Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the towns eating hall.
Interesting tonote all of the houses in Orderville at the time of the united order were built the same and all turned into the main town center. This was in retrospect to stop any jealousy or competent whilst trying to live a higher law of sharing.

Their dress was all hand made and woven materials from the animals that they raised. I guess kinda like the at armish but Not in a way. But this clothing wasn't always attractive. History says that one boy really wanted a pair of Levi jeans. Because of this he saved up the wool from the sheeps tails and sold it to buy himself a pair of jeans. When he came back to Orderville wearing his pants the Bishop told the boy the pants belonged to the united order and that a pattern will be made so that all could have a pair. It was the beginning of the Pants Rebellion. From that one instant the United order began to fall apart and each individual wanted his own and to keep it. Eventually the eutopitc lifestyle fell apart and thus the end of the United order.

Well that is just a bit of th town that I stayed in with Anna and her family. More to come on our adventures but the rest of Monday was just chilling that was the crazy part...not doing anything ha but the next days jam packed!!

Do something crazy with your life

Thursday 18 August 2011

DAY 13

Maria liang has recently returned from her mission in Brisbane the best mission ever and so I was fortunate to go and listen tom her powerful testimony of service and her mission stories. She was amazing and just eloquent and powerful. It's amazing tom see missionaries when they come home and the fire that is still inside. It's a fun feeling.

Oh background we are at the Draper suburb at the church meetinghouse that Maria goes to and Kelli, and Beatrice are there along with me and a few hundred other people I have no idea who they are. Ha funny.

Kelli and I stay for the whole 3 hours of church and well i learnt some things about the letters of Paul in the bible. Pretty neat stuff.

We then get chocolate in relief society which is just for women to get homely ideas and talk about their husbands hahaha it's true.

We then left and headed to Marias house where we enjoyed the simple pleasures of a spread of food. Well I ate and there was plenty left soi didn't feel to bad. Haha kidding. W had fun I made a new friend who is Garrett and will never see him again. Love it but hey he's cool and is besties with Maria! Love her!!

We part beig the last time in a long time till we see each other. Us being Kelli and Maria. Sad but we will meet again. So I head off to my last 3 temples in the area. Draper, South Jordan and Oquirr Mountian. All three are beautiful in theirown ways. The views are always spectacular and the blessings that can come from the temple reach far beyond what we can achieve on this earth. I love temples.

Well The rest of the day I just hang out at home and get a text from good old Elder Durfee who served in Australia in Tasmania for a while so I went and said hello to him. I was weird and it was cool to see someone who you knew such a long time ago. Missions bring people together. I left him with a packet of Tim Tams and parted not without a Kodak moment.

I went home and slept. Good times but go explore the treasures,of your suburb and do something crazy with your life!

DAY 12

A crack of dawn start for me as I drive south to Logan and then back to Provo.

My mission was to find Sam and Lauren, and then drive them down to Salt Lake city as I drive home to Provo. ROAD TRIP!!!

So my drive was good.I had along my way seen a lot of corn fields and well deep within us all we have a passion to unleash our inner corn field running desires. Just off the exit to Logan I stop the car...and casually run through the corn field. I cannot tell you the freedom I felt as I unleashed that inner desire. Yes I did indeed run through the field and filmed it.

Once my desires were satisfied,I carried onto the Logan temple and then finding Sam and Lauren. The Logan temple is beautiful and really big. I didnt go inside but it was indeed beautiful.

After driving around for a while and finally meeting Sam at the temple I was able to pick up Sam andLauren for our road trip! It did take FOREVER because well I am so bad with directions.

But we are safely on our way to SLC. We stop along the way at our best friend Taco Bell hmmmmm yumm. We had a few more minuets till we struggle a little bit to find the car rental place but when we stopped tomask directions they were useful. A rare but valued moment. I left Sam and Lauren to journey along the plains of America on their own. Sweet and sorrowful parting. They'll have fun.

I then head out to do some shopping I want dnew shoes but well imfound shorts instead. My friend Kelli had called and asked if I wanted to come to a rodeo...ah YES! So well I guess I had to look a little cow boyish with my denim shorts.

The time came when I was to meet Kelli and so we hang out at her semi adopted families house and we have the opportunity to watch Gilmore Girls. Ahhh so amazing. Then we get Wendy's who make their burgers with a square patty. square burgers how could you go past this beauty? Also we had a chocolate frosty with chips and well friends it tastes just like...heaven. Our Australian version would be Macdonalds chocolate thick shake with chips being dipped inside of it. Delicious.

Dinner was finished and it was time to meet some cowboys yeeeehaaaaaa! Amazing rodeo. Not that I have anything tomcompare it all to because i had never been to a rodeo before. But our little hike and our bush walk hahahaha led us to the stands.

Amazing video footage was taken and when I figure outnhow to put it on here I will. Till then go on to ESPN and look for rodeo footage to get an idea off what joy I experienced. I love cowboys.

We decided to leave because of the hovering dark black clouds that screamed thunder lighting very very freighting. So we left and headed to Orange Leaf frozen yoghurt hub.

12 flavors youncould choose whilst adding toppings all for the pound weight. It was delicous. My combo was peach,pomegranate,peanut butter, chocolate brownie, and the classic mix of chocolate and vanilla. Yip with nuts and kiwi fruit and strawberries. Elegant would be the description of this masterpiece. I ate it with an orange spoon in the shape of a small shovel. Delightful.

I then parted and headed home so I could get some sleep for church.

It really was a joyous end to my crazy day of adventures and dream fullfillments. So my friends just go out and do something crazy with your lives.

DAY 11

Well wedding bells are ringing and breakfast is cooking. Bring on the massive Baker style breakfast! So we had breakfast casserole which is egg,onion,hash browns and cheese maybe.

Well well, it gets even more delicious when the thinly sliced muffins of various flavors delight our plates. Then you can whack on a pancake douse it with maple syrup and bacon. Then add some sausages and then top it off with berries ice cream and fruit salad which I spent the night before hacking up! Top it off it off with chocolate milk, oj, or milk.

Sit down eat it and then wait until we have a few thank yous and then get ready to head off to the temple in twin falls Idaho. Named after the waterfall that splits making you got it, two waterfalls.

So we get a bit dressed up and drive about 45 mins up the road or highway to the wedding. We wait a while and see a beautiful wedding of eternity. It's an amazing feeling seeing two people who want to spend eternity together and they have the opportunity To do so and live together for eternity, happily ever after.

We had some exciting photos taken and then we left to get some intense burgers from Sonic. They apparently had roller-skates on but we went through drive through so I was like bring it on. Burger was amazing! Big and juicy. It was a good feed while we drove back to the burley town.

Along the way we played good old car games and I learnt about potaoes form my friend Matt's dad. He knew a lot because he worked in the chip making business. Perfect person to know when tracking through the famous potato land.

Bring on the joy of presents and small jam filled cupcakes! I am excited. So classic LDS wedding receptions mean that the bride and groom and their parents stand their and the guests put the presents down by the pile and then meet greet chit chat and then walk on by past the jam filled cupcakes and nuts.

Well my high lights while watching this amazing walk through were the following.

1-the great grandmother who was a crack up and let rip while she was chilling in her wheel chair. It was the funniest thing ever. She was so excited to have someone to talk to and I was glad to listen.

2-I met someone who can't smell. They can't smell. What on earth!!! He's the coolest person my life has ever encountered thus far. So I said he should always work the groovy fact he can't smell. Ha he'd also make the lady who had horrible smelling feet a very happy woman by marrying her. He was weirded out when I said That but hey I gave him my number to brag that he got a number from an Australian girl. He's only 13 so no chance with me. But my feet don't smell bad so I'll let some other lucky lady that chance.

3- the car and the presents. Kerry is mats sister who is too young to know about honeymoons. The car of Matt and Nicole had been well decorated by his friends in a classic manner. It was even decorated with "presents". Kerry opens the front door of the car and notices the "presents". The friends immediately yell at Kerry to NOT open the presents. Hahahaha great laughs about the contents were had while Matt rips off the decoration and they happily drive away. Good times.

Well that was the second wedding of my Utah travels and defiantly a crack up but such a beautiful day.

Remember my friends do something crazy with your day.

DAY 10

Thursday I crossed 2 states and had an amazing moment in my life where I was able to eat the real Idaho potaoes and whipped potatoes but not in the same sitting because that's alot of potatoS.

So my morning started off with some fun things of classic fun shopping stuff with my amazing frozen custard you know what that stuff is amazing so I am so excited!! I love it I got the chocolate flavored one! So if you are ever in Salt Lake city and you find Coneys the frozen custard you know what...EAT IT!!! It's better then ice-cream! Big but bold statement that I stand by till the death!!

So after this amazing revelation I drive to Salt Lake city to my dads friend Nancy. She took me to this amazing restaurant called new York and well inside it made you think of new York and it's beauty! I wanted meatloaf because of the fancy way they mashed or should I say "whipped" their potatoes so I was pumped. It came out after I accidentally ordered a cob salad because I didn't understand what the lady was asking so i just said yes and ordered what her beady eyes wanted me to!! Ahhhh

So she brought out a massive salad I was thinking like ity entre size but it was main so I ate it! Because it was good and yum and delicious and amazing! Then she-the waiter- brings out our main and mine looked amazing.

Imagine whipped potatoes with perfectly cooked meatloaf drizzled with a sauce that beats all! I would have eaten two of those meat loafs and asked for a takeaway third it was amazing I loved them so much!! I can't believe meatloaf is so good and I think that was the first time is had ever had it so I am going to make some when I gethome!!

So from meat loaf comes dessert along with nancy's son Ben and bens girlfriend who I can't remember her name. So we decide to order dessert and I choose the chocolate cake...or glory.
Four layered chocolatencake covered in chocolate icing with ice-cream scoop and caramel and chocolate topping drizzled in cross-cross directions. Epic but so worth feeling horrendously sick afterwards. So that was fun and delicious.

My next per suit was the Ogeden and then the Brigham city temples. But first I followed Nancy out of Salt Lake City and made my way to Ogden. Wow randomly Ogden is really quite interesting but is considered the scum of Utah. I guess it's hidden past of not so reputable incidents make it continually then scrum of Utah but it has temple there and I wanted to see it.

Just my luck and it was being completely remodeled meaning building. New one. Well I think that is what was happening but because there were no signs and I just winged it I found something that resembled a temple and rubble. However photos taken and I moved onto Brigham City.

You can see the temple at Brigham City from the highway it's huge and white and beautiful. It was a lot easier to see then the Ogden temple because well it's huge and white and easier to see...

Photos taken dn a bit of excitement felt as I saw this temple being built. It was new and exciting seeing how the Church is growing and being able to bring such beauties to the world.

I continued my journey through the rolling hills of Idaho towards the small town of Burley. Not much really exciting except for crossing the border and then driving for hours on end until I convinced myself that I wanted fries in hope that they were Idaho potatoes.

So I stopped order Curley fries with fry sauce and got a massive mountain dew drink for $4 beautie!! I also saw the best exhibition in mylife! Well I saw a flyer for it. It is an exhibition of bodies that have been dissected to show the various systems that help operate the body. It's done by a German guy and it's all over ameica and the world. I did nthave time to see it in Idaho so I will see it in Las Vegas but check it out on the net just google Bodies.

So I had a few more minutes till I had to turn off and drive through the countryside of Idaho. Itwasnice therewere corn fields and potato fields but I didn't know what they looked like so I just guessed and went from there.

I arrived at my friends house who was getting married the next day. I went in side said hello and then sat and leaner the rules to gridiron and basketball form my friends two little brothers. I still have no idea what is going on but none the less I learnt a bit.

Family returned and I started my duties as cutter of fruit. A lot of fruit needed to be cut for the breakfast tomorrow so bring on the knives. We were cutting fruit for about 2hours. While my friend was taken for his bachelor party at wall mart?? But hey we don't know what happened whislt they were there.

That happened to be my Thursday and well as the saying goes, do something crazy with your day!!

Sunday 14 August 2011

DAY 9

Wednesday legendary day! It began again with an early morning yay and a drive salt lake city for one amazing day of miracles and exciting things.

So i arrive at the salt lake temple area and walk Around the gardens falling in love again with the trees and the sights.

The missionaries in temple square have little flags underneath their name tags so I stopped one of them who had an Australian flag and I asked her where she was from. She's fromsydney or Melbourne or somewhere didn't quite get it but she knew tassie people. Which is crack up! From there I met another Australian who just happened to be a friend of mines best friend! Ah random! So it was crazy that I met her and she had just sent a letter off!

We get talking and then I leave her with my best friend's number who I thought would love to get a random call from an Australian in America ha! I was excited hehehehe!! I then left them and went to meet my friend Kelli and we went inside and had some crazily amazing moments sealing my family together for ETERNITY! W even got to eat clam chowder in the cafeteria! How American am I!

So we leave and wonder to the shopping mall called gateway which is a bit down form the temple so we drive! It's like a massive department store without a roof and a cool water spout thing for kids. It's cool but expensive but I took the plunge and bought a really nice top from GAP but hey gottanlook nice!

So from there I drove out of Provo to a place called park city where the 2002 winter Olympics were held. I didn't see the park but I did see some pretty amazingly cute houses that are so very skii lodge style! Loved them. I had a massive ice-cream whilst I perused the streets. They randomly had a tree covered in shoes which I was later told is just something Americans do when they skii...

I headed back home and hung out for the night. Nothing to exciting asi got ready for Idaho the land of the potatoes oh yeah!

So like the shoe tree just do something crazy with your life!

Saturday 13 August 2011

DAY 8

Tuesday and yes we say Tuesday different to the Americans! Ha so wake up early and drive my way to draper where I meet the excited Maria liang! She has just gotten a job interview and we are exited at this point!

So we get into the vehicle and she's driving as getting to her house was a bit harder then I thought and I managed to nearly DIE as I did an Australian thing by turning left onto the left hand side of the road ha! Never heard so many horns but lucky I just wanted to go 3meters so blessing!!

So we took the scenic route to the Mount Timpanogos temple where we had our temple date! It was pretty cool because I was there to seal my grandmother other family so they can be together for eternity!! I was beyond excited and felt that she was excited to be sealed! I learnt that day that our family will always be ours and they will do all they can to let us know.

From there Maria had an Australian moment leaving the temple and did the same left turn onto the left side of the road. Thankfully no oncoming traffic but still crack up when I go " hey are you on the wrong side of the road?" it's and interesting conversation to have.

So Maria heads off to the job interview and I head back to PRovo. I didn't have anything planned so I just went to get a few things and lunch!

So I went to the infamous Panda Express Chinese restaurant. Ah yay!! That stuff and their egg rolls are worth every penny. I am now sad that I can't eat egg rolls tomorrow...sads but there is Monday! So I had my lunch and had decided to head to the Brigham Young University campus to see what it would be like to be there. Other then hot and delicious due to the amazing food, I dindnt get much else there. I just sat and thought about my future and have no conclusions other then I don't think BYU is for me and that I love egg rolls.

From there I went to the temple grounds and sat on their amazingly soft grass I just love it to blades! So I just sat there for a fe hours updating my journal and thinking. Then I headed to dinner which was leftovers forme panda express. I WA graced with a good moment of a bald man working the yellow VW bug. The new ones. It made me love bald men. They have no hair so iguess they are as self conscious as you can get so why not just live weird!

I spent the rest of my night at the Provo temple and loved it! It was good just to sit there and think and just relax for a bit.

Our lives are busy even when your an holiday and you cram it all in but it doesn't workmas well. But if you stop and smell the roses yrou will be slot happier.

Remember to do something crazy with our life! Maybe smelling roses?

Tuesday 9 August 2011

DAY 7

Monday brings forth WOW moments!!

O bright and early wake up after a bit of a late Sunday night. And head to the Provo temple! Beautiful. It made my life being able to just stroll to the temple when ever I feel like it! Such a blessing!

After the temple I went shopping and man found some bargans! Levi jeans for $13, awesome t-shirt for $7 and a wicked jacket for $15. Life is sweet! Then I just went ot all the malls and had a bossy around of all the fun things you can sell and buy in America! Did that for ages and found food...somewhere at home! Ha lame and then came back to my flat and chilled until later that evening...

So I picked up a friend introducing "SHUM" that's her last name but she is from my mission. I picked her up and headed to Family Home Evening at a massive house on a hill over looking Provo...jealous!

There we met friends of other friends. We had a spiritual message and then we found our hidden talents of croquet. If you have no idea its the game that the Queen of hearts is playing in Alice and wonderland. Who knew it was so skillful. So the idea is to be the last ball standing after you have gone through the little arch things called wickets.

But when someone gets to the end, they yell out poison and can kill you by hitting their ball into your ball...death.

Sadly I lost...ah it being my first time but good game to all who played it!

Then headed inside for some yummy treats of Twinkies, grasshoppers and coconut chocolate things. All were good along with random tarts from a wedding. Nice.

Shum and I said our good byes and we headed to 7/11 where Shum scored a GIANT cup of slurp because she filled the wrong one up and looked to innocent for the man to say no! crack up!

So with our mixed flavors we headed to Salt Lake city where we encountered road works but because we had left over twinkles...it wasn't so bad.

Twinkie 1- black pick up has an open tray. Twinkie is handed to me and I do a spectacular loop throw landing the Twinkie in the back. Taa daa! The audience of two guys were able to confirm it landing into the tray and marveled at our execution of the said Twinkie 1.

Twinkie 2- traffic cones are slightly larger then ours in Australia nd they have a flat top to them giving them a great platform on which to perch items. Twinkie was handed to me and I made a gentle but tooo tough a throw making the said Twinkie land alittle over the top of the traffic cone. However street worker dude will be excited to find it not mushed.

Twinkie 3- was eaten. I know not as exciting as the other two but however Shum got great satisfaction.

So you think that road works are boring and time consuming. One example of how to spice up anything boring! So the moral of the story is to act innocent.

So we arrive at the salt lake temple around 11:30 pm and have the whole place to ourselves bar the security guards. Amazing at night it's just breath taking. It's beauty is one that cannot be matched annd yet it is towered by buildings all around it.

We took many photos and just felt the spirit of the temple. It always gets me that it took 40years to build it! Amazing!

So we headed back to Provo and we ended our night in our respective beds and homes having been uplifted and deified in all aspects of the words.

I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be here and for the opportunities I have had to learn and grow so much! I love this Gospel and am forever grateful for those who sacrificed so much so that I could have the it today!

Mondays do not have to be boring thus remembering the age old advice to do something crazy with your life.

Sunday 7 August 2011

DAY 6

Sunday is a bright day!! And it was indeed today!

After missing a turn and going the wrong way, doing illegal driving maneuvers we found a chapel and started a good Sunday of unexpected miracles!

Irt was fasting testimony meeting so those that wanted to were able to share with us there love and knowledge of the gospel. It was moving and helped me understand the connection we all have to each other as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's one big family!

After that we went into a special class where you're able to learn how to do family history. As a result I found out that my grandmother on my fathers side wasn't sealed to her parents! I can do the work for her so they can be an eternal family! I am excited so I hope to do that this week sometime! Miracles!

We then went into relief society and as women spoke about the things we were grateful for. So many things we can be grateful for and sometimes we take much for granted. I invite you all to think of something you are grateful for and each day find something new. Maybe it's a persons funky shoes or quirky laugh or a friend. So many of our Heavenly Fathers love notes go unnoticed because our lives are so busy. Stop and read those Devine notes for you!

From church we came home had a nap and then I dropped Anna off at her sisters friends house. Got a bit lost but we found it in the end. I said good bye and then I headed to the Provo temple.

It's amazing how you can just go and sit on the grass and look at a temple. Amazing and so beautiful! Look up
And look for the Provo temple and you can see for yourself it's beauty!

I sat there and watched the new missionaries walk to and from the training center and remembered how good it felt to be a missionary.oh the good times!

I came home and have just been checking in on Facebook and updating my blog! It's been the best. With left overs for dinner life is shall we say peachee!

So remember to stop and look for your Father in Heavens love notes. And do something crazy with your day!

DAY 5 : "The Wedding"

Indeed as the title suggests it was indeed the day of Megans wedding one of my main reasons for going to USA!!!

So Anna and I woke up early which we didn't have to do because there was NO traffic at all! We drove to Bountiful temple which was about 45 mins away. It is huge and beautiul. Amazing and gorgeous on the outside! And ornate on the inside!

At the reception representing ABM was President and Sister Richards who were our old mission president and wife, Sister Bassett and Sister Karren. It was the ABM reunion! The best way to have one! I Goya it teared up in the sealing but the best part is that they are sealed for all time and eternity!!wow

We had photos taken and then had lunch at the cafe rio which was awesome but i had to get sister Karren to translate what the guy was asking me! I felt silly but the food was so worth it! I love it! I want Mexican every day!

Mexican to farmington to sister bassets house was the best. We got changed and saw her farm and I got to ride in the back of her pick up! That was the moment I was American! I know amazing! I loved it having the wind blow through my hair and grass seeds attack me...random as! It made me appreciate the massive cars that own Americas high ways!

From sister Bassett house we went to Touch which was the second ABM reunion with the former elders of our mission! We played touch in the heat just like old times. Drank peachee which was an American rip off and totally doesn't taste like the real deal, none the less refreshing! We had a classic Australian cd that was really bad but had the Australian sound to our arvo!

After photos were taken and numbers exchanged we parted our separate ways. Us sisters went to a burger place and got soda hehehe which was massive and $2 love it! Peach flavored fanta was the drink of choice keeping with the peach theme which strangely enough was Megans brides maids skirt colors. Ha peach day it was. So we hung out for a bit and then, headed to draper to sister liangs pad!

Got changed talked had a nap and then headed to my first Mormom wedding other then my uncles when was a flower girl. We arrived and got to sign a book and then take photos of ourselves on the iMac ah ingenious and then stand in a line to great the bride and groom and the rentals of both. Then move onto the food yum! And then have fun chilling with the garden gnomes...I'm friends with them...

The caravan of sisters then travelled to see the fireworks at the house of president and sister Richards. Arrived a tad bit late and lost but found it in the end! It was the best time sitting on the soft and killer ant free grass watching fireworks go off! The best! Its amazing how a mission can help you have amazing friendships that will last into the eternities!
We parted our ways at the Richards house. Parting is such sweet sorrow! Shakespear was right!

Our night ended the same way it began so many moons ago. It was a day full of new relationships and building old ones. I am so grateful I was able to serve a mission for the Lord and to represent Him and His church, helping so many people learn that life is a time to prepare. Forever love and marriages do happen and are central to Heavenly Fathers plan. Friends don't just happen now they last for ever!

Its true so do something crazy with your life today!

DAY 3+4 (part B)

Salt Lake Temple, is the pilgrimage of every Latter-day Saint. I made it and will return for as long as I am here!!

It was almost 9pm so Anna and I had missed all of the tours but we were still able to walk around and feel the special spirit that the Temple has. As we were walking all I thought of was the trees. How old they were and what stories they could tell. I was just in awe of them. I had no idea what kind of Trees they were but they felt Wise. Ok this does sound weird but I can't describe them in any other way.

I kept touching all of the buildings and feeling the marble columns and the details on the corners. The flowers smelt fresh and alive and the water in the reflection pool was warm and inviting. Had I of jumped in...the wedding photos that were being taken would have been hilarious.

We walked around the temple a bit more and it began to get dark but the lights made the temple glow. Something inside of you stirs as you think about the people and the hands that made this temple. They worked on the Salt Lake temple for 40 years having. Mortar in the brick work and having to bury the foundatio an excavate them in fear of the temple being destroyed.

Those few moments help me to understand the sacrifices many of early saints have made so that I could have the knowledge, the blessings and the strength of the gospel. Thank you.

From the Temple we drove back to Provo and swung by Walmart for a bit of food shopping at 10:30pm good times. Picked up some American classics like pop tarts and Twinkies all healthy! At the check out we ended up meeting yet another ABM (Australian Brisbane Mission) missionary, Sister Shum. Crazy she is here with her parents for a couple of months and wow who would have thought meeting her in Walmart of all places!! So we stopped and talked for a while and then exchanged cell numbers and then Anna and I went back home and crashed on the floor and slept till the early morning of Saturday!!!

Do something crazy with your life!

Friday 5 August 2011

DAY 3 + 4 (part A)

DAY 3 : it started with waking up from my slumber showering walmart shopping for driving snacks or bread, jolly rancher lolls, bananas that were 59cents I know! and then driving 5 hours to see my companion Sister bistline or Anna in the coolest town ever orderville I love it. It's small and everyone is related an it's like an American version of huonville ha love it. I got the grand tour of the town with moose tracks ice-cream and free cajun pepper salted pop corn. Can't get much better then that.moose tracks it like cpvanilla ice cream with caramel chocolate love or " tracks" disguised as moose doodoos. Hehehehe!!

We went to a relief society activity about fishing I was pumped and good thing we went they made the best food ever. Dutch potatoes, heaven in a potato!!!! The dessert was brownies, and man Americans know how to make brownies!! Anna was willing to be my paddle boat buddy and so we paddle boated out to the fun dam thing saw fish didnt catch any fish and then paddled back. I nearly fell in trying to bring the boat back into the dhore but my cat-like skills saved the day!

Anna and I then set up our sleeping stuff in her awesome back yard where we made a fire and ate s'mores and then slept under the twinkling night sky amazing. It was the best night ever.

DAY 4 : I was a bit disappointed that her bro didn't bring us cereal but he had to go to work after he woke us up at like 8! Rude but all is well we had cereal got ready and started our treck up to Provo so that we could be at megans bacholorette party ha which by cheer misfortune we missed.

We get to Provo and we have an hour to get to where we need to be. The cheesecake factory! So we go shopping for my clothes and then we drive to Murray which is just outside of Salt Lake city and then we are early. So bring on more shopping and then we get to the cheesecake factory and no one is there. So the lady tells us to wait so we wait.

We come back like 5 mins later and another lady comes and tells us that our party is at flamming 7 when I had it at 5:30 but because I was lame and didn't bring my phone we had no way of contacting her. So Anna texted people who were lame at texting back. So we had to find all the iPhones we could to getont facenookto get megans number. That didn't work because one the iPhone was to slow and second we got onto Facebook but couldn't scroll up to see my older messages so we couldn't call her. So we left in a huff and headed back to the cheesecake factory and sat outside waiting. 10 mins later we see Megan and her friends come out and we're like great. They had been ther at 5:30 but there were to megan reservations and we got the wrong one. He funny not so Anna and I sat down to a meal which was amazing and went to the salt lake temple from there!

Amazing. I will tell you of how much I am grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know it's true!!

Love you and remember do something crazy with you're lives!

Thursday 4 August 2011

DAY 2+3

So fellow peeps, I am currently sitting on the lush carpet of Megans apartment which is amazing stealing the Internet with great appreciation and thinking about the food I must eat for breakfast.

So let's recap on the past couple of days.

DAY 2: 3rd august-left Sydney at 10 am and it was a wonderful morning with a hot cooked breakfast at the hotel, a smooth check in and customs walk through. Angry that I didnt get a leaving stamp. Seriously people what's up with that?

Then used the apple stores Internet at the airport to update my Facebook. And used all the perfume I could hehehe. Then boarded delta for my 13 hour trip.

I nearly had a whole row to myself. But my charitable acts led me to have only the spare middle seat...depressing but better then having no spare seat at all.

Flight didnt seem that long. I must have slept slot but had no idea about the time so heck I had no idea where I was or what time it was so I just relaxed and watched cartoon movies. Gnomeo and Juliet, toy story 3 and ice age 3. I slept for the rest.

Food was ok but the little salad and the dessert and ham roll was the bomb. So I was excited about those.

Then arrive at Los Angeles airport. Long wait while we go through customs. There was a man who chose to be a woman at the customs gate who had to show a whole bunch of name change information because he is now a woman.don't see that everyday.

Then went through the security where you get body scanned by some machine I think Triny and Susanna use to make outlines of woman's bodies so they can dress them appropriately. Then got peanut mnms because I have just to ally crabbed them my whole flying it was the best moment to whack opens a packet and there are multiple colored nuts covered in chocolate.

Saw some returning missionaries on the Salt Lake flight from LA who were nervous to go home and see everyone. I now know what it must be like to walk down the stairs at the Salt Lake airport and see your family. Weird. It brought back coming home memories. It was really cool!

Got my bag and then paid for the rest of my car insurance so I wouldnt have to pay thousands if I got in an accident and got into my car. I was going tom call it my banana but it's white. So I have no name ideas. But driving isn't to bad. I have been so blest so very blest to be able to drive on the right hand side of the road on the left hand side of the car. It's mad.

But I made it to megans apartment alive and found food alive and found wall mart alive so I'm doing pretty good with driving and staying alive.

Had my first Taco bell and it was the bomb love it so much. Ha and fitted in well with my BYU tshirt walking down the street. The guy in the mall asked if I was going to BYU and I was like no it's so I fit in. He didn't get the joke because I don't think he understood me. Oh well.

DAY 3: Anyways after finding wall mart I then drove home tried to figure out my new cell and then got confused and laid down and didn't wake up till 8 am and then woke up and am planning my drive to Annas house. Exciting I tell you mad!!!
So I plan to get food, then drive to Annas house and get my cell worked out and then come back. Exciting day!!

I hope you can comment on this blog I will try and make that happen for the peeeps!!

Have fun

Do something crazy with your life!!!

Monday 1 August 2011

DAY 1 Location: Tasmania

Well friends and family I have had the best ten minuets making up this blog.

The reality of me actually using it is slim but this is for all those people out there that want to be like me. This will be a step by step guide on my life so you can stalk and change your life to be like me.

Or it's for those people that want to know what's been the go while I am in the land of the free and the star spangled banner aka USA.

7 weeks is a long time to treck the wild open plains of the free, but I will cover from West to east to West on my journey. Stopping in 7 states 2 countries (USA and Canada). Going to two weddings and a funeral of the dead animal I hit while driving on the road.

So enjoy the ride don't expect gifts or mail as this blog is pretty tough.

Have fun and do something crazy with your life.