All that I have Learned.

Aloha my people,
        I know that it has been a really long while since I have written, and a lot of things have happened.
        My main purpose of this post is to tell you all the things I have learned throughout my years in college. I graduate this month, and finish Student Teaching in December so things are happening. I know that everyone has their own feelings towards college, friends, relationships, stress, anxiety and more. This post is my experiences and feelings so if you want to continue I encourage you.

1. You will gain best friends like pounds, but you could also lose best friends like your keys. I still think that friends are a big part of my life, they become my family while I am away from them. There are friends that encourage you and are always there for you, there are friends that hang out with you when it's convenient and everyone else is busy, and then there are friends who all of the sudden stop talking to you. Trust me I have and still am experiencing this, but let me tell you something you will find those friends you can still talk to like nothing happened even if you aren't in the same state.


2. You might watch someone you love, fall in love with someone else. This is a rough topic, but let's get real. You meet a guy and think yes he is it, then you start "hanging out" and you become best friends. You really want to tell your best friend they could be more than that, but chicken out because of the fear of being rejected even as a friend. Life moves on, they move on. And you might just watch them fall in love over Facebook. But I am here to tell you that it is okay. Obviously, they were not the one for you and then later you will realize that.

3. Your test scores do not define who you are as a person. Trust me. After all of the tests I have taken, it is hard to look past one test and move on to the next, especially if you don't do as well. Tests are there to see what you know, but they do not tell you how awesome you are, or how hard you might have studied. Having test anxiety is watching everyone take the same test as you which they haven't studied for, and pass. While you sit there dreading your score, staring at it with your stomach in knots and your self-doubt creeps in. I promise, you are still awesome, and you did try your best.

4. I can tell you from personal experience not to spend to much time alone. I've found myself isolated feeling alone, in my room feeling bad about my self and everything that I ever did wrong. Mind you I have done this to myself. Social anxiety is real. You make plans with someone, but then you start thinking about it "maybe they don't want to hang out with me", "am I a burden", "I don't really know the people who will be there." I have cancelled plans before, and I am sorry it's been more than a few. All I have to say is don't give up on us, keep making plans. Try not to bail on us because for me it becomes another thing to worry about when we don't do what we plan. I promise if it's in advanced you and me, I got this. Just give us some notice, tell us who is going to be there, help us get ready for that party or activity.

5. Doubts. Oh the doubts that I have had. I always doubt my decisions hence a couple weeks before graduation and a couple months before the real world, I have no plan. My doubts start with me, school, adult decisions, life, tests, faith and so much more. I will tell you that Satan is real. Oh is he real. I know that because when I am trying to make a good decision and put my trust in the Lord, Satan crawls into my mind and starts my doubts. I feel like I am doing my best in making decisions and not doubting them as much as I can. Yeah, I know, things work out. Advice? Just trust your gut! Push the doubt aside (if you can, cause I know it's hard) and do it!

6. I guess it's okay to still ask your parents for advice. I only say "I guess" because I am always asking them for advice. There are many pressures we face in college, religion, and life that asking advice is good. And sometimes its not what you want to hear (not from experience) but I know that advice will give you options and you will chose the best option for yourself.

7. You are awesome. Again with the doubt kind of thing, is self-doubt. Yeah you might date a ton of people in High School and College, and you might not. It doesn't make you less of a woman if you haven't. I know there are so many times where I've liked a guy, and he just seems so uninterested. I've always thought, "What is wrong with me? I am doing the right things. I have a testimony, I go to church, I do good things, I cook, I clean?" It's not about you. Well it is because you gotta learn to love yourself. Which can seem impossible, because I am still working on it. But just be your own you. Be your awesome self.

How is Cassidy?

I have been hearing a lot that people are asking how I am doing, and since I haven't posted since the beginning of the year, I thought I would catch all those worried folk out there up on my life.

I am good. I have good days and bad days- but mostly good. I am still in Hawaii (some people have no idea I am here!)

Yeah, school is good. It is hard and challenging but I really am learning so much. I am almost done which really blows my mind every time I think about it. I only have ONE semester after this one. WHAT.

So I am taking a semester off. I will be home from the end of February to the middle of July! Why? People ask. Because, I have to take the Praxis 2. I want to work. Where? they ask. Wherever I can work for only 4 months because I get to come back to Hawaii to Student teach and I am stoked!

Currently I am just going to school and not working. I know SHOCKER. But the cool thing about BYU-Hawaii is that they give academic scholarships. SO YAY! And I got another scholarship this semester from the Education program. So... Double YAY! And since school is my favorite thing in the whole world (haha) I can completely focusing on graduating!

I haven't done anything too crazy here lately. Or at all really. I mostly just stay home and make lesson plans and do homework or honestly just watch Netflix sometimes. I am not as tan as some people because I don't go to the beach that often, but that is okay.

Since I am graduating next Fall (yes that is right October 31st 2016 so put that on your calendars people!)  I have been asked SO many times what I am going to do. I was thinking about going on a mission after, but a prayed and pondered about it and I got this feeling then wasn't the right time. I am not sure if anytime is the right time for me to go on a mission, but it is okay! I know that God has a plan for me. One thing that I have learned for myself, it doesn't make you a bad person or less spiritual, if you really decide not to go on a mission. There is a reason for everything. It also doesn't make you a better person or more spiritual than others person if you do go on a mission. A mission is such a personal choice "and that's all I have to say about that." (Forrest Gump)

Anyway. I am going to be getting my teaching license here as part of the program. I just need to decide where to go after graduation. I haven't really told many people this but I am thinking about either staying here or moving home to Utah after I graduate. I love Hawaii so much, and yes it is hot and very humid. And yes Laie is a small town, and yes I miss my family. But there is so much good here. I have never thought about living out of Utah, and now that I have been in Hawaii over a year now, it is hard to imagine myself leaving. Yet Utah will always be home because that is where my family is. So that's where hard adult decisions come. (Your input is greatly appreciated even though I might not agree.) So if your reading this and have a plan or suggestions let me know (like a place to live or work). Thanks.

Right now I am in a classroom Observing and Practicum (teaching some lessons) and it is awesome! I love it. I am in Kindergarten and the children are so adorable and loving. Being so close to graduating makes everything seem so worth it. Every struggle that I had/have is going to make me a better teacher and future educator.

I would definitely recommend college to everyone. Yes it is hard. But you can do it. You learn so much and not just in your classes. I have grown so much just in the time I have been here in Hawaii and even at Snow. I remember worrying about every little thing, and stressing about graduating my first semester. I know that God sent me here for a reason. I am glad that I listened to my mom and dad to apply here and if I got in, to come. I always think of the regrets I would've had if I did not come here and the people I would not have met and for that I am truly grateful. I believe in myself more than I ever have, because I know that I really can do hard things.

I am not sure if it's my age, maturity, or the trials I have been through but there is something about becoming more independent that really helps you find yourself. You're right if you think that I don't completely who I am, but I know I am better than before.

On a lighter note, being 21 in a Mormon world, I was talking to my mom how everyone around me is getting married. I told her that and she said yeah well your getting your degree! Thanks mom. And true that day will come. I have become more patient with God's plan and am still working to understand it. lol for marriage.

So yeah I am doing well. Yeah I still get sad and miss my family, and school still gives me grey hair (trust me.) But honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.

XXoxOOxo

People Impacting My Life... For Better or For Worse.

         Keeping best friends was never easy for me. I have had really great friends who I love so much, just stop talking to me and I never understood why. It hurt me for the longest time and had an impact on my self-esteem and my faith...
         I grew up as an inactive Latter-day Saint. My siblings and I attended primary every so often. I didn't have many friends growing up because who wants to play with the inactive members? Apparently not them. It was hard growing up different then everyone else around us. When I got older my twin sister started going back to church, she would politely ask me if I wanted to go and I would just say "no." I didn't know what I believed. I have gone a few times to Young Womens but I felt like I was being judged for why I didn't come before. I let my pride get in the way, and I was questioning how God's children could hate/discriminate against their brothers and sisters. I didn't want to go back to church, but decided to go anyways. I was around 16 at the time and decided to stop hanging out with the people I hung out with. They would swear and be rude to people, so I would swear and be rude to others. They weren't good for me and I knew I needed to change. I didn't know how lonely it would get when I decided to become active again. I hadn't done anything bad, but the person I was becoming nobody, including myself, didn't like.
         I went back, and people treated me as though I was an outcast. I guess I was. I believed what they believed but I didn't look like them, or act like them. I was shut out by a lot of people, and I had never felt so alone. The year after I started going back to church was the hardest year. Most of my friends were "there for me" unless somebody cooler and prettier was there. Even leaders seemed to resent. I was shy, and had really low self esteem and none of this bitterness was helping. I had some callings I was put in to make me feel more included, or so I thought. Now I know, I was called by God. And he knew I needed to help people other than myself. It was a constant battle between wanting to change my attitude towards those who resented me, and resenting them. In Laurels I was the president, and I had to stick up for many of the girls rather then us spending time figuring out ways we could help them. When really I was one who needed someone to look up to and care about me. I needed someone to help me feel good about myself. I started doubting myself and kindness. I thought that everyone was unkind to anyone who was different. Or who was struggling. (even though to be honest, everyone has their own struggles.) I wasn't going to go back to church. I was going to become inactive because I was questioning what I believed. I know this may seem dramatic and you might not understand, but I had never felt so alone and confused.
         I decided to pray. I prayed and asked Heavenly Father what I should do. I liked the person I had become, and I cared so much about others. I didn't understand why I felt like this. After graduation I decided I would not go to church and still believe. BUT I then met a family that would forever change my life. They were sent from heaven, and we had just met them two weeks before graduation. The daughter asked me to go to Young Single Adult ward with her, and I said I would think about it. I was nervous because it was a Samoan ward, and well as you all know I am WHITE (Samoan/Hawaiian in heart) ;). Anyways I decided to go and give it a chance because I really did believe in the church. It was awesome. I remember feeling so loved and welcomed, me this white girl felt like she belonged. It didn't matter if I was inactive. It didn't matter what I looked like or that I was super shy. While someone was teaching the lesson,  I had my own revelation. I needed to go to church for me. I didn't need to prove to the girls in my home ward that I went to church. I could go and feel the spirit for me and work on improving my own testimony. God knew that I needed these accepting and loving people in my life. And they still are a huge part of my life and I will forever be so grateful for them. When I am with them, I can be who I really am. People don't assume that I know my scriptures for seminary that I barely attended. They don't care I had doubts about the church. They treat me like a sister, and I know that I am not alone.
        After going back to church for me, it was hard because I felt so guilty about being mean to everyone I had known before. There was something in my heart that felt sad, like I had let myself down. I was trying to become like Jesus, but I really wasn't trying hard enough. It is hard to feel compassion towards people who have heart you, and made you feel worthless. Trust me I know. Another thing I know that it is possible to feel compassion to those who have treated you with hardness, because ALL things are possible when the Lord is on your side. I decided to pray and ask for help to forgive those who didn't know they were hurting me with their words and stares. I still see some of them, but I do not feel hatred. I feel sad that I was not kinder to them, I feel sad that they didn't know how they made me feel so alone. I forgive them, but I still hurt from those experiences.
       People aren't always nice. They hurt us and they sometimes don't even know how bad we are hurting. But we must love and forgive them so that we are able to move on and strive toward becoming more like Christ. Even through not having friends, I wish I would've known that I was never alone. God is always there to support us and encourage us. He loves us so much, that we must not feel alone, sad, mad, and etc. We should feel joy, because we always have someone to talk to that knows what it is like to have everyone hate him, and feel so much pain. He knows. He knows you personally and he is waiting to help you. Things may not always go as you planned, certain people you care so much about might not feel the same way about you. But you know what? God will always love you. He will love you when you make mistakes, and when you don't. I love the gospel so much and it is so comforting to know that we have someone on our side, always.
     

The Best and Worst of 2014

       All those videos, and slideshows on Facebook helps us reflect on what we have posted, and which post had the most likes. What about the stuff we didn't post? So in this post I am going to sum up my year as much as I can! SORRY, in advanced if it is too long.

JANUARY 2014. 

I decided to be more social, and try new things. I got a job in November, and put myself out there to make the best friends that I have ever had! We went on retreat to Saint George and it was amazing. 

These girls took me ice skating, and it was really fun and scary at the same time! AND I only fell ONCE! 

This month for me, was making new friends, and getting out of the house more. I needed it, and so I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at the Counseling Center! 

FEBRUARY 2014

This was a month full of firsts, I chopped off all of my hair (well not all of it...) and these girls are my ride or dies. I LOVE THEM!  

I went to the temple for the first time to do baptisms and it was AMAZING. I love the Manti Temple and it will always be my favorite temple. <3 Love, love. love it.

MARCH 2014 

Oh, March. So I got an email that said I was accepted to BYU-Hawaii, craziest decision. I wasn't sure  if that is where Heavenly Father wanted me to go. It was so hard and people were making it harder. People would ask me why it's Hawaii? BUT I felt like going was the right choice. 

On March 20th my dear Grandma Hancock passed away. She had gotten sick a couple weeks before and had gotten worse. It was the hardest thing. It was my first time dealing with a close death, and I am so glad for my best friend who was there for me when I was crying. I am so thankful that I was able to attend her funeral because of spring break, and that I was able to spend time with my family. I also learned so much about the gospel in that time. <3 

APRIL 2014

My mom was helping my grandpa move out of their old house and she fell and broke BOTH of her elbows. WHAT a trooper she is! She had missed a lot of work before and her work was getting frustrated. My mother is the strongest lady I know, she is my best friend! I love her so much! She's such a gansta. 

MAY 2014 

I graduated from Snow College! WOOHOO! Sometimes I can't believe that I actually did it! There were many people in my life that didn't believe I would even finish let alone go to college. I got my Associates of Science and was able to graduate with my Best Friend! :D

 I got a new camera, and thought I was cool. I thought that I was going to be a famous photographer by now... lol Just kidding! But I got to take pictures at an engagement and it was really fun, but I needed more practice... 

JUNE 2014 

I didn't really do much in June, but I was working, and contemplating my decision about going to BYU-Hawaii. It was really rough because, people were telling me that everything was going to work out but all of it seemed to just fall apart. I finally got my license after almost a complete year of procrastination! ;) here is a picture of the Mount Timpanogos Temple I took.

JULY 2014 

We had to put my sweet best dog friend down, and it was probably the hardest decision. I remember that day, he had gotten really sick and deep down inside I knew we weren't bringing him home. My mind didn't want to believe it. It was late that night and my parents had asked me what we should and I felt so strongly to take him to urgent care. I was crying my eyes out thinking he was too young(he was 11), and my best friend. I had grown up with him, and whispered my secrets to him. Whenever we would cry he would come and kiss our faces. I remember coming home with no Kona, and I had felt so guilty. Like somehow it was my fault. It felt silly, feeling so alone with just one dog. But he had brought our family closer together. And he will always be my handsome little pookie. 

My dad took this photo a few years back...

AUGUST 2014 

I had to say goodbye so many TIMES. One of my best friends got married! And I am so proud of her! Then Lynsey is staying in Utah, and I miss her so much, she is doing such great things!! And lastly my friend Ariel left to serve her mission in Tennessee! We left the same week so it was a little overwhelming. 

I was a bridesmaid for the first time and so here is Lynsey and I at Breanna's wedding! 

BUT I got to see my sister after almost 2 years and it was and is the most wonderful thing!

SEPTEMBER 2014 

I said goodbye to my parents who left home to Utah, and it was really hard because I am not sure when we will see each other next. I am so grateful for their support and help that they have given me, I know for a fact that I would be so lost without them! 

OCTOBER 2014 

'First Hurricane and I survived. They named it Anna so the joke was "go away Anna" and she did. 

NOVEMBER 2014

First Family holiday away from home without the parents! It was awesome, and I am so grateful for my uncle and Auntie here that had us over! This month was really hard, because I was convinced I was going to fail my psychology test. And it was super hard. But Heavenly Father was there, and helped me through being homesick and getting ready for finals! 

DECEMBER 2014 

Talk about blessings. I passed my classes, and ended up getting a chance for a half scholarship, so I was so amazed and happy! I believe in Christ. And the blessings he gives us when we do the things we are supposed to do! I love the gospel and my family so much. They inspire me to keep trying and do better! Christmas we went to my uncle and Aunt's and we got a flat tire. I am so thankful they are willing to drive down to get my sister and I so that we didn't have to spend the holiday alone. 

I am so grateful for the trials that have come my way this year, and all the things they were able to teach me. :) I am grateful for all the people I have met, and who have changed my life in different ways. This year has been really difficult, but I know that I have learned and become a better more spiritual person. Thank you all for all that you do for me! :) I am so excited for 2015! 

On my Mind

         I have had so much on my mind. Which really isn't anything new. But for now I will catch you up on life, because I haven't been really good at blogging. Living here in Hawaii has been a really great learning experience that has brought me so much knowledge. There are times that are really hard days that I have been faced with, but I have become grateful for those  days to help me grow. I don't have many friends here, but the few that I do have I am super thankful for them in my life. I miss my friends back home in Utah, but I am really glad that most of them still talk to me and message me and send me letters that really help me throughout my days! Those messages of encouraging words, most people don't think about are little tender mercies for me. (So my friends should definitely write to me.) 
         A few weeks ago, I couldn't stop thinking about how I felt like I needed to stay here a year then go home. I didn't know why, but it just lingered around in my thoughts constantly. I didn't know what to do. I thought I was here to stay. I decided that I would go listen to the prompting and look into BYU Provo. I researched switching my major to Early Childhood Education and looking on where I would live, how to transfer credits, everything. I prayed constantly, not knowing what to do still. And I looked further into the program, I thought it would be easier to drive around for Student Teaching. I would be around my dear  family and great friends. So what was holding me back? I decided to pray pretty much all day one Saturday, asking Heavenly Father for an answer. I realized then, that I would have to take another Math class, a foreign language, and probably another history class and here at BYU Hawaii I did not. I finally got my answer that I was supposed to stay here, at least for now. I can't explain how frustrating it is sometimes to have so many doubts throughout the days, weeks, months, and years. But truly I know for a fact that Heavenly Father will be with me no matter what I chose. So, there you have it. I am staying here for a while. This is pretty much my rough draft of my plan, this semester apply to school of Education, Praxis during Christmas break (HOORAY), winter 2015, summer 2015, Fall 2015, Winter 2015-2016, then guess what I supposedly I will be home from Feb-end of Julyish 2016, student teaching in August and graduate in December 2016! I am really excited to be done soonish. And I am grateful that I get the opportunity to college so that I am able to be in the career field that I want.
             I am excited for what is to come, but nervous. I miss Utah a lot, which I never thought I would say. haha. I need to spend more time being grateful for what I have, or will have. Today I decided to go to the temple more often, because it is a great place of peace. I want to be more positive so that each day may be a gift NOT a burden. I know that through God All things are possible, I probably say that at LEAST 10 times a day, but it really does help me.
            That's really all that has been happening, as of lately so...Yeah. I will write again soon <3

Why school is my number one priority?

Because I want to be a teacher. I want to inspire those I teach. 

I was born and raised in Highland, Utah and have never been to a school near my house. I grew up always playing school with my sister, and I would always be the teacher. I loved kindergarten. It was fun because my sister and I were in the same class and I really enjoyed my teacher. School started getting really hard for me in second grade. I couldn’t for the life of me remember how to do math, and I was really bad at taking tests. It just got worse and worse, and most of my teachers would go out of their way to help me understand or at least sort of understand what they were teaching me. Fourth grade was the best because I had a great teacher who spent time with me, and each of her students to make sure we were all on the same page, but I think that was only to prepare me for what was to come in fifth grade.

I had a really difficult teacher, and my sister and I weren’t in the same class, she was in the gifted program, while I was in a general education classroom. My teacher knew I had a twin, and compared me to her constantly. I have never felt the way that I did the day she told me I was stupid and asked me why I couldn’t be as smart as my twin sister. I cried and cried, and I started thinking that school after fifth grade would be like this. School became my least favorite thing. I would beg my mom not to go and sometimes I would worry so much that I would make myself sick. This teacher was convinced there was something wrong with me. She had me tested for special needs, and learning disabilities, which didn’t show any results. The aid that was testing me, realized that it was better going to her for a half hour just to get out of that environment, and I didn’t mind it one bit. One day, we were taking our state tests and she called me back to her desk because I had already turned mine in. She told me that I didn’t get any of the answers right, and I would have to stay afterschool to retake it. I was so ashamed, so I called my mom and told her I would be staying after. I remember after school she had me sit in a desk and she handed me my test, which she erased all the answers to and had me retake it. I was crying the whole time, how could anyone be so degrading? That was the moment when I knew I had to become a teacher. I need to be a teacher who lifts children up and doesn’t bring them down.

We could’ve probably gotten her fired, but we aren’t those kinds of people. I left that elementary school for sixth grade to go to a charter school in American Fork. I was so glad to leave that school, although my teacher didn’t have the best teaching skills but, it was still better than before. I had high hopes for Jr. High and went to a different charter school in Draper, where my mom was working in second grade. It was really hard at first because all the classes were AP classes. The teachers would talk to my mom and ask her why I was so lazy when really I was working on eight hours of homework after school. I made it through and went to a charter High school in South Jordan.  High school was hard, and I just wanted to be done. I was just starting to go back to church after being inactive for a few years so I didn’t have very many friends. That made school really hard to get through and I was convinced I wasn’t going to go to college. One of my teachers told me about Snow College and that is where I ended up and got my Associates of Science there. And here I am today at BYU-Hawaii preparing myself to be the best teacher that I can be.

Hawaii.

          I have now been in Hawaii for three weeks. It has definitely been quite the adventure, if I do say so myself. I am so grateful that my parents were able to come and drop me off, and I am also so grateful that I am roommates with my sister. The first couple days, took some time to get used to since I moved into my dorm the day after I got here, and also I think I am still suffering from jet lag. Hawaii is such a beautiful place, and it is weird to think that here, right now, I can say I live in Hawaii. My parents were able to stay here on the island in Hauula, and they stayed for 2 weeks.
          The plane ride here took the longest time I swear. We went from SLC-LAX-HNL. And it seemed like it took all day. I remember thinking the whole way there, this is it. I am living my dream. Hawaii has and always will have such a special place in my heart. We got off the plane at the airport and I remember thinking to myself, this is it, there is no turning back now. I was so grateful to get off the plane, and go to the bathroom. ;) Cause let's be real, airplane bathrooms are sketchy. As we walked toward the baggage claim, and instantly got sticky the moment we walked outside. Life was so stressful, bringing only the essentials such as 2 suitcases of clothes, my camera, and my laptop. But I am glad that was all I brought, cause that even seemed like too much at the time. We went to get the rental car (minivan) that would be our car for the next 2 weeks and I was so glad when we got in and the AC was kicking. What can I say, I hate being hot. Who knows what got me to move to one of the warmest places ever... So anyway we took a pit stop to our favorite Korean BBQ place and ate lunch there. It was one of the best first days of vacation. Just to relax and reunite with my siblings after far too long! This was a picture I took my first day here. Gosh I love the scenery.

      Living in Hawaii isn't what you would expect it to be. No, I don't spend everyday at the beach. And no it's not because of a fear of water, or because I don't want to. I am actually going to school, and wanting to pass. But you know, people get some crazy ideas, like not doing homework. I only went to the beach a couple times while my parents were in town, and most of the time I wasn't dressed to go swimming and we were just mostly taking pictures. Here are some beach pictures that you people in Utah can be jealous of, especially those of you that haven't been great supporters of me. You are welcome. ;)

I think about all the things that I want to do while I am here in Hawaii. Which is honestly like a lot I feel like. But my number one goal is to get good grades so that I am able to get a scholarship. I do need to get out more, so that I can take more pictures and make new friends, which isn't going so well... but that kind of is how my life works... which is okay... but still... 

Classes are proving to be much more challenging than I thought, probably because they actually matter, but ya know, who knows. I am just hoping that I will be able to get the hang of things, mainly in my psychology class. I also want to have more fun, but work now play later I guess. haha 

I have drinken Hawaiian Sun that I will probably swim in it later, nah just kidding. I have enjoyed being here with my sister, and I am so glad that we are here together,  since I thought I was going to be alone here. I actually like my education classes, so that's a bonus. I have started of things I want to do here, and some of them I have done! So that is exciting.

This is a really bad example of iPhone picture taking skills, but this is my view when I am going to class. I mean it really isn't something to complain about. 

Also, the sunsets though. They are spectacular, and I am so grateful God created them so that we are able to see them on the daily. 

This was one of the things that I wanted to do here, Stand Up Paddle boarding or you know SUP, it was so fun. I am grateful that my dad was able to do it with me, and that I was able to try something I have never done before. 

Lol. Well these are my legs. and yes those are scratches. I was also able to go snorkeling with my sister, and it was really fun! I am getting so many mosquito bites, and scars on my legs, which I am really excited about. Now my legs have stories. 

Lastly, I just want to say how much I love geckos. And how much other girls scream when they see one. I mean, how cute are they? AND they kill bugs. Really they are my guardian angels. :) 

I am loving this adventure, and I can't wait to see where it takes me next. 

So long for now, will write soon!