Steamed Bum: The One Year Anniversary of Visiting China

Oh the children.

 This time a year ago I was in Beijing with Chamber Singers and was loving my life. I never posted as much as I wanted to about it because there are an overwhelming number of things to say about the whole experience, a lot of which are in my personal journals already. 

I will say this though: I was reading back in my journals from that spring to after I came home from China and noticed a change in myself. Towards the end of that school year I was feeling so small. I made some of the most difficult sacrifices I've ever had to make and it left me wondering if I would ever be deserving of good things. I didn't feel fulfilled and I couldn't get out of myself. 

Everything I experienced in China was what I needed to have a change of heart.

Even my family noticed a change in me. This new heart set the tone for the rest of my summer and it was one of the best I've had. I'm grateful for that opportunity I had to be there. It was a blessing really.

Changing gears now to reminisce about one of the absolute best memories of China times. The food. Now, unlike my siblings, I am not a picky eater. I'll pretty easily try anything at least once. I knew I wasn't going to have a problem with the food in China. Our hotel had buffet style meals for us every day complete with the english translation of what food we were eating. Here are just a few of such delicacies. 

Enjoy.

Acid Article Mutton - Tantalizing 

Onions Blasting Mutton - Divine

Chopped Garlic Rape(?!?!) - Scrumptious

Steamed Bum in Triangular Shape Stuffed with Sugar - Delightful

I'm not sure what pocket dictionary or online translation help they used, but I'm sure happy they did. 

For my other post on my time in China, click here

Remember three months ago?

Remember how three months ago I had not been to China and climbed the Great Wall, or seen my little sister graduate high school? Remember how 3 months ago today I was feeling like this? Remember how I didn't know that I was going to be an EFY counselor for a second summer in a row? Remember how life never goes the way you expect it and a lot happens in 3 months?

You don't remember?

Well I do.
Allow me to share just a little.

I have adventures to tell. Don't you worry, I will update soon.

Completing a Life Goal: Check

Every summer from the time I was 14-17 years old I attended Especially For Youth at different college campuses along the northern east coast. I learned some important lessons, made some great friends, and thought my counselors were the coolest people ever and I wanted to be them.

And now I get to be one.

2011 EFY Theme

Consider that life goal checked off.

Long Live

Here's to happiness 

{taken by me in athens greece july o7}

10 Things that make me ridiculously happy

1. people who can make me laugh until I ache.
2. long epic movies on a rainy day with people I can't get sick of.
3. Burberry London For Men cologne... delish. 
4. a full 8 hours of sleep
5. fresh flowers
6. sudden bursts of creativity... Like the one I had yesterday afternoon.
7. listening to live orchestras and string quartets
8. bike rides in the sun
9. the satisfaction of reading the last page of an excellent book
10. the end of missing someone

All That Glitters

Yes, the blog got a glittered out mini face-lift. Lookin' fly.

Yes, I did just get back from the east coast. 

Yes, I did see Aaron Tveit on Broadway in Catch Me if You Can. Swoon.

Yes, I still wonder why on earth I'm living in Utah (but I stand by the fact that I know that I'm supposed to be here.)

Yes, spending time with the one teacher that has had the greatest influence on not only what, but who I want to be has re-motivated me towards the end of my time in college.

Yes, I discovered Pinterest. WHERE have you been all my life!!! Seriously.

Yes, I've been getting my craft on lately.

Yes, I'm going to be an EFY counselor. Stoked. 

Yes, I am blessed.