Extensionssssssssss....

Ok so I admit it, I gave in an bought some extensions! I have been going crazy with my short hair lately. I thought about it and thought about it so I just decided to go ahead and do it! Here are the results...

I thought I would take one of those nasty before pictures you see in the magazines...


...and here is the after!


Whadddya think? I think they are fun, a good way to change it up! I have missed having long hair!!! I am still learning how to use them well, but for now I am enjoying them. :)

That makes me feel brave.

Today I started out my day pretty-- bitter, I guess. I was just angry for no reason. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, I realized I was upset for no reason. I remembered that yes, there are things in my life I wish were different. Yes, I am having a hard time with a few things. But I also remembered that I have a beautiful family. I have the wonderful gospel in my life. I have friends who would do anything for me. I have so much to be thankful for! Adversity. It happens to everyone. We all have challenges, problems, complications in our life. We all feel sadness, pain, sorrow. But there is so much to be happy about! So many things we are blessed with! And adversity makes us stronger. It makes us who we are and helps us develop in to more than we were.



"I forget the last time I felt brave,
I just recall insecurity
Cause it came down like a tidal wave
and sorrow swept over me"

BUT....

"Then I was given grace and love
I was blind but now I can see
Cause I've found a new hope from above
And courage swept over me"


"But I don't need a telescope to see that there's hope
And that makes me feel brave"

So remember that we all have trials, but we are helped in ways we don't even understand. Count your many blessings. In Ether 12:27 it talks about turning weaknesses to strengths when we are humble. We can do that, we can be made strong through adversity.


Ps. Thank you for being you, and for being a part of my life. You are what makes me what I am. I am so thankful for you. We all need to love and thank those around us, family, friends, anyone who has stamped our lives with good memories.

The best of friends...

I love these kids. Thanks Jay for this!! Do we not look like the real thing? Or even better. Man I miss my days with these kids!!

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I gotta feelin'

As much as I hate to admit it, it's pretty cool. I was so confused watching it. I was wondering why that girl was so crazy... then I was like... WHOOOAAA! Oprah had no idea. Seriously it's pretty cool they got so many people involved without anyone knowing. I was impressed, even if it was the Black Eyed Peas. Just watch it :)

Freaky Friday Night!

Tonight Courtney and I went for a lovely (my new favorite word, all my guests from the UK say it, that and "cheers" :) evening at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort! It was so beautiful and magical! I love it. It is the second time we went, and also the second time they were playing the movie "Freaky Friday". We started out the night by visiting my new favorite little diner, Beaches and Cream.

We then did a bit of shopping and on the way got distracted by my new favorite obsession, the photo booth! Court and I have done it a few times and I am addicted. We have so many ideas for pictures to come, hopefully I can get to a scanner so I can post them online. They are soooooo fun! Try it, you'll love it I promise, especially if there is an instant replay feature!
We then sat down for an awesome Disney movie. They play one every night at eight! We hope that next time we go it won't be Freaky Friday again! Haha but it was still so fun. Half way through the movie the fireworks went off at Epcot, it was so beautiful to watch! It is my new favorite thing to do, and definitely something I will miss when I leave here! Here is the view from where we sat...
And this is the way they show the movie...
It's pretty cool if you ask me! Sorry there are no pictures with people in them, I forgot my memory card. I know pictures with no people are boring like post cards but I just wanted to give a little idea of what it was like! Next time I will remember to take people photos! Oh, and I forgot to mention that we started the day with the Nemo musical at Animal Kingdom, it was so good! I loved it! A must see for sure.

Sooooo.... I kind of have a major love for So You Think You Can Dance. I had never watched it until this past season, but I fell in love! I just love talented people! Man I wish I could dance. Anywho, tonight in my boredom I started watching my favorite dances from the season online. I thought I would share! Here are some of the greats... Love ya!

I think these next two are self explanatory...


This one is about addiction...

Find joy in the journey.

My thought for the day...


You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Today I heard this song and thought to myself how true that is. With everything in life, we need to embrace the now. Be happy with where we are. All too often I long for the future, for things to come. We think of things we want and say to ourselves, "someday."


But our time is short.


So we can't wait.


Of course we all have things we look forward to. Love, family, eternity. But, sometimes we get so caught up looking forward to things we forget to appreciate the things we have now.

So take time for the important things. Take time to jump on the bed.


And dance in the rain.


Lastly,

Trying to be artistic....

Sooooo birthdays. I am REALLLLLYYYYY bad at them. I always start thinking about what I want to get way ahead of time, then I stress and stress over getting the perfect gift until I drive myself crazy and just have to choose something at the last minute. Never fails! Haha. Saturday is Skippy's birthday. I did get this, and I was pretty proud of it.


Without being a cast member, I would have never been able to get it! They NEVER write two names on a hat, not for anyone... unless you have connections. :)

The other night I was shopping at Walmart and saw all of these blank picture frames. I thought, how about I put some thought and heart in to this birthday gift? So, I decided to home-make a frame. Here it is...




The quote is one from President Benson out of Preach My Gospel. It says "One of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work." I thought it was appropriate for a missionary haha. The NC is representative of Skip's pride and joy, North Carolina. He is always sending me pictures and stuff of NC. I hope he likes it! I am a little nervous that he will think it is lame, but oh well, I tried. I got him a few other housekeeping things, ties and sweaters to keep him warm, and of course Cheezits and Capri-suns! It was my first attempt at an art project in a long time. What do you think? Tell me if it's horrible! :)

All about pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In it's honor, I wanted to post this video of a dance performed on So You Think You Can Dance. The choreographer created it in honor of a friend of his, a breast cancer survivor. I know Yoplait gives money to the Breast Cancer Foundation for every lid sent in. Maybe as challenge we can all try to send in a few lids. Let's say five. Let's all send in five lids. Every little bit helps.


I hope you enjoy this beautiful depiction of one man's interpretation of the affects of breast cancer. It brought me to tears to be perfectly honest.



I personally have not been affected by the heartache brought on by breast cancer, but I do have family who have suffered other types of cancer. Here's to those strong women and men who are bravely facing the illness.

Boo...to...you!

...thought I would finally get in the Halloween spirit :)

Here's a little something to make you laugh...And here's a little something that made me laugh...SMILE! Today will be a beautiful day!

This Magic Moment...

Today a little 2 year old boy was telling me about riding the Buzz Lightyear ride. He was so excited, he was jumping and dancing and smiling. He got really close to my face like he was going to tell me something really serious, and then he kissed my cheek and gave me a hug. It was soooooo stinkin' cute!There's nothing in the world like a kiss from a child.

Then, a family I was helping was really excited to be at Disney. They were telling me all about where they were from in Tenessee and Virginia. I asked if they wanted an "I'm Celebrating" button. They said they weren't celebrating anything but being here. So, I pulled out some buttons and wrote "I'm Celebrating: Being here!"Then they told me it was their mom's birthday but they had no money to buy her anything, so I gave them a birthday button with her name on it. When they were leaving the little boy said, "Thanks miss. Thanks miss Misty. Thanks miss real pretty Misty." It was so sweet :)

On another note... Today's words of advice:Love freely, laugh often, and embrace the now. Life isn't what it's made up to be, you have to make it that way. After all...

Workin' on maaaaa fitnessss!

So... it's official! Ragar Relay in February! I was signed up to run one in California in April, but on a more relaxed and fun team. The other day Lori Nelson emailed me and asked if I would like to be on their competitive team for the race in Arizona! Of course I said yes! I am so excited! It is a relay consisting of 12 runners. We run from Prescott to Phoenix, about 200 miles total. Each for us run just under 20 miles.
The race is going to be intense. Like I said, these girls are more competitive, they want to win! So now I have the challenge of training hard so I can be an asset to the team. I think it's going to be a blast! Until then I'll just be running, running, running. The motto of the race is "run, eat, sleep, repeat." I simply can't wait!

Thank you for your testimony.

Today my nonmember roommate came to church with me. It was a beautiful meeting. It was testimony meeting, and there were so many wonderful testimonies. One was a missionary about to go home, he was in tears. One was a young woman who just read the Book of Mormon for the first time. One was a young man about to leave on his mission. All were in tears. I was in tears listening to their sweet, humble testaments of truth. It was beautiful.

Sunday school was on modern day prophets. It was exactly the kind of lesson you want on a Sunday when you are bringing someone investigating the gospel to church. They told a wonderful story about how one man explained modern day prophets. It went something along the lines of:

A man once told him there were no such thing as modern prophets. He said the heavens were closed and God only spoke to men in Bible times. The teacher asked, why? The student said, "I don't know, you tell me." The teacher told the man there were only three things he could think of that would keep God from talking to His children. The first was because God lost His power, He no longer had the ability to communicate. The student said, "No, he is God, his power is infinite and eternal. I know that isn't the reason." The teacher told him, then, it must be because God doesn't love us anymore. The student replied, "No, God loves all his children. He always will. His love is as eternal as the power I mentioned." So the teacher told him the only other thing he could think of was that we don't need God anymore; science and technology were advanced enough that we didn't need God's help any longer. The student got teary eyed and said, "Man has never needed God more than they do now, in this day and age and society we live in." The student then realized there must be a modern day prophet. We need help through these times.

The Lord does speak to a prophet today. I know it with all of my heart. The heavens are open, and He leads and guides the church through our modern day prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He is as much the prophet today as Moses, Lehi, and Joseph were in the days of old.

Relief Society was about families being sealed for eternity. Who doesn't want to spend eternity with their loved ones? My family are what I hold dearest to my heart, and I am sure many of us feel the same way. They taught about temple marriages. I think it touched my roommate, she has three children at home. I think the thought of eternity with them hit home with her.

When the meeting was over, I asked what she thought. She told me, "I know alot of christians. They say one thing, and do the other. They say they have faith in Christ, but they don't live in a way that shows it. Everyone here seems so real. I have never seen a grown man cry over his feelings for Christ. I know he knew it, you know? I feel like you guys really believe this, and that it is really real for you. I like that." We then talked a bit with the sisters. We got my roommate a Book of Mormon. She is really interested in the idea of having something so close to the Bible, but that's more, to read. I really hope and pray she reads it. I asked her to read Moroni 10:4-5 first. She did. We will see :) She is intrigued by the thought of knowing what comes after this life. I hope she takes the chance to learn more. Please pray for her. I know I will be.

I just wanted to share this wonderful experience. I like to think of my blog as some sort of minor form of a journal. :)

Oh, and today I signed up to go on splits with the sisters. I couldn't be more excited! And Elder Bednar is coming next weekend to talk to the YSA. I am counting down the days!

I hope people know the influence they have on those listening to them bare their testimonies. Sometimes people don't even realize the impact an example can have. So, next fast Sunday, bare your testimony. Someday it might be your investigating roommate, and you will be hoping someone stands up to bare theirs.

Random thoughts in no particular order.

Nothing is better than...
*Inspiring quotes
*Planning my school schedule for the next semester
*Texts that say only "I love you."
*Hearing people play piano
*Walking barefoot in grass
*Fireworks
*Hearing a new born baby cry
*Daydreaming about the future
*Being in a bookstore
*Buying knock off designer sunglasses
*Watching the same Disney movies I've watched since I was five
*Sending cards to people
*Setting goals
*Accomplishing goals
*Crying while listening to someone bare testimony
*Feeling the Spirit so strongly you know you never want to do wrong again

Today I want to try to...
*Eat healthier
*Learn to sew
*Cook for my roommates
*Buy a guitar
*Read church materials an hour every day
*Say hi to strangers

We can all try a little harder to be a little better...
*Be the change you wish to see in the world
*Be a builder, not a wrecker
*It is better to be respected than to be popular
*An example can be the best form of missionary work
*Let these values be reflected in you: Faith. Divine Nature. Individual Worth. Knowledge. Choice and Accountability. Good Works. Integrity. Virtue.
*Smile. ALWAYS SMILE.

All you need is faith and trust, and a little bit of pixie dust...

When we started working at Disney, they told us to find things to use as our pixie dust. They told us we needed something to help us remember why we work so hard to do what we do. Here are a few of my pixie dust stories for the week...

Today when I went to Magic Kingdom, I showed the ticket taker my Disney employee ID and he said to me, "Welcome home." It touched my heart.

Last night at the Halloween Party I played Bat Toss outside the store. There was one group of children who I just had a blast with. They kept telling me I was silly and saying, "Mom, she's funny." Afterward, my manager gave me a "Great Service Fanatic" card, saying I was doing a great job interacting with the guests. I worked hard for it, but I was having fun the whole time.

Two days ago, a little girl told me a story in spanish. I didn't understand a word. I told her, "I'm so sorry princess, no habla espanol." She smiled at me, and then kissed my cheek and skipped away. It was so precious.

Last week, a little boy wanted his name embroidered on a hat. I did all I could to make sure he was happy with the results. When he got his hat he said, "Someone give this girl a raise."

Two weeks ago, a family came in from England. I asked them my usual three questions. Are you having fun? Where are you from? Is this your first time here? The answer to the last one was "yes". I always get excited about first timers and offer them our first time button. When I gave one to every person in the family, the yougest daughter threw her arms in the air and shouted, "I LOVE DISNEYWORLD!" It made my day :)

Thank goodness for little children. Alot of times at Disney, we are stressing to make everything perfect for the guest. Sometimes we forget why we are doing it all, but then the kids help us to remember the magic.

By the way, my name is John.

John Bytheway is amazing. Honestly, so many of the stories and scriptues I know come from things I have learned from him. A few months ago, I bought a collection of his talks on CD at Deseret Book (my all time favorite store, I always spend more money in there than intended, it's so addicting). I listen to them all the time. When I am driving anywhere, even when I am walking around campus, I am listening to John Bytheway (JBTW as Perlis and I lovingly refer to him). When people think I am jamming to music, I am listening to his talks. It might be because I have an immature mind, I don't know. All his talks are directed toward the youth. But he talks in a way that is so easy to learn and understand and most importantly, retain. To put it simply, I'm obsessed. Today I was walking around the bookstore here in Orlando, just for the fun of it (I do that sometimes, yes, I am a dork), and I saw this.I honestly jumped and made a startled yet happy noise out loud for the workers and shoppers to hear. I instantly grabbed it, bought it, and listened to the first talk. I already love it. For any of you who have never experienced a JBTW talk, I would recommend at least one. I promise if you are not addicted, I'll never blog about it again (I know, what and inspiring promise, haha). The one I listened to most recently is called "What are you carrying in your backpack?" I loved it!! Please take time to listen to him at least once.

These are a few of my favorite things...

...Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad...

These are a few of my favorite things...

University of Michigan Wolverines. My Grandpa Tom bought me a Michigan shirt when I was a little girl. I have no other reason than that to love them, but oh how I do. They were undefeated in the season until this last weekend. Even with a loss on their record, they are still my favorite, and I love them. I found this shirt at the Disney sports store. Mickey and Michigan, how amazing is that? :) Go Blue.



Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. The stories alllllwaysssss bring me to tears. These familes are so amazing. Most of them have gone through so much in order to be able to support thier familes. Often, they have taken in others when they couldn't afford to support themselves. I have always thought it would be neat to work for the show. Changing people's lives and making their dreams come true every single Sunday at 7 pm? Sounds like a great gig to me :) Think globally, act locally.


Shawn Johnson. What a rockstar. Olympic athlete. Dancing with the Stars winner. She's adorable, confident, kind, and dedicated. You go girl. You are your own lucky charm.


The Biggest Loser. This show is so inspiring. Bob and Jillian do so much for these people. It's not about the fat and skinny. It's not about the looks. It is about the new life these people gain. They take control. They regain lost energy. They gain years of life for their children and families. They find confidence. They learn to love themselves again. They inspire me. If they can run marathons, I can run marathons. It was they who encouraged me to sign up for Ragnar. I am planning to run it in April, nearly 20 miles. Once training for that is over, I intend on training for a marathon. Why not take control. Love yourself no matter how you look, and take control of your own happiness. The only way to predict the future is to create it. Design your own desitny. Alot of heavy things to learn and gain from the show (no pun intended?).



The Beatles. No need to explain. Here comes the sun.


Kurt Warner. This man is an amazing football player. But he is more than that. He is an amazing husband. He is an amazing father. He is an amazing person. He has seven children. He is sure to spend quality time with every one of them, even with his career. A man who works at Disneyworld told me he brought 70 make a wish kids to the park. He is amazing. One of my sons will be a Warner.


Michael Jackson. The king of pop. I don't know if all the rumors about him are true, but I don't care. He was truely one of the most talented singers and dancers of our day.
I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change


On a lighter note... Jim and Pam. They have the best relationship, a friendship. They were friends and then they were lovers. They are so cute. They play jinx, you owe me a Coke. And actually buy the Coke. It sounds corny, I know. But watch them. The Office, it's a new found love, and yes, I watch it for the love story. Don't tell anyone. I love admire their almost childlike love.


Dr. Seuss. This man is genius. "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter."


Christmas. I LOOOOOOVE Christmas. Favorite holiday. Favorite. Hands down.


Last, but not even close to least... my ridiculous, all too crazy and way tooooo fuuunnn family.