People

June 24th...
That was the last time I posted anything. 
Quite frankly, I hadn't realized that it had been so long. Not because I've been living a particularly exciting life but the time does seem to have gotten away from me. So you can credit this update to my sister-like best friend and my lack of Sunday afternoon social life. 

Every time I let the time get away and then look back at what has "happened" in the time that has lapsed, it reminds me of that quote that says life doesn't seem like a big change but it's the small changes from day to day that escape our notice that change us... or something to that effect. 
I definitely moved over the last couple months! But only down the street, back to where I was living for the year and half before this summer term... yep. I am a big traveler, can't you tell? Anyway, people ask me why I moved back and you know those decisions you make merely because it feels right at the time? That is my reason. It isn't much of one but I don't believe in coincidences so I know there is a reason for me to be here again. Not sure why just yet---perhaps I will never know but hey, isn't that part of the fun?
I am really enjoying my new ward though and I was surprised when the bishop called to extend the call of activity committee co-chair to me. Haven't done much with it yet but my co-chair says that he has a bushel of ideas for our ward so I am excited to talk with him about those and get some stuff rolling. 
I love the bishopric and their wives! So far we have heard the bishop and first counselor speak (along with brief testimonies from their lovely companions) and both of them told us of how they met their wives. Bishop's story was sweet and the first counselor's was hilarious. They are very endearing folk, to be honest. 

The weather here in Provo has been just a little crazy but it gives me a taste of my beloved coastal rain so personally I have been perfectly okay with it. Lots of clouds and random thunderstorms. I think it is a fantastic way to say goodbye to summer and greet autumn with a snuggly hello! Scarves, boots and sweaters... my favorite season! 
Some of the trees are starting to change color even. Not so dramatically that the unobservant would be forced to recognize it but enough to hint at what is to come.

My younger sister turned 19 the other day and for those of you within the church who were in attendance at General Conference (or picked up on the feverish chatter thereafter) and are aware that the age for missionaries have changed know that she is faced with the decision, mission now? Or later? She has chosen now and I couldn't be more excited for her. That will be the second of my 5 siblings to go on a mission. Crazy stuff! But now I will have something else to do on Sundays... write to that Amazonian beauty of a sister of mine. 
It's odd to think that my little brother will be 18 next year which means he will be faced with the same decision--to go now or wait a little. I won't even bother asking his plans now because I know personally how much our plans can change in a matter of months. 

Tangent time: currently, I am listening to my Bernadette Peters station on Pandora and the song People from Funny Girl started to play. This song has always been my favorite from that musical probably because I resonate with the lyrics.  For those of you who haven't heard this song or seen the musical... voila! The lyrics:

People, people who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world
We're children, needing other children
And yet letting a grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside
Acting more like children than children
Lovers are very special people
They're the luckiest people in the world
With one person one very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you were half now you're whole
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person who needs people

I will be the first to admit that I love people (granted I do have those moments when I can be the most anti-social hermit there ever was). At the end of the day if I haven't spent at least a little time talking to someone or some persons, I feel the day has been wasted and my spirit wilts just a little. (Hugs are great too, but I've learned to get by... or so my grown-up pride would like to assure me). 
But we were never meant to be alone! I believe the Lord placed us into families for many purposes one of them being to teach us to love one another and rely on one another. To be people who need people. 
One part of this song that I feel needs my opinion stamped upon it, however, is "you were half now you're whole".  I don't think we I need someone to make me whole. I am whole and complete by myself. But I do believe that when we have someone in our life that compliments us, that encourages us to be our best self that we can have our happiness multiplied... and who doesn't want to be happy? Eternally? And that's why I count myself among the people who need people. Right now I receive that happiness from my family and friends but someday, when the Lord sees fit, I will be blessed to have that happiness that can only come from being married to the right man, at the right time, in the right place. 

Oh, another update on my life. I was sick this last week and am just trying to fight the remnants of this pesky cold but I daresay the worst is over. 
Oh, I am also planning my trip home for Christmas! More to come on that... I refuse to be out here in Utah for it for the third year running. 
Happy Sunday!