One Year

For another tribute to China, go here.

Remembering China

As the one year anniversary of returning home from China approaches, it's hard not to think about how fast time flies and how quickly things can happen. I mean, I definitely was not thinking that I'd get married before I had been home for a year! But, here is a little update on all of 'the China girls.'
Jillian: serving a full time LDS mission in South Korea. (I was floored when I heard the news, mostly because she had such a difficult time learning Chinese. I thought "how will she learn Korean?!" But, she has a little extra help from the Lord this time.) Jillian did a great job as a head teacher, even during difficult times. I know that she is doing an amazing job serving as one of the Lord's teachers.
Mikelle: serving a full time LDS mission in Malaysia. Adam and I had the opportunity to go the her farewell.. She is going to do so great! I have to admit, I didn't particularly get along with Mikelle for the first couple months while we were in China. But, thankfully I got over myself and we became good friends. She has such a strong testimony and I know that she is doing an amazing job spreading the gospel.
Abby: serving a mission in Nauvoo as a Young Performing Missionary. Abby has such a way with bringing people closer to our Heavenly Father through music. I'll go ahead and admit that I sometimes had a hard time showing love for Abby while in China. But, again, I was able to get over myself and see her for the absolute wonderful person that she is. I'm grateful that I was able to serve in China with her. And I know that she is helping to touch thousands of lives through her talent this summer as she serves the Lord.
Jaimie: married and still loving her crazy life. Jaimie got married just six weeks after we got back to the states. I'm not sure how she didn't go completely crazy, trying to plan everything that quickly. I'm so glad that she and Dan only live thirty minutes away. It took a little adjusting when I got back to the states; I was used to spending every waking moment with this girl, then all of a sudden I was 2,000+ miles away from her! Good thing I moved to Utah. She actually threw a bachelorette party for me. And yes, she did a good job at embarrassing me. Thanks, teacher Jaimie!
Brianna: married and finishing spring classes. She and Nathan got married in December, just before Christmas. I was lucky enough to be in Virginia when they were married. They were such a cute couple, even in the freezing cold! Brianna & Nathan will be carpooling with Adam and I across the country for our last HUGE Teerlink Family Reunion. It is going to be so fun! I can't wait!
Sarah: just got her mission call to Edmonton, Canada! She is going to be so great! I'm so happy for her. Sarah always had a way of bringing me back down to earth and reminding me of what's really important in life. She has a testimony that just shines! She is going to be a wonderful sister missionary.
Now, for those of you who may not remember, our whole group didn't fit into one apartment while we were in China. We lived in two apartments. Jilllian, Sarah, Abby, and Mikelle lived in one. The second was home to Jaimie, Brianna, and I. So, that means that one entire apartment is now serving missions, while the other one got married. Funny, huh? Big changes continuing to happen in all of our lives. I love it!
It's almost been an entire year.. I am still so grateful for the time that I spent in China with these wonderful girls. I fully believe that my experience there has changed me forever. It helped turn me into the person that I am today.
Thank you, girls, for sharing those six months with me. Wo ai ni men!

Our Blog

Really.. start following this one ---> www.fromyourtoestoyourface.blogspot.com

...Please?

:)

Lookie lookie!

Hey, check this out.
www.fromyourtoestoyourface.blogspot.com
Mmk, thanks!

Hard Earned

Did you know that Michelle Obama, our current First Lady, has blown every record ever set by any previous First Lady? I'm not talking about records concerning donations to charities, or visiting third world countries. I'm talking about the money spent on her own personal entourage. Here are a few numbers for the 22 person staff*:

• $172,200 - Chief of Staff
• $140,000 - Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady
• $113,000 - Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Security
• $102,000 - Special Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady
• $90,000 - Deputy Chief of Staff to the First Lady
• $84,000 - Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady
• $75,000 Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady
• $70,000 - Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady
• $65,000 - Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary
• N/A - Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary
• $62,000 - Deputy Director of Scheduling and Events Coordinator for the First Lady
• $60,000 - Deputy Director of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady
• N/A - Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady
• $52,000 - Associate Director and Deputy Press Secretary to the First Lady
• $50,000 - Special Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide to the First Lady
• $45,000 - Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady
• N/A - Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady
• $40,000 - Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff to the First Lady
• $36,000 - Staff Assistant to the Chief of Staff to the First Lady
• N/A - Staff Assistant
• N/A - Deputy Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady

Now, if any of who have read my previous blogs, you know that I am a red blooded American.**. I love this country!!!! But, this is ridiculous. I mean seriously?! OVER $1,258,200 a year for the First Lady's personal entourage? Really? That's not even talking about the President himself!

God bless you, America! Better put in a little extra elbow grease at work. How else would Mrs. Obama be able to pay someone to put in her earrings for you?!


*Some members of her staff did not have an exact dollar number, but this list is in order from highest paid to lowest paid.
**I am eternally grateful to live in a country where I am free to express my thoughts.

Opinions Please

I'm attempting to decide on wedding colors today. Thus far I've narrowed it down to:

Green & Yellow

Yellow & Gray 

(I really like the quilt idea, regardless of color)

Purple

Or

Black & White (maybe with an accent color)

I can't decide, but I'm being drawn to yellow. I'm not sure though. Comments are welcome!!

Let The Good Times Roll!

Watch this :)

Yee-haw!

HUH?!

I'm getting married. I'm getting married. I'm getting married. I'm getting married.
I'M GETTING MARRIED. I'M GETTING MARRIED. I'M GETTING MARRIED!
I'm getting married. I'M GETTING MARRIED. I'm getting married. I'M GETTING MARRIED.


Wait.. what?

Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend...

..So I finally got one.

"I never knew what happiness was or joy until I met you.  You make me the happiest man alive, and I want to spend every minute of every second with you forever.  Sorry that didn’t make any sense, I am a little out of my mind.  You know what I meant, every second of every minute with you.  I love you.  Shaila will you be my eternal companion, Will you marry me?"

So, yes. The girls from church yesterday were right.

Sunday Spanish Secrets

Firstly, Sundays are fabulous! What a wonderful opportunity to hear other's testimonies of our Savior.

Now, for the story! After church, Adam and I were walking down the hall, hand in hand, to go out to the car. Two girls, conversing in Spanish, followed closely behind. This was their conversation:

-Piensas que estos van a casarse?
-Ojala que si

Adam laughed a little and turned around to look. Then they said:

-Pienso que entendio lo que dijimos!

I asked him to translate since he is fluent in the language. He teased and said, "What? You didn't understand them?!" (I'm only halfway through lesson one of my immersion program!) Then he translated.

-Do you think those two are going to get married?
-Yes, I think so.
(Then he turned around to look at them)
-I think he understood what we said!

Oh, The Things We Do

Love, to me, is...

• Listening to an entire album of a band that I'm not particularly in the mood for
• Realizing when I'm wrong and being able to admit it almost immediately
• Doing the same with apologizing. (This is a big deal for me, I can usually be pretty prideful and take forever to say sorry.)
• Taking his brand new car to get washed when I have less than $200 to my name right now
• When he says things like "I like college football.. but I like you more."
  or
  "You're the most fun I've had except for on four wheels."
• Giving me a key to his brand new car and trusting me enough to drive it. Even when he hardly trusts his own family to drive it.
• Always telling me that I'm beautiful when I'm in sweats.
• Giving me a foot massage when I didn't even ask for one.
• Understanding me well enough to know when to just leave me alone for a little while and when I need to talk things out.
• Supporting (and even training with) me for a marathon. Even though I know he secretly thinks I'm crazy.
• Laughing so hard that our sides ache.

And the list could go on and on. But I'll stop making all you cynics out there gag.. For now at least ;)

Birthday Tears

Today I turned 22 years young. It feels a little weird. But, as I went about my fabulous day, I realized that for the past four years I have cried on my birthday. Whether it be because of a boy, homesickness, or plain frustration, it's never been a good cry. This year was different.

I came home last night to streamers all over my apartment, a cupcake cake, and balloons covering my bedroom floor. 

I awoke to the smell of pancakes and bacon. (Excuse Newbie's face.. he wasn't ready for the picture.)

I spent two glorious hours at the spa with my sister. We spent the first hour in a Japanese bath (separate tubs!) while we sipped on lemon water and even got to put cucumbers over our eyes like they do in the movies! The second hour consisted of the best massage I have ever received. It was heavenly.

No, this isn't a real picture of either me or Rachel (that would be a little inappropriate) but this is exactly how our tubs looked. Well, minus the rose petals, and add a pitcher of ice lemon water. Mmm!

 I had dinner at an amazing restaurant with an incredible view. ((This is where the crying came in...)) As I was sitting there, enjoying a great meal, listening to a mesmerizing piano serenade, and looking out at the beautiful Salt Lake Temple, I was just completely overcome by the Spirit. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father's love. I've felt His presence in my life many times before, but it's been a while since I've felt it in that capacity.

Then to top it all off, I ended the night by coming home to a small surprise party. (Maybe I'll get those pictures up later)

 I can honestly say that this has been the best birthday I've ever had. Thank you to all those who made it so wonderful. But, most especially, thank you to Newbie!

PS- There are still several Holiday posts to come!

Death Sentence

Today is Day #1 of (pre) Marathon Training.

Am I scared? Absolutely.
Have I already thought of backing out? Yes, of course.
Am I really going to do this? You better believe it!

Hold me to it.  ...Seriously, check in with me.

Learn To Dance In The Rain

In spite of a receiving some bad news today, here are some things that made me smile:

Heart attacking the guys' apartment.

Newbie's sweet revenge.

Adult footie pajamas. I mean, can you say SEXY?!

Girls night. Including- dirty dancing class at Gold's. 

(yes, Grandma- a dirty dancing class), 

mud masks, and smoothies. Mmmm!

And my language immersion programs finally came!

Newbie and I will be learning Chinese together.

We already try to speak four languages,

(English, Spanish, Chinese, & ASL)

so why not try to be better?

He's already fluent in Spanish, so I'm the one that needs to catch up!

Oh, and... I ONLY HAVE ONE FINAL LEFT!!

That is all.

Weekend Favorites

• Temple Square in Salt Lake City at Christmas time
• Cheesecake
• Chinese food (particularly Charlie Chow's Dragon Grill)
• Dan & Jaimie Riding
• Mint hot chocolate
• Fast & testimony meeting at church
• The first presidency Christmas devotional
• Prayer
• Pictures
• Divine intervention
• Sundays

A1 Sauce

Once upon a time there was a man who was full of patience and kindness. He had will power made of steel. He was a great leader. But, he really sucked at playing Blink. He could cook great pot roast and even get people to like gravy. He's the kind of man that cleans snow off of a girls car without her even having to ask. He's also the kind of guy that listens to Taylor Swift in his car, without a girl present. Hmm... a rare breed indeed.
Hello Kansas!

Roses Are Red, Steak is Too

Wedding receptions. What a fabulous excuse to buy a new dress, get beautiful roses from a great guy, and eat the most fantastic steak ever (seriously, I think I'm in love with it!)

Grateful

On this Thanksgiving Day, I have so much to be thankful for. Although, if I were to try to list everything that I'm grateful for, I'd be typing indefinitely. I'll try to limit myself.
I am grateful for:

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so blessed to have this sweet gospel in my life. I am grateful for the peace and comfort that it brings.
• Rachel. I was really unsure of how things would go when she came out here. But, against my preconceived ideas, we have become best friends. I am so proud of her and I love having her in my daily life. Even when she insists on crawling into my tiny bed with me (and gives me Reese's and then takes them away, like she just did).
• The United States of America. No, it is not perfect. But, I am so thankful and proud to be called an American. We have so many freedoms in this nation! Just take a moment and think of how wonderful it is that we have religious freedom. There are so many out there who aren't able to have this same freedom. I know that our forefathers involved the Lord in the founding of our country.
• The great people that I have met here. Influential, uplifting, motivational, kind. They are wonderful.
• Friends. I have such great people in my life.
• Bubble baths. What a fabulous pleasure in life.
• Utah Valley University. Although it is costing me three times as much as what BYU-Idaho did, I am grateful for the things that I am learning here.
• Music. It's good for the soul.
• Turkey! I couldn't forget that today.
• Family. The best for last. I am so glad that I was given this family. They are so wonderful. It gets a little crazy sometimes, but it's worth it. I am grateful for my eternal family.

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Cold Toes

Here's another random one.
[commence rambling]
I tried Peach and Mangosteen tea; smelled great, didn't taste so great. There was supposed to be a huge blizzard here tonight ("biggest in the past 25 years"), didn't happen. My roommate has pneumonia, poor thing. She's been hurting and incognito for about a week now. I think I might be starting to get sick too. I can't afford that. I won't even have insurance for another month. My super duper bumble bee socks are not keeping my feet very warm right now. I was really excited for the snow. I made a gigantic pot of vegetable soup on Sunday.  Rachel is thinking of going abroad with ILP. I cannot believe that. Can. Not. Did you know that guys usually fall in love faster than girls do? What do you do when that happens? Did I already mention that my feet are cold? Channing Tatum is so beautiful. I would not consider myself to be a Harry Potter fan, nor am I anti. But, I went and saw the newest movie this past weekend and it was absolutely phenomenal. I'm contemplating doing a little Black Friday shopping this year. This is something that I'm usually against. I have so many books that I want to read right now. I have a huge final presentation next Monday which means that I'll be spending time on my break working on it. I hate it when that happens. It's called a break for a reason. One of my friends is thinking of volunteering to go back to Iraq again. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I already haven't seen him in two years. I might not be able to go home for Christmas; we'll see what happens. I want a baby. My best friend has a brand new niece! I was really excited for the snow, but laying out on the beach sounds wonderful right now. I miss my queen size bed. I still can't believe that my video won the competition at work. I cry almost every time I watch it. I want to go shopping. Gordon B Hinckley was such an amazing man. I love pulpy orange juice. Bubble baths and mud masks are amazing.
[commence bubble bath]

Words From the Weekend

The bad. The good. The bitter. The sweet. Things that were said to me. Things that I said. Things that I wish I would've said. Words from this weekend.

"I know why you think I'm so cocky. It's because you have low self-esteem." -KD

"All you are is mean and a liar and pathetic and alone in life."- Taylor Swift

"I put up with you because I think I'm falling in love with you."

"Aim high, but do not aim so high that you totally miss the target. What really matters is that he will love you, that he will respect you, that he will honor you, that he will be absolutely true to you, that he will give you the freedom of expression and let you fly in the development of your own talents. He is not going to be perfect, but if he is kind and thoughtful, if he knows how to work and earn a living, if he is honest and full of faith, the chances are you will not go wrong, that you will be immensely happy." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"What a beautiful place to be. With friends." - Dobby (HP7)

"You can take his ego and caress it or you can crush it."
"My natural man is an idiot!"
"Girls, remember, nerds make the money!" - [stake] President Livingston

Sometimes all you can do is laugh.

PS- I won the video contest!! Which means a new iPod shuffle for Shaila! Weee!