Whoa! It's February and Time for a Challenge!

Where did February come from??  Sorry I haven't posted in so long ... I've been super busy with classes- here's a typical day for me:

Sleep (as long as humanly possible while still completing all important tasks)
Awake and eat breakfast (sometimes, just a Nutrigrain bar, but hey- it's better than nothing
Rush to class/work (good thing I only live seven minutes from campus)
After class/work is over, rush to the other one
Take a lunch break and eat some food (hopefully, I had time the night before to make something so I don't have to spend money)
Do homework- study for a test- read in a textbook- practice
Rush to final class/work shift for the day
Meander home to finish more homework, read emails, and get ready for tomorrow!

Unfortunately, blogging is not on that list ... but because I am ahead on homework at the moment, I can pause and enjoy letting the creative juices of my soggy brain flow!

http://www.petfinder.com/dogs/living-with-your-dog/dog-valentines-day-date/

Since it is almost Valentine's Day, it's time for my traditional Valentine's Day challenge!  This year will be a little different from in years past, though I still intend to write a letter to my future spouse and encourage all my single friends to do so as well!

This year's Valentine's Day challenge is all about love.  There are lots of small things in every day that demonstrate the love which the Savior has for us- there's a song that I absolutely love which talks about the Savior's love for us.

I Feel My Savior's Love

I feel my Savior's love 

In all the world around me.

His spirit warms my soul 

Through everything I see.

I feel my Savior's love;

Its gentleness enfolds me.

And when I kneel to pray, 

My heart is filled with peace.

I feel my Savior's love, 

And know that He will bless me.

I offer Him my heart;

My shepherd He will be.

I'll share my Savior's love

By serving others freely.

In serving, I am blessed;

In giving, I receive.

Chorus:

He knows I will follow him, 

Give all my love to him. 

I feel my Savior's love,

The love he freely gives me.

(Words: Ralph Rodgers Jr., 1936-1996; K. Newell Dayley, b. 1939; and Laurie Huffman, b. 1948)

The Savior blesses us everyday because of His love for us.  The beautiful trees and mountains that mark the landscape, the glorious sunrise, the little wisps of wind on a hot summer's day, the tiny birds that hop through the garden, the lovely butterflies that land on our shoulder- all of these creations from our Lord and Savior testify of his love for us.  He has done so much out of love for us and even gave the ultimate sacrifice because of it.  I can't even imagine loving someone that much (maybe that's why I'm still single ... ).

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/127789708150780349/

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to help fill the world with love!  In order to show our appreciation for the love which our Savior has for us, share His love with others by serving them.  Small acts of kindness go a long way!  Even just a simple smile can brighten someone's day!  Sit with someone who's all alone during lunch; compliment someone on their outfit; have a conversation with the person behind you in line; tell someone they are loved.  If there's only one person who feels a little more love in their life from me issuing this challenge, then I will have done my part and helped to spread a little love. 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/127789708150780339/

Do your part.  Share the love!

The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden

... so that's what we did!  We got up before the sun was over the mountains and planted bulbs and flowers at the Salt Lake temple.  It was SO fun!

Photo compliments of Jess :]

Can't wait to go back in April and see all the beautiful flowers we planted!!

Ta-Da!

New blog layout!  Thoughts?  Comments?  Good jokes?

Last night, my roommate and I went to one of our favorite restaurants where the service is always great and the food is always delicious!  But last night- the experience was different.  It wasn't great- the service last night was spectacular!  Recently, my roommate has had to change to gluten-free eating.  Fortunately, this restaurant offers a gluten-free menu.  Usually, we also have to ask for gluten free dressing when the server brings out the food, but last night, the server brought it out immediately after we ordered without any prompting from us.  I drink a lot of water and most servers have trouble keeping up with how fast I drink.  But the superstar assigned to our table last night was on top of things and my glass was only empty once. (And even then, he was there less then thirty seconds later filling it up.)  We didn't have to sit around awkwardly to wait for him and he kept us updated on our orders.  When the kitchen forgot to bring out part of our order, not only did he immediately bring the forgotten item out, he brought extra- and a lot of it!  We left that night feeling very full, and very satisfied.  Our server was observant, and made both of us feel like we were important.

What is this wonderful restaurant with the superhero server?

If you live near me, then you know there's not much competition for chinese cuisine.  There's pretty much Panda Express and PF Changs.  And the quality of Panda doesn't come anywhere close to that of PF Changs (they really shouldn't even be grouped together), so it's not like they have to win us from other chinese restaurants.  But every time we go, we are surprised by some kind act from our server.  And that to me, says they really care about their guests and customer service.  And that's the kind of restaurant that earns the customers it has.  As long as they keep this kind of service mentality, they will forever have my business.

I Love My Job

I remember when my other siblings were trying to get jobs.  And I remember the times they specifically refused to even apply for a job in "fast food".  I know of others whom I am not related to that look down on those with jobs in fast food.  I am here today to stand up for the fast food jobs a.k.a quick service jobs and say that I love my job.  True, it's not glamorous; it's usually very messy; it's not the best pay in the world; it's not easy.  But it's totally worth it to put a smile on someone's face :]

I get to serve people directly and indirectly, every day!  And I get paid to do it!  I get to make every person who I see smile!  I get to work with amazing, honest people!  And the best part about my job is that it's through BYU!  My job works with my class schedule and I'm surrounded by people who are just like me!  They're poor college students just trying to be able to pay the rent on time and pass their classes, and they all believe the same things that I believe!  

I've worked in the Cougareat for three years now.  My supervisors are all great!  My co-workers are super fun, and I love all my employees!!  We opened a brand new store on campus this week (Eat Mor Chikin!) and everyone made it amazing!  I'm proud to be working at our new store, I'm proud that I am part of the Cougareat, and I'm super proud to have a "fast food" job :]

I Usually Don't Do This, But ...

I like to keep parts of my personal life private and separate from everything else.  So I usually don't share big events like this with people outside of my family (who already know what's going on anyway) but I know that there is power in prayer and power in numbers, so bear with me.  

Just in case anyone does read my blog, I would like to take a moment to ask for your prayers for my uncle Jody.  He has been through a very long struggle with cancer and brain tumors and it looks like it is all finally coming to an end very soon.  I know I'll be okay so don't waste time on me, but I'm also concerned for my cousin who is serving a mission.  Some of you met Javan while he was here in Provo and he is now serving his mission in Arizona. (Yay!) As much as I love Javan and as much as I love Jody, I know that he needs to be right where he is, serving the Lord.  Please include him and my uncle in your prayers.  It would be greatly appreciated!

Plus you'll be helping people and that make's everyone feel good with lots of warm fuzzies :]

To: Sweetheart

(Click here to read the challenge.  My Challenge Response Follows.)

Well, here's another Valentine's Day come and gone without you by my side.  Sometimes I wonder not if I'll ever met you but when.  The grand question of my life.  Sometimes I think about what it will be like and I wonder.  I wonder if we'll know instantly that there's something special like in fairytales or if we'll be unsure and on again off again like in Chick Flicks.  (I hope not, because those kinds of couples drive me INSANE.)  Most of the time I wonder if I already know you.  Sometimes, after having an especially trying day, I imagine what you would do and say to make me feel better.

Today in honor of you and I, I tried to think of others first and serve them.  I helped a guy in my class with our assignment when he was having trouble.  I walked and talked with someone who I'd never met before.  I held my tongue and controlled my temper when every inch of me wanted to scream.  I hope you were able to help people, too.  Today is a day to honor love and that love is made manifest through actions of service.

Darling, here's to next Valentine's Day.  I hope we'll be able to spend it together.  Until then, I've a date with a BLT and glass of sugar-free lemonade.

Alone for now, but forever yours,
Leigha

Valentine's Day Challenge Round Two

Hey everyone!  

So about this time last year, I created a challenge from a facebook post I saw from one of my friends.  This year, I've decided to reissue the same challenge.  With a little twist.  Before you write your letter, re-read the one you wrote last year.  Reflect on where you were last year, how far you've come since then.  It's amazing when we just stop and reflect on how much we've changed in such a short amount of time.  So, without further ado, here is your challenge!  

Well, we're a week from Valentines day, 

and soon Facebook will be flooded with "Single Awareness Day" stuff... 

Usually, in the past, I've joined this massive self-pity fest, 

but this year I thought I'd try something different. 

This week, I'd like to challenge everyone, 

(Myself included) 

to contemplate and write a thoughtful letter to your future sweetheart. 

Someday, when the time is right, 

you'll find each other, 

and you'll know how worth it it will be.

I've learned a lot about service lately and I feel that Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about sweethearts and couples.  It's about making people feel special and loved.  So, I also challenge everyone, whether you're single, married, engaged, casually dating, or forever alone, to make at least one person feel special for Valentine's Day.  I promise that not only will they appreciate it and feel a little bit of love, but you'll also feel love for them and maybe walk with a little more spring in your step because of it. <3

The Teacher Learns More and Other Service Stories

This weekend was probably the best weekend since coming back to Provo.  (I challenge someone to try to top it.)  I volunteered a few months ago to be a Y-Group leader for Summer New Student Orientation (NSO).  This past weekend, I put on my blinding yellow T-shirt and walked over to campus to meet the 20 freshmen which I would be introducing to campus, along with my two other leaders, Bryan and Lizy, and the freshmen peer mentor, Lyz.

Red 1; aka Group Red Thunder

It was honestly the most amazing experience.  I learned more about myself, my goals, and what I needed to do than our students did, I'm sure.  We attended Education in Zion, which is awesome.  If you haven't ever gone, go.  Now.  My favorite character was Lorenzo Snow; There are two paintings in the gallery facing each other which Lorenzo talks about.  The first is a picture of the Kirtland, Ohio temple entitled "The Temple, A Holy School" and the second is a picture of Brigham Young Academy (now the Provo Library) entitled "The School, A Temple of Learning".  Just the connection between those two paintings was enough to make me stop and think. Truth is truth, no matter what the source, and we value and uphold truth.  So many people sacrificed to bring forth both the temple and BYA (now BYU) and each is sacred and holds a special place in my heart.

Something which we discussed with our students was the definition of success.  How do we measure success?  What is your definition of success?  Someone said "Getting all A's."  Okay.  So if we apply that standard to the rest of the world, 90% of the population is the opposite of success: failure.  That's pretty dismal and depressing.  If we define success as becoming president/ruler of a country, 99% of the world is a failure.  So what is success and how do we find it?  Here are my thoughts:

1. You can't measure yourself against anyone else except yourself.  Each person has different strengths, weaknesses, and talents.  We're not all meant to succeed in the same way, otherwise we'd all have nice cars, nice houses, and plenty of money to last.  Besides, you can only succeed at being you.  You can't succeed at being your neighbor because they're better at being them than you are, just like you are better at being you than anyone else is.
2. You decide what is means for you to succeed.  If succeeding to you is owning a mobile home and flipping burgers at the local Mickey D's, than I hope you achieve that dream and live it to it's fullest.
3. If you give anything less than your all, if you are not committed to your success, if you don't give it your best shot 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, then you will fail.  Success does not require your attention or your best; it demands it.  

To me, at this point in my life, success would be three things:  finish college, open my own business, and get married (not necessarily in that order).  If I am not committed to finishing college, then I won't.  If I am not committed to opening my own bakery and shutting down all my competitors, then I will have wasted my time and I won't accomplish anything.  If I don't really want to get married, then I won't try and I won't find the right fish.

I'll save some other points from our discussion for other posts ;] They were good points and we had some good discussions (at least I thought we did).

The best part of the BYU Incoming Freshman Class of 2012 and their amazing Peer Mentor and Y-Group Leaders

I know I had an awesome NSO experience and I can't wait until next summer to do it again!! I hope my students also enjoyed it and got more than free lunch and a campus tour out of our service towards them. :]