Rexxxburg

Who knew that the weekend that I needed to run away, that I would run to Rexburg? Of all places. I used to want to run away from there. But I guess that in the end the only things I really wanted to run away from was the homework and the winter. But silly me- I LOVE winter now and I can't wait for it to come again this year!
Anyway, Here is a recap of the whirlwind weekend:

Snow cones and a swings? Don't mind if we do.

A carousel ride? But of course!

Greasy small town food? Is there any other choice?

Dinner at a haunted Bayou restaurant in a small town of 707 people? With pet alligators? Can't pass that up.

And to end the day testing out the bath tubs at an antique shop? 

That's a given. 

It was fun to return to the BURG and see all my friends and show Buck my old stomping grounds. Other events that were not so documented but did take place were:

Star gazing at the sand dunes (and then Buck rolling down the hill only to land in the rocks)

Showing Buck BYU-I glorious campus (and me walking around in shorts cause now I'm a visitor and I CAN! HA!)

Girls night with Sarah, Carrie and Mandy where we laughed like old times,

Seeing my friend Adam and his new wife at their wedding reception

and

playing lots of games and learning about diets at Carrie and Scott's house.

Oh. And I took Buck to my secret spot and we did this. In a tree.

(Sorry mom and dad. But this does happen sometimes. )

Here's Hoping

Armenia

TWO Years

Today is it. The two-year landmark. Guess after a while returned missionaries stop counting. But I think that two years is significant, and besides, it’s still fresh enough in my mind.

Yet sometimes I fear I’ve forgotten what I saw and learned. I think about how selfish I am still and that scares me when I remember the poverty I saw. Didn’t I learn anything? I guess that it has made me more grateful everyday. Seriously. I am constantly thinking about how many blessings I have. I know that just because I am blessed with these things doesn’t mean that I’m cursed, (which some people would have me believe.) Anything we get thrown at us in life is either a blessing or a trial- is it not up to us to decide which one it will be?

What’s more is I miss them. ALL of them. I really sucked a lot at being one of God’s army but there was one thing I had: I loved them. I really did. I remember that as I left I promised them and that land that I would return. I was so sure I would, in fact, that I almost wasn’t sad to leave. Almost. “Oh. I’ll see them again real soon!”

Thought I.

So I have a fund of money that I’ve hoarded. Not a lot but something that would significantly help with a plane ticket. I was going to go this year.

But what a selfish thing.

A week ago I was laid off my job, a job that I was really enjoying too. A couple days later I was forced to sell my apartment. Still have no place to go. No job. Just me. Selfish me.

Tonight I gave my fund away. Trying to pull my own weight. On something not Armenian. Two-year mark of being home and there goes my promise. On normal life. I got laid off. This is what happens. I too have watched the movie UP. I know that the journey of life is the point and not if we get certain places.

TWO years.

And I begin to learn the grandest lesson of all.

To love and never be alone is worth more than all the money in the world.
Companionship. A new mission to focus on; to hoard money for.

The only one really.

And hey, who can complain when one mission leads to another more meaningful one?

I will always remember that place and those people- some of my best friends. And I take it with me wherever I go. 

Even Utah.

Amen.

So Much For That

Whelp. Yesterday I got a phone call informing me that I was LAID OFF. Just like that. He told me like it was nothing.

My name is Anna and I worked at a residential treatment center for teenage girls. I enjoyed my job. I felt like i was actually helping people, not by folding cloths for them at a department store but helping them progress and become better.  I was really getting close with a lot of the girls and we were having fun too. What's more is I was planning on sticking with it for at least a year. -->ME<--, Anna, was going to have a job for more than a few months. But I suppose that the job-gods like me in the short term world.

*Sigh.*
So much for my resume ever having "good commitment" in-between the lines. 

The worst part? "This lay-off is effective NOW."
They wont even let me go say good bye to the girls.

So. What do you do when you get laid off?

 Lay around I suppose. 

Just for a day anyways.

North Carolina- and the living is fine

About a week ago I had the blessing of going to North Carolina to visit the future in-law family (not outlaw) It was my future sister in-law's High school graduation. And it was epic. Here's a cool photo of the future in-law family taking a picture, stopping time.

So then to celebrate this graduation we spent the next day all together at the BEACH. The glorious BEACH. (I think Utah should get one.) 

Then we got to go to the beach carnival for a little bit!

And ride on the FERRIS WHEEL!! 

Then the next day we spent our time at the LAKE boating! 

HAHA! Our faces in this KILLS me!

I am thankful for my future in-law family and for making me feel so welcome and apart of the family! I had a great time!

Adopt A Grave

Seeing as I live right across the street from a cemetery and seeing as I have a life goal to take care of a forgotten grave it seemed like the right time to accomplish this goal.

The graveyard after Memorial Day.

So the other day Mandy and I went out and ventured into the graveyard and searched around. We also had a picnic there because, well, we are kind of weird like that.

And then we found it. The grave of all graves. 

Walter LeRoy Hofheins.

Born 1887

Died 1900

We are going to investigate his life and why it ended so soon.

Rest in peace Walter. Rest in peace. 

Miso.

Once upon a time Buck and Anna went to the Humane Society just to play around and look at cute animals. Then, once there, they were reminded that all those cute little animals were going to die if they didn't do something about it- like PURCHASE one of them. 

So that's what they did. His name is Miso (like Miso soup at Sushi restaurants) and this is him:

And they all lived happily ever after.

That is.... until the kitten started to live up to the phrase "Curiosity killed the cat..." 

And oh the places Miso could find. 

And the adventure began.

I went to Alaska, just for the halibut

So. This is a couple weeks late but you all should know that I went on an EPIC cruise to ALASKA. To tell of the adventure is kind of overwhelming, seeing as it was a week long and there was a lot that happened. So I'll be brief. In summary I traveled by airplane, car, boat, and train- all within a week! Impressive right? Family vacations are nothing to take lightly.

First we stayed the night in Seattle.

Then the next day we boarded the Norwegian Cruise- The PEARL

Had a room with a view

Stayed on the ship for a day and a half. I played bingo. And lost.

But made up for it by spending time in the majestic SPA

And then there was a "Formal night" of which I participated.

Then I made wishes and ate King CRAB Legs in Juneau 

Then we went on a train to Canada from Skagway Alaska

And saw a ton of BEARS, who apparently love to eat dandelions.

In Ketchican Alaska we saw a lumberjack show!

And in Victoria Canada we went to the most magical garden heaven on EARTH- Butchart Gardens.

And then once the cruise ended

adf

We stayed the night in Forks Washington, not because we are Twilight fans, but because it was on the way. But nevertheless, we saw some Twilight frenzy, but no vampires. 

Then we also got to go to Washington's state park and then to some (treacherous) tide pools.  (Where I fell down and got soaked to the bone.) (not sure starfish are worth that...)

It was a wonderful trip and a blessing. These things that are so good in life that I do not deserve. But I am thankful. I am thankful for all the times I get to spend with my family. And I am thankful for all they do for me and that we will have forever!

Thanks family of mine!

P.S. Check out my facebook page for more photos... come on! You know you want to! :)