Life's Long Roadtrip

"So, what do you want to do with your life?"

"You should be a lawyer, a doctor, an accountant, a consultant...blah, blah, blah."

Everywhere you turn people try to tell you who to be and what to do with your life. We call that THE NOISE.

Block it. Shed it. Leave it for the conformists. As a generation, we need to get back to focusing on individuality. Self-construction rather than mass production. Define your own road in life instead of traveling down someone else's. Listen to yourself. Your road is the OPEN road. Find it.

Find the open Road.

-Manifesto of Roadtrip Nation!
 I know most of you know this but I am still kind of trying to figure out my life and today I realized I don't need to. I watched part of the documentary(which now has episodes), called Roadtrip Nation. It is basically a bunch of interviews with random people.
Some people are well known while others are just ordinary people. It made me realize that I don't need to know exactly what I want to do because I have no idea where life will take me. Most of the people that were interviewed would never have guessed they would be where they are today. One of them said. "find your passion, something that will make you happy". In my class my professor passed around a red ball, when you got it you had to name your passion. I was nervous. I HATE talking in front of people and doing this type of stuff. In my head I was thinking what should i say, what should i say....AHHHHH!!!! If they would have thrown the ball to me, I probably would have peed my pants right there! But as I was thinking of what I like to do and what my passion maybe, I started to think of things I couldn't live without. I realized that I couldn't live without going to random fun events. I couldn't live without sports. Then it hit me. I have finally picked a major that I will probably like and stick with! The next thought for anyone who is normal would be excitement. But I am not normal. So I had a freak out, inside my head of course. I FINALLY found something. I realized that by taking chances I will get to the place I need to be in life. Who knows where I will be in a few years. I will take my roadtrip, my path is open. NOW is my chance!

It's a Wonderful Life

This break a wonderful boy took me to see It's a Wonderful Life. This was my first time watching it and I was amazed with what I learned. Since  I saw this movie I have been thinking not only about my influence on others, but how the people around me influence me. I guess I never really realized how the smallest things can influence me for the better and I guess this post is going to be me thanking a few of those people...
First I want to thank my dear friend Robbie that is on a mission. He taught me so much. I am finally realizing the reason he was in my life. The things he taught me and the way he helped me improve myself is helping me grow and help others in my life today. He urged me to learn more about the Atonement and gain a better testimony about it. Today I am using the skills he taught me to influence and help others around me that need it.
Next my parents. Seriously I have no idea where I would be without them. They raised me in the gospel and they have taught me many lessons. Because of them and the way they live, I know the Savior died for us to help us with our mistakes and that no matter what mistakes we make we can return to him. And I know that my parents will love me no matter what mistakes I make in my life which has helped me love others.
I want to thank my friends that take the time to send me the simplest text that totally make my day and boost my self esteem. I love knowing that someone cares. Its at those times that I realize that sometimes all it takes is a text to let someone know you were thinking about them and that will help them with whatever they are going through.
Thank you to Kevin who is always encouraging me and always willing to help me find my way.
Thanks to Shaunzi. I know that I can call her anytime, night or day, and I don't even have to tell her whats going on. She will listen to me, talk to me or just sit there in silence and just knowing she is on the other line there for me is all it takes.
Thanks to my Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles who have been a great example to me. You have made me who I am today.
I want to thank everyone for their love and kindness. To all of  you that never realized the influence you had on me. For those that have encouraged me.
Lastly I want to thank my Savior Jesus Christ.  He has been the biggest influence in my life. Its because of him that I am who I am today. Its because of him, I can love everyone around me, no matter the life mistakes we make.Its because of him I know I can return to my Father in Heaven to live with him again. Its because of him, I am happy. Because of him I am able to feel sadness, anger, love, compassion, sympathy and understanding; and without this, I wouldn't know the true happiness that I feel. I want all of you to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will always love you. I also want you to know that I am here for you whenever you need a helping hand, encouragement, someone who will listen to you or a shoulder to cry on . Thanks to the few of you who read this. Here is to 2011 may you be the influence you want and need to be!

Can't Believe I'm 21!

My birthday was last weekend and it was so great!I got to lay around all day and we decorated the Christmas tree...one of my favorite things to do :) That night we went to Texas Road House for dinner and here are a few pictures of our wonderful time.

typical picture of the family haha minus my mom who is taking the picture :)

My brothers closing their eyes to see if the camera will say "did somebody blink?" which it didn't even though their eyes are closed haha tricked them!

My brothers tried to get our waitress to embarrass me but she decided against it and instead brought us not just one but two ice creams to share. It was a great night with my family. I had a great birthday thanks to them!

Thought of You

Shaunzi showed me this video and I am in LOVE with it! It is amazing and I hope you all like it as much as I do! <3



Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

Thinking Back

Right now I am thinking about this last semester....Man was it a good one! And guess what?! I have pictures to prove it :) Here are some of the highlights of my semester:

I had the opportunity to go to football games with some of my friends. They were awesome! Once we even had a BBQ before hand :) These boys are so nice to explain a few calls as we sit there and pester them about it haha.

This year USU started a game called Zombies vs Humans. This is me and my roommate getting ready to practice on the boys downstairs. Granted we ran in there shooting and only hit like one person. They told us to go practice haha they are so nice....no but really they are

Ok, I know, I use to not be a Harry Potter fan...but what if I say that has changed?! My wonderful roommates had me go to Harry Potter 7 and not gonna lie...I really enjoyed it! I know that it secretly makes them happy that I am finally in the loop... well a little bit!

I don't want to brag or anything BUT....we have to be the best set of roommates ever! I mean really who throws a Surprise Toast party for their roommate? Oh wait WE DO! basically had a party and a half doing this it was the best!

I know I look dorky but that was the point I swear! This is my friend Ben and I getting all ready for Homecoming. I have to admit I didn't think I would have that much fun, but it was a blast! Best dance ever! There was a hip hop room(that of course was sweaty and gross), a social dance floor and a room full of delicious lemonade! it was amazing and the people we went with and saw there were all adorable and super fun.

So can I tell you a secret? I LOVE getting up in the morning and getting ready with my roommates. It makes my day! 

Well these are just a few things that I loved about this past semester. I just wanted to share a few memories with all of you! and Good Luck on your finals I hope everything goes well. Travel safe to all those traveling home :)

Peace ☮

Fearless

So right now I am looking at the past few days and I swear I have felt every emotion in the book:

Happiness, sadness, confusion, frustration, love, hope, pain, peaceful, 

tender, vulnerable, powerless, upset, crushed, offended, restless 

and the list goes on.

How is it that in a few short days I can feel all of this, I have no idea. But as I took a step back today, I realized that this makes me beautiful, and full of life. How could one go through life not feeling anything? It's almost the end of the semester and I just need to press on. I can't focus on the things I don't have control over, as much as that bugs me, I just can't do that to myself anymore. I need to work hard on the things I do have control over and just endure til the end. I am working on making the best out of every situation. I realize this will be hard, but I also realize that I can do it. I have decided I am going to try some of the things I have always wanted to do. I am going to work on myself so I can become the person I want to be. I am going to give more service. I am going to enjoy life. I feel like everyone knows what they want to do, they all have plans and I don't. I try to look in the future and honestly I can't see past this coming semester. I don't know what I want to do in the summer, I don't know what life will bring me. I decided instead of stressing over this, I am going to be excited. I am going to look forward to the unknown. I mean that does make life more adventurous right?! I decided I am not going to be afraid anymore. I am going to say what I think and not be afraid that it might be the wrong time. I am going to be fearless. I am not going to worry about what other people think. I am not going to fear what the future holds. I am going to take chances. I will be BOLD. I will express my feelings without being scared that its the wrong thing to say, or scared that they wont feel the same. I will be confident. I will get the job of my dreams someday. I will travel. I will become the person that anyone can turn to. I will jump and not be afraid of falling.

I will be me.

I am Ariel and they are my Flounder

Laughter, love, friendship, fun, randomness, spontaneous, cuddle partner, shoulder to cry on, dance parties, late nights, movies, cooking, Oreo interrogation, sleep overs, screaming at the top of our lungs, hugs, understanding, compassion, the person I vent to, boy talk(of course), healers, helpers, fort builders, kind, and trusting. These are the words I use to describe some of my best friends...my roommates.

I have to be the luckiest girl and here is why:

This sweet girl has been my roommate for 3 years. Yes, she has put up with me that long, shocking haha

She has been there for me through it all. First time I saw her cry was the day my boyfriend and I broke up and she was crying with me. When we were mad at boys,

 we would sit on our beds yelling out the window. We are 

a little ridiculous but I love the way we are and can be when we are together. She made me realize

it really isn't that bad living with all girls. I will be forever grateful

for her in my life. This is my sleeping buddy, Sage <3

Oh man where to start....

Well first off this is a typical picture of us and I love it. I love the her to death! I honestly have

no idea where I would be without her. She was there for me through the thick and the thin. She always has the best advice for me and always knows what to say. She can get anything out of me haha.

I am not sure if that is good or bad...She listens to me when I am crying, usually

over something dumb, or when I have stupid boy stories. She also helps me with whatever, including papers.

I will always be indebted to her. My dear friend, Shaunzi <3

Ok, I won't lie, at first we didn't really get along. But now that I have gotten to know her

I have realized that she was put into my life for a reason. I love this girl. She has taught me so much

and she is so strong. Its amazing how someone going through a tough time

can keep it to themselves and you would never guess something was wrong.I don't know what I would do without her. She puts a little spunk into my life and i LOVE it. My cuddle buddy, Brooke <3

This last summer Shaunzi called me, and immediately we were on facebook stalking our two new roommates. This happens to be one of them :)  I am so lucky to have this girl in my apartment. She is the

one I can rough house a little with. I swear she knows everything about every TV or movie ever made.

She is always looking out for others and always super cheerful. You can bet if I am

laying on the couch that my peace will soon be interrupted by her jumping on me. I honestly don't mind, I secretly love it...that is until it hurts haha just kidding. My Emily <3

Now this is the other girl Shaunzi and I stalked haha. I remember thinking oh she looks so fun!

I recall the first time we met she came up to me and gave me a huge hug. After that I knew this year was going to be the best. She has to be one of the loudest in our apartment and I love it.

There is never a dull moment when she is around and if you want to stay up til 3 or 4 or 5 she is the

one that will do it with you no questions asked. She is incredible and loving. My excitement, Brooklin <3

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present...my cohorts...my partners in crime.

These are my roommates, my best friends, my sisters, my soul mates. I have no idea where I would be without them. They are all incredible in there own way and together we make a wonderful fruit salad.

haha don't ask me why I just compared us to a fruit salad...its late. But I just want to thank them for everything they do and will do for me. They are the sweetest, most beautiful girls

here at Utah State.

And they are the reason I am the Luckiest. Love you all!