Be Positive? Gross.

        I am a true believer of the power of positivity. I believe that if you think the worst, if you never have high hopes, then you will NEVER be happy. Depending on certain people's circumstances in life, many turn towards always expecting the worst. That way, they figure they'll never be disappointed. Make sense, right? WRONG!
          Don't get me wrong I totally understand that kind of mentality. I am naturally a negative person. Mainly because if there's a chance something bad will happen, it will happen to me. The way I saw it, I had bad luck, and everything malfunctioned around me. I never won anything, was never smart enough, never good enough, so why bother? Life just never worked out for me, it was a fact and I chose to accept it.
          Then - I had an epiphany!!! Maybe why I'm so down, why I never feel happy, why I just can't seem to make anything work, is because I don't believe it will. AHA! I was finally slapped by the sensible stick, and I realized what I was doing wrong! I had to BELIEVE that good things were going to happen, to know that I CAN be happy! It was difficult at first. After all, it went against my nature, but then things slowly started to turn around! 
          When you think positively, you can still be happy even in times of trial and tribulation. Mainly because you know that things will get better. No matter what happens, things will change. You just have to have the attitude to let them :)

In Memory of Andrew T. Britton-Mihalo, My Uncle, My Friend, My Hero

             I recently lost someone very close to me. My uncle, who was more like a big brother. His influence has made me into the person I am today. Green letters, for the Green Beret that I loved and looked up to. Andrew had a light about him. He drew people, like a light bulb draws moths. He was kind, loving, and helpful. Not to mention, a hero. He fought for our country; for the freedom of others.

Andy and Me!

            I have learned many things in life, and I can honestly say, that I learned most of those things from Andrew. He taught me how to climb a tree (in result, you couldn't get me out of one), how to say cinnamon, how to shoot a gun, how to play video games, that its not ok to run around naked, the importance of being on time, how to stand up for myself, how to wrestle, the importance of family, how to gut a fish, how to choke a dog (if it ever attacked me)... don't ask,
to never marry a lazy man, to run as fast as I can when he had a booger, to serve the people around me, that chemical dusters burn, to never feel safe when its too quiet (I can't count how many times he's scared me), that its good to be frugal, to have confidence, that snorting soda hurts, roller coaster rides really are fun (especially sitting next to him), that some people say things we are not allowed to say, that I need to do the right thing even when no one is looking, that constantly switching lanes lets you know if someone is following you, that mean girls are NOT attractive, that life is worth living, and that it is FAR too much fun to take him to a dance performance! Along with a lot of other things. You can say that he pretty much raised me. He took me everywhere, and together, we would find some sort of adventure to be had in teeny-tiny Simi Valley.

            Andrew was someone I could always depend on. No matter what I did, he would always love me. His opinion was the one that mattered most, in anything! In fact, it was he who talked me into accepting my mission call to Northern California. I was upset at the fact that I was called to the same state I lived in. He told me how proud he was of me, of my decision to serve, and that I should accept the call. It made all the difference, and it meant the world to me. I could go on and on about everything he's done, and who he was. But I'd rather point something out instead... it'll take much less time than the other option.

I Love You Andy

           I have been talking about him in the past tense, when I should be talking about him in the present tense. Yes, my uncle Andy has died, his body will be buried; but his spirit, who he is, LIVES! Because of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, I know that I will see my uncle again. I know that he is learning about the gospel and having an even greater understanding of the work that I am doing here on Earth. And even though I miss him terribly, I know that he is still so very proud of me.

           I am grateful for the knowledge that I have today. For a prophet who receives revelation for the world today. And I am eternally grateful for the time that I was able to have with Andy, and the Plan of Happiness, that allows me to one day see him again. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Andy with my dog Poopy

I was really jealous of this pic

My first rollercoaster ride, he convinced me to go on.

Andy with wife Jesse

Andy and Me!

At his graduation, that's my head...

Crash and Burn

             One of my favorite songs is "Crash and Burn" by Savage Garden.  I was thinking about the song the other day, and I had an epiphany!! This song states exactly what Jesus Christ says to us, through the teachings he has left, through the whisperings of the spirit, and through his Prophets and Apostles on the Earth today.
             Whenever things get too hard, He invites us to come to Him and let Him heal us. That in the moment we feel like we are about to break, we kneel in prayer, and allow Him to help us. The trials we face are there to make us stronger. He is there to lift us up and carry us when we fall, and loves us with a perfect, unending love. And no matter what, no matter how many times we mess up, in the end we are always forgiven, if we ask for it.

 When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you
Give me a moment please to tame your wild wild heart
I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you
It's hard to find relief and people can be so cold
When darkness is upon your door and you feel like you can't take anymore

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone