The most wonderful cany bar EVER!

I had to post this, because I am in the middle of eating a Snickers.  I can't even describe how much I love them.  I sure hope there are Snickers in heaven, if not, I might have to smuggle some in :)

Coping with Stress

In one of my development classes, we learned about stress, how it affects our performance, and how we cope with stress.  There have been three main coping strategies that researchers have found that we as human beings use.  These strategies are either, appraisal-focused, emotion-focused, and problem-focused.

An appraisal-focused strategy includes when and individual changes the way they think about the situation.  Usually this includes distancing oneself from the problem, finding humor in the stress, or changing how they view the situation. 

An emotion-focused strategy is used when there is a lot of emotion involved in the stress, and individuals use this strategy to release emotions often with forms of relaxation.

Using a problem-focused coping strategy deals directly with the problem.  Those who use this strategy, try to figure out what they can do to control and fix the problem.  They dig for the underlying cause of the problem and try to fix the problem directly.

Typically people use a combination of these strategies.  Each strategy has its advantages, though the most developmentally sound strategy is the problem-focused strategy. 

My coping strategy is definitely appraisal-focused.  I distance myself from any stress I am feeling and try to distract myself.  This is helpful if the stress is something I shouldn't worry about, but when the stress is related to school and finals, my coping strategy keeps me from doing my best.  I avoid anything that reminds me of school, including studying for finals and writing final papers.  I am trying to get better at using the problem-focused strategy, but its hard for me.  So this is probably why I wrote this post instead of starting my paper......

What is your coping strategy?

A-Z

So I stole this idea from one of my friend's blog. I figure it's much faster than doing a 30 challenge :)

Age: Actual - 19  Desired - 10. . .aka I don't want to grow up!

Bed Size: Twin

Chore you hate: Emptying the Dishwasher!

Dessert: Ice cream - Cookies and Cream :)

Essential start of your day: Making my bed. I can't function if it's not made.

Favorite Color: Blue

Gold or silver: Silver

Height: 5'4

Instruments I play (or have played): Piano, Organ, French horn, Recorder, Voice (does that count?)

Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Kids: Well I am not married, so I have none. . .

Live: Mesa, AZ -- best place ever!

Mom's Name: Juliet

Nickname: Lessie, Curly Fries, Celery

Overnight hospital stays: None so far!

Pet Peeve: When people refer to me as Celestial. . .like really. Its frustrating

Quote from a movie: Most of my favorite come from National Treasure whenever Riley opens his mouth. One of my favorites?

Control Room Guard: The fire alarms has gone off.

Riley: Uh-oh. God save the Queen.

Right or left handed: Right

Siblings: 3 younger brothers, 2 younger sisters, one sister on the way :)

Time you wake up: Anytime from 6 to 7

Underwear: Well I wear it. . .

Vegetables you dislike: Okra!! Sick. Nast.

What makes you run late: Getting on facebook before I'm ready. . .not a good idea.

X-rays you've had done: Of my teeth at the dentist and orthodontist. . .does that count?

Yummy food you make: Dude. I make bomb cookies. Just saying. . .

Zoo animal: Tiger

Summer!!!

Disclaimer Notice:
This post is completely random, however not completely pointless.

I have been complementing the happy thought that school will be out in approximately 8 weeks!!!!!! Summer break will be here and I will be relived from school work for a full 3 months (well close to it). So these are the places I want to visit. I'm not sure how reasonable they are, or if they will even happen, but still, I can wish, right?

Option #1 - Visit Utah
Utah summers are so much more bearable than Arizona summers. Not to mention the family I have to visit up there.

Option #2 - Visit California
Ideally this trip would be complete with visits to 6 Flags, Disneyland, and Knottsberry Farm.....but me being a poor college student might not work so well with those plans.

Option #3 - Visit somewhere out east
About 5 or 6 years ago me and my family went to visit a few states out east. We went to New York, Ohio, Illinois and even ventured up to Canada. I have wanted to go back ever since, and maybe this summer I will :) But again, the 'poor college student' factor does not help me out so much.

Really I would love to do all three options, but we shall see what happens :)

The power of music

So I feel like a lot of my posts have to do with music. But its okay cause that is what I love!

Anyways, yesterday I was super stressed. I was getting snappy at everyone and I didn't really want to be around anyone. I knew I wanted to be happy and be semi-pleasant but it wasn't working out so well for me. As I got in my car to drive home from from work, I turned off the radio and turned on MoTab. I absolutely love MoTab! It always brings the spirit and this time especially helped me to get my act together.

Moral of the story?
When you need a pick me up, when you are feeling down, when life is honestly crashing down around you, when you can't handle anything and anyone around you. Take a second to breathe. Listen to your favorite song, or something super relaxing.

Music makes life worth living.

SPRING BREAK!!!!

It is finally here!! I am so excited!

Secretly I am not doing anything exciting. I am working ALL week. But still. No school is a happy thought :)

"Weak things become strong"

Lately life has been an emotional roller coaster. I have been changing so much. As I get older, more and more of my rough edges are broken off. I feel like I am being placed in testing areas. Situations that test my weaknesses and eventually turn them to strengths. I have not particularly enjoyed any of the hardships I have gone through, but I would never take back the lessons I learned during those times.

In the last year I have felt....

alone

frightened

abandoned

betrayed

baffled

regretful

angry

disappointed

But as I have learned to rely on the Lord through my trials, I have learned to turn my weaknesses to strengths. I have turned to the Lord and He has helped me to feel...

love

comfort

acceptance

trust

understanding

peace

calm

joy

One scripture that has helped me surface from my trials as a stronger person is found in the Book of Mormon in the Book of Ether. Chapter 12 verse 27.

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

I love that scripture so much. It reminds me of the provider of my strength, the one source I can always turn to in times of hardship, the only one who will always reach out His hand to lift me up when no other help is in sight.

This poem has also helped me to imagine my Savior beside me through the darkest hours of me life.

Whenever I hear the sound of His voice,

Or look to His outstretched hands.

Whenever I feel His arms around me,

Or the warmth of His smile on my face.

Whenever I'm touched by the Spirit He sends,

Or walk with Him day by day.

I'm glad that I have such a wonderful friend.

My Savior, my brother, my King.

I love my Savior and I am so grateful for the constant companion he has been to me through my entire life