The End Must be Near

Dear Friends, Followers, and Cyberspace,
Today is the twenty and fourth day of May and the weather is quite inclement. Reasons of speculation are that the end is coming. This day it may be snowing, tomorrow watch out for hellfire and damnation. It seems to be just around the corner at this rate. No matter, we will all soldier on.
Cordially yours,
Sydnie Juniper

I Am Highly Desirable

In the tenth grade I had some stern words one day with my best friend Sarah Juchau. I'm pretty sure these were the exact words to come out of my mouth, "you may understand football,basketball and baseball and have kissable lips, but at least I'm compassionate!" Then I ran away.

A few months ago I was talking to some friends in the PE building on campus. Somehow the topic of me not going on any real dates my whole freshman year came up. I got heated at this point as well and told them about how, "I am a great person!" Then I ran away.

I think this is one of those moments again, except this time I'm not running away. I am standing by it because I know it's true.

I may not be able to get a glowing tan during the summer, play the piano, do ballet, or train wild horses. I am not like most girls, but who is? Really every girl is different, but I like to think I'm kind of special, but again, who doesn't? So, I'm going to take a second to float my own boat, because I think I need it tonight.

Here's a list of ten random reasons why I'm actually a great catch.

10. I am an honest person.
9. I can eat 17 Swedish pancakes. I am no sissy when it comes to eating.
8. I look great in the color turquoise
7. I make some of the best mashed potatoes known to mankind.
6. I am not afraid to plunge a toilet, clean up throw-up or kill spiders. I do what has to be done.
5. How many girls do you know that are brave enough to do this? Enough said.

4. I know how to be practical and happy. I can laugh at my mistakes and see the silver lining in most things.
3. I work hard at getting to know the best in people, however different from me they may be
2. I know I can make it through hard things, and can make a difference by helping others get through them as well.
1. I have a strong relationship with and testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ and base my life on that foundation.
Overall, I really am a decent person. Someday my man who I'm sure is really great is going to come along and realize this. I really am highly desirable, perhaps people just need help realizing it. Someday, my someday will come along. Until then, I'm going to keep on moving forward.

M&M Cookies vs. Goggles

Today I came one step closer to womanhood and conquered a fear I've had since the fifth grade. Oh, Nellie do I feel satisfied with myself!

IDK, My BFF Jill

I have several best friends. They are all superior. All of them I know I didn't meet by chance, this is evident in how they've helped me mold my life to be what it is today. I have had several best friends in the past, and even though I'm not as good of friends with them today, they've all influenced my life in some way. I want you to meet them, and to know how I feel about them each.

Let's start at the very beginning.

Elizabeth Anne JohnstonI can not even remember how Beth and I first met. We've been friends since before we were potty-trained. We've grown up together. Although she is a year older than me, I think it's safe to say that our childhoods were almost identical. This is because we spent every moment together. I love Beth more than I could ever express. We've each been through a lot in our lives, and stuck together through it all. Her family is my family, and mine is hers. Although we don't hang out as much as we used to, I know every time I am with her it is as if we were never apart. That is the kind of solid relationship that everyone needs in their life. She is the most talented violist I know. Back in the day she even played at my baptism. That is love. I love her and would do anything for Elizabeth Anne Johnston, just as long as it made her happy.

Amy Lynn Soderquist
Amy and I have a very similar story to Beth and I. We have also known each other for as long as I can recall. Amy and I are the same age, however, so we share a few different memories than I do with Beth. Am Dawg is so supreme, yes like a pizza. Like a supreme pizza because she has so much going for her. She is kind, beautiful, spiritual, long suffering, naturally musically talented, and all the boys love her. Not to mention my love for her. I spent many hours (accumulatively-sp) carrying her clarinet to the bus while she ate her hot pocket or toast for breakfast. Yes, that is how much I love Amy Lynn Soderquist, and I'd still carry it if she needed me to. She is a real gem, and I am so happy she has so much going for her right now.

Mary Amelia Patricia Tracy O'Neill
She has so many names, I'm not even sure I got them all right. Amelia, as we called her, moved to AF when we were in the fourth grade. I automatically liked her thanks to her many quirks. As instant friends should, we shared several late night sleepovers, plots to keep her in AF, crazy dance parties, hair tragedies, random moments in the garage, and lots of tears when she moved. Amelia left AF at the end of seventh grade, and left me heart broken. Luckily, we kept in contact and went to EFY three times together. We've grown a lot together, had to realize that sometimes things aren't in our control, but no matter what happens, friendship can endure all.

Megan Hazel HatchMegan Hatch has been one of THE biggest tender mercies in my life. So big in fact, I don't even know if it's considered a tender mercy, probably more like a life changing blessing. I knew who Megan Hatch was when I was in the second grade. We didn't even go to the same school, but we played on the same Jr. Jazz basketball team. I have the picture to prove it. I didn't really get to know her until the eighth grade, though. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I could tell you a zillion stories about spending time with her. She is one of the best people I know. Everyone knows who she is, but I am one of those fortunate enough to KNOW who she is. Not everyone has the distinct privilege to become as close to her as I have. Sure she can be goofy, but honestly nobody I know is quite as solid as she is. She has been one of the greatest friends I could ask for over the last three years. She has stood by my side through thick and thin, dry and moist (if you know what I mean). She is one heck of a person and I consider myself highly blessed to call her one of my best friends.

Sarah JuchauSarah Juchau is one of the classiest people I know. We met in the eighth grade in women's choir. Our friendship was solidified one night as we gorged ourselves on Swedish Fish and vowed never to do it again. I can't say it's a vow I've kept. Over the last few years I have grown to love Sarah Juchau so much, and she knows it because she makes me say, "I love you" at the end of every phone conversation, and even though my dad thinks it's weird, I say it anyway, because it's true. Sarah is the kind of best friend that I can be completely berserk with one minute, and then have an emotional breakdown with the next. We can sit in silence and know exactly what the other is thinking. We call it a "double S moment." They're neat. I like it when they happen. We have a way of persuading each other to do things that the other doesn't want to do, like going to Sadie Hawkins our senior year. We are good enough friends we're not afraid to tell each other when the other is being completely annoying. We're not even afraid to give each other bruises. It's the kind of friendship that will endure anything, even Idaho. I miss her heaps and heaps, and she has taught me so much about being obedient, and fearless.

Trent Karl ZimmermanTrent and I became friends the day he threw a frisbee at my head the summer before my sophomore year. That fall at school we had chemistry together. It was a miserable, yet bonding experience for the both of us. We became really good friends and spent a lot of time doing a whole lot of random fun stuff, which is almost exactly how I would describe him. He also spent a lot of time listening to me whine about boys and other girl drama. I love this boy like none other, he holds a special place in my heart as my first really good guy friend. He's currently serving a mission in Resistencia, Argentina. Although he hasn't written me in five months, I think I'll still tolerate him when he gets home in September of 2011.


Kaitlin Christine Wimmer
I met Kaitlin in the tenth grade. We had French and English together. One night at French club, we randomly sat by each other on the bus, and became best friends. We participated in several wholesome activities, such as eating hash brown patties, slugging each other when they saw a yellow car, coming up with inside jokes, and to-do lists. I even set her up with Trent, kind of. That went well... haha. I admire her so much, she is so smart, and knows how to have a good time. I even went to the temple with her this morning. She is a good egg.

Alexa Catelin Crawford
I have learned so much from Lex. She is one of the strongest people I know. I don't exactly remember how we became friends, but I am certainly glad it happened. Somewhere in sophomore year we got together and it lead to a journey of snowboarding, dancing in the rain, wrestling, and long thoughtful talks. Lex has endured so much in her life and definitely is a trooper through it all. Most recently she broke her back snowboarding, and each time I've seen her since she's had such a good attitude about it. Not to mention she's in the Army, which means she's physically strong too. She is such a good example to me in everything she does.

Jensen Todd Hayter
On the last day of school sophomore year I was formally introduced to Jensen Hayter. Although I knew him from a distance, we were never friends until that day. Let's be honest about Jensen. He is one of a kind. Nobody in this world is like him. He is one witty white boy. Although his parents didn't exactly approve of his hanging out with six girls every Friday and Saturday he still did it. That is love. He could be a spaz or a know-it-all. But I love him either way, because it's all part of the package. He's currently on a mission in Independence, Missouri. He stinks a writing letters. I miss him loads and can't wait for him to be home. Hopefully he still likes me and hasn't had every ounce of fun drained out of him.

Kimberly Ann WrightKim and I are kindred spirits. She'd kill me for saying it though, because she hates Anne of Green Gables. Despite that though, I find it in my heart to care about her. I didn't meet Kim until the eleventh grade. It is a pity we didn't meet sooner because we really are two peas in a pod. One day when we were helping with the blood drive, we just hit it right off. That day she came over to my house, which I don't always do right off the bat. People must earn my complete trust before I let them into my home. Kim has proved worthy of coming to my house too many times to count since then. Together Kim and I are invincible. Our obscurity seems to bind us. There is just too much to say about Kim, and I fear I'd leave something out if I even began. Just know that I love her for tolerating my nezbits among other things. She is the best, and that's all there is to it.

Alyson DeAnn MillerAly and I first bonded in eighth grade history with Mr. Ivie. Nobody knew we'd be in history together again in the eleventh grade with Coach Knight. It was there that we really sealed the deal. As coach was a bit old, we had several conversations in that class that brought us together. Then our senior year we were SBO's together and that brought a whole new chapter to our lives together. So many entire days were spent together at school, making posters, watching three games in one night, and then dancing in the parking lot. But besides being a noble friend, Aly is a quality all around person. She is easily one of the best dancers out there, and taught me every dance co. move I know. She is friends with so many different kinds of people, and gets along with almost everyone. She tells it like it is, and thus has taught me several things about life. Alyson DeAnn Miller is high class, and I aspire to someday be like her.

Spencer Dean McDonaldIn the ninth grade I was determined to have a crush on someone. I flipped through the yearbook and I chose Spence. But, that didn't last long, I didn't even know him after all. Who knew we'd become best friends our junior year in high school? Spence went to Sadie Hawkins with me our junior year, and I ripped my pants dancing... let's just say from that day forward, our friendship was never questioned. Spencer, aside from being a musical prodigy, science fair winner, dork, and a ladies man, is the kind of friend I aspire to be. He is one of the least judgmental people I have ever known and accepts me for me, and listens to me when I need to vent. He knows how to play the friendship game, and he does it well. He's currently serving a mission in Bangkok, Thailand, and I'm sure is an incredible missionary. Love him.

Rebecca Maria Eponine Wohan
Reb blows me away every time I think about her. She is one incredible tootsie roll. I didn't become friends with her til senior year, but always admired her from a distance. You see, Reb has been the star of almost every musical at American Fork High School. One note of singing from her mouth and my heart is melted. But, don't let her gentle voice fool you, as a dancer she can cream almost anyone at a wrestling match. Her flexibility is undauntedly the best there is. Next to that, she stuns audiences at a time in pageants, and helps kids in Uganda learn to read. She is a hard worker and teaches me perseverance and inspires me to accomplish any goals I set for myself. In the picture above she's the gorgeous fake tan one I'm standing right next to.

Josevy Jasiel BotelloJosevy is a stud, a real numba' one stunna', and my best friend down in Cedar City. I met him through ambassadors, and quickly became friends with him. I knew from the beginning he was a good apple. There were a lot of times down at school that he lifted me up when I was down, and I'm so grateful to have found him. He was my downfall to sticking it to the man when it came to twilight and made me watch it and new moon with him. He tried to teach me how to jerk... like that worked, styled my hair, gave me boy advice and always stuck by my side. He is waiting to go on his mission in September to Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. He is so ready to go, and is going to bless the lives of countless Brazilian people. I can't wait to hear all about it.

There are so many other people who have blessed my life in unmeasurable ways. I wish I had the patience to list everyone. Just know that if your reading this, chances are you've touched me, and I am so grateful for you. I know that you have all left impressions on my heart and will never be forgotten. I thank my Heavenly Father for my friends and associates every day, and I hope you feel that. I love you all, and wish you the best!

Todays Top Ten

The top ten things on my mind as I blog this afternoon

1.
I can't sleep all the way through the night anymore. This is due to a little thing I like to call "the troll factor." No, I am not afraid of trolls. Nor do I transform into one in the middle of the night causing me to lose sleep. The mere origin of "the troll factor" comes from the following happenstance. My house has three bedrooms, not including my parent's. I moved down to Cedar City to go to school, leaving my bedroom vacant. The vacancy, however, was filled not too long after by my little sister Hannah. Hannah and Jaclyn previously shared a room with a bunk-bed. When Hannah moved out of Jaclyn's room my parents got rid of the bunk-bed. The other bedroom upstairs was transformed into an office, therefore, becoming a bed-less-room. This left me a woman without a bed at home. What were my parents thinking? My mom thought it would be no big deal for me to share a bed with Jaclyn, and my dad thought I could just sleep on a cot in the office. What did I think of these ideas? I dislike them both, but I'd rather sleep with Jaclyn than on a cot for 3 1/2 months. My dad knowing of my skepticism toward his idea, thought it would be funny to clean out underneath the stairs (which I have been wary of since childhood), and set up a cot under there. So he did. He then took pictures and a video on his phone and sent them to me saying, "just set up your new room." This was the day I was in Zions and lost reception right after he sent them to me. This left me to fret over my new dwelling place, and being called Harry Potter for the rest of my life. I couldn't tell if he was joking or not, but I hoped he was. Luckily my dad isn't really that heartless. But, my mom told her cousin about the whole under-the-stairs ordeal, and now she calls me "the troll." Pleasant, I know. And, although sleeping with Jaclyn isn't as bad as a cot, I still quite dread going to bed every night because who knows if she's going to head-but me in her sleep, or completely push me off my side or not. It's quite unideal.
2.
Tonight for FHE at the singles ward we're playing "wipe-out" aka dodgeball with toilet paper. I'm kind of excited. Singles wards are often talked about sourly, but I think that mine is actually pretty top-notch.
3.
My best friend down at school, Josevy, got his mission call this past Thursday. He's going to Brazil! He's going to be a great missionary, I just know it. Also, he doesn't leave until September 22nd. Which means he'll be around when I go back to school this fall and we'll have a month to hang out again before he leaves.
4.
Yesterday was Mothers day. Mothers day in the LDS faith means that if you have a missionary in your family he gets to call home. This is kind of a big deal considering they only get to call home on Mothers day and Christmas. Yesterday while we were at my grandparents two of my c ousins called my grandma. One from Idaho and the other from Sweden. I have about seven more cousins all accross the globe serving. My grandparents put the phone on speaker so we could all listen in. It was cool to here their voices and to know how excited about the work they were. The only downside to this is, if the missionary in your family was called to "the other side of the veil, mission" they don't get to call home. Considering that is where my brother Travis was called three years ago, it seems a little unfair that we didn't get a phone call. But, life isn't fair, so we keep our chins up and wait for the day we'll have something way better than a phone call.
5.
I am going to work on developing talents this summer. Including learning to play the harmonica. But don't tell Kim, because I'm going to surprise her one day with a stirring rendition of Ol' Suzzanna. It's going to be epic.
6.
I like getting mail a lot. I like it even better when it's not a bank statement or an invitation to the national honors society of colligate scholars. I like it best when it's a letter from a missionary, or a letter from anyone really. I have sent Trent Zimmerman three letters in the last five months and haven't got one measly letter back. I am mad. Jensen Hayter is another story. I gave up hope on him a long time ago. This week I got a card from Rexburg, Idaho. It was from two of my best friends who go to BYU-I. The picture on the front was of a classy old woman sitting in a lawn chair wearing a sunhat. The caption read, "My idea of exercise is a good brisk sit." Needless to say it made my day.
7.
Speaking of exercise, I need to go running.
8.
There is a song by The Carpenters that says, "Hanging around, nothing to do but frown. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down." I felt a little bit like that this morning, but then I remembered the primary song that says, "I want to my life to be as clean as earth right after rain." That made me happier.
9.
I was almost right on time for work this morning. Only 48 seconds late. Boo-yah!
10.
I just looked in the fridge and it's looking kind of bare, especially compared to my school one that was as packed as a camel crossing the desert at the beginning of a voyage to Mecca.

Peter Pan

At the end of my senior year I was voted "Next Peter Pan; most likely to never grow up." Here's the problem; I still haven't found Neverland. I have been searching diligently, yet it seems nowhere to be found. You see, I just finished with my freshman year of college down at SUU. I feel that despite how much I want to stay a kid, I'm growing up. I've had so many growing experiences it's impossible to deny my leaving adolescence. I guess this is okay because it is inevitable, and I can stay childlike in several aspects.

I think that the way in which I have grown the most can be summed up in one line. "In order to love unconditionally you must accept and respect unconditionally." My mom said that to me as we were in the elevator leaving Eccles B 201 for the last time. To understand why this is significant you should understand that my roommates and I were all very different this year. Different in religious aspects, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and where our priorities lie.

At the beginning of the semester if you told me that three of them would become my best friends, I probably would have laughed at you. I thought it was going to be impossible to even have a civil conversation with this group of girls. However, over the course of a few months we began to realize how very wrong we were about each other. While we weren't the kind of best friends that hung out every weekend, they have become the kind of best friends that I know I can always count on. We've learned to accept and respect unconditionally and a whole lot of love has followed.

(Brittany, Marla, Megan, Sydnie)

When I received my roommate assignment in the mail last summer I looked them all up on facebook, and to be honest I was a little bit alarmed. I thought about it in a completely prideful way. My thoughts about the matter all resembled, "maybe this is just one big missionary opportunity." Just before I left for school, the thought struck me, "maybe you're not roommates with them for their sakes, but rather so you can grow and learn to love people that are different than you." With this thought in mind, I went to school with the intention of being tolerant, not necessarily accepting. Little did I know, they would end up changing my life and being a huge contributing factor to my "growing up."

Living with these girls has cemented in my heart and mind the thought, "We cannot fully love God without loving our neighbor. We cannot fully love our neighbor without loving God." (Russell M. Nelson) My testimony that we are all God's children has strengthened probably about one million times as much as it was before. I'm so glad that Heavenly Father knows exactly who we need to meet, and what we need to experience in this life in order to become the person He wants us to become. I have a testimony that Heavenly Father knows me perfectly, and He knew that these girls were supposed to be a part of my life. I know that he will continue to place people like them in my path to shape my life accordingly and I'm so grateful to understand that.