rambling.

i'm trying to squeeze every last bit of this summer out of these last few weeks.
crafting and smashbook-ing. playing tennis, reading some HP, and spending every little moment with derek that i can, because who knows how much i'll see him this fall.

this summer has been good to me.
learning more and more about myself, about life. just learning in general, each and every day.
moments of laughter beyond belief, moments of worries and tears.
moments of seeing my potential, moments of uncertainty and humility.
moments of dislike and grumpiness, moments of super like and happiness.

i am happy.
and so blessed.

yesterday i wanted to make an extra effort to notice my tender mercies. [inspiration from hermana kelsy.]
my favorite band coming on the radio. hearing derek and my favorite donna lewis on my way to drop him off a note.  getting the kitchen organized. going to the temple. exercising.  getting everything checked off my list.  and derek telling me, "you're my best friend."
...this list is far better than everything i complain about. ditching that list.

thoughts i don't want to forget: 
derek makes my lunch for me every day before work.
how derek asked me to make chocolate zucchini bread every day for a week until i finally made it.
that one night we laughed so hard i was crying. and derek passing notes by sliding his phone under the door.
watching the olympics every day. even in silence when our tv speakers went out. and admiring missy franklin and gabby douglas. you go girls.
that one day i had so many people help in ways they didn't even know. like mom and dad talking on the phone. and erin coming over. and cousin nick calling just out of the blue. my list goes on and on. i know the best people.

life changing inspiration.
these talks changed me this summer. i haven't typed up all my thoughts yet. but i feel selfish not sharing it already.
print these out and give them a good read.
"one needful thing" by patricia holland
"mountains to climb" by president eyring.