The last 8 months...

WOW! The last 8 months have just FLOWN by...I can't even begin to go over all the changes that have gone on in my life...that's why I have a journal :) One thing is still the same...I'm still working at Wells Fargo and loving it! I've been through a couple promotions, but to me it's all the same...I'm still working with people and numbers :) I think the greatest thing I've learned in the last 8 months, well reminder really, is that you can't replace the joy that comes through obedience by mere happiness and instant gratification! No matter how difficult a choice may be, if we want to have true, lasting joy it's an easy choice...choose the right :)
My parents can both atest to my desire to just be told what to do...when I know what needs to be done, or what I should do it's easy for me...just do it! But when someone wants me to choose...ugh! Not sure where I'm going with this...I think really I'm just rambling because I'm up WAY WAY WAY too late and have had WAY too long of a day! (Whoever thought it would be a good idea to a 7:30 am rally to start a huge campaign day and then have us work until 7:30 pm...you're not my friend right now...especialy considering the hour drive to and from said meeting and work!) Some of us should NEVER be allowed to stay up this late! But go figure, I can't sleep :S
Amidst all the change I know one thing will always be the same, the gospel of Jesus Christ! I couldn't be more grateful for parents that taught me that truth and helped me find the joy that comes from following the gospel! Now if only I could learn to remember the promises and joy that come...AFTER the trial of our faith...sometimes it'd be nice to have it before, just sayin. But really, the gospel is great and I know it's the only way to true joy!

day 1...done...LOVE IT!!!

This weekend has come to an end and I've loved every minute of it!!! (minus the 9.5 hrs of driving on sat) Friday night I got out of work in Mesa, went to dinner with some friends and then attempted to sleep a couple hours before peacing out with everything I own in my car...9.5 hrs later I found myself chillin with the coolest guy EVER!!! I hung out with Josh for a bit then met up with my newest roommie...after an AMAZING day at church I got to hang out at the temple for a couple hours and even earned myself a tiny little farmers tan ;) haha! Then came the final defining moment...work...absolutely LOVE my new branch!!! It was so fun today! My co-workers, managers, customers...EVERYTHING was awesome! I'm so excited for all these changes! Of course I even made some Gridley connections :) I swear there's not a place in this world I can go without at least one random connection...that's Gridley for ya! I have to give Mesa a little credit too though...one of my new co-workers went to hs with my old ht down in Mesa. It's always so much fun to get to a new place, meet new people, and start new things...especially when you're where you know you're supposed to be :) I'm so excited to start working with my new management team, who can stop telling me how excited they are to have me here...always helps :)

moving...again :)

That's right folks, Amy is moving again! Moving to yet ANOTHER temporary home :) I still can't manage to keep myself in the same place for more than 8 months since I graduated high school! At least I have fun in the process :)
So here's the reader's digest version of my latest and greatest adventures...basically I met this really cool kid about a year ago and a month ago we decided to try this thing called dating. It's fun and I miss being around him, so about 2 weeks ago I got this crazy idea that I should apply for jobs up in Utah (Josh is going to BYU...the coolest and BEST university EVER!!!) Within a week of sending out applications I had people emailing and calling back for interviews. After a handle of various interviews I realized I needed to decide if this is where I really wanted to go...so once I decided it was a for sure deal BOOM! just like that I had a Wells Fargo recruiter on my side hooking me up with interviews left and right! Next thing I know I have an interview the weekend of General Conferene (which I just so happened to be going to Utah for) and withini 2 hours of the said interview my recruiter is calling back with a job offer! I put in my 2 weeks notice and transfer papers were on their way...so next Friday (the 15th) I turn in keys and the following Monday (the 18th) I check out a set in Taylorsville, UT :) That's how it's done.
Now I'm sitting here avoiding packing boxes once again...haha. I know it all fits in my trunk so I just keep procrastinating it and finding other things that "need" to be done before moving...like updating everyone :)

Modern Day Revelation

Wow! I got back online right before jumping into bed with the intention of quickly jotting down some things that have been on my mind lately...in the process I came across some horrible news about a family friend being shot and killed. I don't remember exactly what I wanted to share now...wow is about all that comes to mind!
Just last weekend I was blessed to be able to attend a YSA Fireside presided by Elder Neil L Andersen, an apostle of Jesus Christ! Throughout my life I've been blessed to be in the same room with many apostles, but the excitement and joy never lessens! The strength and spirit they share cannot be replicated, I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have of the restored gospel and modern day revelation. Thinking of the Sannar family, and all those that mourn the loss of a loved one, I can't help but think of the joy and relief that comes through the understanding of the our Father in Heaven's Plan of Happiness. We all will have the opportunity to see those who have died. This life is not the end, neither is it the beginning. We are much more than mortal bodies, we each are a beloved spirit son or daughter of loving heavenly parents. God is our father and his love is eternal, as are our spirits. I'm so grateful for the knowledge that I have the opportunity to someday return to Heavenly Father and live with my family forever!
As we approach fall...specifically October I can't help but get excited to listen to and learn from the Prophet, Apostles and all other General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! To prepare myself for the teachings they will share I started re-reading the conference talks from April 2010 and re-reading the Book of Mormon. It amazes me how much love and concern is expressed in both! God has given us modern day revelation to express his love for us, his children, and to show us the way to true and lasting joy. How grateful I truely am!

time keeps on ticking...

It's been several months and an update is LONG overdue! There really aren't too many updates on my life really, mostly just thoughts I've been pondering :) I'm still working at Wells Fargo and loving it! Sure we get busy and sometimes I count the time until we close the doors, but I absolutely LOVE my job!!! It also helps that I have some super fun co-workers!
Today at church someone mentioned something about how many days old he was and what he's accomplished in life thus far (in my own words of course). It got me to thinking...then I calculated that today I am 9,254 days old...what have I done with my life thus far and what am I doing today? Somehow my thoughts snowballed into my relationship with Heavenly Father and the 5 love languages. I don't remember exactly what they're referred to, but in my own words they are as follows: 1-words of affirmation 2-actions 3-gifts 4-quality time and 5-touch. So I was thinking, I wonder which love language Heavenly Father is...then I realized it's like anything else, he does it all! And best of all he gives us ways to express our love and appreciation to him in each language as well... 1-prayer, 2-service to others, 3-fast offerings, donations, etc, 4-scripture study/temple attendance (times we set aside for just him!), 5-the Holy Ghost (this one was kinda hard for me, so instead of thinking he wasn't perfect I thought for now I'd just leave it as a way he shows his love for me...through the comforter)
So there ya go, that's my random little trace of thoughts for the day!

I DON'T WANNA GROW UP!!!

Okay, here's the warning label: I'm about to whine and complain...b/c I DON'T WANNA GROW UP!!!



This last Friday was CRAZY BUSY at work...we had a line out the door from noon until 5:30pm! We hadn't seen it that busy in over 6 weeks and were NOT prepared for such an occassion! Nobody could even THINK about going to the bathroom or getting water, it was so busy. In the midst of all the craziness I missed a phone call from my landlord, Kyla, and then Janna...two of them leaving voicemails. I was beginning to worry and wonder what was going on...then the landlord sent me a text that made me want to cry..."Amy, I'm not sure exactly how to put this...the good news is you get new carpet, the bad news is your apt flooded! Give me a call when you get a chance. Sorry!"

When we finally got a breather around 5:30 I told everyone and I got to start balancing out and start the closing routine so we could all get out as quickly as possible...which turned out to be 6:15...not bad considering we close the doors at 6:05! I drove straight home and found all doors and windows of not only our apt, but the downstairs apt wide open! The water heater had busted and left 4 inches of standing water in our apt and began raining into the downstairs apt!!! I feel so bad for the landlord...he has a LOT to take care of :S

The landlord is doing great at keeping in touch. As of right now it looks like we'll be out for another couple of days...Janna is staying with her brother and sister-in-law while I'm back in Kari's house, sharing a bed/room with Kyla. We're so blessed to have friends and family that can help out at the drop of a hat!

Moved In...AGAIN :)

So I promised pictures to some, but I can't find the camera...I'm sure it's here somewhere :) Janna and I are officially moved into our new apartment and LOVE it!!! I had fun painting the bedrooms (she picked a nice light blue for hers and I picked a pre-mixed half-off paint that turned out to be a sage-ish green) and will hopefully get the rest of the apt painted in the next two or three weeks. Now it's time for all the fun arranging and organizing!!!
I was looking through pictures/blogs of family and appreciating all the time my siblings put into sharing with those of us that can't visit as often as we like...then I realized I've been slacking on returning the favor! Colleen and Olesia both seem to be pretty good at calling me out on it and getting me to share the updates, but I need to work it on!
A couple weeks ago I made what I call my 'suicide trip' to Utah for my MTC companion's wedding up in Logan. Two of my companions from the mission met me at work and we left at 6:30pm Friday night. We drove through the night and arrived in SLC about 7:30am. We stayed at another companions house for a couple hours (getting ready for the wedding) and then drove up to Logan. After the sealing we took pictures and went to a LOVELY luncheon at Hamiltons and then drove down to Provo to meet up with mission buddies at Denny's. When midnight rolled around we were exhausted and ready to crash! We drove back up to SLC to stay the night and decided we wouldn't set any alarms, just get the sleep we needed and wake up whenever, find a random church to attend Sacrament Mtg and then head back to Mesa...we left SLC about 2 pm! Mesa welcomed us about 3ish AM!!! To my surprise work Monday wasn't so bad...probably because it was so slow...which I attribute to people assuming we would be closed on President's Day.
That's the latest adventure in my life...other than moving of course. I'm really loving this new apt though, it was definitely a good choice! Janna and I are so excited to start decorating the place! The best part is that we're still in the same ward...which means I get to keep my amazing calling that I love so much!!! Nothing beats being able to teach from the new gospel principles manual...it's my little piece of the mission that will never end :)
I've also been working on trying to attend the temple twice a week now, versus my once a week routine I've developed. I figure I need to take advantage of the blessing of living only 15mins from the temple! It's amazing the insights and increased understanding that comes from regular temple attendance! I'm so grateful for a family that has set such a great example of that for me and supported my desires to learn so much about the temple...I absolutely LOVE all the books I received for Christmas this year!!! I'm learning so much and couldn't be happier!

...and the rains came tumbling down

IT'S RAINING!!!!! I'm so happy right now it's ridiculous! After work Saturday (about 4:30/5) I drove off to California with Lei (one of my companions from the mission). We had a fun roadtrip with lots of reminiscing about the mission...we even called a couple people from the mission. We made it to Chris and Olesia's house about 11:30/12. It was fun to see them...Kenneth came down from Bakersfield too! I'm realizing more and more how much of a California girl I am! I miss it there so bad, but for some reason I know I'm supposed to be here in AZ...oh well, life goes on...in my head I know I'll make it back to Cali :)

We had a great time visiting and just hanging out with family. Chris and Olesia's house is really coming along...I can't wait to help them move in! Sara is growing up so fast too...I can hardly believe how talkative she is now. She's still so friendly and loving. It was so hard to say good-bye to her...she has the best hugs and kisses! I was holding her and giving her my last good-bye when Chris and Olesia told her to say good-bye she kept hugging me and then waved good-bye to them as if she was coming with me! It was so cute! They walked us out to the car and as I drove off she even kinda followed me for a second, I wanted so bad to just turn around and stay!

The drive back to AZ was LONG!!! We left about 2:30/3 (you can tell I'm really attentive to the time when I leave places, haha) and I didn't walk in my door until 12:30/1am!!! Granted that includes an hour time change, but ONLY an hour! We saw SIX accidents on the way home that created a LOT of traffic! It was insane! The weather wasn't very nice to us either...we traveled through some pretty wicked rain and wind, but somehow we managed to make it home alive and well. Probably has something to do with the prayer we offered as we left....or maybe it was because we gave a bum some crackers and sobe life water! You can always count on something random when I'm around :) He asked for spare change as we walked out from a bathroom stop, and we truthfully told him we didn't have any...but as we loaded back in the car I got some crackers and water from the trunk for him...good thing he didn't ask for a tennis racquet, tennis balls, tennis shoes, a temple bag, a red maglight, blanket, or a front license plate holder...all the things I forgot to clear out of the trunk before our travels :)

Once I finally made it back I was so wired from trying to keep myself wide awake that I had a hard time getting right to bed, but I knew I had to sleep FAST cause I was lucky enough to open the day after a 3-day weekend...CRAZY busy!!! We had a TON of night drops to run before opening, an insane amount of ATM deposits to service and the branch was steady busy all day! It was great though because I didn't have time to think about how tired I was. And the best part about it all...as we came out after closing it was POURING rain, we got DRENCHED running out to our cars!!! It finally feels like winter!!! Supposedly we get rain all this week :) I'm so happy!!!

I have survived!!!

My first week of 'really' working at Wells Fargo (not just training on the phone/computer) is complete!!! I survived :) It's the best! I absolutely love it! For some reason it turned out to be one of the busiest/craziest weeks since I've been down here in AZ...all I wanted to do when I got home from work is sleep, but there was something to be done every night! Which is good, I guess :)
I was somewhat of a slacker and my temple recommend expired on Mon so I was very distraught about not being able to go to the temple this week...and not knowing how soon I'd be able to get a new one! Then I got a phone call on Tues and found out I could meet with Bishop Wed night after work...Thurs night I met with the Stk Pres and Fri night we closed up the bank just early enough for me to drive straight to the temple and make it on the last session! Where there's a will there's a way...the Lord always prepares a way for us to do the work He's commanded us to do :) If you don't believe me just put it to the test!
The other day I was talking to Kenneth about our holiday plans and it started to hit me how much we're all growing up...it's still weird to think I'm not the little baby anymore (probably more weird for all my big brothers and sisters than it is for me). I'm just glad we're still close as a family, I know we may not get to see each other very often but I still feel like we're there for each other when needed. I have a great family and I wouldn't trade a single one of you for ANYTHING in the world!!! You've all taught me so much, with all your words of wisdom, little talks here and there, and especially through your examples...THANKS for being who you are and helping me to try and find success in this crazy world! I love you!!!

Since GHS...

Don't know what exactly it was this weekend, but I've been thinking a lot about all my random experiences since high school...all the places I've lived and the people I've met...I've been blessed, no doubt!

Provo (fall 2003-winter 2005)...I graduated Gridley High School and fulfilled my 'life-long' dream and goal of attending BYU and being a cougar! So many good memories living in DT as a freshman and all the awesome friends I made as I ventured out on my own! Then moving south of campus the next year, at least then I had some of my friends from DT just across the street (well technically on the other side of the fence...the one that ripped 3 pairs of pants) Not to mention finding out that 2 of my cousins were in the ward! Working in the Office of IT and applying to BYU-Idaho during a down time at work, just to see if I would get in (since I was denied straight out of high school I figured for sure they'd still deny me)

Rexburg (summer 2005-fall 2007)...transferring to BYU-Idaho just to see what it was like, convinced I'd go back to BYU in the fall. Meeting all the awesome friends there and never going back to BYU...I had some good times! Going to the dunes and egan lake for bonfires, camping, and random hikes...I'll never forget the guy that just got back from Iraq and convinced us that hiking up thunder mountain (a massive sand dune/mtn) would be fun...after eating pizza :S All the rec sports...especially tennis and softball :) The AMAZING roommates! Prep for the mission...Bishop Wright, my roommates, and close friends were so perfect for me at that time. I still can't get over the fact that I went to BYU-I and had fun...the place I grew up saying I would NEVER go to! haha

The random winter semesters (my off-track at byu-i) living with siblings...Chris and Olesia in Chico )winter 2006) and then Colleen in Provo (winter 2007)...good times! Fun memories...running back into old friends...the late night advice/wisdom from my great siblings/siblings-in-law...random 'filler' jobs...

Manchester, New Hampshire Mission (no I never served in NH itself...just Maine, Vermont, and Mass) So many people I met there, TONS of great memories!!! I can hardly wait to get back there to visit! I learned so much from all the wonderful people of New England and will NEVER forget those experiences!

Mesa, AZ...and now randomly moving down to AZ. I've run into people I never thought I'd see again, but so grateful to be back in touch with! Still not really sure how I ended up down here, but so grateful I'm here! As always I've been blessed with AWESOME roommates and great friends that make life so entertaining and fun :) Cause what's a day without laughter??? Well, honestly I can't answer that because I've never experienced one! (And I don't reccommend trying)

It's crazy to try and think about how/why I've been where I have, kinda funny thinking about how I ended up where I have. I'm glad I can look back on these last couple of years of life and laugh...no regrets...sometimes I think I would change some of the choices I made if I had the chance to do it over, but honestly I'm glad I don't because each of those choices helped me to learn and grow...and to get where I'm at today...which is GREAT!!! God is great!

per daddy's request...

Here it is...2010 Toyota Corolla LE...

Job Update

So Office Max is no longer in the picture...Wells Fargo finally made an offer and I simply couldn't refuse! I'm now a full-time teller at the Gilbert/Baseline branch in Mesa. I start training on the 23rd!!! The cool part is that now I get to spend a whole week with Chris, Olesia, and Sara!!! I'm flying to Ventura Sun evening...Olesia is using me as a model for her test and then I fly back to Mesa the following Sun before church. I know I just barely hung out with Colleen, Olivia and Becky but I can hardly wait to be with family again :)

Count Your Many Blessings...name them one by one

There is DEFINITELY NOT enough room to name ALL my blessings, but I had to mention the most recent...I FINALLY GOT A JOB!!! Heavenly Father never fails...he always knows our troubles/trials and is there to help us through each and every one of them! I'm so STOKED to finally be back in the working world!!! I know my roommates will be grateful too...I know they're sick of coming home and seeing all the crazy projects I'm about. (Yesterday I was caught cleaning out the trash can!) A girl can only handle no school and no work for so long! Thank you Heavenly Father!!!

Life Goes On

I just got off the phone with Sister Jensen (my mission president's wife) and had to write before procrastinating yet again! Amongst the many random topics discussed were record keeping. She mentioned that Elder Scott actually has 3 'journals': 1 for the public, 1 for family and close friends, and 1 for personal ONLY. There are some things so sacred and personal that we don't share them with anyone, but keeping a record of these things is our way of showing Heavenly Father that it is important to us. That's when I realized that I need to be doing better at my record keeping, because I have been given some pretty special things/experiences lately and I don't want to forget them!
This week has been full of fun little experiences and great growth! Sister Foy and I have been catching up and having little mini-companionship studies...oh how I've missed that part of the mission! It's amazing how much more we can learn when we share our studies and inquires with others! I absolutely LOVE this gospel!!! It gives me the peace I need while attempting to get a life...which seems to be a longer process than I imagined :S There's just something about knowing that you're along the right path, despite the fact that I can't see everything ahead of me...it's a little too foggy for that...I know that I'm headed the right way. Heavenly Father is kind enough to leave little hints here and there along the road.
I FINALLY heard back from Wells Fargo yesterday...the managers have been out sick all week. They filled the 2 open positions, but they'd like to keep my information for a position that will be opening soon. They claim they really liked me and would like to contact me when that opens. Office Max is more promising. He talked with me as though he had already given me the position. He will be talking with the managers that already interviewed me to see if they'd like me on the floor or in the print shop. If they do put me in the print shop he is going to work something out so they can use me on the floor as well...apparently he thinks I'm a good saleman and have a good computer background. We shall see what happens :)

A little taste of heaven :)

This weekend has given me another little taste of heaven! Thursday I made some cookies for missionary companions still in the field and called to get updated addresses before sending them off (this week was transfers). When trying to find out if Sister Foy had been transferred or not I heard from a member that she went home...I immediately thought the member had just misunderstood, but in talking with the ward mission leader in the ward had the news confirmed. I immediately began stalking the Foy family in every possible way but one, I did not YET go to there house, only 15 miles away! I decided enough was enough and I would have to wait a day before going to that point....she called back :) We talked and talked and talked and then hung out the following day. Being with mission companions is a little taste of heaven! It's especially great when you live close and are able to see each other over and over again :)
Today one of my roommates took me on a hike...my first AZ hike! It was absolutely beautiful!!! It was an average hike, only took about 1 1/2-2 hours, nothing big and crazy. The view was great though and the weather was perfect...I'm guessing 80/90s with a nice little breeze as we approached the top and all the way back down too. What a sight to behold up at the top! I LOVE it down here in AZ!

I love to see the Temple

I'm not sure exactly when the obsession started, but yesterday I was yet again surprised by how great it is to be at the Temple! My first time going through the temple was the day before Thanksgiving 2007. Dad was there to pull me through the veil. Everytime after that until I went on my mission (about 4 times) he was there for me. Then while in the MTC I was blessed to attend the Provo Temple twice...it's pretty cool going through the temple as a set apart full-time missionary! At the close of my mission I went through the Boston Temple with 4 Elders also going home and the Longmores (an office couple). The next day I flew home and went to the Sacramento Temple...Dad was there to pull me through again :) Each time I went to the Temple I was either with my biological family or mission family...until yesterday.

Yesterday I entered the Mesa Temple for the first time...very beautiful! I was all by myself (physically). I had no family with me and my parents were not inside waiting for me. I was a little nervous, not going to lie. I didn't know who I would ask questions or who would be waiting for me in the Celestial Room. I kept asking people where to go because I felt like I was in a maze, but no matter how lost I felt or how much I looked for family I felt the love of the Lord and the peace He always promises us! As I walked out of the Celestial Room and down the stairs to get changed and leave I stopped and asked a random worker a simple question...I wasn't prepared for how much she was about to share with me. She answered my question, but it didn't stop there...she gave me some tips for the rest of my life. She talked to me just like Mom, Dad or Sister Longmore would have talked to me! As I looked into her eyes I saw Heavenly Father looking out for me and reminding me that He will provide for our physical needs too...when our family can't be by our side He'll always provide another! I love my Heavenly Father and I LOVE LOVE LOVE being in His home more than any place on this earth!!!

I LOVE PUMPKIN PIE!!!

I landed in Arizona Sept 19th...almost 4 weeks ago now! It's still hard to believe that I even landed in California...there are many a day when the alarm goes off at 6:30am and I roll over looking for my companion across the room only to remember that ended nearly 2 transfers ago! (79 days ago)
Mesa is great though, I love it here and am finding lots of new and exciting adventures! Tuesdays and Thursdays I often find myself wandering the Tempe campus of ASU with my roommate Kyla. I usually sit in on her Stress Management and Institute classes, and then entertain myself either in the Engineering or Institute buildings...sometimes at the tennis courts :) Sometimes I wish I could be a lifelong college student, and actually get paid good money for it! I just love going to class and being on-campus!
I'm still applying for jobs like crazy!!! I feel like it's taking forever to find a job, but then remind myself that it's only been a couple of weeks and things will turn out. I'm starting to get some call backs, slowly but surely. I'm waiting to hear from Wells Fargo whether I go on to the next level of interviews...another 4 business days. Yesterday I heard from American Fine Art Editions, Inc. for an Administrative position and was able to go in and interview that afternoon. http://www.americanfineartgallery.com/ It's an awesome business and I'll hear back by tomorrow evening whether or not they'd like me to come in and interview with the Director! If nothing else I'm getting some good interviewing practice in. Thanks to Wells Fargo I can now say I've had a group interview, which actually turned out nice and relaxing for me. It was a great way to get back into the swing of things.
I'm trying to think of some funny things that have been going on since I've been back from the mission, but I don't really have time to write about every second of every day of my life since then :) We all know I can turn any situation into something funny and it's been happening A LOT down here in AZ!
OH! Monday night for FHE our ward practiced country dancing, for a multi-ward activity coming up. As much as I absolutely LOVE (is it okay to be that sarcastic?) dancing I decided to go and support my leaders...I convinced my roommates to come along by promising that we would only stay an hour, no matter what! Well when 8:30 rolled around we were being taught a line dance...which I cannot seem to muster the coordination to manage...I told Kyla I would go get Janna and that we would leave. I walked over to Janna and told her it was time to go, that we would walk over to Kyla, wait for the music to start (they were trying to get the music turned on so we could practice the dance they just taught) and then leave all together. Well as Janna and I started back towards Kyla, Kyla started sprinting for the door...so we ran for it too. As Janna and I were running through the door the Bishop yelled out, "I saw that Weinberg! Get back in here!" Luckily for Kyla and I he doesn't know us well enough to hollar out at us :) Boy did we get an adrenaline rush from that...I almost thought the Bishop was going to chase us down! We got a good laugh from that! Normally I don't think it would have mattered, but there were MORE GUYS THAN GIRLS!!! I'm pretty sure that's a world record for any YSA FHE, especially with dancing involved!

Oh...and the pumpkin pie title...yesterday after the interview I came home and made pumpkin pie to celebrate :) It's yummy!!!