I must admit that I am quite silly. Though many of you probably already knew this, it came as a revelation to me today as I trudged through my difficult and crazy day. I got up entirely too early (4:30 a.m. to be exact) and went to work. I sleepily made my body perform the necessary tasks. Then, like every crazy morning, Nate and I hurriedly got ready and went to school, the same old packed lunch in hand.
Later, after class, with my head all stuffed with organic chemistry, I headed to the Provo Post Office to finish my passport application. After waiting in line for some time, my turn finally came. We were almost at the end of the application when I asked if it was okay that I hadn't changed my name on my license yet. He said that it most certainly was a problem and sent me to the DMV. I began to be very frustrated because I was trying to squeeze all of this in between classes. I had 45 minutes to finish and get back to class, or at least that was my goal. I ran over to the DMV, and began to get even more cranky as I waited in line once again. The lady working there was super friendly, and I'm afraid I wasn't as friendly back to her as I should've been. Twelve o'clock came and found me paying another fee on top of the ridiculous passport fee I still needed to pay. Updated temporary license in hand, I rushed to class, angrily glaring at all the other drivers on the road. (If you're annoyed at my negativity, please be patient, it gets better).
Changing as quickly as I could into my dance clothes, I managed to get to my contemporary dance class only ten minutes late. A brief break from the chaos, I danced my little heart out. 12:50 and again the craziness. I couldn't get a hold of Nate for our lunch date (which turned out to actually be his phone's fault), so I headed off to the Post Office with a level of grumpiness that was unusual for me. I got there to find that the guy working the passport station was on LUNCH BREAK! Oh man, I was upset. So I read my text book as I waited another 35 minutes. I finally got a hold of Nate, which made me feel slightly better. Once the guy came back, we got the passport application all finished in a mere ten minutes! All that for a ten minute application. Relieved that it was finally over, I headed back to campus for lunch with Nate.
A happy lunch and a nap later, Nate was off to work and I was off to the grocery store. I rolled the windows down in the car and tried to cope with the excruciating heat of summer. I pulled into the parking lot and in I went, thinking I would be out just as fast. But the walls of Walmart are almost like a vacuum, sucking you in and not letting you go. Once I had finally found everything I was looking for in the disorganized chaos, I got in line to check out. This line wasn't too bad, but when I was through and looked at my receipt, I noticed several things were rung up incorrectly. I went back to fix it, but the checkout lady merely sent me to customer service. I got my money back, but I left promising myself that I would never go back to Walmart.
Once I got home and managed to unload everything out of the car, I finally sat down for a second and thought about my crazy day. That's when I remembered something I had read in John Bytheway's book "How to Be Totally Miserable." He points out that miserable people are pros at complaining about their blessings. Thinking about this, I looked around my apartment. Instead of focusing on the fact that it is a little messy or that it has cinder-block walls, I saw that it has a roof, walls, a fridge, a t.v., carpet, a laptop sitting on the table, an internet connection, food in the pantry, a comfortable bed, clothes in the closet, and the list could go on and on. I realized that I was lucky to have an apartment at all!
My perspective began to change, and I saw my day completely differently. I realized that instead of complaining about waking up early, I should have been rejoicing that I have a job. In this economy, especially, that is a huge blessing. Not only that, but Nate is employed as well. And when I came home from work, I should've jumped for joy at finding a sweet husband sleeping adorably; a husband who was willing to wake up and pack my lunch for me as I got ready for school.
Speaking of school, Nate and I both have the opportunity to go to college, and not just any college, we get to attend Brigham Young University. I shouldn't have complained about the passport drama, because I am truly blessed that I even have the means to obtain one, and that I live in a country with a government that provides them. I should've been more grateful for the friendly worker at the DMV, and realized that in a lot of cities, there aren't very many friendly people at all. I should have treasured that sack lunch that I ate today, because there are many people who can't afford peanut butter and jelly to put on their bread. As for the grocery store, at least I have one close by where I can buy healthy food. There are some cities where the closest thing they have to a grocery store is a gas station, and other places where there are no stores, but instead you have to grow and pick and work for every bite of food you eat. Man, I am blessed to have a Walmart, even if it is a pain to shop there sometimes.
What about all those other moments in the day that are almost indescribable because of the joy they bring? Like waking up next to Nate every morning, or learning something new when I'm studying the scriptures. And how about getting to talk to my mom on a cell phone when she is 40 miles away, almost as if we were standing right next to each other. Even my nerdy moments, like finally figuring out a crazy hard chemistry problem, and finding out that I didn't fail my first o-chem class can bring great joy. What about the moment when Nate lets me take a nap on his lap (being extremely exhausted from my long day) while he works on his dental school application, and listening to him periodically tell me that I'm cute or that he loves me? Or getting my new license that says Kameron A'mee Bushman on it? Oh, and coming home from the grocery store with three bags full of fruit that probably came from all over the world. Yum! Oh yeah, lets not forget AIR CONDITIONING! Man, what on earth was I complaining about again? I almost can't remember...
Once this all hit me, I fell down on me knees and said a prayer of thanks for all of my many blessings. Tears came to my eyes as I remembered my most important blessing, one that all of us have. I realized that if I had nothing else in the whole world except for this one blessing, that would be okay, and everything would work out just fine eternally. This blessing is the Atonement of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With this gift, all of us have the ability to return home to the Father and live eternally in His presence. All we have to do is to never stop fighting the adversary. If we keep fighting, doing our best everyday, we may never be perfect, but we will have given our part, and the Savior of the world can make up for the rest. Now I think, who cares if I had to endure horrible circumstances in this life? It would only last for a moment and then it would be over. Then I could live in peace for eternity, all because my elder Brother loved me enough to die for me. What a sense of hope and power that comes from this knowledge. Why on earth would I complain? I have everything, all because He loved me.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Wonderful Walla Walla
Just when I thought I was about old enough to stop believing in fairy tales, Walla Walla proved me wrong. Nate and I took a brief break from our hectic life here at school and made a trip to the Evergreen State. It was my second time visiting Walla Walla, and I was again received with a very warm welcome.
Five of us packed into a Honda Accord and made the 10 hour drive in one day. We got in around 1 a.m. Walla Walla time. The Bushman's were up waiting for us when we got there. We were all so excited to see each other that we hardly got any sleep that night. So fun!
The next day was Nick's graduation (Nate's little brother) which was the funnest graduation I've ever been to for a couple reasons. One, because it was outside with a beautiful view of trees and a stream, two, because it was short, three, because my new little brother Nick was one of the speakers, and four, because I was with Nate. Congrats Nicko! :)
That night Nate and I stayed in a gorgeous bed and breakfast called Cameo Heights, which Nate's dad treated us to. The room was an English Tudor style room, which to my joy and Nate's slight discomfort, was very PINK. We had a magnificent veiw from the third floor, overlooking the pool, a gorgeous vineyard, and the rolling hills of Washington. I felt like a princess staying there, which really was wonderful for me because with the wedding being crammed between semesters, I really didn't have much time to feel like a princess (every girl's dream for her wedding) on that day. But the Open House in Nate's wonderful home town of Walla Walla was my second chance.
The Bushman's insisted that we didn't help out too much with setting up the Open House, so Nate and I took advantage of their kindness and relaxed at Cameo Heights for the afternoon. We enjoyed the delicious breakfast there, went swimming, watched a movie, worked out in their exercise room, and caught up on some much needed sleep (the bed was SO comfortable). Then my parents came to have lunch with us there at the restaurant (called the Vine, which was fantastic). The owner of the bed and breakfast was super friendly and challenged us to a game of Ping Pong. Nate won of course :)
After having some much needed fun, we all headed back to Walla Walla to help with the finishing touches of the Open House. It was such a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the wind was taking a nap, and the smell of the fresh cut lawn and wild flowers filled the air. Sylvia got the perfect treats (chocolate cake for the chocolate lovers, cheesecake, and a yummy white cake with strawberry topping) and drinks (lemonade and a berry punch). They set up tables outside in the sun and topped them with all sorts of cool Walla Walla plants and flowers. It was just like my dream backyard wedding!
Six o'clock rolled around and before I knew it a stream of some of the friendliest people I have ever met came strolling in to congratulate us. I got to meet a lot of wonderful people that were important in Nate's life, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I even got to have a short break and have some treats (yes I got to have my cake and eat it too). Then, literally an answer to my prayers, a cute little girl and her mom came up to me and said they wanted to come see the princess! That was so amazing to me because, as silly as it was, it was really important for me to feel special (I normally don't like attention) on that day, and Heavenly Father cared about my silly wish. How wonderful is that! Anyways, it was a lot of fun and I hope all those that came really enjoyed it. I also hope that it was not too stressful for the Bushmans. They did a fantastic job!
Before I knew it everyone was leaving and it was time to clean up. Nate and I were exhausted after that long and exciting day, so after a short gathering with the family to open some presents, Nate and I headed back to Cameo Heights. The next morning we went to sacrament meeting and then headed back home to Utah.
Though short, our trip to Walla Walla was a ton of fun and exactly what we needed. We came home to face exams and writing talks (we spoke in sacrament meeting this week), and all sorts of craziness. Next week is finals and then summer term! Woohoo! I'm beginning to understand that life is not really ever going to slow down, so we can't wait for that to start really living. So instead we're working on learning to treasure every moment and put the most impotant things (God, family and friends) first. I realized that in 10 years I won't remember what grade I got in organic chemistry, but I will remember if we were happy and if we succeeded in building a strong, righteous family. I know I can't do it all, so it's just a matter of deciding what is most important and doing my best at those things, all the while praying that the Lord will make up for the rest.
We love you all and we love the Lord and His gospel. Wishing you all the best! Here are a few more wedding pictures :)
-Kamie and Nate
Five of us packed into a Honda Accord and made the 10 hour drive in one day. We got in around 1 a.m. Walla Walla time. The Bushman's were up waiting for us when we got there. We were all so excited to see each other that we hardly got any sleep that night. So fun!
The next day was Nick's graduation (Nate's little brother) which was the funnest graduation I've ever been to for a couple reasons. One, because it was outside with a beautiful view of trees and a stream, two, because it was short, three, because my new little brother Nick was one of the speakers, and four, because I was with Nate. Congrats Nicko! :)
That night Nate and I stayed in a gorgeous bed and breakfast called Cameo Heights, which Nate's dad treated us to. The room was an English Tudor style room, which to my joy and Nate's slight discomfort, was very PINK. We had a magnificent veiw from the third floor, overlooking the pool, a gorgeous vineyard, and the rolling hills of Washington. I felt like a princess staying there, which really was wonderful for me because with the wedding being crammed between semesters, I really didn't have much time to feel like a princess (every girl's dream for her wedding) on that day. But the Open House in Nate's wonderful home town of Walla Walla was my second chance.
The Bushman's insisted that we didn't help out too much with setting up the Open House, so Nate and I took advantage of their kindness and relaxed at Cameo Heights for the afternoon. We enjoyed the delicious breakfast there, went swimming, watched a movie, worked out in their exercise room, and caught up on some much needed sleep (the bed was SO comfortable). Then my parents came to have lunch with us there at the restaurant (called the Vine, which was fantastic). The owner of the bed and breakfast was super friendly and challenged us to a game of Ping Pong. Nate won of course :)
After having some much needed fun, we all headed back to Walla Walla to help with the finishing touches of the Open House. It was such a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the wind was taking a nap, and the smell of the fresh cut lawn and wild flowers filled the air. Sylvia got the perfect treats (chocolate cake for the chocolate lovers, cheesecake, and a yummy white cake with strawberry topping) and drinks (lemonade and a berry punch). They set up tables outside in the sun and topped them with all sorts of cool Walla Walla plants and flowers. It was just like my dream backyard wedding!
Six o'clock rolled around and before I knew it a stream of some of the friendliest people I have ever met came strolling in to congratulate us. I got to meet a lot of wonderful people that were important in Nate's life, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I even got to have a short break and have some treats (yes I got to have my cake and eat it too). Then, literally an answer to my prayers, a cute little girl and her mom came up to me and said they wanted to come see the princess! That was so amazing to me because, as silly as it was, it was really important for me to feel special (I normally don't like attention) on that day, and Heavenly Father cared about my silly wish. How wonderful is that! Anyways, it was a lot of fun and I hope all those that came really enjoyed it. I also hope that it was not too stressful for the Bushmans. They did a fantastic job!
Before I knew it everyone was leaving and it was time to clean up. Nate and I were exhausted after that long and exciting day, so after a short gathering with the family to open some presents, Nate and I headed back to Cameo Heights. The next morning we went to sacrament meeting and then headed back home to Utah.
Though short, our trip to Walla Walla was a ton of fun and exactly what we needed. We came home to face exams and writing talks (we spoke in sacrament meeting this week), and all sorts of craziness. Next week is finals and then summer term! Woohoo! I'm beginning to understand that life is not really ever going to slow down, so we can't wait for that to start really living. So instead we're working on learning to treasure every moment and put the most impotant things (God, family and friends) first. I realized that in 10 years I won't remember what grade I got in organic chemistry, but I will remember if we were happy and if we succeeded in building a strong, righteous family. I know I can't do it all, so it's just a matter of deciding what is most important and doing my best at those things, all the while praying that the Lord will make up for the rest.
We love you all and we love the Lord and His gospel. Wishing you all the best! Here are a few more wedding pictures :)
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