Hasta luego!

I am horrible with goodbyes. So naturally I avoid them and send a nice text with many exclamation marks and smiley faces. It tends to do the trick. But this time I had to say goodbye to many of my friends for life, just in case I won't see them when I get back to school. Hardest and most edifying thing I've had to do in a while. I said goodbye to some as I know I won't see them again. But I love that I only said, "see ya in a few," to many. Perfect mix of bitter sweet 

Stranger danger

So I was pumping gas one day, minding my own business, when a guy comes up to me and asked if I could give him a ride to the mall parking lot where his mother was meeting him.  (The parking lot was about a 10 minute drive) obviously I said no because, well, stranger danger! He proceeded to tell me about his girlfriend going into labor and spilled his whole life story. Long story short, I memorized his name, address, and a very descriptive picture of him. I gave him a ride and when I dropped him off. He was so thankful it was a little awkward. But as I pulled away and busted a u, I didn't see him. You see, it takes about 5 minutes to cross the major intersection from where I dropped him off. I figured id see him and wave and see if his mom was really picking him up. Basically, I'm glad I helped out a stranger and got to live. Good luck with your baby girl, Mr. Bingham

Thus far

"Decide to do something with eternal consequences." -Richard g Scott. Best day of my life thus far. 

City and colour

Here's a peak if what I got to see for 3 amazing hours 

2 years down

Two whole meatless years! Pretty much a great decision. You see, I don't believe in raising beautiful animals to kill them. I think that is one of the ugliest things we can do. Not eating meat has brought upon new friends, fights about health, and sadly, loss of respect from friends. But you know, I don't feel guilty when I eat. And I know that my choice is far healthier than those that argue with me about my eating habits. I have loved every second of being Vegetarian and I can't wait to hit my 10 year mark! I encourage y'all to try going meatless at least one meal a week. I promise it'll be worth it! 

You should be told

Is big foot real?

I'm convinced 

México baby!

Lets just take a minute to appreciate how beautiful this place is. 

I can't wait to live here! Merida, you best be ready for me. 

Favorite lady

Guys, this is my momma, Norma Ortiz. 

Isn't she beautiful?

 She loves to cook delicious Mexican food (super spicy salsa), crochet everything she sees, and show off her nieces to anyone that will listen. 

She is a total goof ball that is obsessed with holidays.  She just so happens to be the best mom I know. Today is this beautiful lady's birthday! She turns 54 and doesn't even look it. 

Happy Birthday to this crazingly wonderful woman I have the pleasure of calling mom! From your favorite hija 😘

Baby Zoey

Meet my newest niece, Zoey. She's tiny, cute, and best of all, doesn't cry when I attack her with kisses. She's pretty much the best baby. 

Louis

This is my passion, my love, the one thing that frustrates me beyond belief yet keeps me sane.

#1 man

Ladies and Gents meet my dad, Enrique Ortiz

He is the funniest, most caring, weirdest, loving man I have the pleasure of knowing. He also has a small obsession with superheros. He is a wonderful example of what a dad should be. All I can ever say is thank you for being the light of my life and the best guy I know.  

And today he turns 56!  

Feliz Cumpleanos daddy-o! From your favorite daughter

Surprises

are one of the best things in life. Did it to two of my favorite people ever. 

Kelsey 

And Emily 

 

BYU-I do

I am completely in love with this place. The people, the small town, and the potatoes. The people I've met are so nice. Something a Californian is not use to. The friends I have made I know I will be friends with even after we part ways. I thought I hated small towns but Rexburg proved me wrong, again. And the potatoes, well, it's fun to drive through the fields at night with your roommates. It was not the typical college experience that I wanted. But I love it. All in all, there is no place I'd rather be than BYU-Idaho. 

Insanity

That work out is properly named. So sore 

A keeper

I was at Burger King with my parents and the guy I have had a crush on since 8th grade walked in with his motorcycle helmet. He saw me and smiled. So obviously I gave him the most awkward smile. I walked outside before my parents and there he was, on his motorcycle ready to leave. He winked at me then put on his helmet, safety first, and drove away all before my parents walked out. Be still my heart <3 

Push&shove

I really wanted to keep my religious views out of my blog. But you know, it is such a big part of my life, I'm going to veto that rule. So here it goes.

I got a really big slap in the face recently. Figuratively speaking, of course. I was in my dream world and not doing so hot spiritually. At least not as great as He wanted me to be doing. I had my life figured out. Roommates, classes, career, and even service on campus (can't go without student support). And then it happened. The Lord tried opening my eyes to what is really important. Things here and there caused me to move back home for this semester. Something I was completely against. You see, I was excited to have my semester off with my wonderful friends in a small, middle of nowhere town. All part of my now crushed plan. He insisted I come home. Being the stubborn person I am, I refused and tried to find loop holes to keep my eyes closed and focused on my plan to stay in Rexburg. He won that battle and I moved back home. Eyes, mind, and heart still closed from being hurt. After all, I had made the plan and kept Him in the loop the entire time and only made plans upon prayers. Being home has been weird. I am not use to it and boy did it make me rely on Him far more than I have been. It felt so great to finally break down and tell Him exactly how I felt. Of course He knew, He always does. He just needed me to tell Him. To use the power of prayer and tell Him exactly what was going on. All I can say is, dang it felt good. And then there are my parents. Right when I feel like giving up my parents are there to help me back up. I had forgotten how much I need them on a day to day basis. Sad to think I've been gone so long I forgot how that feels. These lessons keep appearing and remind me of why I'm home. I like to have a plan for my life and everything I do, but lately I have taken leaps of faith that completely crush the plans I've made. It took a while, but life is so much better. I have learned more by being home than I would have back in Rexburg. Never thought I'd say this, but, I am so thankful He gave me that slap. 

Oldies

So, I decided to take a trip down memory lane today. Wasn't expecting to notice how much a small amount of time can change me and how much I miss people I said I never would. I'm a bit of a hoarder, so memory lane consists of old saved notes, pictures, and facebook conversations. I don't know why this would be shocking, but feelings I have wanted to forget and memories I forgot existed, surfaced. It felt like everything happened ages ago, when it was only 2 or 3 years ago. It's times like these I really want it back. I think it's just security of having certain people in my life. Or having school work be the easiest thing. But then I sort of snap out of it and think, "would I be a sliver of the person I am today? Would I even think about doing the things I want to do or have the friends I do?" I'll never know. What I do know, is no matter how much I love who I have become in a small amount of time, I sure wish I could go back and enjoy, once again, what I'm missing right now. 

Something to look forward to

A love like Colonel Brandon had for Marianne. The way Lizzy wasn't afraid to speak her mind to Mr. Darcy. A quiet type of love like Jane and Mr. Bingley. And, if I may, the adventurous friendship type of love Rose and The Doctor have. I've decided I want a bit of it all. 

20 seconds

“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” - Benjamin Mee
This is my new goal. Do something worth wild. A little risky, not really me, but why not? Just imagine all the adventures that come with taking this to heart.

And away we go

Another semester over and done with. It should be easy saying goodbye to faces I've only known for 3 months. But this semester that's not the case. I have been blessed with such wonderful people in my life, that it is really hard to say goodbye. Some for 2 years, some for 6 months, and others for a week. (We get pretty attached) Words can not express how thankful I am for those in my life. They have changed me for the better and I am forever grateful. Love you all.

foot play and a wink

I'm sitting at my normalish spot on the first floor of the library and as I get really into my study guide I feel a small tap on my foot. Quickly, I retracted my feet from under the table. You see, I really don't like people touching my feet in any way, shape, or form. A couple of minutes passed and I felt it again, but this time more foot. It hit me, the person infront of me decided to not move his feet but play footsies, or so it seemed. I freaked out everytime this person touched my feet. 20 min later he stood up, smiled, winked and walked away. I didn't know if I should feel flattered or creeped out. My poor feet!