tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28361159323840231852024-03-13T11:37:12.377-07:00.... It's all worth it!Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-26105880507885319072009-09-18T20:42:00.000-07:002009-09-18T21:42:00.516-07:00Oh, that's how that thing works?!I have not written on here in a long time. I just want to start off by expressing my thanks to my Father in Heaven for his ability to test me, and then show me the importance of my trials.<br /><br />My parents divorce was final the day before Dave and I were sealed for time and all Eternity in the Bountiful <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">LDS</span> Temple. I know my wedding day was hard for my mom, but she is a trooper and she played along to the best of her abilities. Dave and I have learned a lot from watching my parents over the last year. It is hard to pin point the time in a marriage when things "start to fall apart". It is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">defiantly</span> not easy on everyone when someone decides, "they are done". I am not writing this to hurt <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">any one's</span> feelings, but to bring up the importance of communication in a marriage. Once the communication is gone, everything else falls apart. Dave and I have made some very important goals that we are promising each other to abide by through out our eternal marriage.<br />*The first began on January 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, 2009 when Dave proposed to me in front of the San Antonio, Texas <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">LDS</span> temple. Not only were we starting things out right by going to the temple, but Dave chose my ring because of the value and reminder my ring has for us. It not only represents the eternal round that our marriage will have, but and the importance of always keeping the communication between Heavenly Father, Dave and I open. You cannot have a successful marriage when one of these three individuals is not an active <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">member</span> in the triangle.<br />* Dave and I have been striving very hard to have morning and evening couples prayer together. I cannot express the love I have for Dave when he is praying. He has the ability to express his inner most concerns for others and me in the most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sensitive</span> way.<br />*Dave and I made a goal when we were engaged to go to the temple often. We have continued this goal in our marriage. It has been one of the most rewarding things ever! We can <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">defiantly</span> tell when it has been too long since our last visit. Not only are we serving those who could not do the work for themselves while here on the earth, but we are able to spend some very spiritual and personal quality time with each other and our Father in Heaven. Our "Temple Date Nights" are my favorite date nights.<br />* Every marriage needs encouragement. Dave and I have many things going on in our busy schedules and we don't always get to see each other. When our schedules do collide we are able to catch each other up on what is going on and most important- encourage one another in the goals and ambitions that we each have. Dave is currently in school and also working and I am working full time and trying to keep up with Dave. He is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">extremely</span> busy and sometimes needs a word of encouragement. I love being the one to give it to him. Those sweet reminders help the love in a marriage grow. He is always there for me when I need a minute to cry on his shoulder because I dropped an egg on the floor or an amazing smelling dinner turns out to just be an amazing smelling dinner.<br />* Scripture reading is a huge bonus in a marriage. Our Father in Heaven has given us so many tools to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">straighten</span> marriages. If only people would read, ponder and listen- there would not be any marriages that crumble because of hurt feelings, selfishness, etc.<br />* The last goal that I have personally implemented in our marriage is; Never say anything which you don't mean, but you say in anger or annoyance. Last month Dave and I were at a family reunion in Morgan. Everyone was having a great time playing and chatting with each other. After dinner on our last night there, Dave and my brother decided to float down the river. They didn't have any way to float down other than life jackets. Dave wanted to test the waters at an area where there was a seemingly small waterfall. To make a long story short; Dave was carried under the current and down falling water; he almost drowned. The most terrifying part of it all is, I witnessed everything and thought my husband was dying. Each time he came up and then disappeared, I thought I had lost him. The feelings of hope and safety were shattered by water. My youngest brother was trying frantically to extend a walking stick to Dave, which my grandpa had thrown into the water to help them. My uncle was holding onto my brother and together they were trying as hard as they could to reach Dave. I know our Father in Heaven was watching over David because the last time he went down something pushed him to the center of the water fall and he was able to float away from the area he was in and walk out- with the help of my uncle.<br /><br />Marriage is not a topic I take lightly. When you face a loved one leaving for whatever reason you find yourself doing everything in your power to keep that unit together. If you think about it- We each make choices everyday. Some move us forward, toward the goals we have and others pull us down to levels that we cannot even comprehend. In the end: we all have our agency.<br />From the example of my parents I have been able to reflect on my marriage and how I want it to be now and in the future. I love both of my parents and I accept the result of their decisions. I cannot spend time dwelling on their choices; therefore, I have to move forward with my own. I feel I am on the right path.Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-3854654779734438712009-03-04T20:06:00.000-08:002009-03-04T20:16:53.555-08:003 things about meTHREE NAMES I GO BY<br />1.Tashina<br />2.Shina<br />3.Bumkiss, Weiner, Baby Girl, Sweetie<br /><br />THREE JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE<br />1. Dilly Dally's<br />2. Bountiful Family Healthcare<br />3. Nanny<br /><br />THREE PLACES I HAVE LIVED<br />1.Utah-- Happy Valley<br />2.Wyoming<br />3. Utah-- Davis County<br /><br />THREE TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH<br />1. CSI<br />2. The Office<br />3. Scrubs<br /><br />THREE PLACES I HAVE BEEN<br />1. New York<br />2. Minnesota<br />3. Texas<br /><br />THREE PLACES I WANT TO GO<br />1. Poland<br />2. Guam<br />3. Philippines<br /><br />THREE OF MY FAVORITE FOODS<br />1. Italian<br />2. Mexican<br />3. Chinese<br /><br />THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO<br />1. David coming home-- March 26th!<br />2. Marring the love of my life<br />3. My first Christmas with David<br /><br />THREE PETS THAT YOU HAVE OWNED<br />1. Dog- Shadow<br />2. Cat- Spaz<br />3. Dog- Dellah Mae<br /><br />THREE FAVORITE BANDS/ ARTISTS<br />1. Coldplay<br />2. Brandie Carlisle<br />3. Journey<br /><br />THREE FAVORITE TEAMS TO WATCH<br />1. Team Owen<br />2. Jazz<br />3. Raptors<br /><br />THREE FAVORITE DRINKS<br />1. Milk<br />2. Water<br />3. Orange Juice<br /><br />THREE FAVORITE READS<br />1. Book of Mormon<br />2. Count of Monte Cristo<br />3. Frankenstein<br /><br />THREE FAVORITE PASTIMES<br />1. Daddy Daughter Dates<br />2. High School<br />3. The care free days of childhood<br /><br />THREE HEROES<br />1. My Savior<br />2 .David<br />3. My mom and my Bishop ShafferShinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-81277777104674311032009-01-28T07:06:00.000-08:002009-01-28T07:08:38.792-08:00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!If anyone has any questions about my Texas trip; visit my new blog at:<br /><a href="http://davidandshina.blogspot.com/">http://davidandshina.blogspot.com</a><br /><br /><br />:)Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-19645916986380143012009-01-28T06:46:00.000-08:002009-01-28T07:06:05.194-08:0075 QUESTIONS YOU'VE PROBABLY NEVER BEEN ASKED BEFORE1. First thing you wash in the shower? My Hair<br />2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Pink<br />3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? DEFINATLY!!!!!!!<br />4.Do you plan outfits? Yeah, I set them out the night before.<br />5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Excellent!!!!<br />6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red? a Christmas decoration... still out... yep<br />7. Do you say aim or a-i-m? nope<br />8. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? It had to do with David and it was wonderful!<br />9. Did you meet anybody new today? I meet new people everyday! That's the glorious thing about working in a doctors office!<br />10. What are you craving right now? My man.<br />11. Do you floss? Every night!<br />12. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Lumpia!!!! My Favorite Filipino Dish!<br />13. When was the last time you talked on aim?Never<br />14. Are you emotional?Yes, I can be very emotional.<br />15. Would you dance to the taco song? haha sure<br />16. Have you ever counted to 1,000??No... I have a short attention span<br />17. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?Both<br />18. Do you like your hair? Sometimes. It is so thin that sometimes I am tempted to shave it and buy a wig<br />19. Do you like yourself? I love myself:)<br />20. Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes, LeAnn Rimes<br />21. Do you like cottage cheese?Espcially with Doritos!<br />22. What are you listening to right now? The sounds of a doctors office<br />23. How many countries have you visited? just he one.<br />24. Are your parents strict? at times, but I am an adult now and I make my own decisions... they let me do my own thing<br />25. Would you go sky diving?YES!<br />26. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? probably not. the man annoys the crap out of me.<br />27. Would you throw potatoes at him? If it was in the mashed form<br />28. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?nope.<br />29. Have you ever been in a castle? Yes<br />30. Do you rent movies often? I Love renting movies!<br />31. Who sits in behind you in your math class? some girl I don't know<br />32. Have you made a prank phone call? :0) Yep<br />33. Do you own a gun? no!!<br />34. Can you count backwards from 74? yes.<br />35. Who are you going to be with tonight? My math book<br />36. Brown or white eggs? both<br />37. Do you own something from Hot Topic?no<br />38. Ever been on a train? YES<br />39. Like the person your dating? I am not only dating him-- I AM GOING TO MARRY HIM! I not only like him-- I LOVE HIM SO MUCH THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN CAN HEAR THE SONG IN MY HEART!!!<br />40. Do you have a cell-phone? Don't know where I would be without it.<br />41. Are you too forgiving? Sometimes<br />42. Do you use chap stick? YES!<br />43. What is your best friend doing tomorrow? He is working.. getting off work at 1400 and then talking to me on the phone at 2100. ( I am trying to get this military time thing down)<br />44. Can you use chop sticks? Yes-- Thanks to my amazing Fiance and his Filipino family!<br />45. Ever have cream puffs? oh I LOVE THEM!<br />46. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? yes-- It is a trippy movie<br />47. What was the last question you asked? I don't remember.<br />48. What was the last CD you bought? "Tea for two Love songs"<br />49. Boys or girls? Definatly boys! Girls are too dramatic!<br />50. What is your bus number for school? 634... I think. it has been a LONG time!<br />51. Is your hair curly? Only when I spend hours on it<br />52. Last time you cried? Yesterday....<br />53. Ever walked into a wall? Um... yeah...<br />54. Do looks matter? Yes-- but I am more attracted to personalities<br />55. Have you ever bought anything from Pac Sun? yes!<br />56. Have you ever slapped someone? No... Not on purpose at least<br />57. Favorite time of the year? spring and fall<br />58. Favorite color?Lime green<br />59. Are you sarcastic?sometimes<br />60. Do you have any tattoos? Nope-- I will never have one!<br />61. The last person you held hands with? David :)<br />62. Do you sleep with the TV on? Sometimes. Usually I have to have it completely silent though.<br />63. Where was your default picture taken at? ???? WHAT?????<br />64. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? No- it takes too much energy<br />65. Do you like your life right now? I love my life!<br />66. How often do you talk on the phone? not a lot, but when I do it is for a long time!<br />67. What is your favorite animal? Dog!<br />68. What was the most recent thing you bought? a Valentines card for david:)<br />69. Do you have good vision? no....<br />70. Can you hula hoop? Yes!<br />71. Could you ever forgive a cheater?Yes if they are truly repentant... it takes a lot though....<br />72. Do you have a job? yes<br />73. Can you handle the truth? yes :)<br />74. What are you wearing? gray slacks, orange shirt and a white jacket<br />75. Have you ever crawled through a window? YesShinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-27849059400321438032009-01-20T18:59:00.000-08:002009-01-30T06:52:45.874-08:00My bragging moment<div align="center"><span style="color:#333399;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I leave tomorrow night at 12:50 AM for Texas</span>.</span></div><div align="center"></div>I cannot explain how excited I am to see David!! He has given great updates in each of his letters and I cannot wait to meet all of the guys he is working with! He was given a promotion (in a way) his first or second week of BMT. He is the epitome of what a zone leader would be in an LDS mission. He is over a flight of guys and has to make sure they are doing everything they need to, to pass the tests. He has found this tast difficult, but worth while. He has learned MANY great qualities and has grown a lot from being a leader and example.<br /><br />He has had the opportunity to attend a church service held on Sundays by a missionary couple on the base. He has brought many of his flight members to the service and many have asked him questions about the church and why he gets to wear special boxers. :)<br />He is a great example to these men and I am so proud of him!<br /><br />Although he is in a stressful environment, his letters are full of positive things that he is learning from being at Basic training.<br /><br />Before he left for Basic, I gave him a pocket sized Book of Mormon for him to read. (I bought one for myself and we call it our "Marriage Handbook") He reads from it every night before going to bed and relates the gospel teachings that he learns in his letters to me. He is such a spiritual giant and I have learned so much from him by reading his annotations (as he calls it :))<br /><br />I cannot wait to support him at his graduation and spend time with him this weekend! There are so many things I want to say to him that I cannot write in letters or say in our short 15 minute converstions, via phone, once a week.<br /><br />Once graduation is over, he's off to Mississippi for Tech school, but:<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#333399;">March 23rd is a day to mark- The day my latter day Nephi returns home to Utah</span>.</span></div>Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-46578101615068447062009-01-03T19:40:00.000-08:002009-01-03T19:43:25.752-08:00The love of my life!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-VB3W8DSEhbHi0xC7c_icyt_m6dzj2-g8mG8ABjyv-5A2KX9XJfr8hJXM-R4FrCzQESBtrv-PYP026KsHGrOcHpO0FbqnLYCafQxaxzHaY5oFNQIOs4TB7oDCl_5A2xp1hHIB9eyjyni/s1600-h/DSCN1673.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287278795392320674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-VB3W8DSEhbHi0xC7c_icyt_m6dzj2-g8mG8ABjyv-5A2KX9XJfr8hJXM-R4FrCzQESBtrv-PYP026KsHGrOcHpO0FbqnLYCafQxaxzHaY5oFNQIOs4TB7oDCl_5A2xp1hHIB9eyjyni/s320/DSCN1673.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dave and I posing before working out at WSU</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287278792315663074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhA04WG4UCMaL_MfuYtwCq62mTzf3_h2xj-poBt_l3OJ8lpcXhF87rGa6zog3j3jJ7JHBMIwy_pRKi5BxyC4ABrZecxjlMjBqUH4JGR6lkGZy24AC0rBfj16NAqw-oPfc5Z220020ooVj/s320/DSCN1679.JPG" border="0" /></div>Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-82032455928738596502008-12-22T06:04:00.000-08:002008-12-22T06:12:24.112-08:0099 ThingsHighlight the things that you have done!<br />1. <strong>Started your own blog</strong><br />2. <strong>Slept under the stars</strong><br />3. Played in a band<br />4. Visited Hawaii<br />5. <strong>Watched a meteor shower</strong><br />6. <strong>Given more than you can afford to charity</strong><br />7. Been to Disneyland<br />8. <strong>Climbed a mountain</strong><br />9. <strong>Held a praying mantis</strong><br />10. <strong>Sang a solo</strong>-- in my car- does that count?<br />11. Bungee jumped<br />12. Visited Paris<br />13. <strong>Watched a lightning storm</strong><br />14. <strong>Taught yourself an art from scratch</strong><br />15. Adopted a child<br />16. <strong>Had food poisoning</strong><br />17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty<br />18. <strong>Grown your own vegetables</strong><br />19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France<br />20. Slept on an overnight train<br />21. <strong>Had a pillow fight</strong><br />22. Hitch hiked<br />23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill<br />24. <strong>Built a snow fort</strong><br />25. <strong>Held a lamb</strong><br />26. Gone skinny dipping<br />27. Run a Marathon<br />28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice<br />29. Seen a total eclipse<br />30. <strong>Watched a sunrise or sunset</strong><br />31. Hit a home run<br />32. Been on a cruise<br />33. Seen Niagara Falls in person<br />34. <strong>Visited the birthplace of your ancestors</strong><br />35. Seen an Amish community<br />36. Taught yourself a new language<br />37. <strong>Had enough money to be truly satisfied</strong><br />38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person<br />39. <strong>Gone rock climbing</strong><br />40. Seen Michelangelo’s David<br />41. <strong>Sung karaoke</strong><br />42. <strong>Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt</strong><br />43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant...<br />44. Visited Africa<br />45. Walked on a beach by moonlight<br />46. Been transported in an ambulance<br />47. Had your portrait painted<br />48. Gone deep sea fishing<br />49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person<br />50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris<br />51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling<br />52. <strong>Kissed in the rain</strong><br />53. <strong>Played in the mud</strong><br />54. <strong>Gone to a drive-in theater</strong><br />55. <strong>Been in a movie</strong><br />56. Visited the Great Wall of China<br />57. Started a business<br />58. <strong>Taken a martial arts class</strong>-- KICKBOXING<br />59. Visited Russia<br />60. Served at a soup kitchen<br />61. <strong>Sold Girl Scout Cookies</strong><br />62. Gone whale watching<br />63. <strong>Got flowers for no reason</strong><br />64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma<br />65. Gone sky diving<br />66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp<br />67. Bounced a check<br />68. Flown in a helicopter<br />69. <strong>Saved a favorite childhood toy</strong><br />70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial<br />71. Eaten Caviar<br />72. <strong>Pieced a quilt</strong><br />73. Stood in Times Square<br />74. Toured the Everglades<br />75. Been fired from a job<br />76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London<br />77. <strong>Broken a bone</strong><br />78. <strong>Been on a speeding motorcycle</strong><br />79. <strong>Seen the Grand Canyon in person</strong><br />80. Published a book<br />81. Visited the Vatican<br />82. Bought a brand new car<br />83. Walked in Jerusalem<br />84. <strong>Had your picture in the newspaper</strong><br />85. Read the entire Bible<br />86. Visited the White House<br />87. <strong>Killed and prepared an animal for eating?-</strong> my dad has and I watched...<br />88. <strong>Had chickenpox</strong><br />89. <strong>Saved someone’s life</strong>-- im sure we all have and don't even know it<br />90. Sat on a jury<br />91. <strong>Met someone famous</strong><br />92. <strong>Joined a book club</strong><br />93. <strong>Lost a loved one</strong><br />94. Had a baby<br />95. Seen the Alamo in person-- I will next month!<br />96. <strong>Swam in the Great Salt Lake</strong><br />97. Been involved in a law suit<br />98. <strong>Owned a cell phone</strong><br />99. <strong>Been stung by a bee</strong>Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-14671962464233297092008-11-19T06:55:00.001-08:002008-11-19T15:50:18.484-08:00Things I am grateful for in my life.<div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="center"><u><span style="color:#000000;"></span></u></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I was raised in a loving home, with two parents who understood the importance of teaching and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They placed the foundation under my feet that I now stand on as a faithful member of the LDS church. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">As I look back on the year 2008, and I recognize the many changes that have affected me personally, I look in awe at the grace of our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I have struggled with depression for a couple of years, but I didn't do anything for it until May when I reached a breaking point; I realized I couldn't handle the inner sadness anymore. Those closest to me saw the transformation that took place. I became the "Shina" that everyone remembered! Sure, I was always happy and giddy around people, but on the inside I was a raging tornado of emotions and feelings. </div><div align="left">For those who suffer from depression, a lot of the healing process has to come from within. You can't rely on the workings of men alone to help you. I realized this early on when I began my treatment through medication. I had to change my thought process comepletely. By doing this I realized why I am here on this earth, why I was placed here at this time, who I am, what I believe in and why things work out the way that they do. It was a glorious day when I realized that I would be OK. The depressive thoughts subsided and I was able to focus, more clearly, on the positive things in my life.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I have found the last year that I have a great love for serving those around me. There is no greater sense of satisfaction than when you can see the look of overwhelming gratefulness on the face of someone you have served. I have had many experiences the last year that have humbled me and reminded me of the true purpose of our existance on this earth.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">My faith in my Savior has grown so much this year. I have had two very profound experiences where I have felt completely enveloped in his love. </div><div align="left">There was a time that I wandered in the darkness of the world like a lost sheep, enjoying my time spent in the dreary promises of what Satan has to offer. It did not take long for me to realize what I was doing and I quickly did all that I could to run from my sins. The day I got my temple recommend renewed was one of the greatest days of my life! As my bishop signed my recommend he asked me if everything was okay because I had started crying. The only emotion I felt when he asked this question was pure bliss! Knowing that I had come a long way and could once again enter the House of the Lord was all that I needed at that moment. I could feel the love of my Savior and the words, "Well done my daughter" kept ringing in my ears. Words cannot fully explain the joy I felt!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Family issues have been a recent dilema in the Hicks household. While I was on vacation in Minnesota I received some very suprising news that shook my whole frame and tore my heart out from my chest. The tears that streamed down my face burned hot with anger and feelings of betrayal. I have never cried so hard.. or so long in my life. I called my amazing bishop and received words of councel and compassion from him. He told me to request a priesthood blessing from a worthy male that I was staying with. I did just that, from a complete stranger... but the priesthood is the same everywhere. Although the man who blessed me had no idea what my situation was, the Spirit directed him in saying all of the right things. My heart burned like fire as soon as the blessing was over... I felt arms encircle me... my tears stopped and I felt the comfort of my Savior holding me. Once again, words cannot explain how I felt.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">If it had not been for my parents and the lessons they taught me at an early age, I would not be where I am today. If it was not for my Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost, I would still be a wandering sheep... lost in the world, dwelling on the sad things in life, wallowing in my sin and feeling sad about my current family situation.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I love those individuals who have changed me. I love the strength that I have found in myself to prevail and overcome hard things.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Like Sister Dalton said on the Oct 2008 Conference:</div><div align="left">I can do hard things, but in the strength of the Lord, I can do ALL things!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div>Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-67015865422037247552008-11-12T10:15:00.001-08:002008-11-12T10:15:42.966-08:00My life has taken some very interesting twists and turns recently that have left me dumbfounded and a little surprised! I have been preparing to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. When I got my confirmation that, that was what I needed to do I became very excited to serve the Lord! I met with my bishop and then with my stake president and I started my mission papers all in the time frame of two-in-a-half weeks. I know that when we are following the promptings of the spirit things seem to work out. I attended my first Mission Prep course and I know that at this time in my life I am supposed to be preparing to serve the Lord.<br />I was re-united recently with a very good friend who has changed me. There are parts of me that have been hurt and knocked around in the past; I was beginning to think that I would never be able to recover because of the way I felt inside about myself and how I looked at others. The pre-conceived notions that I had about marriage and dating have been changed. My life has been greatly blessed because of who this friend is and who he represents. <br />David Owen and I met Fall 2006 while serving in leadership positions at Weber State University through our shared scholarship, WildCat Scholars. It had been two years since Dave and I talked when he bumped into me at the Weber State Institute Halloween Dance this October. The next day, he sent me a message on Facebook … and the rest is history.<br />Our first date comprised of us becoming members of the Polar Bear Club- We jumped into Pine View at 8:00 PM when the water was FrEeZiNg!-, we went to my apartment and colored in my Ninja Turtle Coloring book and then watched Flyboys. Our date started at 7 and didn’t end until 3AM because we were talking. In all my years of dating, I have never had a first date that went as smoothly as this one! I think that because we were friends before it was very easy to be myself and not feel like I had to put on a show. The conversation was good, the company was excellent and things went really well! <br />I have had an internal struggle raging inside of me since Dave walked back into my life. I have found myself falling very hard for him and the manner and pace in which things are going surprises me. I thought I was done giving guys a chance. My ability to trust was depleted and I told myself I would never let my feelings show for another individual… that has changed drastically. My plans for a mission have not changed. I am still pressing forward with that goal in mind, but I know that chances are my mission will be to marry Dave and start a family with him.<br />Dave leaves for Basic Training in Texas on November 24th. He is going into the Air National Guard and will graduate from tech school April 13th. He and I have decided to see what happens in April when he returns. If things are still great and we still feel good about things, we will begin the preparations to enter the temple together. I cannot tell you the feelings of elation and excitement this brings me. I have struggled in the past with finding guys who share my sense of humor, thought processes, ideas and goals. It is crazy how many times I have been explaining something to Dave and he totally knows what I am talking about. Usually people look at me like I am crazy when I say certain things… I love that I can talk to him and not have to explain everything to him!!<br />I love that I am myself when I am with him. I love spending time with him and getting to know him better. I love the strength he has within himself to prevail and stand up for what he believes in and does what he knows is right. He has a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and knows the power of the Atonement. He has goals and is very ambitious in making sure those are accomplished. He is very respectful and knows his boundaries, as do I. We know what we need to do to get us where we want to someday be. We don’t want to mess that up for each other.<br />Life is very good. I can feel the promptings of the Spirit in my life. I know that things will work out how they are supposed to. I look forward to my future with enthusiasm and excitement!!Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-58675078504936331212008-10-25T13:18:00.000-07:002008-10-25T13:20:38.586-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiFdRxXJC5hhOOUrlqWOGTsdRYScFBdUAthaduf8s4lrSuCUZ7db7yEnwqcw33AQuVmhegggrAL0UyapFzawG_mbxTlaCNlXCqxbr8Z_a1LLN6MzSkKRUbW861FM9K87aNG3hWaxRcJhv/s1600-h/DSCN1397.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261189009141778706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiFdRxXJC5hhOOUrlqWOGTsdRYScFBdUAthaduf8s4lrSuCUZ7db7yEnwqcw33AQuVmhegggrAL0UyapFzawG_mbxTlaCNlXCqxbr8Z_a1LLN6MzSkKRUbW861FM9K87aNG3hWaxRcJhv/s320/DSCN1397.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Flowers are amazing!!!</div>Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-48091571751575052342008-10-25T13:11:00.000-07:002008-10-25T13:45:15.792-07:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcC7LMzzjKcNRBC2W2wg8ITuREJE2JO0rgeC_E8XMtbJFeiKuirAo1zqLeD3o3AJZ1mtwqFbDIiNNFdiUTPuLN9VzOhlrTfJEhMZ71thcf7ilpBvuYPlqt7rKqQLoNVkaoytOHysBGE6Z9/s1600-h/DSCN1341.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261194912117122226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcC7LMzzjKcNRBC2W2wg8ITuREJE2JO0rgeC_E8XMtbJFeiKuirAo1zqLeD3o3AJZ1mtwqFbDIiNNFdiUTPuLN9VzOhlrTfJEhMZ71thcf7ilpBvuYPlqt7rKqQLoNVkaoytOHysBGE6Z9/s320/DSCN1341.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love photography and I would love to say that I an amazing photographer, but Im not. I am quite proud of this picture though! This is in Deluth, Minnesota. <p></p></div>Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-56484366780217024742008-10-25T13:05:00.000-07:002008-10-25T13:11:31.371-07:00I may have a lot of really heavy, trying things going on in my life right now, but I am SO blessed!!! I cannot even begin to explain the week I have had!!<br /><br />Prayer is such an important part of my life! I am so grateful for my Father in Heaven who listens to the inner cryings of my heart. He knows me better than I know myself. I know that he has a plan for me and is preparing me for amazing things! <br /><br />I have received an answer to a very personal matter that I have pondered on a lot lately-- I am so extatic about the decisions I have made to get me to where I am at currently in my life! I have so much to thank my Father in Heaven for!!Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-46343199053673362712008-10-01T07:20:00.000-07:002008-10-01T08:09:07.057-07:00My life is changingI have not written on here in quite a while! Everything in my life is changing. It seems like my world never stops going and things never stop progressing forward/falling backwards. There are so many thoughts that run through my head everyday and I find myself worrying about things that never would have bothered me a year ago. Here's a list of the thoughts that have crossed my mind in the three hours I have been awake today.<br /><br />School:<br />- Only one more class to take and then I will have my associates degree!<br />- Is business management really something that I want to get into?<br />- Why did I decide to take environment appreciation?? It is so frustrating sometimes!<br />- As soon as I get off work today i need to study my history timeline for environment so that I can pass my exam tonight.<br />- Did I buy enough bubble sheets for my exams yesterday?<br />- Am I going to get a ticket for parking in the W parking lot at 4:30?<br /><br />Peronal Life:<br />- Am I "overly" social?<br />- Do people look at me and think, "She is so annoying!"?<br />- Am I doing everything possible to fulfill the requirements of my job/calling/education?<br />- Am I going to be a good mom?<br />- I feel like my enthusiasm to get jobs accomplished is dwindling.<br />- I want to go home after school tonight and crash-- I know it won't happen though.<br /><br />Dating:<br />- I hate the games SO much, but I love going out, flirting and having fun!<br />- I have dated so many guys and talked about marriage with two of them... neither of them worked out- which is a blessing because in both cases we wanted totally different things! I can't wait till the right guy comes along and shares my same ideas, goals, aspiriations, religious beliefs, etc...<br />- I know what qualities I want my future husband to have, but are they realistic qualities?<br />- My worst fear is marrying a man who doesn't honor his priesthood and EVERYTHING that is involved with that.<br /><br />Family:<br />- How are things going to work out....?<br />- What can I do for Vince to help him out?<br />- I don't like going to my parents because the awkward tension that is ALWAYS present-- does that make me a bad daughter?<br />- I miss my brothers and puppy<br />- My heart breaks everytime I talk to my mom and she is hurting<br />- Does eternity not mean anything anymore to some people!!!?<br /><br />Friends:<br />- I really can get along with girls!<br />- I LOVE spending time with my boys- they make me laugh SO hard! I have no idea where I would be without them<br />- My older brother ROCKS- he is SOSOSOSO amazing and has <u>never</u> let me down!!<br /><br />My life is so complex. Thankfully, I have science helping me keep my sanity! I have a very good life and I have so much to be thankful for!Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-89655462930212018612008-07-09T11:33:00.000-07:002008-07-09T12:19:38.352-07:00My close call with fainting at workI work in a doctors office where the providers perform minor procedures such as wart removals and wound checks. One of the girls that I work with has diabetes and got an infection in her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pinkie</span> finger when she got a manicure a few months ago. The infection was starting to turn her finger yellow and green and the doctor that I work for told her that she might have to have her whole <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pinkie</span> finger amputated.<br /><br />She went into the surgeon yesterday and had her nail removed along with the infection around her nail. The surgeon ended up removing infection down to the bone.<br /><br />In order to keep infection from returning, causing a chance of having the finger amputated all together, she has to have it cleaned really well twice a day.<br /><br />One of our Medical Assistance volunteered to do it today. Me, having the morbid curiosity that I do, asked if I would watch our MA do it. <br /><br />**Spring of '07 I took a criminal justice class at Weber State. Our professor, Kelly Sparks, gave a project to learn first hand how the criminal justice system works. My mom drove Ambulance for 10 years for Davis County so she is really good friends with a lot of cops and paramedics. I went on a ride along with one of her friends, who is a paramedic, and we got a call to respond to a rollover on I-15. When we responded to this call there was blood everywhere and the girl who's car was on it's side, and who had caused the accident, had her wrist bone poking out of her skin and many cuts and gashes everywhere. I had no problem handling that and thought it was awesome... I know <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I'm</span> weird**<br /><br />Anyways, Kari, our MA, took off Christina's bandages and revealed a odd looking <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pinkie</span> finger. The nail was missing and all I saw was a dark pit of bloody tissue and bone. It was pretty awesome! I was doing fabulously and was way into watching Kari clean it out... that is until the smell of blood and Iodine trailed up my nostrils. I felt my body go weak, my head go fuzzy, my vision blur and my legs shake. I was very grateful for the bench behind me because I sat right down in it. I continued watching Kari gently clean the wound, but my thoughts kept getting fuzzier. I felt like I was going to pass out or throw up...<br /><br />Kari finished cleaning the wound and then wrapped it back up. I felt the wave of nausea slowly pass after lying down on the bench for a minute, but was able to get back to work soon after.<br /><br />I thought it was odd that I was able to see bone poking out of some drunk girls wrist, but could not handle watching my co-workers finger get cleaned.<br /><br />I have decided though that if I am going to continue working in the medical field I need to build up "immunities" to those kinds of things.... so later, when Kari cleans the wound out again... <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">I'm</span> going to watch!Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-69652059202033664912008-06-20T18:39:00.001-07:002008-06-26T08:21:21.759-07:00The Wo's of becoming an adult... and paying for a carAs a Christmas present to myself my senior year of high school I bought myself a car. I had been driving an old white Subaru beater that had an annoying click every time I made a turn, and I decided it was time to upgrade. My grandpa told me about a Gold, Toyota Camry that he had been eyeing at my uncle's dealership in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tremonton</span>. I was desperate and jumped on the opportunity. Without hesitation or a second thought I went to the bank and took out a loan for my first car!<br /><br />My parents and I drove up to the Murdock Chevrolet in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tremonton</span> and met with my Uncle Cort. We signed all the papers and ventured outside to see my new car.<br /><br />Bert, was the most handsome Champagne colored '93 Toyota Camry I had ever seen! I fell in love with him at first sight!<br /><br />Since my big purchase I have spent a little over $4,500 for the loan itself, about $1,500 in repairs and probably more than $1,500 in gas. My good news is: I PAID BERT OFF and it only took me about two in a half years!<br /><br />I cannot explain my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">excitement</span> and happiness over getting a debt paid off! Since June 20t<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">h</span>, when the final $215 was paid, I have been so ecstatic with the knowledge that through my perseverance and hard work I now have something that is my own- that I worked hard for!<br /><br />I paid my car off on a Friday and the next day I was blessed with the opportunity of finding an apartment with one of my really good friends! I had been stressing with the idea of getting my car paid off, moving out and having enough money to do it all, but I did, and it was a month ahead of schedule!<br /><br />It is amazing how Heavenly Father works! He has a way of teaching us very valuable lessons without us even realizing it at the time. I am so grateful for the lessons I have learned, the opportunities I have had, and the people that have helped me in my life to get me to where I am today.<br /><br />I know that I would not have been able to pay that debt off if I had not been paying my tithing and praying for guidance and help. Gosh! I love my life and my Father in Heaven!!Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-10303447221990737952008-06-07T15:53:00.000-07:002008-06-07T15:56:31.463-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglV4am6pXu21DBEaY_VBDrjZxHgtvLq80F1ZjHwc203I60IxbuK0uwpj8MGnqBX7UAGbZk4HFwnuvpc4axbUuWIljePH2UJLvytMCoxcoWgV5PiTy8Q9Bc9YzK1ycKY804BNcc-kkFdZ4i/s1600-h/100_0782.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209277281414339826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglV4am6pXu21DBEaY_VBDrjZxHgtvLq80F1ZjHwc203I60IxbuK0uwpj8MGnqBX7UAGbZk4HFwnuvpc4axbUuWIljePH2UJLvytMCoxcoWgV5PiTy8Q9Bc9YzK1ycKY804BNcc-kkFdZ4i/s320/100_0782.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Cameron and I </div><br /><div align="center">Northridge High School Class of 2006</div><br /><div align="center"></div>Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836115932384023185.post-11012348710403199702008-06-06T16:59:00.000-07:002008-06-06T18:00:32.579-07:00My Buddy Cam<div align="center"> </div>So this is my first blog and I have been thinking of what to write on my first posting since I created my space two days ago. I finally had an inspiring though when my best friend called me from California today-- I decided to write about him!<br /><br /><strong>The background:</strong><br /><br />My senior year of high school I went through a transitioning stage where I switched my group of friends. It was a very hard time in my sheltered little life, but I soon had my eyes opened to other people and new ideas on life.<br /><br />I became very close friends with a guy named Cameron who was in this "new group" of friends. I became the #1 fan for his band, <em>The Switches, </em>and I traveled to a lot of shows with him and the rest of his band mates. Cam and I started dating after our Sweethearts dance that year. We did everything together it seemed! Life was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fantastic</span> and neither one of us had a care in the world for the future, but when the fall came we knew our fairy tale relationship would have to end.<br /><br />We broke our relationship off right before he moved away to attend Utah State. We were both heart broken, but we knew that the distance would be a strain for both of us, and the chance of us continuing our relationship with different religious views set a damper on any thoughts of us spending our lives together.<br /><br />Our first semester of college was hard. He went his way and I went mine. When we saw each other it was hard not to hold one another and pretend that we had never broken things off. This on again, off again relationship continued for a year in a half. Neither one of us new how to cut the ties because we loved each other so much.<br /><br />Cam and I finally figured out what directions we wanted to take, and they did not include going with each other. We vowed to be the best of friends, as long as it was physically, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mentally</span> and emotionally possible, We promised to always be there when the other needed a shoulder to cry on or a hug from a friend.<br /><br />Since that time Cam and I have been the best of friends. We still love each other dearly, but know what what is best for the other is not to be together. Cameron has been the best friend a girl could have the last three years! He has been my sounding board with big decisions I have had to make and that is the reason I am writing this blog...<br /><br /><strong>This week:</strong><br /><br />Cameron moved to California on Monday to do an internship with Sequoia National Park.<br /><br />* I was ready for him to go because I knew the summer would be an excellent way for him to figure some things out for himself, and to get an idea of what he wants for his future.<br /><br />* I was ready to spread <u>my</u> wings, and meet new people, and have a great time with my friends. I knew that I would be moved out, on my own, in July or August and I'm excited to try something different and make some decision on my own.<br /><br />I found out this week that one of my friends definatly wants to move out, so we activly started looking at apartments to move into asap. When I had origionally started looking for a place to live I had Cam to back me up and encourage me to look and find a place. He was my rock and I really looked forward to his advice because it always made sense and calmed me down!<br /><br />This Tuesday I had a break down. I was looking at places for rent in S. Ogden and I was thinking to myself, "Oh I wonder what Cam would say about that place?.. Oh he would totally love the fact that there is a street light right there! etc..."<br /><br />Once I realized that there was no way I would be able to hear Cams advice and encouragement a HUGE lul came over me and I got extremely depressed. I realized that there was no way of getting a hold of him because he was somewhere in the middle of a Forest in California! I went home feeling super sad and lonely!<br /><br />I called my mom, who was at work, and as soon as she said, "Hi Sheen!" I started bawling! I told her my thoughts and feelings and how I was missing Cam and how I felt lonely and sad because he wasn't around to talk to and get ideas from. She said that she was sorry and that she felt bad. She told me to write my thoughts and feelings and questions down in a "Cam journal" so that I could keep track of them, and eventually talk to him about them. I agreed to do that, said good night and cried myself to sleep.<br /><br /><strong>Today:</strong><br /><br />I got a phone call from a number I didn't recognize, here is the conversation:<br /><br />Me- "Hello?"<br />?- "Hi, how are you doing?" (Man's voice)<br />Me- "Good, how are you?"<br />?- "Doing good... Do you know who this is?"<br />Me- "No, Who is this?" (Confused, but cheerful way)<br />?- "Guess."<br />Me- "I don't know.." (Really confused)<br />?- --Giggle-- (Sounded exactly like Cam, I almost jumped!)<br />Me- "Cameron!?!!!" (Kind of worried that if it wasn't my excitement would scare this mystery person)<br />?- "Hu?"<br />Me- "Cam????"<br />?- --Giggle--<br />Me- "CAMERON IS THAT YOU?"<br />?- "Yeah it is."<br />Me- (bawling)<br /><br />I was so happy to talk to him and catch up, even though it had only been a week since we talked last.<br /><br />He is such a great guy and I am so greatful for him and his example and friendship!<br /><br />I wish everyone had a best friend like him!Shinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03324906072357985731noreply@blogger.com2