A colorful life!

My roommate and I went with our friend, Rachel, to the Color Festival in Spanish Fork. Yes, it is an Indian holiday celebrating Spring, but I didn't feel it was a religious thing (or sacrilegious either- I've celebrated Christmas with non-Christians and I've celebrated Hanukkah when I'm not Jewish- I think it's simply about recognizing that there really IS a creator and that everyone has some truth even if not the full Gospel). It's something I've wanted to do for years and my friends Pete and Heidi (see previous posts from Africa and camping- love their awesomenesses) were chatting on Facebook about it. I asked if I could come and bring people, and they approved. We met up with them and rocked it! You throw colored, scented, cornstarch on each other. It's very very fun. I did get a clump in my eye and contact so I had to stop at the first aid station (thanks Kristina for leading me threw the crowd when I couldn't see!) but we honestly got there without much trouble and missed the traffic that Heidi, Pete and their friend Ryan ran into. We were hoping to meet up with our friend, Julie, as well but honestly, as Pete said, "You could be standing next to your best friend and not know it!" So we never found her. You can't really identify people...at all...but it was SO MUCH FUN! Dirty "clean" fun!

Plus, they did mention God quite a bit. This was not a Woodstock revival. The man said that "God loves variety. As all of you get colored, none of you will be the same, but that's what God intended. None of us are copies. All of us are unique and He loves us all." Amen my Krishna Brother! 

They did have different times where they would announce that you had to go around and hug 10 people you don't know (nope- no sex, no drugs- just hugs!) and you should tell them you love them. Well, ya know what?! For heaven's sake I did that, and it felt great. I'm not a crazy hippy, but I love hugs! Everyone needs a good hug sometimes too. One old guy hugged me and said, "Hey! I love ya!" and I looked him in the eye and said, "Hey! I love ya too!" And you know what?! I do! We all should love each other and eventually we are all going to remember that we've all known and loved each other a lot longer than we think. Maybe he and I will laugh about that only connection on Earth while in the Spirit world. It was neat. I don't normally go around hugging strangers, but no act of kindness is wasted.

Crystal Butler

My fabulous cousin, Crystal, got married this past weekend. I love her! She's always been just a sweetheart. She's tender hearted, pure hearted, and big hearted! I admire her and think she's just Celestial (seriously!). We played when we were younger, and I remember writing her letters for her birthdays, but it's been as we've been older that we've become real friends. I appreciate her generous and sweet spirit. I stayed with her this past October when she and her now husband (eek! she's married) were dating and discussing getting married. She said, "He's so kind to me!" and after having met him briefly, I saw that in the little things he did for her. I wasn't sure if they would actually get married, but when I've spoken to her on the phone since their engagement, she has always said, "I just feel so peaceful about things", and I think that's the best confirmation of a good decision.

During their wedding, her dad got up and passed out tissues. I noticed he took several for himself as did some of her brothers and of course her sister (I took one too and used it hahah). Crystal and Aaron stared at each other across the altar, with so much love it made me cry and so excited for them all at the same time. Her Grandpa Lyman sealed them for time and all eternity, and she got choked up when it were her turn to say, "Yes". She looked amazing in her dress (beautiful perfection for real but I'm sorry my camera is still broken) and just glowed.

After the wedding, we took some family photos (and discussed how being a secret service agent might actually be cool) and then some of us walked around the Visitor's Center. Then there was a luncheon after the actual wedding ceremony and she and Aaron spoke along with some other family members. We watched a video of the new Butler's sharing "their story" and then my cousin (her sister) played and sang Rascal Flat's song "The Broken Road". It was super sweet- I still can't believe she got through the song without just losing it!

I loved the luncheon and the reception also because it gave me time to talk to my cousins, some of whom I rarely see. Chad's commentary during the "breakfast lunch" just cracked me up, and he and I teased each other about who is next...It better darn well be me Chad- I don't care that I didn't participate when she threw the bouquet hahah! I got to know my other cousin, Alex's, wife Erin as well. She's super cute. I love how my family, especially all those Lyman's, are so good at pulling together and helping out. Taking down the decorations afterward and refilling food during the reception, were fun, because I was mingling with those I love. I don't get to see some of them except at "big events" but it feels like time hasn't passed at all, and we tease and talk just like we always have. It was also a great trip, because I road tripped with my sister, Holly. We decided to stay in a hotel right next to the temple and it was cool to spend a day with her just being girls. I love my family! They are the best!

Well, my best wishes to The Butlers. I know very little about Aaron, but his countenance seemed to match Crystals, and that is something that I don't think can be faked. I'm so grateful she's found someone seemingly worthy of her. Congratulations Crystal and Aaron!

30 - AHHHH!

Ok...so I turned 30 (audible gasp). Yep, it's official. My friend, Alisa, said having a party would be better than going skiing with her, and she was right! I flew to Arizona late Thursday night before my birthday. Alisa and I stayed in a hotel together (I know! I know! I could've/should've stayed with friends and I'm appreciate the offers, but to be quite honest, I didn't know if I was gonna wake up and wanna cry or be happy so...just in case-- I didn't wake up crying at all and was honestly really happy the whole weekend). When she picked me up from the airport it was slightly passed midnight so she told me happy birthday, and she had the hotel room decorated for me, just like she used to decorate the house when we lived together. It was so cute! I honestly love LOVE Alisa. She is seriously the greatest. She had everything planned out. I miss doing things with her. Heck, I even miss grocery shopping with her and getting ready together in the bathroom in the morning. It was great to do that for my birthday. I miss staying up and out late just talking (yep one night till 3:30 I miss that). She's honestly one of the very best people I've ever known. I admire her so much. Thank you SO MUCH ALISA! You made my birthday perfect =).

On my birthday, we slept in, I went to the Mesa temple for an hour or so (I love that temple) while Alisa caught up on some homework, we went shopping, I got my free lunch at Joe's BBQ (because let's be honest, you cannot pass up Joe's free bday lunch in Gilbert) and we just kinda hung out. It was so nice to relax, and in a lot of ways I felt like I was home again. The party was later than night at my friend, Tom's, house. Shout to Tom! He made me a protein shake and let me chill at his house, all while smelling fabulous, looking hot, and making me laugh! I don't know how he does it (he's too humble to accept all that but it's true). We were there till past 1:30 and I know he had to work the next day savin' lives so I love him even more for letting us party there. My camera broke, so I used Tom's, so I didn't take many pictures. It was SO nice to see so many of my friends and catch up. Thank you all for coming and for the cute gifts! I loved it so much. Everyone totally made me love 30, and I'm very thankful!  A funny moment was when my friend, Ben, repeatedly asked me if I was 30- as in 3-0 etc etc. I thought he was teasing to rub it in but he said, "Man! I guess I never realized you were that much younger than me." Well, I never felt old or young in AZ. I felt like we were all pretty ageless....I'm glad we're all aging well together enough where we don't seem to notice. 

The next day I met up with my friend, Rinda, for a lunch at Oreganos ( That Pablo Picasso salad was callin' my name). Alisa and I did more shopping (when I caved and bought the skinnys), went to a movie (The Vow- Rob refused to come- what a pansy haha), sat in the hot tub and then hit up another party at my friend, Ben's, house. After the party Alisa, Rob and I ate a pizookie in the park till the park closed (and it was cold by then though it's been in the mid 70s the whole time which was perfect). We went back the hotel and hung out for awhile, which was nice to get my "Rob time". I love him lots too. Sunday, we got up, went to church and then Alisa took me back to the airport. So hard to say goodbye! She needs to move to Utah for sure =). 

The weekend went to fast, but it was honestly perfect. Turning 30 was actually really fun. I'm glad my friends were so positive about it and I'm grateful I got to see so many all in one shot. I miss them all so much. Thanks everyone~ 30 started fabulous thanks to all of you!

The way the cake pictures were taken
it looks incredibly huge but it was honestly
regular size =)

The skinny and new beginnings

I had a party in Arizona for my 30th birthday (post to come later), and while there, I spent the weekend with my bestest bud, Alisa (I also spent time with a lot of other good friends- it was amazing to see so many people that I love). She has been trying to convince me to buy, and wear, skinny jeans for over a year. Since I let her pick something for my 30 while 30 list, I caved and complied with her wishes. This picture is the day after my 30th birthday and is my first time out in the skinnys. She requires that I wear them 10 times this year "while in a group", but I can count wearing them on a "date" as twice (but only once so I can't go on 5 dates wearing them and be done).

I've also started some of my other goals for 30 while 30 and hope to progress more quickly this year. I've kinda laid out a tentative schedule for a lot of them so hopefully I will get them all done this time!

My 20s

So...I thought I should reflect on my 20s.... keep in mind some things happened "pre 20s" so they are not counted here. These are also not in any particular order of importance, and I can't say it's a comprehensive list...It's just some thoughts =)

~I lived in 4 states and visited several more (enough to earn a couple free flights along the way)
~I graduated college (twice)
~I bought a house
~I bought and owned (woowhoo!) two cars (RIP Ginger)
~I started my career and have worked for two companies (the second being much better than the first)
~I've learned the difference for sure between THEN and THAN...it took me a long time but I'm comfortable in my skills now, and I know that's sad

~I received my endowments in the Las Vegas Temple and have visited many other temples as well

~I've made a lot of new friends and stayed close with several I made pre-20s

~I visited Hawaii a couple times, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Mexico (technically my body was also in Italy, but I didn't run out and touch the soil)
~ I rode in a helicopter, went snow shoeing, learned to knit and crotchet, made a quilt completely by myself, went snowboarding, ate sushi, and several other things on my 100 things to do in life list
~ I've had added 9 nephews (there's a half in there if you are confused), 1 niece, 1 brother-in-law and 1 sister-in-law to my family
~I lost a grandpa- the greatest man in my life till that point
~I've gotten food poisoning 3 times...let's not repeat any of that in the next decade!
~I had a ton of roommates....over 25 but I don't want to count them all officially hahah
~I've lived in 9 homes/apartments
~I've had a variety of hair colors
~I've had several boyfriends...not gonna list them lest people should say "What?! Why aren't you married then?! You must be "too picky" Nope! I just haven't found the right one
~I did some really good kissin' (yes I felt that floaty, leaving the ground feeling) and been in love (I can honestly say that it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all)
~I had some rough heart breaks- I cried quite a bit for some, laughed during one break up, can barely remember one break up (I was on a lot of medication at the time), and always, always ended up feeling very much at peace about them all
~I've learned to appreciate the arts. I enjoy the opera, art shows, and symphonies
~I've learned that I feel more productive when I #1 make a list and #2 get up early
~I've hiked a lot and I ran a lot--  several mountains and several 5Ks
~I've learned to run the spell checker more than once and to save often
~I had surgery once and 3 "major" injuries/ health problems
~I learned to dance salsa, waltz and a few others dances. I'm not the best at them but feel comfortable with the basics. I still shake it while cleaning the house and am now comfortable with others seeing that
~I laughed till I cried on several occasion
~I've read the Book of Mormon several times but I also have never counted. At least once a year for a long time...
~I've passed several tests and failed some as well
~I learned that Caesar salad dressing gets its flavor from anchovies, red velvet cake is just chocolate cake dyed red, and pineapples don't grow on trees...all things I perhaps should've learned pre-20s but didn't
~I learned to say "I love you". My family really didn't when I was younger, but now I say it all the time and I don't just say it to my family, but I also say it to my friends (and I mean it!)
~I've learned to cook pasta from an Italian
~I've learned to cook tortillas from some El Salvadorians and a Mexican
~I've attended more weddings and receptions than I can count (and loved them all with the craziness that sometimes happens), and I've actually been a bridesmaid in 2 weddings (some not in my 20s mind you)
~I've seen amazing sunrises and sunsets on a few continents and in a variety of states
~I've learned that I love love love good hugs! I know I need them often
~I've had moments where I've said, "Natalie, this is a moment you will never forget!" and others where I've specifically knew it was turning point decision in my life. I've also made several decisions that I honestly didn't know would be a big deal but realized they were in hindsight
~I've learned a lot about secular things and a lot about spiritual things, but I have definitely learned, as Steven R. Covey has said, "The more you know, the more you know you don't know, and the greater need you have for faith." AMEN!
~I've attended several movie openings at midnight....3 to be exact
~I went to both Magic Mountain and Disneyland for the first time
~I know that the best bras really do come from Victoria Secret- they just DO! Resist the urge to buy cheap ones. It's not worth it.
~I've learned that I still don't like yams or plain eggs, but I now enjoy onions and peppers though I shunned them in my adolescents years
~I've learned that organic milk is worth the extra money but that the cheap brand of Fiber One bars is better
~I've learned that I can I either be "a good example or terrible warning" and have been both at some points
~I've fallen asleep in a class but been very engaged in most
~I've stayed out until the sun came up
~I've gained personal confidence. I can go to the store without makeup, I can wear my hair in a ponytail, and I can answer the door in mismatched pajamas. I'm comfortable in my own skin. I know I just need to be grateful for and take care of my body
~I've learned that I feel better when I eat better, but that it's totally OK to have a piece of chocolate, sometimes... daily... if needed to get me through (this might change in my 30s haha)
~I've learned to say "Thank you" when given a compliment instead of excusing it away or changing the subject
~I've learned that I must wear sunscreen and have accepted the fact that I do not tan....hence the blessing of spray on tans when really "needed"
~I've learned several of my shortcomings and have learned to be grateful for those who kindly correct me. I also am working on fixing them and making them better
~I've finally learned to just say, "I don't know"
~I've learned to just take food at a restaurant as it is without subtracting stuff (like please hold the x,y,z)
~I've learned that people can change their mind, and so can I, and that's OK
~I've learned honesty really is the best policy and  sometimes that means you just have to lay it out there and be direct
~I've learned that I enjoy being spontaneous and that some moments never come again...I'm grateful for the time I rolled down hills in a shopping cart, when I danced without hesitation with Kenyan's late one night, or when I've stood by the ocean during a storm (yep all during my 20s)
~I went skinny dipping...a couple times hehhe
~I've learned that it is better to read the instructions first even if I don't end up following them because it's about awareness of the 'right way' that matters
~I've learned that anytime and every time I have really "needed" someone, there's always been someone there to say the right thing, or do the right thing, and that I want to be more like those people
~I've learned some patience...I'm not completely patient but I've learned to worry and stress a LOT less than I used to
~I'm beginning to learn more every day....
~Most importantly, I've grown in my testimony of the Gospel. I've learned that the Lord really WILL, CAN and DOES help me with things I think are hard. I know that if I honestly give something my best effort, as limited at times as that may be, He will always fill in the gaps. He is the reason for any success I've had and He's helped me through my failures. I know He knows me. I know He loves me, and it never ceases to amaze me how generous He is with me.

Here's hopin' that in the 30s I will at least add that I got married and started a family because I did notice the absence of those in my 20s. That being said, my life has been very blessed, and I wouldn't trade the experiences I've had nor would I doubt the Lord's ability and timing.