Welcome Back!

So... a whole 3 of you have probably noticed that I have been MIA. It has been nothing against any of you, just against "LIFE IN GENERAL"! I am here to announce that I am back in the full swing of things. I just needed some time to think of life and big decisions that have blown my way.

1) I am going back to school in January. Working full time and school full time.

2) Jed and I are just Jed and I. No big announcements. That is how we both like it right now.

3) I will not be taking another job at the moment. Even though the offer was seemingly impressive, I decided that school and my current work were enough.

4) I have lost 8lbs through this whole time. That is exciting. (Jed asked if I could give it to him)

That is just the overview. It may seem unimpressive and not all that it is cracked up to be. However, trust me, all these things at once was enough to send a person to the nut house. I feel bad for those that were around me during this time. They got more then one phone call asking them to just talk it through with me. Sorry Jed! But, in all things, this too has passed.

I AM BACK!

I've been dreaming...

IMG_2142, originally uploaded by cassieandra24.

Of this little lady. She makes Taiwan even better.

AH AH AH

Here I am 26 and I get one of these? I want to know who gave it to me? I am still upset about it, even though we are through the rough. It started on Saturday and on Monday I got a prescription to take care of it. Here we are on Thursday and at least it doesn't itch and burn and tingle anymore. I feel as though I have joined a club that I never wanted to join. Not a happy member.

Him!

There is never a dull moment with this one. I just love this picture though so I had to post it. Isn't he a looker.

Girls night out!

Every year my best friends and I go on a little get away. This year the blessed place we went was Park City. We were planning on going to The Zermatt in Midway, but you should ask Jamie and Monica what happened there. HA HA HA! Anyways, it was a fun night as always. We went and ate at the Red Bango on Main Street. Monica was unable to use the bathroom for hours upon hours. I flirted with a married man, thanks Mel for reminding me that he was NEVER going to know me. We went back to the hotel and took funny pictures with Jamie's Mac. We spent way to much money on a bunt cake and swam in the hot tub for 10 minutes. We had girl talk and lounged around. I think the best part was Jamie kissing Monica while they were both asleep. We woke up and went shopping. Mel got tons of cute clothes and Mono and I, well we were there for moral support. This is one of my favorite times of the year, getting to spend time with these three girls. I was laughing to whole time that I was crying. Not just one tear but literally crying. I love them and all the memories we have together. I am blessed to have them in my life.

I have ISSUES!

I absolutely positively cannot say "NO"! Do I really have a problem or... is it that deep down inside I really want to say "yes"?

On a lighter note... I am loving this dress.

Mel, Mono, Jamie these are they

What one do you like better? I think I like the top one better. But honestly, they are both beautiful.

California

Last weekend Jed and I ventured to California to visit his brother. It was a great time had by all. My camera ran out of battery so we only have the one picture of us. We went to the Getty, the beach, ate good food, went to the studio where they produce The Simpsons, drove around Hollywood and Beverly Hills, and hung out with his brother. It was a fun little get away. I am so thankful that Jed is spontaneous and fun to be around. It makes life so much better.

I think...

That I was to be born as something other than I am. In the last couple of months it has been made known to be that I simply am not normal. I know, I know. . . you are all wondering why it took me so long to figure this out. I think that I may have been in the stage of denial. But I am here and open about it now. I am simply not normal.

In the last two months I have been made aware that:

1) I have a blood ball in my body the size of a grapefruit. That's right folks a GRAPEFRUIT! Don't worry though it only hurts sometimes. Pray that it doesn't burst though. That would be bad.

2) After a couple of days of a tooth ache. I was sure i needed a root canal. Only to find out that I am wrong. What I need to to not have a floating tooth underneath my adult teeth. Yep! A small little tooth that is doing nothing other than hitting my nerves giving me tooth aches. I am going to get it taken out, you may ask. Nope! That little thing is staying in. I don't want to mess with my facial nerves.

These two things only add to the list that has been made apparent to me throughout my life. Am I complaining... heck no! I am glad that I am not more messed up.

CHINA!

So awhile back ... you know like two months back. My roommate and I went to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. We were together for two weeks, my roommate flew home and I was able to stay one week by myself. To put it simply, it was AMAZING! We started to do a picture book today and could not stop laughing. The memories are to die for. If there is anyone out there that doesn't think that traveling is fun or exciting... you need to travel with us. We will show you what it is all about. Here are a few pictures. Enjoy!

Highlights are but not limited to:

1) Not checking into our flight

2) Not knowing where our hotels where

3) Getting a foot message with fire balls

4) Talking down the price on EVERYTHING, I am really good at this

5) THE WORLD FAIR

6) Having at least 6 chinese boyfriends by the end of the trip

7) African drummers and chinese filming the americans that get into the performance

8) Rejecting

9) Great wall and the things people wear up there

10) Hi-Chews

11) Amazing food

12) All the new friends that I made

13) English man that took me out for drinks

14) Seeing my old companions

15) Going to church in Taiwan and seeing friends

16) Learning that a family that I taught was now an eternal family

17) Being loved by a lesbian

18) Speaking Chinese

19) Going to the worst movie ever made

20) Good shopping

Why I love JULY!

1) DERBY! Yes, I am from Heber. Go ahead and judge me.

2) My Grandparents are coming home!

3) The weather is beautifully hot! So glad that it is not humid.

4) I can watch stars at night.

5) My roommate doesn't work. She is always here to keep me sane.

6) When July is OVER it means that I will be in CHINA!

GUESS WHO IS COMING HOME!

I can't wait for these two Snicker Doodles to be home. It has been all too long since I have seen them at home.... 3 years!

The two kiddos are my Uncle Seth's.

BBF!

Meet Jed

He is my Best Boy Friend! As in a guy that is just a friend. We can't get enough of each other. We think that the other is just hilarious.

This morning we decided to see if our pants would fit each other. How this idea popped into our brains is beyond explanation. But it did and we decided to execute the idea.

His pants were a bit to big for me in the waist and in length

My pants were too short for him. I was mildly sad about how good they looked on him other than the length.

For all you sicky people... don't worry we were very modest about it all and didn't see each other in anything other than fully dressed.

Oh the memories!

Taiwan Week!

A couple of weeks ago my Taiwan Mom and her daughter came to visit. The Elder that baptized her was getting married. However, because he was busy she was able to stay with me. It was AMAZING! I love them with all my heart. I am so lucky.

I flew out to California to meet them for the weekend.

We stayed with her cousin and their family. I felt like was back in Taiwan. Everyone looked at my like I was crazy cause I was white.... then I could speak Chinese.

We ate REAL chinese food!

We flew to Utah! It was a bit stressful translating everything and making sure that everyone and everything got on the plane.

My family came to the meet us at the airport.

The next week we just played and played some more! WONDERFUL!

Feeding ducks in Midway.

Merry Go Around in Midway

When I asked Sister Lin what she wanted to do in Utah, she said that she wanted to hang out with missionaries from Taiwan. I made sure that we did A LOT of that.

Eating dinner in Provo at a missionaries apartment.

Salt Lake Temple Tour. We were able to get a tour from a Taiwan Sister missionary.

Elder Meyers spent the day with us and took us up to the top of SnowBird to play in the snow. They had never seen snow before.

We played "Down By the Banks" ALL the time!

At Elder Meyers house playing with his little sisters.

We ate an amazing meal prepared by the Meyers' family.

In front of their house.

I was SO excited to be able to take Sister Lin to the MTC. It was hilarious. Every night when we went to bed she would ask me questions about what she should ask the missionaries. When it was finally time to go she asked about Garments. She asked "so if I don't wear garments everyday, it is not a big problem right?" The missionaries responded, "Right!" I jumped in and corrected that we need to wear them EVERYDAY. The missionaries just looked at me with wide eyes ... wondering what they had just said. CLASSIC!

They wanted to eat at an American McDonald's. On the way there they asked if our's served Corn soup as well. Nope!

We had a little BBQ at Elder Higgen's apartment.

We stopped by to see some of my friends who were also having a little get together.

It was such a blessing to have these two come and visit me. I was reminded of things that I need to do to be better. I loved the night that we were all in bed and Sister Lin and I were talking about the gospel. How important it is that we are always living right so that at anytime we can answer questions about the gospel and follow the Spirit.

Happiness!

After my post about Happiness and things that make me such. My best friend since 9th grade pointed out that she was not mentioned. I don't want to deceive anyone. She, along with all my best friends bring me much much much happiness.

I would not die without these three girls, BUT... I would come really close. They make life so much better.

Some things NEVER change!

This last Wednesday night I had the opportunity to attend a dinner for the Young Women that are graduating and will be moving into Relief Society. As part of the program they had the Young Women express some of their concerns and worries for this new and exciting part of life. There were three points of concern that got me to thinking. I have determined that, at least in my own life, these three concerns still exist. Which led me to believe that they always will.

1) Will I be okay without my Family? I have lived away from my family for some time, served a mission across the world and love to travel. However, recent life questions have got me thinking the exact same question. I know I can do it, I have done it before. BUT can I really do it and do I really want to do it?

2) I don't know what I want to do with my life. Sure, I am a nurse. I have a career, not just a job but a career, that I really could do until the day I retire. BUT do I want to? Is there more out there that I should be learning and doing?

3) Will I be able to make it financially? And because I do have a career I also have an income, which does fit very nicely for a single person such as myself. BUT is this income going to be able to support me forever? What if I someday feel the need to purchase a house, a horse or a hummer?

Thus, I say to the Young Women that had these concerns ... WELCOME! These concerns never go away yet somehow we make it. We just have to continue on and they work themselves out.

Things that make me HAPPY!

Last night while laying in bed trying to sleep I was thinking of things that make me happy. Here are just a few such things in no particular order.

1) Modern Family!

For those of you who have not seen an episode, http://www.hulu.com/watch/143500/modern-family-travels-with-scout. Honestly, this show is hilarious. I spend a half hour in pure gut busting laughter. I love it!

2) The sun! I know that it has decided that it wanted to hide for a couple of days. However when the sun is out everything just seems to be better.

3) Emma and Claire! It melts my heart every time Emma calls me "Tass". How could you not love these girls?

"Tass, we are all going to Disneyland and everyone gets to come. EVEN YOU!" informed Emma.

4) 中文! I love this language. I have been having dreams, lately, where I am speaking it. Pure bliss to the soul.

5) Teaching Sunday School! I know most of you think I am crazy for loving this. I just love learning and studying. Plus I must admit that I am not very familiar with the Old Testament, thus studying it has been an amazing experience.

6) Designing blogs! Little Green Notebook, Good Bones Great Prices, Oh Joy, Decor8, Design Sponge, and Bloesem. These are just a couple that I keep up on. In my next life I will be a designer!

I am in LOVE with this kitchen. Is it the countertops, the dark blue cupboards, the yellow dishes or the amazing stove? Who knows but I dream of the day I get to own a beautiful home.

7) Sleep! I think that I once again have mono. I can't seem to get the needed amount of sleep to be functional. I wonder who gave it to me. If it was you ... you better apologize.

This is just a list of some things that bring me happiness. Honestly the list could go on and on. I am so glad that there are so many different things around that can bring pure joy and happiness.

Question:

Is my love for someone or something more real if I proclaim it on Facebook?

If I could

What I would give to be able to do this again!

Last night I invited someone to meet with the missionaries.

Although she turned me down, it was one of the greatest feelings in the world.

I will be a missionary for the rest of my life.

I love everything about sharing the gospel!

What I will say!

The other day I was driving home when a saw an accident similar to this picture. However, off to the side of the car was a teenage boy with his head in his hands. He looked devastated. As I was thinking of possible thoughts that could be running through his head I became very thankful for my Dad. You see, I have not be a stranger to accidents. Whether it is ice, a rock, sleeping, deer or a car that get in my way my dad always responds the same when I call to tell him I have been in a wreck. "Are you all right?" It is never "Cassie, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!" or "Cassie, YOU ARE RIDICULOUS." I have decided that this is one trait that I want to carry on. When my crazy kids start to drive and get in accidents that cost money and take time to fix. I am going to be sure that I respond the exact same way my dad always has. Because honestly money and cars are not what is important.

Escalante

Last weekend I was able to go with a friend to the place of Escalante! If you don't know where it is exactly, don't worry neither did I. I actually had to google it. It was a giggling great weekend. I wish that I would have taken more pictures. However, because I didn't, you get a list of inside jokes that no one will probably get except the two of us. Hope you ENJOY!

- "Have we bedded yet"

- "Tickle Train"

- "I'm talking to the man in the mirror"

- While putting the dishes away a 6 year old slaps my behind!

- Making best friends with a 12 year old.

- "He doesn't know what he wants"

- "H__ yes you will get married!"

- Claire, Phil, PW, Yaley Boy

- At least a half hour of compliments

- "My heart is happy"

It was a much needed get away. I am so glad that I was able to go with a great friend. Thanks Mr. Yaley Boy.

APRIL 6th!

THESE SUCKERS ARE COMING OFF!

Dwight!

Fact: Last night, at work, a patient's dad was giving me dating advice. (Don't know why he thought he was qualified. I don't want to follow after his pattern, he is divorced)

Fact: Looking at a book full of clothes that is supposed to look good on you with three other girls makes nights go by fast and you laugh a lot more.

Fact: I gently turned down my first date ever. "I think it would be better if we were just friends" is how I put it.

Fact: I'm going to see a ballet tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited.

Fact: I don't have to get a new job because I am going to China in august for three weeks.

First

I was with a guy friend for dinner and a movie. When he got up to go to the bathroom there were four men sitting at the table across from us. They got their glasses full of beer and said "Cheers to the beautiful lady over there!" First time that has ever happened. I laughed to myself.

Jill

Meet Jill! Meeting her was one of the most spiritual experiences of my mission. I was living in Jilong with my amazing companion Sister Chen. Every single day was full of long bike rides up long steep hills, rain and cold. After one such a day my companion and I were sitting down to plan the next day when we received a phone call from Elder Payne and Elder Carter. Elder Payne asked if we had time the next day to meet with a Sister that Elder Carter had contacted that day. We said that we would make time. Then he proceeded to tell me that

1) They didn't know the Sister's name

2) They didn't have a phone number to call her and make sure she could still make the appointment

3) They didn't have her address

and

4) They had set up to meet her at the hospital where there are millions of people.

Admittedly my companion and I just laughed at them. We had no idea what this Sister looked like.... HOW IN THE WORLD ARE WE GOING TO FIND HER, we asked ourselves. The next day we head up to the hospital with skepticism. Right before we walked into the hospital my companion and I said a prayer that we will be able to find this Sister. We walked in and looked at every lady. She walked in the door and I knew it was her. I went and asked if she had met two white males. She said that she had. I explained that they asked us to come and meet with her. She was so excited! From the first time we met her she knew what we were saying was true. The first lesson we taught her to pray. We asked her to say the closing prayer and she cried through the whole thing. When we was finished she said she knew that God was listening. Then she asked when we could meet again. We met with her every Monday, Wednesday and Friday when she would bring a grandma to the hospital for physical therapy. She read the Book of Mormon by the light of her cell phone at night while staying with the grandma. She knew it was true. The grandma would work out every morning my companion and I would go work out with them. I would talk to Jill in English and my companion would talk to the grandma in Taiwanese. Jill was only able to come to church once while I was there because the grandma was buddhist. However, when Jill did came to church she sat next to me and I translated for her. She was squeezing my hand the whole time with tears in her eyes. She wanted to be a part of this true gospel. As is true too many times in Taiwan, just because you want to be baptised doesn't mean you can. You have to come to church, but grandma wouldn't let her. When I left Jilong she continued to meet with the missionaries but couldn't progress on.

(Sister Chen, Jill and I in the hospital for our last lesson before I move)

This week I received the best email EVER! It brought sweet tears to my eyes. Miracles do happen. The next picture was attached!

Jill was baptised on the 26th of January! Missionaries are doing the work of God!