"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory."

This is going to be a conglomeration of things happening in general. I hope you can be amused, entertained or at least have a good moment to ponder life away from school, work, screaming kids, etc.

• The Manti Pageant was awesome. I love that town of 3,040 people. The Christensen family was nice enough to bring me along and let me stay with some of their family overnight! Although there are other cool pageants out there, I will forever and always have a special place in my heart for the Manti "Mormon Miracle" Pageant. Some things that I've pondered since the pageant:
• It's fascinating how much can change in a life from one year to the next...and how much it doesn't change at the same time.
• I love meeting and talking to strangers. Sure, "stranger danger" might be applicable to 5 year olds, but I'm fairly certain that nice families at a Mormon Pageant are pretty safe. 
• There's nothing like a fresh perspective. At all.
• I'd like to visit small towns more often. They have a charm that can't be found anywhere else. 
• Adventures on foot feel quite different than adventures on wheels.

Manti, Utah

7 rows back=great seats!

Jessica, me and Tiffany

• I found this new place called Nellie's Diner that is absolutely delicious. Best dessert in Provo hands down. Here is picture proof that: 
• A-I have friends to eat with.
• B-The dessert is delicious
• C-I do, in fact, take time off work to have fun

• Meanwhile, at work...I've decided that work is great. For so many reasons.
1. It gives me something to do.
2. It pays the bills.
3. It gives me stuff to worry about.
4. I can see my friends.
5. I can buy cute stuff for a good price.
6. I am learning a lot.
• Although it's really tough living 800 miles away from family, I know that they are still cheering for me. Even if it's just through social media, I know that they still love me and are worried. Only about 6 weeks and I'll see them once again.
• Spokane. Goodness I miss that city. I miss the lack of smoke and the abundant rain. The high for Spokane yesterday was Provo's low at night. Hmmm....
• Speaking of smoke. The whole state of Utah seems to be on fire. Not to mention Colorado, Montana, and all the other places as well. I hope the firefighters can get these fires under control. I snapped a few pictures amidst the falling ash on Sunday. 

There are mountains that direction--I promise!

• I've been contemplating life quite a bit lately. I've got two more semesters of classes, one or two semesters of teaching and then I'm going to get this piece of paper that proves I studied and paid a LOT of money to prove I can teach. I'm stoked. For a long time I thought I wanted to stay in Utah, but now I'm not so convinced. Lately, this city has been drawing my attention. Gorgeous, isn't it?

Medford, Oregon

• Sometimes you just need a Happy Birthday cupcake. Especially when it's not your birthday. 

• 4th of July...my plans? Sit inside and watch movies and pray that no fireworks light my house on fire. So here's a rant: I really, really, really do not understand why city officials are still allowing fireworks to be set off when there are so many wildfires burning already. I can only keep my fingers crossed that no major damage happens tomorrow night. But in a positive light: Happy Birthday America!
• I'm obsessed with the movie and I watch it pretty much every chance I get. I can relate to it on some levels and I love watching it. Reese Witherspoon looks really creepy in this picture..

• I have the most difficult time filling my few hours of free time each day. Any suggestions? 

Until next time.....and in case I don't see you--good afternoon, good evening and goodnight.