The post I didn't want to write

This is the post I have been avoiding. The one I didn't want to write because, sometimes, putting things into words makes it more real.

My life is currently in boxes and I'm not quite sure where anything is. I spent the day packing up the remaining knick-knacks around my room and chatting with roommates. No one wants to acknowledge the looming good-byes; the parting of ways.

I know I am going to leave a part of myself in Logan. This has been my home for the last three years. I have changed so much in that time and formed many friendships. In some ways, those friendships are stronger than any I've had before. There is something about living with someone that forms a special bond. You become accustomed to their quirks and over time you notice that you have even adopted some of their traits. You now use that catchphrase or do something a particular way. That person is someone you will never forget because they have changed you.

I know that I have gone through a deep and thorough change. I am so far from that freshman walking into the dorms for the first time. I have developed new talents and explored new things. I am in a major that I never dreamed of. My life is so different from where I imagined myself being at this point.

There is one thing I won't be leaving behind: memories. That is something I will always have. I know the move to Layton will be a difficult transition for me and that there will be times when I will miss everything and everyone I knew here. But I know I will look back on these years and smile at the times we had a sleepover in an abandoned warehouse or simply the many times we stayed up way too late talking about everything.

Despite all the stress and heartbreak that accompanies the college life, I know that I am leaving a better person than I was when I came.

So as I sit here reflecting on the last few years, I can't help but get a little teary-eyed.

It's been real, Logan. I'll see ya around.

xoxo,

sam

New friends

It's no secret that I am a shy girl sometimes. When I am around people I don't know very well or don't feel comfortable with, I stop talking and take a backseat and just listen to everyone else. I'm good at observing. I was invited to a blogger meetup last night to mingle with bloggers from all over town. And to be honest, I was a little nervous about going. I only knew one person besides my cousin who came with me and I was worried because I didn't know what to expect.

But my worries were silly. From the moment I walked in the door I felt completely comfortable with these girls. A few hours of boy stories, laughs and giggles later, we took this picture and agreed to make this a monthly thing. Which I am so stoked about!

xoxo,

sam

Baby it's cold outside.

This morning I rolled over in bed to check my phone like I do every morning. My twitter timeline was full of tweets about bad weather, iced-over roads, closed canyons and many accidents. Blah. It's going to be one those days I thought. I wanted nothing more than to go back to sleep in my warm bed. I thought about skipping class for about two seconds but because I missed classes on Tuesday I figured I better be a good student and go. I can't get senioritis this early in the semester. I stayed in bed as long as I could planning the warmest outfit I could think of in my head.

Then a small miracle happened. I got an email saying my first class had been canceled! I could have sworn that a small choir was singing hallelujah somewhere in the stormy clouds. It was the best thing that has happened so far today.

I am determined to stay warm today. After enjoying the sun in Florida, I swear Logan feels a lot colder than it did before I left. Today is definitely the day for layers. I hope you all stay warm and safe!

xoxo,

sam

Another Year

My summer has officially started! I finished my finals and regardless of how I feel about them, it is in the past. For the most part, I think I got pretty good grades this semester.

Friday was my last day working at the library for four whole months! You have no idea how great that sounds to me. And yesterday was moving day. After two years on my own, I am kind of nervous to be back at my parent's house for the summer. It could be really good. Or really bad. But I am going to miss my roommates, especially Ashley. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do without that girl. I am so glad that I will be close enough to Logan that I can come visit her.

And so this post is for you, Ashley, Trish and Natalie. I love you all. You are the greatest! We had some good times, made lots of memories and had many, many laughs.

xoxo

-Sam

What A Great Day!

In one word, today was amazing!

Like seriously you guys, it was awesome. Church was just what I needed. In sacrament there was this quote:

"Be of good cheer. Your future is as bright as your faith." ~Pres. Monson

I have heard that quote before somewhere, but today it really hit me. Because last night I had a mini freak-out about my life. I was applying for internships and realized that I don't have to much applicable experience that would make someone want me as intern. Sure, I have had a job since I was 16, but being a gymnastics coach doesn't mean anything to a PR firm. Needless to say I was a little worried. But at this point there isn't a whole lot I can do. That's what I thought until I went to church this morning. If I start reading my scriptures and praying again that my faith will increase and I know I will be blessed for it.

And if that wasn't enough, Sunday School was just as good. It was about the BOM which made me want to start reading it even more. Then Relief Society was combined with the men and take a guess about what the lesson was about. You guessed it! The BOM! I was so ready to start my new goal by the end of church.

My afternoon was spent with my amazing roommates. Singing, pudding and YouTube. We had a lot of good laughs. Oh, and nail painting may or may not have occurred.

Some boys invited us over to their place for dinner. They cooked us a wonderful meal complete with a pot roast and potatoes. And followed it up with Better Than You-Know-What Cake. 

The Spectrum was almost filled to capacity today. There was a fireside that Elder Ballard spoke at. And guess what the main theme was? Joseph Smith. I think someone up above was trying to send me a message today. Message received!

After walking home in the cold tonight, I couldn't wait to put on some comfy sweats and make some hot chocolate.

Good night everyone! And don't forget to smile just because today was a great day!

xoxo,

Sam

Neglect and an Excuse

I will admit, I have neglected my blog over the last month or so.  And the only excuse I really have is that I've been busy.  So I guess it's up to my readers to decide if that is a valid excuse or not.

So what exactly have I been so busy with?  I went to Canada for two weeks, which has definitely has been the highlight of my summer.  We had our own little 'Gregson Family Tour of Alberta', stopping in Magrath, Calgary and Edmonton.  And even taking a day trip to go to Banff and see the Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise.  Plus it was great to see all of my family again and to just have a vacation and leave life and all responsibilities behind in the states.  Now I am back to working everyday and trying to plan a bridal shower for my one of my bestest friends.  I still can't believe she is getting married!!  I have been super stressed with this and I know I shouldn't be but I want it to turn out perfect.  And this isn't your typical bridal shower either.  It will be an open house for friends, family and ward members.  So basically all the different types of showers combined into one big one.  And then on top of all that, the fall semester starts in two weeks!  I am so freaking excited!  I won't have to be a boring and super responsible adult anymore; I can be a fun and somewhat responsible student.  So I'll be saying goodbye to working full time and hello to friends in just a few short weeks!

A Midsummer Night's Blog

Goodness!  Can you believe summer is halfway over?  I feel like it was only a week ago that I was finishing finals and moving into my apartment.  Everything that could happen to make tonight a perfect summer night is happening.  I am sitting on my balcony writing this and watching the sunset fade behind those Utah mountains in a wounderous display of pinks and oranges; smelling that it-just-rained smell; and listening to the baby birds quietly chirping in their nest in the dark stairway.  What a good day.  Such a simple night.  Peaceful.

Throughout these past couple of weeks, I have been especially inspired by my idol, Taylor Swift.  Some people would take a failed relationship and would take their anger and frustration out physically or emotionally on someone else.  Instead, she channels that negative energy into a song.  A song that touches millions because of the blatant truthfulness of it.  I believe that she is popular because her songs are relatable for so many people.  So, lately I have been working on writing my own song.  It is a rough and slow process, but I am determined to finish it.  I have been trying to draw from real experiences and put that emotion into a song. And I hope that the more songs I write, the easier it will be to put those emotions into words.  And who knows, if I like the finish product, I may put it on here for some feedback ;)

xoxo

samantha

Snow in April

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The ABC Guide to Surving USU

A-Always wear a coat!  Coats are a must for the Logan sub-arctic temperatures.  This is global warming at its best!
B-Basketball at the spectrum.  You will just have to experience yourself.
C-Classes.  Just go.  It will (usually) be worth it in the end.
D-Dating.  Before you know it, everyone will be engaged.
E-Exercise.  Don't forget to stay fit.  And you can always check out the eye candy while you're at the gym!
F-Fluffy white stuff.  Don't be surprised when it is April and the grass is white instead of green.
G-Graduation.  Time flies by faster than you think.  I can't believe how fast it has gone.
H-Homesickness.  It's a very common disease, and everyone gets it at one time or another.
I-Ice Cream.  Okay, three words: Aggie Ice Cream.  Get some!
J-Journal.  Write everything down somewhere.
K-Keys.  You will realize the importance of checking to make sure you have keys BEFORE  you leave after you get locked out once or twice.
L-Library.  The library is actually a cool place to be, believe it or not.  It's a great place to sleep, catch up with friends, eat, or maybe even get some studying done!
M-Marketplace Food Poisoning.  It really does exist.  Just letting you know.
N-Needle.  I helps to be able to use a needle and thread.  It takes too long to wait for your mom to sew things for you.
O-Old Main Hill.  You have to go down that hill on something.  At least once.  There are multiple options: sleds, mattresses, shopping carts, longboards, pretty much anything!
P-PDA.  Expect to see some things you wished you hadn't.
Q-Quarters.  Every penny, nickel, and quarter is important.  And so are dimes!  Spend money wisely.
R-Roommates are pretty much the best!  Take the time to get to know them.
S-Sleep.  Just say your good-byes now.
T-True Aggie.  Got some chapstick?  It's always best to be prepared.
U-Undergraduate Research...  If I had a quarter for every time I heard that phrase I would be one rich girl!
V-Variety.  There is definitely no lack in variety among individuals.  If you want to meet a lot of different people then you will.
W-Walmart Runs.  Always better after dark.  Go between 11 pm and 1 am for the most enjoyment.
X-X-Boyfriends/Girlfriends.  Just know that the most awkward of awkward run-ins with your ex will occur when you least expect it.
Y-Young.  Have fun while you're young!  Before you get old and boring...
Z-Zombies.  Once a semester the Zombies come out to play.  People chasing each other with nerf guns is the norm.