I Love Spring

Springtime is my most favorite time of year. The weather is amazing, and everything is starting to bloom and the colors are so bright! Sadly, it doesn't last that long in Arizona before getting too warm. But I still love it :)

These were taken in Missouri this past year, but I absolutely love how bright the colors are!

FLAT IRON

I went hiking over spring break up to the highest point of the Superstition Mountains! It was a lot of fun, and it was with fun company. I love doing things outdoors, but for some reason, once I commit to doing some kind of adventure, the night before I really don't feel like doing it. My thoughts are: I don't want to get up early, I'll be really tired, and it will take a long time. However, I ALWAYS end up going and I ALWAYS have fun :)


Here are some shots I'd like to share!


I love how green it was out in the desert! Spring is definitely my FAVORITE time of the year.
The shot below is from the halfway point. After this, it was our determination (aka=pride) that kept us going! It was exhausting!


This is the view from the top looking out over the whole Valley of the Sun. You can see downtown phoenix and everything! It was breathtaking. I could even ALMOST see my hometown of Superior, which is about 35 miles East of Mesa.


This is us about to head back down. the cliff you see in the background is the top of Flat Iron.


So, because I was really stupid, my shoulders got burned :/ Because it was the longest time I've spent in the sun since last summer, I didn't prepare properly. I wore a sleeveless top because yes, I DO sweat. Especially in Arizona. Especially when I hike. We didn't have any sunscreen at home, and it was a gorgeous day outside, so I just thought "I'll be fine. I don't need it"....yeah. I was wrong!

I have only been burned this bad ONCE in my life. And it is NOT fun! I bought some aloe vera gel and sat on my couch the whole rest of the day applying it to my shoulders, and it felt AMAZING!!! Not to mention, I haven't used my legs as much since Nursing school requires a large amount of sitting. And reading. YAY for sore cramping legs! :D

It was completely worth it. I LOVE the world that God has created for us. It is beautiful. Even the desert of Arizona. I'm grateful for a healthy body that allows me to participate in exploring God's creation.

I'm so sad that 13 of our state parks will be closed, or are already closed. If you want to hike Flat Iron, go before June 3rd! It is worth it. It takes a LOT out of you. But you won't regret it! :)

Ahh. I can't wait til summer break.

Nursing School!

It kicks my trash. Hardcore. But I love it! I'm now in my 4th week and I just took my first test yesterday and passed it with a lovely 87.5% :) Phew! If I get through nursing school being a B student I will be thrilled!

Here's a pic of me in my uniform on my first day of clinical/lab.

It is so hard. And I've really lost ALMOST whatever I had of any social life with all my life changes recently. I have no time to do anything really. My friend advised me to make it my "pretty little girlfriend"... but since I'm a girl, I'm say my "hunky boyfriend". I have to put a TON of time and effort into it. And it keeps me from hanging out with all my friends on a regular basis. But its ok. It is worth it.

I have also been full of gratitude lately. Gratitude to my Heavenly Father, and my family. This would be SO hard to do without them. They keep me going, and support me and love me. I knew it would be hard, but at the same time I had no idea. The tender mercies of the Lord have really opened my eyes to how aware He is of me. To how much He wants to bless me and take care of me if I let Him. Its the greatest feeling in the world.

Also, the weather of AZ has made me VERY happy. These amazing clouds and blue skies have lifted my stressed out spirit. haha. I truly cannot wait to get up to the mountains and go camping once it warms up a bit. I'm a baby and hate camping in the snow and when it is really cold.

I love life!!!