Year two

I really would like to become more consistent with these posts. But I am not really bugged about it because I had an amazing summer and good start to the new school year( amazing for me but probably would be boring for ya'll).

I'll recap my summer really quickly. I went back to Utah and lived at home until my family ditched me and moved to California. I then lived with my great aunt and uncle which was the best! I worked at a soda shop called "Thirst" which was by far my favorite job I worked. My co-workers were a hoot-and a-holler to say the least. It was fun to actually work with people around my age who just goofed off the entire shift. I had way too many soft pretzel bits and diet hissy fits but totally worth it! I can make bomb drinks now so just dm me if you want to hope on the "dirty soda" trend. Besides working a ton, I of course swam and lifted to keep my strength somewhat up for sophomore season. It was good, not great nor bad so I'll take it. I traveled, which I never get to do. I went camping a couple times in Utah and Idaho with Braeden's family and that was an absolute blast. If you ever camp in the Sun valley area go to Atkinson's market and get their blueberry muffins. I still crave those every morning after a swim. I went to California a couple times and I fell in love with it there. We got to go see Coronado Island one day and it is gorgeous and super fun. Even Braeden said he'd move there and that is huge for a "non-city" guy. Catch us buying a home there and living off ice cream. Driving past the San Diego temple also just proved my dream of wanting to get married there. I am not going to lie, when my mom said we are moving, I was extremally upset. I know I don't live at home anymore but they are my home and they are supposed to be in Utah. However, they are so so happy there and it is truly where God wants our family to be. It is beautiful and fits everyone well, especially my dad. I hadn't truly seen him this happy since Colorado and it looks like the nice Cali sun it doing good for him. It feels like a blessing from God. I am not going to complain going there over breaks and escaping the unspeakable low temperatures.

After all that fun, I moved back to KU for my second year. I know I may be getting ahead of myself but in just a few months I am going to be half way done with college. I have a feeling this will go by really fast. So far this year has been a bit different than last year. I wouldn't say its been harder all around but just in some ways and its been easier in others. I am not as homesick, obviously I miss my family and loved ones but I know I'll see them soon and it isn't terrible saying goodbye. I also feel way more stable and comfortable. Same room, roommates, schedule, ward, etc. The hard parts have been the pressure and pace. Last fall I was a busy bee trying to figure out college and athletics. This year I don't really have that distraction. So although school is more intense and detailed than just math 101, I find that I have a lot of "downtime" where I just feel uneasy. I sat with this uneasiness for about 2 weeks until I added a second major, healthcare management, and realized I now actually have time to do what I enjoy. I have been able to make time for Christ daily, which has blessed my life so much already. I have this constant struggle of knowing if what I am doing is worth it and if I am actually happy where I am in life. In the most recent general conference a talk given by Dieter F. Uchtdorf called "Jesus Christ is the Strength of Youth" he stated that "When you have important choices to make, Jesus Christ and His restored gospel are the best choice. When you have questions, Jesus Christ and His restored gospel are the best answer. When you feel weak, Jesus Christ is your strength. He gives power to the weary; and to those who feel powerless, He increases strength". I went into conference praying about how to make the right decisions for my future and keep pushing when it gets hard and this was proof that Christ answers prayers. I have also been dealing the pressure of no longer being a freshman. I can no longer blame my "mistakes" on the fact that it is my first year in college. I think a lot of that has to do with confidence and trust. I am reading a book called "Embrace your almost" and it really has a focus on not getting down on yourself when things aren't going your way and how to get back up and try again. Although I am not there yet, I will get there and I hope blogging will help me stay accountable for my efforts.

After all, it is about to be my favorite time of the year so how bad can it really get.

<3

Elliott