Robert Fenton, Clarence White, and Edward Steichen

I'm studying, History of Photography to be exact. I have a big test in class tomorrow. I didn't do so hot on the last one... whoops. (I could be studying harder)

I'm so aggravated with life. It's just been one of those days, you know? And it was triggered by facebook.

Sometimes I feel like all the media today is slowly killing my generation. I mean, we can't go a day without checking our facebook, updating our tweets, reading celebrity gossip or blogging. (yes, I said blogging) We use all of our social networking websites to define us. We're "friends" with hundreds of people, half of which are only to stalk them later. There is actually an increase in anxiety and depression in today's teens and young adults. And it's been proven to all relate back to social networking.

How often have I thought, "Oh my gosh, he didn't text me within two minutes. What does that mean?!" or the occasional, "Is her status directed toward me?" It's ridicules how much this stupid thing, this computer, controls our lives.

A few weeks ago in sacrament meeting, my Bishop gave a little lesson. He asked us to tune out the screens. How often do we sit in church and check facebook, or pintrest? We really can't go three hours without being updated on everyone's life? We have a fascination with informing everyone on our every waking moment, as if being "cool" on facebook is what really matters in life.

I know this is a stupid post and I know that I am guilty of everything that I have just discussed. We all are. And sometimes, if we just say it outloud, or write it we realize how unimportant the things that are bothering us are.

I cannot change the past and I cannot plan the future. I can life for the moment and take the things that come my way one little step at a time.

Keep clam and carry on - it really is what it's all about.

KO

You see, I have this friend. I call her Kiersten, or Kierst. Some people call her KO, which is a pretty cute nickname if you ask me.

She is my best friend. I'm not talking as in we just call each other best friends, but she is a true blood best friend. She knows more about me then anyone else on this entire earth. Like, I don't think there is a single thing that I would feel uncomfortable telling her about. Like, she knows a lot ;)

Honestly, I'm surprised we don't have a secret handshake or a made up language that only we can speak in. We're tight; tighter then spandex. I think we'll be friends forever. Like that one friend that you keep in touch with for your entire life. Or the one friend that you feel like you were best friends with before you came to earth. Yep, pretty sure KO is that person.

Today we went to Kiwi Loco (frozen yogurt place here in the Rexburg) and we talked. We talked for a long time about things that you normally shouldn't talk about in public. And we talked about crappy ex-boyfriends who never deserved us ;) Or past roommates who you would pray to never have to live with again. Or our many inside jokes that never seem to cease because we come up with new ones practically every time we're together. There is also the fact that she has never eaten as much fast food in her life until she lived with me.

So, KO, I know you're reading this. (You blog stalker) And I want you to know how much I love you! I'm also super duper grateful to have you in my life. You're awesome and don't ever change. And I won't change either... I'll just stay super judgmental and outspoken. It what I do best, you know.

I love you KIERSTEN. You're the love of my life. Let's get married and live together forever. (Cause now we can legally be married in New York)

No one will ever be as awesome as us :)

181st semi-annual

This past weekend, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held is semi-annual General Conference. This is one of two weekends a year where we listen to the words of our prophets that is broad cast from Salt Lake City.

This weekend is truly my favorite of every year. I love getting to hear the uplifting messages from our Heavenly Father that are sent through his servants. I always leave this weekend with a new found sense of my purpose here on earth. I feel peace in my life and joy as I look toward the future. I can feel my Savior's love for me as I hear the words spoken.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church. I know that it has been restored here on the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of the Lord here on this earth today. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and knows me better then I know myself. I know that He wants what is best for me and will bless me with things in His own time. I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ suffered for my sins so that I may be able to return to live with my Heavenly Father eternally. I know that the trials I face are for my good. I know that we have been blessed with temples on the earth so that we can make sacred covenants with our Father in Heaven. I am so thankful for all the many things my Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I will never be able to repay Him for all his love and grace.

"Just remember to always look up."