A Multi-Stake Single's Dance Experience, Anyone? . . .

Alright . . . so I debated very much whether to tell this tid-bit or not but I decided to go for it because thinking back on it makes me cringe at some moments and so I thought it might be fun to share (it will especially make all you married people extremely lucky that you have found someone and don't have to endure the harsh realities of awkwardness - otherwise known as "putting yourself out there" haha). Anyway, I attended a multi-stake single;s dance last weekend. Yea, that's right - I said multi-stake single's dance. I totally hate dances but especially the stake ones that feel like you are back in the 7th grade and only like 30 people out of possibly hundreds decide to show - that was last Saturday night for me. I did however, make myself a promise that I wouldn't leave until I had talked to 5 people I had never met and so just like with missionary contacts(you have to talk to 20 new people a day as a companionship and let's just say that that wasn't my favorite part - awkward and scary are the two words that come to mind) I knew I had to complete my goal. So . . . I went in and my worst fears were confirmed - it was just like I had imagined, except that it seemed worse given the "Fiesta" theme with some people opting to wear Mexican sombreros. At that point I knew I had a long night ahead of me. They had tables set up over half of the gym because it was a dinner as well - I just came too late for that part. There were exactly 4 people from my new ward there and 3 of them I had talked to before, but I know they don't really have an interest in being "best buds" with me, so weighing that with the fact that I knew no one else there I went with the decidedly less awkward option and I went to their table. I sat down and they said hello and they just continued on with their interesting conversation, why I sat wondering what in the WORLD I was doing there. Then a nice kid named John came and sat down by us and was wearing one of those not so great sombreros. After talking to him I realized that he was a great kid but was developmentally slow and so being my age was really like a little kid. We talked about a few things and then out of the blue he asked me to dance. Of course I said yes, but the awkwardness sunk in as he was shorter than me and we danced "slow dance" style to a not so slow dance. Haha, we were the only one's that were slow dancing and there were about 10 other people on the dance floor and they of course were not slow dancing due to the fact that you didn't slow dance to that sort of song. Well - it was a prime moment and I have to tell you that it will go down in history as one of my "Mia classic awkward moments". So, by that time, I was up to 3 new people and ready to get the last 2 out of the way and get the heck out of there. I had noticed a kid when I was coming in that was speaking Spanish outside and I saw him kind of standing by the dance floor alone. He is about 6 inches taller than me and kind of cute and so I decided to make my way over and introduce myself. I was so stinking nervous but proud of myself that I did it. I went over and introduced myself and asked about his Spanish and such. While we were talking they started ChaCha Dancing lessons and he invited me to join him to learn how. It was fun and we ended up dancing the chacha after that. After we danced I left for a minute and then came back and sat down with my ward people. He saw me and came over and we chatted, and then we ended up dancing a few more times that night. It was fun, even though the setting was totally awkward. So . . . it ended not so bad but I really do have to say that I envy all of you that have found that person to be with forever because I'm not so sure how many more nights like that I can take:). There has got to be an easier way . . . .

Finally . . . . I join the ranks of the employed!

Yes, my friends - I finally got a job after 3 months of non-productivity and very poor living. I will be working for the Ogden School District as a Gap program staff assistant. I basically will be working as sort of mentor for middle school age children and help them set goals that will get them through the end of the school year. I am excited and I think it will be great because it will help me towards my end goal of wanting to be a teacher. I just decided that a little while ago and so that path is a little new but I think it will be a good one for me. A thank you definitely goes to Mario who helped get my foot in the door - thanks bud! I will for sure update on how this goes!

Nephews . . .

Alright . . . so, I'm not biased at all but I have to say that I have, for nephews, some of the cutest kids around! Samuel has grown up to be such a little boy, who is happy and fun and full of energy. His little brother Mason is not far behind him with energy, now that he has started to crawl and his sometimes serious face is intense but once you get to know him -he's all smiles! Then we have the newest addition - little Ethan. He is absolutely cute and handsome and when he smiles I would have to say that my heart melts. I am so happy and proud to have these little guys and know that they are truly blessed with the parents they have. . .

Things to look forward to . . .

Well, it's that time of year again. The depressing, cloudy, mucky, annoying almost spring so you get a cold - season. I've got a cold and I have to say that I've also let myself get sucked into the depressing vibe that sunless skies are bound to bring. Now, I'm not a crazy "I love the sun more than I love to breath" freak (hmhm - like my mom - just kidding mom - love ya), I'm actually quite fond of the rain but this in-between weather has got to go! So . . . instead of my usual complaining, I thought that I'd list some things I'm looking forward to -

1 - The Rocket Summer concert!! He's in SLC March 31st and ticket is already in hand!

2 - Conference! General Conference that is. I've missed the last 3 conference family traditions and so I'm super excited about finally being back and also having friends from the mission visit!

3 - Finding a job!!! I haven't looked as hard as I should but that could change . . .

4 - Marcos coming home!!!!!! I miss that kid and can't wait until May 21st.

5 - Summer weather!! Gabby is planning some great hikes and getting in shape is just what I need to put a smile on my face!

6 - Being happy. It's a conscious choice sometimes and lately I've chosen the alternative - not anymore! We can all find things each and everyday that make us happy - some days are harder than others but it can be done, and I challenge us all to look for those things - - -Who's up for the challenge?

Well, those are only a few of the little things that are on my mind but I'd love to hear what you are looking forward to . . .