Called to Serve

Hi folks, 

Upon the request of many homies, my personal blog has been converted to a mission blog. It will be updated weekly with stories and pictures by my fantastic, technology savvy sister Liz. Mad props to her. However, this does not mean that you can read all about me without sending me updates about you, yes I'm talking to YOU. I promise to respond to every letter and let's be honest, who doesn't love getting mail! 

We will start at the beginning- How/when did I decide to serve a mission? 

Over this past summer, I began to seriously dread the approaching semester. I procrastinated registering for classes somehow convincing myself that perhaps if I did not register for classes the summer would be endless. This was highly unusual for me. I usually LOVE school. In the past I had taken 18 credits each semester and loved my pre-med track. Somehow, something had changed. My parents encouraged to register for a light load of easier classes. Being the oh-so-obedient daughter that I am, I registered for 12 credits and school started once again.

However, I still wasn't happy. A relationship I valued was not going where I thought/hoped it would,  and I was beginning to feel very lost. One night I fell upon my patriarchal blessing and felt myself being nudge in the direction of a mission. I decided to read the entire Book of Mormon within the semester with one question in my mind; to serve or not to serve? I highlighted in yellow anything I felt was an answer to my question. By October 1st, my Book of Mormon was completed highlighted in yellow. I had my answer.

Single Cruise #2

Hello again,
    My last post was about the Party Cruise (almost 1 year ago...what?!?!) so I figured I might as well just follow that up with Party Cruise #2. My older sister Liz and I decided to be brave and booked (thanks, Mom) a Singles Cruise with ~350 other single adults. We stopped in Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; Isla Roahtan, Honduras; and Grand Caymen, UK. Besides these awesome Ports, my favorite aspect of the Singles Cruise was how warm, welcome, and overall accepting every single person proved to be. I felt 100% comfortable walking about to a group of random people, introducing myself, and tagging along. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and am grateful I shared this adventure with my sister!

A Vacation of a Lifetime - Cruisin' on the Splendor

Last October, my older brother had the fantastic idea of giving himself a cruise for graduating college. This idea grew, and together we planned and committed 140 other groovy adult singles to the idea. We set sail May 6th aboard Carnival Splendor to the Mexican Riviera with ports in Cabo San Lucas and Puerta Vierta. The week I spent on the boat was definitely one of the best weeks of my life. In effort to keep this post short, I will highlight just a few of my favorite memories and people.

 Leah (left) and Karlee (right) are my best friends, partners in crime, and wing-women. We made memories to last a life time during the 8 days we spent together.

A Hopeless Romantic and the Titanic 

On April 10th, 1912 the Titanic sailed from Southampton with 2,200 passengers and crew, four days later the Titanic collided with an iceberg and sank. 1500 people died and 700 survived. 85 years later, in 1997, writer and producer James Cameron released a fictionalized account of the sinking of the Titanic, exploring the relationships of members of different social classes who fall in love aboard the ship during the its ill-fated voyage. My fascination with the Titanic started as a young girl and my crush on Jack Dawson has held me captive for many years. Beyond the sociological and socioeconomic tragedies that decided fate aboard the Titanic, the love story written by James Cameron is just as fascinating to me. 

In April, to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the sinking, the film Titanic  was re-released in 3D. Hello, best decision ever made by Hollywood. So maybe, I've seen it four times in theater since the releasing of the 3D piece of passion and perfection. Judge me.

Don't judge me. I only went once by myself. The other 3 occurrences random people accompanied me:) 

Recently, I had a conversation with a man friend who questioned my sanity after learning that I have "an obsession" with a fictional, over dramatic and sappy film. Although many parts of the film are accurate, many of the relationships are fictional but that is Hollywood, nothing new. It may be over dramatic but I'm pretty sure I would be THAT DRAMATIC if a ship sank right out from under me and I was headed straight for the deep, dark abyss of an ocean. One word- Sharks. I'd be the most dramatic person every, matey!  And it yes it is sappy but that is what makes it wonderful. 

Now that I feel I have adequately defended this wonderful film, let us explore it further...

I believe that I am drawn to the film so much because of the relationship between Jack and Rose. He lives off the seat of his pants and therefore, creates the outcome of his life daily. She, on the other hand, is the prime product of finishing school and a perfect, pristine example of a privileged up bringing.  Ironically, society is drowning her; until she meets Jack. In just a few short days (and in about 2 1/5 hrs of showtime) Jack saves Rose's life multiple different ways.  

Isn't this what life is about- isn't this what love is about. You meet one person and suddenly you've changed. You see life differently, breathe deeply, and question yourself- all the while growing into a more passionate and sincere person. Now I'm no love expert but I can imagine that when I've found that ONE person- the one man that makes me want to pose nude for him with a heart shaped necklace while he awkward draws me.......just kidding, I just couldn't resist....When I've found that ONE person, perhaps my life will change just as Rose's did. Perhaps, he may save my life and I'll see the world differently. Although Jack sinks to the bottom of the ocean (seriously, worst moment of my life), I'd bargain if I were Rose, I'd feel like knowing him and loving him was the best thing that has ever happened to me. 

anxiously awaiting my own Jack,

Christine Marie   

Attempt 2 : My Redemption...

Dearest Blogging World and/or dedicated followers,

     Hold onto your chairs homies, for I have returned! Gasp. I shall not pretend to ignore the giant elephant in the room and call myself out for my epic failure at blogging, especially the 30 day challenge. I am putting this failure in the past and attempting, for the second time, to blog and this is why-

Recently I have experienced a handful of adventures, enjoyed numerous enlightening conversations, and envisioned sharing my life with as many wonderful people as I am blessed to. This blog, as remedial and redundant as it may be, is an electronic journal and storage unit for my thoughts and experiences. 

You may choose to jump on this rollercoaster of blogging and follow me or you may politely grumble about my immaturely but either way, you've read my post so I am the winner. Comment if you wish, laugh if you want, cry if you can't help it, but most importantly, I hope you enjoy getting to know me :)

attempting to rekindle my relationship with my readers,

Christine Marie

Day 15

Day 15: A recent change that was not expected

Growing up I was always that nerdy kid who loved going to school. I could not get enough of it. By the age of 14 I knew exactly what where I wanted to go to college and I would do anything to get there.

A recent change that was not expected?

The University of Utah.

Deciding to move back home and transferring to the University of Utah was an incredibly tough decision. I never EVER wanted to attend the U after attending my first class I was hooked. Here's why.

Everybody is easy going and relaxed. Everyone is an individual and respected for it. You can be whoever you want to be. People are hilarious. The MUSS. Need I say more? Nope.

To make a long story short, I never ever ever ever thought I would be a student at the University of Utah. But now that I am, I wouldn't have it any other way! Go Utes!

Day 14

Day 14: Someone I'd like to switch lives with for a short period of time.

Oprah Winfrey

 From the age of thirteen or fourteen, I have enjoyed watching Oprah. I know what time her shoe is and on what network but I am not a junkie nor must I watch it everyday. However, occasionally I do turn it on and I am constantly amazed by her.

I would like to switch lives with Oprah for a short period of time because she is able to meet and interview people from every walk of life. She will sit down and interview a bum of the street one day and then President Obama the next day. She has the opportunity to learn dig into people's lives and explore everything about them. She sits down one-on-one with the most influential people in this world as well as average individuals who make up this world. I absolutely adore people; every ounce that makes someone unique fascinates me. I am jealous of Oprah because she explores the enigma of human existence.

I respect Oprah A TON because she did not have an easy life until she MADE her own life. She was raised in rags and now owns riches; and freely gives away those riches to help others. Oprah has been named the most influential woman of the world and I believe this to be an accurate statement. She encourages others to dream big, achieve big. and live big. I wouldn't mind being Oprah for a short time.

She also has great hair.

Love always,
    Christine