Pre-college What-if's.

I've gotten caught up on the what if's and I probably haven't been myself lately because of it. 

What if my roommate drives me absolutely crazy? 

What if everyone hates me? What if no one even notices I'm there? 

What if I'm the only one without friends? 

What if I hate college. & miss high school tons? There's no going back.. 

What if college doesn't live up to the hype it's recieved my entire life???

What if I do get married quick like everyone says I'm going to?

What if I don't stay close with Madds, Nicole, Rache, and Jess? 

What if I never see my missionary friends again? 

Guys, scary stuff. 

Okay fine, half irrational, but really, half completely rational too. 

Faith, right? Everything that happens will happen for a reason, & put my trust in God because He has a plan for me. *deep breaths* it'll all be okay. 

& Hannah Montana knew what she was talking about then when she said, "Life's what you make it, so let's make it rock." You're right Hannah. Life is what I make it. & attitude can be everything. So I guess holla for college! Ready or not, here I come.

A World Transformed

I believe in running.

I believe in waking up early to start your day off right.
In pushing yourself to achieve more, setting goals, and working at them.
I believe in running on days when your whole body aches & days when you've got a whole lot to do.
Rain, hail, snow, sun, the beach, the trails, the city, the country. Running has no boundaries.
I believe it makes you happier, more productive, more confident-- an all around better person.
I believe in the bonds and friendships running can form.

I believe in running, but you don't have to just take my word for it.
Because an organization a whole lot bigger than just me believes in running too.
The video is good, but the website is amazing. It's inspiring.  CHECK IT OUT!!!

& if you ever get addicted to running. Let me know.
It feels good, I promise.

SS: I believe in Prayer.

This video was too good not to share. It quickly had me in tears as I realized all the times I've relied on prayer and how much it has helped and blessed me throughout my life. 

I know we have a Heavenly Father who knows each of us individually. 

I know we have a Savior who loves us, and died for us.

& I know that my Heavenly Father hears every single one of my prayers, no matter how insignificant the matter may seem, that he cares, he loves me, and he hears me. 

so next time, you need literally anything.. just give it a try, & pray. 

A final Summer's day.

I still can't accept that school starts, (atleast for them) on Monday. What? Summer ever even happened? 

This summer was nothing like the past 17, maybe because graduating, or work, or just growing up. 

Growing up seems to keep taking people out of my life, but I'm grateful that it won't be taking them. 

[the group concensus was to pose. good poses everyone.]

 [what summer should be]

[siblings & snowcones]

 [I spy a lens cap.. oops]

& with that, I guess we bid summer farewell. 

I like people, & somehow I'd forgotten that.

Sometimes I think without even realizing it, we get too busy for people.

Too busy to truly enjoy their presence, or just a good conversation. 

I've been far too content with the lack of social life I've had going on lately, and I think it's made me appreciate the encounters I have had with people all the more. 

I like previously mentioned boy. I like that we're both runners, and we talk about running together. I liked long-boarding together and his dumb jokes. & I like that I've realized we can be just friends.

I like Kami, from over here. I like people who are real, and kind, and make you feel good about just being you. & she's even lovelier in real life which I didn't even think was possible. I wish she weren't moving so we could just become best friends. 

I like my co-workers.. in fact, I absolutely love my job because of them. I like that we can all just be ourselves, even considering how completely different we are from one another. 

I like Madd & Jess. There's something about spending time with best friends who know you completely that is completely fulfilling and I think necessary in life. 

I like running into people at Walmart, the lady my mom is friends with, someone who used to be in my ward.. it's those moments when you see them and debate if you should ignore or go over and acknowledge them, and I've learned I'm always happier when I choose the second. 

& as hard as goodbye's are, I can't wait for all the new people that this chapter of my life will bring. 

Summer Fantasies.

I've grown to love the aloneness of my porch late at night; swooning over the super moon, or nights like tonight, wrapping myself up in a blanket, experiencing the beauty and power of the summer thunderstorm that's raging on around me. It's safe to say it's one of my new favorite places. 

But I do dream of someday sharing those nights with him. Talking & laughing, reminiscing & dreaming together under beautiful summer moons; or letting you wrap me up in your arms as the rain pours down around us. 

& obviously I can't help wonder who 'him' will be. 

At least for right now, I wish I could choose him to be you. Because I've never met someone who smiles with their eyes the way you do. & I don't think there's anything I could have done to keep myself from falling. Your sun-kissed skin & golden hair, your laugh, your sweetness, & goodness, I just want to call you mine.  It's incredibly unreasonable.. but hey, summer fantasies, right?

What do you believe in?

I believe in holidays. They're just a little thing to celebrate. & it's fun to get dressed up.

I believe in splurging. But only on some things.. lipstick. running shoes. & backpacks to name a few. 

I believe in exercising. Because a healthier you is a happier you.

I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

I believe in people. Every single person is capable of great things, you just got to accept them for who they are and give them a chance. 

I believe in theraputic shopping. Just kidding. I'm too poor to believe in that.. although I still completely do.

I believe in eating. Not calorie counting excessively. Not weird diets. Just having a normal, healthy yet enjoyable diet. Today that meant two cookies, a little bit of cake, and a little too much nutella. & I believe that's totally alright. 

I believe in journal writing. Rereading journals you come to know yourself better, and therefore become better. 

I believe in being yourself. & doing the things you like. 

I believe in being kind always and no matter what. Because everyone is going through something.

& I definitely believe in laughter & that this life is supposed to be a happy one. 

Sunday Tweetin'

I wouldn't consider myself an avid tweeter, but if I was these all would've made fantastic tweets. 

[Just one of those sporatic and random thoughts posts, ya feel?]

*Josh Groban song comes on the radio* Instantly feels like Christmas time. 

Huge S/O to Josh Groban. 'Thankful' is such a stunning song. 

A big NO to snuggling & kissing during the sacrament. [insert girl with arms crossed in an X emoji] #mormonprobs 

"I like your one-piece" wut. Since when are dresses referred to as 'one-pieces'???

Why is that you always run into people you'd like to look nice for on the days you don't get ready? & then you do get ready and see no one? #storyofmylife

I think my LOST watching is getting out of hand. So far I've spotted Sayid sitting two rows behind me, Hurley in the clip we watched in Sunday School, and the giver of the closing prayer has Ethan's side profile.

There's just something about a boy in glasses. [insert heart-eyes emoji]

Unfortunate only one of those was actually released into the twitter-world. My B. 

But on a different note, ward conference was absolutely incredible today. Hooray for Sunday's. 

-@britttneymc

"The Boys"

Plot Twist: I actually really really do miss High School. 

This is a stolen picture of my boys, & in reality I have no right to claim it, or them, as being my own. 

But goodness, I do miss them like crazy. 

Their e-mails are what make my Monday's, the happiest day of the week. 

They are with out a doubt, the most genuinely funny people I've ever known in my life.
I liked that they were each my best friend in such a unique way. & I liked that they made my Junior year & the summer after, the absolute greatest.

"Who will win in a fight: A grizzly bear, or a Gorilla?"

It was one of their favorite dumb questions. That they would argue in a way that only High School boys can. 

Definitely just a silly question, that when posed to college kids, they were far too analytic and mature towards-- don't ask me all your weird complex questions toward the scenario that we were to dumb to even consider. 

& that's when I realized all over again just how much I miss those days. 

Overdramatic @2AM

The final counselor cluster of the summer, aka a pool party, with a trip to In-N-Out on the way home. Because it was fairly far away, I left my car somewhere, & we carpooled up. & somehow I ended up driving home with a fairly cute, very RM, boy.

I hopped into my car around about 2:00am. 

[Fun fact: I often talk to myself while I'm driving.]

Tonight, it turned into a small pep talk, but began with about three minutes straight of, 

"oh... shooot. shooooot. oh shooot. oh shoot." before pulling out of the parking lot.

Because what in yid had I just done? Yeah I had a baby crush, but we were just friends! Now you think I'm totally interested?? Nope, nope, nope. Psych.

See there's this weird adjustment that my whole self is having a hard time making. 

How in High School, you flirt with someone if you're attracted to them. & maybe they like you back, or ask you to a dance, or pull a move on you when you're all hanging out with friends, and most the time they don't even like you back, and if they do you have this little fling relationship thing, and it's kind of whatever.. carefree, fun, no strings attached.

Then you graduate, and get tossed into this work pool with a whole bunch of RM's [aaaahhh...] so ready to wife. & plot twist, because this time when you come along and are attracted to someone, think before you flirt. Because reality, they date to marry. & those little flings, they don't really see as just little flings, gosh darn it.

Gosh, I do like you. But in a little high school crush sort of a way.
& before I know it, you'll want to get married.

Hi, I'm Brit. & obviously I'm incredibly over-paranoid about giving RM's the wrong idea. 

The Pep Talk: calm the heck down, you can go on a date with someone and stay just friends. Tell them you're going on a mission and there won't be any misunderstandings. or, just don't flirt with them in the first place if you don't want them to date you.

Good thing we could come to that conclusion. 

Way to freak out over nothing Brit.

 I mean, it's just a date.

I'd like to feel "Pretty"

I have the innate desire to be pretty, I'm a girl, and I'm only human. 

 & for the most part, I do feel pretty, I accept the way I look, the way my body is, I like my blonde hair and green eyes... But I don't want to feel pretty through my physical appearance. & I hope some day, my daughters won't either. Because, 

A girl deserves to know she is more than her physical appearance.

Reality check: you're gonna get old, and you're going to get wrinkly; or have a baby and your body will not be the same, or worst case scenario, you'll survive some crazy accident like Nienie, [could she be any more amazing?] that will alter your appearance completely. & what if everything you felt you were was based off your looks? Or what if you were so concerned with your appearance that you could never truly live your life to it's fullest? Going to the lake and can only worry about your hair. Going on a date and stressing you don't look good enough the whole time... It's just not worth it. girls deserve to know they're beautiful because of more than a perfect outer layer.

You could be witty, kind, smart, you have a personality, talents, quirks, and a story to tell. You are a divine Daughter of God. & that's what should make each girl feel good enough, feel important, feel pretty.

& I think it's something women learn with age-- that they're more than their looks. But how much happier of a life we could live if we figured it out earlier on. Ideally if we never depended on it at all.
Basing on looks leads to comparing, and insecurities, and quite honestly, never being good enough. & what an unfortunate life to live.

[The less you look in the mirror,] The less you think of your own looks, the less you think of others looks too, and the easier it is to see them in the way that God does: as more than a cute face or perfect outfit-- who they truly are-- as you come to know them and serve them.

& that's where I believe true happiness is found: when you can stop worrying & thinking about yourself, and think of others instead. 

piccred: http://carrienphotography.blogspot.com

I wish I knew his happy-spreading secret.

Some people just have a way of making you feel good. Truly, and completely good about yourself.

My usual post-work bench had been taken, so I ended up sitting around a corner. [Looking back, definite serendipity]

Scrolling through blogs & taking in the fresh air.. trying to let the stressful note work had ended on slip away.

"Brits! What're you doing here?"

It was an old friend interrupting, one who I'd only known for a few months. He could've just said hello, but for some reason he came to chat with me. & left me feeling like I was worth a million dollars.. more than that, absolutely priceless. Does he realize the affect he had?

It was almost like the way you feel when you're in love, how it literally seems to lift your spirits. It left that stupid grin on my face, like there's nothing in the world that can bring you down. Although I'm positive twitter-pated, giddy, hopelessly smitten--wasn't the case. In fact, we talked about your soon to be wife & hearing you talk about her was the sweetest thing.

What is it then, what is it about the way he talked to me, the things he said, that left me practically on cloud 9?

I truly wish I could figure it out, simply so I could spread that in explainable happiness wherever I go too, the world needs more people like him.

Monday's aren't always awful.

Actually, it was probably one of the greatest days I've had in quite some time. I blame it almost entirely on waking up early enough to squeeze in a run before work. Seriously exercise and endorphin release work wonders. 

A Happy List: 

///running in the cool summer morning air. absolutely perfect. actually just running again, no matter how much it made my body ache. 

///a couple of the sweetest blog comments. no doubt, comments are the greatest. 

///the moment when the counselor you had a secret crush on adds you on insta. cute, not creepy hopefully, right? even if you only talked to him one night all summer, and haven't seen him for a month.. 

///the moment a light turns yellow on you. it's funny how excited it makes me. it's probably because it gives me an extra wish. today, I hit three-- my wish best be comin' true. 

///a missionary e-mail that starts out Brit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how can that not make you happy? fun fact: writing friends is 100x better than writing "your missionary" you don't have to worry about what you say, or how either of you feel toward the situation.. or any of that.

///a second missionary e-mail from another great friend, & seeing that their dumb sense of humor still remains. 

///people who say "Brit, I seriously just think you're the coolest girl ever, I can't wait to meet your husband, to bad you'll have to be the settler because I think it'd be impossible to find someone who'd make you the reacher." wow. that was one of the nicest most confidence boosting things anyone has ever said to me. 

///having your one best friend at college with you. so when you get off work you can meet for Jamba runs. new friends will never understand you the way your best friends since elementary school do. 

///running errands with another best friend. everyone deserves best friends as great as mine, that's for sure. 

///chocolate fro-yo. 'nuff said. 

///hallmark movies. they're a weakness amongst my sisters and me. 

& one more thing, a super good scripture study from last night always contributes to a better tomorrow. 

& maybe that's why today I felt so blessed, & just so happy to be alive. Life is goood. 

Summer Rain & Endless Daydreams.

It's almost become familiar, the excitement and anticipation when I hear the thunder rolling in from my bedroom in the basement, the pitter-patters on the back patio, and distinct way the rain smells in the kitchen when the back door is open. 

I wonder if rain actually has the power to make everyone's thoughts run wild the way it does mine?

Today, it caught me in my dreams.. because how lovely they'd be to experience in a summer storm..

...I wouldn't mind being a famous blogger or journalist. On the streets of New York, writing on my laptop from a small cafe, as the rain soaked everyone hurrying along the crowded streets.

...Or serving at an orphanage in Africa, jumping in the puddles with those beautiful children, letting the rain completely soak us.. I can only imagine their pure humble hearts, & the simple yet such complex lives they live.

...Even just being a teacher, & trying to keep their attention as the storm rolls in and they become restless.

...& of course I'm a hopeless romantic.. & I dream of the day that he sweeps me off my feet and kisses me in the pouring rain.. of course it's completely cliche, but in this case I don't feel like it'd make it any less magical.

As for now, I'll just let it transform this simple dimly-lit kitchen into my magical place, because to dream it could be the first step to actually experiencing it, right? 

& someday, I hope the rainstorms will be there to accompany me as my dreams become realities.