You

At work I see about 300-600 people each day, about 80 of those people actually stop and listen to what I have to say. Lately, I have been learning how to talk to those people, make conversations with these complete strangers, get to know them a little bit. Most of them I don't remember. In fact most of them I forget as soon as they walk away. But there are a few that stick out in my memory. Why?
Because they were different. Because we connected a little bit. Because they taught me something.


Since I have come to NZ I have met so many people. Uncles, aunties, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cousins. Uncles, aunties and cousins that aren't really my uncle, auntie or cousin. Each time I go to a new place there are new neighbors. Each new ward brings new people, new friends, more names to look up on facebook. Some of these people I will never see again. Some of them I will. Some I have forgotten about, but some I will remember forever. Why? 
Because they were different. Because we connected a little bit. Because they taught me something. 


So this post is dedicated to those people. The people I knew for 5 seconds. 5 minutes. 5 hours. 5 months. I don't remember all your names. But you made an impact on my life, you taught me something. I may not remember you, but I will remember what you taught me. 
The truth is, some of you deserve a whole post dedicated to telling the world how wonderful you are. But I can't do that. I hope you understand. Some of you made such a huge impact on my life. I could even say some of you changed my life. I think about you often. More often than is usual for the amount of time I knew you. But I just wanted to say thank you. Because you made me who I am.


You taught me to walk a mile in someone else's shoes first
You taught me to go for my dreams
You taught me to not be scared
You taught me how to cheer someone up
You taught me to look for ways I can serve
You taught me to be proud of who I am
You taught me to never compromise my beliefs
You taught me that I am strong enough
You taught me to smile
You taught me to laugh
You taught me to love
You taught me to let go
You taught me embrace the future


So here's to you. Thank you

Forgive me.

Today I decided that I would write a post. It's been way to long. So I turned on my computer and logged on... 

That was 15 minutes ago. I still don't know what to write.

I would love to say this blog is where I feel free to write anything I want, where I can just write and write and write and release all those pent up thoughts and crazy feelings. Where I could share whatever was on my mind, whenever I wanted. I would love to say that. But I can't. I am acutely aware that people are reading this. That they will take whatever I write on here and interpret it and perhaps even judge me by it. Please don't get me wrong, I love you reading this. I love writing here and I love people telling me that they love what I wrote. I love getting emails that tell me someone commented on a post. I love posting pictures and telling everyone what I have been doing. So please, if you are reading this, don't go anywhere. Hear me out though..

Sometimes, you have thoughts that you aren't ready to share with the world. Sometimes you have thoughts that are for your journal and not for your blog. They are personal, ever evolving and, most importantly, yours. Just yours. Sometimes, like right now, those are the only kind of thoughts I have. So forgive me for not blogging. Forgive me for not telling you where I am or what I am doing. Forgive me for not telling you of my plans, my dreams, or even my day-to-day activities. Forgive me for the lengthy silences. Forgive me if I suddenly pop a surprise on you. Forgive me for keeping secrets. Forgive me for not being ready to tell the world yet.

Saturday=sleep in. YES.

I detest mornings. No matter how hard I try to change that, I still have difficulty with that simple action of throwing back the covers and putting my feet on the ground. In a perfect world, there would be no alarm clocks.
Now I have said that though, there is one aspect of my mornings that I am beginning to enjoy. That is when I arrive on time at the bus stop and have a couple minutes to myself to breathe in the crisp, clean air and admire the view around me.
I love it.
I love the way the sun hits the trees making them appear a beautiful green and gold. I love how the fog skims the fields and creeps between the rolling hills. I love how green is the dominant color. I love how three hot air balloons rise into the blue-white sky just as the sun peeks over the trees. I love how each morning that marvelous white building on the top of the hill reflects the color of the sun rise. Today it was the color of oranges and lavender. I love it.

Some late night thoughts

Hmmmm what is this strange feeling? My toes, they are cold. (we're talking literally here) In fact, right now as I am laying in bed, I am contemplating putting socks on. I hate sleeping with socks on. This morning, believe it or not, it was cold. I didn't like it. I didn't want to get out of bed. Oh wait, that's me every morning. Either way, it's getting cold here. Maybe it's getting time to switch hemispheres again? hahaha I am such a wuss.

Next.
I skyped home a couple days ago. Joyous. My ever dutiful parents reminded me of one thing I missed out on in my Barefoot Bus Dash post. It is the, ever infamous, my-family-left-me-cause-I-was-still-curling-my-hair-so-now-I'm-walking-to-church-wearing-a-skirt&heels-in-the-snow march. Thanks Mum and Dad. By the way, the barefoot bus dash is proving a little difficult to get rid of. But I am still trying.

I love institute. thats all.

And last but not least.
I just figured out that Melanie and Denny will be arriving back in Cardston pretty much the same day Sarah and I do. Clay will be gone on his mish (sad but happy) and Laura won't be to far away!! Oh happy day!

Thank you India Arie

I found a new favorite. Check out this one.

and a quote from this song, another favorite.


The more I know, the less I understand 

And all the things I thought I figured out, 

I have to learn again.
-The Heart of the Matter

Yeah, ditto.

Brittney's Barefoot Bus Dash

I am pleased to announce the end of Brittney's Barefoot Bus Dash. That's it. We're through. I refuse to do it anymore. Done.
I'm thinking some of you may be a little confused right now. What is this barefoot bus dash you ask? Is it some kind of sport? Maybe an event at track and field? Well if it was, I would probably be the best at it, due to the insane amount of practice I have had. I'm pretty sure my family knows what I'm talking about. They are very familiar with this almost daily occurrence. But for those of you who have not had the pleasure of living with me, I will explain what the barefoot bus dash is. And no, it doesn't have anything to do with shoeless public transportation. It goes something like this...
Every morning, about 5 minutes after I was supposed to have left, I look at the clock. I scream. I shove my remaining breakfast down my throat. I then proceed to grab anything and everything that my frenzied brain thinks I need and shove it into my ever expanding bag. I then run out the door. That however is followed by an abrupt u-ey as I run back to get my shoes. Next is the final sprint, down the driveway, up the street and around the corner to the bus stop, shoes and bag in hand, hair flying everywhere, and sometimes the added bonus of a piece of toast hanging out of my mouth. I arrive at the bus stop just as the bus pulls up. I get on, sit down and try to control my breathing. It is usually during this time that I realize I have forgotten most of the stuff I actually needed and left my carefully made lunch (PB&J) on the table. And that is the barefoot bus dash. Sounds fun, huh?
Through out the years The Barefoot Bus Dash has taken on many forms. When I was in high school and was blessed with a vehicle to get me to school it was the grab-everything-and-chuck-it-into-the-truck relay. That sometimes required several trips. However, it has also been known as the Oh-no-I-have-choir-tonight scramble and the Snap-I'm-supposed-to-be-at-work-right-now rush.
Over the years my parents tried desperately to prevent this last minute mad scramble. It usually went like this: "BRITTNEY your going to be late again!" To which I would respond, "I MO, I juft bwruffing ma teef!"
It didn't work. But thanks for trying M&D.
Turns out the only cure was for me to move away. Now there is no constant reminders, no back up alarm clock, no one handing me my lunch as I run past. And if I miss the bus, too bad. Mum's not there to drive you anymore. Sad, but true. That is why I have resolved to be a better, more responsible, timely individual. It's getting kinda ridiculous, I must get it under control! From now on, no more late Brittney. There's too much at stake here girl. Way to much you could loose. One thing I have decided, It's not worth the extra 15 minutes of sleep. So here's to a new me. Goodbye late Brittney. Hello new and improved, always early, never misses the bus, complete with an internal alarm clock Brittney.

Apparently I'm Irish?

So I was working and these two older-ish men came up to me. We were talking about the touch rugby world cup, one man asked me if they would be playing gaelic rules at the world cup. and...this is how the rest of the conversation went...
Me: Ummm what are gaelic rules?
Old man #1: What do you mean 'what are gaelic rules?'
Me: I have never heard of that before
Old man #1: What? Those are the rules they follow when they play rugby in Ireland. You must have played gaelic rules in Ireland
Me: ummmm no.
Old man #1: You don't play rugby?
Me: Not really. And definitely not in Ireland.
Old man #1: What? you never played rugby in Ireland, but thats like the most popular sport over there! Why not?
Me: Well I've never been to Ireland you see
Old man #1: Well why do you have an Irish accent?
Me: I have an Irish accent?
Old man #1: Oh yes, it's very strong. You must be Irish.
Me: Nope, I'm definitely not Irish. But I was raised in Canada, maybe your getting the accents confused...?
Old man #1: Nope. Definitely Irish. Right? (turns to his mate next to him)
Old man #2 nods head
Old man #1: Yup, see? It must be.
Me: I have never even been close to Ireland before!
Old man #1 are you sure?
Me: Very.
Old man #1: Hmmmm.... Ahh! your mum must be Irish!
Me: nope she was raised in NZ
Old man #1: Ooohhhh.... are you sure?
Me: Positive.
Old man #1: Aaaahhhh...well, the Irish are claiming you!