Ten Things I Learned from my Chocolate Fast and More

I realized I haven't exactly been great about giving a general update on my life. This is because I feel kind of silly talking about myself and announcing what I've been up to. Still, I think one reason I found the blog idea appealing was as a way to let people know what is going on with me from time to time without having to go into some monologue when I get together/ catch up on the phone with them!

This summer I was invited to live with a dear, sweet family with four little nerd bombers that I simply love to pieces. (By the way, nerd bombers is my new favorite phrase). They live in Mesa, AZ and moved here while I was on my mission. While I lived in Reno, I nannied for the four previously mentioned nerd bombers and they were my only way to relate to Sister Goodman when she'd talk about how much she missed her nieces and nephews. I've had fun with them at the library, taking long walks in the Phoenix heat, going swimming, and getting crafty.

Though I've had no luck finding a second job to suppliment my income, I've taken it as a sign to take the extra time and do something that I've wanted to for a long time: sell my jewelry. As I'm sure most anyone who will read this already knows (because I'm pestering anyone who will hear with the info) I have started to design and sell pieces on etsy at www.jewelrie.etsy.com. Hopefully I will find some success. Next summer I'm wanting to sell at little city events throughout Provo/SLC. We'll see if I can help support my hobby and earn some college money while I'm at it!

Last, as of this past week I completed one of the most difficult tasks I've ever undertaken: I went a full year without chocolate. A roommate of mine came home one day, deciding that we should show we had self control by doing this. I did it mostly to support her. So did her sister. The three of us accomplished what we set out to do, some of us more stoically than others. There are many lessons I got out of my chocolate fast. Here I will leave you with the top 10:

1) Recies Pieces do not have chocolate in them.
2) 99% of the time, when someone wants to do something nice for you, they make you something with chocolate in it.
3)I have true friends who would call for a full intervention if I'd tried to go for another year (Thanks Chessie!)
4) Some people consider Oreos chocolate-- even though they don't have any real chocolate in them!
5)Approx. 79% of the girls I know believe that they would die if they went without chocolate for a year.
6) The other 21% suggest to "just keep going" because "you're on a roll"... they are the crazy ones.
7) Don't leave your really good chocolate in the fridge where nerd bomber #1 can reach it.
8) Chocolate starts looking good for breakfast when you haven't had it for a year.
9) Some people are cruel and tease you with chocolate... right when you're craving it the most.
10) I can do anything!