Winter, Weddings, and Waxing!

I really should post these pictures when they happen but better late than never, right? I'll try to go in chronological order, but just be prepared for quite a lot of pictures!

My first ever 4 DIGIT PAYCHECK! It came to a grand total of 1000.35! I worked A LOT of overtime during December but I was still excited to see such a large number on a little piece of paper. I figured this was a moment worth documenting...even though you can't read the paycheck in this picture. (I made a copy of it and it's been on my 'inspirational board' since I got it. One day it will happen again.)

Celebrating my 20th birthday with my roommates Christine and Kaitlin and my dear friend Sara :) Love them!

The wonderful card that Kaitlin Lloyd gave me for my birthday. Isn't it soo cute!? Best card ever!

My roommate Alli Warnick got engaged and we threw her a bridal shower :)

Alli married a wonderful boy named Brad on February 2nd and became Mrs. Alli Nelson :)

when girls get hungry...

And possibly my favorite picture of me and Kaitlin :)

A beautiful scene from the top of the conference center at sunset :)

And last but certainly not least... WAXING

So maybe it was my idea... Kaitlin and I had been complaining one day about how we were tired of shaving and I said something about how I wanted to try waxing sometime. If you can wax once and have smooth legs for 3 weeks, why not endure a little pain? So for my birthday Kaitlin got my a waxing kit! And guess what we did last Sunday? Bahaha! The minute I put the wax on my leg I thought, "What the heck am I doing?? I don't want to do this!!" I turned to Kaitlin and the look on her face matched the thoughts in my mind. We decided we had to do it together though, plus there was on turning back at this point. 

It hurt sooo bad! And it didn't even work! We were both rolling on the floor crying/laughing/screaming and then when we investigated the area... the wax had hardley even been pulled off! Let alone any hair! How could that have hurt so bad?? After a few failed attempts we ended up having to scrape the dried on wax off with our fingernails as it pulled on each individual hair... we sat by the fire we had built to try and reheat the wax so it would come off easier and then run into the shower to get it off... probably TMI, sorry. Anyways, I'm sticking to shaving from now on. It's really not that bad. haha but thinking back on how hilarious this moment was, I'm glad Kaitlin and I got to share it ;) hahaha!

Molecular Thoughts

There is a book entitled The Messages of Water written by Japanese author Masaru Emoto. In this book, Emoto discuss studies he has conducted that show the effect that words, ideas, and music have on the aesthetic appeal of water molecules. His experiments consisted of exposing water molecules to specific words, music, or ideas, allowing the molecules to freeze, and then examining the molecular structure with microscopic photography. Emoto experimented with words such as love, gratitude, evil, and hate. He also tested different music such as classical versus rock. For Example:

The picture on the left was taken after the water molecules had been exposed to heavy metal music.

The picture on the right, however, was taken after water molecules had been exposed to folk music.

Why is it that the aesthetic appeal of the second pictures is so much more pristine and beautiful? Why is it that the fragile structure of water can be disturbed by certain words and feelings? It's interesting to note that the human body is approximately 70% water... I wonder what effect our thoughts have on our bodies? In our church we have been counseled by the prophets to have clean thoughts, listen to wholesome music and watch uplifting movies. It seems as though scientific evidence comes a little late, but eventually backs up exactly what we believe. Maybe we're on to something...

Water isn't the only element this experiment has been tested on. Certain plants have been seen to exhibit certain positive and negative characteristics when exposed to specific words or thoughts. Energetic interchanges seem to exist between all forms of life; but does this come as much of a surprise when we know who our maker is? Of course there is an energy in all things.

In the book The Secret it discusses these same principles. If you haven't read it, do so, and keep in mind the similarities between the ideas discussed in it and our religious beliefs. They are very similar, however, it discusses the energy in the world and our relationship with it. It talks about the power of affirmation and things like "Can someone really heal them self of something as terrible cancer simply by thinking they can?" I believe that's possible...

Our words and thoughts have tremendous power; do we fully understand that power though?

Metaphors for Scriptures

Did you know that the scriptures testify of themselves? All throughout the scriptures prophets speak of their importance. For example: 1 Nephi talks about the iron rod as being scripture - "the iron rod is the word of God, 'twill safely guide us through" (hymn 274). Therefore the iron rod is a metaphor that directly means 'scripture'. There are 7 incredible metaphors for the scriptures that directly show the importance of scriptures study. 

1. The Liahona = scripture (1 Nephi 16:10, 26-29) If you recall, the Liahona was a type of compass that Lehi's family used to guide them through the wilderness to the promise land. Had Lehi's family been disobedient, the Liahona would not have worked and they would have wandered in the wilderness with no progression and eventually would have led to death. If the Liahona is a metaphor for the scriptures and the promise land is eternal life, we can conclude that the scriptures guide us to eternal life. Without them we will not progress to the celestial kingdom and ultimately die spiritually.

2. The Iron Rod = scripture (1 Nephi 8:19-20, 23-24) In Nephi's dream, he saw the iron rod leading to the tree of life. He also saw mists of darkness surrounding the rod, and a filthy river following along a strait and narrow path. If the iron rod represents the word of God, these versus in 1 Nephi tell us that the scriptures keep us from temptation and darkness, help us stay on the path, and ultimately lead to the tree of life - Jesus Christ. Without the rod/scriptures there is no way for us to stay on such a narrow path that leads to Christ. You cannot leave the rod/scriptures without also leaving the path. If we do not have the rod, we will wander in darkness, drown in the river, or get swept up in the worldly mansion - ultimately leading to spiritual death.

3. Manna = scripture (Exodus 16) After the Israelites fled Egypt, they wandered through the wilderness and eventually began to murmur for bread. The Lord answered their prayers by having manna rain down from heaven. Just like any food, manna provided the Israelites with strength and nourishment. Therefore if manna is a metaphor for scriptures, we know that the scriptures give us spiritual strength and nourishment. Without food in the literal sense we will die, so without spiritual food our spirit will also die.

4. Lamp = scripture (Psalms 119: 105) "The word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". In a very simple way, this verse tells us the obvious, we need a light to show us where to go. Therefore if a lamp is a metaphor for the scriptures we know that the scriptures illuminate our path and show us where to go. If we were wandering in darkness without a lamp we would eventually get lost, have nowhere to go, and die. So, without a lamp/scriptures we will in time, die spiritually.

5. Water = scripture (John 4:14) A Samaritan woman came to a well where Christ was resting having traveled from Judea. He asked her to give him a drink and she was surprised that a Jew would speak to someone of her social status. After questioning him, he told her "whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst". Immediately she asked to partake of this water and then went back to the city to tell others. Water quenches thirst. Therefore if the water in this parable represents the scriptures, we know that the scriptures quench our thirst for knowledge. Without water we will die, therefore without spiritual water, we will die spiritually.

6. Sword = scripture (Ephesians 6: 11-18; D&C 27:18; Helaman 3:29; Jacob 2:8) Quite often the scriptures tell us to "put on the armour of God." D&C explains what each piece of armor represents.
helmet of salvation
breastplate of righteousness
loins girt about with truth
feet shod with the gospel of peace
shield of faith
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Of all the armor listed, the only offensive piece is the sword. Everything else helps protect us from the enemy but the only element that helps us fight and defend the truth is the sword. If the sword is the scriptures, then the scriptures help us fight against the powers of the devil. Also, we know that a sword can heal. If you take this in the literal sense, a sword or knife, is what has enabled modern medicine to heal millions. In Jacob it states that the word (scriptures) healeth the wounded soul. Without the ability to fight the enemy or heal, we will die both physically and spiritually.

7. Seed = scripture (Alma 32:28, 37-38, 41-42) "Faith is like a little seed, if planted it will grow" (children's primary song book). We are told if we plant the seed of the gospel in our hearts and nourish it, it will grow. Well what will it grow into? A tree that will bring forth good fruit. Fruit that is most precious and sweet, white above all that is white, and pure above all that is pure - does this sound familiar? The Tree of Life, even Jesus Christ? If we 'plant' the scriptures in our hearts Christ will grow and dwell within us. Of all of the reasons that scripture study is important, I can't think of a more powerful one that having Christ dwell within us. In a world swept up by the cunning and evilness of the devil, what better way to withstand him than to have our Savior with us at all times?

The new testament is not just an account of Christ life and teachings, the Book of Mormon is not just the keystone that holds our religion together and sets us apart from other Christian faiths, and scripture study is not just something we are encouraged to do because the prophet said to. The scriptures guide us to eternal life, lead us to Christ, give us strength, illuminate our path, quench or thirst for knowledge, allow us to fight the devil and defend the truth, and allow Christ to dwell within us...

Guilty Pleasure

What's my guilty pleasure?? Chocolate? Okay yes, guilty. Chocolate is definitely a weakness of mine - put any combination of chocolate and caramel or chocolate and peanut butter in front of me and there is no hope. However, I'm actually going to talk about a better, healthier, more exciting guilty pleasure of mine. One that makes me smile just thinking about it.

running.

Yep. You read correctly. I am absolutely in LOVE with running! Why? This question has actually been weighing on my mind all week. (Well, in all honesty, Tanner asked me in his most recent letter why I have taken such a liking to running, which has caused me to contemplate the true reason).

I started running when I moved down to BYU but I was never very serious about it - only going a couple times a week and not running hardly at all when it got colder. Then I picked in back up again that summer. I began thinking, "Maybe I'll train for a marathon or something". But I soon realized how far fetched this idea really was and let it go. However, I continued running. More as a form of relaxation than exercise.

I love nature and feel that we can be connected with it in a way, and running outside allowed me to make that connection. It gave me an opportunity to enjoy what was around me, to "slow down" from my busy life and breath. 

After Tanner left I had a lot more free time; time I spent running. What's a girl to do on a Friday night when her boy has left? Run. When I moved up to Weber I was most ecstatic about being able to find a new trail to run on (you can only run on a relatively flat, straight trail for so long and enjoy it (the legacy trail by my house)). When it got colder I realized I was right the down the street from the Weber State gym - free to students. Bomb! :) 

I used to have something against treadmills. Why not be outside enjoying nature, breathing fresh air? However, I have had to overcome that for it is much too cold to run outside. But believe it or not, I have absolutely fallen in love with treadmills. I can set the speed and completely zone out, letting the treadmill pull me along. I let the music from my ipod consume my thoughts as I stare at my feet in the mirror while the beat of the music and my step synchronize. Before I know it an hour has passed. 5.5 miles of track. 671 feet in elevation. 

I think running is my replacement for dancing. Why did I dance? I loved being one with the music. Letting all thoughts disappear as the music ran through my veins, the moves and notes following the same crescendo and decrescendo, my dress flowing gently across my skin as I moved, a thin saber or blunt rifle spinning with me and around me yet with a strong forceful appearance, and allowing the energy of the music to match the energy of the dance and portraying that to the audience. It doesn't get any better than that. I can't dance anymore. But when I run I get to let the music consume me again. My steps match the beat of the music once more. My breathe is synchronized with each move I make just like it did when I danced. 

Maybe all that is just my romanticized view of the world, but what's wrong with that? I LOVE RUNNING! Who knows, maybe I will end up running a half marathon this summer - but for now that is just an idea. I'll just enjoy the running for now...

Dream - Coming Back

This week I’ve had the most incredible experience, mostly last night, and I want to share it with you. I know it will be difficult to get my emotions across through a letter to you, thousands of miles away, but I just hope that you can feel my spirit and maybe it will speak to yours. I hope that you will at least be able to make sense of all these feelings even though I’m still trying to organize them all. You are the one person I feel like I can and should share them with. Tanner, I think I’m coming back… I went away for a little bit, let go of all that I hold dear, but I think I have finally realized what I had been doing wrong and I hope I know how to fix it. Let me try to explain the best I can… I lay in bed last night after spending some time on my knees with the Lord, I opened up my scriptures and for the second night in a row, just like you said, I found the answer I had been praying for. Tears filled my eyes and I prayed even more. Then hundreds of thoughts began to race through my head. I knew I needed to write them down, but as I looked at the clock and realized it was almost midnight, I told myself I would write them down later; I desperately needed sleep. I woke up this morning with even more thoughts running through my head, I rushed off to class, barely paid attention, and now I’m in the computer lab, trying to sort through these thoughts and emotion that are overwhelming my entire mind. I just hope I can get all my thoughts out before my next class starts… I apologize if reading this seems like I’m telling a story that I’ve related to gospel principles, it’s the best way I can think to express my feelings. I guess it is a story of the last few months of my life. I just hope you can try to understand and still accept me after I leave myself vulnerable to your thoughts. I was walking along my path in life, just as I always had. There was a little bit of fog covering the path, however, the rod that I was holding illuminated the way just enough that I knew just where to go. I continued walking. Then instead of keeping my eyes straight ahead, I began to look around, I wanted to see what was going on around me. Why? I had never wanted to do this before… But I indulged in a little curiosity. I turned to my left, and in the distance I saw a form. The fog made it difficult to see what it was, but I was intrigued. I loosened my grip just enough that I could turn a little further, look a little harder, and there it was. A building. The lights were on and I could see people inside. Something told me, “You don’t care what they’re doing, don’t worry about it – keep going.” But something else told me, “Look a little harder. Don’t you just want to watch? You don’t have to let go, just watch.” So that’s what I did. I took one step closer, stopped walking, and just sat and watched, with my hand gently placed on the rod. If I look back over the past few months I don’t know exactly when this happened. It wasn’t a point in time that I just turned and disregarded my path, it was a slow relaxation of my standards, and probably was reinforced by the Lake Powell trip with nonmembers questioning my testimony and the church. I defended everything that I stood for, but after the ‘debate’ thoughts of doubt and question filled my mind. Why did I let what they were saying get to me? Why did I ignore the spirit that entire trip with little things like what to wear, what to say, and how to act? These questions still remain unanswered. (It’s interesting to note that this is where you mentioned you noticed a change in my tone in my letters…) I continued to watch the building and the people inside. There was nothing of importance going on, but for some reason, I kept watching. At times I would turn and see people passing me along the path, but I was too scared to ask for help, I figured I could just come back on my own. However, feelings of emptiness grew as I continued to watch. I wondered why I felt so alone. I wondered why I began to feel unworthy to be one of God’s children. An image keeps popping into my mind. One where I see myself standing in a field of dead grass with my eyes closed. The sky is gloomy and the colors are all muted. As I keep watching this image, I see a tornado begin to spin around me, which upon close examination is a tornado of words; words that I shouldn’t believe – all from the advisary trying to bring me down. But as the tornado thickens and darkens, I can’t get out. The longer I stand there the less my own light fades and my skin turns a dingy gray color… I turn my head from the great building full of people, and look back towards my right hand, still placed gently on the rod. I see another hand, reached out towards me. I look up and see my bishop standing there, hand outstretched, with Christ at his side. Both have this look in their eyes of longing and love. I can feel that they want me to come with them and I am overcome by a feeling to join them. I release my hand from the rod and begin to reach towards that outstretched hand. Then I hear a whisper in my ear, filled with those same words that I saw in the tornado, “You’re not worthy of them. You don’t need them.” I retract my hand and place it back on the rod. The look of sadness in the eyes of my bishop and my Savior tear my soul in two. Tears begin to stream down my face for I know not what to do. I feel them both fade away and I am left alone. Feelings of guilt and inadequacy overwhelm my soul and I fall down on my knees and begin to sob. After a time I open my eyes to see a pile of letters on the ground next to my leg. I open each and begin to read. They are filled with love and encouragement from my best friend. He is off fighting a different battle, looking for our lost brothers and sisters to bring them back to the path. In each letter he bares testimony of the Savior, sometimes by simply encouraging me to read my scriptures. He tells me to pray with a question in mind and then search my scriptures and I will always find the answer. He tells me to trust the Lord. He bears his testimony of the Plan of Salvation. I’ve heard these things before. I reach into my back pocket and pull out a tattered Book of Mormon and begin to read. Just as my friend said, and just as I knew they would, the answers seemed to jump off each page. Each night I prayed and each night I received an answer. I placed my hand on the rod and stood up - filled with new conviction. I looked up and saw my bishop still standing there, with arms outstretched. A tread of fear began to weave its way into my heart, but I quickly grabbed his hand. He pulled me into a hug and said, “Don’t be scared, Kyra. I’m right here. Let me help you. I know you want to do this on your own but let me help you. The Savior has been here the whole time, let me help you see him.” This last paragraph basically sums up this last week. That seems like such a short time for things to change, but it began with a meeting with my bishop last Sunday. It was just a simple meeting to get to know each other, since my birthday was coming up. The first thing the bishop commented on was how happy I was; and it was true. I am happy, and that’s why I thought I was doing okay. The Lord fills us with joy, right? Why would he let us experience joy if we weren’t doing what we were supposed to be? I knew I was struggling spiritually, but when the bishop asked I said I was doing good (I intentionally didn’t say great, just good). We talked for a second about what makes people glow and came up with two things- worthiness and the Spirit. I wanted to ask him if I glow, because I honestly don’t know… I’ve had people tell me recently that I do, but I certainly don’t feel that way. So why can others see it and I can’t? At the end of the meeting I asked the bishop to give me a blessing. I told him I just needed strength and guidance. He paused, and for a moment I wasn’t sure how much of my true feelings he already knew. He gave me the blessing and I know I could feel my Savior reaching out his hand to me. I didn’t want the blessing to end, I hadn’t felt that close to my Savior in a very long time, but alas, it ended. I stood up and the bishop gave me a hug and asked if there was anything else he could do for me. This is the part where I retracted my hand. I smiled politely, thanked him, but said I was good. Why didn’t I reach out to him and tell him that I needed him? Why didn’t I tell him that I don’t know how to see the Savior in my life? I believe that is why this week was that way that it was. It has brought me so much more understanding of the experience of Alma the Younger in chapter 36. Now I don’t know all that he went through, but this last week I can say that my mind and Spirit have been in an unending wrestling match. I can barely focus on my school work, I can’t fall asleep… the only thing I can think about is asking the bishop to help me. I’ve been trying to push that idea out of my mind all week, it scares me to death. In my mind talking to the bishop was always for repentance of something big. In Institute on Wednesday night the lesson was all about repentance. The minute the teacher announced the lesson topic, tears filled my eyes as I knew it was specifically for me. Things that I should have understood a long time ago finally came full circle as I realized how imperfect I am and how much help I need. It doesn’t matter how hard I try, I’m ALWAYS going to need to repent. I knew this but I don’t think I completely understood it. The bishop isn’t there just to confess sins to, he’s there to help me repent of anything and everything and find the Savior again. This last part being the key. I thought I could find the Savior on my own. I didn’t understand why I needed someone else to help me find something that is so personal. The truth is, I can’t do this on my own. I can’t express how grateful I am for the Atonement, that my older brother would be so willing to suffer so much just to come find me and reach his hand out to me and say, “Kyra, I’m waiting for YOU. I’m here for YOU. Just LET me help you.” All I have to do is let him in. I don’t know why I’ve struggled to do that. I read in my scriptures either that night or the night before one of the scriptures that had an answer for me. 3 Nephi 18:32 – Christ is talking to his disciples and just explained the sacrament to them. He explains the organization of the church and then talks about the repentance of his people. At the end of verse 32 he says, “I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them.” This helped me understand why I need to not be afraid, but let my bishop help me. I’ve been struggling with understanding the importance of a bishop, but that one sentence explains everything. Thursday on my way home from work I called the executive secretary and set up an appointment to meet with the bishop this coming Tuesday. I was surprised at the amount of comfort that came just from making the appointment. Fear is still trying to weave its way into my mind, but I keep reminding myself that I have nothing to be afraid of. I don’t know why that’s the one emotion that won’t give up, but I’m determined to win this battle. Later Thursday night I received another answer through my scriptures. I almost didn’t grab my scriptures that night. I had periodically been reading them throughout the day and when I climbed into bed late that night I thought, “I’m good. I’ve already read a few times today.” But this very very faint thought snuck into my mind and said, “that’s okay. Go grab your i-touch anyways. A few verses will only take a few minutes.” I thought for just a second, and then climbed out of bed. 3 Nephi 22: 7-14 “for a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord they Redeemer…..for the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee…In righteousness shalt though be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee.” I don’t know if I’ve ever felt the Lord speaking so directly to me. Almost every verse of that little 17 verse chapter was meant just for me, I know it. Tears filled my eyes as I lay in bed after reading that. And that’s when all those thoughts, and the story of my life with the iron rod, began to run through my head. I have yet to experience the last part of my ‘dream/thought’ with me finally taking the hand of the bishop, but I’ve already taken the step. It’s Friday night right now, and I can almost feel something foreshadowing a weekend of constant battle with the advisary. I know he will try everything he can to keep me from seeing the bishop Tuesday night. That’s because he knows how strong I can be with the Lord by my side. But I can’t give in. I won’t give in. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 01-23-11 So… I typed up all those feelings Friday morning as they were fresh on my mind, but now that Sunday has rolled around and I’ve had time to think and calm my thoughts down I’ve been debating as to whether or not I should leave it in this letter. I was reading over it however, and I think I had better clarify some things. That entire experience, and the inspiration I received it quite dramatic. I realize though, that it needed to be that way for me to realize where I’m at and where I want to be. Tanner, you should know that I have never let go of the iron rod and strayed from my path. I guess in a way, we all kind of loosen our grip at times, but I know this church is true and I know everything about it is what I want in my life and how I want to live my life. I may forget that the Savior is always by my side, but that’s why I’ve decided to turn to my bishop. I feel like he’s the one that can help me see the Savior and learn to rely on him more. I tell you that because I don’t want you to be worried that I have completely lost my way – I haven’t. But it certainly seems like that after I share that story about my life. I’m doing quite well, dear, and I thank you for helping me stay strong. I also want to thank you for your incredible testimony in your last letter. That means so much to me dear. I love hearing you testify of the Savior and what he has done for you. You are incredibly strong and are such an example of the faith.

Boys

A good friend of mine posted this poem on her blog and I think it is just absolutely hilarious; and completely true. So naturally I 'stole' (copy/pasted) it from her and here it is on my blog :) Enjoy!

Boys
A heart is not a plaything, a heart is not a toy,
But if you want it broken, just give it to a boy.
Boys,they like to play with things to see what makes them run,
But when it comes to kissing, they do it just for fun.;
Boys never give their hearts away; they play us girls for fools,
They wait until we give our hearts and then they play it cool.
You'll wonder where he is at night; you'll wonder if he's true.
One moment you'll be happy; one moment you'll be blue.
If you get a chance to see him, your heart begins to dance.
Your life revolves around him-there's nothing like romance.
And then it starts to happen: you worry day and night.
You see, my friend, you're losing him, it never turns out right.
Boys are great, though immature; the price you pay is high.
He may seem sweet and gorgeous, but remember, he's a guy.
Don't fall in love with just a boy; that takes a lot of nerve.
You see, my friend, you need a man to get what you deserve.
So when you think that you're in love, be careful if you can,
Before you give your heart away, make sure that he's a man.

-Author Unknown

Lucky? No. Just Awesome.

When I was 16 my dad made a bet with me and my brothers that if we graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA he would buy as a brand new car. Well.....

Meet Sophie :)

(Okay... so this isn't really her, but this picture is a lot more epic than one taken from the driveway. Plus she looks just like this)

So did I graduate high school with a 4.0 GPA? Actually, no. That's why I didn't expect a car when I graduated 2 years ago (can you believe it has been almost 2 years??). I did however, graduate with a 3.9 and high honors. I was still pretty proud of myself considering I had more than a year of college under my belt: 33 credits. I was totally fine driving my little junker, Karalia, around and riding public transit. However, a few weeks ago she started to get sick. We all knew it was coming, but losing a car is always difficult. 

(I have so many fond memories with my baby - mostly of me caressing the dashboard and encouraging her to start or to get up large hills. I don't know why I get attached to things like cars, but I'm certainly going to miss her. We donated her to Kidney Kars. I was standing in the driveway when they drove off with her and it actually made my heart sink a little. Maybe pathetic, but hey)

My parents began talking about ways to afford another car and in my mind I was thinking another junker to share with Jeremy, maybe resorting back to UTA, and certainly not for awhile. So the day I pulled into the driveway to meet this beautiful thing, I was shocked. And when my dad handed me the keys and told me she was all mine I was even more shocked!

I began thinking that if my parents were really going to buy me a car they better be considering it Christmas and my birthday for the next two years or more! (I always hated those girls in high school who's parents bought them things like cars and they still seemed ungrateful. Exhibit A: my friend Angie). Now I was afraid I was one of them!) I decided to bring it up with my mom to make sure we were on the same page. Turns out she kinda guilt-ed my dad into rewarding me for winning the bet. She knew that had I taken 'easy A' classes I very well could have graduated with a 4.0, but I had decided to take college classes and still managed to pull out a 3.9. Therefore, I guess my dad justified buying me a used car 2 years late, rather than a brand new car right when I graduated. Well I'm certainly not complaining - I couldn't feel more grateful! It amazes me how much my parents take care of me, even when I think I'm becoming independent. Life could be so much more difficult, riding public transit is definitely a challenge, and yet my parents want me to have the best life possible and seem to do anything to give it to me. I only hope that I can be as incredible of a parent as they are. They sacrifice so much for me and I am eternally grateful. 

Now how do you thank your parents for buying you a car...?