Moab Rocks!

Excuse the pun, it was just too easy.

I want to visit all 5 national parks in Utah this summer. So at 2am, we jumped in the car and headed south. We decided we wanted to be under the Delicate Arch at Arches National Park to watch the sunrise.

The sign at the trailhead said the way to go was marked by stacks of rocks.  So we followed them, or at least we thought we did. Our first clue that we were going the wrong way is that all the people that had started the hike near us were nowhere to be found. We hiked way too far, and the sun was about to come up, so we stayed where we were. And that was probably the best decision of the trip. Here's why:

We had the best view of the whole valley (and we could see the arch!).

Once the sun came up, we made it to Delicate Arch.

Note the jerk who ended up in the background of everyone's photos. Unless you works for National Geographic (which you don't), move it, buddy.

After a lunch stop and a quick nap in Moab, we drove a couple miles to Canyonlands National Park.

And what's a good road trip without making a really stupid decision along the way?

I couldn't have asked for better adventure buddies. At no point in the trip did I want to push them off the edge of the cliff.

Overall, I learned two important things:

1. Sometimes, not following the crowd gives you better results in the end.

2. Don't trust your guy friends to take flattering pictures of you.

Two national parks down, 3 to go. Any suggestions for things we have to see or do in Zion, Bryce, or Capitol Reef?

Thank You

Today, I cried in the grocery store.

For anyone who knows me well, this probably isn't surprising; I cry everywhere. But this was different. As I wait to check out, I see a little boy, probably about 8 years old, carrying a couple things to the register next to mine. I couldn't see an adult with him, which I didn't think was weird because it's Provo, which means at any given time you are surrounded with at least 50 small, unattended children. Anyways, the little boy gets to the register, and the cashier told him his total: $7.24. The little boy hands him his money: $6.  The cashier tries to explain to the boy that he needs some more money, while the little boy says, "I have to go ask my mom. She's in the car with my new baby sister." As he turns around, the lady in front of me stops him, and hands him $50 and tells him the rest of the money is for his mom. He walks out of the store, the lady in front of me pays for her own groceries and leaves, and I'm left standing in line wiping tears off my face.

I wish I would have thanked that woman for reminding me to serve others.  I don't think I say thank you enough, actually. So....

Thank you to the woman who helped the little boy and his mom.

Thank you to the man who grabbed an extra cart for me when I walked into the store.

Thank you to the boy who helped me grab the jar I couldn't reach off the top shelf.

Thank you to the sweet special needs girl who bagged my groceries and asked about my day.

Thank you to the guy who held the door open for me at school.

Thank you to the girl who told me my lipstick was pretty.

Thank you to the professor who told me I did a good job on my homework.

Thank you to the stranger who smiled at me today.

The smallest things can turn someone's day around. What did you do today?

Miles and Miles and Miles of Corn

COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK. Hallelujah.

If you know ANYTHING about me, you know my heart and soul lie with BYU Football. So when my best friend looked at me on Friday night and said, "Let's drive to Nebraska tonight," I said yes without hesitation. College is about being spontaneous, right? Right.

So we found two more travel buddies, hopped in the car, and set off to Nebraska at about 11pm. The drive to Lincoln takes about 13 hours. Yeah, we know we're crazy.

Why does Wyoming exist? That place is awful. Luckily we had enough snacks to feed all of Memorial Stadium to get us through that trip.

Every road trip has its weird moments. Savanah shaving her legs was one of them.

We FINALLY get to Lincoln, and let me tell you, I was not expecting that kind of humidity. But, I was also not expecting Husker fans to be so welcoming. We were offered food, water, directions, and good luck. I'm not used to people wearing red being so nice.

Once we made it to Memorial Stadium (which is BEAUTIFUL, by the way), we were lucky enough to get the opportunity to hang out on the field for a little while.

Let's take a second to appreciate Memorial Stadium. This place is incredible, from the fans to the facilities. Even after the game, the fans were gracious, thanked us for making the drive, and congratulated us. I've heard countless stories from other BYU fans that Huskers paid for their dinner after the game. That is the definition of class. 

They even have Der Viener Schlinger. Yes, that is an AIR POWERED HOT DOG GUN. Take notes, BYU.

The game went back and forth between both teams. We lose our starting QB. Nebraska is up by one point. The heat, humidity, and exhaustion almost killed Savanah and I. We didn't want to believe that we had driven all this way just to witness a loss. With enough time for one play, we were trying to be as hopeful as possible. And then: THIS.

THE MANGUM MIRACLE. I SAW THIS. IN PERSON. RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. ARE YOU KIDDING.

Cue screaming, jumping, crying, high-fiving, hugging strangers, and all-around pandemonium. We. Beat. Nebraska. 13 hour drive? Totally worth it.

People ask me all the time why I love sports so much. Why I stay home on a Friday or Saturday night to watch a football game. Why I sleep in front of a stadium or arena for front row seats. Why I'm willing to drive through the night on almost no sleep to a state full of corn to sweat off 10 lbs of water weight for a bunch of guys in jerseys running around on fake grass. 

This is Y. 

Work, Netflix, and an Eminem Reference

Guess who's back, back again (Slim Shady raps furiously in the background).

Greetings, friends. It's been a while., but I've been inspired by my girl Gabby to re-join the blogging world. Has is really been almost a year since my last post? Crazy how time flies when you're watching Netflix.

This is where I'm at now:

• I'm still living in Provo, UT and loving it. Some of the best people in the world live here.
• I work at Bam Bam's BBQ and my life has gotten significantly stickier and smokier since then. If y'all love some real Texas barbecue then mosey on down and grab yourself some brisket. 
• I'm still working with BYU Athletic Marketing. I swear I have the most rad jobs.
• I'm VERY emotionally invested in Grey's Anatomy. I'm only on Season 3 so if you ruin it, you're dead to me.
• I'm the proud mother of a Betta fish named Tank. I'm really happy to have found a pet that can survive a few days without being fed (oops).
• I bake. A LOT. Cookies, cupcakes, pie, cheesecake... you name it, I've baked it.

I want this blog to be fun. I want you to laugh when you read it. I want it to have lots of pictures and lots of fun stories.

Wish me luck.

An Attitude of Gratitude

A new Facebook "challenge" has been appearing on my timeline recently. Each person who has been challenged must post three things they are grateful for each day for five consecutive days, and then challenge their friends to do the same.

I like it.

It seems we're surrounded by negativity every day, from every angle.  The news, social media, and often people's attitudes focus on the ugly in the world today. This challenge asks people to look at the positive in their lives, spread that positivity, and ask others to do the same. 

So here is just a fraction of things that I'm grateful for.

My family.

I would not be where I am today without them... literally,  These are the people who shaped who I am.  They've always supported and loved me, which is definitely deserving of the #1 spot on the gratitude list.

My friends.

In my opinion, low-quality photos are representative of a high-quality time.  And I have an endless amount of low-quality photos of my friends.  These are the people who I can call at any hour and I know they'll drop anything for me. They're always there to put a smile on my face and for that I'm incredibly grateful.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I love this gospel. I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I love the temple. I love missionary work. I love the Plan of Salvation. 

For more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, click HERE.

My internship.

If you spend any time with me, you know I talk about my internship with the BYU Athletic Marketing department. A lot. But it's something I'm passionate about and something I love dearly. It's presented me with countless challenges, but has also rewarded me with some incredible opportunities. 

This is in no way a comprehensive list of everything I'm grateful for. Some days, I'm grateful for the little things, like having one last pair of clean socks or receiving a compliment from someone I look up to. But I think those are the things that can change someone's outlook on life. Life is made up of small, fleeting moments. If we don't stop to reflect on them and appreciate them, life will fly by without us noticing. 

"Thanksgiving Daily"

You are Not Alone

Please note: This post is very personal. The things I've chosen to share here are in no way attempts at gaining sympathy or pity from anyone who may read this. Anyone who has experienced or is currently experiencing anything discussed here should feel free to contact me. Thank you!


The news of Robin William's death shattered the internet earlier this week. For days my news feed has been nothing but a hodgepodge of quotes from Dead Poet's Society, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Hook.  But what caught my attention wasn't the funny memories or inspirational quotes from a great actor; it was the outcry for increased awareness of depression.

Many posts moved me deeply, and a few brought me to tears. But the ones that stood out for me the most were a few short, yet powerful tweets from a coworker and good friend.

*screenshots were used with permission*

I learned that I suffered from depression and anxiety disorders in December of 2013.  For the next few months, I endured the most difficult trials I had ever faced: trials I had never imagined would fall before me.I found myself struggling to find motivation or desire to do things that I used to love. I couldn't bring myself to go to my classes, much less do the required work. I felt completely hopeless as I watched my life fall apart in front of me. I felt like there was nothing I could do. But I was luckier than a lot of people. I sought help, which I was able to find from doctors, counselors, and friends.

While I still struggle occasionally with feelings of sadness, loneliness, and worthlessness, I know that I am loved. I know that I have a family that will support me through all of my trials. I know that I have friends who are constantly looking out for me and serving me. Most importantly, I know that my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ love me. 

Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) spoke to all members of the Church in October of 2013 in a talk called "Like a Broken Vessel." He said, 

"Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than 

you can comprehend. As President Monson said to the Relief Society sisters so 

movingly last Saturday evening: “That love never changes. … It is there for 

you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for

 you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.”  Never,

 ever doubt that, and never harden your heart."

 (See full talk here. I highly recommend it.)

As Joseph Smith sat in Liberty Jail, feeling utterly alone, he cried out to his Heavenly Father, saying "O God, where art thou? And where is the pavillion that covereth thy hiding place?" The Lord's response has been my favorite scripture for years (D&C 121:7-8).

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; 

thine adversity and thine 

afflictions shall be but a small moment;

And then, if thou endure it well, 

God shall exalt thee on high;

thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."

Heavenly Father didn't tell Joseph He was going to take his trials away. He didn't even say He would make them easier. But what He did say was that He was aware of his struggles, and if he persevered, he would be rewarded.

In the past few months, I have learned to find joy in the smallest aspects of life. In fact, that discovery is what inspired the title of this blog (as cliche and it may sound). I see these fleeting moments as a reminder from Heaven that all hope is not lost. Whether it be a beautiful sunset, an unexpected text from a friend, or a smile from a stranger, I have realized that by focusing on the beautiful and happy things of life, however seemingly insignificant, we can know that we are constantly being watched over and protected.

If anyone struggles with depression, anxiety, or other mental disorder, please understand the following:

You are important.

You are strong.

You are of worth.

You are loved.

You are not alone.