Cellphones!?

So a couple of months ago, my mom asked me to write a post about cellphones. This would be for my little brother who is 12, almost 13, and thinks that he NEEDS a cellphone.... And I thought why not write one?
I didn't have a cellphone when I was in middle school. I never even thought about having a cellphone... I know these days, parents give their kids cellphones because they want to be in touch with them and make sure that they're safe always, blah blah blah. Personally, I don't think it's necessary.
From my experience, middle school/junior high age is waaaaay too young to be needing a cellphone. Yes, it helps you know where your kid is. But it causes way more problems than you think.
Kids are stupid. There I said it. I was stupid when I was 12, 13, 14, even 15. Phones these days give kids access to everything. All sorts of bad stuff that they don't need to be exposed to. It also causes heaps of drama. And can also cause kids to hide things from their parents.
My younger siblings, all at various ages, have had problems with social media and drama. "So-and-so said this about me" "So-and-so told everyone my secret" "So-and-so called me this" It goes on and on and on.
I remember when I was back in middle school. Nerdy little Q, heading to the library or the band room. Life was simple back then. No boy drama. No friend drama. These days, it's pretty amazing to hear about all the stuff that goes on over at that school.
And a lot of that craziness is linked to cellphones. Kids don't need em. They can lead to cyber bullying, secret relationships, addictions (yes, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter count as addictions), and lowering grades. It can get kids in trouble too. I heard recently that my high school has started a ban of cellphones during class. Phones may only be used during passing time on penalty of suspension. Honestly, I think it's a great idea.
School is a time for learning. Phones take away from that time and distract students and cause more drama than their worth. Please don't give little kids cellphones... I am grateful that I wasn't allowed a cellphone with texting until I graduated.
So, for my little brother, you'll understand when you're older. Mom and Dad love you and they want whats best for you. Even if you might not like it. You'll be better off with no phone. I promise.
Love,
Q

True, true, true

Yay for early morning revelations!

I am in Rexburg for the moment. It was a spur of the moment trip to hang out with Carly. I've only been here for one day so far (not even one day) and this has already been a great trip for me. I've already learned so much. I've learned that I've changed a lot more than I thought I had. I've learned that my future is wiiiiiide open. I can do whatever I want to and I mean whatever. Anything.

Last night before we went to bed, Carly read to me her blog that she has been working on for her senior project. She graduates in just two months which is awesome. Her blog is one for giving advice to people who want to go to BYU-I or who are going to BYU-I. One of her posts was about choosing a major. She said that we need to choose a major of something we actually like doing. We can change it at any time and we don't need to be afraid to do so. Basically, we can be whoever we want to be. She told me that she wrote that post with me in mind. Probably because I've already changed my major once, from Music to English Education. This didn't really hit me, or sink in, until this morning when I woke up. 

Carly and her roommate are still asleep and it's 10:16 am. I can't sleep in past 9:30 no matter how late I stayed up the night before *cough* 3 am *cough*

But I woke up feeling like a new person. I feel completely different. Confident and determined. Like I want to move forward in my life and I want to figure out what I want. This is a GREAT feeling. I feel happier too. Wow, didn't know this was what Rexburg could do for me. I need to do something with my life. And this is the perfect time to do it.

When breaking up with my boyfriend, I lost complete interest in boys. And I didn't know why. True, I've only been on one date with a boy since then but still. I didn't know what Heavenly Father wanted for me. I didn't know what I was supposed to do with my life. And so I just kept praying and going to the temple and reading my scriptures, hoping and trusting in Him that I would be lead to my next step. Well, I'm still not there but at least now I have the desire to find the next step. And now I know why I don't care about boys right now. I need to get my crap together. 

I'm going to research all of the majors at BYU-I and figure out what I want in life. No matter what it is. After that first semester of coming back from the mission and actually doing a decent job in my classes for the first time ever, I have the confidence that I can do whatever I want to do. And now I actually trust what my patriarchal blessing says about my schooling. I can do whatever I want to do. Anything. And I will succeed. Just got to figure out what that is. Also I've realized that I belong here in Rexburg. From the first moment that I drove in and saw everything and started remember all of the good times, I just felt like I was home. I've missed it here. And I feel more confident and more myself. I don't feel that at all in Provo. So I may be moving back here. We'll see. For now, I'll  just figure out what I want to do. 

But I know that God has a plan for us. We need to seek his help to know what it is and what we are supposed to do. But He will reveal it to us if we are patient and trust in Him. 

And man, am I happy right now :) 

Again, it's been ages....

Here's what happens when people get home from their missions. 

1. They are super happy to be home and be with family again, love lazing around, watching tons of movies, catching up on the music, stalking people on Facebook (seeing who got married and who had kids), and enjoying the free time.

2. The boredom kicks in (of course this would happen, they just spent 1.5-2 years walking around talking to people all day long). And the desire to move on with life. This stage sucks if there is no post-mission plan. 

3. Moving on and getting a life. But also losing some of the spirituality that used to be there. Hitting an all-time spiritual low, not because you're slacking or not following the commandments, but because there is a lack of service. 

There are more steps but I still have to figure out what they are.

I'm on the 3rd step right now. It's not a fun period of time. But if little acts of service can be found everyday then it should get easier over time. 

Post-mission life is great. You get to see how much you've changed when you weren't paying attention to yourself. It's so true that if you lose yourself in the service of others, Heavenly Father will change you into who you need to be. He will make you strong enough to survive the rest of your life. Okay, better than survive. He will make you strong enough to succeed. 

I'm so grateful for my mission and all the He taught me while I was on it. Can't wait to see where He takes me next. 

Love,

Q