Where in the world...?

I have been many places in the world.

My top 5 go like this:

1. Greece
2. Italy
3. Lake powell
4. Cancun
5. Aruba

(And my dear husband, Cabo was wonderful because it was with you, but the place itself doesn't compare.)

Once you travel to some place completely out of your comfort zone, it brings on a whole new level of excitement and adventure. And there's no stopping the yearning for more and more travel.

No stopping it.

I call it: Travelinertia.

Maybe it's unhealthy. Maybe it's useless. Maybe none of us will ever get to visit where we want.

I'm not saying I'm ungrateful for what I've got and the experiences I've had. No, not at all!!!

If only, if only....

Portofino, Italy.

Innsbruck, Austria.

Barcelona, Spain.

Paris, France.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Ireland.

Srilanka.

BACK TO GREECE.

Greece. I dream about it almost every night. I want to retire to a Greek island with the one I love and relax.

Greece is defined by it's laid back atmosphere and rounded colorful houses.

Santorini.

The main question is..

WHY travel?

Mark Twain said:

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”

I heard somewhere that "only from the outside can you look back in". Traveling not only helps an individual understand and respect other cultures, but it helps to understand ones OWN culture and values.

To Learn to have a world view. To have more self confidence and maturity.

The best things in life aren't things.

Experience is what makes us happy... Not materialistic possessions. Experiences create a connection between people. They make us feel alive and happy. Experiences not only make us more intelligent, but they make us more tolerable-- They make us wise.

Where will your dreams take you?

Mawage

Mar-riage
[mar-ij]
-The social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc.

-The number one cause of divorce

-The most successful wealth transfer scheme ever invented.

-In the USA: Legalized slavery for men. Legalized "you can do no wrong" for women.

TAKE YOUR PICK.

Simply put, marriage is a lot of different things to a lot of different people.


To me, marriage is:
A (legal) pact between two people (usually attracted to each other) to stay together forever in a working, two-way relationship.

Marriage is SO much more than a wedding. But to start off, my wedding day was 'magical' to say the least. Take a look for yourself! :)

It started off with a wonderful ceremony in the temple in which we were sealed together forever!

The whole group!

My lovely immediate family..

New Familyyyyy!

My lovely family and friends.

Next was the luncheon. Oh boy. The toasts...

This is what I learned from the words that were said.
Brace yourself.

• -You have to always, ALWAYS respect each other.
• -No secrets.
• -"If it's not about love, it's not worth it."
• -No marriage can be successful without prayer and the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

I'd have to say though... Shawn's words of wisdom by far took the cake.
To Logan:
"If it's hard, if it's heavy, if it will make you hot or if it will make you cold, if it takes a lot amount of energy, if it's not pleasant, if it's tiring, It's your job. If for some reason the wife does not want to do it, it then is by default, your job. Also, the husband should not have to be asked by the wife...he should be able to know just by "the look".
Exhibit A (the look):

THE RECEPTION.
Number one, WHY is it called a reception? I don't understand. Please, if you have any insight, feel free to share.

I want to give a shout out to my girls. They made the party a party. aldjkfkdsj LOVE.

Also, Logan, I'm sorry for shoving that cake in your face after the 'pinky promise'. My bad. Couldn't resist. Heheeeee.

We honeymooned in Cabo.... I won't spare you the details.

Anyway. Marriage. Love it.

WHY?

I have someone to fall asleep next to. I have someone to wake up to in the morning and sing "Good Morning Beautiful" even though I look far from beautiful.
I have someone who's face lights up when he walks in the door coming home from work. I have someone to take care of and who takes care of me. I have someone to knows how to always make me laugh. I have someone to love me and fill a hole in my heart I never thought I had. I have someone to giggle with and act like a complete goof with. I have someone to help me make an empty apartment in unfamiliar Tyler, Texas a home.

I have someone.

And that someone is perfect for me. That someone is the best thing that ever happened to me. That someone is now my husband and eternal companion.
That someone makes me happier everyday.

Who could ask for more?

Hold up, wait a minute, put a little LOVE in it!

Ok, ok, ok. I know that not many of you read this, but I must admit I quite forgot to update it... If anything I'm doing it for myself, but still...

Let's see. Where do I start? SOOO much has happened it's ridiculous!

First things first.

I fell in LOVE.

I'm engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who would've thought? I sure wouldn't have. I was deemed one of the last to be married in all my groups of friends. But when love comes a-knocking, you gotta open the door and let it in!

SO, there are probably a few basic questions one has for a girl who is in love and engaged.

1. How did you meet?

I work at Lexington Law firm, selling credit repair. We're always hiring new people. This new boy, Johnny got hired and one of my friends had a crush on him. They arranged to go hot tubing, and my friend Alyssa and myself were invited to come. Once we were at the hot tub, Johnny called one of his friends to come join us. His friend's name was Logan. Once he got there, he and I started talking and flirting (you know how it goes- INSTANT attraction).

But then, after a long night of letting our fingers get pruny, we parted ways. No number exchange, NOTHIN'! At first I didn't think about it much, but as I was lying in bed, I was shocked to say the least. We had hit it off so well! Why in the world didn't he ask me for my number??

The next day (Saturday) I had work. All day. Halfway through my shift, Johnny leaned over and asked me what my extension was.... A couple minutes later I got a call from this 801 number that was not in the system as far as I could tell. The gentleman on the other end proceeded to ask me a couple questions about credit repair. His voice sounded familiar and his questions were unusual. I concluded that I knew EXACTLY who this was, but I played along.

"I have another question for you," 'Mystery Guy' said, "What are you doing next weekend?"

I busted up laughing, knowing it was Logan. He and I talked for a bit, and I got his number off of my work phone and we started texting.

Crazy enough, we have only been apart one day on this crazy adventure since then.

2. How did you know????

Ah, the infamous question. Everyone is so different. You see, when Logan and I started dating, I had absolutely no doubts, and even more crazy was the fact that he made me want to not be single. You see, I have a past of wanting to stay single FOREVER. I had too much fun being a social butterfly. No guy could really capture my affections long enough... Don't get me wrong, I've TRIED to be in relationships. But in the past I was always wishing I was single.

But this time is was different. Being with Logan made my want to always have him near. I stopped caring about the frivolous dance parties and countless guys' numbers I could get. I didn't care about meeting new, hot boys every weekend to flirt with. Those immature (if you will) desires vanished. I started thinking a lot more serious about my future and how I wanted so badly to have someone to share it with.

I think the time I can pinpoint falling head-over-heels in love was not long after we met. You see, we didn't date too long before it got serious. There was one night when he and I were simply talking, as usual people do, but we started talking about the Gospel.. He brought out his missionary journal and we read some entries and talked about life. From then on, I KNEW. His family and my family were both thrilled that we found each other...He checked everything off on any list I could possibly draft up.

Best of all, I knew he cared about me. I know he loves me. This is probably the most amazing epiphany that I could in no way have prepared myself for. As things progressed, I started to feel more and more for this boy. I couldn't imagine my life without him. (Any life that was enjoyable that is to say.) I felt as if my skin was the only thing that was keeping me from going everywhere at once. The fact that he felt the same only intensified it all.

You see, I'm a deeply flawed person. I have countless traits that are sometimes difficult to deal with. We need not go into detail, but let's just say I'm grateful. I feel loved, which is such an amazing thing in and of itself!!

Logan is perfect. Lemme tell you a little bit about him. He is a handsome, 24 year old man. He is so so so smart. It intimidates me! He's the kind of guy that you could drop off anywhere and he'd be successful. He grew up in Tennessee and went on a mission to Chile. Now he's in the construction management program at BYU. He gets grumpy when he doesn't eat and chews really loud when he does, but he's always taking care of everyone around him and never lets a moment go by without telling those he loves that he loves them. He is so close to his wonderful family, as I am with mine, that we have so much fun all together. He is an awesome wakeboarder and loves being on a lake any time he gets the chance (us meeting in winter hasn't allowed me to see it firsthand) .... He takes such good care of me. I don't deserve it. One thing is for sure, I am blessed. So utterly and completely blessed!

I am so sorry that was so long. How about this: In my next post (which should come soon) I'll tell you about how we got engaged and the whole she-bang. Pictures to come. Then I'll proceed to write updates of how the wedding planning is going. Fair?

Do you ever wonder.....

How many breaths you've taken?

How many steps you've taken?

How many hours you've spent driving?

How many songs you've listened to?

How many TIMES you've listened to a certain song?

How many movies you've watched?

How many words you've read?

How many pieces of gum you've chewed?

How many texts you've sent?

How many hours you've spent at school?

How many times you've blinked?

How much money you've ever spent?

How many times you've brushed your teeth?

How many hours you've spent sleeping?

How many times you've said, "Hi"?

How many miles you've driven?

How many people you've met?

How many lives you've changed?

Food for thought.

A story of Triumph

Once upon a time.... In a land far, far away, I heard this story told.


It was the fourth of July weekend. In this distant place it was tradition to not only participate in firework watching but camp out overnight for a not-so-great-parade. But it had to be done. A group of friends gathered together in anticipation for the parade, willing to sacrifice their sleep... MILLIONS of people crawled the long parade route.. most of which never slept.


At around 3 o'clock A.M., the party started to die down for the most part- but not for this group of friends. These conniving little hoodlums decided to do something different... Throw water balloons

DON DON DONNNNN.

Who knows where they got the idea, and who knows why??


BUT THEY DID.


And so, they set out to enjoy pelting innocent bystanders with missiles filled with water. Their first targets were livid, but still calm enough to resist the temptation of going after the perpetrators. They stayed in their spots. The rest of the street watched on as they (almost in slow motion) hit a peddle biker whilst peddling. Now this biker wasn't and ordinary biker. He was SUPER BIKER MAN. He had a headlight. He had a hat. He had a cape (Hey, it's just what I was told). But most importantly, he had been drinking a special juice to make him super strong- and super angry.


The biker's fury was unleashed upon the occurrence of this wretched event. He knew justice needed to be served. As the car holding the group of fiends peeled away, he knew what had to be done. Peddle, peddle, peddle. He shot after the car, determined to memorize the license plate. What a guy! He just kept going. Right, left, straight... He even took shortcuts to overtake the car. I bet those within it have never been as scared of a biker as they were in that instant. After 7 blocks, the car had finally lost him. "PHEW" they must have thought, "We're safe!"


NOT SO FAST. Super Biker Man had, indeed, succeeded. XXX XXX. There it was, ingrained into his mind, the code to catching the evil missile launchers. So he went to the police officers (NOT police men, mind you) and explained this happening. Appalled, the police immediately started searching for any sign of this car.


The group of crazy, wanting-to-take-over-the-world-one-water-balloon-at-a-time friends laughed as they reveled in what had just been done. "Finally, our plan is underway. Super Biker Man has been taken down on account of tired legs and a lowered ego."
"Not to mention he lost his hat! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA."


They drove around for only a while longer, then returning to the big parade route to map out their next pawns. Little did they know, they were BEING WATCHED. Slowly but surely, an officer pulled up behind them, trying to act all nonchalant. But he'd had it. This crime could not be undone nor ignored. So on went his siren and flashing red and blue lights.


With disbelief in each of their eyes, the power-craving group pulled their vehicle over. They knew they were done for.


As they stepped out of the car at the officers request, all of their hands met their new best friends.. Handcuffs.


"Now we've got you, you... you.. VILLAINS!" Exclaimed one of the officers, "You can no longer roam the streets TRYING to take over the world with water balloons! Hahahahahahah."


Silently they went. Everyone camping out watched as the police cars drove down the road, into the sunrise.


After all this, the parade still had to be done. Everyone in the city knew about the heroic acts of Super Biker Man, so they came up with the idea that he ride in the very front of the parade, representing those with hats and headlights and capes and magical juice near and far.


And that, my friends, is the story of how Super Biker Man conquered FOREVER the water balloon launching crazies.

THE END.

I love BLTs get in my mouth PLEASE!!!

Friend: a person you know well and regard with affection and trust.

(Minus Chunchie and editing thanks to Cass)

THE NUMBER NINE HAS NEVER MEANT SO MUCH TO ME.

To my girls:

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."

It all started at SOAR up at Utah State University. I sat next to this girl. She was spunky, headstrong, and just great. We exchanged numbers but didn't talk until the fall. RIGHT as soon as we started hanging out we became close friends. And THAT'S where the 'legacy' began.
Cassidy: one who is headstrong and brilliant. A Cassidy will never leave your side or nor fail have your back. No matter where you're at in life, a Cassidy will accept you and keep you sane from the world and crazy roommates.
Next I meet Shannon. What a freakin GEM ladies and gents.
Shannon: a very beautiful, unique model type with a grrreat, sense of humor. A Shannon gives little Lindsey's the best hugs ALWAYS. A Shannon is sweet and very honest.

Natalie: A beautiful being inside and out. A Natalie has very strong beliefs and never wavers in them. A Natalie is the sort of thing that everyone else is jealous of. A Natalie exceeds at basically everything she tries, especially dancing.

I met Kirsten a long, long time ago through my best friend, her cousin. But through the course of being at school at Utah State I got to see her personality shine through.
Kirsten: a very opinionated, ambitious, beautiful being with a buttload of crazy important things ahead of her. A Kirsten LOVES using big words and will always be there to vent to.

I was introduced to Babbitt through all the girls.
Chelsea: A leader in the ways of awesome, catchy sayings adopted by all. A Chelsea is very, VERY stylish and just plain cute. No one knows yet how this is possible. Ask Babbitt.

CHUNCHIEEEEEE was introduced to me because she was Cassidy's random roommate.
Lauren: a random, warm, CRAZY, hilarious, gorgeous being. A Lauren has many, many pet peeves, but it's fine. A Chuncie is very healthy and athletic. And that laugh, oh that laugh!

Madison came later as well.
Madi: (see adorable). Simple. A Madi loves her family and friends and will always have a smiling face when you need it, without fail. A Madi will actually LISTEN intently when talked to. A Madi's love and energy for life just exudes everywhere she goes.

Megan and I weren't really close until this year. I remember the first time we bonded was one night when we laid on her bed and talked for hours, until late at night! Now, Megan and I are the only ones not in Logan so we've hung out more than ever.
Megan: A cute, fun girl who is sometimes a little bit of an airhead, but it's fine. A Megan is so, so strong despite the curveballs of life thrown her way. A Megan has the most amazing voice and a great set of guitar skills. A Megan can always, ALWAYS be trusted and counted on through thick and thin.


I. Am. So. Blessed. <3 style="text-align: center;">
This is my wish for you:

Comfort on difficult days,

Smiles when sadness intrudes,

Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Hugs when spirits sag,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Faith so that you can believe,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
and LOVE to complete your life.

:)

Well.... Here I am.. Giving in to the temptation to start a blog.

I'll start out by explaining the bizarre name I gave my blog... My last name happens to be Hehl [pronounced Hale or Hail...]. As a family, we've always had this joke about our last name since it's so close to "Hell" and that's how EVERYONE says it at first. So, in light of that, it was the only somewhat catchy thing I could think of in the moment. YAY!

Why am I starting a blog????
Top 3 reasons:
1. Writing clears my head.
2. I have time.
3. I got jealous of other blogs and decided I would attempt the level of coolness they have.

That's all.

But this should be fun, right? RIGHT?

You may be wondering a bit about me. Well, stop. I'm Lindsey Anne Hehl. A 19 year old, spunky, short, talkative girl. I have brown hair and blue eyes. Music is my life. Like seriously. I have played the piano for 11 years along with a bit of violin and viola flung in there. But piano is my love. Also, I try singing....


Right now, I'm in a band called Season's Extreme!!! It's excellent. But currently all of the boys (Devin Moore, Corey Furr, Kyle Bond, and Ethan Dodge) are all on LDS missions. For 2 whole years! I miss them like CRAZY. Anyway, even though we are currently on hiatus, check us out- HERE. Do it. I know you want to. It is so much fun! Today I was listening to one of our songs that Dev and Cor wrote. I absolutely adore it. Here are the lyrics {so you may have a little taste}:

I've got my head filled with unimportant details
But how
Am I to sort them out?
I've got my heart set on unreliable people
And now
And now I've been let down.
Tell me that I'm capable of reason
Without
Bending the truth.
Maybe some day, I'll conquer all my demons
But not till I conquer the thought of you...
I had this random spurt of sophisticated thought
And I'm trying not to get caught.
I cannot fathom
The purpose behind the silly things you bought,
Is this why we fought?
My knees are callused from over exposure to the floor
Please keep us safe through this war..
A fit of malice
Your smiling face has never seen before.
Have we settled the score?
Bless my soul,
How'd you know?
Had to go..
Go back home.

Oh keepin' us from sinnin'
It's like trying to stop the world from spinning.
To find things keepin' us from living
You took for granted what you've been given.
Get, set, GO,
Pull ahead at the stop light,
Over your head in a job that was part time.
Givin' up on the world was you're third crime.
It's a good world and man, it's ALL MINE!

Here in this valley,
We're anxiously awaiting the snow
I can't wait for it to snow-
Christmas comes to slow.
In that same valley,
The people stand as they bury him below
Why'd you have to go?
Off on adventures on his own.
My throat is dry as a desert from shouting at the sky
-Couldn't even think-
Didn't get to say goodbye.
His boat sailed by and left me here,
Standing asking why.
-Tossed into the drink-
Sometimes the innocent die.
Bless my soul,
How'd you know?
Had to go..
Come back home.

Oh keepin' us from sinnin'
It's like tryin' to stop the world from spinnin'
To find things keepin' us from livin'
You took for granted what you're been given.
Get, set, GO,
Pull ahead at the stoplight,
Over your head in a job that was part time.
Givin' up on the world was your third crime.
It's a good world and man it's ALL MINE!

I think it's time for...
Us to say goodbye.

There you are. It was about a friend of theirs that passed away... Super powerful lyrics, huh.

MOVING ALONG

SO. I am going to Utah State University in Logan, Utah. HOLY CRAP it's so fun! A big cold sometimes, ok maybe A LOT BIT cold, but I've gotten used to it... Logan, my dear friends, is such a blast. I'm not kidding. All of your current misconceptions should be gone, whether it be about Mormons or about Logan or the school itself, let them goooooo..... I guess what makes USU so phenomenal is the people. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE is super nice and tolerant here. You like High School Musical, so be it! (Just an example folks...) You like picking your nose in public, GREAT. Ok, ok, so those are horrid examples. But you get the picture. The first day I came up here years ago I was amazed at how many friends I made...

I am at the end of my second year here. So I guess that makes me a sophomore!! I'll be honest. I hate school. I LOVE to learn, but I hate doing it structurally. I guess I'm just at a point where my social life is at the top of my priority list. So we'll see where my life goes...

I'm truly sorry all this was probably kind of borig, but I had to get most of it out of the way. From now on, I'll make a promise to write about random things and make it SHORT.

Ahh let the good times begin! I'm excited!

The end. And the Beginning. :) :)