A Helping Hand

 I do have to say, that I'm really impressed with my niblings on how well they've done with hiking on this trip. 

For not knowing how well they would do and worrying that they wouldn't do ANY hiking. It's been Soo gratifying to see them being willing to actually walk with us on the trails. 

Especially with them being under 3 years old. It's nice that they just want to walk with you.

Though it is a much slower hike walking with them and convincing them to not stop and pick up the rocks or play with the sand or sticks....they've overall taken to it pretty well.

Today we did our last hike with the niblings which was to Landscape Arch. 

A nice short hike with a path that's pretty flat so that people of all ages and capabilities can at least make it to the Arch.

The goal?  To get to the Arch and let the babies play in the plentiful sand there for a while while the rest of us who wanted to be a bit more proactive hiked up the steeper part to the arches up above Landscape. Partition Arch and Navajo Arch. 

It was a great mellow day. 

The babies had the time of their life playing in the sand. The older adults who didn't want to clamber all over the rocks enjoyed sitting there watching the babies play and the rest of us who wanted to climb and mess around climbed and messed around for a couple of hours before we headed back out.

It was great. 

What was also fun was like....how many people I helped today?

Like, I had ventured away from the group as everyone was getting settled to get more pictures of Landscape Arch from a slightly different angle and I'd overheard some other hikers/tourists talking about the trails and such so I chimed in with some information I knew since I've been hiking these trails since I was a baby basically....and it kinda steamrolled from there lol I had a few people asking me about conditions of the trails, what the best time to hike is, what routes are good, if it's worth it to go out to Dark Angel.

It was nice to be a bit of a guide for a bit to them. Give them some help and such.

But the more memorable moment was back in the Visitor Center gift shop.

As I have sensitive hearing, and even though I was halfway back in the shop and there were a ton of other people around, I heard a woman up front ask the Cashier up there if they had any pictures of Dark Angel for sale because she hadn't been able to take her own picture because her husband had had her turn back at Double O so she was hoping to get a picture in the gift shop.

Unfortunately Dark Angel...despite seemingly more popular this go around from how often I heard people talking about it...isn't that popular of an attraction as 99.5% of people turn back at Double O and don't go all the way out to Dark Angel.

BUT. Since I've been there a million times....just not there yet this trip...and because I never seem to delete photos from my phone. I was able to quickly pull up a picture I'd taken of Dark Angel on a previous trip a few years ago and tracked down the woman in the shop and asked her "Hey, were you looking for a picture of Dark Angel? I have this one here on my phone I can text you if you want?"

And she did want lol. So I was able to make her day by texting her a picture of Dark Angel. So yay!!! :D 

It was for sure a feel good moment and I was glad to be able to help out so many people today. :D 

Until you next find these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

A New Goal....Ish.

One of the thoughts I had while watching General Conference this past weekend is that I should probably get back into reading the scriptures. 

Like...it's been...well years since I've actually studied them. Read them. As I've been more focused on reading all the available conference talks on the app instead.

Like...it's been since before the pandemic that I actively read through the books. I think even before the Come Follow Me program started. Like I remember starting the Come Follow Me books that first year when we were supposed to read...the Book of Mormon I think? But it ended up falling by the wayside like a lot of things did during the pandemic. 

But it's been a thought for a bit....that maybe I should try and read the scriptures again. Do the whole highlighting and note taking and thought jotting thing.

Only like...the idea of opening the scriptures I already had at home was rather....unappealing. As I've already marked those up. And I really liked the idea of, well, a fresh start.

So I figured on Saturday between sessions I would drop by the Deseret Book and buy myself at least a new Book of Mormon to mark up and read since the regular book shouldn't cost that much there. 

However. Turns out that Deseret Book, at least the one I went too....had closed Saturday. For Conference. lol In retrospect...it made a lot of sense for the Church owned store to be closed during the Church's General Conference. 

Go figure.

In any case. Monday, after a bit of dithering/arguing with myself because I was TIRED after the little sleep I got from stressing too much Sunday night....I ventured over to nearby D.B. after work to try my luck again.

Good news. They were open lol.

And I found the little blue book Book of Mormon that I'd been thinking of Saturday easily enough.

And I was RIGHT! They weren't expensive. Only like $4ish which is amazing for a book! lol. 

However, I also noticed that there were other styles of the scriptures available, so for funsies I decided to take a closer look at those to see what was up.

And I discovered something amazing. Something that's probably been around for a good long while, but since I haven't actively searched for new scriptures in like....a decade....I would have remained well unaware of.

They had JOURNAL versions of the scriptures!!!

Which they're just the scriptures. Your good old Old Testament and New Testament and Book of Mormon and Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants. 

BUT.

The margins were like two to three times as wide along the sides. Giving you much more room to write down your thoughts on the sides of the scriptures. 

ITS AMAZING.

Like my handwriting isn't the greatest. But it's even harder to read when I'm trying to smush a ton of words in a itty bitty space. So to have MORE space to write in?! Genius!!!

Lol I ended up buying all 4 books (OT, NT, BoM, PoGP/D&C) then and there -after more dithering on what colors I wanted the covers to be lol.

But yah! Went from wanting to buy a simple blue cover book of mormon to like getting an entire new set to write in!!

I'm so excited!

But I'm also in a bit of a dilemma as to where to start as I don't want to overwhelm myself first thing.

And like in the Come Follow Me....we're apparently studying the Old Testament this year. But since I have not been following that at all during the pandemic....

I'm not sure if I should just jump into the end of Isasiah where the Come Follow Me indicates we're studying this week, or if I should just start at the beginning of the Old Testament, or since the new year is literally only like...3 months away maybe I should start on the New Testament and get a head start on that. Or maybe I should just stick with the original plan to read the Book of Mormon and do that instead. Or since I am trying to get to church more often....maybe I should just jump into the middle of Isaiah and start there instead.....

So yah. I haven't decided what to do yet now that I have the books with me. But I'll figure it out soon enough.....as soon as I also decide what type of pen/marking tools to use lol. 

Until you next find these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

A Father's Blessing

It's kinda a tradition really...whenever starting something new, to get a Father's Blessing from Daddoo.

It's basically a boost of confidence, to set off on your new adventure on the right foot sort of thing.

Normally this was done before the start of every school year....and since I've graduated college....I haven't actively sought out Father's Blessing's as often. Like...I did when I first got my job, and occasionally when I just needed some comfort or guidance or reassurance.

But with me starting my new position at my work as a manager....I felt the need to ask Daddoo to give me a blessing before I 'officially' started my first week as manager.

And I'm grateful that I did. Because beyond having some bonding time with Daddoo, I was able to get some insight, some blessings, some words of wisdom, and some cautions to keep in mind as I start this new chapter in my life. 

*deep breath* 

Hopefully this goes well. Overall I'm pretty excited, semi nervous for it...but it's kinda just that 'first day of school' feeling where you're hopeful but you don't quite know what to expect....

Yah fun times.

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves. 
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Blessings

I'm so grateful for the blessings in our lives. Small or Large.

One of the major stressors that has been a worry in the back of the mind for the past couple of days was wondering if my Sister and her Husband would be able to make it back home from their Honeymoon.

As they had traveled out of the country to Iceland for a couple of weeks.

And this week...we had the President announce that like...they wouldn't allow flights from Europe to happen. Something like that.

And part of that travel ban. Was Iceland.

However.

Blessing number one.
Kikay and Husband were scheduled to fly out on Thursday.

When the ban took effect on Friday.
So they missed the ban by a day. 

Second Blessing.

They had a layover flight in the U.K.
Which is..(was?) basically the only country in Europe that wasn't affected by the Travel Ban. 
So they were able to make their connecting flight and get back into the United States and come back home without any issues.

Like.
It's just amazing.
Amazing how blessed they were.

Like how cool is it that they were due to leave the day before the travel ban took effect?
Like how cool is it that the one country not affected was their destination for their layover flight?

Seriously.
It's a blessing for them. Because otherwise they could possibly have been still stuck overseas for who knew how long. 

But now we have them here. Home. Safe.

And it's one less stress for me to worry about. So yay! lol.

But yah.
I'm very grateful. So very grateful that they were able to make it home safely. 

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

C is for Cookie

It's that time of year again!!!

Okay...so it happens multiple times a year.
But like. I haven't had this since...last October?

So it's that time of year again!!!

When my favorite cookie from Crumbl Cookie comes back into their shop!!

-As this cookie place alternates their cookies every week.
So you can only get certain cookies during certain weeks...and if you're not paying attention and miss it...well...you're kinda out of luck until next time.

Which is around every four months or so apparently.

But yah!! My Nutella and SeaSalt cookie is back at the Crumbl and I'm soooo excited!!!

Lol though due to the snow yesterday, I ended up delaying my trip til today to get the cookies!!

And to be a good sport, because I know one of my roomies likes cheesecake and the store was having a 'rasberry cheesecake' cookie as part of their selection...I got one of those and then 3 nutella cookies for me!! :D

.....Only my roomie and I apparently had the same idea. ^^;;

As I'd shown her yesterday that my favorite cookie was in stock and mentioned there was one that she might like.

So today as well after work, she went and got cookies from Crumbl!

Lol so we got double the cookie goodness!!

Though she got a variety pack of 4 different cookies.
While I got my 3 and 1. ^^;; lol.

But funny how we were both like "Huh I should go to crumbl!"

What's also funny is that we both thought "Hey maybe I should text her and let her know that I'm going to crumbl." and then we didn't. ^^;; lol.

Oh well.
More cookies for us. :D

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Gifts

So on a whim, mostly because I was in the giving mood and because the Relief Society had dropped by before Christmas to give a Christmas Gift.

I decided to go ahead and get the presidency a little something to give back to them.

As they probably don't get many gifts in return though they do so much for the girls in the ward.

I ended up with going something simple.
Socks!
Specifically Aloe soft Fuzzy socks. ^^;; 

The problem was....

I ended up not seeing them for like three weeks.
As we met for the week of Christmas and the Week of New Years as a combined stake and I think everyone in the presidency went home for the holidays.

And then last week...I ended up forgetting the presents....which ended up being okay because I only saw one of them briefly.

But this week I made sure to bring the presents with me as it's the Sunday and for the 2nd our we would be meeting with the Relief Society today.

^^;;
I have to say I think the gifts were well received. :D

The relief society president was so happy to be given a present so like...that's a win right there. Woot!!

Yay for bringing a little bit of happiness in people's lives. 

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Focus and Inspiration

So I made more of an effort today to listen in church.
Because I admit it.
My mind isn't at church when I'm at church.

I'm more distracted with my phone or writing down story ideas or thinking about plot elements to actually pay attention to what is being sad.

Which I recognize isn't the best way to like being at church if I'm not 'learning' anything for it.

So today I tried to make more of a concentrated effort to pay attention.

Which worked rather well for me the first hour as I was having fun posting quotes from the talk online.
-So yes I was on my phone, and I was playing games on it, but I was also listening this time around and trying to get tidbits of inspiration from the talks.

So I left the first meeting feeling rather proud of myself because I did that and I paid attention!!!

.....
But it's still a work in progress.

As I ended up picking a Sunday School class where the teacher's voice.....bugged me.
So I spent most of that hour fully zoning out because I just...couldn't stand to listen to them talk. 

So note to self.
Pick a different class next time.

But hopefully I can start getting back more into participating in the lessons and learning and gaining inspiration rather than just being a body sitting there. 

We'll see.

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Reunited

A while ago.

Like maybe in High School?

So it's been like ten years or so.

My Daddoo gave me a ring of his that my great grandmother had given to him when he was younger...like preteen I think?? Not sure.

In any case. It was a simple silver ring with some thunderbird type designs on either side of a turquoise stone.

And during college...and maybe in highschool for a bit.

I started wearing that ring constantly. 

Like if I were to wear a ring it would be that one.

And by the time I graduated college and started my job.

I wore the thing all the time.

Rarely would I switch it out for any other rings.

And for most of the day I wouldn't take it off. 

It had become kinda like one of my 'comfort' items if you will. Part of the 'armor' or my 'uniform' for the day.

Where it would get to the point where I would feel well 'naked' if I didn't have that ring on when I was in public.

And then the fire happened.

A year ago. On the 2nd of June.

We had a fire start on the hill behind our home and without my quick actions to call 911, may have ended up with a severely damaged house. 

In the end we ended up just loosing our fence and having a couple of  burn spots on our back porch.

But for a week or two or longer afterwards.

Our house totally smelt like smoke. 

I mean the fire had gotten within six feet of the house.

And the doors/windows/ac had been left on/open in our haste to evacuate the house.

So the place stunk of smoke pretty badly. 

And it was somewhere in this timeframe.

Of us cleaning up the house and having people come help us and such....

That I misplaced this ring.

I remembered taking it off....

And then...

When I wanted to put it back on.

I couldn't find it. 

I'd searched everywhere I could think of that I could have had it.

Upstairs, Downstairs, My room, the Bathroom.

Like I looked in all the likely locations of where I could have set my ring down.

Nothing.

It was gone.

I couldn't find it anywhere.

And had to resign myself to finding a replacement ring to wear in the meantime.

And over the past year I did find a couple that I didn't mind wearing.

But every now and then....I still found myself reflecting on where the ring could have possibly gone.

Cut to today.

Just over a year later.

And I'm suffering from a bit of a headache because the topic in church had been about finances/insurance and other worrisome stuff that didn't bring the spirit in at all and left me and a lot of other people feeling rather stressed out.

Like. I wanted to relax.

Not worry about money. 

The headache was getting bad enough that I decided I needed to take a shower.

But as I was about to do so, I remembered that my usual massage stone I keep in there to help work out the tense muscles in my neck...had been left in my bedroom. 

So I went in there to find it.

Couldn't find it.

Decided that I would look under the bed to see if it had rolled under there.

And as I'm lifting up the sheets between the end table and the head of my bed.

I notice something silver gleaming by the wheel of the frame the bed is on.

IT WAS MY RING!!

The ring that's been missing for a year!

I FOUND IT!!!

You don't know how excited I was to reunite with that ring!! :D :D :D

lol though I am still left a bit confused.

Like...how can I go a full year without seeing it there?

Because I'm nearly positive that I looked around there at some point just to check and make sure it hadn't fallen off the side table in the middle of the night.

And didn't see it. 

It could have been that the lighting was different, the angle I was looking at it was different.....

Or maybe some guardian angel decided I needed a bit of a 'pick me up' and planted the ring there where I would be able to find it and have it make my day.

Lol Day definitely made!

Reminds me of how my Mom lost her first wedding ring at some point, and years later after getting a second ring, discovered it in the back corner of the coat closet when they were cleaning it out.

Life works in mysterious ways.

But I am grateful that I've finally found my ring. 

Because ah!

I've missed it. 

Until you next see these words;

I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Hiking Greetings

It's kinda amazing how confident young kids can be.

We went hiking today in Arches and since it's a holiday weekend....
People are everywhere.

Seriously. Lots and lots of people.
But usually on these sorts of hikes...I'll maybe do a polite hello....or otherwise just kinda silently pass people on the trail--
And if they're loud people on the trail, breathe a sigh of relief when they're no longer in earshot.

But one of the kids I was with this weekend.
Liked to say different things to people as we passed them by. 
My favorite one being "You're a chicken nugget!" 
And the dude was like "If I'm a chicken nugget what are you?" 
"A goose" came the response lol. *shakes head*

Otherwise it was simple "You're cool!" or "I like _____" to the other people we passed on the trail. 

But the most common one that this child loved to say was "Hi Stranger! Don't be a Stranger, Stranger!" 

*laughs*

It's amazing how many smiles and some laughs it brought to the others faces as they passed us by. 

Lol and it only encouraged the young one to continue saying that phrase because:
"I like seeing/making them smile!" 

Ah.
Such a sweet kid.
For sure. 

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Noticed?!

So there I was.
Watching the livestream of one of my Favorite Youtubers.

And they were talking about Pie because someone had asked if they would make a pie day (March 14th) related video. 
And they were in the middle of explaining that they usually don't like pie --though they had become fond of apple pie recently-- 
When I was like "Well...what if you had a pie with Crofters" 

-Which was mostly a reference to a particular series character who loves Crofters and would probably put the jam on anything.

And I hadn't expected anything after I sent in that comment.
But my favorite youtuber was watching the stream and totally gasped....and then was like "Sarnny...Sarnic...Sarnic Dirchi? What a good username! Pie with Crofters?! Now that's a plan! I like that! That sounds pretty neat! I'll have to try that. It sounds really good." 

And like...I'm on cloud nine.

Seriously. That was one of the coolest moments ever!
Because I totally didn't expect them to see my comment as the comment chat goes by so fast during livestreams. But they saw it and loved my idea and said my username and said they liked my username and just AH!!!!!

I've been noticed!! lol

If only briefly.

But still.
Such a cool moment that I never expected to happen today. XD 

Definitely was a highlight for sure. lol 

I wonder if they'll actually try a pie with crofters....like put the jam on top or have it as a filling is my  question.... lol.


Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Answers

It's always weird when the doorbell rings at home.
Because if you're not expecting anyone....doorbell rings are odd. 

Usually it means a solicitor of some sort.

But today. The random doorbell ring revealed three missionaries standing on the doorstep. 

Which was rather crazy to see them there.
Because it's been snowing off and on throughout the day and it was snowing again.
Plus! One of them was wearing a boot! Like the medical boots and not the snow boots. :S :S 

In any case.

After chatting for a bit they asked if there was anything they could do for me.

Which no there wasn't anything I nee--

But that's when one of my roomies stepped in.

And requested if the missionaries would give her a blessing. 

Which they seemed a bit caught off guard by it. 
But were willing to do so.

I think they were newer missionaries to the field.
As they all seemed rather nervous to do the blessing though.
Probably just cus they're not used to it.

The one who volunteered to give the blessing was nervous. Speaking slowly and his hands were apparently shaking on my roommate's head.

But it was such a sweet tender moment.
As she'd been praying not an hour earlier for someone to come give her a blessing. 
And then the missionaries showed up at our door.

Gotta love it when things work out like that. :D 

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Turn The Day Around

It was one of those Sundays that looked like it was going to be....well a headache full day.
Mostly because my own head was against me.
Because I was....kinda in a negative frame of mind this past day or so.
Feeling like I wasn't able to get anything right. That while trying to help out...I was making people mad/sad/unhappy/uncomfortable etc. 

So the morning was starting out less than stellar.

And I was seriously debating about skipping out on the rest of church.
Because socializing at church....has....had it's issues in gaining positive energy from interacting there more often than not.
So I dread it mostly.

But there was also the Pokémon community day today.
With the event starting during the third hour of church.

So I could skip out on Relief Society and go do the event.
Or stay....and potentially suffer. 

Despite the fact that I didn't have any particular good reason to go to Relief Society.
I decided to.
Mostly doing so because hey...it's the Lord's day. I should at least try to stay the three hours.
I mean. Blessings happen  right?

And they did. ^^;;

I managed to get a seat near an outlet, so I was able to keep my phone charged while playing that first hour of Pokemon go while in Relief Society. ^^;; (caught my first shiny of the event there too woot!) 

And the lesson itself, was actually pretty good overall.
Lots of 'food for thought' moments.
So like....I felt pretty good about staying.
Didn't regret it. 
Plus...I got to still play the game lol. 

(yah...I probably shouldn't have been playing in Relief Society...but baby steps I suppose. ^^;;) 

In any case.
The rest of the day seemed to look up after that. :D

I managed to catch four more shiny beldums before the event ended.

But failed to catch the Mewtwo at the Raid happening on campus. *exhales*

BUT! I did this other baby raid of a Shinx which I'd never seen before and IT HAPPENED TO BE SHINY!! and it was soo cute and golden and aaawwwwwww. I love it so. ^^;;
It seriously made me so happy to get that golden kitty cat.

Like I got sooo excited/hyper and just...sunshiny really. ^^;;

Then to add to it.
I found another Mewtwo raid, and after some problems joining the battle....MANAGED TO CATCH IT!

So yah. ^^;;

After starting out the day in an emotional low.
I was positively on cloud nine when I got home lol.
Good church experiences in Relief Society.
Catching rare pokemon, and getting an unexpected shiny.

And finally FINALLY feeling good enough that I could return to working on my current fic.
As I'd been struggling heavily with self doubt for the past week about how to finish the fic.
And today I finally got a clearer vision of just how to do that! 

…. >.> Though I'm still struggling on how to end the chapter, at least I've made five pages of progress today! Woot! :D lol. 

So yah. ^^
Good day.
I'm happy. :D 

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Slightly Spoiled

I always enjoy when I can make people happy, because it makes me happy to make them happy. ^^;;

So tonight was one of my posting nights for my fic.
Which I managed to post just before my roomies and I went out for my birthday dinner. (Happy Birthday to me.) 

And while waiting for our food.
I checked to see how my chapter update was being received.

And saw that one of the readers had commented that they loved how this story was going!!….only they were sad they wouldn't be able to see the end because they were heading off to boot camp, and therefore it would be months before they'd be able to have access to the site and story again.

Which.
Totally sad!! 
I didn't like the thought of one of the readers not being able to read the story for months! 

Soooo....
I sent them a private message. 
Saying that I didn't want them to not know the ending of the fic.
And if they wanted to send me their email address, I could link them to the Google Docs of the story so that the could read the entire thing before they left.

-As I usually have the entire story written (with the exception of one story >.>) before I begin posting it for others to read.
Therefore, it was already complete.

^^;; I just like seeing reader's reactions to each chapter update so I don't post the entire thing at once lol. 

And the reader was like.

()_() ()_() ()_()
And proceeded to tell me that they were so over the moon excited that they couldn't type because they were shaking so bad.
^^;; Heh.
I apparently made their night by giving them this opportunity.

And it just made me really happy.
I was excited that they were excited.

Bonus was that they enjoyed the story so woot!! :D lol. 

But yah.
I was just really happy I was able to make their day.  ^^;;
Yay. 

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Sparks of Light

The sun had mostly sat when my friends and I ventured outside to pick black raspberries from their patch that borders their house. 

It was dark enough, even though it was still light, that we needed to use our phone flash lights to be able to see the berries. 

So there we were,

Walking  through the grass to go to the first patch.

When I saw it.

A spark of light.

And then another.

I blinked.

Wondering if my eyes were playing tricks on me.

-After all I'd been traveling all day, and I was tired.

But no. 

There were more of these yellow flashes of lights. 

That's when it clicked. 

"ARE THOSE LIGHTNING BUGS?!" I gasped.

They were.

Little fireflies flitting about their yard.

*shakes head*

Like I feel like I've seen them before. 

I'm almost positive I have....

But not like this.

Not this many.

There were hundreds of them scattered through the yard.

Flaring up with their bright yellow lights.

Flitting by our heads.

It was amazing!

Like mini sparklers really. 

Honestly, I thought they were sparks of fire at first.

Which makes sense. Since their names are FIREflies lol. 

It was just sooo cool to see!!

SO. VERY. COOL.

I've never seen so many together before.

Definitely the highlight to the night for sure. ^^;; 

Until you next see these words;

I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

What I Didn't Know I Needed

Sometimes it's easy to forget just how aware Heavenly Father is of me.

Like it's a concept that floats in the back of my mind.
The knowledge that things happen for a reason.
There there's a plan in mind for me.
And that I often just need to be patient to see things come to pass and such.

But on occasion, it's great to have a stronger reminder present itself.
Have it made more obvious that yes. Heavenly Father is there for me. Christ is there for me. 

This evening I went to meet up with my bishop.
As my temple recommend was nearing it's expiration date. 
And I wanted to make sure I got it renewed sooner rather than later. 

And like most interviews it starts off with the usual small talk.
How are you doing, where do you work, etc.

And I mentioned that I had a headache--specifically a migraine. 
Because stress. *exhales* 
Which I was like "Yah, most of them are stress caused, so I'm just working out ways to, you know, stop me from getting stressed out" 
Which isn't always easy to do when you're suddenly engulfed in a tidal wave of customers needing you in six different places at once...but I digress.

So I did the interview.
Got my recommend. 

And as the Bishop was grabbing the paper from the printer....
I brought up a little thing that's been nagging me for a while.

The fact that I was called and sustained to be a member of the Service Committee in the ward months and months ago (like last year months ago) 
But due to this that and the other. Namely forgetfulness, laziness, and anti-socialness.
I hadn't yet been set apart in my calling. 

Which note to self: Next time I get a new calling. Be. More. On. Top. Of. Things.

In any case.
I asked if I would be able to be Set apart there.
-As it was just the bishop present and I wasn't sure if there would have to be two people there or not. 
But Bishop was fine doing it by himself. 

So I was like "Yay!! I'm finally going to be set apart and finally feel like I belong in my calling and I'll be able to work more efficiently in it." etc. etc. etc.

Which was what the bishop did.

But then. 
He hesitated.
And like...the atmosphere in the room had a subtle shift.
And he went on to give me a bishop blessing.

Part of which involved me and my migraines/headaches.

Like...it wasn't a "You shall never have another headache again!" sort of thing.

But he reminded me that we are never confronted with trials that we can't overcome. 
That the body and spirit are connected and as I draw closer to the Savior, the body will see improvements as well. 
And as time passes, the headaches will get less intense. They'll slowly fade away, and become less of a nuisance.
And that I'll be able to find the strength and energy to continue to work through/around said headaches when they do occur so that they won't affect me as much.
The Bishop also reminded me that Heavenly Father and the Savior are always there, not to help with just my spiritual problems, but my physical ones. And that I shouldn't ever hesitate to call upon them for aid for either case. Spiritual or Physical. 

And it was just like... Wow.
It was one of those blessings that I didn't know I needed. 
That was craving to hear.
The reminder that I don't have to face anything alone.
That even my headaches...I can call upon them for aid to get help to overcome them.

It was a tear inducing moment for sure.

And the best part...was as I left the building, My headache also left as well. 
Like it faded. 

And it's just...the most amazing feeling and the best confirmation ever. 

He's there guys.
He listens.
He helps you when you ask for it.

Just like.
Wow. 
Wow.  

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Celebration

One of my coworkers brought in Valentines today.
Which was super sweet. ^^;; lol. Almost reminded me of being back in Elementary school when we would create Valentine Holders and then give everyone in the class Valentines. 

But moreso.
It was the statement that my coworker made that kinda....just got me thinking.
Where they stated: "I got tired of not celebrating holidays because there's no one in my life." 
Aka -no romantic relationship.

But like....
I can understand that sentiment.
Why should one not celebrate a holiday just because they aren't part of the 'group' that the holiday is meant for?

It's kinda the thought process of....Well Yes, there is Romantic Love.
But Valentine's Day can be used for much more than celebrating that.
It can be used to celebrate friends.
To celebrate family.
To show the ones you care about that you're thinking of them.

Why not make someone's day a little brighter by giving them something to show that?
It's honestly such a true sentiment. lol.

It's part of the reason why my roomies and I usually end up exchanging gifts on the various holidays throughout the year.
It's because we can.
It's because we care.

And I really like the idea of celebrating holidays with those we care about. Whether Romantically, Platonically, or any other way. :) 

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

Congrats Olympic Medalists!!! :D 

Germany:              7 Gold    2 Silver    3 Bronze    12 Total
Netherlands:          5 Gold    4 Silver    2 Bronze    11 Total
Norway:                 3 Gold    5 Silver    3 Bronze    11 Total
Canada:                  3 Gold    4 Silver    3 Bronze    10 Total
United States:         4 Gold    1 Silver    2 Bronze     7 Total
Japan:                                    4 Silver    3 Bronze     7 Total
France:                   2 Gold    1 Silver    2 Bronze     5 Total
O.A. from Russia:                 1 Silver    4 Bronze     5 Total
Austria:                   2 Gold    1 Silver    1 Bronze     4 Total
Sweden:                  2 Gold    1 Silver                        3 Total
Italy:                       1 Gold    1 Silver    1 Bronze      3 Total
Republic of Korea: 1 Gold                    1 Bronze      2 Total
Australia:                               1 Silver    1 Bronze      2 Total
Czech Republic:                    1 Silver    1 Bronze      2 Total
Finland:                                                  2 Bronze      2 Total
China:                                    1 Silver                         1 Total
Slovakia:                               1 Silver                          1 Total
Switzerland:                          1 Silver                          1 Total
Kazakhstan:                                           1 Bronze       1 Total

Oh, Look. I'm a Writer. ^^;;

You know how there are people who just like to talk? 
Like they just talk and talk and talk and what do you know....talk some more?

Yah....pretty sure that's how I am with writing. ^^;; 
Lol. 
Probably not a surprise to anyone by now really...

I just enjoy writing. :D 
Like, it's a great way to get my thoughts down and to make things coherent (most of the time.) 
But also a good way to give advice, show experiences, teach a little bit.... 

And I just find it amusing.
Because like...here in Blogosphere....
Everyone is pretty aware of how much I write.

But over on the site where I post my fics?
Not so much. 
Like. 
....On occasion on that particular blog.
I'll have people come and ask me questions.
Like in relation to my stories, or to writing, or occasionally other things.

And I'm pretty sure they're expecting like maybe a paragraph answer.

But...like....I'm an overachiever? 
I want to make sure that I'm answering the question well and covering all the bases and such.
So like what probably could have been like a paragraph or two answer...

Turns into like maybe a four page dissertation. ^^ heh;; 

Maybe it's my inner teacher coming out...
it's definitely my 'let me help you!' person coming out lol. 

But I have to say I do like just....writing...going into details, helping the ones who ask the questions find answers they were looking for. 

^^ Definitely a highlight to my day.
lol especially when the asker responds back along the lines of "Oh, wow. I didn't expect so much! THANK YOU this helps a lot!" 
Like Whooo!! Goal accomplished! I helped the asker! :D Yay. ^^

Such a good feeling. ^^ 

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

It's Just...Writing?

It's always interesting to have people comment about my writing. 
Because like...I never know what to say to it?
They're like "Your writing is great!" "Your writing is amazing!" "I love your writing style!" 

And I'm like....
Thank you?

Like...it's flattering really. ^^;;
And I've gotten the comments about my writing more often now that I'm posting fics online for others to read. 
But before I started fic writing.
My main writing outlet was this blog. 
And like...writing with friends online.

And so....I kinda developed my own writing style without a lot of feedback? 
I mean...I got feedback from teachers on papers I had to write and such in school...
But on my own....free time writing....yah not so much.  

So I just kinda write...how I want to write. lol. And over the years, I've developed a style, pretty pronounced in this blog. XD lol. 

Which all this basically says....is that I'm pretty close to my writing.

And I'm happy with my writing style. 
I like how I write. 

But I don't really see anything special with it. Because it's mine. It's just me. It's how I write. lol. ^^;; I've been so close to it with barely any feedback besides my own that I just see it as 'normal' not really anything 'amazing' it just "Is." 

So the fact that people love my writing?
lol. It's just surprising. 
But so gratifying.
To know that people enjoy reading what I write?
Best feeling ever.

To see a story I post skyrocketing into popularity, and all the comments are like "This is an amazing story!" "Read this now!" "GUYS THIS IS QUALITY WRITING READ IT!" 
Like.
Wow. 
^^;; 
Just wow. 

It just makes me so giddy inside. 
Because all the doubts disappear and I'm like. "Wow, yes, people like me doing this I want to do it some more!" lol. 

^^ So yah
Here's to more writing to come! :D

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

In A Category

It was an exciting discovery when I logged onto interntland today. 

So, you remember that I write fics right?
Right.
Because I feel like I've been talking about them a bit more this year than I was last year. ^^;;
Which isn't surprising considering how many amazing things are happening with said fics!
I mean, fanarts and fansongs?! LIKE WOW.

And today. New discovery! 
So, for one of the fandoms I write for. 
One of the blogs in the fandom is doing this "Awards" thing for the fics within the fandom. 
With multiple different categories people could nominate fics for. 

And I saw the post about it.
Clicked on it for fun just to see if any of my favorite fics had made it into the running.

And discovered.
That one of my own stories has been nominated!!
Like WHAT?!?! 
()_() People actually like my stories enough to nominate it?!! WHAT?!?!

The crazy thing.
Is that my story is up against some of my favorite fics. 
And I'm like. ()_() Am I really on that same level as these other stories?
Because wow. These other stories are amazing! 

Lol and because the other stories are so amazing.
I am not expecting to win in my category at all.

But the fact that people nominated me in the first place.
Ah. I'm just so excited!!! :D Like. It's an honor. ^^;; 

It just makes me want to go write more. To see if I can create even more stories that I love and that readers will love. ^^;; 

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

A Cover

So a little bit ago, I wrote a fic. 
A Song!Fic 
Which is basically a story where you take lyrics from a song and either just put the lyrics in the story, or else have the characters sing the song in said story. 

And I did the latter part. 
Where I had one of the characters in my fic sing the lyrics to Out There from Hunchback of Notre Dame. 
Only, I changed a few of the lyrics to better fit the character. 

Which, it's kinda fun to come up with my own lyrics. lol.
I ended up doing it quite a lot over Christmas this year and last year while I was at work. Making up Pet Store themed related songs to the Christmas Songs playing on the radio.

In any case.
I wrote the story, posted it, had people love it. And yah...life moved on.

But the fun thing about posting stories online, is that people randomly rediscover them.
How they end up finding them I have no idea lol. 
But I had a reader find this fic that had my altered version of Out There in the story.

And they loved it.
Loved it to the point where they messaged me and asked if it would be alright if they did a cover of my version of the song. 
(Aka, they wanted to sing it and post it so other people could hear that version.) 

They asked me like a month ago if they could do this.
And today they finally posted it and !!!!!!!
I can't tell you how excited I've been all day for it. ^^;;
Like. Having someone love my version of the lyrics so much that they want to sing it?!?!

AHHHH!!!

Seriously. This is amazing. I love it. ^^;; lol. 

Considering that my New Year has been off to a rough start with like the constant headaches (which finally left me today. yay.) the fact that I've gotten two pieces of fanart and a cover of a song this week has been totally worth the aching skull I've dealt with. 

^^ I'm so happy. Yay for people being amazing!!! :D 

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi