Insights on Autism

I haven't written for a little while, but a lot has been happening. I'm nearly done with my mission papers, although they aren't able to be turned in until December and I'm actually considering waiting even past that time to turn them in. I've also had a couple of dates in the past few days that were really fun, but the point is I'm here now.

It's early in the morning, but I just finished an incredible movie. It's called Temple Grandin. This movie is all about a woman who is autistic and the many things that she works through and accomplishes in her life. The woman's name is Temple Grandin and at the time she is diagnosed, doctors are claiming autism is caused by motherly neglect. This is of course not true. Temple is able to get a Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate Degree, design an efficient cattle handling system, and make friends along the way. I think the two things I like best about this movie are 1) it helps you to truly see the world through Temple's eyes, and 2) even though there were so many struggles for her and her mom, they still pushed through and found the positive moments along the way.

Anyway, you guys probably didn't want to hear all that, but I think movies like this that enable us to see through another's eyes are very important for our society. Most of our country does not understand Autism, and many don't even know what Autism is. I am fortunate to have experience with it through my job, and the kids that I work with bring joy into my life everyday because of their different view of the world. Temple's mother describes her and other individuals with Autism perfectly when she said "She is different, not less".

Moving Forward...In a Positive Direction

So, I officially met with Bishop tonight and started my mission papers. I finished all the forms that I could on my own. Now I have to set up appointments with my doctor and dentist, and get a couple answers from my parents. All in all, it's going great! I can turn in my papers December 3, 2011. I'm so excited! I've always wanted to go on a mission, although I can't really explain why other than to serve the Lord, but that doesn't even feel like the full reason. We'll just have to see how all this goes!

To explain the title of this post, in one of my favorite books, Remember No More by Pamela Reid, the main characters live in New Zealand. One of the most influential lines in the book is "Move forward...in a positive direction". This was said to help heal wounds and move past the events of the past. The main girl, Kiri, would not allow herself the happiness that she had earned after a long series of trials until a wonderful woman said this to her. I believe it is a line that we could all apply in our lives daily as we try to better ourselves. Gotta love the quotes of a bookworm :)

A Decision has been made!

So, I've been trying to decide what I will do when I get up to Utah since I'm not going to Brigham Young University this next semester. I've been praying about it, and now I know that I am supposed to go on a mission, or at the very least prepare the very best I can for it.

Come January, I will be able to turn my mission papers in. That means that I have at least 3 months of planning and preparing to utilize. I also have to save up a ton of money for my mission, although I have been trying my hardest to save up as much as I can. So what will I be working on? Well, here are my general goals:

-Become closer to the Lord
-Increase Health
-Graduate College :)
-Prepare spiritually for a mission

I have developed ways to check how I am doing on each goal. I think this will help me to stay focused as I might not necessarily be in school, but will be working and trying to progress.

Anyway, thought I would update my blog with this new, exciting development in my life.

Later!

Hey You! Clean Out yo' mouth!

Okay, I am so ready to get out of Arizona and go to school in Utah, mostly just so I can get away from the all the cussing. I just sat out in the courtyard for 15 minutes and I had to get up and walk away. Not only did the group of boys cuss up a storm, but they also were talking about women like they were just there for a good time and to make fun of. Really, REALLY annoying! I am so ready to be in a better environment. I know that Utah isn't going to be perfect and that there are still going to be people who don't exactly have clean mouths, but at least it will be a more uplifting environment.

"Come what may and love it!"

My name is Candace M. Smith. I am a native of Arizona, the lovely hot state that I love. I am not experienced in blogging at all, but I figured now is one of the best times to start. This post will be short, but there are more to come.


Life has tons of twists and turns and I discovered recently that the reason that I felt so stuck in a rut was because I anticipate these turns. I wouldn't allow myself to dream because what if something prevented my dreams from coming true? What if I wasn't determined enough to accomplish my dream?


Well, I have decided that I've had enough of that talk. In the words of a favorite poem,

"I am finished and done with low living, sight walking,
small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams,
chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals."

If you haven't read this poem, it is called "The Fellowship of the Unashamed". It is an amazing poem about being a disciple of Jesus Christ.I have the Schlappi family to thank for my introduction to it. It will be my motto as I work to allow myself to dream.


Anyway, for those few who might someday read this blog, :)


Thanks for reading!!!