My Three Best Investments

There are three items that I treasure dearly, not because they are material things, but because of where they have taken or taught me...

#1) You will best bet that this little $3.75 item, purchased at the distribution center, has brought me insight and taught me more than you could ever know. I purchased this triple combination about 4 months ago when I started attending a Book of Mormon institute class. My teacher instructed us to get a small Book of Mormon and read it as often as possible. He told us that he takes his everywhere with him so he can always have the powerful words of God there to instruct him. His testimony of the Book of Mormon is amazing and though I did not think he was the best teacher, his love for the Gospel and testimony of the words provided to us in our day in this little book, will forever stand out to me. I have marked this book up and down with my thoughts, feelings, and realizations of my struggles and joys for the past few months that I have had while studying and pondering the great messages available to me. I have had many personal revelations and wouldn't trade it for the world.

#2) This may seem a little weird, but my running shoes is definitely one of my best investments. This $110 purchase takes me to places of fresh air and solitude. They help bring me that piece of mind and help me to reach my goals as an individual, whether it be physically, spiritually or mentally. There is nothing better than strapping them on and heading up into the mountain for some exercise, or to the back road for a run, or better yet... to kickboxing! They have taught me dedication, determination, and love for something that I once hated. I have also been enlightened to the outdoors(yes, I know I am becoming a hippy with my raw lifestyle and outdoorsie stuff, but I am coming to terms with that!). Because of this item, a whole new Amber was formed. I have more respect for my body and how I treat it from the experiences I have had while wearing these.

#3) Yes, this really may seem superficial, but if you only knew the places my Volkswagen GTI has taken me, or the good conversations I have had in it with friends, or even the clearing of my mind in my times of tribulation while going on drives, you would understand why this is one of my best investments. This car was purchased in June of 2003, right before the beginning of my senior year in high school. I have many memories in this car. It has brought me many life changing experiences. On October 14, 2004 this car took me through Washington Oregon, Idaho and stopped in Provo Utah where I, not knowing then, would became a completely different person... for the better. Two years later, this car drove my best friend out to Utah to be with me and again, would change my life dramatically for the EVEN better. Today this car took me on a drive in the canyon and onto Big Springs park where I walked and contemplated the direction of my life. I am sad to say that I fear this specific car will not be with me much longer. It's life expectancy is slowly dwindling down, but memories, experiences, and life changes it has brought me will never be forgotten. In case you are wondering, this picture was taken in July 2006 at approximately 11AM... the day Katie Grandon moved to Utah.

With all the purchases I have made in my life, and yes I have made many... a few too many in fact, these are the ones that have brought the most meaning to my life....