MY BIRTHDAY :) So I had a great birthday and that is thanks to all the wonderful friends and family I have in my life. I am very very blessed to say the least. To start off my day, my roommates convinced be that I should do yoga but sleep in so I did but then got woken up with a surprise. Abby came over and was making me crepes! Strawberries, blackberries and bananas with whipped cream YUM :) It was so great of her to come and a great excuse to not work out and just kinda enjoy my morning. I did some great scripture study and I had gotten homework dome the night before which was great so no stress in getting to class. Got to class a little late but it was my birthday so it was ok :) I had class then off to the Tanner building to do my Literary Criticism reading before NT. I love the New Testament and I love taking from Brother Griffin. We had a wonderful discussion on Romans and Paul's discussions on Faith, Grace, Mercy & Works. There are so many powerful principles in the New Testament that I just haven't known before and I went and thanked him after class for all the wonderful insights he has helped me to gain. Then I was off to Literary Criticism to talk about Spivak and her ridiculously difficult, "A Critique of Postcolonial Reason - Can the Subaltern Speak?". Even other critics have a difficult time deciphering what the heck she's saying, but never the less I need to understand it for the test. but no big deal it was my birthday :) So after that, I went to the library and did my American Humanities reading and had a dandy time with that. Then went to American humanities and laughed and laughed and we had brownies, Happy Birthday to me :) I then went home and found a large package from my Momma and Daddy :) It was so great that they thought of me and I opened it with my mom on Skype. They got me a really cool new satchel bag, a knit poncho (so hipster), feather earrings, some earrings I left at home over the break, Hershey bars, an awesome purple coat, a cool belt and lots and lots of love :) It was great and I loved all of it. After that, Abby and Dana had something planned and they took me to Goodwood's Barbecue, oh my goodness its so GOOD! And lots of friends came; it was me, Dana, Brian, Jasmin, Giselle, Abby, Dylan, Haley Christensen (so great of her to come!) and Madeline even came down from Draper and represented the Hinckley girls of Freshman year. It was so nice of them to come and celebrate with me. I had ribs of course (SO GOOD) with sweet potato fries ans baked beans. And Abby even paid for me (with help from my mother I found out later) which was so sweet and she got me tickets to go and see HUNGER GAMES. I'm so excited! Then our waitress brought us out 2 brownies sundaes for us all to share, fantastic :) It was all around a great dinner with great friends. Then we went back to our apartment and friends surprised me with a dessert party courtesy of Dana's excellent party planning skills and we still have the leopard and pink streamers on our ceiling to prove it. That was really great to have even more friends come and celebrate my birthday with me with a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing and candles in the shape of a 20 and I got sung to :) I'm sure the pictures of my face were priceless. We then just sat around with people filtering in and out until midnight just chatting and having a grand ol' time. I'm so grateful so great friends, they all made me so happy and I hope they all know how special they are to me :) After that I said my prayers and thanked my Heavenly Father for my wonderful family, wonderful roommates and wonderful friends that made my birthday great. I'm 20 years old now so look out world here I come :)
On Thursday, slept in a bit, I got my reading and study guide done before class which was great. Class felt really long that day just cause he was just talking and talking about literature and it just isn't as fun as when there's more of a class discussion. After class, Giselle and I got to go to the temple because we didn't get to since Tuesday was Monday classes. It was more crowded then we're used to but still got some very nice scripture study and just calm time. It was wonderful, I love the temple. I stayed there until work and went to work. I had to leave a little early because I had a subject editors meeting for Criterion where we got assigned the papers we are going to be working on and the people we'll be working with. I'm excited for the opportunity to get some good experience on editing with this project. Then I went home earlier then usual so I made chicken puffs as a delicious meal to last me for a few days. It took a while and I forfeited homework time in order to do it but I'm not complaining :)
It most definitely felt too soon to be Friday because of the funky schedule for the week but it was a good Friday nonetheless. Did yoga in the morning and my shoulder is still bugging me so I've decided that I'm going to do my shoulder exercises on the days that I don't do yoga in hopes that it will actually help my shoulder and it won't cause my body to collapse in the middle of a yoga pose. I went to class decked out in my birthday gear and definitely felt very stylish :) We had a sub in American Usage who was really funny and actually co wrote our textbook and had taught usage at BYU for 40 years before retiring so it was definitely a good time. Then went and worked on my Literary Criticism paper that was due at midnight for a few hours before actually going to Literary Criticism and talking about our upcoming test. I worked on my paper some more until I went to work. I got another note and a sighting :) A little late birthday present that made me smile lots and lots. Even my friend Chris who works with me noticed and totally called me out on my silly little smile and blush I get when I see Jared. Thats ok though, I definitely don't mind :) A bunch of us from work walked home together and then I got to talk to AJ on Skype for a few hours. I took a break from that and finished writing my paper. I turned it in at quarter after midnight so I pray i don't get docked. Then AJ and I talked again for a few more hours and he kicked my butt in chess. I am definitely gonna miss that kid. He ships off to basic tomorrow actually for 2 months then 5 more months of job training for special intelligence for the Army. But he'll be great it always just makes me worry with friends going off and doing stuff like that. We'll write and I'll do my darnedest to make sure he keeps himself out of trouble. Finally at 2 Saturday morning, I collapsed on my bed.
So Saturday morning I woke up early with my stomach feeling terrible and staggered downstairs to collapse on the couch. No bueno. I decided I probably shouldn't go to work and expose the missionaries to my ickiness so I got a sub and just studied for my New Testament exam and lying down. Maya and Papa came into town so they came over with Darl and Nyc and gave me my birthday present. They gave me a really cute 30s hat and a sweater and a knit purse. So awesome. I made lots of awesome marks in my scriptures and now I have those forever and ever. Awesome. After much studying, I went and took the test and got a 94, I was very pleased :) I got home still not feeling great so I took a nap while my roommates went to the temple (jealous . . .) and woke up as they got home. I was drinking lots of water through the day and some Vitamin water for some electrolytes so by the time I woke up form my nap was feeling much better and actually hungry. I chomped down on Chicken Puffs and then got invited to go and eat at Slab pizza. So I got dressed up in my new hat and sweater and went and ate 1/4 of a buffalo chicken pizza - so so good. It was fun with Jackie, Carter, JD, Brian and Dana. Then we came home and I ate two of the leftover crepes from my birthday breakfast and everyone was surprised that I can eat so much. What can I say, I love FOOD. We discovered a Natural Hallucinogen on Youtube that made the world move in all sorts of weird ways and it was really fun, this is what Mormons do to experience getting high without actually getting high. After much deliberation, we all went to Ty and Robert's apartment and watched Ocean's Eleven, a classic movie. We were there way past curfew but shhhh no one has to know that. We felt so rebellious. NBD
Sunday morning got lots of great sleeping in and lots of scripture study in the morning. I read some really cool stuff in I Nephi today. In Chapter 15 verse 24 when Nephi is talking to Laman and Lemuel about the contents of Lehi's dream and what it means to hold fast to the iron rod (and we sang that song twice at church today too!). Hold has a cross reference to Proverbs 4:13 and I turned to it and I had 11-13 highlighted and they say "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast ahold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life" and I just thought was was a really cool scripture that really emphasizes how important it is to cling to the gospel of Christ. Also another scripture (15:33) had tons of cross references talking about how no filth can be in the presence of God and what we need to do to be clean - having clean hands and a pure heart. Its all about working on the little things everyday huh? :) So then I got ready for church (I did a sock bun with one of my leg warmers and it turned out so good, I was so proud!) and then to go to church and have wonderful lessons from wonderful people and it was just great. I got to partake of the sacrament and it was just a wonderful experience overall and lots of guys complimented me on my outfit and even my walk so hey bonus right? lol Then went to family dinner at the Larsen's with all the Utah people present and had a great time chatting with family and playing with little Levon. Brittany is pregnant again too, more babies! Our family loves them :) Came home and started blogging and then got distracted and went to ward prayer and socialed at 462 for a bit before realizing my visiting teachers were coming over so I ran home and had a great little discussion with them. Then continued blogging and then got home- taught again by Phil and Jason which was super great and now just sitting and finishing up my post. I'll probably stay up late responding to Jared's letter and then doing homework for my 10 o'clock class tomorrow. Delightful. Have a wonderful week all! God bless!
Sunday, February 26
Tuesday, February 21
off day in a good way
Tuesday was a weird day just cause we had Monday classes so everything was off. MY teachers even thought it was weird. I got up and had my reading dome for American Usage and NT and went to class. Had a grand ol' time getting scared outta my mind about the next Exam but hey thats what class is for right? Did my reading for Literary Criticism before NT ( not all of it but enough that I got the point of class) and New Testament was wonderful. For those of you who actually read my constant blabbering, you'll know how much I love that class. We talked about the importance of not having a perfectionist complex. We cannot save ourselves through works. The only way to keep the law of the law is to never break one of them and that simply is impossible except for one person. That One person gives me the opportunity to be perfected through His infinite atonement for my infinite frailties and mistakes. I don't want to do it on my own because Christ strengthens me in my hardest times. My trials are life experiences and sometimes aren't just taken away, but He strengthens me so i can carry them. Oh I love this gospel and I love my Savior. Literary Criticism was great cause I still had my spiritual high which makes anything better :) We talked about Said's Orientalism and his ideas on how the idea of the Orient is the perpetuating idea of the West that is often not founded in any reality. Interesting to apply to Moliere's The Would-Be Gentleman and its many of the same issues we've been talking about in my Humanities of Islam class. They all link together :) After Literary Criticism, I attempted to work on my Literary Criticism paper (applying Fanon's ideas to the Would-Be Gentleman) but was largely unsuccessful. I couldn't focus so I read my scriptures and felt much better after :) American Humanities was a hoot as always and we even got chocolate chip cookies with an oreo baked inside - HEAVEN. We discussed paintings and that was great too, and I'm being completely serious :) I went home afterwards and found our my Literary Criticism paper wasn't due till Friday (SCORE) so I focused on other homework and making chicken puffs and chilling with Dana for the rest of the evening. She's planning some sort of dinner for my birthday and she's making me a cake, love her :) But I am excited for my birthday :) Two decades old doesn't happen very often!
Much love
Much love
Monday, February 20
president's day
See? I'm doing better now I just gotta keep it up. Monday was delightful and lazy and semi-productive. I got up at 8:40ish to an empty apartment (with Dana at work and the rest of the roommates out of town) so I did my Yoga. My shoulder was hurting today as well and I hated it. I really do like Yoga and it makes me want to jus trip off my shoulder. I though that it would be helping strengthen it but now it hurting. I just wanna workout! Is that too much to ask? Well I finished and then played catch up with my blog this morning. I got through with that and made myself look presentable for the day and had some Ramen for lunch. Which reminds me that I didn't really have dinner, hungry, hmmmm.... Anywho, I did my American Usage while watching Once Upon a Time and Downton Abbey (which were both excellent this week by the way). After that I uploaded some picture from our Park City trip and did my reading for American Humanities for the first time in like a week and a half. Then I walked up to work (25 minutes not bad) and go there and was ridiculed that I didn't ask for a ride. I can't win. I worked really hard and got another surprise note saying "Happy two days before your birthday" and such things :) I was smiling alot. And I saw the one who wrote the message too and that was a wonderful early birthday present. I like that kid :) Just saying. I got a ride home form work and went to watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes at Ty and Robert's apartment with the other roommates. It was a good movie and it was funny trying to explain how it fit into the other movies to my roommates, practically impossible. I had fun though. Dana and I came back and did studying (me reading and her doing lesson plans) and ending up looking up stuff about the new temples being built. Now I finished my NT reading and I think I'll look over my American Usage before I go to bed. Can I just say how grateful I am to be able to have the fulness of the gospel and understand that God loves me? I am extraordinarily blessed with the different people in my live and being apart of this wonderful church.It makes everything that much easier to go through because at the end of the day, my Father in Heaven loves me and my Elder Brother, Jesus Christ already did everything for me, what more do I need?
Much love to you all
Much love to you all
Sunday, February 19
days turn to a week
Saturday: Uneventful. I should've been doing homework but did I? Nope and it was very nice to just have a nice chill day. Work wasn't so bad, fun sightings bring smiles all around. :) Then chilling with the roomies till bedtime.
Sunday: A wonderful meeting and there was a powerful Spirit throughout. The people in my ward are all very genuine and in their lessons and talks, its easy to see how sincere their testimonies are. I challenge anyone to find a better ward with a better bishopric then the YSA Provo 95th Ward. Nice try :) I stayed up till 3 again but this time it was to write a letter to Jared. I love reading and getting his letters because he has such a powerful spirit and testimony that it strengthens me every time I read them. And I'll say it every time, mine is better :)
Monday: Well now we're running into Monday. Monday was good I finished my reading for New Testament and American Usage before class started but then was late due to the crisis of not being able to find my keys. Figures. Class was interesting as always but its getting harder now because were getting into grammar like Who vs. Whom. Its HARD to figure it out cause I for one don't use whom but I need to know it if I wanna be a good editor. So . . . let the notecards be made! Got most of my reading done for Literary Criticism before New Testament and then New Testament was wonderful as always :) We took apart 1 Corinthians 13 and Charity. True charity has only ever been performed once with Christ and his perfect life and atonement but, by accepting his love and bringing it into my life, I become a reflection of that divinity when I show charity to others. Charity is the true love of Christ, all the attributes described in verses 5-7 were done by Christ perfectly and only in accepting Him into my life, can I have any hope of giving these attributes to anyone else. THe scriptures and the gospel are amazing things :) Literary Criticism was interesting with our discussion of Benjamin's The Work of Art in the Age of Technological Reproduction. We talked about how art has an "aura" of being singular and how photos and cinema question the old definitions of art. A very materialistic argument but thats not surprising since he was a Marxist. But the idea of what makes a work of art authentic was interesting to think about. I think did none of my reading for American Humanities but studied my brains out for my Humanities of Islam exam which I took after my class (which was hilarious as ever). It took me 3 HOURS. Oh my goodness did my brain hurt after that but I thought I did well. Needless to say, I didn't do my reading for H of I the next day.
Tuesday: Goodness this is going to be a long blog post. I slept in Tuesday and it felt wonderful. I woke up to a Valentines with my Valentine close by but at the same time far away. I was determined not to mope or anything so I didn't do my reading and went to class. I really need to get to the devotionals more though, I think I'm probably missing out on an opportunity to have my Tuesdays be even more spiritually invigorating by missing those. Time to set the alarm on Tuesdays and get up early and get going! Giselle was busy with papers so we didn't get to go to the temple which I was bummed about but I got some pictures printed for Caleb cause he asked for some in his last letter and sent some off to him. Then I was reading some blogposts in the library and Giselle, sitting behind me in the library, kindly offered to give me a ride to work. I was torn all throughout work trying and then not trying to see Jared because at that point, I really missed him. But I went through the shift and walked home and what did I find a Valentine's card just for me :) It was simple and sweet but man I was and am very much blessed to have Jared in my life. It made my Valentine's day probably the second best ever :) (last year taking first prize). Then Giselle came home telling us of her strutting into Ty and Robert's classes to give them their dinners with a black dress and red red lipstick. You go girl! The evening more then made up for the not so good day. Stayed up late doing reading for New Testament.
Wednesday: Got up and did yoga as always. It was a great workout cause I pushed myself. Love that feeling :) Finished my exercises for American Usage and ran with Jackie to get there on time. I finished my reading for New Testament and most of my reading for Literary Criticism before NT. In New Testament, we talked about II Corinthians, how comfort from God is the same with charity, only by feeling it through God am I able to really give it to others. God has given us an earnest (downpayment) of His spirit to give us just a tiny taste and an assurance that if we follow Him, we will receive all the more when we return to live with him again. We talked about the Great Exchange of the Atonement in chapter 5 verse 21 - Christ was sinless but consented to sin by taking on my sins so that I could be made perfect like He is. Such wonderful and powerful doctrine and I am so grateful to be at a school where I learn these things in class! Always have a wonderful Spirit. It doesn't even bum me out that there's a test in that class that starts on my birthday because I learn and grow each time I open my scriptures now. Literary Criticism was great talking about Bordeiu's ideas on culture and how taste in the arts distinguish people. A person doesn't understand why a piece of art is good with no training or background and that training sets people above the masses - like us as Humanities majors. People just look at us weird sometimes lol. After class, went to the library and started to do some reading for American Humanities but I got distracted by trying to find bus schedules/routes so Abby and I could go and visit Grandpa on Thursday. Things are just so stressful when they are in the planning process! So I went to class yet again without having done all the reading and had a hoot all the same :) I got home and saw the awesome box that Dana had made for our Valentine for the ward Valentines party - Phantom of the Opera themed with the soundtrack even playing on the inside of the box. It was absolutely fantastic. But what was even more fantastic was I got a letter from Jared, 2 letters in one week and I am a very lucky girl :) I'm so proud of him for all the wonderful work he is doing for the Lord, I've definitely got the best best friend ever :) Then I went to orchestra and had a wonderful time playing my heart out. I love music! And playing and singing and just everything :)
Thursday: Ah so Thursday I slept in again which is always nice but this time I got all my reading done for Islamic Humanities and we had a really interesting discussion about movies. We talked about how the council from the brethren is nothing "vulgar, immoral, inappropriate, suggestive or pornographic" so that sometimes is PG-13 and sometimes R, but its up to us to make wise judgements. Pretty cool discussion. After class went and got my ticket for the Passover Seder Service that BYU does every year in March/April. I'm really excited to go :) Then Abby and I ran to the bus stop to catch our bus to Salt Lake to go see Grandpa who got surgery on his back. I didn't get nearly all that I needed to done cause Abby and I just talked the whole way. We hopped on the Trax and went right through the stop Jared and I got off of last semester when we went to his sister Lena's house. That was a fun trip :) and our trip on Thursday was great too. We got to see most of our Dad's side of the family and Grandpa's surgery went really well and didn't have any pain in his back. It was great to see :) Grandpa is such a sweetheart and Grandma is sassy and its super funny to watch. I love them both. Kairisti picked us up and gave us a ride home. We stopped at Baja Fresh for dinner on the way which was delicious because I was starving. We came and chilled at my apartment for a little while and Abby and Kairisti left. I finished some reading and exercises for American Usage and headed to bed.
Friday: Friday was the countdown to the 3 day weekend. Yoga (where my shoulder started giving me problems and I had to ice it. Can't I just saw off the part that hurts?), went to American Usage, got out and went to the library and finished some reading for Literary Criticism. In Literary Criticism we talked about culture can be a factor in determining national identity and not only to our personal culture. Interesting as always. After, I went to my NT review for the test that starts this next week and felt really pretty good about it. Then I got to go home on a Friday which hasn't happened since last semester because I got it off thinking we were going to Vegas this weekend. But I just got home and chilled and watched a few shows and took a nap. A very long nap because I didn't wake up till 7 so then Dana, Jackie and I could go out and start our epic girls night. We went to both FYEs looking for Madagascar 1 and 2 and finally found them after a very long time searching. I also got Moulin Rouge, Monster's Inc. and Juno. EPIC. We got Little Caesar's on our way home (a staple on a Friday night in 431) and watched both Madagascars because I've never seen the second. SO FUNNY. Oh goodness a great night.
Saturday: Again I didn't have work so it was a nice relaxing morning where I slept really late. I watched some CSI just for fun and even took a little nap. Then Dana and I got ready for our night in Park City with Robert and Ty. We left at around 4:30 because Dana is far too popular for her own good. Awesome time jamming out in the car. We got there and just walked around the galleries with some delicious Hot Caramel Apple Cider - doesn't that just sound wonderful? Cause it was :) The galleries were really cool and off course tremendously outside my price range but it was fun just the same. After we'd wandered around for a while, we finally found the Blue Iguana, a mexican restaurant where we had planned to eat. We got seated and the dishes were really authentic at least thats what Ty said (served in Mexico on his mish) so I got the Mole Poblano with Pork and everyone else got new things too. Dana's grande burrito came out and we just started rolling from laugher. It was SO BIG! We had told her to order it because if you finished it you got a free dessert but my goodness that thing was huge. SO after we had finished our food, we were pretty full and then started on the 3/4ths of the burrito that Dana hadn't eaten. The beef in the burrito was not good but the chicken was, truly it was just one huge chuck of meat. Ugh my stomach has never felt so full in my life and it was not in a good way. But after over an hour, we finished it with only a small bit left and our waiter brought us the dessert! VICTORY! We downed the dessert in 10 seconds flat and led to a great discussion of how there's always room for dessert. After struggling for a minute, we all managed to get out of our seats, and started walking up to the car. We went in and out of some cool galleries, a little more slowly then normal, but then it started to snow so we booked it up to the car cause there was a big storm coming in. More fantastic rocking out on the way home and we watched Alex and Twitch on Youtube from So You Think You Can Dance because we had been listening to that song in the car. It was great fun and then it was almost midnight and we all went to bed with the intention of never eating again.
Sunday: I woke up at 10:10, 10 minutes before my home teachers were supposed to come and I booked it to get ready. I got my make-up off and my face washed and myself dressed when they got here. Hometeachers, well mine anyways, are always nice to talk to and work in giving me a kick in the butt when I need it. We talked about scripture study and how important it is and they challenged me to get up a little earlier every morning and do my scripture study. Check back with me in a month and I felt like an investigator lol. It was a very nice lesson. Then I had to hurry and get fully ready because I had work and Dana was nice enough to drop me off. Then I saw that Chris was there and had taken my shift and was about to leave but Jessie had people gone and sick so I stayed on. After apologizing profusely to Chris, I worked on silverware for lunch and had a marvelous time. They fed us and then I took a nice little nap in the locker room before I read my scriptures for a bit. I worked on first position in pit for dinner which is busy but keeps you occupied. First, I got a note from Jared without even seeing him he just put it on a random tray. My smile was the biggest ever, Chris even commented on how no matter how many jokes he told, he could never make me smile like that, and he's right only one person can. I continued working and I looked up and there he was smiling at me. I wasn't expecting it because I thought he'd already left. But he smiled at me and we did my favorite hand signal and he left. I have to say, I like that kid a lot :) We got out super early and Chris gave me a ride home. I got home and showered and got all looking nice because I was going to go to Hailey's house for pretzel night but my Skype date with AJ went much longer then planned. It was great though. I haven't talked to him in a really long time and he ships put for basic and job training in a week for the Army. Goodness all of my friends are going into the Army. I talked to him for 3 hours and it was really nice to talk to an old, white de-froed friend. Hopefully I'll get to talk to him later this week before he leaves. It was midnight by the time we finished talking so I went to bed.
Wow, lots of stuff happened this week and I will be better about writing everyday as opposed to a giant letter at the end. I will go and do right? Not sit and stew and play on the computer. Bring on the day!
Much love
Sunday: A wonderful meeting and there was a powerful Spirit throughout. The people in my ward are all very genuine and in their lessons and talks, its easy to see how sincere their testimonies are. I challenge anyone to find a better ward with a better bishopric then the YSA Provo 95th Ward. Nice try :) I stayed up till 3 again but this time it was to write a letter to Jared. I love reading and getting his letters because he has such a powerful spirit and testimony that it strengthens me every time I read them. And I'll say it every time, mine is better :)
Monday: Well now we're running into Monday. Monday was good I finished my reading for New Testament and American Usage before class started but then was late due to the crisis of not being able to find my keys. Figures. Class was interesting as always but its getting harder now because were getting into grammar like Who vs. Whom. Its HARD to figure it out cause I for one don't use whom but I need to know it if I wanna be a good editor. So . . . let the notecards be made! Got most of my reading done for Literary Criticism before New Testament and then New Testament was wonderful as always :) We took apart 1 Corinthians 13 and Charity. True charity has only ever been performed once with Christ and his perfect life and atonement but, by accepting his love and bringing it into my life, I become a reflection of that divinity when I show charity to others. Charity is the true love of Christ, all the attributes described in verses 5-7 were done by Christ perfectly and only in accepting Him into my life, can I have any hope of giving these attributes to anyone else. THe scriptures and the gospel are amazing things :) Literary Criticism was interesting with our discussion of Benjamin's The Work of Art in the Age of Technological Reproduction. We talked about how art has an "aura" of being singular and how photos and cinema question the old definitions of art. A very materialistic argument but thats not surprising since he was a Marxist. But the idea of what makes a work of art authentic was interesting to think about. I think did none of my reading for American Humanities but studied my brains out for my Humanities of Islam exam which I took after my class (which was hilarious as ever). It took me 3 HOURS. Oh my goodness did my brain hurt after that but I thought I did well. Needless to say, I didn't do my reading for H of I the next day.
Tuesday: Goodness this is going to be a long blog post. I slept in Tuesday and it felt wonderful. I woke up to a Valentines with my Valentine close by but at the same time far away. I was determined not to mope or anything so I didn't do my reading and went to class. I really need to get to the devotionals more though, I think I'm probably missing out on an opportunity to have my Tuesdays be even more spiritually invigorating by missing those. Time to set the alarm on Tuesdays and get up early and get going! Giselle was busy with papers so we didn't get to go to the temple which I was bummed about but I got some pictures printed for Caleb cause he asked for some in his last letter and sent some off to him. Then I was reading some blogposts in the library and Giselle, sitting behind me in the library, kindly offered to give me a ride to work. I was torn all throughout work trying and then not trying to see Jared because at that point, I really missed him. But I went through the shift and walked home and what did I find a Valentine's card just for me :) It was simple and sweet but man I was and am very much blessed to have Jared in my life. It made my Valentine's day probably the second best ever :) (last year taking first prize). Then Giselle came home telling us of her strutting into Ty and Robert's classes to give them their dinners with a black dress and red red lipstick. You go girl! The evening more then made up for the not so good day. Stayed up late doing reading for New Testament.
Wednesday: Got up and did yoga as always. It was a great workout cause I pushed myself. Love that feeling :) Finished my exercises for American Usage and ran with Jackie to get there on time. I finished my reading for New Testament and most of my reading for Literary Criticism before NT. In New Testament, we talked about II Corinthians, how comfort from God is the same with charity, only by feeling it through God am I able to really give it to others. God has given us an earnest (downpayment) of His spirit to give us just a tiny taste and an assurance that if we follow Him, we will receive all the more when we return to live with him again. We talked about the Great Exchange of the Atonement in chapter 5 verse 21 - Christ was sinless but consented to sin by taking on my sins so that I could be made perfect like He is. Such wonderful and powerful doctrine and I am so grateful to be at a school where I learn these things in class! Always have a wonderful Spirit. It doesn't even bum me out that there's a test in that class that starts on my birthday because I learn and grow each time I open my scriptures now. Literary Criticism was great talking about Bordeiu's ideas on culture and how taste in the arts distinguish people. A person doesn't understand why a piece of art is good with no training or background and that training sets people above the masses - like us as Humanities majors. People just look at us weird sometimes lol. After class, went to the library and started to do some reading for American Humanities but I got distracted by trying to find bus schedules/routes so Abby and I could go and visit Grandpa on Thursday. Things are just so stressful when they are in the planning process! So I went to class yet again without having done all the reading and had a hoot all the same :) I got home and saw the awesome box that Dana had made for our Valentine for the ward Valentines party - Phantom of the Opera themed with the soundtrack even playing on the inside of the box. It was absolutely fantastic. But what was even more fantastic was I got a letter from Jared, 2 letters in one week and I am a very lucky girl :) I'm so proud of him for all the wonderful work he is doing for the Lord, I've definitely got the best best friend ever :) Then I went to orchestra and had a wonderful time playing my heart out. I love music! And playing and singing and just everything :)
Thursday: Ah so Thursday I slept in again which is always nice but this time I got all my reading done for Islamic Humanities and we had a really interesting discussion about movies. We talked about how the council from the brethren is nothing "vulgar, immoral, inappropriate, suggestive or pornographic" so that sometimes is PG-13 and sometimes R, but its up to us to make wise judgements. Pretty cool discussion. After class went and got my ticket for the Passover Seder Service that BYU does every year in March/April. I'm really excited to go :) Then Abby and I ran to the bus stop to catch our bus to Salt Lake to go see Grandpa who got surgery on his back. I didn't get nearly all that I needed to done cause Abby and I just talked the whole way. We hopped on the Trax and went right through the stop Jared and I got off of last semester when we went to his sister Lena's house. That was a fun trip :) and our trip on Thursday was great too. We got to see most of our Dad's side of the family and Grandpa's surgery went really well and didn't have any pain in his back. It was great to see :) Grandpa is such a sweetheart and Grandma is sassy and its super funny to watch. I love them both. Kairisti picked us up and gave us a ride home. We stopped at Baja Fresh for dinner on the way which was delicious because I was starving. We came and chilled at my apartment for a little while and Abby and Kairisti left. I finished some reading and exercises for American Usage and headed to bed.
Friday: Friday was the countdown to the 3 day weekend. Yoga (where my shoulder started giving me problems and I had to ice it. Can't I just saw off the part that hurts?), went to American Usage, got out and went to the library and finished some reading for Literary Criticism. In Literary Criticism we talked about culture can be a factor in determining national identity and not only to our personal culture. Interesting as always. After, I went to my NT review for the test that starts this next week and felt really pretty good about it. Then I got to go home on a Friday which hasn't happened since last semester because I got it off thinking we were going to Vegas this weekend. But I just got home and chilled and watched a few shows and took a nap. A very long nap because I didn't wake up till 7 so then Dana, Jackie and I could go out and start our epic girls night. We went to both FYEs looking for Madagascar 1 and 2 and finally found them after a very long time searching. I also got Moulin Rouge, Monster's Inc. and Juno. EPIC. We got Little Caesar's on our way home (a staple on a Friday night in 431) and watched both Madagascars because I've never seen the second. SO FUNNY. Oh goodness a great night.
Saturday: Again I didn't have work so it was a nice relaxing morning where I slept really late. I watched some CSI just for fun and even took a little nap. Then Dana and I got ready for our night in Park City with Robert and Ty. We left at around 4:30 because Dana is far too popular for her own good. Awesome time jamming out in the car. We got there and just walked around the galleries with some delicious Hot Caramel Apple Cider - doesn't that just sound wonderful? Cause it was :) The galleries were really cool and off course tremendously outside my price range but it was fun just the same. After we'd wandered around for a while, we finally found the Blue Iguana, a mexican restaurant where we had planned to eat. We got seated and the dishes were really authentic at least thats what Ty said (served in Mexico on his mish) so I got the Mole Poblano with Pork and everyone else got new things too. Dana's grande burrito came out and we just started rolling from laugher. It was SO BIG! We had told her to order it because if you finished it you got a free dessert but my goodness that thing was huge. SO after we had finished our food, we were pretty full and then started on the 3/4ths of the burrito that Dana hadn't eaten. The beef in the burrito was not good but the chicken was, truly it was just one huge chuck of meat. Ugh my stomach has never felt so full in my life and it was not in a good way. But after over an hour, we finished it with only a small bit left and our waiter brought us the dessert! VICTORY! We downed the dessert in 10 seconds flat and led to a great discussion of how there's always room for dessert. After struggling for a minute, we all managed to get out of our seats, and started walking up to the car. We went in and out of some cool galleries, a little more slowly then normal, but then it started to snow so we booked it up to the car cause there was a big storm coming in. More fantastic rocking out on the way home and we watched Alex and Twitch on Youtube from So You Think You Can Dance because we had been listening to that song in the car. It was great fun and then it was almost midnight and we all went to bed with the intention of never eating again.
Sunday: I woke up at 10:10, 10 minutes before my home teachers were supposed to come and I booked it to get ready. I got my make-up off and my face washed and myself dressed when they got here. Hometeachers, well mine anyways, are always nice to talk to and work in giving me a kick in the butt when I need it. We talked about scripture study and how important it is and they challenged me to get up a little earlier every morning and do my scripture study. Check back with me in a month and I felt like an investigator lol. It was a very nice lesson. Then I had to hurry and get fully ready because I had work and Dana was nice enough to drop me off. Then I saw that Chris was there and had taken my shift and was about to leave but Jessie had people gone and sick so I stayed on. After apologizing profusely to Chris, I worked on silverware for lunch and had a marvelous time. They fed us and then I took a nice little nap in the locker room before I read my scriptures for a bit. I worked on first position in pit for dinner which is busy but keeps you occupied. First, I got a note from Jared without even seeing him he just put it on a random tray. My smile was the biggest ever, Chris even commented on how no matter how many jokes he told, he could never make me smile like that, and he's right only one person can. I continued working and I looked up and there he was smiling at me. I wasn't expecting it because I thought he'd already left. But he smiled at me and we did my favorite hand signal and he left. I have to say, I like that kid a lot :) We got out super early and Chris gave me a ride home. I got home and showered and got all looking nice because I was going to go to Hailey's house for pretzel night but my Skype date with AJ went much longer then planned. It was great though. I haven't talked to him in a really long time and he ships put for basic and job training in a week for the Army. Goodness all of my friends are going into the Army. I talked to him for 3 hours and it was really nice to talk to an old, white de-froed friend. Hopefully I'll get to talk to him later this week before he leaves. It was midnight by the time we finished talking so I went to bed.
Wow, lots of stuff happened this week and I will be better about writing everyday as opposed to a giant letter at the end. I will go and do right? Not sit and stew and play on the computer. Bring on the day!
Much love
Friday, February 10
good friday night
An unexpectedly full Friday to say the least. I got up and did my yoga, and I got a great workout :) It felt way good and I think I could totally continue this as a great workout regimen. I was talking to Dana and a friends of hers named Dallas and they were saying how ridiculously difficult it is. Yeah they're right and I'm gonna continue to do it because its the one fitness thing that doesn't hurt my shoulder! Maybes its even helping it! Yay for discipline!
Went to class which was just dandy you know. Got all my Criterion reading done between classes (cause I had finished my reading the night before, WOOT WOOT) and went and had, as always, an nice interesting discussion about Foucoult ideas on how the idea of prison and punishment has changed, I wonder how I'll connect that to The Would-Be Gentlemen . . .
Went to the library after class and did some scripture study. Great stuff in I Nephi about the vision of the tree of life and everyone striving to cling to God's word and return to Him again. It reminded me again that I'm not alone in my daily struggle through life. The struggle against myself is not a new idea in the world and others can help me along the way :) Then I was talking to my dad on the phone for a little while and finished that and came back in and starting writing Caleb back. He mentioned that he wanted some pictures so I went through and was looking for some. I LOVE PICTURES They just make me very very happy all the time I look through them. My best friends are most definitely the best, if you doubt look at how awesome our pictures are.
Went to work and was just happy the whole time. Moving to dishroom was great cause I got to meet lots of new people and only see a certain Elder very occasionally. But those occasions certainly make me happy for the entire shift :)
I was walking home and got picked up by Dana halfway there and we got taken on an unexpected date. We went roller skating (well I was roller blading) at Classic skating in Orem and made our legs awesomely sore in weird places from going in one direction around the floor all night. We all had a good time though. Then we all (Brian, Dallas, Me, Carter, Dana and Wes) all came back to our apartment and made cookie dough brownies, best decision ever. Wes had to go but then Jordan came over and enjoyed the brownies with us and we all talked for a while and had a jolly old time.
Overall, a good Friday night :)
Much love
Thursday, February 9
grateful forever
Sleeping in is always a wonderful way to start the day. Got caught up on the blog posts this morning, did some pretty chill internet surfing, got ready for the day (I wore my "don't mess with Texas" shirt and laughed to myself at what Jared would say about it) and Dana kindly drove me to school on her way to work. I feel pretty good about my Humanities of Islam exam that I signed up to take Monday because the set up of the class means reading and going over the examples and the distinctives characteristics within the reading over and over in class. So I've got it pretty much covered, I think, I hope, I pray - there's always more time to study!
I got to class and we actually talked about Muslim comedy and watched lots of videos that were actually really funny. We were talking about how more minorities in times of hardship, are characterized by the comedians that come out so that they can laugh at themselves. Fun class with lots of laughs and afterwards headed to the library. I FINALLY printed off my paper for American Humanities and ran it to my professor's office. Then I got back and did my reading and exercise for American Usage. I did some scripture study in I Nephi 5, 6 & 7 and learned about what it means to be faithful God, the importance of remembering the Lord in all things, we are able to do all things through God, coming unto Christ and the idea of pleasing the world vs. pleasing God. So many wonderful things to learn in the Book of Mormon. and didn't wanna read anymore Marx so I settled for modern Family instead. More laughs ensued before I went to work. Work was ordinary and walked home to find a letter :) and Valentines packages from my parents. Got a movie, a pen, some socks and a small journal from my dad and some hot chocolate, vitamin water, Sweet and Salty bars, razors (shaving), and peanut butter and jam - random gifts and I love them all :) The letter was great because Jared is very humble in his calling as a missionary, he mentioned how when we learn we realize how little we know and want to learn more which is EXACTLY what we were talking about in my New Testament class on Wednesday. I Corinthians 8:2 - the more I know about God, the less I can really understand the breadth and depth of what He and His Son have done for me, but that doesn't stop more from feasting on the scriptures and having gratitude every night my prayers. Its the least I can do to constantly try to repay my Lord even though I will never come close, I will try so He knows how much I love and appreciate His sacrifice for me. haha One day at a time right?
Well to wrap up my day, I finished my Marx reading from Wednesday and finished my Foucault reading for tomorrow so I'm all set. Hopefully I get to read my scriptures lots tomorrow :) Its so great to be so excited about the scriptures, goodness I have so much to be thankful for!
God bless you my friends
I got to class and we actually talked about Muslim comedy and watched lots of videos that were actually really funny. We were talking about how more minorities in times of hardship, are characterized by the comedians that come out so that they can laugh at themselves. Fun class with lots of laughs and afterwards headed to the library. I FINALLY printed off my paper for American Humanities and ran it to my professor's office. Then I got back and did my reading and exercise for American Usage. I did some scripture study in I Nephi 5, 6 & 7 and learned about what it means to be faithful God, the importance of remembering the Lord in all things, we are able to do all things through God, coming unto Christ and the idea of pleasing the world vs. pleasing God. So many wonderful things to learn in the Book of Mormon. and didn't wanna read anymore Marx so I settled for modern Family instead. More laughs ensued before I went to work. Work was ordinary and walked home to find a letter :) and Valentines packages from my parents. Got a movie, a pen, some socks and a small journal from my dad and some hot chocolate, vitamin water, Sweet and Salty bars, razors (shaving), and peanut butter and jam - random gifts and I love them all :) The letter was great because Jared is very humble in his calling as a missionary, he mentioned how when we learn we realize how little we know and want to learn more which is EXACTLY what we were talking about in my New Testament class on Wednesday. I Corinthians 8:2 - the more I know about God, the less I can really understand the breadth and depth of what He and His Son have done for me, but that doesn't stop more from feasting on the scriptures and having gratitude every night my prayers. Its the least I can do to constantly try to repay my Lord even though I will never come close, I will try so He knows how much I love and appreciate His sacrifice for me. haha One day at a time right?
Well to wrap up my day, I finished my Marx reading from Wednesday and finished my Foucault reading for tomorrow so I'm all set. Hopefully I get to read my scriptures lots tomorrow :) Its so great to be so excited about the scriptures, goodness I have so much to be thankful for!
God bless you my friends
Wednesday, February 8
busy and calm
Tuesday was very nice. Since I don't have class till 12 I got to sleep in and recover from my ridiculous night of barely any sleep. I got up nice and well rested and did a bit of studying for my Humanities of Islam exam that actually started today. Knowing significant places in Islamic history on a map, not too hard. Dana came home unexpectedly from her classroom and Giselle and I went up to campus. She was kind enough to drop me off which was excellent because I was in heel. Why was I in heel might you ask? I got to go to the temple right after class! I've never gone to the temple one a week before but Giselle and are are going to make it a tradition. It was a little more crowded this time but I didn't mind at all. Just thinking and feeling closer to my Heavenly Father was great. I just stayed after baptisms and got to do some more intense scripture study this time in I Nephi as I am starting the Book of Mormon over again. It was great :) I found lots of great stuff about what it means to be willing to go and do something, can I just say I love cross references? Why I haven't ever used them before I will never know. I left and didn't go to work because I had a review for my Humanities of Islam exam. Good review but walking there and walking home in heels was killer on my feet. I got my hair cut though! Just a healthy trim but it feels wonderful.
Today was busy but a good day. Its awesome to see what a spiritual high from going to the temple can do for you. It made me calmer and it was easier to take on the day. Can I just say that I love all my classes? In American Usage we talked about sexist language and how it can distract from your writing if you don't pay attention or if you pay too much attention and it breaks up the fluidity of the sentence. We even watched a 90s tv show all about being "politically correct", very funny and it certainly made me happy to be in college. Where else can you di that and still get credit?! I attempted to get caught up on reading for my Literary Criticism class before New Testament but looks like I'll need to spend a little more time on that. New Testament was wonderful we got really deeply into the "meat" of the gospel and talked about I Corinthians 10 where Paul talks about women and how that all comes together in the greater gospel picture. I am vey happy to be part of a Church that values women so highly and teaches such wonderful values on the family and the home. Literary Criticism was an interesting discussion as always. Althusser was a Marxist thinker so his argument had distinct holes in it but its good to get a more complete view of the world's philosophy. After, I went and got Believing Christ and Following Christ from the bookstore (by Stephen E. Robinson) so now I have my own to study and mark up however I like :) I did some reading for my American Humanities class which was interesting but the most interesting part was class. We talked about how Conversion has followed a similar pattern for thousands of years; from Paul to Muhammad to Joseph Smith and even to little old me. I am not singular in my problems, my pain or my struggles that come with faith but the Lord is constant from eternity to eternity, there is great comfort for me in that. I went home long enough to eat something, then went to a Dance Lab for a little bit and watched my fried Chris compete, makes me miss dancing and I can't wait to try some new kinds. I went to orchestra with all of our fantastic music and loved every minute of it. A wonderful way to just get lost in the music for a few hours a week. Then came home and had a dessert party! We socialized with people form our ward and I made them all try strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar; and they liked it! I was forced to say "I told you so" multiple times throughout the evening :) People stayed over till late and I made everyone laugh because I get loopy and silly when I'm tired. No video cameras will ever be allowed near me when I am in that stage. Its been a great few days and I'll make sure that they continue for a few more.
Cheers
Today was busy but a good day. Its awesome to see what a spiritual high from going to the temple can do for you. It made me calmer and it was easier to take on the day. Can I just say that I love all my classes? In American Usage we talked about sexist language and how it can distract from your writing if you don't pay attention or if you pay too much attention and it breaks up the fluidity of the sentence. We even watched a 90s tv show all about being "politically correct", very funny and it certainly made me happy to be in college. Where else can you di that and still get credit?! I attempted to get caught up on reading for my Literary Criticism class before New Testament but looks like I'll need to spend a little more time on that. New Testament was wonderful we got really deeply into the "meat" of the gospel and talked about I Corinthians 10 where Paul talks about women and how that all comes together in the greater gospel picture. I am vey happy to be part of a Church that values women so highly and teaches such wonderful values on the family and the home. Literary Criticism was an interesting discussion as always. Althusser was a Marxist thinker so his argument had distinct holes in it but its good to get a more complete view of the world's philosophy. After, I went and got Believing Christ and Following Christ from the bookstore (by Stephen E. Robinson) so now I have my own to study and mark up however I like :) I did some reading for my American Humanities class which was interesting but the most interesting part was class. We talked about how Conversion has followed a similar pattern for thousands of years; from Paul to Muhammad to Joseph Smith and even to little old me. I am not singular in my problems, my pain or my struggles that come with faith but the Lord is constant from eternity to eternity, there is great comfort for me in that. I went home long enough to eat something, then went to a Dance Lab for a little bit and watched my fried Chris compete, makes me miss dancing and I can't wait to try some new kinds. I went to orchestra with all of our fantastic music and loved every minute of it. A wonderful way to just get lost in the music for a few hours a week. Then came home and had a dessert party! We socialized with people form our ward and I made them all try strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar; and they liked it! I was forced to say "I told you so" multiple times throughout the evening :) People stayed over till late and I made everyone laugh because I get loopy and silly when I'm tired. No video cameras will ever be allowed near me when I am in that stage. Its been a great few days and I'll make sure that they continue for a few more.
Cheers
Monday, February 6
a busy day through tired eyes
A tiring day. I had to stay up till 3 to study for an exam I had this morning at 10 for American Usage because my Literary Criticism paper took over my life on Saturday so I just didn't have time. All the nemonic devices with the first letter of all the things I had to remember worked really quite well (Ron Goes Calling Lavender for the 4 precepts of language - Rule, General/Educated Usage, Chameleon, Linguistic norm) and I feel like I did really really well. Fingers crossed :)
New Testament was wonderful as always. I love the new perspective I have on my scriptures and actually going through and searching and pondering things. Search, ponder and pray - amen! We sang How Firm a Foundation and man it was a powerful way to start the class. Music is such a wonderful way to bring the spirit into the room. In conjunction with that song, we learned from Paul how the prophets can lay the foundation of the gospel and a strong one it is but I have to be careful what I built on top of that foundation. What kind of house/life/family/happiness will I create? But if I rely on the Lord it certainly makes it that much easier.
Since I had my other papers today however, it made me get behind on my reading that I was supposed to actually have ready for today but thats ok, I'll do it tomorrow when I have my free morning. And I get to go to the temple tomorrow! I'm so excited to feel that wonderful spirit again and get to just spend time with me, my scriptures and the Lord. My American Humanities paper was all about the Puritans and how through their poetry they discovered a great personal relationship with the Lord, and it made me excited be able to go to the temple and feel the Spirit that is there.
My other classes were great! I mean I was wide awake - only I would find Marx ideology and how it applies to capitalism and looking at the texts of the Great Enlightenment absolutely fascinating. Its easy to see why I have the major that I do huh?
I finally got a letter from Elder Price - haven't heard from him since a Christmas card but hey that boy's apparently been super busy. I mean he got bumped to Zone Leader! But I mean its, Caleb so I can't say I'm surprised. Its cool to hear his stories about everything and I'm grateful to have him as a friend an example.
I just remembered that I need to do my Forum entry before I go to bed, its due at 11:55 - and I want to go to bed FAR before that. Its been a great day. Life is fine, Life is good, especially mine which is just as it should be! Onward and upward we go.
As Salaam ‘alaykum – May
peace be unto you (Arabic from my Humanities of Islam class)
Sunday, February 5
a week or so
hahaha so yeah . . . I'm terrible but I will be better.
Monday: YOGA to begin the day, I hate her, but I love her for it. School was fine. My American humanities teacher made possibly the funniest comment ever conceived on BYU campus. It included "professor talking about an experience where he had to talk to a guy who was telling people about visitation he'd had from angels: "I just wasn't getting through to this guy! So I finally said, 'You know what? Let's talk about my sex life!' The guy was shocked and said 'I'm just not comfortable hearing that . . .' I said 'That's the point, we don't talk about these things!'"
I've never laughed so hard in my life"Needless to say, it was quite outstanding.
Tuesday: Got all my laundry done in the morning before my class. I was then late for class, but hey it happens. After, I got to go to the temple with Giselle and it was super fast and I got to just stay there until work (like 2 1/2 hours!). Oh my goodness did I need that. I just sat and poured over Alma 5 and Alma 7 - the temple is such a wonderful spiritual place and I get to go again this week. I'm so excited!
Wednesday: Always a crazy busy day but I was on a wonderful spiritual high from going to the temple the day before. Yoga is a really great start to the day then get all bounced up and read to go. All of my classes are fun to go to. I started reading Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson and oh my goodness, its certainly something I needed to hear. I feel like EVERY single talk or lesson or class or anything has something that is directed right at me. On the previous Sunday, we had a meeting talking about the importance of scripture study and I knew that was something I really needed to change and work on and with that I had my awesome temple experience and man oh man, the Lord speaks right to us through the scriptures and I'm ashamed that I neglected them for this long. The Lord speaks to me through them and they prophets who wrote them, wrote them for me, not to be selfish anything but they knew what I would need and I will forever be grateful for their prophetic insight. I got a wonderful letter from a guy who inspires me everyday to be better and grow closer to Christ. I've got lots to learn and I cannot wait to learn it!
Thursday: I got lots of reading done for my Humanities of Islam class in the morning but still managed to be late, typical. Went to work, came home, did reading, went to sleep. Well as far as I can remember anyways.
Friday: Yoga, two classes, worked on papers, went to work, came home and THEN the parties started. I party hopped. Well first it was David's concert and he proposed to Karlee (which was very cute - did I mention I really like their music?) and then went to Slab pizza and crashed some random girl's birthday party and ate her cake with Taylor by my side (she invited us to have some so I didn't feel as bad) and then Dana and Brian and others and I all went to Jake's birthday party and I got some pretty epic videos of a few people playing pin the horn on the unicorn. Most excellent! Then came the crash of all roommates in the living room after all our partying and we went to bed content in how social we were.
Saturday: Slept in - wonderful, Work - including singing Bohemian Rhapsody and Make a Man Out of You so pretty darn good, then came the dismal paper for IHUM 350 combining the ideas of Moliere and Susan Bordo, it took me all day but I hope it was worth it. I didn't get other studying done though or my other paper done so that was abismal and I will do it as soon as the clock strikes midnight this evening. yay . . .
Sunday: A wonderful spiritual day and can I just say how much I love my roommate Dana? She's such a strong girl and makes me laugh everyday and I'm very glad she's my roommate. She even made a huge dinner and dessert (cheesecake no less) for her brother's birthday; how cool is that?! We had a great meeting at church today and the testimony meeting was the best part. I got to testify of Christ. How he has spoken to me through the scriptures and how I know He is my Savior. I just can't get there myself and I will lean on him just like a good friend taught me. A wonderful spiritual day and I'm excited for this new work. Tomorrow I have an Exam at 10 and a paper due I haven't written yet so needless to say, I'll be up all night. I hope...I know that if I work hard and put the Lord first, I'll get through this week and be stronger for it. I love my Heavenly Father and I love my Savior Jesus Christ because without them, I'd be nothing and no one. But they make me the best I can be and I want to live so I don't disappoint them but make them proud of me. One day at a time.
Keep the faith friends
Monday: YOGA to begin the day, I hate her, but I love her for it. School was fine. My American humanities teacher made possibly the funniest comment ever conceived on BYU campus. It included "professor talking about an experience where he had to talk to a guy who was telling people about visitation he'd had from angels: "I just wasn't getting through to this guy! So I finally said, 'You know what? Let's talk about my sex life!' The guy was shocked and said 'I'm just not comfortable hearing that . . .' I said 'That's the point, we don't talk about these things!'"
I've never laughed so hard in my life"Needless to say, it was quite outstanding.
Tuesday: Got all my laundry done in the morning before my class. I was then late for class, but hey it happens. After, I got to go to the temple with Giselle and it was super fast and I got to just stay there until work (like 2 1/2 hours!). Oh my goodness did I need that. I just sat and poured over Alma 5 and Alma 7 - the temple is such a wonderful spiritual place and I get to go again this week. I'm so excited!
Wednesday: Always a crazy busy day but I was on a wonderful spiritual high from going to the temple the day before. Yoga is a really great start to the day then get all bounced up and read to go. All of my classes are fun to go to. I started reading Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson and oh my goodness, its certainly something I needed to hear. I feel like EVERY single talk or lesson or class or anything has something that is directed right at me. On the previous Sunday, we had a meeting talking about the importance of scripture study and I knew that was something I really needed to change and work on and with that I had my awesome temple experience and man oh man, the Lord speaks right to us through the scriptures and I'm ashamed that I neglected them for this long. The Lord speaks to me through them and they prophets who wrote them, wrote them for me, not to be selfish anything but they knew what I would need and I will forever be grateful for their prophetic insight. I got a wonderful letter from a guy who inspires me everyday to be better and grow closer to Christ. I've got lots to learn and I cannot wait to learn it!
Thursday: I got lots of reading done for my Humanities of Islam class in the morning but still managed to be late, typical. Went to work, came home, did reading, went to sleep. Well as far as I can remember anyways.
Friday: Yoga, two classes, worked on papers, went to work, came home and THEN the parties started. I party hopped. Well first it was David's concert and he proposed to Karlee (which was very cute - did I mention I really like their music?) and then went to Slab pizza and crashed some random girl's birthday party and ate her cake with Taylor by my side (she invited us to have some so I didn't feel as bad) and then Dana and Brian and others and I all went to Jake's birthday party and I got some pretty epic videos of a few people playing pin the horn on the unicorn. Most excellent! Then came the crash of all roommates in the living room after all our partying and we went to bed content in how social we were.
Saturday: Slept in - wonderful, Work - including singing Bohemian Rhapsody and Make a Man Out of You so pretty darn good, then came the dismal paper for IHUM 350 combining the ideas of Moliere and Susan Bordo, it took me all day but I hope it was worth it. I didn't get other studying done though or my other paper done so that was abismal and I will do it as soon as the clock strikes midnight this evening. yay . . .
Sunday: A wonderful spiritual day and can I just say how much I love my roommate Dana? She's such a strong girl and makes me laugh everyday and I'm very glad she's my roommate. She even made a huge dinner and dessert (cheesecake no less) for her brother's birthday; how cool is that?! We had a great meeting at church today and the testimony meeting was the best part. I got to testify of Christ. How he has spoken to me through the scriptures and how I know He is my Savior. I just can't get there myself and I will lean on him just like a good friend taught me. A wonderful spiritual day and I'm excited for this new work. Tomorrow I have an Exam at 10 and a paper due I haven't written yet so needless to say, I'll be up all night. I hope...I know that if I work hard and put the Lord first, I'll get through this week and be stronger for it. I love my Heavenly Father and I love my Savior Jesus Christ because without them, I'd be nothing and no one. But they make me the best I can be and I want to live so I don't disappoint them but make them proud of me. One day at a time.
Keep the faith friends
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