A Brand New Year

I woke up one morning a few days ago to my sister telling me "Score! You have made it to one score!"
Me: "What are you talking about?"
"One score means twenty years silly."
I knew that.
What do you know? I went to bed last night a teenager and woke up in my twenties.
My back is sore just thinking about it. I'm old.
What a great day though. Lovely breakfast of chocolate chip waffles (my favorite) and then mostly relaxing and running a few errands here and there.
And did I mention the lovely surprise of roses delivered to me? They sure are lovely..
Spaghetti for dinner and chocolate, chocolate chip cupcakes with cream cheese filling were definitely on the menu.
I made a wish and blew out my white candle on my cute, delicious cupcake.
We always have cupcakes on my birthday.
That's what I love about a December birthday, you are already home for Christmas so you get a bonus. Birthday spent with the family? Heck ya.
Lets see what else have I been up to...
I helped my little brother apply for college.
*sniff* my widdle brother is going to college... maybe he will go to LDS Business College with me in the summer! That would be fun...
I went for a bike ride today.
Ah you would love Texas in December...
I wore a jacket, although one wasn't needed.
Kicked the stand up. Brushed the old seat off. Gripped the handle bars. On my way.
I adjusted the gears as I peddled down the street.
It was everything a bike ride should be.
Breezy, but not windy.
Warm, but shady.
Peaceful, but not silent.
Long, but not exhausting.
Scenic, but still in the same old neighborhood.
I need to do that more often.
I love being home. Not much to do, but when you crawl into bed at night and think through your day you say 'hey, I did some pretty fun stuff today.'
I painted my sister's nails with the color of their choice and painted their faces blue with a face mask I had brought home.
Family movies and games.
Shopping and running errands with mom.
Reading books.
StarCraft with my younger brother. (Don't judge me)
Playing the piano. (Oh piano, how I have missed you!)
My sister plays the viola and my youngest sister is just learning to play the violin. I played the violin for eight years and finally gave her my violin to use. They both put on a little performance for me accompanied by mom on the piano. They play well.
Picture taking for sure is always a must.
I can't believe I forgot my swim suit! Ah! What are we going to do on New Years day?!
I have also been working on things for my calling for when I get back to Utah.
I received a scholarship! I have truly been blessed! I also received a response about a job I applied for; pray for me!
I have reflected on my past year. Wow this was certainly a year to remember; both the very best of memories yet, and some of the worst and troublesome times. My year has been filled with difficult decisions and tears of frustration. Struggle is a part of life, the Lord allows us to struggle so that we can learn to rely on him and build stronger faith.
I have learned so much about children as I worked over the summer. I can't wait to be a mother some day..
I've learned about fathers: about the kind of father that I have and the kind of father figure I want in my future home.
I have learned much through my schooling, many subjects that I have both enjoyed and endured trough.
I have learned to try new things and explore; breaking out of my shell a little here and there. New friends make for new experiences, as well as new choices.
My calling has certainly taught me more than words can ever describe. I can only hope to become better over the next semester and more diligent. I want to reach my fullest potential, and that means putting in my full effort.
My year has also been full of wonderful and happy memories. My sister was married! My best-sister. I haven't lost a sister though, I have gained a brother. What a wonderful example he is and what a wonderful example she continues to be for me.
New friendships have been made, and the old friendships stay ever stronger.
I feel like I have learned so much about myself: about the kind of person that I am, that I tend to be, that I want to be, and how to become what I seek.
I have learned how to think. I have learned how to trust again, I have learned how to love again, though love was never really lost. I have learned that there is still so much to learn and much more to experience.
This new year is full of so much promise, so long as I make the right choices. How will I spend my time? How will I become what I dream?
Each day is the promise of a new start, not just at the beginning of a new year.
I am full of hope and it makes me feel happy.
So much can happen in a year.
What will you do this year?

God Bless Us, Everyone

I love the Christmas season for many reasons. As much as we all try to "keep Christmas in our hearts all year round", I love the 'separation' of the holiday from the rest of the year. I love setting aside the time to remember the true meaning of Christmas. It makes the meaning more special. It makes the season more meaningful.
I love the Christmas season; I love the anticipation of Christmas more so than the day itself. What I mean is, I love the preparation.
I love getting ready for Christmas. The Christmas shopping, the wrapping, the hurrying and scurrying, and the laughs and smiles on every one's faces. It really is fun!
I love listening to Christmas music in the month of December. I love listening to the poetic words to the music, and the melodies are just enchanting. I love listening to Christmas music only in the month of December, because it's that more special for me. I love setting aside this special music for only this time of year.
I love listening to carolers, I also love singing around the house to a variety of different Christmas tunes.
As Buddy the Elf would say; "The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is to sing loud for all to hear." I sure love to sing.
I love family Christmas traditions.
I love reading the same books, the ones that we save for the wintry months.
I love the same Christmas decorations in the same places, I love the consistency.
I love taking family drives to look at Christmas lights, I love cooking in the kitchen, and the chilly weather always puts a smile on my face.
Even though I'm in Texas, it's still fun to bundle up with my family and watch "It's a wonderful life", "White Christmas", "Charlie Brown Christmas" or other fun classics.
It has been fun for me to spend the Christmas season with my family. I have reflected on my past memories with them and thought of future Christmases yet to come. It's been different since some of my siblings are now married or living on their own. I have thought to myself , 'where have I been?' And 'where will I be in the next few years?'
I also have reflected on the life of my Savior, Jesus Christ. The gift from our Heavenly Father to us, the gift of his Son Jesus Christ: his humble birth, his perfect life and example, and his atonement. I am grateful for the birth of the Savior, and this time of year that is set aside to remember him and his gift to us.
As much as I love the 'Christmas rush', the laughter, and bright memories, it is also a time to be peaceful, to be still. It is a time to ponder and to read about the Savior, and to be still and reflective.
Christmas only comes once a year, and I like to make sure it's a special time.

I Forgot My Swimsuit!

I am loving all this warm weather all ready!
As Kenny Chesney would say; "Ooooo, don't you think it's a pretty good plan?All I want for Christmas is a real good tan..."
I completely forgot to pack my swimsuit! It was 80 degrees today...
I got up early this morning; today was mom's birthday! We all ate a nice breakfast together and got ready for the day.
I worked on my blog for a little bit today (hope you're proud of me)
I ran a few errands with my parents and my youngest sister today. Our first stop was over at T-Mobile.
If you have seen my phone you would know why.
My phone is pretty much ancient. When I showed my phone to the guy who worked there, I could tell it took all his energy not to laugh.
I checked out a few different phones, I didn't want anything fancy. There were so many that had features that were interesting, but realistically I couldn't see myself using... I narrowed down my choices, but I still needed to think it over.
We ran a few other Christmas errands here and there...
We came back home and had mom's favorite meal and dessert - of course, mom's specialty trifle.
I was completely surprised when we didn't watch 'It's A Wonderful Life' this year for her birthday, I have many, many memories of watching that movie every single year on her birthday.
This year, we watched 'A Christmas Carol.' What a great classic.
I certainly love Christmas home in Texas. I love wearing short-sleeved shirts :)
My siblings had a surprise for me when I came home yesterday; they put red and green light bulbs in the guest bathroom.. haha
The house looks great too, I'm sure mom put everyone to work to make sure the house was clean as a whistle and decorated for Christmas.
The kids here have been begging me to whistle and show them pictures as well, it's been fun to see them again. My youngest sister is so tall! Almost as tall as me...

I'll Be Home For Christmas

I am finally home in Texas!! Again, sorry, let me catch you up on these last few days. I think while I am home on vacation, I'll probably have more time to write daily.

On Sunday, I got up early and put together a slow cooker meal for later and got ready for the day. I attended my ward council meeting and other church meetings. We had a small group today; I think most everyone is gone for the holidays and the next few weeks will be the same.

After church, my boyfriend came over and we ate dinner and exchanged Christmas gifts. My mom called me and we coordinated a few things for my flight the following day.

Then my boyfriend and I worked on one of the value experiences from the young women's booklet 'Virtue' Our bishop had encouraged us to finish the booklet this semester.

Then we watched a movie and talked for a while, and then he went home. I'm sure going to miss him while I am home in Texas...

Afterwards, I finished up the rest of my laundry and went to bed on the early side.

Monday I got up bright and early and got myself ready for the airport.

I finished packing, put all my clean laundry away, paid my rent, and finished up the last few other things before I left. My sister came to pick me up and she took me to the airport.

I checked my bags and made it through security - for once - without any problems. All airports have all new security systems and the 'full body scan' wasn't my favorite part of the trip - to say the least. It was pretty awkward, but I made it through.

The plane was small, but I sat next to a very nice, middle-aged man who chatted with me the whole way. I usually don't like talking to other people while I'm on the plane, but he was so genuinely interesting and kind, I found him pleasant to talk to. He asked a lot about my church and it was a good experience to talk to him about a few things and answer his questions.

Even when we got off the plane we chatted all the way to baggage claim.

After I got my bags, I met my family outside. Wow, the air just smells different in Texas, so good! It was warm too when I came off the plane! I had to take my jacket off!

My family was happy to see me, as I was also happy to see them.

I had cut my hair about a month ago, and I didn't tell them about it (except my dad) So it was a fun surprise. Fun to see their reactions... especially my mom's :)

We came home and ate together - spaghetti, my favorite. :)

We watched a movie - of which I completely fell asleep through the entire thing. :)

Ah it's just good to be home... home for Christmas

Almost There...

School is finally out!! Yay!!

Allow me to (again) catch you up on what I have been up to these past few days.

This was the last week of school. Wednesday I didn't have any classes until 4pm. It was nice to have the whole day to work on my assignments.

I got up early and got myself ready for the day. I got to the school in time to meet with my public speaking group at 10am. We practiced our speech with our slide show presentation together and made note cards for our presentation. Afterwards, I talked to my math teacher about any other assignments that I needed to do.

I finished my tests online a long time ago, so I didn't have to go to class any more. However, I received an email informing that me that I had other tests still to finish.

I pretty much panicked.

I thought I had been done, but apparently there were still tests that I had to do. I went in and talked to my teacher, and he told me that I had finished the ones that he had assigned, so I was fine.

Whew!

All I had to do was finish the post test so that wasn't a big deal.

I worked on my sociology paper all day long.

It was taking me forever to do! The paper can be as long as I would like it to be, and I wanted to make sure it was perfect.

At 4, I went to my last sociology class! The last group gave their presentation, and our teacher gave his final thoughts. I just absolutely love that class, I am going to miss this particular group of students. I will be taking another class next semester from the same teacher, so I'm excited.

I don't remember what I did after my class...

Well, on Thursday, I got up early and went to my last class for the semester: public speaking. My group and I gave our presentation, which we got a perfect score on so I was happy. (I think everyone got a perfect score though... haha)

Then I had the whole day to finish my sociology paper and email it to my teacher, and then do my final post math test.

Funny story of the day:

I was in the computer lab with one of my roommates sitting next to me, and my other roommate behind me. We were all busy working on our final projects. I was completely absorbed in what I was doing when a think piece of paper slid past my key board.

It took me by surprise. I looked down from my computer screen and saw a note addressed to "You"

I quickly looked behind me and saw a guy with a coat on walking away quickly. I couldn't see who it was because his collar was popped up. I looked back at the note and then up at my roommates. They both gave me a confused, yet intrigued look.

I flipped the note around and there was a wax seal on the front, keeping the note completely closed. I opened the note and read a super funny 'secret admirer' letter. Some guy had been 'spell bound' by me and wanted me to call him if I wanted to be treated to a date. His number was enclosed. 'Just ask for Edward, the ball is in your court.'

Oh. My. Heck.

I allowed my roommates to read the message and we all laughed so hard. It was creative, yet very creepy to me all the same time.

It was the story of the day; it certainly made us all laugh.

I finally finished my paper and emailed it to my teacher.

FREE!!

I stayed at the school for a while and talked with a few friends until my boyfriend got off work. We met up and went to the Temple together. It was a nice way to end the semester. :)

Afterwards, we took the trax back to his house and hung out only for a few minutes. My roommates came to pick me up and we went out for the night.

I'll give details later...

I came home and worked on Christmas gifts and watched 'Pride and Prejudice' with my roommate.

Friday morning was our Relief Society activity. I got up early and my roommate and I made breakfast and got everything ready. We only had one other girl show up, but it was super fun to talk with her. Plus we have lots of leftovers :) I figure there were lots of girls who either slept in or were getting ready to go home...

I got myself ready for the day and headed to the school. I sold back my textbooks and then got up to a computer and looked for a job. I applied for a few places...

Then I came home and later my boyfriend came over and we took trax down to Temple Square. We met up with my sister and brother-in-law and went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert with David Archuleta. It was a great concert and it was super nice to see my sister again :)

We came back to my apartment and exchanged a few gifts; this year I am giving to my sister and she also had a few things for me to take home with me.

After they left, my boyfriend and I went back to his house so that he could change, and then we went with a friend to another friend's house to watch a movie.

Today I got up early and went to our ward's Temple day. I took the waffle maker that I had borrowed back over to my boyfriend's house and then went back home.

I came home and cleaned my bathroom, did my laundry, and packed things up for going home. I spent the afternoon organizing, packing, and cleaning.

Tonight I went on a date. My boyfriend and I went ice skating at an out door skating place. I had a blast, I love ice skating! Neither of us fell *whew*

Afterwards we took the Sandy train all the way to the end of the line. We got off at the very last stop, got hot chocolate, and rode the trax all the way back. It was really fun actually; we talked the whole way there and back about our Christmas traditions and other things...

Long ride, long conversation, hot hot chocolate, and amazing company. How much better can it get?

We came back to his house and watched part of a movie and then I took the trax home.

Forgive Me?

It has certainly been too long. I promise that I will be better about blogging.

Forgive me?

The life of a college student in the middle of finals week can most definitely be hectic. Let me catch you up a bit.

Saturday December 4th: I had such a great day. I got up early despite the fact that I had gone to bed way too late the night before and despite my warm bed that begged me to stay longer. I got up and went to the school to meet with my public speaking group for our service project. We all drove down and went to the Bishop's Storehouse on Welfare Square to give service. However, because it was a Saturday morning, they were completely full of volunteers. They sent us over to the D.I. next door where we gave service over there. It was super fun. Later that night I went with a few friends and my roommates to a hockey game in Provo. BYU vs. Weber. Yeah BYU won. It's ok to be jealous. I had never been to a hockey game before; it was super fun. Afterwards, we went out to eat at In-N-Out burger. I had never been there before either! It was super good, I enjoyed the experience. Over all a very great day, I think we might have come back and watched a movie..

Sunday December 5th: I had a wonderful day. I went to church and my other meetings and afterwards we had our ward linger-longer. After linger-longer, my boyfriend and I went to stand in the stand-by line for the First Presidency Christmas devotional. It was a huge line, it took forever, it was freezing cold, but I wouldn't have wanted to be there with any one else. :) Once we made it up to the conference center, a friend came up to us and offered us his two extra tickets. We certainly always get lucky! It was a wonderful devotional, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to live here in Salt Lake and to be so close. I'm grateful for all the many blessings I have of living in this country where I have so many opportunities, like a good education here at a church school...

Monday December 6th: Lets see, we had a really fun family home evening that night. Our ward combined with another ward in our stake to listen to a relationship coach. She was an interesting speaker to say the least, however, she made some very interesting and key points that were good to learn. She talked about the difference between the way men and women think. Afterwards we enjoyed hot chocolate and ice cream, and of course each other's warm spirits and good company. I enjoy the cold weather only for one reason. I love bundling up, drinking hot chocolate, and enjoying myself with good company.

Tuesday December 7th: Hmmm... I went to my classes and stayed at the school to work on homework. Later that evening my roommate and I did our visiting teaching...that is all I can remember to be honest...

Wednesday December 8th: I slept in and I went to my business communications class. All we have to do for the next couple days is listen to our fellow classmates give their oral presentations. I worked on my sociology paper for a couple of hours and then I went to my sociology class and again listened to our fellow classmates give their presentations. After class I said hi to my boyfriend before he went to class and then I went home with my roommate. We went grocery shopping together and then worked on homework...

Thursday December 9th: Well, I got up early and went to my classes. I'll be glad when it's my turn to give my oral presentations. I had public speaking, Doctrine and Covenants and then mission prep. I probably stayed at the school to work on more homework...

This is the problem when I don't write every day, I can't remember everything...

Friday December 10th: I slept in and went to my only class for the day; business communications. I gave my oral presentation (finally!) and I got an A so I'm really happy about that. :) After class, I had a conference with my teacher, and she went over my final paper with me and suggested a few changes. When I was done, I went to the Temple with my ward. It was raining out side, so it was fun to pull out my umbrella. I love rain! :) Afterwards, I came home and showered. My boyfriend came to meet me and we went to a school concert. A guy from our school put on a Christmas concert, and he sings very well. He sounds almost like Josh Groban I would say, only not as good :) No one can really compare with Josh. Afterwards, we ran to catch the trax, and out of breath we rode back to his house. We met up with a few friends and his roommates and we went to TCBY. Yumm... then we went back to his place and talked and watched a movie. Such a great night; I love long conversations with my boyfriend. I walked home in the rain, but with a smile on my face.

Saturday December 11th: I was up early once again and at the school with my public speaking group. We worked on our group speech and PowerPoint, and were able to get a lot accomplished. Afterwards, I went home and met up with my roommate. My roommate and I spent the afternoon together; it was really fun to walk around the Gateway and to spend time with her. I always have fun with her :) Later I met up with my boyfriend at the school. Us, along with dozens of others were also at the school. An improv group from our school organized this 'activity.' We paired off after planning and staging things precisely. We went to Temple square and either proposed or were proposed to within minutes of each other. It was a super fun experience! There are so many people on Temple Square this time of year to see the lights, so it was packed full of people. My boyfriend 'proposed' to me and several people around us congratulated us. It was super funny. Afterwards, we went back to my apartment and had hot chocolate and then we were off to our friend's Christmas party. Fun games and treats, and definitely great company. I have such great friends; what a blessing.

Sunday December 12th: I got up early and went to my church meetings. I love a good, productive meeting. After church, my roommate and I did our visiting teaching, and then my other roommate and I had our visit from our home teachers. WOW! I have never had home teachers visit me ever since I have been at the Business College! It was super great :) I went home with my roommate. Later I went to ward prayer, and then home again...

Monday December 13th: Yesterday, I slept in and went to my one class for the day. Yay! And now I don't have to go to that class ever again! :) I stayed at the school until 4:30ish working on homework, and then I went home. Family home evening was fun, we tied fleece blankets to give to the children's hospital. After FHE, I went with my friend from the Relief Society to Walmart to pick up a few things for our upcoming activity this week. I also picked up a few groceries. Then I went home and worked on my speech that I had to give today.

TODAY December 14th: I got up early this morning and got dressed up and ready for the day. I went to my first class for the day; public speaking. I gave my persuasive speech, which I got a good grade on, so I'm happy. I feel like I did pretty well. Then I helped a friend with an assignment in the computer lab and then worked on my sociology paper. It's about nine pages now, but I'm not even half way done... Then I went to my Doctrine and Covenants class; last one for the semester! And after that was my mission prep class which was also my last class for the semester! I went home with my roommate and started working on my blog while the cake I made was in the oven. Tonight, my roommate and I are celebrating our birthdays together and having a party at our place. Should be fun.

Well, that's all I can remember and I promise I will be better about my blogging. Finals week is the busiest, and I bet I am going to have a lot of time on my hands over the Christmas break. I'm really excited to go home to Texas for Christmas!

Birthday

Today is my roommate's birthday! I got up early this morning and made cinnamon rolls for my roommates and because it was my roommate's birthday. We all got ready for the day and went to the school.
So remember that paper I worked on that I thought was due today?
Yeah my paper not due for another week or so.
...
Well, I'm glad it's done, and at least it gives me a little more time to make sure it is my best work.
I only had one class today; my business communications class. We just had a few people present their oral presentations based off our papers that we have been writing.
I have to give my oral presentation next week, and then my paper is due the following Monday. I'm actually kinda excited about putting together this presentation; I'm glad that I choose to take a public speaking class along side with this business communications class. I feel like I have been able to use the skills that I learn in both classes when I put together papers, projects or speeches for both classes.
After class, I went home and ate and then I met up with my boyfriend and we went for a walk up to the capital. He got off work early today :) I have been up there a few times, but I had never been inside before. It was a pleasant walk; not too long or too short, and it wasn't too cold out.
The door was unlocked, so we stepped inside.
Wow what a beautiful, beautiful building! Beautiful marble floors and walls, extremely detailed crown molding, dark, polished wood, breath-taking paintings on the ceiling all the way up; you had to lean your head backwards a ways to see it all, and right when we walked in, there was a choir that had just began singing Christmas songs!
We always get lucky :)
We walked around inside for a bit and admired the exquisite details all around. We ran into a man who told us a bit about the building and that was neat.
We counted the stairs all the way down to the parking lot, (57 I think?) and took the trax back to my apartment.
This evening, a group of our friends took my roommate out for her birthday. We went out to eat at Red Robbin, and then we went bowling. I had a blast; I love bowling.
We came back to our apartment and had ice cream while we sang our hearts out with karaoke. Then we put on her favorite movie; Nacho Libre :)
Ah, what a wonderful day. :)

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Well finals week is most certainly not the most wonderful time of the year, however there is still much to be grateful and happy for.
Today is Thursday. I had an interesting beginning to my day in my first class; public speaking. Today we had to give a speech however, we all came into class unaware of our topics.
You got it, no preparation. Improv speech day.
We all had to draw a subject from a basket and when we were called up we were to give a speech on our topic. Of course you had to have a catchy introduction, followed by two to three main points with examples, a review of the points, and a well rounded conclusion.
On the spot.
Yikes.
So my topic that I drew was "An Object."
It was a pretty broad subject; I could talk about any object I wanted to. I thought of things that I use on a regular basis and how I start with a catchy beginning.
I ended up talking about my camera; how it has helped me develop my talents and how much photography is apart of my life.
After class, I spent an hour or two in the library working on my business communications paper. I went to my Doctrine and Covenants class followed by my mission prep class.
We had a really amazing lesson in my mission prep class about the priesthood line and the importance of having the right authority. I learned so much today; I do not wish to get too personal here on my blog, but let me just say that it was incredible for me.
After class I went back up to the computer lab to work on my paper. I worked on it for a couple of hours actually; I was determined not to leave until I was done. I finished it, except for a few changes in the margin settings which I didn't know how to do, but my friend said he would edit it for me and fix it.
I'm glad I have great fiends who are willing to help me out with my homework. I came home a bit later than usual and worked on my homework with my boyfriend and a few friends.
I am so glad I have that paper done! It is such a huge part of my grade and my teacher is rather particular about the way that it is done...wish me luck.
I'll be glad when finals and such are done...
Ah gotta love this; the most wonderful time of the year...

On the First Day of December

I just love the month of December for a number of reasons. Of course there is Christmas and birthdays (including my own), as well as tons of snow and wet socks.
I love so many things. As you walk out the door and take that first icy breath of fresh air and you shiver from head to toe, wondering if you should go back to bed or grab an extra scarf and endure.
You purposefully breath hard because it's fun to see your breath and you tend to walk a little faster everywhere you go; avoiding puddles and large piles of snow.
Your ears and fingers freeze easily and your pockets aren't good enough sometimes. Your nose and cheeks turn red, but despite the cold, there is a smile on your face. Always something to be happy about, always someone on your mind.
As you walk around you start to notice, of course, the Christmas lights that brightly decorate homes and businesses. Colored lights and white lights are all alike very beautiful.
In the car, Christmas music fill the car and you remember the songs that you haven't listened to since last December. Memories fill your mind of family and the good times from all year around. You miss them, but look forward to seeing them soon.
But not only because Christmas is just around the corner, there just seems to be a different, special feel to this month. You seem happier and more grateful. You serve others and spend time together with friends frequently. Oh how grateful I am for my friends.
Playing games and going out is fun, as well as squishing together with blankets and ice cream while watching a movie together.
Yes your socks get wet all the time, yes you have to wear three layers in order to not turn into a Popsicle, yes you have to mop the floor frequently from the snow that gets tracked in. But yes it's worth it all.
All of these things and more am I ever so grateful for.