Thursday, January 29, 2009

Wig

I bought a wig today. A flapper wig. A 1920's bob. I also bought a hat for said outfit. I have a pinstripe dress. And my roommate is lending me a string of pearls...1922 here I come! I am really really really ridiculously excited to see "Thoroughly Modern Millie" tomorrow night. Ridiculously.

So, best parts of my day, in no particular order: Going grocery shopping with Alisha and picking up said items for party-date (also having groceries is nice).
Finding out Noah is engaged.
listening to old lady talk at the quilting shop. (excerpt: Well I just don't believe in that sort of thing)
Walking up to campus with Stetson and tyler.
Talking to Sammy and John on the phone while I walked home.
Sherilyn texting me hello.
Talking with Cheryl at work.

Lastly, I love you all.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

the non-dating phase

It's starting. Right now.

busy busy busy

It's 5:22am and I'm at my computer looking up a song I heard yesterday because it was beautiful ('Hymn' by Brooke Fraser, a NZ artist).

I haven't had time to post much lately....recent happenings:
-Watching 'It Happened One Night' with Steven and Joanna
-Going to Soldier's Hollow with Steven Allen, Jaron and Mike
-Being ridiculously enamored of Mike Hinckly's protest party album
-Having Marae come over, and all that that entails (laughter, love, singing. Every song is better when Marae sings it)
-Going to the ward shindig last night and freezing yet having 3 cups of hot chocolate, and another one when I got home, in lieu of an actual dinner.


My favorite verse from this song:

If my heart has one ambition
If my soul one goal to seek
This my solitary vision
'til I only dwell in Thee

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Someday

Someday, I will find where all my lost tweezers are hiding.

Also, I wish I could always do my jazz homework when it is gray and rainy outside; the blues just seem to fit so much better then.

Friday, January 23, 2009

sky

It is amazing what one little patch of blue sky can do for your day. :) Love it.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

new member discussions are the best!!!

Today I saw Matt Meese on campus!!! Not that I actually know him or anything, but it was still cool, just seeing him around. I wonder how many times he gets the obligatory "Is that Matt Meese?!" double-take.

Do you ever see people on campus, and know that you've noticed them around before, for some salient feature of their being/appearance, and say to yourself "Oh yeah that's [insert nickname here]! (for example: really poofy hair boy) and keep noticing them every day on campus, and hence, feel like you know them when in all actuality, you don't? And then let's say you end up standing next to said person in the library at the public computers, and you have this really strong urge to talk to them, and tell them your nickname for them because heck, you've been friends for awhile in YOUR mind, andwhat's one more hello, but you know that saying anything would mean certain social death? So you don't say anything but you have this sense of guilt because it feels like you're ignoring them when really you're acutely tuned in to any excuse to become friends with them just so you can finally stop lying to them about the actual intimacy of your relationship? But despite this you still don't say anything, and end up feeling like you've not done your duty of fellowshipping someone, and end up venting by blogging about it later?

yeah. That never happens to me either.

We taught a recent convert in my ward a new member discussion today; it was the best. I love being a ward missionary. It is a great calling. I know all of you can't exactly go try it b/c callings come by inspiration and all that, but if you have any way within your power to get together with the Ward missionaries sometime, you should. Their jobs are the best. I really love teaching about principles I know to be true, and stregthening my own testimony by bearing testimony, it helps you feel the Spirit so much more.

I am going with Drake to St. George in 3 weeks!

p.s. I adore hearing people whistle happy tunes on campus. You can see everyone around them happier because of it, I promise. Such a whistler brightened my day today (before the Matt Meese experience, but after the hypothetical naming-people-you-don't-know-but-see-on-campus episode. It was a busy day.) So, thank you. And keep it up you whistlers. Keep it up.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

five phone calls

Today I made, as soon as I got home, at least five different phone calls/text conversations. Most of them were with people I would call my 'family' circle of friends here in provo--you know, the ones who help you when you get sick, the ones who always find out how you're doing, and the ones you say I haven't seen you in FOREVER, when in all actuality, it's been 4 days. That was really cool. I really like having that many intimate connections in my life. Where I can just call people, and connect with them, and even better--have something to say that's meaningful. Mostly I was calling to tell people about the AWESOME Folk ensemble show that's going on this Friday night at 8 in the barefoot studio of the RB--it's their tech rehearsal so it's FREE, and YOU SHOULD GO!!!! but it was great to just talk too, and get the updates on their lives. I think there was maybe one (possibly two) people who I didn't get the real deal with, probably because they were doing something else, like preparing for dinner group at the same time. But mostly, it was great. What a great end to my day. It was pretty funny though that two of those people I had already talked to on the phone at least once already today, and then one of them called me back a third time, later this very same evening. Ah, friends!

You should go to this show. It's going to be amazing.

Monday, January 19, 2009

My Dance with Troy!

My roommate did this for me. I laughed until I cried.


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Sunday, January 18, 2009

elbow-touchy-feely

Whoa what a week!! First full week of classes, and a full week of work, and I am still alive! It's been pretty busy, but I am the happy kind of busy, not the "I want to lie down and go to sleep for a week" kind of busy. Man, did I sleep today though. I got a wonderful nap in. I should probably be in bed right now, seeing as I still will go to work at the MTC tomorrow morning, even though it's a holiday. We do get holiday pay though, which is nice. Then I am going to come home and clean my room!!! I know, not exactly exciting plans, but it's gotta get done sooner or later, and it will greatly improve my quality of life (Not to mention my roommate's!) I do have a really busy semester, and so I have to use my extra time wisely. Manage it. I never thought I would hear myself saying this kind of stuff, but it's so true.

So today I was at a ward activity and as I was talking with a guy, and he was a fun kid, he reached out and touched my arm. Not a big deal, right? I should think not. But I was immediately more comfortable with him. I don't know why. I'm not going to make a big deal about his looks out in the open world wide web or anything, but he was a usual clean cut handsome kid. Just the BYU look, you know? So it wasn't that I was like "ahh! he touched me!" ala 'I can hear the bells" or "Joshua Noveck" but it was still comforting and nice. I'm reading a book right now that talks about how important positive interaction with others is (for both parties, givers and recievers) to have a meaningful life. So true!! Just a shout out to all you guys who are comfortable and confident enough to reach out every once in a while: thank you. I appreciate you. I think we need to be more affectionate as a society.

I should have gone to bed two hours ago. Ah no-holiday MTC, how I love you. And you, dear friends; I love you too. Goodnight.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

tastyness.

What a day! Did you know that breakfast at the MTC is AMAZING?! I bet you did. If you served a mission. Except if you served it a long time ago, because I'm pretty sure they've changed it up sometime recently. It's rockin. My favorite, in fact.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Today they had a party for my and Tracy's birthdays at work.
Megan gave me a ride home so I didn't have to ride the bus.
I was prepared for class thanks to a study party with Steven Allen on Saturday.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Monson time!!!

What a great day. President Monson's fireside was totally the best part. That and I got to sit by three of my best friends while listening to it. Every time I attend a fireside in the Marriott I get so excited, I just can't help myself. Also, I got to see Marae, always a plus. And Diana. And get a little bit of birthday planning done. Yay! Life could not be better right now. Well, maybe it could be. Perhaps, if I went to bed an hour ago.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

My best-ever almost-birthday

What a great day. 48 hours, really. I can't even describe to you how awesome it was. First of all, I got my job back at the MTC, and then had a good day at school. Then Sammy was able to come over and help me with party prep. Maranda did a great deal too, not the least of which being running me to target to buy a pinstripe hat and men's shoes for my mobster (circa 1930) outfit for the party. And back to that party. SO rockin'! I saw so many people I had not seen in literally YEARS (thank you missionaries!) and people I grew up with, current wardies, and former wardies, former former wardies, former roommates, current soulmates (also known as Marae)...so many people. It was a great party. We had a great variety in themes, I was much pleased. It was really awesome. I think my favorite part of the night was having everyone sing to me. And putting on the postal service record. And getting penguins. Thank you, you know who you are. It was a blast. And it's not even my birthday yet! (It's on Tuesday)

Next: we started the new season of DG, breakfast every saturday morning!!! Will's crepes were amazing. Delicious. Delectable. charming. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand. Mouthwatering. Fabulous. Not to mention the warm happy glow in my heart that the DG is going on again. What a great life this is.

And then I went to the leadership training meeting which was good. We got some great brainstorming done on the Missionary committee, woot! I really love my calling. I am not as good at it as I could be, but I'm trying, and that's the important part.

So 2/3 of the way through the missionary training meeting i start getting these texts. Literally i got six in 2 minutes. All stuff like "Congratulations!" "I'm so excited for you!!!" "I hope your dreams come true!!" it wasn't until I got the "When's the date?" that I knew something was up. I texted Louisa and asked her about it. She said that I was listed as engaged on facebook "Dad's freaking out, it's not true is it?" and I told her no, and embarked on a rampage of texting to berate the culprits into submission. So I texted Will, Shawn and Good Lookin' because I had left my laptop over there post-DG breakfast. All of them pleaded not guilty, and I really only suspected Good Lookin' anyway, because he's mischievous like that. So I made him change my status to not engaged (which he followed by the letter, changing my status, NOT my relationship status) , and after he pled not guilty one more time, I apologized, and then he confessed. Needless to say I chewed him out when I got over there, and he is currently in the DOGHOUSE with me, which pretty much means no hugs for a week, and also prime target for a major prank. Shawn too, he was an accomplice. When I signed on to facebook next I had TWENTY TWO notifications. It was up for 40 MINUTES. Holy cow, apparently me getting married will be a world-class event, and I will be sure to invite you all. If only it was true.

Then I came home and finally met Critter, a person of mild reputation, but he sounded so cool. Anybody who would make a good muppet can totally be my friend. Especially ones that would make a good beaker. Because we all know I would marry Beaker. I went over to Steven Allen's after that and had a homework party. On a Saturday night; lame I know. But I had to get the homework done! For once in my life I will not be waking up Sunday morning early to finish homework. Which is pretty good b/c I wake up early anyway. And then Steve, Michael and I watched TNMT (the animated series). Like I said, it was a great 48 hours. love it.

P.S I'm currently addicted to Ingrid Michaelson's "Little Romance."

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

no stress

So I've decided not to do the whole 'work full-time, school part-time' thing. Now I'm going back to school like usual.

Monday, January 5, 2009

First day

What a rush. First day of winter semester.

Things I accomplished today:

Got a second job (custodial at the MTC, woot!)
Got school supplies (free BYUSA notebooks in the bookstore! 3rd floor past the checkouts!)
Wrote down books I need and found out I don't have enough money (the usual)
Checked for cheaper versions online
Went to History of Jazz class
Saw Jason Akinaka (ok, so this isn't really an accomplishment, but it was a notable event)
Jamba (had to)
Went to work
Listened to Elder Aidukaitis' talk (awesome!!!)
Listened to HSM3
Talked to Derek on the phone.
Picked up new laptop
Commenced transferring my life to it with the help of Shawn.
Got many great hugs
Ate pizza
Hugged some more
Will drove me home.

The end.


It was an awesome first day of classes. It worked out really well that I got this job at the right time, and I didn't have to worry about adding any classes. I've definitely hit the ground running though. We'll see how it goes!!

Hey, chances are, if you are reading this blog, you already know about this, but, if you don't: I am having a birthday party this friday!! email me or comment if you want the details and have yet to receive them. I am so tired, I need to head to bed. Chao, amigos!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

My love of books and the Savior.

I don't know why the wee hours of the morning are always better to blog, but it is so true.

Today we made it back to Provo with relatively little mishap. Can I just say how excited I am to be back here with all my friends? Not that my Green Bay friends aren't awesome, THEY ARE, but it is sure nice to come and go when I want and to not have to give the same ol' update to everyone. Once after a friend asked me how school was going, I just shrugged and said "more of the same." What can you really say, year after year? School is pretty much the same. My life is still awesome. How do you elaborate on that generally?

The books I bought for myself for Christmas (with a gift certificate from work) arrived just after I had left, so it was really fun to come home to them. I had forgotten 2 out of the 3, I have so many favorites, it's kind of hard to keep track of them all. I really found I love novels in verse. I'm trying to start a small collection. So far i have "Make Lemonade" Virginia Euwer Wolff by "Song of the Sparrow" by Lisa Ann Sandell, and "On Pointe" by Lori Ann Grover. On the list "to get" yet are "Heartbeat" by Shannon Creech, and "Where I live" by Eileen Spinelli (wife of Jerry Spinelli (author of "Maniac Magee" and "Stargirl"). A novel in verse is exactly that--an entire work of fiction written in verse. Now that doesn't mean it has to be rhyming, it can be free verse, as opposed to blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter), but it's always poetry.

Best Picture Ever



This picture was taken at the Salt Lake City Visitor's center on Temple Square. Thomas, Steve, Jayrin, Michael and I went up to see the lights the weekend before everyone left. I love this picture because I feel it's symbolic. I've got the Savior watching over me, and my friends all around me. How could life go wrong? Or, if I feel like it is going wrong, how could I feel alone?
That's why it's my favorite. Most definitely. We don't remember often enough how many friends we have supporting us. Or that the Savior is there with us. What a different place the world would be if we all remembered that.