La Escuela

Well...

After my last blog post, it's hard to know what to say. I feel like I have to say something good. Let's see..

My LIFE is good! Really, truly. I'm starting to really love my classes and stress about them at the same time. The first wave of midterms is going to crash upon me in just a couple of days, but I'll be pretty much mostly hopefully ready for them.

My favorite class, this week at least, is Sociology 310: "Foundations of Social Inquiry." It's a classical sociological theory class and it's really quite fascinating. I love learning about how people thought/think about people, our social world, how it affects us, etc.

I also love my Social Psychology class. I like how it explains the mind in the context of its outside influences. I like that it puts an official name on all those quirky little things you've noticed in yourself & other people. I guess I chose the right major.

In my Humanities class, I learned that there is a difference between nudity and nakedness. (It's all Greek to me! Ha. Ha. Haaaaaa...)

In my Personal Finance class, I learned that if you spend less than you make and start early with a 401(k), you will be better off than if you don't. (Actually, I have learned SO MUCH new information/resources for planning my financial future in that class that it's quite overwhelming. Especially since a lot of it is stuff that I can't really apply to myself now.)

My New Testament class is amazing. Our teacher made a packet that combined the 4 Gospels so that the Savior's life is actually in chronological order. I learn new things about Jesus Christ and His life every time I go to class. It's awesome. He lives!

And last, but not least: Flexibility. We get together twice a week and stretch for 30 minutes. It is the best idea Sara has ever had--an amazing stress-reducer!

So, there is my life in a nutshell. Because, yes, school basically defines my life.
Here's to another excellent semester.

'Nuff Said.

My roommates and me on any given Friday.

50

Friends, Neighbors, Countrymen:

Celebrate with me! Today marks the FIFTIETH day that Zach Brown (aka Zachy Pooh) has been on his mission.

You know what this means... Only 680 days left. We are 6.85% through. 50/730 = 25/365 = 5/73. We are Five Seventy-Thirds of the way done. The glass is SOOO half-full right now.

For all you who hate love and romance and cuteness, or if you've been Dear Johned or sent a Dear John, or if you are a doubter or a "waiter hater," or if you just don't care about my love life, there is a nice red 'X' (or circle) in the upper right corner of your screen. Direct your mouse toward that button and click. See ya next time.

For the rest of you... Behold. "A Celebration in Photos."

Cutest picture ever!!! I have had this picture on my phone since before I even liked Zach. Even before I was biased I thought it was the most adorable little kid picture in the world.

I don't know who took this picture, and I wasn't there when it was taken, but I love it of these two. Whoever you are, photographer... thanks.

With a few lads from the A Cappella Choir, in SLC. 

Zach & I really started being Zach & I (Me'n'Zach) on our choir trip to Disneyland... the Happiest Place on Earth.

This is us... imitating the sign on the wall at Zupas. It's too bad it's blurry... 

Senior Ball... Need I say more??

Even though he was way the heck out at Duke last Valentine's Day, he sent me roses. It was a delightful surprise. For those of you who don't know, Zach is pretty romantic. 

Don't tell him I said that. 

The best chums a girl could ask for. 

Hahaha he's always trying to place my hair where it belongs... I'm afraid it will be a lifelong battle. 

Kolob Canyons. 

 The trio. (Just an hour or so before Ben's Setting Apart as a Missionary) 

"You say third wheel, we say tricycle." 

If you guys don't understand the Zach/Ben/Me relationship, just know that the three of us have been best pals, at least most of the time, since 8th grade. During our junior and senior years of high school we became even better friends and then Zach and I became even better friends (wink wink) but the three of us continued to be a triumvirate (I love that word) of BFFs.

The time I gave him a Mohawk. It lasted about five minutes. (I'm totally opposed to Mohawks but he sorta pulled it off...)

I don't know why I'm so obsessed with this picture of us... probably cause we look like total dorks. 

At Zach's farewell open house thing. This might have been the last (most recent--not last EVER) picture we took together. I love his dimples.

 For those of you who appreciate "Waking Ned Devine," Ben, Zach, and I have decided we are retiring to Ireland to be just like these guys. Minus the alcoholic beverages. (Except we don't know who the young'n is yet. We are accepting applications.) 

No explanation necessary for this bad boy. Cuteness.  

So, there is a little bit of our history in pictures. But honestly, no pictures can really describe our relationship, or make anyone understand. You just have to know us, I guess. We are perfect for each other. Take my word for it. 

My time with Zach over the past couple years has made me so tremendously, joyously happy. The movies, the food, the athletics, the texting, the walks, the Skype dates, those glorious one-week periods he would come visit from Duke, the sitting and talking about the deep things of life... Every single day, I think of a funny/cute memory we've had, usually of things he says. I've started writing them down because I don't want to forget them. "God gave us memories that we might have June roses in the December of our lives."

It was really hard (understatement) to say goodbye to him for 2 years--quite honestly it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, and the most hopelessly depressed I have ever felt. But the beautiful thing is that the despair didn't last long. I am happy. I'm carrying on with life, staying very busy, and learning and growing in so many ways. And it's not like he's totally GONE... I write him every week. (And be proud that I have such restraint; I could write every day if I chose to.) He writes me every week (so far). I live for love his letters. 

But of course I miss him. Every single day. I am and will be counting down the days until I see him again. (Which actually helps.) But I wouldn't want him to be doing anything else right now. Serving a mission is exactly what he should be doing at this time. I have felt so much strength and love from family and friends and especially my Savior Jesus Christ. I have grown closer to Him by leaning on His outstretched arm when I need comfort and strength. I couldn't do this without Him. I am so grateful for my testimony of the Gospel, which helps me understand and truly find joy in Zach's choice to serve a mission. 

So, as for the two big questions everyone asks: 

"Are you waiting?" Not passively. I'm not wasting my precious years of youth. But yes, as in I won't be getting married before he gets back. Which leads me to the next question...

"Are you going to marry him?" Honestly? Probably yes. I'm aware that unexpected things happen. I also know as long as I am faithful and righteous, God will lead me to what is best for me. He wants me to be happy. And I'm pretty sure about this one. 

"Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away." 

-Elder Holland 

This got really personal. Maybe too personal for my blog, so I apologize for that. But I just wanted to get that out there. Thanks for putting up with my lapse into SUPERMISSIONARYGIRLFRIENDMODE. 

50 days down, people. 

I'm really scared to hit "publish." This is the inside scoop, the whole, raw truth about me. 

Don't judge me. 

Here we go... 

3

2

Smack Talk

Tip for Success #207

People should not know you are chewing food unless they are looking at your mouth.

Hypothetically, if a girl was sitting 15 feet away from me and I could tell she was eating fruit snacks by the smacking sounds she was emitting, and I then became very irritated that I couldn't focus on my reading, she would be chewing too loudly.

Make someone's day--Chew with your mouth closed.

(Thank you for allowing me to get this off my chest.)

Two Reasons

Two reasons to be happy today: 

1. "The personal value, the sacred splendor of every one of you, is the very reason there is a plan for salvation and exaltation." -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

2. "And while we may look at the vast expanse of the universe and say, “What is man in comparison to the glory of creation?” God Himself said we are the reason He created the universe! His work and glory—the purpose for this magnificent universe—is to save and exalt mankind. In other words, the vast expanse of eternity, the glories and mysteries of infinite space and time are all built for the benefit of ordinary mortals like you and me. Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach our potential as His sons and daughters." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf


You, my friend, are awesome. 
Happy Tuesday.

Heath

Heather: "I think it's time for you to update your blog." Very well, Heather Bitter, I will blog about YOU.

But this is the hard part... I have no idea how to describe Heather. Basically, here in Madison #12, we all love each other and have lots of fun and laugh a lot... mostly at the things Heather says. Two classics:

“Can we all just calm down like 2 inches??”
“I felt so… homozygous looking at her lips.”
(It's okay we don't understand either.) 

Sometimes we stay up into the wee hours of the morning wrestling, eating, throwing food, trying to get up and brush our teeth but not quite making it. Sometimes we try to carry each other to bed and then end up laughing on the floor. Sometimes we extract each other's "true laughs" and it's funny EVERY TIME. Except for Sara whose fake laugh is super boring and lame and silent. 

Sometimes... not like every Sunday... we sit around planning our weddings... or rather, Heather plans my wedding, which I think is a normal 19-year-old girl thing to do. 

Heather bakes delicious things and loves to share them with us... and others... boys, usually.

Heather is a good driver. As long as you're not a pedestrian. 

Heather and I will be attending Institute together this semester. 

Heather is going to become my tennis buddy and under her tutelage, I will become a master tennista. 

Heather lets me call her "Heath."

Did I mention she's very nimble and coordinated? Because she can't even get on her bed without stepping on her desk. But neither can I so it's okay. 

Heather sat next to me and watched over my shoulder while I wrote most of this.

We all love Heather and we are so glad she is our roommate! Hooray!

By the way Sara, Kelsey, Elise, and Trina, I love you all too. 

Blue Moon

I love the moon. I know this is not unique or hipster or anything. I'm not trying to make a statement. Everyone loves the moon. But I still love it. And last night was a BLUE MOON! 

Once in a blue moon, we get to enjoy two full moons in one calendar month. Two for one. Buy one, get one free. Win-win. 

So here's my joke of the day: 

Grandpa: "Alright, kids, now this is a graduate level joke. I'm not sure if Gabe can get it but Allie and Louisa probably can. What's better than one full moon?"

Any young cousin pipes in: "I know! TWO full moons!!"

Grandpa: "Right!! What a scholar! You got it!" (pointing in wide-eyed delight at the beaming child genius)

Hearing the phrase "Blue Moon" also makes me think of an E-4 Laurels trip to Lake Powell. What a nice houseboat that was. I probably won't elaborate anymore. Ask Tara Clark for more details. 

But Sara, Kelsey, Heather, and I spent last evening in the light of the blue moon at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. There could not have been a better setting to sit and watch it rise up over the mountains, lighting up the clouds, and eventually becoming so luminous that I had to shade my eyes. For those of who who are underware, the TSF is a big deal. Basically, some of the best storytellers in the world (or at least the English-speaking world), including family favorites Donald Davis and Bill Harley, gather in Orem, Utah to tell stories. It's such a fun event. I've been almost every year in my memory. Donald Davis's North Carolina voice has accompanied all family road trips and is as familiar to me as any family member's. There is something so wonderful about sitting on the grass on a warm summer night and listening to the experts tell their favorite stories. There is often singing or dancing involved, and laughter is just part of the package. Last night's theme was "Our Favorite Stories" and somehow they were all hilarious, entertaining, and touching at the same time. Bill Harley ended the night with a story about the moon, which was absolutely perfect. 

The best part? I'm going again tonight with my family, and the theme is "Laughin' Night." That's sure to be a deLIGHT. 

(That lame pun was a tribute to you, Ben Jacob.)