little letters of frustration

To the two dudes sitting in front of me at the computers in the library,
SHUT UP. I am trying to write a paper that is due in two hours! And I don't want to hear how you both nailed your econ exams.

To certain a certain person,
You scheduled way too many performances for us and helped stress me out by doing so. You say that our school is more important than choir, but you definitely helped contribute to my lame grades this semester by asking so much of us. I don't know how to say no very well. And I got a knot in the middle of my back for the first time in my life that would twitch in pain when I was particularly stressed.

To the cold I had for 4 weeks,
I hate you.

To my bad habits of procrastination,
I hate you more.

To my English teacher,
Thanks for being so nice and letting me turn in my paper way late. I wish I was going to get it finished. It probably isn't going to happen. Thanks anyway; I guess I'll take the crap grade.

To my roommates,
Thanks for throwing me a birthday party last night. Even though it distracted me from doing this paper that I really needed to be doing. I really do love you.

To Andrew,
Thanks for being you. I wish we had more time for each other. School is stupid (and that is an oxymoron.)

To me,
Sometimes you suck. Not always, but definitely sometimes. You have got to start doing your homework on time. Take control of your circumstances and create success in your life more often. Don't give up. Keep trying. Forgive yourself. God doesn't care about your grades, he cares about your heart. Learn from this and move on. again.

My biggest weakness

I was sitting on the couch this morning thinking. This is the time of the semester I hate. I know that most people feel this way. But really, I feel like I am forced to look at the weakest part of myself every semester at this time. To quote a song written by my roommate, "All my insecurities are staring me down. I'm stumbling off the edge, about to fall." (The rest of her song gets happy, but I'm not ready to get to that part yet.) You see, I love to learn. But I am not a very good student. A bit of a paradox. One thing always goes wrong (usually getting sick, or just realizing how much I've told people I would do.) at mid-point of the semester, and then I never get back on top of things. I keep thinking to myself "this isn't like me." as I explain to my teachers why my assignments are late. But it really is like me. Every semester, the same thing over again. At the beginning of the semester I always start out thinking it will be different this time. That I won't procrastinate my assignments, that I will not turn them in late and I will study on time. But, I loose sight of the end goal when I'm just starting out. I forget that those papers come up a lot faster than you think they do. I always start out on a decent sleep schedule. But by the end of the semester it is sporadic, and I go to bed at 3 on Monday, 11 on Tuesday, 12 on Wednesday 9 on Thursday and 2 on Friday. My body hates me when I do that, and so then I sleep through my classes. I can never decide if it's better to stay up late and do homework, when I can't think anyway, or if I should just go to bed, and hope I'll have time during the day, when I'm awake. Then there are people that I know who seem to balance everything perfectly. For example, I knew a girl in one of my classes, she is a mom of three, double majoring in Dance and Music Ed, and taking like 16 credits. I don't understand how other people can put so much into their lives and survive. I just think that when I have 3 kids, if I'm still in school, ( heaven help me if I am,) that I won't be able to take more than one class and stay sane. let alone 16 credits worth. I guess it comes down to the fact that I need down time, and I am not good at making myself do things I don't want to do. I always forget to schedule in down time when I am planning out my next semester's schedule. I think I get a little better each semester, but, not noticeably enough. I planned things out last spring for this Fall semester. But what I didn't know when I planned my life, was that I would have a boyfriend. That has added to the stress and time management deficiencies I have. I love having Andrew around, and he is an excellent student. But I can't help the emotional ups and downs that have come with him and have effected my ability to get things done at times. Here's a tip, don't date someone that goes to a different school than you and lives in a different town, because you'll never see each other if you both go to school full-time and have jobs. (I go to UVU and live in Provo. He goes to BYU and lives in Springville.)

So you may be wondering about Andrew. I'll add a quick side note. He and I have been dating for 7 months. Craziness. Things are good. But, still not serious that we are legitimately talking about marriage. It's definitely a possibility, which is why we're dating. But it's slow going when you only see each other 2 times a week, and one of those is a night of homework and going to institute. I'm hoping to get lots of time with him after finals.

My perspectives on dating have changed since I first went out with Andrew. I NEVER thought I would date someone for 7 months plus, and still not know if I was going to marry the guy. (It is highly possible. But we still don't know.) But, because we don't see each other everyday, and never have since we started dating, things are slow. Which I have adjusted to, and become okay with. I wish I could see him everyday. But there are other things factoring into it, besides my wants. Yet, things are good though.

so, School, it is the bane of my existence. I wish I was done. Or was just better at it. But I suppose I'll keep trying, and maybe I'll get it down one day. Here's to hoping you're doing better than I am in school. Good luck with your finals if you have them.

busy busy busy

I am such a delinquent blogger. But my dad just posted something on his and told me about it. So, I decided to take two seconds to post something.

I am incredibly busy. 15 credit hours and voice lessons, and LDC and an institute class, and working at the temple, and working 12 hours a week, and having a calling, and trying to maintain a relationship with Andrew, keep me pretty booked.

Often times I find myself just taking deep breathes and hoping for success and praying for God to help me out. I enjoy being busy. But maybe a little less busy than I am. When one is as booked as I have been getting sick is disastrous. As I have recently found out. But I am getting back on top of things slowly but surely.

Since my last post was about possibly breaking up with Andrew, I should inform that he and I did not break up. We are still dating and our 6 month anniversary is in 4 days. crazy. I don't know how things will work out there. But it's going well enough for now.

I love my job at the Library at UVU and I love my car that keeps holding up. It's a good little trooper.

Lastly, but not least, I know that it may seem I am spreading myself a little thin. I am. But, I am supported by the Lord. With Him we can do all things. And when I rely on him I feel peace in my life and have a greater calm as I go through the daily toil. The church is true. God loves us and he does everything to lovingly lead us back to him one day.

heart hurts

There are lots of things I have wanted to write about. It's been a busy Summer. Now school has started. But right now, I just want to send this out into the void.

I am hurt.

He didn't mean to, but he did.

I love him. and he doesn't love me.

so, for the next little while, until further notice don't talk to me about,

Dinosaurs

Geology

john Cleese,

The Beatles

"The God's must Be Crazy"

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"

Moab

the card game of Hearts

playing in Ikea

Psych

Burn Notice

the Phantom Toll Booth

Hitch hikers guide to the Galaxy

petrified rocks

kissing

I'm sure there are others, that I can't think of, but all in all, I'm a little tender hearted at the moment. Go easy on me.

Dancing and Baskets

So, on Friday night I got out of the temple a little early, 9:30. And Andrew never responded to my invites to do something, so I called Jessica. Yes. It was good. I drove over to her place, which is somewhere on campus, but I don't remember what it is called. Jessica came down and let me in the building. She was wearing her nice blue CA shirt. and plaid shorts. Liked it. And then we went up to her room to pick out a movie. I chose....Dirty Dancing. I had never seen it. And true to the title, there was dirty dancing. We then went down to the basement and got comfy on those over used couches. eh, the movie,it was....good. Probably never watch it again. I mostly enjoyed the quality time with Jessica. Lots of treats and ranting about dumb boys and here's my favorite line from the night. "Check out the fish on her [shorts]!" haha! and really, that girl was the worst singer ever! I almost covered my ears. Then, after the movie was over I got up to use the bathroom and saw the opened supply closet. Inside I found, stacks of mattress covers and a mini basket ball shoot... thing. So, Jessica and I spent the next 20 mins shooting baskets at 1 AM. And I am better than Jessica. But not by a lot. We both decided that Marie would have kicked our butts. I was good at 3 pointers. Then I climbed on the built in shelves. found a sharpie marker. Then I really had to go. Anyway, it was a fun, random evening. Thanks Jessica.

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. Work, BIO class and boyfriend, they take up a lot of time. I am doing this during my break at work, as it is. gotta do what you gotta do.

Woah, update. Almost a year home!

Well, It's about time I said something here. Since the winter Semester ended I have not had much to say. I've been totally busy. But here I am, at work, clients in bed, and nothing to do, and I decided that now was a good time to say all that I don't have to say.

LDC tour was at the beginning of May. It was great, a huge Spiritual feast. And that's when I really started to realize I liked Andrew. We texted everyday, pretty much. And started to go on dates. In my unsureness of how much I liked him, a wise friend of mine said, "let him show you why you should like him." Well, that friend was right. More and more, usually daily, I am awed, surprised, or pleased by something he says and my like grows. It's great. Who would have thought?! seriously! We are SO similar and have so much in common. Most importantly he loves the Gospel, like I do. He is so supportive and thoughtful. I love it. He came out of nowhere (kind of). Some other time, I will explain more about how we met and how this all happened. But not just yet. But let me update you on some other things.

The things that take up my time right now:
1. Andrew has been taking up much if not most of my spare time. I haven't even had a lot of time to go down and visit my Jenny. Sad day. But we talk everyday, so it's mostly ok. Also, keeping up with all my other dear dear friends. Who I really love and care deeply about.

2. I am taking a 3 cr Biology class. Distance learning. That is going.....fine. I just have to do it.

3. I have a calling, that has been sucking a lot of my time up. Sacrament Programs, Bulletin boards, Ward Directory, Website updates. Seriously. I've got to delegate some of this stuff out. Really.

4. I have also been taking voice lessons more regularly and it makes me happy. I am now preparing to audition for the BYU Music program this December. Yikes, I'm a little nervous about that. I don't know how it will all work out for me to make it in to the School and the program, but I'll just work hard and hope for the best. I love to sing, SO Much! and I haven't really gotten to do it to the level I love, for a long time. In preparation for my audition, I'm hoping to be able to have a mini recital in the Fall. We'll see. Lots of other things have to fall in to place first. But, let me just say, there is nothing like singing to your full potential and hearing this sound come out of your own mouth that you think is beautiful, especially when you hit those high notes and they just ring. ahhh, bliss.

5. Work is good. I FINALLY got Mondays off. Just today. And I will be able to go to FHE for the second time this year, next week. YAY! One of my clients just moved out and so now I only have to take care of one guy. Cello (Marcello). He's happy and usually a pleasure to work with. (Although, he is the one that has caused much of the stress written about in previous blog(s). I still like him.)

My family is in a little bit of financial distress, and I worry about them a bit. But it will be okay. God will take care of them.

I have been home from my mission for almost a year. On the 25th of this month. I can't believe it. I have missed it so much at times. It is amazing how an experience can occupy a chunk of your heart. I really don't know that you can understand the feeling unless you have served a mission. I hate saying that. But I think that it may be true. Although, the reason I feel so strongly about my mission is because of the tender and sacred experiences I had in Houston. (So, if you've had trials that have put you through the ringer, and you have come to love them, and wouldn't trade them, this is a similar feeling. Like how the hand cart Pioneers wouldn't trade their experiences because of the lessons it taught them. ) It's not really like I saw an angel, or saw someone who was blind, healed. But it was when I became more fully acquainted with God. Where he taught me how to love and nurture some of his children more fully. He loves us all so much! And I really learned to feel that for other people, to a larger degree. I also learned that His plan is not what mine is, but is always better. And if people don't have interest in the Gospel today, they may another day, and every single thing I did as a missionary was to prepare, soften, and nurture some one's heart to be able to receive the Fullness of the Gospel at some future date, if they want to. He is amazing, and has a perfect plan and every pain we go through helps us become more like him, if we let it. (it also helps us have compassion for other people in their times of need.)

Anyway, I have had a great month since school got out and I think this is going to be a great Summer. (more entrees sooner than later. promise.)

The End of an Era

Well, It's official. The Summer has begun. (despite what it looks like outside.) My amazing roommates from the winter semester are all but moved out. Rebbecca's stuff is still in the apartment, but she won't be sleeping there ever again. Jessica has her stuff gone, but stayed the night anyway. Shhh, housing doesn't need to know. She was my guest, of course. And my new roommate has moved in. Yeah, as of today, I will only have one roommate for the entire semester. Crazy. But kind of cool. Natalie is great. She is getting married Aug 7. So, with her, I almost get Diego (her man.) as a roommate too. And when she gets married, it's looking like I will be living a lone for 2 weeks, until the Fall semester starts.

I would just like to recount some facts about my apartment. Firstly, I randomly found Sandy looking to sell her contract for Stadium Terrace 17 Winter semester, back in Nov. Then I called her, talked to her, and felt really good about buying the contract. I should also mention that I had called lots of other people trying to sell contracts and had never gotten a hold of anyone. Well, then I didn't have the money for the large deposit, since I had quit my job. I told Sandy to call me in December if no one had bought her contract yet. Well, she called and we worked out a deal, and I moved in on Jan 5. From the start the girls in my apartment have been great. We made a ton of great memories. And I would like to conclude with a final one, with Jessica.

Last night. I got home from the temple and was really hungry. Then I got some food at about 11pm. And I started to watch the last half of a movie on tv. Jessica came home!! joy! I was alone before that. Which was totally fine. But we watched it together and then decided to go to bed at midnight. Psych. I went into my room and looked at my dresser and said, "I am taking your dresser!" to Jessica. Then she said, "Do you want to move it right now?" "Um..... Yeah!!" Part of my reasoning in those few seconds was that, a.) moving furniture with someone else is a lot easier than by yourself. b.) moving furniture at midnight, is always going to be fun because of the sleep deprivation factor. Here are some highlights from the dresser moving adventure:
-"What is that?!" I exclaimed. "A Dolly" "It doesn't look very sturdy."
-"Do you have it?" "Yes but, I may need to pooh now."
-"We should move the dresser first, because my butt doesn't fit in there."
-strange sound is made, other roommate says, "All right Pumba! Calm down!"

laughing attacks followed each of the above statements. The End.

Goodbye beloved STno.17 Winter 2009 roommates! It was grand! love your guts!

Becky, (Mandee), Jessica, Marie, Rebecca.

Work

Today, and most days, at work there was poop involved. Don't worry, I wear gloves. Sometimes it's just not enough though. Today was especially bad.
Poop smell tips me off
Then Poop:
in the diaper
in the shower
on the floor
on his foot
on his leg
on his pants
on my flip-flop
on my foot
on the carpet
on the bed
in the other shower
on the other bathroom floor

I cried.

And no, you don't really want to know the details.

My roommates think I need a new job. I just need to take care of someone that can clean up their own poop, or that doesn't scream and push when someone else does. The End

a rare blonde moment

I should be doing other things, so quickly I will relate my blonde moment. So Jessica has been saying this new phrase, "Da Nuh Nice" when she likes something. (Well, that's what I thought she was saying.) I'm thinking, this is just Jessica and her briliant hilariousness coming out. I also have this vauge idea that she has hip-hopped the word "Nice". Well, a few nights ago Marie, Jessica, and I were talking about this new phrase of hers. Jessica was saying how a girl named Hannah, in her Welsh class thought that every one was saying, "Hannahs weird" When they were saying "Hanis Weir" in Welsh. Jessica then mentions that everyone in class is now also saying, "Dyna Nyce" And the little light in my head turns on. I then explain to Marie and Jessica that I thought it was some gangster phrase (from Oxnard?) Jessica had picked up. Marie and Jessica burst out laughing at my nievity. I say, "Cant you just see a black girl saying that?" "No! There is no WAY a black girl would say that!" :) So, I claim stupidity. I am definately a white girl that grew up in Utah Valley. Then the next day at lunch with my LDC friends I am relating this story and Samantha, who grew up in California, says, "How would they know what black people would say?" "They're from California. " "What part?" "Oxnard." "Oh, yeah, they would know." haha!

school and bleh-stress

I just want to state that life is crazy. The bad thing about that? I am such a planner. I like to get all the little details figured out. I have now planned out all my classes for next year, and how many classes I would have left to take if I get accepted to BYU for Fall 2010. So,there are plans in place. 4.0 GPAs needed and stress in place. I think in someways planning ahead reduces my stress but also makes it worse. Since I worry about all these goals I have. And how on earth I will accomplish them. (For instance I am allready worrying about my audition for the music program which will take place in Jan 2010!) Bleh. Well, one thing I have learned is that, whatever happens happens, and God is really in control, not me. Since He is perfect, that is just fine with me. But sometimes I operate under the delusion I am under control, that's when stress happens. Oh well, seems that His plan is for it to take 3 schools for me to get my bachelors. sigh. But happy, it's been great so far and will continue to be. I'm sure.

Camelbak joy

Sky Blue! (missing in action)

.....................Flaming Fire!
.................................................................................... Old Blue!!!!

Back when I went to school in Idaho I found a glorious thing. Camelbak water bottles. I bought one just like this, and used it for probably a year. Well, then I came home and started getting ready for my mission, and lost it. :( Well, I left on my mission and the heat of the Summer in Houston hit me and I asked my dad to look for Old Blue and send it to me, he found it but thought it was too dirty to send to me?! not sure why.... So, he bought me a new one, in a lovely light blue color. I used Sky Blue all through my mission. And for 3 months when I got home. But alas! one day, I lost it at school. And it being such an amazing thing, I'm sure some hobo is enjoying it now. I checked back at the lost and found on campus 5 times for the thing! stinky snatchers! (I have to mention that these things are indestructable. I have dropped and thrown them many times. Even from great heights and throwing Sky Blue on the ground for a demonstration once! So, I know, someone has her, because she can't be broken.) Well, I decided to use a lame water bottle with a screw on lid, and this was pitiful, really it was. I was spilling water on myself all the time and it was just sad. So sad that Samantha decided to take pity on me and buy me a new Camelbak one for Christmas/my birthday! Hallelu! Farewell Sky Blue, Hello Flaming Fire! It is an orangey red. I use it everyday. And enjoy it greatly. Well, I was at home yesterday, and I was looking for my fish tank at mom and dad's (couldn't find it) and there, on the floor in the family room, all of a sudden, I see, Old Blue!!!!!!! What joy filled my heart!!! He was dusty and seemed a little neglected, but I've got him back!! What was lost now is found!!! Welcome back Old Blue, I've missed you!! now, we shall have many happy memories together again!! I drink a lot of water. And now, I have the amazing hydration duo of Flaming Fire and Old Blue. Bliss!

Concert

Before I go to sleep, I just wanted to publicly thank my Heavenly Father. Tonight was the Ensign Music Contest Winner's Concert. ( I know, it's a mouthful, right?) We sang up in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. We have been worrying and stressing about these songs for 2 months. 12 Songs that, we as a whole choir, participated in. For those of you non-musical people, that's a lot. A typical Choir Concert would have a more songs than that with a few choirs singing or you would have spent a lot longer on the songs. ANY WAY, It was stressful. By last week, we were all sick of these same songs and not enjoying them that much. Also, we weren't really memorized on them. Tonight as we practiced our songs for the final time before we performed, someone was always messing something up in just about every song. Well, we said lots of prayers, and left it in the Lord's hands. Brother Eggett, the conductor of LDC, says something like, big effort big blessings, to us a lot. (Bro. E. always reminds us that our purpose is to take people somewhere musically so that they can have a spiritual experience.) Well, I had put in some big effort, and I saw some HUGE blessings. Every song I sang in, my memory was enlarged and the words of the next phrase would come into my mind just before I had to sing them. It wasn't in the normal way that I have things memorized. It was in a gentle revealing way, that was unmistakably from the Spirit. So, He helped me through this concert, and a did perfectly on most of the songs and would guess I messed up tiny little things about 5 times the whole concert. So, He is there, and He hears and ANSWERS our prayers of righteous desires!

Stalker Bus Driver

PS. Previously mentioned Stalker bus driver, has again said some slightly sketchy things.

Exhibit a. We , me one other passenger and driver, are on the bus waiting for the time to come when we leave the transit center. Bus driver comes back and starts talking to the other passenger man. They talk about texting and cell phones. I listen, without commenting. I have my phone in my hands, and am texting a friend. Bus driver sees phone and asks if I'm playing a game. I say "No. I'm actually texting." To which the driver responds, "Well, as long as it's not a boy. We'd have to get jealous if it was a boy. And just remember that we have a large bus here we could run him over with." Something like that anyway. hmmm, slightly strange. Then we proceed to have a conversation where the other original man-passenger talks about LDS mission. He was saying a mission in Houston was no mission at all! Oh no he didn't just say that!!!! but yes he did. He was apparently not a member, or a very active one. He basically felt that the only kind of real missions were ones where you served in a third world country or learned a language. HA!! Well, anyway. Conversation about mission lasted the entire duration of my ride.
Exhibit b. I am getting off the bus and he sees me stand up and says, "You're leaving me?" I just look at him and shrug, "well, yeah, this is where I get off." "You're leaving me?" he repeats. hmmm.
Exhibit c. I have to get on the bus later that night for yet another rehearsal, and I get on and he says, " We gotta stop meeting like this. If my mother finds out she's not gonna be happy. "
The man has told me he is from New York, Catholic, and has a son. of what age I know not. But bus driver has got to be at least 30. I don't know. Anyway, I have to get on his bus again tonight. And I am hoping, well, I'm hoping to not be creeped out. hmmmm. Good thing I'm documenting this.......

Oiy

It has been quite the week for me. I had quite the rollercoaster weekend. I was hating the bus ALOT. But then being spiritually fed and stake conference. I watched the CES fireside bymyself at home. Because I was going to go to a rehearsal for 2 hours at 8 and just wanted to relax. Well, just as I am about to leave to go to the rehearsal, I bend over and hit my eye on my dresser and cut my eyelid. OUCH! That's about all I said too. So I go to the freezer and grab my bag of frozen onions, and hold it to my eye, hoping to prevent a black eye. Well, it did. But I was bleeding. So, I get in the car with Natalie and I was stressed as it was, not to mention the injury, so I cried on the way to rehearsal and walked in with an icebag on my face. (I had exchanged the onions for ice.) So, I rehearse with a band-aid on my eyelid, which makes it hard to open. I had a good time, got some cheese cake at the end. Well, then it was off to bed to get up Monday morning early and work on my abortion presentation for my Ethics class. topic: is it ethical to restrict a woman's access to receive an abortion. I won't go into too much detail, but we said, yes it's ethical. We gave everyone in class cupcakes with little plastic babies in them. The best part of the presentation was when people started pulling out little babies from the cupcakes. the point of the cupcakes was, "You now have an unexpected baby in your life, what are you going to do about it?" The teacher laughed. I hope he gives us bonus points, because that seemed to be the only thing he liked about our presentation. oh well. Then I went to LDC and then work for 11 hours. Tuesday came and went, and my eye was healing rather well, but the edge of my eyelid started to hurt. I thought it was just irritation from putting neosporin on my cut so much. Not so. I have a sty on the edge of my left eyelid. basically an infection by the roots of your eyelashes. I've had them before, and there isn't really anything you can do about them. But at this point today, it's the worst one I've had. It is visually noticeable and my eye lid is all puffy. People have started to ask me about it. "Yes my eye is OK! no, it's not from the cut." Apparently I have unclean eye hygiene. It actually hurts quite a bit, and is bothering me immensely. But what can you do. I also have developed some kind of chest cough or bronchitis. Maybe from the terrible inversion we had, maybe not. I do not know. either way, I look at the heavens and wonder sometimes at the timing of things. I have a huge concert tomorrow night up in Salt Lake. I am see this as a perfect opportunity, to rely on the Lord. Somehow, he always finds a way to remind me how MUCH I need Him. I cannot get through a week without having some reason to plead for help from Him. I am utterly lost without Him. My dad came to give me a blessing tonight, to help calm my nerves over the fact that my body is rebelling against me and that I have a very long day ahead of me tomorrow. Well, anyway, He's there. He knows us and loves us. What a blessing. So, for now, the goal is to just remember that.

Mid-terms

So, after mid-terms have come and gone, I have decided a few things.
a.) I am not going to stay up as late. Unless I work till midnight. As this causes an abundance of sleep deprivation. Which in turn leads to me not getting up on time to catch the ..... bus. Which in turn causes me to miss class. No bueno.
b.) I am going to actually do my homework for my ethics class. It is quite the class and I don't really enjoy the content. But I am a quality person! and I WILL get a good grade in my two blasted classes this semester if it kills me! I generally get decent grades. But, seriously, I have a new found desire to excel in my classes. There's nothing like getting sub-par grades to inspire you to "get into gear", "get with the program", "turn a new leaf" or whatever you want to call it.

4.0 GPA here I come!

Okay, probably not, but it is a nice thought.

music video

Samanth Jo Keele and I are going to make a tour video, to the Jackson 5. I am excited. you should be too. keep an eye out.

Batteries and Buses

So, Today I went shopping. I bought shorts for the first time in.... possibly 10 years. (Lets recall that long shorts were not in style until recently.) I was a selfconcious teen.

So, if you don't know this about me, I don't have a car. So, shopping is quite the adventure. I caught the 830 bus at UVU after my voice teacher had dropped me off after my lesson, which is help at Mountain View High school. (I take the bus to get there too.) So, I ride that bus until Lowes on Univ Parkway, then I walk over to old Navy and Ross. Don't forget that I am a quiet little blond with a 20lb, very large, back pack on, and a wool pea-coat in my arms. I shop while holding these and feel like the "Loss Prevention" dudes are keeping a watchful eye on me. When I finally bought something, I am now carrying a sack full of clothes and shoes to add to it. Then I walk back to the bus stop and catch the next 830 coming down the road. I get on the bus and on a whim decide to stop and the next stop by Barnes and Noble, so I can go to the distribution center. I go in and buy some stuff, and then take both of my purchases and stuff them in my back pack which is now practically bursting at the seams and I have to loosen the straps so my arms don't loose circulation. I walk to the stop and catch the next 830. (I should mention that my bus pass isn't working, and EVERY time I get on a bus I have to swipe my non-working ID card and the little red light flashes and I have to explain to the bus driver that I really do have a bus pass and I'm not just sneaking on the bus for free.) So, then I get to the transit center at the mall, and get on the 833 which will take me home. The bus driver that drives the 833 in the afternoon/evenings is a really chatty friendly guy. (always ask me where my bike is? I asked him once how to put it on the front o the bus.) I got on and was the only passenger and at some point in the conversation he says, "do you wanna call my mom for me?" ??!!!??!?! "No," "I'll tell her you are a returned missionary. She'll freak out 'cause you're not Catholic." ?!?!? hmmm. but this relationship I have with him, that may need a restraining order one day, does have it's perks. We're driving down 2200 N? (that road with olive garden and Zupas starting it.) When we get to Canyon road (which I live on) He stops right after the intersection, instead of driving up the rest of the 50ft to the actual stop. So, I didn't have to walk as far. How nice. I am not sure what to think about this.

So, what does this have to do with batteries? Nothing. My batteries in my wireless mouse dies last night. So, I am switching back and forth, the batteries from my keyboard. Which is also wireless. As soon as I finish typing this, I will take them out of the keyboard. put them back in the mouse. Push the "connect" button, on the mouse and receiver, AGAIN, and click the publish button. I need to get me some batteries.

morning

Here is a sampling of the goings on in the morning at apartment 17.

-"It's my secret Gospel Choir indulgence"

- First awkward moment of the day
" Uh... Jessica, can you do me a favor?" Says the person in the shower.
With an uncomfortable tone in her voice Jessica responds, "yes....?"

- I hear the door slam closed. Rebecca walks in and tells us that the kitchen towels still stink, "I almost barfed when I smelled them."

- "So do you think this is good enough for my ID picture?"

comments

I am sad to find that people, for some reason, cannot comment on my blog. : (

compliments are gratefully received

So, real quick. Tonight was the Valentine's date dance at the Institute. You had to have a date to go. I did not have a date. I did not go. This is all good. I have come to expect to not be asked to dances. :) But after the devotional today at noon, I was at munch and mingle, grabbing my Ganny B's sugar cookie of death, and Chelsea turns to me and Jana, and says, "Are you two going to the date dance?" "Yes." "No." was what she herd. Jana Yes. Me no. To which she responded, "WHAT?! Are you kidding me?! You're gorgeous!!! Any of these guys (looking at the room full of eligible good looking men) would love to go out with you! Just go ask one. Go!" Then I made my excuses and changed the subject. But, I just wanted to say thanks Chels. That was really nice of you to say. Hope you had fun. : )

my love line

So, I've decided there are a lot of people that I love in this world. One day at the institute in Orem, Jarna gave me a palm reading. (I was laughing to myself inside as she did this. Because I don't believe in that stuff at all.) So, she looks at my "love line" on my hand and couldn't really tell me anything about when romantic love would happe for me..... ?! (great) but she did tell me there were lots of little lines leading to my main love line, which means..(because I know you're dying to know) that I have a very open heart and I love people easily. Surprisingly true, for a palm reading. If you are my friend, chances are, you've been in my prayers, I've worried about you, and I care a about you a great deal. I hurt when you hurt and I laugh when you laugh. This is a blessing to me. There is always someone for me to help, and to receive help when I need it. So, Valentine's day is 30 minutes away, and I don't have a Valentine. But I do have a lot of people I love, and that is enough. So, Happy Valentine's Day my friends!

The other thing that Jarna told me was that I will have 2 girls and 4-7 boys....... : ) we'll see about that one.

Things I've learned while riding the bus

I've learned...
if you don't want to talk to anyone put your earphones in or stare at your cell phone.

if you miss the 833 you might as well walk, because it won't be coming round for another hour

if you want to annoy the bus driver then just wait until the last second to pull the stop request

there are some really nice people out there.

there are some strange people out there.

a lot of your life can be wasted as you wait for the bus

if you run as fast as you can in the 20 degree weather with a 20 pound back pack to the bus stop, the driver just might be entertained enough to wait for you.

there is 10 plus years of germs on the seats you sit on

they don't always put the heaters under the seats right by the doors. ?

some bus drivers are more punctual than others

if you walk 20 minutes to the bus in 17 degree weather at 7 Am on Saturday, you should wear long-Johns

I really wish the seats at the transit center were not made of cement

having a best friend to text while you're sitting on the bus is really handy

if you actually talk to someone (or to your phone) on the bus, you're usually the only ones, and the whole rest of the bus can hear your conversation.

that eventually you'll memorize the bus schedule