A quick Summary of Events.

So here I am at work just waiting until I can start my next cleaning assignment. And my co-worker hasn't shown up yet, but I don't really mind. Fridays aren't busy until after 9pm, there's a lot to do around here at night, but the afternoons are pretty chill. So California was great, we've narrowed down our options to three cities: West Covina, Pasadena and Downey. We found all the nice looking areas of town and found where metro stations are, both great things. Hopefully after our classes are over we can have the time to look for apartments, but Rick has training starting on September 8th and will be gone for about 6 weeks, and it wouldn't really be super fun to be in an apartment all alone for that time, so we'll see what happens.

Graduation was really great. It was fun to have both sets of parents in town, and to see my grandparents and my aunts, uncle and cousins. Thursday was commencement and it was alright, except for the fact that it snowed. But it was fun to do the processional into the Marriott Center and Elder Bednar gave a great talk. Early the next morning I had my convocation, which was pretty good, except for the 7:00am arrival time. But we got to do another processional, and this time I got a better seat. The student speaker was pretty good, and the professor who spoke also did an excellent job, he even did an amazing cow impersonation! Then the reading of the names and walking. It was long, but it was really fun to walk across the stage, hear my name, and get to shake hands with all the college big wigs. My friend from work was there and she said I had a little swagger across the stage, which I didn't do on purpose, but I think its cool. After that was over we all split up and I went home to take a much needed nap and Rick went to take a final. After that we all met up again for Rick's convocation which was alright, but by that time I was kind of done sitting through speakers etc. Rick had declared, on the bright side, that he was planning on leaving right after his name was called, which I think most of us were excited about. And they had the undergrads line up alphabetically, so Rick was very first after all the masters students. We then had to part ways with Steve and Cindy as they started their drive back home.

Since we got home from California I've been to my first day of my spring term class, and I definitely shouldn't have saved this one for last. It is a finance class and it, thus far, has been booooring. I know I shouldn't really judge until a little later, but I should have saved something good for last, like cultural geography or my survey of world religions class. Oh well, I'll just stick it out until the end of June and then be done! And I was happily surprised by my grades for winter term: 2 As and 3 Bs. I had a hard time focusing, so I'm glad they all turned out so well. Okay, well it is time for me to get back to work.

Adventures in Southern California

So here I am sitting in a Motel 6 just hanging out. We graduated Thursday and Friday (more about that later) and then on Saturday we drove down to California with Mom and Dad. Rick slept the entire drive and most of the evening afterwards. He had stayed out all night with Matt, Bill, and Ben playing on the computer, so he needed to catch up. Sunday we left to look for apartments, we looked in Hacienda Heights, West Covina and Montebello. Today were going to look in Glendale, Pasadena, and Downey and possibly Artesia. Its pretty exhausting, but we've been having a good time too. Well, we got pretty lost in Montebello because we couldn't find a map of the city anywhere, we finally had to go to another city to get a Thomas Guide of Los Angeles county. I think rick is ready to go, so where going to head out.

Decisions, Decisions, part 2.

Well, Rick finally heard from PWC about his start date for work. Turns out it is VERY different than we were anticipating. We were thinking he would start mid to late July. Turns out it is actually September 8th or something like that. So that changes our plans considerably. Now, we could take classes in summer. Or we could just stay up here and work and play until the move. Or do we move in June as planned, take our time finding a good apartment and play in California till Rick starts working. Just a lot to think about.

Well, only two weeks left of classes, and then finals for a week. I have one short paper, one long research paper and 6 quizzes left before finals, so I'll be busy. But I'm excited about conference this weekend, to hear our new prophet speak and to hang out with friends and family.

And I'm glad the snow melted, thats a good thing too.

Decisions, Decisions.

There are so many weddings coming up, I just don't know what to do! I just found out from my friend Steph that she changed her wedding day. . . by over a month. I was planning on going before, because my July is pretty empty besides finding an apartment, and I was going to make a big trip out of it. Niagara Falls, possibly NYC and a wedding, a very fun trip. But now she's getting married in early June, during which time will be the weekend right before the last week of my last term in college. If I did go, it would be a quick trip, just a couple of days because it would be hard to miss school. And I would miss some time getting ahead on the packing up since we would be moving a week and a half later. Two weeks to the day after Steph's wedding is Megan's wedding. That is looking like more of a possibility now because finals actually end the 19th, and I'll probably take mine on the 18th, so plenty of time to pack the truck and make the drive. I just hate when things are complicated, especially when it has to do with deciding between school and a good friend.

Saturday is a special day

Today is going/has been action packed. I got up early and wasn't feeling too hot in my tummy, I think I ate dinner too late or something. But watching dance 180 was fun, and I saw a lot of people in my dance class, which was awesome. I kind of had totally forgotten about the Rex Lee run cause I just assumed Julie would get called back. But she didn't so we decided to run. We had to change really quick and then they weren't letting any cars near the starting point, so Rick dropped me off kind of far away (or so I thought). Turns out that I went the long way, but we started only 5 or 6 minutes late, thanks for waiting Julie. And Julie, we did take the wrong route, but it wasn't too different, so we're okay. With my tummy not feeling too hot, I think I did okay. We jogged and walked on and off, and It was really fun. I don't run as much as I should, and I'm way out of shape. But I had fun, it was cool to do at least once before I graduate. Then I came home and helped Rick with the dishes and have been studying for my Organizational Management test, not fun but necessary. Then later I'm going to take the test, and read some of both the books I'm reading, Road to Sata and Do (Not) Feed the Bears. One is for Geography the other for history. The first is about a man walking the complete length of Japan through back roads and villages, and I like it a lot so far. The other one is about the history of Yellowstone park, and about the interaction between bears and people, interesting topic but not well written. Tonight we are going back to Dancesport to watch the finals and the amateur dancers go at it, I'm so excited! we have great seats and the dancing is just so fun to watch.

Beautiful day

It is warm (mostly) and sunny and great outside today. I just want it to be like this all the time, that would be great. Well, today I've got lots of homework, history reading, research for my Great Wall of China presentation, an organizational behavior lesson and a chapter to read about Hinduism. My hand is looking a lot better today, too. It is still a little red and sensitive, but I don't need a bandaid anymore and it doesn't really hurt, which is really nice. It has been nice to be able to do stuff like open jars, twist door handles and just generally do anything with my left hand. Also, today in dance class we learned a fun new waltz step and are continuing to perfect our cha cha for the competition this weekend. We had a chase-off, and it was pretty funny, lots of flirting. Well, Hope everyone is having a great day!

Well, went back to the ER today to get the stitches out, and I'm so happy! I can do pretty much the normal stuff again, my hand just hurts a little bit. But once they took the stitches out, I looked at my hand and it looks gross! I guess a week of not washing it there and a big scab never really look cute, but still, gross.

Well, life here has been pretty good. Rick and I got our caps and gowns for graduation and ordered our announcements, which is really weird. I remember doing it for high school and how cool it was, but it is even more cool to be graduating at the same time as Rick (even if he is a less than willing participant). And I'm walking at the same time as two of my best college friends. And then I get to look forward to moving which is crazy, I can't believe we're leaving provo. I mean I'm happy, but It will be weird to have a place that will be home for a long time. And I'm excited because this summer I'm flying out to NY to go to the wedding of my friend Stephanie, and I can't wait! She is great, and her fiance seems really nice.

Well this week is going to be busy, two midterms, lots of research about the Great Wall of China, the quarterly enrichment activity and preparing for the 5k I'm running soon. I really am not super excited for my tests, but it'll be okay I think, I'm feeling ready.

Happy New Baby day for Tim and Alexa tomorrow, and happy no pink eye day to Jen!

a first

sorry, no caps today, it hurts to stretch my hand that far. last night i had my first trip to the emergency room. I was cutting a pan of magic bars, and the edges were a little hard, so the (really) sharp knife I was using slipped up the side of the pan when I put a little extra pressure on it. unfortunately, i had my left hand holding the pan, and i stabbed myself pretty good in the bend between my pointer finger and my thumb. it bled, i fainted and poor rick ran all the way home from campus to come save me. he also sent caleb to check in on me, thanks for coming caleb, it was nice to have some company. then off to the er, and i ended up getting four stitches, which means (as my mom pointed out) that i am the first person in our family to get stitches. i cant extend my thumb or pointer finger too far, which makes doing things pretty dang hard. but, i'm alive, and I get to miss class today, just as i'm taking time getting used to doing things one handed. rick has been taking really good care of me, he is really great. the worst part about all of this is that i made the magic bars to take to a big dance lab for my social dance class. i'm bummed i didn't get to go. but i did look extra fancy for the er.

Seriously? Seriously!

Sorry for all these short posts, but I'll post a longer one soon, I promise.

So, Rick and I went snowshoeing and skiing this weekend, and surprisingly, I had a blast! I think I am finally understanding this winter sports thing. Vivian Park is where we snow shoed and it was beautiful with all the snow and ice, really unique. Skiing was a blast, I've never liked going too fast, so I kept it slow, and it was really fun. However, funny thing, we had to fill out some papers to rent our equipment. Rick filled out most of mine but kept a few blanks that he didn't know the answer to, and guess what one of them was, my age! When I asked how old he thought I was, he said 22. 22! Then I asked him how old he was, and he said 24! How could he get both our ages wrong? Funny, and sad.

And I found out I have a thing for Vampire love stories. I read one in middle school called The Silver Kiss, and I thought it was so romantic and great. And the Twilight series is pretty good too, better than I thought it would be.

Okay, I'm going to write a book review now on Working at Play, oh the joys of being a Travel +Tourism major.

Rare occurance

Now, what I'm about to post may come as a shock to some of you, but stay strong.

The snow this morning was really pretty and I liked it a lot! It was like glitter falling from the sky. The snow has been extra sparkley the last couple of days and it has been really fun. If only snow were so pretty all of the time, I might actually like it!

That is all.

Awesome

Well, I just finished watching President Hinckley's funeral, and it was a very good tribute to the life of a great man and prophet. Fun stories were told, and he was described as adorable, awesome and as an optimist. I'm glad they broadcast it so many people could be involved. It was very touching and a good way to say goodbye.

The rest of my day includes homework, shopping and thats pretty much it.

February already?

It seems like January just flew by. All those papers and projects due in February seemed so far away, and now they're here! February will be a good month though. Rick and I are planning on going snow shoeing next Friday, and I'm really excited. We're also going skiing next week, it'll be my first time doing that, and Rick is going to try his hand at snow boarding. Valentines is coming up and that is always a fun holiday, especially since I have an awesome husband now! this will be our fourth Valentine's together, which is crazy to think about. February also is the big dance lab for social dance, and it will be fun to practice my skills with a bunch of other people. Sadly, February also holds the funeral of our beloved prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, but he did a lot of good work here on the earth and I'm sure the Lord will take care of him. And he is now reunited with his wife, which is happy news.

Well, this week has been pretty uneventful, just school and work. I did take my first midterm of the semester, which went pretty well. I think I nailed the essays and I only felt shaky on some of the multiple choice questions. I ran (and walked) 7 miles this week, which isn't half bad. Thank you Holly and Caleb for the use of your tredmill, it is a zillion times better than trying to run in the snow. Well, I'm gonna start reading about the history of resort vacations in America, which sounds pretty exciting to me.

Tagged!

Well, Julikins tagged me, so here we go.

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 years ago: I was 11 years old, I was in 6th grade at Cope Middle School and was in the marching band playing my flute, my best friend was Alison Lenox, but I was also friends with Gabby, Elizabeth Houghton, and had made a new friend, Rave Nasser. Oh, and I was probably hating math and english because I had Mrs. Kovakavitch and she was the hardest teacher I had ever had up to date.

5 things on my to-do list today: 1) write a personal travel paper 2) clean the bathroom 3) do a couple of Organizational Behavior lessons 4) Find a world heritage site I want to do a presentation on 5) sleep in my brand new bed!

5 Snacks I enjoy: 1) chocolate chip cookies 2) jumbo red licorice 3) brownies 4) nachos 5) french fries (These are all unhealthy, but I took snacks to mean treats)

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire: My list is close to Julie's, I would pay off all the debt of both my families, I would take a few years to travel the world, I would set up a foundation in Africa to educate the people about AIDS and a foundation to help the people earn money and get food, I would buy a two story house with a wrap around porch and a big balcony, I would hire some company to make a cartoon movie and I would want to be one of the voices, and then I would put the rest in savings and investments

3 of my bad habits: 1) I sleep in 2) I peel/bite my nails 3) I just throw my clothes on the floor on my side of the bed

5 places I have lived: 1) Redlands, CA 2) Provo, UT 3) Long Beach, CA and thats about it

5 jobs that I have had: 1) Cleaning the Bishops' house 2) Jose's Mexican Food doing multiple things 3) TCBY 4) SAS custodial 5) Custodial at the MTC
5 Things people don't know about me: 1) I dance and sing while I do the dishes 2) I'm glad our touch lamp broke 3) broccoli is one of my favorite foods 4) I want to get my pilot's license 5) I watch movie and TV credits and look for cool names that I might want to give to my children

Alright, I tag Jen, Rick and Roxy

Thank heavens it was just a dream!

So I had a dream last night that was really bothersome to me. Well, a big group of us was at this crazy inside pyramid thing, and it was like a maze but you had to go up to the top of it. At the top, I dropped my glasses all the way down, and they went down a storm drain that was near the bottom of the pyramid. I was so sad, I guess I really loved those glasses. Julie and I reached in and tried to grab them, but instead we found a bunch of other odd glasses, like glasses that measure people's heights and rectangular sunglasses. Well, later that day we were in a doorway, I think waiting in line to go do something else, and Rick walks up to me and he gives me a new pair of glasses. I was so happy I kissed him, and lo and behold, that causes outrage amongst everyone else I'm with. Then, like in a movie, I see the background before this moment. It turns out Rick and I dated, but I had some doubts, so I just up and married someone else. It turns out that my marriage was miserable and horrible (by the way, I was married to Zack Ruben). I was so sad, because we had gotten married in the temple, so I knew I had ruined the rest of my life and eternity, because I would be stuck in this miserable marriage forever. Well, I guess for the past two years of our marriage I had been having an affair with Rick, which made me even more sad because he was so great and I knew I really loved him. But we could never be together because I knew that I could never get divorced. So, in kissing Rick, everyone found out about my affair and I was even more miserable.

So when I woke up this morning, I felt awful. I woke up with a feeling a dread because I had sabotaged my own future. Only after a shower did I remember I really was married to Rick. That made me so happy! So, I'm glad it was only a dream, because an eternity of misery was not really fun to look forward to.

Now I want to Travel with Charley

I just finished reading Travels with Charley in search of America by John Steinbeck and I'm itching to get out of here! How fun to drive on all the small side roads of America and meet the people and see the sights, to immerse yourself in it. If only there were time, and if Rick wanted to do it, which he says might be alright but doesn't really interest him. Provo seems so small now, I want to hit the open road. Maybe, when I finally get around to making one, this journey will be on my 100 things to do before I die list.

Well, a lot has gone on since my last post, so I'll just summarize. Finals were fine, I studied a lot and I did pretty well on all of them. I got two As, two A- and two B+. Not bad at all. Christmas break was a blast with Steve and Cindy. It was fun to just hang out and sleep in. And playing games was great because it is something that I like to do but don't get the chance to do much. Christmas day was nice, and I got a lot of great things from great people. We got back and school started all too soon. My classes for this semester will be pretty awesome though, and I get to read a lot of really good sounding books about things like American Cold War holidays and travels around Europe to where certain fairy tales take place. Plus I am taking a social dance class, and it has been awesome so far. Work is pretty much just the same. Well, I can't think of anything inspirational or witty, so I'll just sign off.

Great way to start the week

Well, two finals down 3 more to go. I took my religion test last week, which was okay, we'll see how I did. Today I took my map reading and analysis test kind of on a whim. I decided I was as ready as I'd ever be, so I went and took it. I got the test and I thought I was doing pretty well, until about half way through. Our TA came into the room and said that most of the people who had taken the final already had done really poorly. I got nervous at that point because I was wondering if I wasn't doing as well as I thought. Well I finished the test and I just looked at blackboard and saw my grade. I got about a 91% on the test which means a 93% overall for the class. Not bad at all, I'm really proud of myself. Hopefully the rest of my finals go as well.

Oh, and I just want to say that my integrity is worth more than $20. I went and returned a book and our iClickers to the Bookstore and the lady accidentally gave me one too many twenty dollar bills. I returned it when I noticed, because I'm just that honest. And extra blessings during finals week never hurt either.

I'm still thinking

Sorry Holly, I'm not going to write my 6 interesting things about myself until I can think of really good ones, so this post will not have those six interesting things.

Work went very smoothly last night even if I froze while taking down those dumb flags. Then I came home and had the most delicious veggie soup for dinner, it was really good. Then I felt like watching a movie, but not one we own, but I also didn't want to go rent one. So I watched some tv for a long time till I was bored to tears. I went to bed at 3am and woke up this morning at 11:30. I feel kinda like a bum. Today is going to be busy. I have 4 finals to study for, the house to clean, dishes, laundry, and we might go to Salt Lake tonight to see the Christmas lights on Temple Square. We did it last year and it was great. Oh, and we might go finish our Christmas shopping so we can get this show on the road and go to AZ. I'm really excited to go and to do fun things like hiking and just plain relaxing.

Ok, dream time again. But these are violent, so for those who are faint of heart, please don't read this.
My first dream took place at an outside cafe. I think it was my freshman ward reunion, even though none of the people there were really in my freshman class. We were all chatting and having a great time when all of a sudden, one of the guys pulls out a large gun and tells everyone to put their hands on their heads. We do so, and then we line up facing the wall like he tells us to. He then went through everyones pockets and took all our money and jewelery and the like. One of my brave friends got a call to 911 and told them our situation. The mean guy saw this and shot the girl making the phone call, he shot her like 3 times. Then we hear sirens, and we all start running around trying to get away. The police line up outside the cafe walls and they can't see the guy very well, but they decide to take the risk and just start shooting in hopes they hit him. They pull out their machine guns and start shooting everywhere. People were dying all around. It was very terrifying.

Next dream. We're all at home and getting ready for a huge party. The Birds are there helping us set up, cook, and do the other party things. From the moment I woke up I had been getting the party ready, so I hadn't showered or anything. Finally, we're all done setting up and it is time to go to the park where the party is happening. Everyone is ready except for me. I tell everyone to wait while I get ready. Mom (who looked beautiful) told me it was my own fault that I wasn't ready. Oh, and there was no more hot water for me to take a shower, so I should just come. Dad says they should just leave me, and if I really want to come that I can get myself there. I was so mad at daddy, he was being so mean. Then I turn to Rick for support, but he tells me he's taking our car and that I can just come when I'm ready, but that probably won't be for a long time and I'll miss the party anyway, so I just shouldn't come. That was the last straw. I start throwing upper cuts at Rick, yelling at him, kicking him in the face and the tummy, punching him wherever I can reach as hard as I can. Then I woke up. I apologized to Rick, cause I shouldn't beat him up, even in my dreams.

Blueberry Muffins

I thought it would be a nice surprise to make muffins for rick this morning since it is snowing, but he ruined it when he woke up earlier than I expected him to. The muffins, however, were still delicious. The snow is still cold though, and it looks like a blizzard outside right now, not fun.

Today is homework day which I hope I can stay concentrated enough to actually do. I've got 2 papers, one oral presentation, one portfolio and NO GPS ASSIGNMENT! It got canceled because the units had an error an couldn't make a route using the datum NAD 27, which is what we made the points in. Sad. I had even chosen a fun one entitled "Christmas Light around Provo". It was too good to last I guess, but at least it is one less assignment.

In closing, I will type out a dream I had the other night.
I was in a mall in a bookstore and was tossing books off the shelves in a sweeping motion. Then I saw some people who I knew were bad, so I tipped like 3 bookshelves on top of them. A mall police man saw me and started chasing me. I ran out of the store (which was on the 3rd floor of the mall) and ran down a flight of stairs. I saw that I hadn't lost him so I ran down to the first floor. I lost him but decided not for long, so I wanted to get a disguise so he wouldn't recognize me. I went into a beauty parlor and had my hair permed curly and dyed brown. I obviously had them change my race to because when I looked in the mirror I was Hispanic. I flirted with a cute boy for awhile but then was caught by the police man, who I don't know how he recognized me. I was really sad, but only because I thought the boy would like me less if he knew I was a criminal. The police man walked me out of the mall (it was night) and I don't know where he was taking me. Then a bunch more police men showed up, and I noticed they had batman logos on their shirts. They tassered the police man who had me and Robin came up to talk to me. He said they could get me out of this. The bat lawyer was going to write up stuff for me for my court appearance. Robin was my representative in court, but as he read the Bat lawyer's testimony, it made me look more guilty. Little did we know that the Bat lawyer was actually in league with the Joker. Then I woke up.

I love GPS

So I just got back from an Enrichment activity. It was pretty fun, but a lot of work. I was there for 3 hours earlier today and then I was there from 6pm to 9 for food serving, the activity, and take down. Rick was awesome though and helped babysit and then take down.

I did a GPS scavenger hunt thing yesterday and it was fun to put together. He wanted it to be fun when others do it so I gave it a theme. I did Freshman Memories and I went to some of my favorite places around campus. I hope other people think its fun. I get to do someone else's next week and I'm excited, GPS is a fun toy. Yesterday I also got my hair cut. I love it! I finally fixed those layers I never liked and it looks cute. Thank you Holly for inviting me to come with you.

This weekend I have a bunch of homework and I really need to dig deep down and find my motivation, because I'm just ready to be done.

Was there....

me making out with a guy from a TV show?
the dreaded beach elephant?
Caleb working in a shady office in which no one ever knew what he was doing?
a trip to Antarctica?
the swankiest hotel room ever?

Yes to all of the above.
No that wasn't real life I was talking about, it was a dream I had last night. Many of the details are not included, these were just some of the most memorable things.

I have to take a test tomorrow and I really don't want to. But, I also get to use the GPS again tomorrow, which is fun. We went out and did a little field work on Wednesday, and it was fun but freezing! It was 25 degrees when we left the SWKT, which wasn't exciting.

Thanksgiving was really awesome. It was nice to get some sleep, see the family, do some fun things and eat some great food. It was bad if only because now I'm totally out of school mode, which I haven't really been in for this semester. I'm so antsy and ready to be done.

Okie dokie, well here is whats on my mind right now, but I'm going to go write a paper about sex.