The Best of the Best BYU Experiences

I know everyone thinks I raced through school. I know. I've heard it. Over and over and over again. I've heard it from my mom, my dad, my aunt, my grandparents, my friends, people from my ward, people from my old ward, and people from school. I. Have. Heard. It. It makes me upset not because I think they are right but because they don't understand. I do not feel like I raced through. I feel like I went at a good speed and I happened to finish early. I am sad that it is over now, but sadness often comes with change. I, however, do not feel like I missed out on anything. Not long before graduation, I went to dinner with Dani and her husband Tyler. One of the questions Dani asked was whether or not I felt like I got the full BYU experience. I smiled and felt my eyes sparkle as I answered with a resounding yes. Yes. I feel like I got everything I wanted out of BYU, and I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to go there. Let's start at the very beginning because as we all know it's a very good place to start.

Leading Up to College

First, the year before going to BYU, I went up to Utah with my family and Kaitlyn's family. We did the BYU tour on the golf cart, and our tour guide had an English accent. So, it started well. Fast forward to the application process. So stressful. I would have been able to get into any university in Texas automatically, but we all know I did not want to go to one of those. All of the girls in my seminary class and I anxiously awaited that acceptance email. The day finally came and I was screaming at 5:00 in the morning. It had been a hard choice deciding between BYU and TCU since I got a hefty scholarship from TCU, but I feel like once my decision was made no one was going to change my mind. I went to seminary that day, and Kaitlyn and I got out of our cars, looked at each other for a minute, and we both smiled because we knew we both got in. We were going to be Cougars. I will admit I creeped on my roommates once they were assigned. I couldn't decide if I was going to like them or not. Meghan was a track star and looked fun but a little crazy. Was she going to be loud and always have weird friends over? Makenna had only just gotten a Facebook and there was nothing on it. That was a little weird to me... Emilee I seemed to like when I talked to her as I anxiously awaited the time for me to be able to sign up for my first classes. And then there was Dani. Cute, beautiful, and pictures of Europe on her Facebook. I was jealous and wondered if she was going to be amazing or one of "those girls." I was just going to have to wait and see how two Utah, two Washington, and two Texas girls were going to get along.Senior year of high school flew by along with my summer, and all of the sudden I was in the car with all of my stuff on the way to Utah. I threw everything in my room as quickly as I could and kind of introduced myself to my roommates before I had to go. My mom signed me up for Foundations of Leadership. I did not want to go. I was already nervous enough about school without having to go to a leadership conference beforehand. I went and loved it more than any HOBY conference I had been to. Not only did I love it so much, but I met Rachel there and was introduced to BYUSA. Little did I know how great an impact this would have on me, but more about that later.

Fall 2011

I got back from FOL and hiked the Y with my cousin Becca since we went up to BYU the same year. How we managed to get up there without acclimating ourselves first I will never know, but we did it! Going back to the dorm I slowly got to know the roommates better. I loved all of them! I still spent plenty of time with Kaitlyn going to football games, tracing our faces on the mirror with an expo marker, hiking and lighting the Y for homecoming, being part of the homecoming parade, going to conference at the Conference Center, doing the blue foam slip and slide down a hill at Helaman Fields which is a homecoming tradition, laughing at the plastic wrapped statues on campus when the Utah game came, and took walks in our cowboy boots, but spending time with roommies was always fun. We played spoons in the elevator, ate cookies from our FHE brothers, got candy when someone (Dani was first) went on a date, watched a crane collapse, went to devotionals (especially the one with President Monson), went to the football opening party at which I won a sweatshirt, going out to play in the snow that had the biggest flakes I had ever seen, and having sleepovers in our living room.

Winter 2012

I didn't go home for Thanksgiving, but I got to go to Washington to spend some time with my favorite aunt (don't tell the others) and her cute family which may have been the best thing I could have done. I loved going home for Christmas, but it was even harder to go back to that winter semester. I think I lived off of tortillas with butter, hot chocolate, and Jamba Juice. I am not a winter fan, but when I came back I had fun roommates to look forward to and a class by Hank Smith. Winter was filled with time with FHE brothers that included shoving 13 people into a car and having the cops show up at the park we were at, walking to the temple with Kaitlyn, planking in the elevator and down the stairs, more sleepovers, spending time with a friend from FOL and heart-attacking our peer mentor's door, roommate shirts with individual quotes from our song "Party Rock Anthem", blanket forts, room decorations, snow, snow, and more snow, and of course the festival of colors. Yes, all this time I was in classes and doing presentations for BYUSA. Those presentations are where I met one of my best friends. Eric. That boy always made me laugh. I eventually made a point to go to devotionals early so I could sit in the front row because he was on the stands. Apparently he noticed because one day he texted me and asked if I could come meet him in the office. He offered me a position on his team the coming school year. I didn't really think about it before I said yes because I loved BYUSA and he was pretty great too. My mom did take some convincing though since I would be coming back to BYU for summer. I won her over. At the end of the year we had a BYUSA retreat and a BYUSA party where I beat Eric on a blow-up obstacle course, and I was in heaven!

Spring/Summer 2012

Mom came to pick me up after winter semester, but I had to go to my first friend's wedding reception first. One down! When I came back to school for summer the fun really started. Friend dates with Eric were like once a week whether we went for crepes, J Dawgs, or frozen yogurt. I lived with Meghan this summer which was easily the best choice. We went to Seven Peaks almost every day, started a Fourth of July tradition that continued every year, and became even better friends with Janessa who had lived across the hall from us freshman year. Janessa, her roommate Leah, Dani, Meghan and I had watched "When a Stranger Calls" together during the school year. After that we slept on the living room floor falling asleep to church music because we were so scared. Anyways, Jan, Meghan and I watched scary movies all summer at Jan's house. :) That summer I also was in the Fourth of July parade and made s'mores on the belltower lights with Meghan and Mallory and Jessica from BYUSA. That summer I was also a peer mentor for FOL and had a blast with my BYUSA team every single day.

Fall 2012/ Winter 2013

Fall came around which lifted some responsibility off my shoulders since I was acting as VP in BYUSA. Eric was done with his internship and took over. I had new roommates but lived in the same building as most of my old roommies so we still did stuff together all of the time. We went to the stadium party and got pics with Van Noy and Brandon Davies. #winning. We also played in the park at night and went to the Brigham City temple open house. For football games this year I had 50 yard line seats on the front row with BYUSA. Best thing ever. Seriously. BYUSA took up most of my time, but I had fun with my roommies too. I even dressed up with them for Halloween (which I NEVER do). I spent Thanksgiving in my apartment this year with Becca. We made a delicious dinner and even had a meringue war when we were making the pie. The trees with red and yellow leaves somehow changes to bare branches with snow overnight. Christmas came and went. With the snow we made giant sculptures on the patio of our apartment. Michael came to visit and Becca and I took him to Temple Square, Hogle Zoo, and the This is the Place monument with about a foot of snow on the ground. My roommates and I also went to the Festival of Colors again this year. Why miss the chance to become a rainbow? This year of BYUSA included even more adventures such as a day at Boondocks with go-carts, bumper boats, an arcade, a batting cage, and laser tag, a luncheon in the brand new convention center, a leadership ceremony where I won the BYUSA dedication award, our final winter retreat, and multiple fun, random days, events, and activities.

Spring/Summer 2013

This was the year I also dated a boy for the first time. Andrew. It lasted for one month which makes me laugh, but it obviously just wasn't meant to be. That spring I got to see Wicked for the first time for my birthday, and I spent my last birthday taking pictures with my best boy. That summer he died which took me what felt like forever to stop crying about. Needless to say I didn't get the best grades in my classes that summer. Oh! And the first of my roommates got married. Emilee got married!!! I made some of the best friends at BYUSA, and I applied to be the VP like Eric was. I didn't get the position, but I realized why later. That summer my best friend, Eric, got married, I made my first solo road trip, spent more time with Meghan (we enhanced our 4th of July tradition by going to the fireworks and concert at Thanksgiving Point on the 3rd as well as the Stadium of Fire fireworks on the 4th), made a trip to Washington with the roommates, got to see the Manti temple pageant, fell head over heels for a boy that moved away and suddenly stopped talking to me, went to a hot air balloon festival, went to the rope swings in Mona, saw a Pioneer Day parade, went to another wedding reception, got showered in glitter on a rough day, got a job, made a new friend (Julie Anne), and did the ropes course at the Olympic park. And, at the end of the summer, I was once again a peer mentor at FOL (I loved it even more this year) and was roped into being a peer mentor for New Student Orientation. 

Fall 2013/Winter 2014

This semester I roomed with Dani, Kaitlyn, and Makenna again, and we went back to our fun shenanigans and adventures which included wedding ring shopping one night. My new job was with the Alumni Association planning events. I mostly worked with the Student Alumni. It was a lot like BYUSA, but I got paid for it and worked in the Hinckley Center! This job had its perks. I got to watch the BYU v. Texas game in the President's Loge with the First Presidency of the church and the head honchos of the school. I drove the Alpine Loop in the fall, had picnics in the park with Meghan, drove in the convertible with Kennedy to the pumpkin patch, went to football games with Dani and her boyfriend/fiance Tyler, and was Becca's companion for a day before I dropped her off at the MTC. Jan, Julie Anne, and I made a trip to Park City in a blizzard, my roommates and I saw the Catching Fire midnight premier since we had seen Hunger Games together the year before. I made a trip to Arizona where I got sick for the first time since going to college, but Ami, her family, and I still ended up going to Cali anyways (my first time!). Dani and Ty got married and I got to be a bridesmaid! I survived winter once again and saw the lights on Temple Square and drove through the Thanksgiving Point lights with the top of the car down. I went on a retreat with my Student Alumni group and got to go tubing at Soldier Hollow. I went to the hot springs, planned and attended Traditions Ball, got to see Andy Grammar in concert, met and hugged Sister Dalton, and just had fun! 

Spring/Summer 2014

All of the sudden my final terms at BYU came. James and Kaitlyn got married, and I was the Maid of Honor! I finally went to Arches National Park, I hiked the Narrows at Zion National Park, Meghan, Janessa, and I went to the actual Stadium of Fire concert where Carrie Underwood performed, I spent most of my time with friends, I made a 4.0 for spring and summer, I had an internship with the Department of Child and Family Sservices, and I had almost a week long vacation where I missed class and went to California. 

So, I had good and bad roommates, I was in love and heartbroken, I had good and bad wards, I had fun and worked hard. I was involved. I made friends. I had adventures. I went to football, basketball, and even some volleyball games. I had experiences that most students don't get to have. So, thank you to everyone who made my BYU experience a FULL BYU experience. Roommates: Kaitlyn, Dani, Emilee, Makenna, Meghan, Jenn, Alanna, Melissa, Mallory, Alexis, Maren, and Ashley, their husbands, my BYUSA team: Bryon, Angela, Kennedy, Austin, and Devon, Eric Cecil, Angela Blomquist, Amanda Nuttall, my favorite teachers: Anne Hodge, Erin Holmes, Justin Dyer, Hank Smith, and Katie Isaak, my bishopric members, the Bishop's wives, the Student Alumni team: Flint, Michael, Mady, Christina, Brett, and Brody, Curtis Isaak, Julie Hatchett, my internship mentors: Liz and Kobie, Janessa, Julie Anne, Justin, Andrew, the best visiting teachers ever: Brooke Ellis and Blythe Beecroft, Alyssa Harkness, Becca, and Aubryann McClune. Thank you for allowing me to say that I had the best of the best experiences I could have ever asked for at Brigham Young University. I am thankful that I could leave my mark at BYU, but I am even more thankful that it left its mark on me.

The World is Our Campus or the Campus is Our World

I have been somewhat irresponsible this week. I only have six more days of school, and even though the sun doesn't always shine my senioritis does. Sunday I spent time with friends all afternoon and evening even though I did not feel well. Monday I still wasn't feeling well but decided to drown my sorrows in a mint brownie before Janessa and I headed off to a crazy (not in a good way) FHE. Wednesday I was running around all day and instead of doing homework when I got home I went to a party for work. Sitting on a very small couch with Amanda and Brody watching a movie made me laugh. I need more moments like that. Thursday I didn't do homework again and even missed class to go on a date. Um... Yeah I did that. Yesterday I went to the temple before the work and left work just in time to go out with Janessa, come home and watch a movie, go on a failed hiking adventure, and finish our night with a few episodes of "I Dream of Jeanie." Today was full of four hours of uplifting, spiritual light from the General Authorities of the church. Somehow, even with all of the fun, I have still gotten things done. I have still gotten enough sleep, and I am not behind in any of my classes. School is important, especially in my last real semester, but having fun is important too. 

Also, my boss is really mature and hides army men all over my desk. Every day I find a new one. It has become war.

 Now, we all know that naturally I started this. He just continues on with it. So, this week while he was in a meeting I taught him a lesson and did this to all of the plants he has on his desk. He may have won the small battles, but I won the war.

With Each Word and Action We Testify

There are constant reassurances in my life that my Heavenly Father knows me. He knows what I want, and he knows what I need. I went on a date Friday night. I know all of you are laughing because I always say that I never get asked out. It is a real fear of mine that I may never get married because I never go on dates. Well, right when I get to the peak of my panic, I am asked out on a date. I should be fine for a while now, but I am going on another date this Thursday. Now I am laughing at myself. The date was so fun though. Seriously. I needed that. Then today, there was the General Women's Meeting. It was beautiful. I learned a few things. Women need women. We need the deep, satisfying, and loyal relationships with one another. We need to love one another MORE as well as to love one another BETTER. I especially liked President Eyring's talk. He said trials, tests, and opportunities are chosen just for you, and Heavenly Father's plan helps us navigate through them. With that help, we can help others through theirs. The journey through life is too hard without help, but with help we can feel the joy as we journey back home. Lastly, as we move up the pathway towards our potential we bring about God's approval. In one of the talks, we were asked what it means to us to be a disciple of Christ. I thought about that a lot for the rest of the night and into Sunday. I will tell you part of my testimony that is ever-changing and ever-growing. I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that He lives. I know that if I put my trust in my Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost I will be able to choose the right path. I know some wrong paths will be disguised as opportunities in my life, but with a little help, I will be able to navigate through them. I do not know where life will take me, but I will find joy in the journey. I know that happiness comes from the light of Christ radiating in my life. I know that to make a difference in the world, I have to be different from the world. I am trying to do that by living the gospel of Christ. I know that my part matters because I matter to my Heavenly Father. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. I am proud to be a Mormon. I am thankful for the scriptures and how I can learn from them no matter how many times I read them. I am so thankful for a living prophet on the earth today, and I am thankful that I can consistently learn from him and his apostles. With that being said, I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to be here at BYU. I get to "run into" the apostles quite often. Today, it was Elder Bednar. He taught me something, as apostles usually do. He said, "You can be prepared for life, but you're never in control of it." He went on to tell us that we are not in charge, our Heavenly Father is. We need to act, not be acted upon. When we act, we are acting on opportunities given to us by our Heavenly Father. It was a magical morning. I needed to hear exactly what he had to say. It's funny how things work out like that... 

Brain Dead

Tuesday after classes I got to talk to Eric on the phone. It felt good to smile or laugh the entire way home. I am so thankful that even though he is married we can still talk. I am so thankful to have a friend like him in my life no matter how weird other people think our relationship is. This week was a little crazy, and I loved getting that break. Monday I spent three hours in orientation for my internship at the Division of Child and Family Services. I am so excited. Wednesday I went to the temple with Meghan and got to do family names for these two little old women there. They were so cute!
Thursday! Kaitlyn invited me to a Women in Business event. Guys, I wish I could express my excitement here. I am just so tired right now, and no matter what I said I wouldn't be able to do it justice. I met Sister Dalton. I saw her in her glorious sunshine yellow blazer, and my mouth fell open and quickly formed a gigantic smile. She made eye contact with me with my mouth still gaping open. She said hello to me, and I am pretty sure I stopped breathing for a moment. Then, she shook my hand! Ah!!!! I was so happy. Kaitlyn and I got seats on the third row, but we soon got up and took a picture with Sister Dalton. I thought I was happy before... Not even close. I couldn't stop smiling. And... I got to hug her. I am pretty sure that my love for Sister Dalton will be as close as I will ever get to idol worship, and let me tell you it's pretty close. Her words were amazing. The rest of the event couldn't even compete. The event did make me think though... If I were a little smarter, I would get my Master's in business. Too bad.
I finally applied for graduation. I also scheduled a meeting with my advisor so they can approve my application. With that application in, I was invited to an event called Senior Celebration and a luncheon for the School of Family Life graduates in which my most influential teachers are invited. I also scheduled a haircut (I've never gotten one in Utah so it was a big deal). I got tickets to see Elizabeth Smart speak in a couple weeks. I missed her when she spoke a week or so ago, and I wasn't going to miss it this time. I am excited to hear her. At work at I had to run to the BYUSA office. I ran into Angela. Boy do I miss her. It was nice to get to talk to her for a minute and awkwardly give her a side hug since I had numerous black lights in my arms at the moment. I really do need to make it a priority to go in and actually talk to her. I haven't seen her since August.
You know how Friday is supposed to be date night? Well, instead of going on a date I gave a two hour class on marriage enrichment to couples. My capstone project is mostly done. I created the program from theory and research and practiced it. All I have to do now is write up a paper on it. I survived! After working on a powerpoint for hours this morning I have given up. I am exhausted. I should get out and do something fun since it is the weekend, but I am so dang tired!
Honestly, can I be done now? 39 days until I am home. 44 days until I am twenty. 151 days until graduation. 

Taking Myself Out On a Date

So, I know this sounds lame, but yesterday I went on a date with myself. I went to see the Saratov Approach. I went to the dollar movie theater, bought popcorn and a cookie ice cream sandwich that I always used to get when I was a kid, sat myself close to the back of the theater, and enjoyed myself. Let me tell you, the movie was AMAZING!! If you want an uplifting movie where you get a spiritual message and have some of the action that everyone loves then this is your movie. I stress ate through an entire tub of popcorn before the movie was over. My mom mentality kicked in. I cried. I listened to the message the movie gave. I left spiritually uplifted. The movie is about two LDS missionaries that were kidnapped in Russia. Spoiler alert to those who haven't seen it yet... They had a chance to get away. They unlocked their handcuffs, put on their boots and coats, and devised a plan. When they were about to do it they looked at each other and said that God had a plan for them. The took off their boots and coats and locked themselves back to the chain. That took a lot of faith. They went from praying for themselves to their families to the people who captured and beat them. A tattoo saved their lives. All through this journey they took together they never forgot the love Heavenly Father had for them and that they were His children. When they got away they fulfilled the remaining year of their missions. Guys! This was a true story! These two twenty year old young men followed the promptings of the Lord, were kept safe, and finished their missions before going home. I am about to be twenty, and I am amazed at their faith. After I got out of the movie it was only fitting to sit outside of the temple to ponder. It was a beautiful night. I came home to watch Gone With the Wind. Sometimes you need to take yourself out on a date. It is a beautiful thing to be able to take time for yourself.

Today I was still thinking about the Saratov Approach when I woke up. I took what I was thinking about to church today. Sorry, I am going to rave about the movie more. The missionaries were talking about Christ one day while they were chained up. One made the point that Christ loved us so much he died for us. He didn't want to, but He loved us and His father. During sacrament meeting one girl shared a story that I absolutely loved. It is kind of long, but it is beautiful.

Many years ago there was a school where the pupils behaved so badly that no teacher could make them listen. The boys were so rough that one teacher after another left the school. Then, one day, a young man came for the job. The head teacher looked at him. "Young man," he said, "Do you know what will happen to you? You will be beaten up many times by the pupils. For years, every teacher has suffered like this." The young man replied, "I am willing to take that risk." When the new teacher started work, Tom, one of the biggest boys, whispered, "I won't need any help. I can beat this one up myself." The teacher stood up in front of the class and said, "Good morning. I have come to teach you, but I will need your help. We can't have school without making some rules. You tell me what the rules should be and I will write them for all of you to see." One pupil said, "No stealing." Another said, "Don't be late for class." At last they had ten rules. "Now," said the teacher, "A rule is no good unless we agree what the punishment should be. What shall we do with someone who breaks one of the rules?" "Beat him across the back ten times without his coat on," shouted one of the boys. "That is a very hard punishment, boys. Will you let me do that if someone breaks a rule?" "Yes," said all of the class. A few days later, Tom's lunch was stolen. The thief was found to be Jim, a hungry little boy aged ten. The next morning the teacher said to the class, "We found the thief and he must be punished. Jim, come up here." Trembling, Jim came slowly to the front of the class. He was wearing a big coat buttoned up to his neck. He said, "Teacher, you can beat me as hard as you like, but please don't make me take my coat off." "Take that coat off. You helped make the rules." "Oh, teacher, don't make me!" He began to undo the buttons on his coat. As he did so the teacher and the class saw the boy had not shirt on, and only a string to keep up his trousers. His body was thin and bony. "How can I beat this boy?" the teacher thought, "But I must do something if I am to keep order." Everything was quiet in the room. "Why don't you have a shirt, Jim?" said the teacher. Jim replied, "My father died and my mother is very poor. I have only one shirt, and my mother is washing it today. I wore my brother's coat to keep warm." The teacher, with stick in hand, hesitated. Just then, Tom jumped to his feet and said, "Teacher, if you agree to this, I will take Jim's beating for him." "Yes, there is a rule that one person can take the punishment for another; they can become a substitute. Do you all agree?" the teacher asked. Tom took off his coat. After five strong hits the stick broke. The teacher hid his head in his hands and thought, "How can I finish this terrible job?" Then he heard the whole class crying. Little Jim reached up and put his arms around Tom's neck. "Tom, I am sorry I stole your lunch, but I was so hungry. Tom, I'll love you until the day I die because you took my punishment for me. I will love you forever.

Christ did the same thing for us. He did not necessarily want to, but he did it because of his love and grace. I am glad I took myself out on a date last night. It was a wonderful night that carried on through church today.

Stories, Like Life, Have No Logical Conclusion

So, once upon a time I fell for an Arizona boy. Apparently one football game a year ago a mutual friend introduced us. No matter how hard I rack my brain, I cannot remember this. It kind of makes me sad. Then, one day my roommate told me she had a crush on this boy. I didn't know who he was so I was really happy for her. She had me go to the ward BBQ with her because this particular boy was in charge of them. When I "met" him, I thought it was weird when he remembered the football game and meeting me so long ago. Still don't remember... When we got back from the BBQ she told me she didn't think he liked her. I asked her who she thought he liked. A little later she told me she thought he liked me. I laughed because there was no way. Her and Emilee liked him and had spent more time with/ talked more with/knew him better. I didn't know this kid at all. I swear I had never seen him before. Apparently he had been in our ward since last fall. It was now the end of spring semester and I was just now meeting him. Then, all of the sudden it was only Dani, Tyler, and me. We went to a ward activity where he kept trying to flip my kayak. Rude. Who does that? We had fun at the lake. I just love being on the water. Not long after that, he invited me and another girl to go sailing. I thought it would be fun so I said I would go. Why not? I live to be on the water. It ended up being a little stormy, so he took the both of us to dinner. He introduced me to an amazing place with amazing food, and he even paid. Then this girl moved, and he asked me on a date to the MoTab Pioneer Day concert with Lindsey Sterling and Nathan Pacheco. He drove and opened the door for me each and every time we got in and out of the car. I sadly didn't know how to handle it since a boy has never done that for me before. Honestly, on our drive to Salt Lake, I felt so comfortable. We always had something to say. There was never a quiet moment in the car. We went to the concert and both absolutely loved it. Coming home was the same way as going up. We talked, we laughed, and we enjoyed each others' company. Then he took me to dinner again. Full of a pie shake and so many chicken strips, I was a happy girl. Less than a week later, we had a stake activity. He brought his boat this time and took a bunch of people on rides. The whole time I wished I could be one of those people. At the very end, he kicked everyone off and denied other people rides. He sent someone to tell me it was my turn. A little skeptical, I slowly moved toward the boat. He just smiled and waited. I jumped up on the boat, and we were off. He taught me how to steer this little sailboat, and we sailed for a good forty-five minutes. He saved the last ride for me because that was as the sun was setting, and let me tell you, the sun setting over a lake with mountains in the background is one of the most beautiful sights. The next two weeks we texted back and forth a lot, and we spent a lot of time together. After he named his boat, I went down to keep him company while he painted it. Then somehow we both got roped into seeing fireworks with the ward. We even had fun there when an obnoxious girl sat in between us. We would sit and talk when we had FHE together or break the fast. Then, all of the sudden, he had to leave. We texted every day for a long time after. We had some of the funniest conversations that kept me up late into the night. I was going to see him over Thanksgiving, but after two months of texting every day, he just stopped. I may never know why. There is always that dull hurt nagging me, and every once in a while I know hurt flashes across my eyes/face if something that reminds me of him is brought up. Someday I will get over it and find the guy I'm meant to be with. Maybe... A stupid song has been stuck in my head for like two weeks. I goes like this. "And I tell myself to let the story end, that my heart will rest in someone else's hand, but my why not me philosophy began. And I said oh, how am I gonna get over you? I'll be alright, just not tonight, but someday. Oh, I wish you'd want me to stay. I'll be alright, just not tonight, but someday. Say it's coming soon: someday without you. All I can do is get me past the ghost of you. Wave goodbye to me. I won't say I'm sorry. I'll be alright once I find the other side of someday." This is me letting this story end. I must remember every heartache will fade away just like every storm will run, run out of rain. The end.

In My Own Little Corner

In my own little corner, in my own little chair I can be whatever I want to be. 

Last night I was up until almost two in the morning. I had to stay up until midnight to sign up for my classes next semester. That wasn't a big deal. I was done ten minutes later with all of the classes that I wanted. Then, I started dreaming of what life will be like after I graduate. I went through my map of classes to make sure I was on track for my CFLE and internship. I looked at internship opportunities as well as where job opportunities were for when I was done. Like I said, I did not go to sleep until almost two in the morning. 

I'm a girl men go mad for. Love's a game I can play with a cool and confident kind of air.

It was a long day. Good thing I love my job. I do not have a ton to do right now, so I was helping the officers with everything they needed. Guys, I got in trouble for flirting with a couple of the officers. My mom always says that I do not know how to flirt. I always insist that I do. Today I proved it. I got in trouble for flirting with two guys.

Then I'm glad to be back in my own little corner. All alone in my own little chair. 

Back at home, I love seeing Dani. She brightens my day. Every time. She truly is a sweet spirit, and I don't mean that in a "bless her heart" kind of way. I love her. 

I'm the bell of the ball in my own little corner. All alone in my own little chair. 

I got some time alone tonight. Those moments give me the opportunity to enjoy the quiet and think about what I really want out of life. I ended up continuously thinking about three songs from the Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. I ended up watching the movie and listening to those three songs over and over again. Maybe they will give you some insight into what I was thinking about. 

Laughs and Lessons

After church on Sunday I came home and actually made dinner. I made butternut squash pasta sauce with whole wheat noodles. So good. So filling. Afterward I took a picture for a snapchat and realized I looked like a little kid with my messy hair, tootsie pop, funny face, and cupcake apron. I promise I looked like a grown-up at church... 

I went to a fireside last night... I usually don't go to firesides. Like ever. Funny thing though. This one was not even for my stake. This one was in Springville, but my favorite teacher was the speaker so I figured it could be fun. Disclaimer: I am a senior at BYU, and I have never been to a dating fireside. Well, I had never been to one until last night. It would be on dating! Anyways, I was worried about getting lost so I left early only to get to the fireside over twenty minutes early. It was a good thing though because I actually got a seat on a pew (man do I miss those). We started the fireside by singing Love One Another. I knew this was going to be good at that moment.

I was laughing so hard the entire time. I started to worry that I was not going to make it home because for over an hour there was such a lack of oxygen getting to my brain. I made it home! Not only did I make it home, but I realized that I learned valuable lessons even though I was laughing the whole time. Brother Smith said that children laugh an average of 400 times a day. Adults laugh 15. Lesson #1: I need to laugh more. Brother Smith made me go over my limit for the day. His talk was called "Do's and Don'ts of Dating." He talked about how important men and women are to our Heavenly Father. He said every time girls say, "All boys are stupid" or "All guys are jerks," we are not only generalizing that to every guy, but we are generalizing that to Heavenly Father's creations. He said that probably makes our Heavenly Father sad. They may not be the smartest, but they are still His creations. Lesson #2: Boys, even the dumb ones, are Heavenly Father's creations. He then went on to talk about women. He gave the quote from President Hinckley that says, "His Father, first divided the light from the darkness and then separated the land from the waters. There followed the creation of plant life, followed by the creation of animal life. Then came the creation of man, and culminating that act of divinity came the crowning crowning act, the creation of woman." He pointed out that man has to be born twice. They are born physically and then born of the Spirit through baptism by immersion. He said that women are symbolic of Christ. They represent him when mothers have children. Through blood, water, and the Spirit, they bring new life. Christ does the same through the atonement and baptism. Therefore, any time we look in the mirror and instantly wish we hadn't we are degrading Christ because we are degrading ourselves. Lesson #3: Satan tries so hard to desecrate women because we are symbols of Christ. Brother Smith closed with a quote on personal purity from Elder Holland. It says, "On your wedding day the very best gift you can give your eternal companion is your very best self--clean and pure and worthy of such purity in return." Lesson #4: I need to be my best self. Always. In every aspect of my life. 

This was a perfect way to end my Sunday. Laugh and lessons all around. 

Just My Dose of Cuteness for the Day

Also, sorry for the double post today, but get ready for one of the cutest music videos you have ever seen in your life! One day... One day this will happen for me!

This. I Need This.

I Am Going to Stand Outside So if Anyone Asks I'm Outstanding

So, on Saturday, one of the things Justin and I talked about was watching Top Gun. I have never watched it, and I promised him I would watch at least fifteen minutes of it. After those fifteen minutes, I was hooked. I talked to him all through Monday. That night he told me I am now Charlie. I asked him if that made him Maverick or Iceman. He said he was definitely Maverick. Fun times. I thought I couldn't pull off aviators. I wished I could be a cool kid. I thought that until Wednesday when I found the perfect pair of aviators at Dillard's. They were one of the only pairs of sunglasses that have ever fit my face. I loved them but didn't buy them. Maybe I can find a pair at Target that aren't as expensive. Then I can run with the cool kids. Monday, I was Charlie. 

Another thing we talked about on Saturday was Tiffany's. We were walking around the mall, and we passed it. I just smiled because of the memories of me and my roommates looking in the windows and dreaming. He asked me about it. I told him I love the store just because of the memories that come with it. Honestly, I don't want a ring from there. I don't like the rings. I want a box. A Tiffany blue box with a white ribbon tied in a bow. He laughed and said one day he would send me just a box. I would be the happiest girl around. I watched Sleepless in Seattle for the first time on Tuesday morning. It is beautiful. Meg Ryan is one of my favorite actresses, and paired with Tom Hanks, I am in love. Tuesday, I was Meg Ryan.

Wednesday was Pioneer Day. I love that this is a holiday. I have a special love for the pioneers that crossed the plains and went over the mountains I see out my window to be able to build up this wonderful church and spread the glorious gospel. Trek was part of the reason that I gained this love, Nauvoo is another part of it, but I think what gets me most of all is the movie Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration. I do not have pioneers in my family history that I know of, but they are a huge part of me. So, Wednesday I was a pioneer. 

Other things went on this week as well. On a quest for a beach towel for Dani, I came to the awful realization that summer is almost over. Back to school items cover the aisles of the stores. You would never know it was still a time to be in the sun, relax, and pretend school is over. We went to Seven Peaks of course and got sweet potato fries at Guru's afterwards. I realized I have a true addiction to Pinterest. I love decorating the house I don't have, making a dream closet, smiling at kids and animals, and most of all, planning my wedding. I not only had me Pinteresting Monday night, but I got Mallory, Maren, and Ryan pinning to their wedding boards, oohing and ahhing, and being filled with delight with the thought of dreams coming true. Such a fun night. Tuesday I finished reading the Book of Mormon. Such a rewarding, enlightening, and spiritual experience. Reading it with all of the promises of blessings to come made my day wonderful. The church is true! The scriptures are true. Joseph Smith was a modern-day prophet, and Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet today. That brings us to pioneer day. Tuesday afternoon Dani, Tyler, and I left for Ogden. After a drive that felt like forever, we got to Dani's. We ate delicious Chinese food, and then we decided to go bowling. We played three games. The first one, I got a score of 52. It was rough. But, guys, I won the next game with a score of 102. I broke 100! The third game went back to my usual "I suck at bowling" score, but I still had a ton of fun. We went back to play some Bang! and then we all went to bed. Dani and I just slept in the same room and talked for a little bit. She went to sleep, and I texted Justin until early in the morning. When it was time to get up for the parade it was a little rough. We got going and went to the parade. It was SO MORMON!!!!!! I loved it. We then went to the mall because Dani's dad needed to get something. We ended up eating there sitting at a very short table made for kids and then playing on a very small merry-go-round. We went back to Dani's, and we took naps. They were much needed. When we all felt more alive, awake, alert, and enthusiastic we played a couple more games of Bang!. And then, we headed back to good old Provo.

  Okay, how Mormon can the floats get?!

After getting back and making myself look presentable, Justin asked if I wanted to go help paint the name on his boat. I was down there for an hour "helping." I kind of sat and watched and made sure he didn't miss a spot. At one point, he even recited the poem "Invictus" to me. It is now one of my favorite poems. Also, one of the songs Nathan Pacheco sang at the pioneer day concert is about being unconquerable. Justin has made that the boat's theme song. His boat has a name, poem, and song. Then, along with a bunch of people from the ward and Janessa, we went to Spanish Fork to watch fireworks. Utah is the only place I know that they can play "Come, Come Ye Saints" followed by "Welcome to the Jungle" at the start of a fireworks show. That show was one of the best I have seen. It was really good. At the end I even had to curl up in a ball because I felt like my chest was going to explode. When we got home, we played with sparklers and ate ice cream. I had to pick Meghan up from the train station at one. By the time we got back, we were so exhausted that all four of us (Dani, Janessa, Meghan, and I) put in "August Rush" and went to bed. It had been a long, exciting, fun-filled, crazy day.

Thursday I was purely exhausted. I did not really want to move. It was a good thing I had nothing to do all day because there was no way it was going to happen. Not only did I live in my pajamas, but after I left Dani's, I put in Les Mis, watched the first 15 minutes of it, and fell back asleep until three in the afternoon. I felt a million times more alive after that. I even went for a long, hard run later that evening. Thursday, I was Jennifer Lawrence.

Friday I tried to keep it pretty low-key. I was pretty sad that Justin would be leaving the next day, but I tried to not let it get to me. I mean, he has been in my ward since fall semester. It is my fault for not getting to know him before. Heck, I should have become best friends with him when Ryan Greenburg introduced us. It was one of those be-careful-what-you-wish-for moments. We all have them. I feel like I have them more often than most though. A couple posts ago I said I wanted a guy I could be friends with. Too bad I wanted it to be more than just friends after a week. I just kept thinking about how I always fall for the guy that I can't have. We had cleaning checks in the morning, I got groceries, and then I watched Project Runway. Last season was terrible, but I wanted to give the new one a try. It is so funny, and by the commercial, it looks like it has more drama involved than ever before. Bring it on. I feel like I finally caught up on sleep, and although I was disappointed in the boy category, I kept smiling. Friday I was Julia Roberts with her award winning smile.          
                                                            Today it took me a long time to feel better. I mean, every time I get close to someone, I feel like they end up leaving. I don't like it. After I made strawberry chocolate chip muffins and a spinach smoothie and watched a certain movie that my roommate now refers to as my "going through emotional trauma" movie, I started looking at pictures I had on my phone of me. Today, I am me. I could sit and watch movies all day if you let me. I have so much sass that I don't even know how to handle myself sometimes. I am incapable of tearing toilet paper or paper towels along the perforated line. I often run into things. I want to be Megan the Mormon mom in a minivan. I have enough BYU shirts to go three weeks without doing laundry. My few talents include falling for guys I can't have and eating five times the suggested serving size. I love doing crazy, adventurous things which is something most people don't expect from me. I love being in water. If someone has my name it automatically becomes a competition between us. I can sleep in any position. I can be shy or extremely outgoing. I have an odd love for spoons. I love tight, lift me off the ground, and maybe even spin me hugs. My hair has moments when it falls perfectly into place, but it also has moments when it looks like a lion's mane. I love roller coasters even though they scare the living daylight out of me. If the doorbell rings and I'm not expecting anyone, I go into ninja mode. I just want everyone to know I sparkled first. I am the main source of entertainment for my roommate. Giraffes are my favorite animal. I had to shake a can of dehydrated water to figure out what it was. My most embarrassing moment was running into a large window in front of my BYUSA team. I think the hardest I have ever laughed (like the roll on the floor, snort, think you're going to die from not breathing kind of laugh) was after I took a picture of me chinning and snapchatted it to my old roommates who were in the room with me. I think way too much and often lose sleep because my brain won't turn off. I love driving my little VW bug with the top down. I love musicals. I still blow dandelions, wish on stars, make a wish when blowing out birthday candles, and wish on 11:11. I love inspirational quotes. Sunshine is my favorite. Popcorn and hot chocolate are my go-to foods. Reading cheesy LDS romance novels is a favorite pastime. I love to play frisbee. I have a weird obsession with people's eyes. I love going running. I am different. I am special. I am me.

Giddy as a Jellybean

This week started in one of the most amazing ways. I went to church. Now, sometimes I do not have the right mindset and three hours seems like twice as many of torture, but this week was different. This was three divine hours with the Spirit there the whole time. I started off reading the quote on last week's program. President Thomas S. Monson said, "Times change, but truth persists. When we fail to profit from the experiences of the past, we are doomed to repeat them with all their heartache, suffering, and anguish. Haven't we the wisdom to obey Him who knows the beginning from the end-- our Lord, who designed the plan of salvation." I absolutely loved that quote. Truth persists. Being so excited about that quote, I read the one for this week. Elder Richard G. Scott said, "When faith is properly understood and used, it has dramatically far-reaching effects. Such faith can transform an individual's life from maudlin, common everyday activities to a symphony of joy and happiness." Wow. He almost one-upped President Monson. A symphony of joy and happiness. Beautiful, let me tell you. Sacrament was extra special. In thinking of Christ, I read through some of the hymns, and I came to one I had never noticed before. Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire is a beautiful hymn that we never sing. "Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed, the motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast. Prayer is the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear, the upward glancing of an eye when none but God is near." Holy moley. Why do we not sing this song? Then, we got to the speakers. I loved the talks. I actually learned something from each one. One speaker pointed out a scripture. It was 2 Timothy 1:7. It says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." God gives us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. I am so thankful for that. I actually enjoyed Sunday School which is an odd thing for me. At one point I felt my glow, a huge, dazzling smile broke across my face, and I had to share it with some friends. True happiness that comes from the warmth of the Spirit in that all too cold room is the best happiness. Then, Relief Society was just something special. A good talk with Bishop just made the day complete, but movies, ward prayer, and a game of Bang! just made it better. 

Monday was odd. I still wanted that glow, but I was so worried about seeing Andrew again I let it fade away. I went to Seven Peaks with Dani. My worn out beach towel and a swim suit hanging to dry are becoming constant companions of my towel in the bathroom. The coconut scent of my sunscreen never fades from my room, my hamper still smells like the lake, my cheeks are always sun-kissed, and my muscles were still sore from rowing a boat. We just laid in the sun. Best idea ever. It was lovely. I loved the way the sun glinted off my hair as we walked back to the car. That is my favorite thing about summer. Once we were back, I got ready for my night with Andrew and waited... and waited. He never said anything. So, we didn't go. I am done. That kind of pushed me over the edge. Monday night I went to FHE to see if I would feel better. No such luck. I did have fun, but the weird numb feeling never quite went away. I came home with the smell of campfire stuck in my hair and ooey gooey marshmallow all over my shirt from the one s'more I had. Oh well. 

Tuesday it was cloudy all day, so I decided it was best to sit, read, and watch Body of Proof. Good plan. Mallory dyed the tips of my hair a deep, auburn red. You only notice it if you are looking for it, but I love it. Really. I love it. It was a surprise that afternoon when Justin asked me to go sailing with him. I had nothing to do, and he is a fun guy, so I went. It was starting to get stormy, and we decided to go to Guru's instead. Good choice. I had never been there, but the food is AH-mazing. Sweet potato fries and cilantro-lime quesadillas left me insanely full and content. Wednesday, Justin asked if I wanted to go to the pioneer day concert with him. I had tickets, and I wanted to go with Dani and Tyler. But, I decided I did want to go with Justin. It all worked out though. Jake and Anna used my other two tickets so Dani and Tyler had another couple to go with instead of just me.
Friday came sooner than I thought it would. It was the day I had been waiting for all week. I got Dani, Tyler, and Melissa (another girl from the ward) in my bug, put the top down, and we made our way to the lake. We had a lot of fun kayaking and just playing in the water. There is something about the way the mud squishes between your toes that just makes it an interesting, to say the least, adventure. Dinner was grilled hamburgers, chips, fresh pineapple, and cookies. I love summer food! After we ate, we went back to the lake for more fun. As the activity was winding down, I got to go sailing with Justin. He taught me how to steer the boat and work the sail. We sat and talked for the 40 minutes we were out there (I kind of lost track of time because I was so excited/happy, and I was terrified that I was going to kill his boat). We watched the sunset on the lake and finally decided to go back in. I was in a dreamlike trance all the way home. We got back and watched "The Prestige" with some friends. Between popcorn, Calypso strawberry lemonade, and peanut butter M&Ms I managed to stay awake. The movie was really good, and I just had a fun night. Dani and I went back to our apartments and had a sleepover. We watched "Emma." Well, we talked while it was playing. When we stopped talking, we both fell asleep. There is no telling what time that was at. We didn't start the movie until one in the morning.
Waking up this morning was rough. I just did not want to move or think or move. Dani and I did finally get up and we had a good breakfast of pancakes, buttermilk syrup, and vitamin waters. Dani, Tyler, Anna, Jake, and one of their friends were all present. After breakfast I went to take a nap (which didn't happen) and get ready. Going to the pioneer day concert in the conference center was beautiful. First off, the lighting and the stage design were beautiful. I loved it. Then, Nathan Pacheco is absolutely amazing, with his voice that is like butter because it's so smooooth (that was just a joke for my little brother). Lindsey Sterling was... interesting. Her outfit was atrocious, and her violin squeaked a few times. I just had to like her because watching her all I could think about was my cousin, Aleah who is on her mission because she adores her. Justin and I had some really good conversations, learning about each other, making each other laugh, teasing, and just having fun. There was never a dull moment. After the concert we were hungry, so we went to Sammy's for dinner. I love pie shakes. So much. The food was good too though. Justin was a real gentleman. Bryon is the only other guy that has told me to wait so he could open my door for me every time. I appreciate when the door is opened for me. I had so much fun last night!!
That brings us to Sunday once again. Nine o'clock came way too soon after getting home around midnight. Church was once again better than usual. I mean, I liked the speakers until our high councilman spoke for way too long with his monotone voice. It made me want to go to sleep. Then, marriage prep and I have a love/hate relationship. We always have, and we probably always will. Relief Society was remarkable. We talked about having the faith to not be healed once again. We all go through different things in life, but sometimes we have to say our prayers with the faith that things are not always going to turn out the way we would like. With God, all things are possible but not necessarily easy. I also actually opened the manual (well, pulled it up on my phone) and read the lesson. At the very end it says, "This having been so in the past, we can well believe that our future progress will depend upon our determination to do the will of God under all circumstances and the aid which He shall give to us." We all just have to keep the determination to do all God asks of us enduring it well rather than just enduring, and we must remember that without his help, we can do nothing. After church I had dinner with Dani, Tyler, Drew, Jake, and Braden. It was really good, and it is always nice to be surrounded by friends.
It was a wonderful, marvelous, exciting week. I learned a lot and had fun. I did decide that it is time to get going on my summer bucket list. I may just have to do some things alone, but I will start crossing things off. I want to be able to say, "Box checked. Nailed it." I found more things to do in Utah. Look at this or this or even this. I won't do them all this summer, but at least I know they are options for the future! After this week, I am seriously just as giddy as a jellybean, and it is because of things I didn't plan on happening. I'm just going with the flow.

First Break-up

          For those of you who do not know, my dad calls me an ice princess. He says that my heart is made of ice, and only one very special boy will be able to melt it. I think he could be right. I have been hurt before, and there is definitely a wall built up to protect me now. This is not your ordinary wall. This is a wall like Moroni built in Alma chapter 50 of the Book of Mormon. There is a ditch/moat around the city, walls built to the height of man, small forts with stone walls to encircle them, a frame of pickets around the wall that were strong and high, towers that overlooked the pickets, places of security upon those towers, stones that had been prepared at the top of the towers to be thrown at the enemy, and an entrance of only a small bridge over the moat.
          I have that wall, and I am pretty sure only Moroni himself will be strong and determined enough to make it through. Andrew tried to break through my wall, but after everything that has happened over the past few months, along with my wall and major fortifications, I have bubble wrap around my heart as well. Andrew had a way of popping the bubbles, but the wall was still there.
          I watched my best friend get married to another girl last month. I watched the guy that I spent all my free time with dance with his new bride. I did not know whether confusion or anger or hurt was winning out on my expression, but I made it through managing a smile when Andrew asked if I was okay. That was hard, but seeing how happy Eric was made me dream of the day when I will find my Moroni who will look at me so lovingly with an ear-to-ear smile on our wedding day.
          Andrew asking me out was an answer to prayers. At first, Brent was really protective of me and gave me this bullet with Andrew written on it purely as a joke. Later, Brent realized Andrew really was a good guy. We got each other through some rough times, but there came a point when I realized I had blinders on. We needed each other at first, but after that it was a matter of neither of us wanting to be alone. We both loved the feeling of being wanted, and so we let some things go. Then, one day when I was at home we were talking on the phone, and he said something that hurt me. I brushed it off not wanting to let it ruin my time with my family. The more I thought about it though, the more it bothered me, and the blinders came off.
          I had been floating in a bubble. The problem with that is one second you are floating, and then the next second you are flat on your behind drenched in a filmy residue of regret and soap when it bursts. I do not regret dating Andrew at all. I regret looking past the issues in the beginning, getting so close to him in so short of a time, and most of all, hurting him.
          I was told by a teacher and later Andrew that I was so independent that I would never get married. I know I will. I just have to find my Moroni. I read a romance novel not too long ago. I have read all of the books by this author. I love them all and can see myself in each of them. Reading this one was different. More made sense, different things made me smile, some things made me feel stupid when I saw myself in the story line, and some things were like a finger jabbing at my bruises from the time I have been hurt. I still love reading them, and I hope one day I will have a cute story to tell like the ones in my books. Romance novels are great, but real life love stories are even better. In trying to help myself feel better, I found a letter President Ronald Reagan wrote about his wife.

Dear St. Valentine, 

I'm writing to you about a beautiful young lady who has been in this household for 25 years now-- come March 4. I have a request to make of you but before doing so feel you should know more about her. For one thing she has 2 hearts--her own and mine. I'm not complaining. I gave her mine willingly, and like it right where it is. Her name is Nancy but for some time now I've called her Mommie and don't believe I could change. My request of you is--could you on this day whisper in her ear that someone loves her very much and more and more each day? Also tell her, this "Someone" would run down like a dollar clock without her so she must always stay where she is. Then tell her if she wants to know who that "Someone" is to just turn her head to the left. I'll be across the room waiting to see if you told her. If you'll do this for me, I'll be very happy knowing that she knows I love her with all my heart. 

Thank you, 

"Someone"

          One day I will have this. I am not going to let anyone tell me that I am not good enough or that I will not be happy or get married because of the way I am. I will continue being me, and I will find that one boy who will love me for it.

Dancing in the Rain

One of the girls in my ward said, "They say you have to learn to dance in the rain because it never stops coming. I have news for everyone. The sun DOES come out after the storm, and IF you took the time to learn to dance in that thunder and lightning- guess what? Dancing in the sun...it's EVEN BETTER." 
A lot of you are wondering where Andrew came from. Well, to be honest I do not really know. I do know that four weeks ago I was going through a really hard time. Nothing was going the way I wanted it to at all. It was driving me insane and making me rather upset. I said a prayer telling Heavenly Father that whatever I was doing obviously wasn't right so I was going to put my trust in Him. At the end of the week I got a phone call from Andrew asking me out for the first time. At first, I was kind of like, "Really, Heavenly Father?! A boy? Of all the things..." But I do not mind anymore. Andrew and I have gotten each other through some tough weeks. There is so much going on right before finals! 
Andrew said I intrigued him. Apparently I am more than just the quiet girl that works in Administration that is always trailing after Eric. After two weeks of doing something almost every other day, we decided we were officially dating. People in the office may give me inquisitive looks that I easily ignore, some may make a scene blowing kisses and dancing through the office, some just break out in an ear to ear smile when they see me, and some may pull me aside and interrogate me until I can run away. I am not ashamed, but I am not used to all of the attention. Also, everyone in the office does not need to know every detail of my personal life. 
In the time that I was learning to dance in the rain, this boy came along. Now, I am dancing in the sunlight, and it truly is wonderful. Last night was our End of Semester Volunteer Appreciation Bash. It was so much fun. Only little Kalin could get me to dance in front of everyone. Today, after going to classes and doing homework, I went to the office. We went to The Wall to play video games. They have touch screen televisions as table tops so you can play games with your friends. Team building at its finest. We even beat all twelve levels of the game only losing one of our ten lives. After getting home, I played frisbee with Alanna and laid in the sun. I love how beautiful it is outside today. It reflects how I feel. To go along with all of this, I found my new favorite scripture. Genesis 21:6 says, "And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh so that all that hear will laugh with me." I am going to teach people to dance in the rain so they can enjoy dancing in the sunlight even more. 

Officially Dating and Conference Weekend

Friday night, Andrew came over to watch a movie. It was just him and me. We watched "Dan in Real Life" which is a really good movie just so everyone knows. The movie ended just after midnight. We didn't budge. His arm was around me, I was leaning on him, and we were holding hands. Both of us were so content. We sat and talked until about 1:30 in the morning. We are officially dating. I have a boyfriend. It is still so weird to say. Saturday I got up just in time for conference. I was so tired. I really liked all of the talks. Sister Dalton spoke, and my day was made. Sister Dalton was released, and I cried. It's okay. The church is still true. Some things I learned: any virtue can turn to a vice when used too much, if you're on the right path it will always be uphill, prayer should be as natural as breathing and eating, what e'er thou art act well thy part, we have unlimited divine potential, little things lead to big things, there are some things that should be left to the Lord, and there are lessons we must learn and experiences we must have.I loved conference. Saturday night when Andrew got back from his mission reunion, we went for a walk and then it was time for him to meet some of the old roommates. He passed the test for the ones he met. Sunday I went over to his place to watch conference. We even did homework in between sessions. Now, let me say that I was really good about taking notes from conference. Each session has a page in my little quote book. Each session... until Sunday afternoon. Not only was I exhausted, but it was freezing so I had a blanket wrapped around me. Then, Andrew put his arm around me and all motivation to write something from each talk flew out the open window. I still listened, and I loved all of the talks though. President Monson makes me laugh. I love that he can be the president of a worldwide church and still tell stories, roll his eyes, and make everyone in the congregation laugh... and a couple of the apostles fist bumped... and the new general young women's presidency looks like the fairies from sleeping beauty. Way to keep it classy! Life is wonderful. The Church is true.