Since I started taking classes in January, my life has been a little full. Okay. A lot full. Thus the very limited posting on here. I do have some fun projects that I did for a baby shower a few weeks ago, but I haven't had time to edit the posts or pictures.
Here is a sample of my typical week for the past four months:
Monday: I get up at 7:00am (though my alarm starts going off much earlier), get ready, and get to work by 8:15am. I get off at 5:00pm. Then go straight to school (30 minute drive). I read my textbooks and prepare for class till 7:00pm then class starts. I usually get done around 9:45pm, though sometimes a little earlier or later. I get home about 30 minutes later and try to detox for a little bit (ya know, watch an episode of Parks & Rec or Arrested Development--so funny!). Then I do my bedtime routine and am *hopefully* asleep by 10:45-11:00pm. Man, I'm getting tired just thinking about it. At some point I have to find time (almost always my lunch break) to take a weekly quiz that is only available on Mondays on the website. Blech.
Tuesday: Repeat Monday. Ugh. Every day my lunch break is usually filled with homework or errands. And at some point, I eat something. After work, another class. It's funny how before I started back to school, I didn't really care about going to FHE. I usually went, but it was more out of obligation than anything. Now that I can't go, I want to and I keep hearing how fun it is. Naturally.
Wednesday: Work like usual. After work, I sometimes end up at Caitlin's to hang out and spend time with Rachel (oh, and Cait & Nick). If I don't go to Caitlin's I go home or run a couple of errands. Sometimes I do homework--one of my classes requires multi-day logging in online and working on stuff. Lame. I really don't like that. I don't have time for that. Sometimes I work on crafty fun stuff or read a book. Yay!
Thursday: I love Thursdays. Thursday is a good day. Normal work schedule, but after work I head straight home and change into a skirt, grab my temple bag and head to the Temple. Double Yay!! I usually go to the 6:30pm session so I don't get home too late. I'm usually home by 9:30pm. I almost always have to work on homework, but I find that after going to the temple I can handle it. :)
Friday: Lately I've been going over to Cait's after work and hanging out and eating Tri-tip. (Nick has been trying to master a new rub recipe---so I gladly volunteer my taste buds. It's delicious. Now I am drooling. Okay, moving on...) I try to be social and so something fun. I usually end up at Cait's or doing homework. Wow. I need to get out more.
Saturday: I usually end up waking up early-ish. My body has been trained to do so unfortunately. Mornings are spent running errands like grocery shopping and shopping for fun. Hello thrift stores! I rarely find anything, but it's always fun too look! Later I usually end up cleaning, yard work, or working on projects. Homework. I always end up doing homework for a few hours too. At some point I have to work on my Sunday School lesson--I teach the new family history class at church now! Awesome! I also try to read a book too.
Sunday: Sleep in or lay in bed doing nothing! I get up, get ready for church, cook a "fancy" brunch, and work on my lesson. Sometimes if I have time, I'll work on whatever project I have going on or read my current book. Church starts at 1:30p so I usually leave around 1:00p so I can get there a few minutes early and socialize since I don't have a chance during the week. I'm usually home around 5:00pm and then I cook dinner and find something fun to do. I try to take it easy since Sunday is really a day of rest for me. No homework, no work. And I love it. I'm glad that Sundays are no longer super busy now that I've been released from the Relief Society Presidency.
*
And that is a typical week this semester. No wonder I've been feeling a bit tired lately. And to think that I'm considering adding another night of classes. Yeah...about that.....
Friday, May 3, 2013
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Why I am Back in School
So I haven't been posting a lot this year because I am back in school. It's keeping me really busy. (And I thought this would be FUN?!....okay...it kinda is.)
Today I wanted to share a paper that I wrote for one of my classes explaining why I am in school. The assignment was to introduce ourselves to our professor (it's still weird not saying "Brother So 'n' So"...). He said that the evening classes always have such an interesting and diverse group and he wanted to know about us and why we were there, since most students are older and usually already working.
Below is the paper I wrote.
*
Today I wanted to share a paper that I wrote for one of my classes explaining why I am in school. The assignment was to introduce ourselves to our professor (it's still weird not saying "Brother So 'n' So"...). He said that the evening classes always have such an interesting and diverse group and he wanted to know about us and why we were there, since most students are older and usually already working.
Below is the paper I wrote.
*
As far back as the age of three, I can remember knowing,
without a doubt, what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to be a
scientist. I wanted my own microscope and wear a lab coat. Yes, I was a nerdy
three year old.
As I grew up on the outskirts of Loomis, I loved to study
the plants and animals on the farm where I was raised. I took every class I
could in school that was science based. In junior high I had a teacher that
introduced me to cell biology and genetics and I was hooked. There was never
anything else that even remotely interested me.
In college, I pursued a biology degree emphasizing in micro
and cellular biology, with a minor in Psychology. I wanted to go into Alzheimer’s’
Disease research. I loved the classes and the science. I loved my university:
Brigham Young University-Idaho. The winters were bitter cold and wonderful—the
summers were simply magical. Going to school on the cuff of the Yellowstone
Caldera was the perfect place to study the many wonders of nature.
I graduated in August, 2006 with my bachelor’s degree. The
plans that I had made to move to Salt Lake City, work at a university there,
and take the world by storm did not work out. Not knowing where else to go, I
moved back to my childhood home and struggled to find a job—any job.
I applied for and had several interviews with a pharmaceutical
company on the East Coast. It was an excellent job with many research opportunities
and new experiences. I was excited for it. I had never even been to the East
Coast and wanted to move there. I was told that I had nailed the interviews and
had an excellent chance being included in the training program. Several weeks
later I called to follow up and learned that they were not interested in hiring
someone from California. It was devastating.
Eventually I found two part-time retail jobs that I
despised. I had a college degree and year after graduation I still hadn’t found
a real, “grown-up” job. Then a phone call came week later. A friend of my mom’s
and our neighbor growing up called me and offered me a position as a legal
assistant at his law firm. I literally did not know anything about law.
I did not think I would be interested and I didn’t want to give up my dream of
being a cell biologist. After considering his offer, I thanked him for the
opportunity and declined.
A couple of weeks later the family friend called back and offered
me a position as the receptionist. I asked for time to consider it. He gave me
24 hours. I struggled with the decision—I knew that if I took the job I would
be giving up my dream of being a biologist. But, I felt trapped in my current
jobs and had just quit one the night before. I set aside my dream and accepted
the receptionist job.
Ten days after I started, my new boss transferred me to the
position I am in now (fortunately different than the one originally offered),
the Legal Assistant for the Workers’ Compensation department. To say it was a
difficult transition would be a gross understatement. There was not really
anyone to train me or tell me how to do my job. At the end of each day for at
least the first month I almost quit. The assistant before me had left
everything in a terrible mess and there was 3 months of filing that had not
been filed for over 350 open cases. It was overwhelming.
Eventually things were straightened out and I slowly figured
out what different words meant. I learned how the complicated workers’
compensation system works. I learned how to manage the many difficult clients.
I learned how to get what my clients needed and wanted from adjusters. I
learned how to be a workers’ compensation assistant. I learned, surprisingly,
that I enjoy learning how the law works and applies. And I learned that I would
like to work in a different field of law.
My firm does other types of law too. In my particular office
we do Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Social Security, and bit of
Medical Malpractice. I’m intrigued by the cases the other assistants are
working on. I find it fascinating and engaging. Every day brings new
challenges.
And so, here I am, opening up my options so I can look for
other opportunities to work as a paralegal. After five and half years, I feel
like I’ve hit a plateau. I’ve progressed as far as I can in my position and in
my company. I feel like I need to be trained how to properly be a paralegal and
learn about other fields of law. To find one that I enjoy.
I’m ready, and excited, for a new challenge.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Thoughts From A Phone Call
Last night was an interesting study in opposites and how a little phone call can change life (in a good way!).
Yesterday afternoon and after work on my drive to school, I was tired. I didn't want to go to class. The music on the radio seemed depressing and I just was feeling a little beat up and a bit broken. It seemed that all I could think about was the losses in my life. And it was annoying.
I got to school and realized that I was caught up on my school work and decided to read a fun book that I had in my bag. That helped my mood a bit.
Then my brother called. Two days ago he turned 27. I feel old. Anyway, we chatted for a minute as I asked how his birthday was and if he did anything fun. He was very chipper and chatty...which was a bit odd, but hey, I'll take it.
He said, "Hey, I have some news." Then he asked if I was sitting down. I was. He asked if I was in a public place. I was. He then made me promise that I wouldn't scream, or cry, or do anything to embarrass myself. This really stressed me out, but I promised. And then to drag it out longer, he said that a mutual friend was over and said hi. I told him that I had to go to class, so just tell me already!
He did. And it was great news. And I can't share it yet. But it is sooooo awesome. He told me the story behind the news and I might have shed a tear or two. And I'm not a weepy person.
Anyway. This post is not about his news, but I how I felt afterward. All I could think of was how there have been soooooooo many people that have blessed my family, when we were little, teenagers, and even now.
As a kid that grew up under difficult circumstances, I always felt like an outsider, judged and pitied from afar for my family's deficiencies. No one could understand. No one could relate. No one cared. I felt abandoned and unloved by someone that wasn't supposed to act that way. All I could see was how my family was deficient when compared to others.
I've realized over the years that this was not the case at all. Our friends at church may not have been in similar circumstances, but that doesn't mean that we were not cared for or ignored. Sure, maybe they couldn't relate, but that doesn't mean that they didn't help us. Watch out for us kids. Love us kids. Adopt us into their families. Include us as their own.
I will forever be grateful for these families. I will love them forever for the priceless gifts and memories they have given me and my family.
I think how I didn't have the Priesthood in my home, and I used to feel that I missed out on so much. Sure, there were things that I did miss out on. But the big things were never missing. I may not have had a father at home, but I had at least 10 men (that I can think of the top of my head), and their families, in my ward that constantly, and consistently, watched over my family for years. Even now, all four of us kids are successful, functioning adults (two even being married), and yet these families are still watching out for us and supporting us and loving us.
I felt this way when I went through the temple. I was reminded how much a ward can (and should) be a family. And my family ward really was an extended family for us. It was hard to see it as a kid, but I certainly see it now. I love that ward and what it represents so much! I have felt so much love from them too. Heavenly Father put people in my family's lives so we could feel his love for us. These families have been angels to us.
After talking to my brother last night, I was reminded AGAIN how much my family has been watched over and loved by our friends and most importantly Heavenly Father my whole life. All I could think of last night driving home was all the blessings I have received because I didn't have a dad in my home. And the blessings FAR out-weigh any bad things that happened (or didn't happen). I kept thinking that without this Gospel, none of the positive things that have happened in my family would have been possible.
Last night I felt so loved driving home from work in the dreary rain. It was wonderful. And I haven't stopped smiling.
Yesterday afternoon and after work on my drive to school, I was tired. I didn't want to go to class. The music on the radio seemed depressing and I just was feeling a little beat up and a bit broken. It seemed that all I could think about was the losses in my life. And it was annoying.
I got to school and realized that I was caught up on my school work and decided to read a fun book that I had in my bag. That helped my mood a bit.
Then my brother called. Two days ago he turned 27. I feel old. Anyway, we chatted for a minute as I asked how his birthday was and if he did anything fun. He was very chipper and chatty...which was a bit odd, but hey, I'll take it.
He said, "Hey, I have some news." Then he asked if I was sitting down. I was. He asked if I was in a public place. I was. He then made me promise that I wouldn't scream, or cry, or do anything to embarrass myself. This really stressed me out, but I promised. And then to drag it out longer, he said that a mutual friend was over and said hi. I told him that I had to go to class, so just tell me already!
He did. And it was great news. And I can't share it yet. But it is sooooo awesome. He told me the story behind the news and I might have shed a tear or two. And I'm not a weepy person.
Anyway. This post is not about his news, but I how I felt afterward. All I could think of was how there have been soooooooo many people that have blessed my family, when we were little, teenagers, and even now.
As a kid that grew up under difficult circumstances, I always felt like an outsider, judged and pitied from afar for my family's deficiencies. No one could understand. No one could relate. No one cared. I felt abandoned and unloved by someone that wasn't supposed to act that way. All I could see was how my family was deficient when compared to others.
I've realized over the years that this was not the case at all. Our friends at church may not have been in similar circumstances, but that doesn't mean that we were not cared for or ignored. Sure, maybe they couldn't relate, but that doesn't mean that they didn't help us. Watch out for us kids. Love us kids. Adopt us into their families. Include us as their own.
I will forever be grateful for these families. I will love them forever for the priceless gifts and memories they have given me and my family.
I think how I didn't have the Priesthood in my home, and I used to feel that I missed out on so much. Sure, there were things that I did miss out on. But the big things were never missing. I may not have had a father at home, but I had at least 10 men (that I can think of the top of my head), and their families, in my ward that constantly, and consistently, watched over my family for years. Even now, all four of us kids are successful, functioning adults (two even being married), and yet these families are still watching out for us and supporting us and loving us.
I felt this way when I went through the temple. I was reminded how much a ward can (and should) be a family. And my family ward really was an extended family for us. It was hard to see it as a kid, but I certainly see it now. I love that ward and what it represents so much! I have felt so much love from them too. Heavenly Father put people in my family's lives so we could feel his love for us. These families have been angels to us.
After talking to my brother last night, I was reminded AGAIN how much my family has been watched over and loved by our friends and most importantly Heavenly Father my whole life. All I could think of last night driving home was all the blessings I have received because I didn't have a dad in my home. And the blessings FAR out-weigh any bad things that happened (or didn't happen). I kept thinking that without this Gospel, none of the positive things that have happened in my family would have been possible.
Last night I felt so loved driving home from work in the dreary rain. It was wonderful. And I haven't stopped smiling.
Friday, February 22, 2013
The One Where I Woke Up Squeeling
This morning at 4:15am, I woke myself up from squeeling out loud like an excited little girl.
It was awesome.
So I had a dream that I was in Manhattan visiting for a short period of time and so to get the "New York City" experience, I was walking around looking and watching and taking it all in. I've never been to NYC so pretty much my dream was making it all up, but I could even smell it--it was kind of like over-cooked hot dogs. I have no idea if the city actually smells like that, but it did in my dream. The air was crisp and fresh feeling, and bright.
Anyway, so at one point I was walking a street with lots of street vendors and I was taking pictures of just about everything. I saw a really cool horse statue thing and so I took a picture. Then the vendor saw me, waved me over and said that he had an even prettier, more ornate one and offered to let me take a picture of it--as long as he was in it. The horse-thing was goldleafed with jewels around the neck and where a sadle would be. The eyes were jewels and had a white mane and tale. It was beautiful. I laughed and agreed and befriended the man as I took his picture. I waved goodbye and kept walking down the street.
Then I was approached by a man that seemed to be homeless. We chatted and he suggested a couple of places for me to visit. I gave him some money to buy a meal. In my dream, I made friends with a homeless man. In New York City. Yeah, that would ONLY happen in my dreams. If I were alone, I would be too scared to do it in real life.
After I befriended the nice homeless man, I continued meandering down the street until I came across this chic, expensive little resturant. Apparently watching the chef was encouraged because I came in and stood in corner and watched the chef prepare and plate a meal in front of a couple. I took some pictures to document my experience and then tried to quietly slip out of the resturant when the famous chef finished.
This is where it starts to get really weird....(as if it wasn't weird already....)...
As I walked past the chef, we made eye contact and I smiled. He asked if my name was Megan. I stopped, suddenly scared that I had done something wrong and little creeped out that he knew who I was.
I slowly nodded and he smiled and waved me over. I walked a few steps and suddenly he was holding this large, beautiful bouquet of huge, gorgeous white roses, complete with green sprigs, and tied with a beautiful gold ribbon. He handed them to me. I was confused and tried to give them back, telling him that he had the wrong person. He smiled and shook his head and said that they were for me...and I was to follow him to a private table for a surprise. My mind was blank while I tried to figure out who had done this. I didn't know anyone here. I was confused and a little freaked out.
I asked the chef a bunch of questions about who it was that I was supposed to be meeting, but he just smiled and told me that my "friend" would be there shortly. I sat there admiring the beautiful china and glassware. There was a lovely view of Central Park outside the window. The sound of quiet voices and tinkling silverware was a peaceful contrast to the nervousness and figitiness that I felt.
Then I looked up and saw a man coming towards me. with a big smile on his face. A man that I instantly recognized. We were old friends after all (news to me!).
I jumped up and ran to Nathan Fillion. I was so excited! I hadn't seen him in years!
He opened up his arms and I jumped up and caught him around the neck as he swung me around. I laughed. And then started asking a million questions.
"Why are you here? How did you know I was here? How did you know I was this resturant? I'm only in town for a few hours. How did you do all of this? Why did you do all of this?"
He laughed and said, "I know people and wanted your visit to the city to memorable. Let's eat, I'm hungry."
That's when I woke up smiling and squeeling like a little girl as he hugged me tightly again.
Man, I wish I hadn't woken up.
****
This dream was weird, even for me. I very, very rarely dream about celebrities. I can't even think of a time when I did.
But hey, if I'm going to dream of one, at least it's awesome AND it's Nathan Fillion. :D
*
And someone please tell me that other people have dreams this detailed. I did not add any flourish to this dream. This is exactly what happened. Yeah, I'm weird. :)
It was awesome.
So I had a dream that I was in Manhattan visiting for a short period of time and so to get the "New York City" experience, I was walking around looking and watching and taking it all in. I've never been to NYC so pretty much my dream was making it all up, but I could even smell it--it was kind of like over-cooked hot dogs. I have no idea if the city actually smells like that, but it did in my dream. The air was crisp and fresh feeling, and bright.
Anyway, so at one point I was walking a street with lots of street vendors and I was taking pictures of just about everything. I saw a really cool horse statue thing and so I took a picture. Then the vendor saw me, waved me over and said that he had an even prettier, more ornate one and offered to let me take a picture of it--as long as he was in it. The horse-thing was goldleafed with jewels around the neck and where a sadle would be. The eyes were jewels and had a white mane and tale. It was beautiful. I laughed and agreed and befriended the man as I took his picture. I waved goodbye and kept walking down the street.
Then I was approached by a man that seemed to be homeless. We chatted and he suggested a couple of places for me to visit. I gave him some money to buy a meal. In my dream, I made friends with a homeless man. In New York City. Yeah, that would ONLY happen in my dreams. If I were alone, I would be too scared to do it in real life.
After I befriended the nice homeless man, I continued meandering down the street until I came across this chic, expensive little resturant. Apparently watching the chef was encouraged because I came in and stood in corner and watched the chef prepare and plate a meal in front of a couple. I took some pictures to document my experience and then tried to quietly slip out of the resturant when the famous chef finished.
This is where it starts to get really weird....(as if it wasn't weird already....)...
As I walked past the chef, we made eye contact and I smiled. He asked if my name was Megan. I stopped, suddenly scared that I had done something wrong and little creeped out that he knew who I was.
I slowly nodded and he smiled and waved me over. I walked a few steps and suddenly he was holding this large, beautiful bouquet of huge, gorgeous white roses, complete with green sprigs, and tied with a beautiful gold ribbon. He handed them to me. I was confused and tried to give them back, telling him that he had the wrong person. He smiled and shook his head and said that they were for me...and I was to follow him to a private table for a surprise. My mind was blank while I tried to figure out who had done this. I didn't know anyone here. I was confused and a little freaked out.
I asked the chef a bunch of questions about who it was that I was supposed to be meeting, but he just smiled and told me that my "friend" would be there shortly. I sat there admiring the beautiful china and glassware. There was a lovely view of Central Park outside the window. The sound of quiet voices and tinkling silverware was a peaceful contrast to the nervousness and figitiness that I felt.
Then I looked up and saw a man coming towards me. with a big smile on his face. A man that I instantly recognized. We were old friends after all (news to me!).
I jumped up and ran to Nathan Fillion. I was so excited! I hadn't seen him in years!
He opened up his arms and I jumped up and caught him around the neck as he swung me around. I laughed. And then started asking a million questions.
"Why are you here? How did you know I was here? How did you know I was this resturant? I'm only in town for a few hours. How did you do all of this? Why did you do all of this?"
He laughed and said, "I know people and wanted your visit to the city to memorable. Let's eat, I'm hungry."
That's when I woke up smiling and squeeling like a little girl as he hugged me tightly again.
Man, I wish I hadn't woken up.
****
This dream was weird, even for me. I very, very rarely dream about celebrities. I can't even think of a time when I did.
But hey, if I'm going to dream of one, at least it's awesome AND it's Nathan Fillion. :D
*
And someone please tell me that other people have dreams this detailed. I did not add any flourish to this dream. This is exactly what happened. Yeah, I'm weird. :)
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Why I was Spoiled at BYU-Idaho
Last night was my third day on the Junior College Campus where I am just starting the program to get my Paralegal Certificate.
I've already noticed quite a few distinct differences between this school and my experiences at BYU-Idaho. Man, I miss Rexburg so much more now. :)
1) Everybody smokes here. So gross. I feel like I can't breathe. I have asthma and smoke is a trigger. I try not to breathe in the second-hand smoke, but that's impossible. And the smell is awful. I miss the clean fresh air of Rexburg.
2) Nobody makes eye contact or smiles at each other. This makes me a bit sad. I try to (which is hard for me) and nothing. People look at me blankly or ignore me. People are plugged into their phones or ipods or whatever.
3) There is no prayer to start class. Obviously this one isn't going to happen anywhere but a church school, but I apparently have a habit of folding my arms and bowing my head when class starts. :) After the professor started class, I felt a sudden twinge of disappointment and loss that there was no prayer to start us off. It also felt awkward to have the professor just jump into the lecture.
4) I'm not "Sister McGrath" in class. Last night I got called "Ms. McGrath." That was just weird. I never get called that. And then when I had a question for the teacher, I REALLY had to work hard not to say, "Brother ____." I must have had a really wierd look on my face as I resisted saying that.
5) I have to drive around the parking lot for 20 minutes to find one parking spot and it's way back in a far corner!! At BYU-I I didn't have a car; I walked everywhere. Fortunately, I had plenty of friends that could drive me, if need be. But for the most part, I walked to class every day.
6) People swear. Students and the teachers. So far it hasn't really been a big deal--certainly nothing worse than what I hear at work. But I was a bit surprised, since this is professional Judges and Lawyers teaching, and a somewhat professional environment.
7) BYU-Idaho's campus is special. The atmosphere is so completely different there. I always felt safe on campus. Now I hate that I have to park so far away from my class and I feel like I constantly have to look over my shoulder to make sure someone doesn't come up from behind me. At BYU-Idaho, I always had someone I could call to walk me home, if I felt like it. Not here. :(
8) My classes were during the day in Idaho. I didn't work and have to go to school. Now I'm working full time and taking 9 credits (almost full time schedule). I suppose its sort of a good thing I don't have much of a social life. My friends are all as busy as I am. :)
Though I do have to admit--there is one thing I've discovered I like. It's been cold when I get out of class at 10:00pm at night...but it is nothing compared to having to walk the entire length of campus in the 10 minutes between classes UPHILL in a blizzard with ice so sharp it actually broke skin and made me bleed (just a tiny bit--but there was still blood!) in the two square inches left exposed on my face. Yeah, that was fun. Not. So I'm cold here, but not living in the artic. :)
Man, I miss BYU-Idaho and it's little spiritual bubble. :)
I've already noticed quite a few distinct differences between this school and my experiences at BYU-Idaho. Man, I miss Rexburg so much more now. :)
1) Everybody smokes here. So gross. I feel like I can't breathe. I have asthma and smoke is a trigger. I try not to breathe in the second-hand smoke, but that's impossible. And the smell is awful. I miss the clean fresh air of Rexburg.
2) Nobody makes eye contact or smiles at each other. This makes me a bit sad. I try to (which is hard for me) and nothing. People look at me blankly or ignore me. People are plugged into their phones or ipods or whatever.
3) There is no prayer to start class. Obviously this one isn't going to happen anywhere but a church school, but I apparently have a habit of folding my arms and bowing my head when class starts. :) After the professor started class, I felt a sudden twinge of disappointment and loss that there was no prayer to start us off. It also felt awkward to have the professor just jump into the lecture.
4) I'm not "Sister McGrath" in class. Last night I got called "Ms. McGrath." That was just weird. I never get called that. And then when I had a question for the teacher, I REALLY had to work hard not to say, "Brother ____." I must have had a really wierd look on my face as I resisted saying that.
5) I have to drive around the parking lot for 20 minutes to find one parking spot and it's way back in a far corner!! At BYU-I I didn't have a car; I walked everywhere. Fortunately, I had plenty of friends that could drive me, if need be. But for the most part, I walked to class every day.
6) People swear. Students and the teachers. So far it hasn't really been a big deal--certainly nothing worse than what I hear at work. But I was a bit surprised, since this is professional Judges and Lawyers teaching, and a somewhat professional environment.
7) BYU-Idaho's campus is special. The atmosphere is so completely different there. I always felt safe on campus. Now I hate that I have to park so far away from my class and I feel like I constantly have to look over my shoulder to make sure someone doesn't come up from behind me. At BYU-Idaho, I always had someone I could call to walk me home, if I felt like it. Not here. :(
8) My classes were during the day in Idaho. I didn't work and have to go to school. Now I'm working full time and taking 9 credits (almost full time schedule). I suppose its sort of a good thing I don't have much of a social life. My friends are all as busy as I am. :)
Though I do have to admit--there is one thing I've discovered I like. It's been cold when I get out of class at 10:00pm at night...but it is nothing compared to having to walk the entire length of campus in the 10 minutes between classes UPHILL in a blizzard with ice so sharp it actually broke skin and made me bleed (just a tiny bit--but there was still blood!) in the two square inches left exposed on my face. Yeah, that was fun. Not. So I'm cold here, but not living in the artic. :)
Man, I miss BYU-Idaho and it's little spiritual bubble. :)
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Resolutions
I've been debating doing resolutions this year because 1) They never get all finished, 2) I feel awful when they don't, and 3) I don't like feeling bad about how awful I feel.
All over blogdom I've seen people's resolutions and, while they are wonderful for them, they don't work for me. Then I came across this idea...and it's brilliant!
So this year instead of doing resolutions, I'm going to do a Bucket List for 2013...Things I want to do this year. Because it's a list, and I like crossing stuff off of lists, I'll probably actually get at least some of the things done. Yay!
This list has made me kind of excited for this year now. Excellent. :)
All over blogdom I've seen people's resolutions and, while they are wonderful for them, they don't work for me. Then I came across this idea...and it's brilliant!
So this year instead of doing resolutions, I'm going to do a Bucket List for 2013...Things I want to do this year. Because it's a list, and I like crossing stuff off of lists, I'll probably actually get at least some of the things done. Yay!
- Read 50 books (That's not as many as it sounds...at least not for me.)
- At least half of the books I read need to be new ones I have not yet read.
- Read at least 2 non-fiction books (this is really hard for me!)
- Travel somewhere new
- Go to three new states (Currently I've been to 21!)
- Go to the temple every month
- Finish Cait's Wedding Scrapbook
- Finish my Chicago Scrapbook
- Go back to school for Paralegal Certificate
- Spend time with my family each week
- Teach Rachel to say my name
- Create some kind of art wall hanging
- Apply for another design team
- Get two new tires
- Replace the brakes on my car
- Go to at least two new temples
- Learn a new skill
- Make my stocking
- Make stocking for my new niece/nephew!
- Fix my sewing machine
- Get new bed linens
- Sew a duvet cover
- Take an online craft class
- Take myself on a date once a month
- Visit a local museum
- Organize my books
- Catalog my books
- Write more
- Work on my Grandpa's Autobiography
- Upholster my bedroom chair
- Build an ottoman
- Buy a power tool and use it on a project
- Take an art class
- Teach a class
- Take 5 family names to the Temple
This list has made me kind of excited for this year now. Excellent. :)
Friday, December 28, 2012
A Wonderful Evening
Last night was wonderful. I think that is the best way to describe it. Simply Wonderful. I couldn't stop smiling.
Last night I went to the temple for the first time and I loved it. I felt so loved and comfortable. And I loved going into the celestial room. So beautiful!
Several fun "coincidences" happened...and I don't think they were coincidences at all. I knew sooo many people last night. It was really cool. One of the workers that helped me was actually the grandmother-in-law to a friend that used to be in my ward, and my friend, Nathalie, ended up being there. Then the Coordinator was an old family friend and my youth choir director from way back in the day when I was 12-15 years old. Mom was really excited about running into her. Then I walked into the dressing room and there was my beehive leader when I was 12-13. I was friends with her son growing up and hadn't seen her in years. That was fun too.
Then when I walked out of the recorder's office to wait to go into the dressing room, I saw a kid and his dad that I grew up with. Turns out the kid, Travis, was going through for the first time too--and it made me feel old. I'm 9-10 years older than him. Anyway, so half of my family ward showed up, including a lot of people my mom had wanted me to invite, but I hadn't. It was really awesome and really fun to see them all there. It made me feel loved.
Once I finally got into the session, I didn't have a whole lot of time to see all who was there, but after I sat down, an old dear friend, Brad, walked in...quite unexpectedly. My jaw dropped at the randomness--since he actually lives in Utah. Turns out Monica knew he would be in town this week and invited him. It was really cool. And the smirk on his face showed that he was relishing in the surprise. That was the cherry on the top--Two of my besties from high school were there.
I loved having people there that I've known at different stages in my life. Nana, Uncle Britt & Aunt Sue, of course Cait & Nick, and Mom who was my escort. Lots of my Young Women's teachers & leaders (including Travis' mom, Sister Smith), and then my friends from High School, Monica and Brad and their spouses, and Monica's parents, as well as Rich and Michelle. And then the friends I've made in my singles ward: Camie, Fallon & Kenneth, Brittney, Trulie, and my Bishop and his wife, as well as the executive secretary and his wife.
I felt so happy and loved. It was wonderful. Truly wonderful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)