I'm reporting that I kind of finished school! My last paper was not really done, so I'll have to work on it during the break and turn it in before school starts again. But I did finish everything else, including giving and grading the English final (I'd like to write more about that another day).
After school craziness ended wedding craziness started (back). Rachel, Beth (my cousin) and I spent most of the day shopping and cooking for the wedding luncheon. And through this next Friday much of life will revolve around the wedding. But, if that's all I have to do to get another, Wonderful sister, I'll do it.
Tomorrow Rachel and I are flying to Wyoming. We'll fly into the Cody - the Yellowstone/Jackson Hole airport. The family went to check it out last week and Father says the runway doesn't look long enough for any plane to land on - maybe a helicopter. :) We're just thrilled to have a 1 hr. 25 min. flight and be home! It's great.
My title is because I'm sitting here enjoying my Christmas tree. It smells good. It's pretty. And it has been such a joy over the past, very stressful week. A few minutes each evening looking at it in the dark and taking some time to meditate has done wonders! I'm a little sad to leave my tree - though I'd obviously rather have my family!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Is there life out there?
So, over the past few days I have spent an inordinate amount of time in my apartment working. Writing, grading, mmm, well, that about sums it up. Tuesday I documented in my journal all the things I did from 6 a.m. until 9:30 beside work on a research paper. Eight things - that includes 1 shower, 3 meals, 2 phone calls and a couple of emails and reading a tad bit of news. Never stepped outside. Never saw a live human being. But I was so productive.
Wednesday I was up at 5:30 and actually had to go out to deliver my paper and saw AND TALKED TO a few real people. By that evening I was going crazy.
By today I had myself back under control. Spent the day grading papers instead of working on the paper I need to write. Twenty 8-10 page research papers is a lot of work. Laura came to help me with some grading (Works Cited - she's an MLA pro now!), so I saw a live person. And had fun talking to her. I finished my students grades except for their final. They're going to do quite well after all.
And I, I have another 26 hours to push myself through. I just want to know - is there life out there? (yes, that is to the tune of RebaM)
P.S. Received several phone calls today - one from my Family Law professor. The library lost my final exam (this is the one I blogged about last week). I really, really wanted to take it again (the ONLY law final I've ever felt that way about), but I had saved it, so sent it to him. I was slightly embarrassed since now the anonymous number meant nothing - he knew it was me that run out of time and can't do math. Oh well.
Wednesday I was up at 5:30 and actually had to go out to deliver my paper and saw AND TALKED TO a few real people. By that evening I was going crazy.
By today I had myself back under control. Spent the day grading papers instead of working on the paper I need to write. Twenty 8-10 page research papers is a lot of work. Laura came to help me with some grading (Works Cited - she's an MLA pro now!), so I saw a live person. And had fun talking to her. I finished my students grades except for their final. They're going to do quite well after all.
And I, I have another 26 hours to push myself through. I just want to know - is there life out there? (yes, that is to the tune of RebaM)
P.S. Received several phone calls today - one from my Family Law professor. The library lost my final exam (this is the one I blogged about last week). I really, really wanted to take it again (the ONLY law final I've ever felt that way about), but I had saved it, so sent it to him. I was slightly embarrassed since now the anonymous number meant nothing - he knew it was me that run out of time and can't do math. Oh well.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Angels and mercies
I am so thankful for people who bless our lives! There are many of you who bless mine in large ways, and then there are those random encounters that bring the Lord's love into the day. This blog is the story of one of the first and one of the second.
So, this evening I took the saddest final of law school. Not the worst, just the saddest. More about that - for now, let it suffice that I was near tears.I had planned on going to watch Nancy's championship intramural basketball game after, but by the time I got out of there it was over. [side note: Nancy and her team just won the intramural football championship, now she's playing for the championship b-ball game (3 on 3) - how do we fit together?] Anyway, that made me sad too. And then just everything from the last week or so. This whole finals time has been - not bad or stressful necessarily, just sad. Anyway, I digress. So, I was driving home thinking about how I would not cry and with a little time between me and the final I would be okay. And I was hungry. And I need to go grocery shopping - which I keep putting off because it will wait and my finals are NOW. But today I made rolls for my graduate English class, so at least I have something. Guess what I had for breakfast. And lunch. But they're good - and at least it's something. Mostly I kept thinking, what would be really nice is to have something, anything waiting for me at my house - a note, flowers, something. I kept thinking about this the whole drive home. But of course that's not going to happen - it seldom does on these kinds of days.
So I parked Hidalgo and tried to think some more of the many blessings I have. And then I came around to my apartment, and guess what - yes - there on my stairs was a loaf of some kind of sweetbread. It didn't really matter what it was, it was something for me! That in and of itself was enough.
But, it gets better. I went to ask DeeDee if it was from her, and thank her (because I was pretty sure it was). She and Mary were watching t.v. and I told them briefly why it was extra nice to get the bread. And DeeDee says, Oh, you're just getting home? Do you want some chicken? She had a rotisserie chicken, so with her pulling a hundred things out of the fridge, I made a delicious chicken sandwich. And visited with them - they are so sweet anytime and especially tonight. And then (besides something waiting for me, and a yummy supper and nice, sympathetic people) they were watching Law and Order. I'm not a big fan of such shows (any t.v. shows?) but was kind of watching while I ate and visited (they always talk while watching). And guess what. On the show (like on every episode) they make some remark about evidence related information. And they were wrong. And I knew why. And I could work through the hearsay rules and know the real way they could have gotten that evidence admitted. And it made me feel better about myself - I've really, truly learned stuff this semester. Isn't that fantastic? It was a reminder that while I may not perform well in my classes this semester, I have actually understood and learned the material this time around (unlike some of the other classes) and that means I'll remember more of it. Little thing, I know, but it added to me feeling better. It's like each thing that I needed this evening was put on a little list and checked off. :)
Now, my random angel story. So, my test I took earlier. I've worked really hard in this class and have done well on the mini-midterms. I studied and knew the material for the final. But I went way too slow. My teacher warned us about this, he did, but I just dwadled. And I left the biggest question - worth 28 points, or 28% of the whole class - until the end. And I will be lucky if I get 3 points on that section, because I didn't answer most of it. So, I was sick about that. I had 2 hours and 10 minutes to do it - including printing it off. Well, I was frustrated, out of time and ready to cry, but calmly sent my job to the printer with about 5 minutes to go. I walk over to the printer with my signature card (to pay for it) and swipe the card. It comes up, but my mind had beat the message - with a sickening feeling I remembered that I'd used up most of my money on Saturday printing out a 50 page outline for Evidence. I was 3 cents - that right, 3 measly pennies - short. And it takes way longer than I had to put more money on the card. So, I asked a girl sitting there if I could use her card. She said yes, with no hesitation. Went to print and remembered, oh it only shows up under my net id. great. So, I had to go back into the room where my computer was, bring it out - she already had her net i.d. written on a paper, ready for me. I put it in and printed. With all that it was only 1 minute late (there go some more points!). I went back and collected my things and went back out to pay the girl. But she was gone. I am so, so thankful for her though. Bless her. I never looked at her card, so don't know her name. Later, pumping gas the 6 letters of her i.d. came back to memory - I think. I wrote them down and need to find a way to look people up by net id. To pay her at the least. I'm just feeling grateful for the little things that helped me make it through. There were many, many good things earlier today, but somehow the little good things in the midst of the bad shine so brightly!
So, this evening I took the saddest final of law school. Not the worst, just the saddest. More about that - for now, let it suffice that I was near tears.I had planned on going to watch Nancy's championship intramural basketball game after, but by the time I got out of there it was over. [side note: Nancy and her team just won the intramural football championship, now she's playing for the championship b-ball game (3 on 3) - how do we fit together?] Anyway, that made me sad too. And then just everything from the last week or so. This whole finals time has been - not bad or stressful necessarily, just sad. Anyway, I digress. So, I was driving home thinking about how I would not cry and with a little time between me and the final I would be okay. And I was hungry. And I need to go grocery shopping - which I keep putting off because it will wait and my finals are NOW. But today I made rolls for my graduate English class, so at least I have something. Guess what I had for breakfast. And lunch. But they're good - and at least it's something. Mostly I kept thinking, what would be really nice is to have something, anything waiting for me at my house - a note, flowers, something. I kept thinking about this the whole drive home. But of course that's not going to happen - it seldom does on these kinds of days.
So I parked Hidalgo and tried to think some more of the many blessings I have. And then I came around to my apartment, and guess what - yes - there on my stairs was a loaf of some kind of sweetbread. It didn't really matter what it was, it was something for me! That in and of itself was enough.
But, it gets better. I went to ask DeeDee if it was from her, and thank her (because I was pretty sure it was). She and Mary were watching t.v. and I told them briefly why it was extra nice to get the bread. And DeeDee says, Oh, you're just getting home? Do you want some chicken? She had a rotisserie chicken, so with her pulling a hundred things out of the fridge, I made a delicious chicken sandwich. And visited with them - they are so sweet anytime and especially tonight. And then (besides something waiting for me, and a yummy supper and nice, sympathetic people) they were watching Law and Order. I'm not a big fan of such shows (any t.v. shows?) but was kind of watching while I ate and visited (they always talk while watching). And guess what. On the show (like on every episode) they make some remark about evidence related information. And they were wrong. And I knew why. And I could work through the hearsay rules and know the real way they could have gotten that evidence admitted. And it made me feel better about myself - I've really, truly learned stuff this semester. Isn't that fantastic? It was a reminder that while I may not perform well in my classes this semester, I have actually understood and learned the material this time around (unlike some of the other classes) and that means I'll remember more of it. Little thing, I know, but it added to me feeling better. It's like each thing that I needed this evening was put on a little list and checked off. :)
Now, my random angel story. So, my test I took earlier. I've worked really hard in this class and have done well on the mini-midterms. I studied and knew the material for the final. But I went way too slow. My teacher warned us about this, he did, but I just dwadled. And I left the biggest question - worth 28 points, or 28% of the whole class - until the end. And I will be lucky if I get 3 points on that section, because I didn't answer most of it. So, I was sick about that. I had 2 hours and 10 minutes to do it - including printing it off. Well, I was frustrated, out of time and ready to cry, but calmly sent my job to the printer with about 5 minutes to go. I walk over to the printer with my signature card (to pay for it) and swipe the card. It comes up, but my mind had beat the message - with a sickening feeling I remembered that I'd used up most of my money on Saturday printing out a 50 page outline for Evidence. I was 3 cents - that right, 3 measly pennies - short. And it takes way longer than I had to put more money on the card. So, I asked a girl sitting there if I could use her card. She said yes, with no hesitation. Went to print and remembered, oh it only shows up under my net id. great. So, I had to go back into the room where my computer was, bring it out - she already had her net i.d. written on a paper, ready for me. I put it in and printed. With all that it was only 1 minute late (there go some more points!). I went back and collected my things and went back out to pay the girl. But she was gone. I am so, so thankful for her though. Bless her. I never looked at her card, so don't know her name. Later, pumping gas the 6 letters of her i.d. came back to memory - I think. I wrote them down and need to find a way to look people up by net id. To pay her at the least. I'm just feeling grateful for the little things that helped me make it through. There were many, many good things earlier today, but somehow the little good things in the midst of the bad shine so brightly!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Who knoweth whether thou art come...for such a time as this?
So, I finally got a calling in my new ward. A few weeks before the calling I kept thinking about how much I enjoy teaching teachers. Teaching is fun, but teaching teachers is even more fun. I'm not really sure why I kept thinking this at random times, but I did.
Well, the bishop called me in and called me to be the Education counselor in the Relief Society. So, maybe that's why I've been thinking about teaching teachers. I must say, I've known lots of family members and friends (including my mother right now) who have had this calling, but really everything I really know about it is from being Sherilyn's roommate last year. Which I'm grateful for, because it gives me some idea what to do. And now I've read the handbook - but still always nice to see it in action also.
They split our Relief Society last week, when we were all called. The bishopric wasn't initially very excited about that idea, but the area authority seventy over the area has asked singles wards in the area to do so if they can so that more people have an opportunity to serve. And honestly, I think our 40 sisters will be much more manageable and closer. We feel like a R.S. instead of a lecture class now. We still work closely with the other R.S. presidency and I'm excited for it all.
I'm also excited for my specific calling. I like Cassie, the president a lot and the other girls in the presidency. It's going to be a great experience! I'll keep you updated. Oh, one thought I will share now (and rename my post). After church we went to be set apart. Seven of us from the two presidencies were set-apart - which was really amazing to hear the different instructions and promises and messages - and really feel that the Lord knew each of us individually and special things for each to do. Anyway, during one of the other sister's blessings, a scripture came to my mind. It is from Esther 4:14 and is when Mordecai speaks to Esther about her role in the kingdom, to save the Jews. He asks, "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Except when the thought came to me it was not in the form of a question. I was more like, thou art come for such a time as this. And the Spirit whispered that over and over to me for the next half hour or so. I believe it - that I'm in this ward right now for Cassie and for other sisters in the Relief Society. However long or short it may be, it is right for me, right now. It's humbling, but it's magnificent at the same time. I'm so grateful to know the Lord is aware of me and uses me for his purposes! Oh, that I would listen more to always be an instrument.
Well, the bishop called me in and called me to be the Education counselor in the Relief Society. So, maybe that's why I've been thinking about teaching teachers. I must say, I've known lots of family members and friends (including my mother right now) who have had this calling, but really everything I really know about it is from being Sherilyn's roommate last year. Which I'm grateful for, because it gives me some idea what to do. And now I've read the handbook - but still always nice to see it in action also.
They split our Relief Society last week, when we were all called. The bishopric wasn't initially very excited about that idea, but the area authority seventy over the area has asked singles wards in the area to do so if they can so that more people have an opportunity to serve. And honestly, I think our 40 sisters will be much more manageable and closer. We feel like a R.S. instead of a lecture class now. We still work closely with the other R.S. presidency and I'm excited for it all.
I'm also excited for my specific calling. I like Cassie, the president a lot and the other girls in the presidency. It's going to be a great experience! I'll keep you updated. Oh, one thought I will share now (and rename my post). After church we went to be set apart. Seven of us from the two presidencies were set-apart - which was really amazing to hear the different instructions and promises and messages - and really feel that the Lord knew each of us individually and special things for each to do. Anyway, during one of the other sister's blessings, a scripture came to my mind. It is from Esther 4:14 and is when Mordecai speaks to Esther about her role in the kingdom, to save the Jews. He asks, "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Except when the thought came to me it was not in the form of a question. I was more like, thou art come for such a time as this. And the Spirit whispered that over and over to me for the next half hour or so. I believe it - that I'm in this ward right now for Cassie and for other sisters in the Relief Society. However long or short it may be, it is right for me, right now. It's humbling, but it's magnificent at the same time. I'm so grateful to know the Lord is aware of me and uses me for his purposes! Oh, that I would listen more to always be an instrument.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Party!
If you're a blog reader, live (or will be in) Utah and didn't already get an email, here's another announcement. Friday, December 14 I'm having my annual Christmas party. Yea!
For those of you far away, I'll try to have some pictures. I wish I could have everyone, everyone!
For those of you far away, I'll try to have some pictures. I wish I could have everyone, everyone!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Rich and Gooey Caramel Apple Cake
Today was Happy Wednesday - my turn. Maybe I'll explain Happy Wednesday later, suffice it to say that I needed to take a treat to school for a group of friends. I decided to make another batch of Rich And Gooey Caramel Apple Cake. It's my second time. The first time Sherilyn decided it needed an acronym, so it did become Ragcac. Anyway, it's a delicious spice/apple cake with a caramel topping that you put over it while it's still warm so it soaks in. I would send a picture - but somehow there's none left.
When I came home some of the caramel topping was left. It was perfect eating on a spoon. Mmmm.
I'm supposed to be studying for finals, but cooking is so much more fun. Tomorrow my students turn in their big paper. I always have treats for them when they have a paper due. Since it's a big paper, I think it should be a big treat. I'm trying to decide if I should make some more Ragcac, or if I should make delicious rolls and either meat/cheese or (cheaper) butter and jam. Any thoughts? I'm definitely making salsa verde and taking chips. But I think more than just that - it was a long paper for freshmen. We'll see.
Back to finals. Or maybe bed. After a week and a half I'm feeling better - maybe I should get rest so it stays that way. I definitely need to quit writing.
When I came home some of the caramel topping was left. It was perfect eating on a spoon. Mmmm.
I'm supposed to be studying for finals, but cooking is so much more fun. Tomorrow my students turn in their big paper. I always have treats for them when they have a paper due. Since it's a big paper, I think it should be a big treat. I'm trying to decide if I should make some more Ragcac, or if I should make delicious rolls and either meat/cheese or (cheaper) butter and jam. Any thoughts? I'm definitely making salsa verde and taking chips. But I think more than just that - it was a long paper for freshmen. We'll see.
Back to finals. Or maybe bed. After a week and a half I'm feeling better - maybe I should get rest so it stays that way. I definitely need to quit writing.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
My neighborhood
My neighborhood is so pretty. I can't remember what I said about where I live but it's a pretty upscale neighborhood. The houses are huge, but also quite pretty. And unique - which pleases me. "Ours" is stone, some kind of European cottage style. The next door neighbors, on the other hand, have a super modern architecture building of a house. And across the way there's a Spanish style house. Anyway, the neighborhood is especially beautiful right now because of the snow.
As cousin Kathryn aptly put it - we went to bed in November when it was raining and woke up in December to snow. Lots. The skiers must be blissful. I'm just enjoying all the trees, shrubs and pretty houses blanketed with snow. I thought it was pretty yesterday. Now, today in the sunshine it's even better. And at night, it's extra pretty because there are lots of trees strung with lights that glow with the snow. It's just really pretty and I'm so glad for the beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me - and my pretty neighborhood to enjoy.
As cousin Kathryn aptly put it - we went to bed in November when it was raining and woke up in December to snow. Lots. The skiers must be blissful. I'm just enjoying all the trees, shrubs and pretty houses blanketed with snow. I thought it was pretty yesterday. Now, today in the sunshine it's even better. And at night, it's extra pretty because there are lots of trees strung with lights that glow with the snow. It's just really pretty and I'm so glad for the beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me - and my pretty neighborhood to enjoy.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
supper :)
This whole semester I've had pretty bad eating habits. Tonight I got home and, as usual, didn't want to cook. No energy, no time (still fairly sick on top of normal everything). As I walked in the door I thought, a hot fajita sounds so good (I think maybe I spelled DeeDee's food - but maybe it was just my imagination thinking of good food). Then, as I set my belongings down, I thought, the sad thing is I have chicken but it's frozen and I don't care enough to thaw it. About 1 1/2 minutes later I remembered - ta da! - I have canned chicken in the fridge. It's from the church cannery (I inherited when moving into an apartment that had a cupboard full of food) and it's quite good chicken. So I cooked up an onion on low heat so it was perfect, then threw in the chicken and warmed it through. In the mean time I grated some Creamery cheese (my hoard from Kathryn) and warmed a couple of corn tortillas. Put them all together into little taco things and - perhaps the best part - squeezed on some fresh lime. It was all scrumptious!! And fast, but actually healthy, real food. Amazing! It was just a highlight of my day. And now that I've written about it and thought about it - maybe a highlight (not the, just a) of my week. I love supper!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
More exciting news for our family
Whitney (my brother) and Laura Anderson are finally engaged. They're getting married December 28. I'm very glad for them. And for me - I like Laura. :)
I'll have to update more later. Thanksgiving was great. I've had tonsillitis for the last couple of days. School is crazy busy.
Update: They are getting married in the Salt Lake Temple
I'll have to update more later. Thanksgiving was great. I've had tonsillitis for the last couple of days. School is crazy busy.
Update: They are getting married in the Salt Lake Temple
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Visiting Teaching and the Lord's Love
I just got home from church and want to share my excitement. I met my second visiting teaching sister (I'm not sure what to call us, we're each part of a "group"). On Monday night I met my 1st sister (we're 3 all together). Anyway, both times I had a great visit with each one and I'm excited to meet with all of them. Let me tell you just a little about each of them and you'll understand why I'm especially excited. I learn from everyone I visit teach/am taught by - in fact, enjoy the variety - but sometimes in life, especially in this ward, it's nice to have things in common.
Courtney, who actually lives near me (unlike most of my ward) graduated from law school just a couple of years ago. Practiced law for about a year and now teaches art history classes at UVSC (a college nearby). Although it wasn't the only reason, she did go to law school in part to get a doctorate, so she could teach college. She has several classes and has interesting stories about her students. Nathalie has a degree in history and French (for teaching, both) and really enjoys European history (many similar interests from my Spanish studies minor). She is currently working at Timpview (the local high school) in the ESL program. She's not ESL certified, so is a paralegal, which she enjoys because it means no lesson plans, minimal grading. She wants to learn Spanish and is full of ideas for the ESL program, which is slowly growing in this school. She served a mission in Switzerland (and is ethnically half-French, half-Vietnamese).
"Brief" meetings with each of them went long because we have so much in common. It's exciting and I'm so grateful for the combination. I feel the Lord's love and trust the reasons for being together are more than just commonality, but will bless all our lives.
Courtney, who actually lives near me (unlike most of my ward) graduated from law school just a couple of years ago. Practiced law for about a year and now teaches art history classes at UVSC (a college nearby). Although it wasn't the only reason, she did go to law school in part to get a doctorate, so she could teach college. She has several classes and has interesting stories about her students. Nathalie has a degree in history and French (for teaching, both) and really enjoys European history (many similar interests from my Spanish studies minor). She is currently working at Timpview (the local high school) in the ESL program. She's not ESL certified, so is a paralegal, which she enjoys because it means no lesson plans, minimal grading. She wants to learn Spanish and is full of ideas for the ESL program, which is slowly growing in this school. She served a mission in Switzerland (and is ethnically half-French, half-Vietnamese).
"Brief" meetings with each of them went long because we have so much in common. It's exciting and I'm so grateful for the combination. I feel the Lord's love and trust the reasons for being together are more than just commonality, but will bless all our lives.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
California Dreaming
The song, California Dreaming, has been stuck in my head all morning. I'm not sure why - it's a gorgeous fall day here in my beautiful home (in fact, I was just jumping on the trampoline and enjoying the weather). Anyway, there's a line in the song that says, "I wish I was in L.A." - and I think, I am so, so thankful that I'm not in LA. At this exact moment last Saturday I was in L.A., stuck in traffic, sure I, or our (rental) car, was going to die. Fortunately,
we didn't. And in fact we (Rachel and I) had a wonderful little trip to California (with a night in Las Vegas). There were many beautiful things we saw, but the highlight was being at Jenn Prince's wedding open house. Jenn was one of my mission companions and has since moved back to Santa Barbara, where she met Ryan. They seem to match very well and she' super happy. Which makes me happy. Besides her I saw Vanessa Alpentista and Jill Skinner (companion and other sister I served with). I also got to meet all their husbands and Jill's baby (who Vanessa is holding in the picture). It was really a lot of fun!! (p.s. to this part, all the last names are their maiden names, so you can add Hermana and know how I called them once upon a time)
From Santa Barbara we went to Bakersfield. Church in the East Bakes ward was great - so fun to see many people I love! We stayed with the Mercados (a family I taught); it was so good to see them. The gospel has blessed their lives immensley and it's wonderful to be back in their home. The little girl in the front, Stephanie, was 2 weeks old the first night I met them. :) [Hermano Mercado had left by the time we took the picture.]
Lots of driving, but it was wonderful to see many great people and places I love.
we didn't. And in fact we (Rachel and I) had a wonderful little trip to California (with a night in Las Vegas). There were many beautiful things we saw, but the highlight was being at Jenn Prince's wedding open house. Jenn was one of my mission companions and has since moved back to Santa Barbara, where she met Ryan. They seem to match very well and she' super happy. Which makes me happy. Besides her I saw Vanessa Alpentista and Jill Skinner (companion and other sister I served with). I also got to meet all their husbands and Jill's baby (who Vanessa is holding in the picture). It was really a lot of fun!! (p.s. to this part, all the last names are their maiden names, so you can add Hermana and know how I called them once upon a time)
From Santa Barbara we went to Bakersfield. Church in the East Bakes ward was great - so fun to see many people I love! We stayed with the Mercados (a family I taught); it was so good to see them. The gospel has blessed their lives immensley and it's wonderful to be back in their home. The little girl in the front, Stephanie, was 2 weeks old the first night I met them. :) [Hermano Mercado had left by the time we took the picture.]
Lots of driving, but it was wonderful to see many great people and places I love.
Friday, November 16, 2007
update on life
Okay, there are often times when I really want to write a blog entry, but since I haven't "built a proper foundation" (Evidence term there) it wouldn't make sense. So, I'm giving up on the good entries I had composed in my mind, and I'm giving a general outline of what I've done for the last 3 months and moving forward from there.
I left Kalamazoo on August 13 and took a train from there to Chicago, then to SLC. Beautiful country, nothing to have to worry about on the train - should have taken more fun things to read. Going through the Rockies was gorgeous. Fun experience.
Got to Utah. Had no home for the next 6 weeks. Fortunately my car was still running at that point, since I lived out of it. Thanks to my friends Sara and Sherilyn I had comfortable places to sleep and shower. And thanks to them and several others I never went hungry either.
Looked and looked for housing but nothing felt right. I had felt strongly about a couple of factors and could not find something that fit what I felt. Finally toward the end of Sept. I found a great apartment that I'm enjoying. It's a large, nice apartment above the 3 car garage of a big mansion house. Yard, neighborhood, etc... is all very beautiful. The views from my windows include Mt. Timp, Squaw Peak, etc... Lovely. It's more expensive than I wanted, but when I left from going to see it, I felt so good. And many other searches had left me feeling hollow - so, I'm trusting that all will be well. So far it's been wonderful. I enjoy having my own place, a lot. My landlady and her frequent guests (sister, etc...) are friendly and fun. And most of the time I'm at school anyway.
School. The first week of law school I was not in class because I was in a week-long training for English. I did a lot of catch up, but have managed to still do fine all semester. And English. I am teaching a freshman English class - Rhetoric and Composition. I'm one of many graduate instructors - what I didn't realize until orientation is that all but Sherilyn and I are English students. We're the spice of variety. :) So, I have a class of 20 students that I teach twice a week (75 min. classes). It's lot of fun. It does take way too much time - but I'm hoping this semester is investment and it will be easier/less time consuming as time goes on. Already it's better than at the beginning of the semester. And mostly I just LOVE teaching. I always have, I imagine I always will.
This semester at law school I'm taking the following classes: Evidence, Family Law, 14th Amendment, editing for Journal of Public Law (the bane of my existence), and English Pedagogy (a graduate class I have to take to teach). They're all quite interesting (well, the journal has mostly just been a chore). I feel like I've learned so much - since last year, but also just this semester. And since I can now understand what I'm learning, it's much, much more enjoyable. I also enjoy the camaraderie with my classmates and the other English teachers.
Lots more little stories, but that should suffice for now and I'll give more updates in the days to come.
I left Kalamazoo on August 13 and took a train from there to Chicago, then to SLC. Beautiful country, nothing to have to worry about on the train - should have taken more fun things to read. Going through the Rockies was gorgeous. Fun experience.
Got to Utah. Had no home for the next 6 weeks. Fortunately my car was still running at that point, since I lived out of it. Thanks to my friends Sara and Sherilyn I had comfortable places to sleep and shower. And thanks to them and several others I never went hungry either.
Looked and looked for housing but nothing felt right. I had felt strongly about a couple of factors and could not find something that fit what I felt. Finally toward the end of Sept. I found a great apartment that I'm enjoying. It's a large, nice apartment above the 3 car garage of a big mansion house. Yard, neighborhood, etc... is all very beautiful. The views from my windows include Mt. Timp, Squaw Peak, etc... Lovely. It's more expensive than I wanted, but when I left from going to see it, I felt so good. And many other searches had left me feeling hollow - so, I'm trusting that all will be well. So far it's been wonderful. I enjoy having my own place, a lot. My landlady and her frequent guests (sister, etc...) are friendly and fun. And most of the time I'm at school anyway.
School. The first week of law school I was not in class because I was in a week-long training for English. I did a lot of catch up, but have managed to still do fine all semester. And English. I am teaching a freshman English class - Rhetoric and Composition. I'm one of many graduate instructors - what I didn't realize until orientation is that all but Sherilyn and I are English students. We're the spice of variety. :) So, I have a class of 20 students that I teach twice a week (75 min. classes). It's lot of fun. It does take way too much time - but I'm hoping this semester is investment and it will be easier/less time consuming as time goes on. Already it's better than at the beginning of the semester. And mostly I just LOVE teaching. I always have, I imagine I always will.
This semester at law school I'm taking the following classes: Evidence, Family Law, 14th Amendment, editing for Journal of Public Law (the bane of my existence), and English Pedagogy (a graduate class I have to take to teach). They're all quite interesting (well, the journal has mostly just been a chore). I feel like I've learned so much - since last year, but also just this semester. And since I can now understand what I'm learning, it's much, much more enjoyable. I also enjoy the camaraderie with my classmates and the other English teachers.
Lots more little stories, but that should suffice for now and I'll give more updates in the days to come.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Phone!
I finally went and got a phone today. There's still a chance I'll cancel it, but probably not. So, if you want my new number - email me! I don't want to put my number on the blog, but would love to give it to you personally.
Time change
I found this poem in a notebook from years ago. In recognition of this weekend's time change I thought I'd share.
Daylight Saving Time, by Phyllis McGinley
In Spring when maple buds are red,
We turn the Clock an hour ahead;
Which means, each April that arrives
We lose an hour
Out of our lives.
Who cares? When Autumn birds in flocks
Fly southward, back we turn the Clocks,
And so regain a lovely thing-
That missing hour
We lost last Spring.
Yea for the missing hour. I enjoyed it.
And I miss the Autumn flocks flying into my country. For those of you who get to see them - enjoy!
It has been a gorgeous fall here. Warm and mild lately. Wish I could show you pictures...
Daylight Saving Time, by Phyllis McGinley
In Spring when maple buds are red,
We turn the Clock an hour ahead;
Which means, each April that arrives
We lose an hour
Out of our lives.
Who cares? When Autumn birds in flocks
Fly southward, back we turn the Clocks,
And so regain a lovely thing-
That missing hour
We lost last Spring.
Yea for the missing hour. I enjoyed it.
And I miss the Autumn flocks flying into my country. For those of you who get to see them - enjoy!
It has been a gorgeous fall here. Warm and mild lately. Wish I could show you pictures...
Yea for Groceries!
I came back to Utah on August 15. This Saturday (Nov. 3) I went grocery shopping for the first time. Very exciting!! I have bought things here and there (like for my party) but not real grocery shopping. It's amazing how much better life feels. :) Monday and today I brought lunch to school. It's great to be healthy. I had peanut butter and jelly on Monday. And a ham sandwich, pickles and carrots today. Mmmmm. And in the mornings I have breakfast. And at night I make supper. Amazing!
So you don't worry, I've been unhealthy but not starving for the past 3 months. First, remember i didn't have a home for the first 6 weeks - so I mooched off the people I lived with, bought lunch, etc... I've eaten birthday cake/chilli. And, thankful for Duchesne and the Farnsworths, I've had lots of great food from the farm - tons of tomatoes, peppers, etc... It's exciting to have supplementary food now, though. :)
So you don't worry, I've been unhealthy but not starving for the past 3 months. First, remember i didn't have a home for the first 6 weeks - so I mooched off the people I lived with, bought lunch, etc... I've eaten birthday cake/chilli. And, thankful for Duchesne and the Farnsworths, I've had lots of great food from the farm - tons of tomatoes, peppers, etc... It's exciting to have supplementary food now, though. :)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Material possessions
This past week I've thought a lot about the scripture that states that "moth and rust doth corrupt and thieves break through and steal." Or, in my case, material things either fall apart, or I lose them. Last week (actually on my birthday) my car finished dying (mostly anyway). The week before I dropped my phone and it started breaking. Pretty much finished dying right around the same time as the car. What a frustrating time! Also, a few weeks ago I realized that my camera was missing. I think I left it somewhere (who knows where?) and after much searching it's still lost. It makes me very, very sad because I just bought it a few months ago (as loyal blog readers know). :( During this past week I spent hours looking for a car, trying to figure out what to do for a phone (thought that was resolved, but surprise it wasn't!), etc... Focusing on those things has been rather depressing. I'm not exactly making a large income, so the financial aspects of it make the situation even more discouraging.
The other night as I was praying, I had a few thoughts. One, not one of those things will affect my eternal salvation in anyway. Only if I focus on them and let them distract me from what really matters. Two, I need to count the blessings I do have. I have a house! And we all know that's a blessing. Whitney has let me use his car (which is also a gift from Kimball (cousin)). DeeDee lets me use her phone all I need to. Johanna, bless her heart, even bought me a disposable camera. :) And really, none of those things are nearly as important as my health, my family, my education, etc... If those are the only problems in my life - really! So, for those of you who are near and hearing about my problems - thanks for your support and I'm sorry I'm not more positive. For the rest of you, I guess I just wanted to share what's been the main focus of my time this past week.
It's been a beautiful fall week and school has been a little less stressful. Life is good!
The other night as I was praying, I had a few thoughts. One, not one of those things will affect my eternal salvation in anyway. Only if I focus on them and let them distract me from what really matters. Two, I need to count the blessings I do have. I have a house! And we all know that's a blessing. Whitney has let me use his car (which is also a gift from Kimball (cousin)). DeeDee lets me use her phone all I need to. Johanna, bless her heart, even bought me a disposable camera. :) And really, none of those things are nearly as important as my health, my family, my education, etc... If those are the only problems in my life - really! So, for those of you who are near and hearing about my problems - thanks for your support and I'm sorry I'm not more positive. For the rest of you, I guess I just wanted to share what's been the main focus of my time this past week.
It's been a beautiful fall week and school has been a little less stressful. Life is good!
Friday, October 26, 2007
More fun news from my family
Another exciting thing happened yesterday. Elisabeth (my long-lost niece) said her first English word (I imagine she's said other things, just not in our language). "No" was her word. :) Rachel flew to Washington today to go see her (and her parents). I'm so jealous.
My parents and two youngest brothers went to Laramie today. The boys are playing in the band at the Wyoming game tomorrow - fun!
My parents and two youngest brothers went to Laramie today. The boys are playing in the band at the Wyoming game tomorrow - fun!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Mission Call!
Asael (my "little" brother) got his mission call! He's going to the Nevada, Las Vegas West mission. He'll report to the MTC on January 23. I'm so excited! :) It will be wonderful to have a missionary again, and I'm excited for him, and it's just the best news of the day.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Weather
My first instinct was to say crazy weather. Then I realized that, while it has been rather crazy, it has also been gorgeous.
Friday was my birthday and it was the epitome of a perfect fall day. In the 70's - sandals and short sleeves. Super sunny - which was gorgeous on the leaves. Right now almost all the trees are full of leaves, but colored. Beautiful! I appreciated the gift from Heavenly Father.
By Saturday night (when I had a party) the world was covered in snow. This morning it was sunny again and a beautiful white world (at least 3 full inches). It's melted now, but it was pretty. I'm glad for fall to be back, though.
Anyway, the world is so lovely right now. I like fall! And both my views from my windows and my drive to school let me see so many beautiful things. What a blessing!
Friday was my birthday and it was the epitome of a perfect fall day. In the 70's - sandals and short sleeves. Super sunny - which was gorgeous on the leaves. Right now almost all the trees are full of leaves, but colored. Beautiful! I appreciated the gift from Heavenly Father.
By Saturday night (when I had a party) the world was covered in snow. This morning it was sunny again and a beautiful white world (at least 3 full inches). It's melted now, but it was pretty. I'm glad for fall to be back, though.
Anyway, the world is so lovely right now. I like fall! And both my views from my windows and my drive to school let me see so many beautiful things. What a blessing!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I'm back! And blossoming (at least trying to)
I'll do more for the blog later, but for now I wanted to just say that I'm back in business. I have really noticed the difference in my life during the last couple of months when I haven't been blogging. There's something so good for the spirit that comes in sharing with people we love the things that are going on in our lives. (And I love reading yours - so - golden rule...)
What I'm about to confess is really silly, I know, but it is, none-the-less, true. I've wanted to start a new blog for quite awhile now. I wanted to leave the summer one as it ended, so needed to start again. But I couldn't think of a name I wanted. The Kalamazoo one was instantaneous inspiration, but I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to name this one. So for at least a month now I've delayed the blog (and many great stories/experiences) while I tried to find the right name. There were just so many things I wanted it to reflect. [That's the silly part.]
Then finally it came. I could just put it and let you figure out its many meanings one your own. But being me, I will explain.
In Isaiah 35:1 it says "the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." I have heard this scripture many times to refer to Utah. It is definitely a desert (especially evident when I come back after being beautiful places like Michigan). But it has, and does, blossom and can be very beautiful. Right now fall is here and it's gorgeous. Especially going up the canyon. So, I wanted my title to reflect being in Utah, and to me it does. It also demonstrates one of my goals for this fall - seeing the incredible beauty in a place that has become so commonplace to me - pink mountains in the evenings, huge granite slopes, sunsets over Utah lake, beautiful flower gardens (even after the first frost), awesome sunsets through Rock Canyon, full moons that are fuller here than anywhere I've ever been (maybe because I'm out late here more than anywhere?), etc...
Also, the scripture in D&C 49:24 refers to the Lamanites blossoming as the rose. This is less important for my blog. but I had thought about it having something in Spanish in it, to refer to that part of my life. No Spanish, but the title reflects what I hope to help happen for the Lamanite descendants.
If you read Isaiah 27:6, 35:1, and D&C 49:24 and 117:7 you'll see that all the scriptures refer to the joy that comes when those who have left the Savior come back to him. So, my title alludes to a work that is more important to me than anything else I do. And hopefully is true of my own life.
Finally, likening scriptural phrases and looking for symbols, I have long really loved 2 Nephi 8:3 (quoting more Isaiah) - go read it (or look it up on-line: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/8). I like to replace Zion with Ruth and know that the Savior will comfort me and make my deserts into a garden of Eden (in my soul). So, I believe the blossoming as a rose can apply to me as a person as well. And in the many things I'm doing at this time, I'm trying to blossom and to become the instrument the Lord needs me to be. When school and all the other things I'm doing (especially things I don't see the purpose for, but feel to do them), I try to remember that I'm in the process of "blossoming as the rose".
So, join me this year as I learn and grow and try to share my love for you all, so we can all come closer to the Lord and blossom together.
What I'm about to confess is really silly, I know, but it is, none-the-less, true. I've wanted to start a new blog for quite awhile now. I wanted to leave the summer one as it ended, so needed to start again. But I couldn't think of a name I wanted. The Kalamazoo one was instantaneous inspiration, but I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to name this one. So for at least a month now I've delayed the blog (and many great stories/experiences) while I tried to find the right name. There were just so many things I wanted it to reflect. [That's the silly part.]
Then finally it came. I could just put it and let you figure out its many meanings one your own. But being me, I will explain.
In Isaiah 35:1 it says "the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." I have heard this scripture many times to refer to Utah. It is definitely a desert (especially evident when I come back after being beautiful places like Michigan). But it has, and does, blossom and can be very beautiful. Right now fall is here and it's gorgeous. Especially going up the canyon. So, I wanted my title to reflect being in Utah, and to me it does. It also demonstrates one of my goals for this fall - seeing the incredible beauty in a place that has become so commonplace to me - pink mountains in the evenings, huge granite slopes, sunsets over Utah lake, beautiful flower gardens (even after the first frost), awesome sunsets through Rock Canyon, full moons that are fuller here than anywhere I've ever been (maybe because I'm out late here more than anywhere?), etc...
Also, the scripture in D&C 49:24 refers to the Lamanites blossoming as the rose. This is less important for my blog. but I had thought about it having something in Spanish in it, to refer to that part of my life. No Spanish, but the title reflects what I hope to help happen for the Lamanite descendants.
If you read Isaiah 27:6, 35:1, and D&C 49:24 and 117:7 you'll see that all the scriptures refer to the joy that comes when those who have left the Savior come back to him. So, my title alludes to a work that is more important to me than anything else I do. And hopefully is true of my own life.
Finally, likening scriptural phrases and looking for symbols, I have long really loved 2 Nephi 8:3 (quoting more Isaiah) - go read it (or look it up on-line: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/8). I like to replace Zion with Ruth and know that the Savior will comfort me and make my deserts into a garden of Eden (in my soul). So, I believe the blossoming as a rose can apply to me as a person as well. And in the many things I'm doing at this time, I'm trying to blossom and to become the instrument the Lord needs me to be. When school and all the other things I'm doing (especially things I don't see the purpose for, but feel to do them), I try to remember that I'm in the process of "blossoming as the rose".
So, join me this year as I learn and grow and try to share my love for you all, so we can all come closer to the Lord and blossom together.
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