Back to School

I was terrified to start classes again this fall.  After going to school year-round for 3 years, I got really burned out last April and couldn't imagine sitting and being lectured again.  Being in Europe really helped, and this summer I enjoyed just working and answering to no one but myself (oh, and my bosses).

I moved into my new place last month, and can I just say that I LOVE it?!  Here's why:

1.  I have my own bedroom for the first time at BYU.  There is so much space that it's overwhelming; I have no idea what to do with it all.  I love being able to go to bed early, listen to music without headphones, and dance like a crazy person when no one is watching (which is always!).

2.  I share the condo with only two (2) other girls, which means shelf and fridge space.  I went home to Mom's Labor Day weekend (by the way, she's doing GREAT!  She has more energy than I do!)  and did some serious grocery shopping.  I stocked up on seasonings, baking ingredients, pasta, soup, and of course cereal.  It's safe to say I'm set for the next few months.  I can't wait to put my new, $6 Crockpot to work!

3.  Washer and Dryer less than 10 feet away from my bedroom.  Although I learned that I have enough clothes to get me through a month before bringing them home to wash, it's nice to be able to clean my bedding and towels every week.

4.  Most of the time, I will have a guaranteed, covered parking spot.  Escaping an entire winter of scraping snow and ice off my car??  What a dream.

5. I'm SO much closer to campus now.  No more long walks and traffic!

I have amazing roommates, and coming home after a 10-hour day on campus is finally a peaceful, unwinding time to look forward to.  Conclusion? This place is going to make me high maintenance. Yay for housing upgrades!

I am still working at the bowling alley and finishing up Joseph Smith Papyri research, in addition to being a T.A. for Early Childhood Developmental Psychology.  I'm also taking Doctrine and Covenants, Motivation Psychology, Personal Finance (where I'm learning a lot of things about money), and Basic Conducting.  However, the highlight of my entire school year is making Concert Choir!!!

My freshman year at BYU I went to a combined choir concert, and saw this lovely group come out

 ...and I decided then and there, this is the choir for me!  Now I've reached my goal and I'm quite happy.  The bad news?  I've spent my first week in concert choir sitting on stage listening.  I came down with an awful throat infection Sunday and it's really discouraging.  I'm just grateful that it didn't happen during callbacks last week.  Our first performance (and I plan to be there) is Tuesday at 11am, where we sing at devotional. Don't miss it!!

Anyway, I could do with another three months of 80-90 degree weather.  Here comes cold.

I will leave you with my current favorite Youtube video. Sweet dreams, everyone!

One Month Later

Sometimes I still find it hard to believe I was in Europe last month. I still feel like I could just head out the door and go on a walk to my favorite gelato shop.  I expect to look out the window and see double-decker red buses

...and I don't.  I definitely struggle to figure out which way to look when crossing the street.

My beloved cousin/Siamese twin is doing a study abroad in England now, and I am nostalgic!  I especially miss Sweden. Shout out to the Helgessons...you're the neatest family I've ever stayed with!

I still can't bring myself to buy an American candy bar.  Speaking of which...  

I finally lost all the British-chocolate-and-pastries weight I had gained there.  As much as I love souveneirs, I could do without those pounds.  I get to see my sisters soon and give them the fun presents I gave them. I wear my London shirts with pride. Queen Elizabeth II is my new favorite celebrity. 

How do you follow a vacation Vigorous Study Program like that?  Well, summer has been pretty awesome.  I'm still 100% burned out with school and am not looking forward to taking classes again –yet.  I love just working and going swimming or going running whenever I please. And reading! I've read so many books already this summer and I'm constantly hungry for more.  Right now I'm reading The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister, a break from my typical novel.  The summer has been full with family reunions

A wild rodeo with Gabe (my first rodeo)

Birthdays......well, maybe just my birthday. But it was a great one!!  I am really good at helping my mom cook in the kitchen.

Okay, I should probably stick to blowing out candles.  20 candles is a LOT more than 19. Just saying....

Another highlight of my summer....Mom is done with treatments! No more chemo, no more radiation. One surgery left, and a crummy chemo pill she has to take every day for the next 5 years!  But we're so grateful she is happy and healthy. My mom is amazing.  In case you are wondering how she made the delicious cake pictured above, I documented the process with pictures.  Comment if you want me to share!

This summer would not be complete without missionary homecomings, crazy late-night movie girl dates, midnight breakfast escapades with coworkers, and visits from friends in Cali!!!! 

Thank you, sun, for returning my skin to its rightful –tan– pigment. And thank you, 95 degree weather. I'd forgotten how to sweat.