Run with Patience

I can do this. Today kind of pushed me the wrong way. It was hard trying not to lose my temper today with my family. It was hard going around to all these businesses just hoping they'd give me a chance. If they really knew me. Or if they could see me as some people see me. Today was hard when I didn't have time to run all 5 miles, but 3 instead. Then, it was hard when I just kept eating junk food tonight!  Today was hard when I went to an old friend's and heard him spill the details on his developing relationship. Ugh, I miss that twitterpated feeling. I really should stop complaining, I know. Do you ever get the feeling that you can't handle what trials Heavenly Father has allowed you to endure? However miserable I can feel, I know there's future happiness. Quoting one of my favorite scriptures: Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Most importantly: keep running the race.

Update:

This kind of made my night. I thought, It's okay, princesses do feel sad at times!

Here Comes the Sun!

Gosh, sorry I haven't posted these last couple of days. I've thought about it so much. But, I've been so busy and tired! I'll try to go over the highlights.

Monday:
-De-cluttered and unpacked.

My mom suggested I take pictures of my old trophies, then just toss 'em. So, this is back when I did gymnastics. Gosh, it was so thrilling back then! I still wish I could do like 8 backhand springs in a row. 

 You have no idea how good it feels to get rid of 4 years worth of junk.

So, I found my old shoes! I loved these things. They're quite hideous, but something about them just gets me!

I had a file for almost every book I read in high school for that blasted AP English test. I have been holding onto them for some time now. But, then I thought, Wait, I actually want to enjoy these books. They deserve to be READ, not just merely picked apart and analyzed.

Ta ta, Lit Crit! Adios analytical papers!  (but, please, no one tell Mrs. Colligan!)

Also, I actually unpacked my suitcase within the first week! College really has taught me something.

Tuesday:
-Seminary. If someone would've told me I would VOLUNTARILY wake up during my summer, at 5:45am, to go to seminary...I would have slapped them for telling lies. I now apologize to that person I slapped. They were right. In order to get the van, I need to go with my sister to school. Which includes seminary. But, I really actually enjoy/need it. I mean, it's doctrine and covenants. It makes me realize how easy I have it.
-Went to Woodsy's Music Shop. Super cute worker gave me like a 25% discount on my purchase! Okay, I don't want to jump to conclusions...I mean he probably was just in a hurry...but, possibly, maybe (I'm hoping) he did it 'cuz he thought I was cute. It's never happened to me before! Anyways, I bought an "A" string for my cello. I tried putting it in and tuning my cello. But then broke that string. :( I guess I'll have to go into the store again. And I need to ask for lessons. Maybe this is a sign that I am destined to see him again. If it is a sign, I just wish it were less expensive!
-Went to my Public Library! I got tons of my favorites. The one I'm reading now is called Rowan of Rin: Rowan and the Travelers.

Rowan of Rin: Rowan and the Travelers by Emily Rodda

It's about a boy named Rowan. He takes care of these sheep-like animals in his town (so basically the shepherd). Though he is shy and fearful, he seems to get involved in adventures one way or another. Right now, the travelers have come mysteriously to their town. And something dark is looming over his town. Ugh, so good!

Wednesday:
-I contacted over 50+ businesses today. Yes, 50+. It's insane! I really want to earn money this summer and am willing to put in the hours. But, the only thing not marketable about me is the length of time I'm home. :/ I'll just keep trying! I know the Lord is looking out for me. He knows what's best, so I'll just keep trying!
-Went to Handel's ice cream. Got my all-time favorite flavor: Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. I should've taken a picture. It has swirls of raspberry filling wrapped around a dark chocolate ice cream with chocolate bits blended into its creamy texture. The one word to describe it? DIVINE.

Other than that, I mean I've been running. I've been working on getting family prayer and scripture study together. Oh, I put pictures of the temple around my room. :)

They were from an old calendar of my sister's. Temple pictures are what I've been wanting for the past year! 

Well, Life's been pretty good. I feel super blessed to be willing and able to do the tasks given to me. This summer won't be a walk in the park, but I know I'm going to look back and be grateful for the hard work I'm putting in.

Golly, I love Ohio. I mean, the humidity makes me sticky. The random weather can be irritating. But now, I sit at my desk and listen to the pitter patter of raindrops on the roof. Rain always makes me feel cozier when I'm inside. It seems to remind me that everything's going to be okay.

He Lives!

Happy Easter!

I found this online, I think it's perfect for today! I mean, I love how we celebrate this happy moment. It gives me hope. Because, I mean He had suffered and died for us. But, He knew that there was hope. How often do we lose sight of the hopeful future? One of my favorite scriptures now (that I'm trying to memorize) is Ether 12: 4. 

And now onto my weekend. Sorry I haven't posted in a while, it's been a busy couple of days! I did 18 hrs of studying for chemistry on Wednesday. Took the Chem test on Thursday for 5 and a half hours. Then, packed for 6 hours. Woke up on Friday. Cleaned for 7 hrs. Said goodbye. Left for Salt Lake. Spent the evening with Chantelle and her friends. Woke up the next day early to go to the airport. Then flew until 4:20pm when I arrived in the Cleveland airport. I breathed in the fresh, oxygen-filled air. Waited outside the airport for my family. Boy, was it humid! My face felt sticky. The air was heavy. I could tell there was a good chance of rain. You could feel it (this reminds me of a song by the "Macarena" band. It goes something like "You can feel it. In the air, in the air. Can you feel it? It's everywhere"). 

My family and I then went to Steak n Shake. Good Ohioan choice. Cheap, good ole Ohio food. 

My sister, Monique, and I went to a Stake Youth Dance. Haha, I felt so old! But, I really had fun with my sister. We're the crazy dancing type. It runs in our blood. 

Beautiful. Turquoise lettering with lavender flowers.

You're looking at a 19 year old me. Yes, I do look a little tired. 

Sweet photo taken by my photographer: Monique Rovelsky

I came home and we had some Dairy Queen birthday cake for my 19th Birthday. It was so yummy! Everyone eats that cake differently. I eat mine by first eating the whipped cream fluff on the top and bottom. Then I eat the vanilla ice cream on the side and top. I save the best for last. I eat the crumble and fudge along with the chocolate ice cream. My sister eats the middle with the vanilla. She doesn't like the chocolate ice cream. It's quite preposterous, but I forgive her.

Sunday

My home ward church! Golly, I love that the church is the same principles everywhere. Same sacrament. Same basic truths. :) 

There are some differences with a Singles' Ward and a Home Ward. You know you're not in Singles' Ward anymore when...

• The speaker in Sacrament meeting is hardly audible over the children.
• The topic on talks is the hardships of marriage rather than the blessings it brings (c'mon, marriage happy singles!)
• "BABIES EVERYWHERE!" (Name that commercial).
• Fruit snack gummies on the floor and pews. 
• Breast feeding during Relief Society (let's hope that doesn't happen at Singles' Ward!)

I did also attend the Singles' Branch afterwards. I can't wait to get to know everyone there. I tried introducing myself to as many people as I could. I introduced myself to 7 people. So, I've met half! :) 

Then, I came home and we had Easter Sunday lunch. Yum. Home cooked meals. Incomparable to my humble meals. 

Okay, sorry for going through step-by-step of my day, but this is something that utterly shocked me. I mean really. I took a long nap on Sunday. About 4 hours. My roommates can testify that I could never take a nap on Sundays. But, I defied gravity...or something. I woke up thinking it was Monday. I was relieved when I found out otherwise.

For dinner, I had...AN ARTICHOKE. A delicacy. I missed my mother's cooking and food choice.

We then watched "Beyond the Blackboard" on CBS. I posted something about it earlier today. My Dad was telling me about it and I jokingly said, "And she's Mormon!" He then finished his thought, "...and she's Mormon." Who called it?! 

We finished the night with scripture study and family prayer. :) Couldn't have had a better Easter Sunday. 

Hello, I'm Miss College. Please, Call Me Suzette.

UPDATE: I'm home now, but I wrote this while waiting in the airport for my flight. 

I’m sitting in the airport on my way home. From my first year of college. Please tell me I’m dreaming! There’s no way that I’m old enough to be doing this!

Okay, so I have decided to embrace my love for lists and make a couple of them.

Things I won't miss about college

1. A lot of stress and responsibility. I mean you are required to do everything on your own.
2. Figuring out your eating and exercise schedule. I mean, how easy is it to eat and eat and eat whatever you want and then to make an excuse that you don’t have time to workout. Pa-lease!
3. So many goodbyes. People just seem to come and go, whether you like it or not.

Well, I really can’t think of anything else.

Things I will miss about college

1.  You learn so much. I still remember things I learned my first semester: Gothic Cathedral architecture, writing a personal narrative, physical science, etc. I even still remember most of the amendments after memorizing them and regurgitating them for the test.
2. You meet amazing, inspirational people. I mean, I am so motivated by their determination and their faith. 
3. I get to live on my own. I get to decide about when I eat and sleep. How late I can be out (except for, not going to lie, this semester was spent mostly indoors…in my apt. or in the library. But, hey, my grades show it!).
4. I have learned how to effectively study. I mean, I studied for chemistry for 18 hours. In high school, I couldn’t even study for an hour.
5. There are cute, dateable guys in college. Not that there nonexistent anywhere else. But, you do get more options on a big campus.
6. Every accomplishment done on your own feels that much sweeter. Every time I got around town on my own, I felt successful. Every time I made a wholesome, edible meal I felt accomplished. Every time I got through a really long, tough day--and could still smile and laugh--I felt blessed. 

As you can clearly see, the pros outweigh the cons. Outcome? I think I'm meant for college. :) Maybe I am a lot more grown up and capable than I give myself credit. Who knows!

Beyond the Blackboard - So Generous

So, this is such a great movie. I probably cried the entire time. It's about a Mormon mother and teacher to homeless kids. They show the importance of family and education. They show her determination, and never losing hope for those kids and families. That's what charity is. Never losing hope because you have the faith to know it will get better.

I Love Charts

I Love Charts

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Scholarly and Sweaty Suzette

Question of the Day: Will you raise your children the same way you have been raised? What would you do differently?

My Answer: Hey, I turned out pretty good, right? :) Well, I mean it's hard to judge because I know each kid is going to be different. But, one thing that I'd really like to work on is really good communication with my children and my family. What I picked up from my parents is their care and kindness. I also would love to raise my kids with a neighborhood lake (not a neighborhood pool, thank you). Also, I know my parents were a lot more tolerant with me than they should have been. :) Because I definitely feel like I didn't treat my parents respectable all the time, I would like to initiate more respect and communication basically.

I woke up this day thinking that the joy and blessings from the last couple days was going to wear off. The clock had struck 12 and the magic had worn off. Or so I thought. I began my study for American Heritage. When my roommate told me scholarship information was up. I anxiously went to "My Financial Center." I could not believe my eyes. I had gotten a scholarship.

Rewind a year. I was lost on where I was going to school. I had missed the deadline for BYU scholarships my freshman year. My parents wouldn't co-sign for my loan. I was stuck. Even local scholarships didn't offer me as much as I anticipated. I felt like all my academic and extracurricular efforts were useless. Wasted.

I vowed to myself that I would make it up. That despite my financial setbacks compared to others, I would still work hard. "I'll show them."

It's like a movie moment. I felt like Will Smith in "The Pursuit of Happyness." Someone actually wanted me at their university. I am a valuable asset to them! I have a place here.


Even though it didn't settle all of my financial struggles, I felt like I had been guided to safer waters. I knelt down and could hardly get out a thank you to my Heavenly Father without sobbing.

This miracle gave the determination to study hard for my American Heritage test. I was focused. No one could distract me. I took the test in half the time I thought it would take. I ended up with an A. What were my two goals this semester? To get an A in American Heritage and to get an A in Chemistry. Halfway there.

To end a surprisingly great day, I ran with Eleise. Before we came inside, we ran into our friends Robbie and Luke. Luke, our British friend, gave me a hug. And then asked to sniff my sweat.

...

It reminded me of a dog sniffing another dog's butt. 

Gross! I mean, ask me to hack a lugi. Sure. But, smell me after a run? Blegh. But, finally he did? And he then said we would have healthy children together. I guess that prediction has something to do with my sweat. Again, gross. RMD (Random Moment of Day).

Anyways, if there's anyone reading this, please tell me your answer to the raising your kids! I want to know what you'd do similar to/different from your parents.

Sun and Birth Days.

How do I even describe what these last two days have been like. A roller coaster of emotions. Sunday being my last Sunday here. Wow. I still don't want to accept that. I still remember choosing housing for Wyview. It was a nightmare for me. I kept trying and trying to get into this housing. I finally did. Then, I finally got swapped into a freshman room. Thank goodness!

I look back and really see the Lord's hand in everything. He led me to my wonderful roommates. To fantastic ward members with booming testimonies. He led me to my friends, Eleise and Helena. To my amazing Bishop and inspiring family. He led me to my job at the Telefund, where I never seem to leave without a smile. Based on His guidance, I have taken classes that have benefitted me so much: Personal Finance, Dance, American Heritage, Chemistry, Health Professions, Anthropology, Physical Science, Writing, BOOK of MORMON, and Humanities. But, most importantly, He has given me a family. It's been challenging sometimes, but I am so grateful for them.

Yesterday was my Birthday. I tend not to like my Birthdays. So much hype about yourself, it gets to your head. It hardly leaves room for thinking of others. But, the people around here made it grand. My roommates and friends threw me a party on Friday. I got a dress from Helena. :) I don't know how much I can go into detail, because I don't want it to seem like bragging...but, it was grand. 19 years old and getting younger!

I can't write too much more because I have to study for one of my hardest tests: American Heritage. Wish me luck!

So, instead of editing my last post from earlier today, I'll just write a new one. Because, hey, there's no rules to double posting. There might be rules to double texting, but that's another story.

Tonight, my friends threw me a little girls' night birthday party! It was super fun, including

 homemade cupcakes, Martha Stuart (Stewart?) decorations, pizza,

and Tangled.

It was a perfect way to lead into exams this week. I still can't believe I'm almost done with my first year of college. It doesn't feel like it yet; so, I'll just forgetta 'bout it for the time being! :)

Still young and dreaming,
Suzette

Say Hello To My Little Friend

I have this friend.

I feel like I never have enough of him. 

In the presence of laughter and fun, he quickens his pace. 

He also likes to linger in my classes. Trust me, I seem to glance his way with every breath. 

And despite all my attempts to catch up with him, he always seems to run out. 

My dear friend is none other than time.

So, I felt like I needed to make a poetic statement about time. Right now, he seems like an enemy. I wish there were more hours in the day. Especially with exams coming up this week. 

Though, compared to my high school years, I have gotten better at time management. I look back at my busy schedule in high school, with track, cross country, speech and debate, SEC, student council, orchestra, church, seminary...oh yeah, and school. How did I do it without my iCalendar. This is when the Apple logo pops up on the screen as I further advocate Apple's awesome application (alliteration, bam). 

But, most importantly, I lost track of time today on my run. I lost my running watch at school a couple weeks ago. So, I've been using my handy-dandy dolphin watch.

 Except, today, it wasn't so handy. I went for a 6mi run to blow off some steam. According to my watch, I had only run around 4mi. I knew something was wrong when I was in the downtown of another city. When I finally got home, I realized I had run around 7.3 miles. I looked down at my little rotating second-hand dolphin...it might take me a while to warm up to that mammal again. 

At the end of today, I went over to an old friend's apartment. I came home, and felt good. Those are people with talent and hope for the world! Golly, they make me want to be a better person! Oh! I think I should post my summer list on here. It'll help me actually meet those goals. 

c  Get excited!Get a summer job

c Work on Family History with Dad

c Have family scripture study daily

c Save $1,000

c Go to the lake!

c Go to the SMFP library

c Go on a camping trip

c Read enjoyable books

c Read Jane Austin

c Read Childhood books (Author of Ella Enchanted, Rowan)

c Run a half marathon

c Go shopping!

c Work on Personal Progress

c Make a Scrapbook/Journal

c Play my cello weekly!

c Sleep

c Find out from Dad on his financial success

cWatch Disney movies!!

cBabysit

cRun at least 5 times a week!

"Don't Worry, We'll Put Her To Work!"

Q: Find four scriptures about Faith. Write the references in your journal. Memorize one and record it in your journal. Write a short sentence or two telling what the scriptures mean to you.

Alma 32: 41- "But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life."
I like this one on faith because it explains what it takes to endure to the end. 


Alma 19:16-17. The story of Abish. She's one of my favorite characters in the Book of Mormon, because she had been converted to the Lord already; so she was able to rejoice in the conversion of the king's house! She waited when the people were ready to listen to her testimony. 

3 Nephi 17: 20. "And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full." First off, faith is in Jesus Christ! By having this faith, you can be blessed; but most importantly, you provide Christ with JOY! 

Ether 12:4- "Wherefore whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." This is probably my favorite one because it states that faith can bring about a hope for a better world! It's hard to live in a world with the current financial, environmental, social, political, etc. problems! 


Recap of last couple days:

Friday- Temple.

Saturday- Easter Conference, Taxes.

Sunday- WWII Oatmeal Molasses cookies, last ward council meeting.

It's been a rocky couple of days. It seems like every time I fill my joy is full, the next moment I feel sunk! And in the back of my mind, one word lingers in the darkness. Ready to pounce, and attack my sanity. FINALS. The first day of finals is on Saturday! Of this week! I'll be home in exactly 2 weeks. I might not see any of these people again in my life. It's really crazy to think of how fast 2 semesters can go.

I still remember my first Sunday here. I decided to go to the BYU 12th Stake Sacrament meeting.

My family and I were there together. I wanted to sit nearer to the front, while they all crept in the back. I felt so alienated. After the meeting, the name "Gygi" stuck out in my mind as I searched the crowd for someone that would hold this name. Look for the bald guy with a beautiful wife. My eyes were immediately drawn to this couple sitting a couple rows in front of me. She had big brown hair that seemed to be enough hair for her and her husband, because he didn't have any! It popped into my mind. That must be them! Asking someone nearby verified this thought. It's now or never. With all the nerves I could muster, I went to them and introduced myself. Then, we met up with my parents and we all exchanged "hellos." Bishop Gygi (I found out it was pronounce "Gee gee" rather than "guy gee") then introduced me to his counselors. One thing that Brother Thomas said still stands out in my mind. As he shuck my hand and then my parents' hands, he remarked, "Don't worry. We'll put your daughter to work." Come to find out, I would be called as the Relief Society president. I'm sure Brother Thomas didn't know that day what calling I would receive. Because, it doesn't matter if I'm RSP or Hymnbook Coordinator. It's that I'm being put to work, to serve!

I'm really not in the mood to write. In fact, if you really knew me, you'd know that I get quite...I hate to say the word...depressed, at night. To save you a long, emotional rant, I just decided to end tonight with a Q&A. Then, tomorrow I'll tell you all about my adventures.

Q: Who is your favorite Book of Mormon character? Why?

A: Well, I can't help to have a crush on basically all of the "large in stature," faithful men. But seriously, lately I've really enjoyed reading the words of Moroni. I mean, what an awesome man. I have felt lonely before; but, imagine feeling lonely over the span of 32 years. And never wavering in faith. He was able to admit his weaknesses in writing. It makes him more real. I can imagine him writing on the golden plates. I know he was called of God to write those words for us, and for me.

Anyways, goodnight.

Doctrine, Dancing, Disney, oh my!

I don't have much time to write today, so I will keep it brief.

Daily Q: If you could learn about anything in the world, what do you want to know most? Why?

A: Of course I pick a general one. Okay, I'd love to know who my husband is going to be, understand everything about chemistry, understand all the finances of the world, and finally, how to become the best mom I can be. I think all of those are pretty important.

Yesterday started off as kind of a downer. I had to cancel our ward race. Not too excited about that. But, I kept praying I could notice the joys that day.

I had my last Book of Mormon class yesterday with Brother Marsh.

Brother Marsh, Book of Mormon teacher

He really is a great teacher. He opened my eyes to the temptations in society. Stuff we sometimes ignore or overlook.

I had my Folk Dance practical test. I couldn't stop smiling...to the point of laughter...which hopefully got me bonus points. I have learned about Hungarian, Irish, English, American, Japanese, Ukrainian, Israeli, and other folk dances. It kept me cultured while adding frivolity to my day!

Something I was really proud of about yesterday was I actually put together a realistic monthly budget for me on Mint.com. "Seriously, guys, they're the best" (Homestar Runner). Minus rent and tuition, I can actually live within my means. I just have to work on increasingly making Million Dollar Choices and living well below my means. It's gonna be great.

Dr. Scott Marsh

Here's a link of my Personal Finance teacher (Also Brother/Dr. Marsh): http://byutv.org/watch/306-701#ooid=40a3JrMTo4u4pCTtzd-BMhY1unAG_Mm3 The professor is a genius with finances!

Then, finally, at work I was able to get a huge pledge from a BYU alumni. I couldn't believe it! This lady helped give me hope in humanity. Not only that, but I really have the best job ever because it's Disney-themed week. So, basically, I get to watch Disney movies for four hours. And get paid for it. Yesterday we watched Tangled, Aladdin, and some of Toy Story 3.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention my mishap of a lunch. I was making grilled asparagus, while also preparing dinner. I added in uncooked rice to my casserole. So, that took like an extra hour to cook. Then, I tried making boiled eggs for deviled eggs, but the shells stuck to the white of the eggs. It was quite pathetic-looking. I just laughed because I'm still learning! It's a process, not a talent of mine. :) Let's just hope my future family isn't picky.

Daily Q 4 U: If you could learn about anything in the world, what do you want to know most? Why?

Weebles Wobble, But They Don't Fall Down

I'll explain the title in  a second. I want to try doing something I did in my journal. I found a list of questions online that were questions about your life. Not cliche ones either. However, I did find it on a Young Women's website. Okay, maybe that's a little cliche.

I'd love to hear your response to these daily questions too!

Q: Did you go to the library? Did your family have a 'library'? Did your family read together? What was your favorite book to read together?
A: Golly, I love the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library back home. It really did remind me of the library in the TV show Arthur ("Having fun isn't hard, when you've got a library card!"). My two favorite book aisles were the craft and fiction section (anything fantasy or dealing with unicorns). As for the family 'library,' we have alternative forms of libraries. We have stacks of books everywhere in our basement. I kid you not, 3 of the 4 walls in the basement were packed with my dad's computer programming books...hmm...I still wonder why he keeps those. And of course in the corner are all of the leftover children's books that we never had the guts to throw away. Then, my mom has her little bookshelf with different church books she's accumulated over the years. I really wish my family read together more, especially the Book of Mormon. If we ever did read together, we read that book. Although we never did it much in the past, I'm trying to call my family and read the Book of Mormon with them over the phone twice a week.

That was kind if a long one. But, it's a little insight into my childhood. Back to my day. There's no better way to start the day (well, after morning prayers) than with American Heritage reading! It's even better when you can find the famous readings online. I got ready today listening to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.! Oh there's nothing like making scrambled eggs and learning about our history. On a more serious note, these men that fought for equality were such admirable leaders. The true heroes that I look up to have made big sacrifices in order to benefit other people. Martin Luther King, Jr., President Thomas S. Monson, the Pioneers, my Mom!, and most importantly, the Savior. They recognize the needs of others are more important than their own.

After a beautiful lesson in American Heritage, I headed to the Fish Bowl.

My favorite place to study. I swear, listening to chem vocabulary slip from the mouths of those around me thrills me! It's like sweet nothings.

After 3 hours of reading chemistry, I sat enameled in chemistry as we learned about solutions and molality. I just can't wait to pursue nutritional science and pharmacy!

Off to my Intro to Health Professions class. Then a Dance Review. This is where the title comes into play. I had forgotten to wear a belt today, and unfortunately I slipped on a loose pair of pants. So, I had wonderful droopy drawers while performing traditional folk dances. Not to mention, my glasses slipped to the edge of my nose. And my necklace loosened, then trickled down my shirt. Let's just say, I looked like a gangster, granny misfit.

Afterwards, I enjoyed my time at a lovely ward closing activity, eating pizza and cake. I love my ward. We've all grown so much! It's hard to imagine we've been through a year together. And now, it's getting to "goodbye and good luck." Or even better, "God be with you till we meet again."

 On that note, I think I learned something from feeling like a Wobbling Weeble. Though there are some rough times--like saying goodbye, feeling inadequate, or slipping up in a dance--you can wobble, but DON'T FALL DOWN.

Tuesday

Oh boy, what a day. So, I woke up at Helena's after having a night filled with 4 Charley's Horses. Charley Horses? Charlee Horses? ...anyways. Then, unfortunately I fell asleep with my contacts in. Therefore, I had a nice big pink ring around my eyes, which was my eye's way of screaming, "Hey guess what bimbo! I'm drying out like a field in a drought." :)

But, seriously, other than that, it was a great day. I fasted today. Yes, I actually had the control to fast on a school day. This is quite hard for me, considering I usually use food to motivate me throughout the day. I'll think to myself, Okay, if you finish this Chemistry assignment, you can eat your granola bar. Or, I'll eat my food in certain classes. Like Personal Finance is carrots or chips. Or American Heritage is a granola bar. Even now, as I write this, I realize how utterly pathetic my obsession with food. So, instead I fasted! And I felt so much better. I guess I should clarify, I did fast for a reason. I wasn't just starving myself. Phewh, it's nice to get that off my chest. 

And then, of course, I hear a motivating devotional today about communication and being an example in the way we handle new technology. I really liked what he said about using technology:
1) What's your tagline? Or in other words, decide who you want to be. The BYUtv tagline is "see the good in the world." Yet, the speaker later mentioned being the good in the world. I want people to see my tagline as "being a disciple of Christ." Hence the blog title.


2) What's on your playlist? What is your media consumption like? And I'm not just talking about your iPod playlist. Seriously, can I say that everything I watch and listen to is "of good report"? 


3) What's your role? He had us all hold up our cell phones and mobile devices. I guarantee more than 90% of the students held up an item. It's crazy that we live in a society that everyone has access to these mobile devices. He really emphasized using these devices to our advantage in spreading the gospel. 


Awesome devotional. And, I really don't want this to come across as Oh, I'm so much better, blah, blah, blah...but, I have all of Conference on my iPod. I have never been this quick to do it! I mean, I think it'd be cool to know exactly what everyone spoke on. I know this sounds kinda weird, but I think it's a great experience so far. Just pop in the headphones and hit play, and I get to hear the General Authorities!

Other than that, life was simply stupendous today. I don't feel any different. In fact, in many ways I feel inadequate. But, today was a day filled with many good, little moments. Like folk dance, or watching Lion King at work, or doing a dance video with Eleise tonight. :)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 23, 1994. At the time of this call, Elder Holland was serving as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, to which he had been called on April 1, 1989.

From 1980 until his call as a General Authority in 1989, Jeffrey R. Holland served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He is a former Church commissioner of education and dean of the College of Religious Education at BYU.

A student leader and varsity athlete at Dixie High School and Dixie College in his native St. George, Utah, he received his bachelor and master degrees in English and religious education, respectively, from Brigham Young University. He obtained master and doctor of philosophy degrees in American Studies from Yale University.

Elder Holland was active in professional educational activity prior to his call to full-time Church service. He served as president of the American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities (AAPICU), on the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) and as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Presidents Commission. For his work in improving understanding between Christians and Jews he was awarded the "Torch of Liberty" award by the Anti-Defamation League of B'Nai B'rith. He has served on the governing boards of a number of civic and business related corporations and has received the “Distinguished Eagle Scout” award from the Boy Scouts of America. He is the author of eight books, one of which he co-authored with his wife, Patricia.

Elder Holland was born December 3, 1940 to Frank D. and Alice Bentley Holland. In 1963, he married Patricia Terry. They are the parents of three children."

This apostle is great! I just heard this talk by him today and he is so sensitive to the Spirit. It's amazing! I think it's cool that he's really dedicated his whole life to understanding the gospel and improving the lives of the saints. Today, he explained the process and efforts put into General Conference! He is also supa funny! I heard him in the Leadership Training Meeting, and to hear him off script was so intriguing!