But God is Faithful...

What a long day! Actually, more like a long few weeks!

School has been busy busy busy. I haven't had much opportunity to "play" recently and that makes me sad! I love to goof off and enjoy being with my friends. But I suppose that is finals for ya! That's right, finals week! Can't believe this semester has already come and gone. I am trying my hardest to stay on top of things for all my tests, and I feel like I am doing a pretty good job, but I think it would be silly if I didn't acknowledge the countless blessings I have been given in this busy time of year.

At the beginning of the semester, I got two callings! Ward Missionary and FHE committee. I love them both so much! However, at the beginning of the year, taking 18 credits, two callings, new school...this all was super overwhelming! How excited I was I got set apart and my blessing said that I would be able to accomplish all the many responsibilities and requirements I have, and that my happiness would be magnified above what I could comprehend.

What a wonderful blessing, and I have felt the effects all through finals week. It seems last week I got called away from studying more than usual. As a ward missionary, part of my responsibility is getting "investigators" or people looking into the Gospel rides to their various church meetings and discussions. I love it because I feel like my car rides are a "buffer" zone. On the way, I usually try to make these people feel a lot less nervous for meeting with the missionaries, and on the way back to their homes, I always answer any questions (even the weird ones that they feel they can't talk to missionaries about) which is always fun for me. Now as much as I love this, I couldn't help but feel a little sassy inside when I kept getting calls to pick someone up, or meet at another discussion, or anything like that. Don't they know finals are coming up!? But regardless I always sucked it up and went. It was a pretty big leap of faith for me (flash cards don't learn themselves!!!) but I did it, and somehow everything has worked out so far!

I have no problem with asking in prayer for help with my finals or studying, but the thing I have learned I am forgetting is the whole FAITH portion of the deal.

I quote this all the time to my sweet little investigators, but maybe it's about time I learned a little more from it?

Moroni 10:4-5
"...If ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost...And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things"
There is no denying that I have been blessed tremendously this past week in many ways, school is just one. I am so excited to be able to continue my school work and to be able to be doing well despite how busy I am! I have to admit, I am a little sad to leave this semester behind, by far one of my happiest times yet, but at the rate this whole "living" thing is going, next semester will be even better!

What matters most.

This has been a long week of lame stuff happening. After yet another busy and stressful day, I began to tidy up my room. After doing some laundry and putting some books away, I stumbled across a package of a whole bunch of photos I just barely got printed that I had forgotten all about!

I LOVE pictures so much, and going through all of these was really really great. They also reminded me of something particularly important: 

"We would do well to slow down a little, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see 

the things that matter most" -Elder Uchtdorf 
i heart my life

Retail Therapy

Well, as some of you may have noticed from the title of this post, my doctors appointment that I had today didn't go so well.

On to something that did.

This.

Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner

Now I admit, this wasn't 100% an impulse buy. I have spent the past few days researching liquid liners and was drawn to this one because it isn't actually a liquid at all! It's called "gel" and is more like lipstick consistency. Doesn't run or smear, really easy to put on, lasts for hours, and it's waterproof :P It comes with an eyeliner brush (like the pros use!) and some instructions on the back. This is like nothing I have ever used, and it is by FAR my favorite.

Price wise, this is about 7-10 dollars depending on where you get it. It's about two times the price of the eyeliner pencils I get, but this will last SO much longer (there is so much in there! you barely need any to make it look really nice) PLUS: No sharpening (ever!). I love love love this already, and I would recommend it as a make-up basic!

ALSO wonderful was my 2 for $20 deal at Applebees with my boyfriend Eric. Their "original" wings were an amazing appetizer (plus they come with celery! I was in heaven!), and then I got the Santa Fe Chicken platter, and Eric got some sort of chicken-cheesy-penne-pasta thing. We really liked it and even had some left overs! Maybe next time we can bring another friend and split stuff three ways? :)

After that, I just ended up going to Eric's dorm for a while. When I started to get frustrated about my doctor appointment, Josh (Eric's roommate) let me play his shooting game with him on Xbox. He was right, it did definitely make me feel better to kill things with my chainsaw gun. :P

I have definitely been through my fair share of suckiness in the health department this year. The part that makes me saddest about my little knees is just how much I want to run. I want to run run run so bad, but right now I can't even straighten them without having some issues, and after about 10 minutes of walking I turn into gimp-legs. I am happy that my last run I had was one of my best yet, another 3 miler! Maybe tomorrow I will put on my stupid handicap person knee braces and try to run a little. As if I don't look stupid enough when I run!

The only thing that is really encouraging is the words of a very special blessing I had that said "There's no challenge, whether it be of health or otherwise, that you cannot overcome"

Bring it.

What I Would Do.

As the knee problems continue, I have been really looking forward to my trip to the orthopaedic specialist. Though there website is a little ghetto, they have some links to some really helpful information about my knee dislocations! It really made me a bit more curious so I have been checking out a lot of links.

Okay. Sqeemish alert. Might wanna school past this picture if you are a baby :P

Okay. So there it is, you can see the little patella chillin' up on the femur, and that isn't right! A good knee is all lined up and the little patella sits on the "pillow" in the right hand picture.

NOW. Little did I know that there were things called "partial dislocations". This is caused when the knee cap is literally "on the fence" about going out. The knee will usually look a tad funny for just a second, and find its way either IN the proper placement or OUT of placement, depending on what the unsuspecting victim is doing at the time.

My last major dislocation was in August, just a few months ago. I was just dancing in my room and that little sucker popped out, and then went back in again on its own accord. Nowadays, dislocations like this don't affect me too much. My ligaments are probably really stretched by now, so I don't have much soreness, and there isn't really bruising when it is only out for a second. Good?

LITTLE DID I KNOW. I have been a victim to "partial dislocations" pretty much all of my life! I have described it before as knee-buckling, feeling like I can't put weight, sharp pain when trying to straighten or bend- AND you guessed it, that strange twang of the ligaments that I have been having lately. In all of these cases, my gut reaction is to hit my knee (which looks really stupid when I walk everywhere....) and also I will take my knee in my hands, slowly bend and straighten with my hands keeping my knee from going out. I usually feel or even hear just a little click or pop and then I am good again (until the next 10 steps).

Dislocations also cause lots of destruction of the cartilage which could be an issue in my case (little pieces hanging out in there that makes me want to cry when I run). It is also possible that I have a combination of problems with my joints so really, that is what the doctor is for.

I have been a tad distressed lately, realizing that the solution to these problems is surgery. First off, I am worried about the success rate. I am worried that this will always be a problem for me. Secondly- and this may be completely shallow of me- I don't want the scars. Now I know they are just little, but really. Anytime I put on a swimsuit, wear a pretty dress, slip into some shorts for summer- there they will be. I guy can just cover it up with all his leg hair, but girls, come on! I already have enough negative thoughts about my body, I honestly don't want another.

But then I started thinking what I would do.
I would take a dance class
I would run further
I would throw frisbees and footballs with my friends
I would hike, and not worry
I would go skiing
I would be able to sit in a movie without thinking how badly my knees hurt being all bent :(
I would do lunges
I would do more yoga
I would run faster
I would dance crazy with my friends
I would be free to chase my future kiddos at the park
I would be able to walk around disneyland without ibuprofin
I would be able to have fun now without pain later
I would be happier
I would be healthier
I would do all the things I've had to quit.


I am so excited to start the process of getting this taken care of, so I can finally do all the things I want to do!

October, October, I'm so glad you're ober...

OKAY. I made it. This has been the busiest month I have ever had, and likely the most challenging test of knowledge, motivation, productivity, study habits, and faith that I have ever had!

Throughout October, I have taken a total of 14 exams and quizzes. Think on that for a second. 14!? How is there enough time in the month? In the typical work week (I am not going to count Sunday in my percentages because I don't work on that day) I am in class for 18 hours. That's about 12% of my week. Now in the typical week I sleep 8 hours, which takes up about 33% of my week. So already by attending class and sleeping, that's more than 45% of my time! Now I have homework for about 2 hours a day, that brings the total to 53%. And next, I study for each exam, up to 3 hours+ every few days! Now we have the necessary items adding up to around 60%. Add in eating, extra long homework sessions, study sessions, shopping, church callings, driving, and crying, we are up to like 1306749%

Yea, I am exhausted. The worst part about a time like this is that there is no "resting" from the stress. As much as you tell yourself to take a break from memorizing a bazillion definitions, you still worry about it when you are trying to sit back and watch a movie, or read a book, or even eat a tasty treat! As I have expressed already, studying isn't done until the test is over. There is always more information to take in, more things to brush up, etc. Taking 5 history based classes is difficult because there is TONS of memorization. I have been blessed more than ever with a mind that is able to distinguish the hundreds of terms I have thrown at it this past month.

Wednesday night was definitely a rough one. I was still preparing for another exam and I also had two more essays to write by Friday. Boy, I was worn out. Just when I thought I couldn't handle it anymore, I woke up and went to class in the morning only to discover this:

The first fruits of my labor! I studied for hours on this exam. Hours. I have never studied so hard in my life. Honestly, when I saw that I got 100% it definitely increased my hope for humanity. The weirdest thing is, despite all of the suckiness of this past month, everything seemed better once I was able to see the benefits of my hard work. I am now more motivated then ever to keep at it! I doubt all my scores will be 100s, but its great knowing I really tried the best I could.

In other news, I discovered some really great trail mix like snack from Walmart called "Cranberry Nut Antioxidant". It is a blend of almonds, cranberries, and sunflower seeds. It is definitely calorically dense, but when I didn't have time for food, grabbing a handful and running out the door really kept my spirits up! I think I kinda ate most of the cranberries out of it, but I will probably just add a bag to the nuts and seeds that are still left over. Nummy!

Halloween is just around the corner. At this point, I am not 100% sure what I am doing! The church is having an activity which seems fun, but it involves dancing and my date isn't really a fan :P We definitely want to carve pumpkins and some point (I know it's a little late but we can't really keep pumpkins for long inside the dorms anyways) for traditions' sake. There is also a haunted town that gets set up around halloween in Pullman that has several haunted houses and such. We have some friends that are going to that so we might join them! Whatever we do, I am sure it will be fun though! I love not having tests to worry about! :DD

Well folks, this chicky is wiped out. Goodnight, and hopefully I will be able to post more now that I am not so terribly busy!
-Arianne

TLC

Thought I needed to give my blog a little tender loving care. It's been far too long since I last posted!

Life is pretty much going on as one would expect. This week I have a lot of midterms so I have been pretty drained as far as that goes. This week I have a test in my Classical Christian Europe class Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! Can you believe that? Yesterday we had to write an essay about Socrates, tomorrow I am writing about Afrocentrism, Black Athena, and Not Out of Africa (all pretty interesting ideas, actually. The Black Athena is an afrocentric research book attempting to prove that all the people of Rome and Egypt were black. Not Out of Africa is a rebuttal to this research). And then on Friday, I have a test about the rise of Rome. Then I also have an exam in my World Civilizations class on Thursday and next week an exam for my American History class. The real problem with studying is that it is NEVER done. There is always something more you can learn, always more chapters to read. Hopefully tomorrow I will get a few solid hours in for my World Civ exam.
Today I was SOOO tired. Last year I seem to remember staying up so late and waking up in the morning without problems. This year I have tried to get in bed at a decent hour, but the time always gets away from me. Even though I was complaining in my head, I woke up and went to my Human Development class about Family Diversity. Today we had to write an essay about why a Native American student wouldn't like writing a paper about the significance of Thanksgiving.

In other news, that teacher is starting to drive me a liiiiittle crazy with some things she says. She really is a wonderful person and has been very helpful when I need help with assignments and stuff, but she talks about equality in a way that I don't quite understand. Now, I will be the first to admit that I am completely naive when it comes to racism. Basically my only experiences with it have been in conversations in college (The first time someone said something it took me a minute to realize they were actually serious. How could these children get this far in life without getting a talking to?!), but anyways, my teacher was leading a class discussion about the Indo-European value of Equality and how European immigrants don't really practice what they preach. OBVIOUSLY there is a rough history there (slavery, Japanese camps, shipping native americans off to boarding schools) but are do we not have equal opportunities today? Are black students denied public schooling? Are Mexicans not allowed to work? Are women forced to stay at home and live as servants to a demanding husband? To the best of my knowledge- No. Where there ARE differences among the opportunities that money provides. Wealthier people can afford more things. When I brought this up in class, one other student suggested that money lends itself to inequality. He didn't seem to happy when I said it was communism to take away money from the rich and give the the poor so all could be "equal"...

World Civ was after that. I just kinda sat there and studied for my test and helped my Chinese friend understand the prompts for the essays. He is having a rough time. It doesn't help that the professor can hardly speak English himself. Me and Zhu can't decide what kind of Asian he is. That's pretty much how we spend our class period.

American history is going very well. It's a great way to end my school day! I feel like I am learning a lot. This teacher is definitely one of my absolute favorites. He does a great job of making class interesting. I find myself scanning a lot of the homework he gives us because it is so great at teaching, I want it for my future class!

Lunch today was a nice salad. That's pretty much the usual for me. I have become a victim of my stress for the past two weeks and kinda trashed my body with junk food to "unwind". FYI- Treating your body bad just makes you feel worse! I am happy to be going back to more "light" foods. Of course, with the occasional treat ;)

Eric and I watched the next Terra Nova today. Honestly, the newest one made me tear up a few times. As Eric will tell you, I am becoming an emotional sap lately. Anything that is just slightly cheesy makes me have to whip a tear away! I think it is the product of- you guessed it- more stress. I really just need to go on a vacation to somewhere next to a pool where I someone will bring me a nice lemonade with one of those little drink umbrellas. I am sure that would fix me.

After that we went to Subway! We don't really eat off campus very much, but we had planned to go on a little date sometime this week. In my mind I just really wanted a sandwich though, so why go to some place that will charge like 10 bucks for a sandwich that I will probably be less content with then the wonderful joys of Subway? It's fun because we got a free cookie after for filling out the survey :)

After you add a quick little trip to the gym, pretty much brings us to this point. This was a long post, so thanks for reading! I won't be in school forever, so I have to savor the chatter about my classes :P

P.S.
As for Pullman, it is just a wonderful place. It is kind of silly, but I just look at everything and think it is so beautiful! I wish I could live here forever! Unfortunately there are no jobs, and little to do if you aren't a student. But *sigh* it is completely lovely!

Thanks for listening.

Well folks, its been a while. I have been debating whether or not I should make this specific post for quite a few days, and I can't get it out of my head so I guess I will.

I've been thinking a lot lately about why I am here at WSU. I had already known it was the right thing for me, but how do you explain that to the hundreds of people that ask? So I came up with a few logical reasons (and some not so logical :P) about why I wanted to be here. But in the end, there was this strange feeling like it was familiar and special and happy. So I went with it. This feeling was strengthened when I received a blessing that stated  "Thank you for listening and coming to Pullman"

Honestly, I was a little freaked out. I had tried my hardest to follow what I felt was right, but it's not like I saw a vision or anything telling me to come here. I was nervous and a little unsure. After thinking these things, though, looking at my past started to make sense.

Two years ago, I got rejected from BYU. Rejected. Can you believe that!? At the time, I was completely devastated  didn't see any reason or purpose behind why I couldn't go there. Through a blessing, I had learned that this was all apart of the plan. So I tried my best to move forward.

I went to SUU. I made wonderful friends who I still love very much to this day. I learned a lot about what is important to me. But I started to feel like it was time, yet again, to try something new. Of course I missed my family and my boyfriend, but in a way, it was more than that. I just didn't have the feeling I wanted.

So I came to WSU. No doubt, there were struggles. There were so many blockades and issues with my application and such that I was beginning to think I had totally messed up. I still was relying on that feeling I had though, the feeling that I only found here at WSU. So I kept at it. And I loved it.

But see now, I have started to understand how each part has been so vital. Had I gone to BYU, I probably would have loved it. I may have met new friends. I may have had a whole different life. I may have been less willing to listen to that feeling in my gut that said I needed to make some changes.

I am sure there is more to my story. Obviously I have a purpose in coming here, and I am excited to discover more about that. But at the end of the day, I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. School is hard. Sometimes I get stressed out. I've already gotten sick and had to go to the hospital.... but I can't stop smiling! I love it here.

Most importantly, I have never felt so close to my Heavenly Father as I do here. I am slowly coming to understand how real the plan of salvation is. I am starting to realize that God is really listening and he is totally giving answers to prayers all the time. All you have to do is listen. I have been told that all my life, but for some reason, answers have never come so clear as they do now. I was told in my same recent blessing that if I think I am happy now, just wait until after I begin my work here. I am excited for that.

I am so happy for the wonderful support given to my by my friends here, my family, and of course my boyfriend :) With the help of those who love me, and my Heavenly Father, there is nothing I can't accomplish.


...now to pass History of Classical Christian Europe...

Thanks for listening :)

And the votes are in.

Wazzu is so awesome!

It has been a long and busy week, but even during all the chaos I am just falling in love with the campus! Today it was way hot outside, so after a busy day of classes I went out for milkshakes with my boyfriend and his friend Josh! The diner-like milkshake place is always packed with kids, but it is well worth any wait! They are seriously make the best milkshakes ever (mmm butterfinger!) and you can even use RDA (dining account $) instead of forking over extra cash.

Before I went out to play, I did make the effort to try to get a job in the area. I decided today would be an application pick up day, and I would bring them back in the near future. That all went very well.

While I was out at the mall, I noticed Rue21 was having HUGE sales (as always) so I went in and picked out some cute tops.

Today, I also registered for my LDS Institute class, which is a church class for college-age kids (similar to bible study). This semester I will be studying the Book of Mormon. I am excited to start my newest class next week, and even more excited to make some more friends!

WSU is a wonderful place for me. I feel as though I am already learning so much, and I am very excited to continue here. It was a big and difficult change for me, but I am so happy I took a little leap of faith. I have already met such wonderful people!

Busy Day!

Today was the first of many amazing days of WSU! I felt so tired after walking around. Check it out!

That's over 4 miles! Uphill both ways :P

So far, it's a little hard to gauge the difficulty of the courses. I have 100 pages of reading and note taking for one class alone (due in the next few days). I don't mind the reading so much, though. I do have some writing to do too, but that also isn't too intimidating as long as you expect it.

Here's to another day tomorrow!

Let the games begin!

Today was my first FULL day at my dorm at Washington State University. I am still getting used to everything! I took a few pics of where I am staying! :)

My Bathroom

More of my bathroom

Sink/Vanity area

My side!

Our room :)

View out from our window, it's amazing!

My WORKING TV (took a while for me to get the hang of my new set-top box!)

My Dresser

It's felt like a busy day today. After dealing with tuition issues, trying to get my set-top box working, investigating the school cafeteria, and finishing unpacking, I am pooped! It's only 9pm. I am a college student. I should have at least 4 more hours in me!

Time to cozy up and do some reading, I think!

Here. We. Go.

I feel like I have far too much to be doing to write up a quick blog post, but maybe this is just the motivation I need!

Motivation for what, you may ask? Packing! Tomorrow is the day I move to my brand-new university! I am getting pretty darn excited to set up my room and attend my classes! I am continuing my schooling in Social Studies Education (High school history, geography, political science...etc) I am taking some great classes this year: History of Classical Christian Europe, History of India, History of America to 1700s, World Civilizations, Human Development in Family Diversity, and Art in Society.

Woo! What a schedule! I have already felt like I have learned so much in the past year or so, but it's hard to believe that in just about 3 years of this, I will be trusted to teach the future of America! However, I have also survived through some pretty bad teachers, so I guess if I am bad at it, it's not the end of the world! :P

You will hear a lot more about school in the next few months I am sure, so instead, I want to share some goals of mine for the next few years! In addition to general well being, I hope to...
-Continue in french
-"I want to go to there" http://ip.wsu.edu/education_abroad/wsu-students/Exchange-Fliers-2010/flyer_exchange_IEPBordeaux_10.pdf
-Do more photography!

I know that isn't a huge list, but I also really enjoy school and I get a lot of fulfillment out of succeeding academically (which is good because it takes up a lot of time!) I am thrilled to start a new school year doing the things I love, where I can be a lot closer to home (but not too close ;D )

A little bit of this, a little bit of that.

My "summer" is drawing to a close. I put it in quotes because A, it hasn't been very sunny and warm at all; and B, it hasn't been a TOUCH relaxing! I can't wait for school to start again so I can have some down time!

Just a little peak of what I did this summer!

Went to New Orleans in June to visit with my older sister's future family:

Me in the French Quarter on another sunny day in New Orleans!

It was my first time EVER going to New Orleans. It is absolutely beautiful there, with so much to see and do!

Had a wonderful 4th of July with my family and boyfriend:

Some of our fireworks

Eric and I having a little fun :)

Using long shutter speed, we had people run around us with sparklers. It was very fun :)

Got her married off in July at the Seattle Temple and had a great reception:

Mr. and Mrs. Steckler

My Dad and I on Hillary's wedding day

Went to New Orleans again for a second reception:

The family in Jackson Square on a rainy day

Hillary and Nick at the New Orleans Reception

My little sister Jordan at the New Orleans reception

Site Seeing in the Lower 9th Ward

Got some spare time for a little photography at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans

Worked a lot:
Feels like I never have a spare day to do the rest of the things I need to do (packing, cleaning, hiking...)

Got some really cute shoes:

I <3 These!

Made the Dean's List:
At Southern Utah University, the top 10% of the school is added to the Dean's List. I made the cut! Apparently my name is circling around Southern Utah newspapers. Too bad I am not there for that (and for some sunshine)!!!

And last but not least, LOTS of economics:

A slightly awkward homework assignment....

A nice little graph :P

 Basically, economics has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. I can't even tell if it is making me smarter! It is almost over though. I am a little worried about getting that A I really wanted (right now I have an 89.6) If I get A's on my last 3 assignments we should be golden. It just keeps getting harder and harder!


Now the only thing left is to tackle August!

Five Things Your Fast-Food Server is Probably Thinking:

I know I know, I haven't written in a while. What I have been doing a lot of, however, is working my behind off!

It's pretty common that fast-food employees are the ones getting critiqued. Do we smile enough? Do we welcome you to the restaurant? Does the food meet your expectations? Well you may not know (or even care), but we fast food employees constantly look for the perfect customer. Some of you customers drive us CRAZY. Here are the 5 things we are thinking that may help you help us!

1) No one wants your leftover ketchup and napkins. 
Time after time, I see tables neatly cleaned by customers with this one problem: In the far back end of the table, a pile of napkins and ketchup that you didn't use. For health reasons, these products cannot be left for another customer to use. Many germs are invisible. Just because these products look clean, doesn't mean they are, so naturally I have to throw them away! The thing that is so painful about this is that the customers THINK they are helping. Next time, just throw those things away :)

2) Caution, wet floor!
Uh-oh, your baby knocked your drink over. You have no idea how many times customers try to take the mop from me and clean it up themselves! I know you feel bad, but guess what, I get paid to clean the mess up (and yelled at if I don't!) So instead of trying to take the mop from me and adding time to the chore, PLEASE, allow me to step in. To those of you who think you succeeded at taking the mop, I just have to go back over the spill area using the proper steps after you leave!

3) Ask questions.
Frequently I see customers looking over the menu for about 10 minutes, disgruntled because they don't know how to get what they want. You may not know this, but behind the counter is a person who has spent HOURS answering questions, looking up ingredients, and talking to people about how they enjoyed their meal. Many cashiers know a lot more than you think they do- and if they don't, a manager for sure will! We are all about getting you what you want, whether it be low calorie, avoiding gluten, or something for when you are absolutely STARVING that won't break the bank. Just because you don't see something on the menu doesn't mean it is impossible to make! Basic ingredients create each product. Fast-food employees should happily adjust any item to be what you would like.

4) If there was a problem, YO, I'll solve it...
Unlike sit-down restaurants, fast food restaurants deal with many people quickly. I will be the first to admit that due to the volume, mistakes do happen. Not every worker is as experienced as others and this could result in food being typed in incorrectly or being made incorrectly. If we messed up, tell us and we will FIX it. Other problems such as garbage cans being full, running out of napkins, straws, sauce, cutlery, and toilet paper and paper towels in the bathroom can ALL be fixed. Employees should be checking these things, but obviously when we are busy we may not see right away. If you need something, tell us! We see you sitting over there all grumpy. We just need to be told what is wrong.

5) Tell us what you think!
Many fast-food places have websites now where you can tell us what you thought of our service. What you say has a huge affect on what happens in the inner-workings of the store. I have seen people get fired over reviews, and I have seen people get promotions. I have also seen many changes in our menu as well. Did something have too much sauce? Did an employee make you smile? Did we get your order to you quickly You may not see is that often these reviews are POSTED where the crew can see them. We WILL change according to what you say. Many of us work a lot of hours, and it makes our day to see that we made someone happy. And if we didn't, YES it makes us sad. But either way it helps us improve. "Tell us what you think" is not just something we write on our products for fun. We love hearing from you!

Success.

20 more days until I am done with SUU (that's only 15 more days of classes!). I am very excited! However, I will be honest, I was getting a little worried about my school work recently. I want to have good grades, and I was afraid that things were slipping just a tad.

Then, this week I got some grades back!

100% on my math test! In my last blog post I was saying how badly I wanted to get a 100% and I did it! Oh Boy!

100% on my Self Portrait assignment AND she wrote such a sweet note! "Great Job! Could you include this image on your final project CD...I would like to yous it as great student work to show next semester" Yay!

AND 100% on my photography quiz!

My math grades and photography grades are solid, along with my Anthropology. My French class I will probably get a B in, unless I get A's on my next few things. Nutrition has been jumping around the A- B+ range. Neither of which is terrible. At this point, I think it's unrealistic to get my nutrition up to a solid A, but hopefully with my last two tests and assignments I can climb up a couple percentage points. Currently, my GPA is just a wee bit higher than last semester (with more credits, woohoo!). If I can get that Nutrition up to an A- I will be a whole tenth of a point higher than last time!

I had a lot of really nice classes this semester that I have really enjoyed. I have been lucky to be able to get such great teachers, but also I am really happy that I had the opportunity to choose the sorts of classes that I wanted to take that were pretty easy. This will probably be my last semester of having such an easy course load. I will miss it, but I really think I am going in the right direction for what I want to do.

Enough of that school stuff! Today was really fun because we went to the park for an end of the year church bbq! We played around on the playground, ate some junk food (and got totally stuffed! Yikes!), and played a game of volleyball with kids from the ward. Maryna and I sucked TERRIBLY. I have never liked volleyball, but somehow it was fun.

In sort of sad news, I have recently noticed a lot of scratches on my cell phone screen! There are lots of tiny ones, and a few pretty major ones. I HATE IT. I love my phone so much, I just want it to be perfect! I don't really know how all the scratches got there. I try to be careful... So anyways, I was trying different home techniques to help the scratches go away. Generally the idea behind these is that you use something mildly abrasive (some even suggest really fine sandpaper) and kinda rub down the scratches. The two I tried were toothpaste and peanut butter. The toothpaste didn't seem to work at all. People say that it usually takes a series of times where you are rubbing for about 30 minutes to make it go away. I probably rubbed for about 30 minutes and I didn't notice ANY change. Perhaps my toothpaste isn't as abrasive as other people's. Peanut butter actually went a lot better. I noticed changes in how it looked, but also how the screen felt. After cleaning the screen and everything, I still can't feel any bumpiness where the scratches are. I think I will try the peanut butter again and see if I notice more changes.

I have also read online that they make scratch removers for LCD tv's and CD's and such, and those can all work really well on phones. If anyone has anything that they have tried, let me know!

It's a Good Day!

How can you have a bad day when you start it off with this?

I know, it is a few minutes long, but it goes by quickly and has a very nice message!

I love the line that advices us to "embrace each day with an enthusiastic welcome...no matter how it looks".

This morning, I accidentally slept passed my alarm! This hasn't happened all school year long so it was really weird for me. I was awoken at 9:15 (15 minutes after my first class starts) by a text message from one of my friends in French class asking if I was coming to class. In my head I was like "pfft, no. Too late now!" but then all of a sudden, I jumped to my feet remembering I had my french presentation today! I was in a whirlwind, with clothes, brushes, make up, hairspray, all flyin' around for about 5 minutes before I got out the door. Thankfully, I made it to class and the presentation went well! I was proud of myself though, because waking up like that was not fun, but I didn't let it bring me down!



Math class was as fun as can be when you are learning about probability. My math class really hasn't challanged me that much, but it is always good to have a class where you feel smart! We haven't recieved our most recent tests yet, but hopefully tomorrow! I am dying to have a 100%. I knew that chapter backwards and forwards! Ah well, my worst grade in that class as of yet is a 90, and all my others have been high 90s. I will get an A regardless.



In my Anthropology class, she handed back a whole bunch of homework assignments, and I will just tell you now, I got 100% on every assignment! That is pretty darn good! My teacher always starts presentation sheets (where the student chooses a date to present) in the front of the classroom, and me and my friends sit in the back. My buddy asked if she could start it in the back this time, and one of the kids from the front said "You know, you learn better when you sit in the front. She is just rewarding us." I told him we should compare grades :P



Didn't have photo today which was nice. I love having 2hrs for lunch! With my extra time, I steamed the left over broccoli from last night and toasted a bagel. It was pretty good broccoli! I bought a different brand of bagles than a normally do (because walmart was out) so it was different, but not terrible.


Nutrition was fun. We talked about sports nutrition, specifically staying hydrated and different intensities to work out at. It really inspired me to get my booty over to the gym, (I haven't been good about that lately), but I was a little too exhausted to change into gym clothes, go to the gym, come back, shower...so I just took a nice little walk instead. I should really take advantage of the gym, but maybe when I have a better night's rest behind me! :/
Right after nutrition I went to French Table (french discussion group). Today wasn't as fun as the other days, but it was still great! I haven't been studying french as much as I should so some tenses don't come as easily as I'd like them too. The other thing I have to remember is many of these people have studied in france and had a lot more exposure. Unfortunately, French doesn't count towards my major, but I want to continue to take classes (even after I graduate) so I can go to france someday...*sigh*


Right after French Table, I called my mom to talk to her about my dress I got to wear for Hillary's wedding! My older sister is getting married in July and has told the girls to wear pink dresses (because her colors are pink and brown). The dress I ordered just came in the mail today! It is so cute and it was such a steal! I am not sure if I am allowed to post it so I will just keep it a secret for now :P

Also in the mail today, I got a letter from Eric! It's pretty darn great. With only 24 days until I am done at SUU, there probably won't be many more letters in my future! It makes me sad :(


That was my day! I had a lot of fun. It has been nice weather, and my roomie is still gone so I have had the bedroom all to myself! Though I can't really spread out, it is fun to just be able to do my own thing. I know, I am so selfish!




à bientôt!



Good Times

Life is good!

My Aunt Marilyn sent me this beautiful necklace! It is in a really snazzy case too! I definitely need to send her a thank you note back!

A while ago in the mail, Hillary sent me the cutest "genius" fridge magnets for my birthday! I was SO excited! We always had them growing up, but now I have words of my very own! Oh boy!

Also in the mail (I know, I have been a happy girl lately) I got my new pair of jeans! They were on sale from JCPenny, but I bought them to replace my other jeans that got a big whole in the tush! This is a picture of one of the back pockets!

Today was Temple Tuesday! Me and my two cute little friends went down to Saint George today! We didn't take pictures, but I assure you, I went! While I was there, the same old guy from last time asked me if I ever found out about his old girlfriend, Melva Jean Pulsipher! I told him that I had asked around a little but hadn't found much. He told me he really wanted to know how she was doing so I should try to find her and sit down and chat with her :P He was such a cutie!!!

He also told me that when they were dating, they would always go places on his motorcycle. And he said everytime he went around a corner she got scared and hugged him really tight. He said after the first time, all he did was go around corners :P I thought it was cute, however I didn't know that it was temple appropriate :P

After I got home I was determined to find this little lady and I found out that she had actually died in 2007! He is for sure going to ask me next time so I am trying to find some stories to tell him or something, but I haven't had much luck yet :O

I also recently finished my self portrait, and today I finished the essay that goes along with it. This had really been stressing me out so now that it is done I feel so much better!

In other news:

• My French class and Math class were both cancelled for tomorrow so that means I get to sleep in!
• I have a test in math on thursday and I am hosting another study group on Wednesday! I don't really need any help on this section, but when I have to teach it to the other kids it really gets drilled into my head!
• Institute was really great today! I have really been loving it and I am so sad to think that the class will be over in a few weeks! It's enough to make ya just cry!
• Book of Mormon if 40 days is going well! All weekend I was a few chapters behind and last night I kicked it in gear and caught up. It's day 10 today, I am 1/4 way through! Tonights assignment is Jacob 6-7, Enos, Jarom, Omni. Let's get it done!
 

How to Get Hot Buns for General Conference Weekend:

Recently, I have really been wanting to make some homemade dinner rolls! What better project to do while enjoying the wonderful talks during LDS General Conference?! I used a beginners recipe and they turned out great!

Ingredients:

Yeild 24 Rolls

• 1 cup water (110 degrees F)
• 2 packages yeast (Do not use the quick rising in this recipe)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/4 cups flour
  
  Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-dinner-rolls-40633#ixzz1IOwxYrMo

Combine water and yeast in lg bowl; let stand for 5 minutes.

With wooden spoon, stir in butter, sugar, eggs and salt.

Add flour, 1 cup at a time and beat in as much as you can.

(you will probably be able to use all the flour) Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days.

Be sure to clean your mess so your roommates don't get mad! :)

Turn dough out onto floured surface.

Divide into 24 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball

Place in rows in prepared (greased 13x9) pan and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 375 and bake for 17 minutes or until golden brown

Violà!

 I ended up letting my rolls rise in the pan for about 2 hours. It was tempting to put them in earlier, but I wanted to make sure they were doubled in size so it would turn out right. If I were to do it again, I would only add 4 cups flour. The dough was a little stiff and hard to roll into balls, and they do get extra flour when you put the dough on the floured surface.

These puppies turned out so good. I will definitely make them again. The top of the roll is very flakey, and the inside is light and fluffly. YUM!

Playing Catch-Up

I have had the most wonderful past few weeks! I should have posted more frequently but I was just so busy! Here is a short synopsis of my March!

March 10th:

• It's my 19th Birthday!

My family sent me Pixar's movie "UP" and lots of sweet treats in the mail! I LOVE this movie. It really is super sad, but very cute too! It was so nice of them to send it to me!

March 11th:

• I come home for Spring Break!
• I flew SW Airlines from Vegas to San Jose, and then San Jose to Seattle. My flight from San Jose was delayed about an hour and a half, but by the time I was back in Seattle I forgot all about how bummed I was!

Spring Break (March 12- March 19th):

• I had so much fun!

  

  Eric got tickets to a hockey game for my birthday!

We were in the third row from the front! Awesome!

My Mom took me shopping! We bought a couple really cute shirts and this nice jacket from Old Navy!

Went to see the Adjustment Bureau with Eric! It is SUCH a great movie, I really enjoyed it! Currently Eric is writing a paper on it for his english class, so I am guessing he liked it too! :P

Eric and I at the Mac Store after going to the Cheesecake Factory for a nice little date!

• During the break, my family and I went to go visit my Grandma at her apartment in Kent. She hadn't been doing so well- turned out she had a colapsed lung and a staph infection over the weekend! Due to the wonders of modern medicine, she came home from the hospital just fine! By the time I saw her on Thursday, she was the lively, sweet little Grandma I knew her to be!

• Before I visited my Grandma, I also dragged my boyfriend to IKEA with me! We had lots of fun! Eric was excited because the daily meal special for that day was ribs. I was excited because I got to look at all the house stuff! Win Win :)

Friday night, Eric's parents took us out to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse! Can I just say how AMAZING this place was?! The food was delicious and all the staff was very kind. A big thank you to the Myrvold's for giving us such a great experience!

After taking us out, Eric's Dad made everyone Crème Brûlée! It was soooo good! A little birdy told me he woke up at 6am just to make it for us! How sweet!

Post-Spring Break:

• It was really hard to come back to school after such a perfect 8 day break! However, my friends and I have managed to have some great times!

Two of my roommates and I eating indian food at the Indian Holi Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork, UT

Another roommate and I taking pics with some pretty hot statues on campus!

A friend from down the hall, a roomie, and I posing for a picture at the Saint George Temple! We've decided to have "Temple Tuesday" where we go down and do temple work each week! Want to learn more about what we are doing? Read this article!

All of the roommates (Minus ONE who we all missed very much) having fun at Discovery Park!

Last but not least!!! Two of my LDS roommates and I are reading the Book of Mormon in 40 days! It is a challange, but really fun as well. The schedule is actually fairly easy! If you want to know more about the Book of Mormon, read this explaination

 March was such a great month! Now we only have 34 days left until school is out!