LMP

Christmas Eve is by far my favorite day of the year. The anticipation, excitement, traditions and feeling is just so wonderful, even magical. For the FIRST time in my life, ever, I went to the gym. Ruby, Em and Amy and I went to the body pump class at Sportsplex which was hard and very cardio-y. Then Em and Amy showed us the wonders of the gym. Like, the thing that dangles you upside down, cool pull up bars, and a machine that works your inner thighs (great for dancers). I felt so rejuvenated and ready for the day! Plus, I didn't get hungry until 4 later that day! Maybe I'll go to the gym more than once in 2016  ;) Then Free, my dad, Ruby and I went to the final Hunger Games. Woah-it was intense! I liked it and thought it was well-done. My dad noted that it was a little depressing, which it was, but I had read the book and was excited to see the film adaptation. I hated the book so I thought they did a good job salvaging the good parts and making Katniss more of a participat...

I have loved all the media the church has put out this year for Christmas. A Savior is Born  might be my favorite Mormon Message ever! The daily GIFs are adorable, simple and striking. I'm so thankful for this time of year. Everything is a little more sparkly, a little more cheerful and a little more generous. I got to play in church today with the ward choir. I got the music on Friday and was so excited that it was "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks". I think it's so pretty and fun to change up the traditional Christmas hymns.  This  is the version we did. I went to Sunday School with Ruby and stayed for Young Womens. I just love Young Womens, I've always felt a connection to it. I hope I'm called to Young Womens when I graduate from the Singles ward. We talked about Mary and her divine role as the earthly mother of Christ. We mentioned that our earthly mother must have been preparing Mary for her mission on Earth. Our heavenly mother also prepared a...

Finals week is over!!! The joy that fills my heart right now is enormous. Biology was my last final and it was quite daunting. I read through 700+ slides over again for my review, watched some videos about photosynthesis and cellular respiration, taught it to my roommate, and prayed. I still don't know my score, but ya know what? I did my best. I've learned that that's all that matters. School gives back to you exactly what you put into it. Maybe not in the form of an A or praise from the teacher, but knowledge is precious. It is valuable. Knowledge is one of the few things you take with you into the next life. Even though the modern school system is not perfect and the grading system is a little whack, learning can still take place. I have begun to really value my education. So many people never get one. Even in the seemingly useless memorizing, studying and writing, I know I am using my brain, getting closer to my potential and being productive. So take heart high sch...

"We don't need to be more of anything to start to become the person God intended us to become." -Dieter F. Uchtodorf Sometimes I have the absurd fear that I will be judged if I am too nice. I am afraid that if I change and say something kind or act especially nice that people will see me as fake or hypocritical. When that thought flashes through my head, I quickly determine not to let it dictate my actions. It's so silly! I don't know if anyone else ever thinks this, but it is not true. Even if someone does judge, it's not your fault or business. No one is perfect and you can't make assumptions on someone's efforts. It is so ironic that sometimes I fear people will judge me for doing something right. I am in no way perfect and kindness doesn't mean I think I am.

I have learned so much this semester. Probably the most I have ever learned in four months. From being an adult, making smart decisions, choosing to be faithful, communicating with my peers, being patient with roommates, cooking, cleaning, organization, choosing to be happy, focusing on the positive, what's really important in life, the basics of biology, understanding of ancient literature, how to be an effective teacher, choreographic tools, what kind of spouse and parent I want to be, deeper understanding of The Book of Mormon, the importance of following the commandments, how important family is, what kind of career I want to work towards, interior design decorating, dance history and basically the secret to life. THE SECRET TO LIFE IS... ~Following the teachings and commandments of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Specifically being truly converted to the gospel and focusing on improving your relationship with Jesus Christ every day ~Choosing happiness Of c...

Although this one didn't compare to Clytie's, it was still a blast. Sierra and I drove to Linden weekly for rehearsals, sometimes twice a week. We didn't have many practices, and learned the finale in fifteen minutes, but we pulled it off. I was just happy to be part of the tradition of Nutcracker. All the ballet I had this semester made me really appreciate the ingeniousness of Tchaikovsky, difficulty of the choreography and magicalness (it's a word for me) of the story.  Slab Pizza in between matinee and night performances. I got the Thai slice. Yummm! So glad my mom, Ruby and Ash could come! Thanks for dinner Mama!! Cubby's is my fav.  Friday night Frostee I felt like this makeup wipe could be a modern art piece. We could frame it and titled it "Facade Dissolved" It belongs in the MoMA, not my garbage can! You had to see it in person. Ha sometimes modern art is just this funny

One of the ways I am eating this semester is through the good graces of my mom's cousin Laura. She let's me come over and clean for 3 hours and I get some grocery money! I love spending time in their home. It is so peaceful, happy and welcoming. I was talking to her the other day and she told me, "Man plans and God laughs." So very true!! All my life I have been a planner. I had my whole life mapped out in seventh grade. Granted, part of the plan was meeting my husband in a Broadway production we starred in and then him becoming the Prophet a few years later, but I have always had a plan. Realistic or not. A few weeks ago when talking on the phone with Ruby, I told her my 'new' life plan. (Switching majors to Art History, minor in Creative Writing, AS in Dance). She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with life, or if college is even something she wants to do. After a lot of me persuading her that college is necessary, beneficial and fun, I finall...

Even though I sometimes feel like I'm in an LDS comedy film from the 90s, I really do love my Singles ward. Relief Society is definitely my favorite part. Everyone participates so fully in the lessons and every comment is so applicable and useful to me. It's cool to all be in the same boat in a sense. We all bring unique perspectives and different experiences, but we're all just trying to get through college or figure out adolescence. Plus, we often get free food. Win Win