LMP

Epilogue Who knew being silent could cause such commotion? I sure didn't. Especially not when the noise preceding and ensuing the silence was so loud. I guess Newton's Third Law applies to everything. Every reaction has an equal and opposite reaction. So then shouldn't this reaction be happy? Hopeful? Blissful, even? But, hey, how could a city's reaction be the opposite of murder? The University of Chicago has really cool essay questions. Anything from mantis shrimp's range of sight, to super-huge mustard bottles. How much would living in Chicago be? It's not super safe. Then I wouldn't get the Regents' Scholarship. Yep, can't go there. Maybe this summer, in Europe I could write to all the essay prompts. Okay, five plus seven times two equals..... ..... .... I'm not very good at math...... Twenty-six!! So 26 hours on the plane. Which would be plenty of time to write all the essays. Ruby could edit them even. Perfect.  "Hey di...

I have been to Europe three times, and have paid for almost all of it myself. I am currently seventeen.  So, it's possible! Some things I did... ~Taught kids camp at my house ~Babysat ~Mowed lawns ~Taught flute lessons ~Saved And that's basically it! For families, decide what you are willing to sacrifice to get there. I have some relatives that stopped buying milk and only drank powder/canned milk for a year to pay off their house. This is a little extreme, but their priorities were to pay off the house and they figured out a way and stuck to it! Luckily, trips are a whole lot less than a home! Tips for frugal traveling... Go on the off season; flights to New York and Europe are much cheaper in January than in June or August.  Stay in hostels (blog post on hostels coming soon) Have your eyes peeled for the best airfare *Many travel agencies/websites love to send you emails when a super cheap flight appears* If you have family and friends there, po...

Well I'm here! The flight left at 8:40 and we arrived in San Diego 20 minutes earlier that the expected arrival time. I'm the only Dopp to fly and the others had car troubles, so now I have 5 hours to kill while waiting for them to pick me up. Luckily I have The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books and another ballet book. I'm taking a taxi to Old Town to see the Mormon historical sight and take a tour. But for now I have to spend a little more time at the airport. There's not much to do in this one but I'm set with my books. I'm so excited to spend a whole week in IB!!!! The New Year is coming and I have a feeling 2015 will be a good one. Today's resolution: go to the temple every month

December gave to me... the best Christmas yet MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

December gave to me. .. a cat!!!!! I can't believe it's Christmas Eve! I'm eternally grateful and indebted to my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the light and life of the world. He came into the world in the humblest way and left it because of the cruelest means. But He still forgave and forgives and He still loved and loves. I love Him and my Heavenly Father.

December gave to me.... a failed attempt at making brownies I made these with Emily and Jess. I swear we followed the recipe exactly and it still turned out wrong. The icing and sprinkles helped a little but the aesthetic just wasn't for to give to our awesome guy friends. So off to Sugar Daisy Bakery we went. The boys loved the cupcakes and we went back to Emily's to eat some of our "Christmas Mush."  Later, like the super cool cats we are, Emily and I watched A Very Brady Christmas at my house and talked about life and got really tired and crazy.  I'm so thankful for the safety and security I have in where I live. I'm so blessed to live in a few country and in such a nice house.  But, most importantly, I'm grateful for the safety and comfort I feel from the gospel. It is my rock and my compass. I never feel lost and alone because I'm not. Christ is always there. The church has helped me understand and feel the spirit of Christ. Christ...

December gave to me...a trip to Nana's and taking the kids to a movie All seven of us kids, plus mom went to Nana's today at lunch time. We brought some food and Mrs. Cavanaugh's chocolates. We bought them in Bountiful before we came and the lady there gave us all free samples (that were really full-fledged chocolates) which was so nice! She wrapped it up all pretty and when I handed it to Nana she was so excited! Nana told us about waiting under the roll-top desk in her home with her brother Stanford and sister Asenath. They'd wait on Christmas Eve to spy on Santa, but always gave up and went to bed. Nana is 98 and starting to lose some of her memory. My mom and I were talking about how old age and some mental diseases really show that person's true character and personality. Nana truly is so sweet, generous and kind. Down to her core. She's simply made up of love and kindness! I'm so thankful for her and her example of charity. We had a Dopp Fami...