'tis the season

Right after Thanksgiving I had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit.  It still didn't seem like November had started since this year has flown by, and yet Thanksgiving was already over.  Luckily I have awesome friends who wanted to go to Temple Square a few days ago to see all the beautiful nativity sets and lights.  It was really, really cold and afterwards we drank hot chocolate.  What else would you do after seeing Christmas lights?  I think everyone has that tradition... but anyways, it helped me get into the Christmas spirit and ready for this Christmas season.  It truly is the happiest season of all. 

I also had the opportunity to go to the Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center with my roommate and some friends.  It was great listening to the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I felt the spirit so strongly and I realized which gifts I have truly matter the most (immortality, forgiveness, eternal life, just to name a few).  Christmas is about JESUS CHRIST, and we should not get caught up in the stress and chaos of trying to find the perfect gift for someone, or thinking about what gifts we want to have.  I love Christmas, and I'm very excited that it's already this time of year.  19 days and counting...

Here are the pictures of the Devotional.

thankful...

I have so much to be thankful for.  What I'm most grateful for this year are my family, my education and attending the University of Utah, being a few weeks away from graduation, my good health, all my true friends and all the good people I have met in Salt Lake City.  I'm beyond grateful for my knowledge of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, my savior Jesus Christ and my Heavenly parents, and my testimony of the Atonement.  I love this time of year and the joy this season brings. 

Now, here are some fun pictures of my Thanksgiving Day.

Fun Finds

1. Google 'do a barrel roll'.
2. Google 'tilt'.
3. Google 'Google gravity' and hit "I'm feeling lucky".  

Do it now.  You will not be disappointed.

Special Olympics

Today I got a call from my aunt and she told me that my cousin would be participating in Special Olympics basketball games here in Salt Lake City.  He plays with the BYU team and they won all three games today.  I was there for the last two and watched the award ceremony.  It was so heartwarming and just enjoyable to watch.   I loved how everyone just played their best and had so much fun doing so.  The Special Olympic community is really awesome.  Here is a picture of my cousin's team.  He is the one laying on the floor. 

Fall Break

I needed a break from school and work and Salt Lake City, and that's exactly what I got this past week.  I went home for five wonderful days.  It was really great being home.  On the drive back up, my sister and her roommate came back up with me.  It was awesome rockin' out on the road with them.  We listened to awesome tunes and it was like blast from the past when we used to go on vacation when we were little.  Oh how I wish fall break wasn't almost over, but I just keep telling myself in 9 weeks I will have a bachelor's degree.  :)  Then it will be like a permanent break until I go back for a Masters Degree.

Pictures, as promised.

Here is the newest member of the Whatcott Family. McKay Robert Whatcott was born on Thursday, September 1, at 2:12am to Logan and Whitney Whatcott.  He was 20.5 inches long and 7 lbs 14 oz.  He is super adorable and I wish we didn't live four hours away from each other.  Being an aunt is the best. 

The happy family

Here are some pictures from Florida.  The temple is the Orlando, FL temple. I realized I don't have nearly as many pictures as I thought I did.  I will have to download and upload more.  However, they are all on Facebook.

Beautiful sunset at my cousin's baseball game.  I know, pictures never do sunsets justice.

My sister was really excited to see palm trees.  Don't know why, St. George has palm trees too.

On the plane, going to Florida

My laptop was chosen to be randomly searched in Las Vegas for weapons or something. 

She took a Dramamine and was completely out of it.

Well there you have it!  More will be added soon. 

So I haven't updated this thing in a long time...

1. School.
It's my last semester EVER (as an undergrad student).  GO ME.  I'm taking some cool classes, and not so cool classes but it's still going to be a good semester.  I'm taking a jazz dance class, it's super great to be back in my element.  (get it? SUPER GREAT?!) haha
Other classes I'm taking involve Stress Management, Psychology of Gender, Personality Theory, Child and Infant Development and Parables of Jesus.  I love my Institute class.  I love the University of Utah.  I am a true UTE.

2.  I'm quitting Fortis College.
I have absolutely hated not having my nights or weekends anymore and what I've hated even more is having worked 32 hours a week plus going to school full-time.  Let's just say I've been pretty busy the last two weeks.  I'm excited to start a new job that will only be ten hours a week and continue working at my other job, that is also only ten hours a week.  Life is looking up again.

3.  I went to Florida 8/19/2011-8/21/2011.
My mom and sister accompanied me on my journey.  We mainly went because when I turned 23, I would no longer be able to fly free on SkyWest/Delta and we did cool things.  Here is a copy of the itinerary so I won't forget it in 50 years.  Feel free to skip ahead if you so desire.
Thursday:  Skipped work and flew to St. George, UT.  Hung with the family for a few hours and then drove to Las Vegas to catch our plane that was leaving at 10:40pm.  Flew to Orlando, FL.
Friday:  Arrived at 6:05am although it was only a 3.5 hour flight.  Went to Breakfast at Denny's.  Went to the Orlando Florida Temple where we saw lizards mating (haha gross).  Went shopping and bought some fun clothes.  Drove to Lakeland, FL where we ate dinner at an amazing Mexican food restaurant and had the sweetest waitress.  Went to Walgreen's where we got a polka-dot umbrella (it was kinda rainy)... the umbrella went flying when I tried to open it.  It was hilarious.  We also got coconut Twix.  Delicious.  Went to my cousin's baseball game.  He is a "Clearwater Thresher" and they won 1-0 in an extra inning.  Go Jordan!  Went to bed... we were dead tired.
Saturday:  Woke up and drove to Tampa, FL and went to MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry).  Jacee and I did a ropes course that was super intense.  Got smoothies and Subway on our way to Siesta Key Beach that is ranked number one in the United States.  Yeah, only the best for us ;) At the beach, we only had one towel and we all sat on the sand and used the towel as a tablecloth.  I'm sure it was a hilarious sight.  Decided to feed a bird, and unbeknownst to us, a whole flock surrounded us.  We didn't feed any more after that.  Swam some more and then a huge storm came in and we left to our hotel.  For dinner that night, we went to a ghetto pizzeria that gave us these free mini breadsticks that were burnt and disgusting.  We had a good laugh about that. 
Sunday:  Stayed at the airport in Tampa for four hours.  Flew to Miami, FL.  Froze to death in Miami inside the airport for 30 minutes or so until we flew to Memphis, TN.  We flew first class.  I love first class, it was amazing and it was free.  Once in Memphis,  we also froze for about 30 minutes before flying to Las Vegas, NV.  Once in Las Vegas, we ate dinner and hung out until my flight left to Salt Lake City.  That was such a long and exhausting^2 day.  We started off the day at 5:30am and I arrived in Salt Lake City at 8:30pm.  I was in an airplane for 7 hours overall that day.  And I started school the next day at 8:05am.
I'm grateful my mom and sister could do that with me.  It was a blast with all three of us. 

4.  I had a good Birthday.
I turned 23 years old.  I feel kinda old now.  I didn't do anything special on my actual birthday because I had to go to school and Fortis, but I did go to Florida beforehand and will celebrate this weekend in St. George.  My roommates surprised me with decorating my chalk wall in my bedroom with chalk and a Justin Beiber poster, the movie "Step Up" to complete my collection and a whole slew of candy.  Overall, it was a good day.


5.  I became an Aunt today. 
My brother and sister in law had an adorable little boy this morning around 2:15am.  Poor Whitney was in labor for about 15 hours.  They named him McKay Robert Whatcott.  I cannot wait to meet him this weekend.  He is a cutie for sure, and seriously, I'm not even biased at all.  For reals, he really is that cute.  The due date was actually on my birthday (August 30th) but I'm quite glad he was born on September 1, 2011 because birthdays are (mine) 8/30. (Mom) 8/31, and now (McKay) 9/1.  It will always be such a fun birthday celebration time for us.

Well that about sums it all up!  Get ready for pictures in the near future.  Yeah I have a lot of posting I need to do still.

Lagoon

On Wednesday (7/27/11), I had the chance to go to Lagoon with my parents and younger siblings, and some family friends from St. George.  Many memories were made and a LOT of laughs were shared.  Even though the power went out for about an hour and it was a super hot day, we had so much fun. 

My not brightest moment was when I was sitting on The Cliffhangover, fixing my shoes when the chest/shoulder restraints came down and locked in place.  Yes, I was stuck bent over.  The worker came over, lifted up the restraint as high as it could go, which was only a couple inches and I had to slide out.  He asked me to slide back into the seat but there was NO possible way for me to do that so he ended up having to lift up the whole row of seats and then lock them all back down.  I was laughing so hard, all my family was too and it seemed everyone thought it was hysterical. Oh Good Times.  Even the worker thought it was hilarious, or really pathetic but he was even laughing so I am assuming the first option.  I just like to keep people on their toes on what will happen to me next. 

After I dropped my mom, brother and sister off at the airport, my dad and I went to dinner at Hires Big H, and it was delicious.  It was great spending an extra couple hours with him.  Enjoy the pictures, better yet, enjoy Lagoon with me next time I go!

Pioneer Day

While growing up in St. George, Pioneer Day was just another holiday in July.  It wasn't ever celebrated as big as Independence Day, but it was a still a day where people didn't have to go to work.  Since I moved to Salt Lake, this is the first time I'm actually celebrating this day.  Last year I was in Salt Lake too, but I only participated by watching the fireworks on my roof.  I ended up teaching in Relief Society at church yesterday and the lesson was on "LDS Women Are Incredible".  I started off the lesson with a story of a pioneer in the Willie Handcart Company who wrote the lyrics to the song "As Sisters in Zion".  What an amazing person.  This year I went to the Days of '47 Parade and it was amazing!  Floats these days are incredible.  The theme this year was "Press Forward Pioneers".  Many floats put a special twist on the theme, and the University of Utah was no exception!  Since this is the first year as PAC 12 members, we are the pioneers of future U of U students in the PAC 12 conference. 

The most amazing person was in the parade, President Thomas Spencer Monson.  He had at least six body guards with him.  He and his wife were in what looked like a bullet proof car.  It was so neat.  The governor of Utah was also in the parade and he did not have as nearly as many body guards as the Prophet did.  My only thought for President Monson having double the amount of body guards as Governor Herbert is that Pres. Monson is simply more important.  :)  I'm very excited for fireworks tonight.  It has been a good day! 

Happy Pioneer Day!

Jordanelle Lake

The second counselor in my college ward bishopric is awesome, and let the ward members go out to the lake with them yesterday.  It was so much fun.  My summer is now complete with that trip.  I was very fortunate to be with the first group tubing out on the lake.  We had two tubes out and once, and so four people were tubing at a time.  I had so much fun jumping from tube to tube and standing up while everything was in action.  It was a blast.  People got to see the crazy adventure seeking personality of mine in action for a little bit!  haha My arms have not been this sore in way too long.  After the sun set, there was this boat show with different kinds of boats all decked out in lights and they had a parade thing going on in the water.  It was so beautiful.  After the boat show, there were fireworks.  My ward group was practically as close as we could get to where people were lighting them off and they were HUGE!!  It was so pretty being so close to them.  Sometimes little things like boat shows and fireworks and huge things like people sharing their fun toys makes life so memorable.  I'm so happy that I feel so close and love my ward family!  I did take some pictures but they don't do anything justice so I will wait until others share their pictures with me before I add pictures to this post.

So I got a new job...

... at a place called Fortis College.  It's a grown up job, and I'm still adjusting to the idea that I will only have Fridays and Sundays off each week.  I haven't asked about asking for time off when I will want or need it but that's okay, it'll be figured out.  I get to dress up like a professional which means my wardrobe needs a major makeover.  I only have one pair of dress pants and very few career-like clothing.  Next paycheck, shopping time!  My job duties include enrolling new students, collecting tuition payments and the basic receptionist responsibilities, and I'm sure so much more that I don't know about yet.  I am excited that I will be able to start saving money and I won't have to live paycheck to paycheck anymore.  Today was my first day on the job and it went by super fast, except the last hour.  8pm is a kinda late closing time, but hey the saying goes beggars can't be choosers.  It will be fun and great to learn the administration side of school since I do want to be a high school counselor.

Thank You.

Thank you to all those who served or are serving currently in the military - marines, air force, navy and army.  Thank you for sacrificing your time, your family, your life, your world to protect the freedom every citizen and resident of the United States has and cherishes.

awesome.

Some awesome things I have done in the past week includes:

• applied for fall graduation. YES.
• watched the Newsies
• went running a lot
• got a church calling
• danced
• went to a birthday party
• slept in everyday... ha love summer
• played some ultimate frisbee
• ate Paraguayan pasta

And that's about it.  Last week I went to a masquerade ball that I do want to blog about, but I'm waiting on people to give me their pictures.

I survived the past week, semester, school year, GO ME.

I'm finished, the semester is over!  I finally embark on my last summer as an undergrad!  ONLY ONE MORE SEMESTER TO GO!! I'm so excited, I can't even describe the joy I feel right now because I'm finally finished with finals week.  Last semester, I did not have one final, and this semester I had FOUR.  Yes, four.  I've never had that many exams in a seven day period ever.  The stress I've felt the past two months bottled up, can finally melt away.  YAY for summer plans, and my first one consists of going to St. George this weekend.

Happy Easter

My top two favorite holidays consist of Christmas and Easter.  I love Easter because I love springtime - everything going from gray to bright colors and I love the Easter candy, but most of all I love Easter because I can focus on the life of Christ and the Atonement and Resurrection.  I love reflecting on how he suffered, bled and died for me, and rose again that I may live again with Him.  I love that through the Atonement, everything can be corrected.  I'm grateful that the Atonement isn't just for repentence but also for comfort and peace.  Happy Easter!  I hope you feel the Savior's love for you this day and recognize all the blessings in your life that have been made possible through Jesus Christ. 

Words and Weekends

Once my roommate starts talking, she doesn't stop anytime soon.  She calls it word vomit, because everything just comes out and she can't control what she says.  However, she does have a filter and it's not as bad as she thinks, and it's quite enjoyable to listen to.  This post is quite random and unorganized and all that.  My version of word vomit.  Enjoy. 

I haven't cleaned my house in FOREVER.  I sometimes forget how therapeutic cleaning is for me, and today I swept the wood floors and cleaned and dusted the front entryway.  It felt so great, sweeping provides instant gratification.  Not only is cleaning therapeutic, it is also a wonderful way to procrastinate writing papers for classes.  I have two papers to start and finish by tomorrow and Thursday.  A teacher scolded my class because our papers have gotten worse over the semester, and as a perfectionist, it takes me forever to write papers anyways, and now it's taking me even longer because I am a lot more stressed about making it even more perfect.  What a great run-on sentence. haha.  April 28th is my first final, and I am so very excited for this semester to be over although it still isn't warm enough for it to be summer yet.  After finals, I will only have 11 credits left before I can say I have a bachelors degree in psychology, which is also why I'm so excited for this semester to end.  The classes I will miss the most is my abnormal behavior class and of course gymnastics.  I don't think I will miss doing gymnastics as much as I will miss hanging out with everyone during class time.  It has been so much fun.  Next semester I want to take a Jazz class, oh I'm so very excited.  This past weekend, as part as the 30ish hours I was in St. George, I helped my little brother's friend with drill team stuff since she is trying out for a team in a couple weeks.  Oh man, it was SOO MUCH FUN!!  I miss dancing so freaking much.  I forgot how therapeutic dancing is and what a release it provides for me.  On Friday, I went to Provo with my mom and grandmother to watch my cousin and cousin-in-law in their last ballroom performance.  They did amazing, as always.  The finale number was spectacular.  Every ballroom team at BYU performed in it and as a prop, they used gigantic balloons.  It was so much fun.  On Saturday, my little cousin was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I know I've said this before, but watching someone get baptized is such an amazing experience.  The Spirit is present and the feelings are so powerful and amazing.  I hope my little eight year old cousin felt how amazing that day was.  She actually isn't that little, she is super tall for her age.  My weekend was quite stressful and so much fun and so rewarding.  I went from SLC to Provo to SLC to St. George to SLC all within 60ish hours.   Flying in an airplane is so convenient.  Next time I go to Provo or St. George, I am staying for much longer.  I could talk about so much more, like how I got 91 percent on my last test I took or how awesome my Doctrine and Covenants class is or how I'm craving an adrenaline intense game of Ultimate, but I really need to get on my schoolwork.  The End.

Happy Birthday

to my very best friend in the world, Erin Brooke Wade Hafen.  :)  Hope your day is absolutely amazing. 

BYU Ballroom Competition

This past weekend I went on a little excursion with my mom and grandmother to watch my cousin and her husband compete in Smooth, Latin and Standard ballroom in Provo. Allie has been competing in ballroom for years, and I love when I can go watch. Allie and Kyle did very well, and it was so much fun to watch them and others perform and compete. Three professional couples came and they are seriously amazing. :) One of my favorite things to watch is the formation teams and the cabarets. I unfortunately don't have any photos of Allie and Kyle, but here is a video of the cabaret winners. They were so amazing, and I wanted them to win. Enjoy!

3.141592654

Yesterday was March 14 aka 3.14 aka PI Day.  I was going to do something cool, like make pie or something, but I totally spaced it. I was kinda forgetful all day yesterday.  I was going to work out in the morning, had socks in one hand, was walking towards the back door and realized wearing my socks and putting on shoes would probbaly be a super smart thing to do.  I almost forgot my backpack later that day when I was leaving for school.  Yeah I know, go me.  I hate days like that because usually I have an awesome memory.  Next year on 3.14, I will do something cool. Like make pie or something.

FHE

Tonight I had a really cool experience for Family Home Evening with my college ward.  We went to the Utah Food Bank and helped sort donated food.  At the food bank, a huge box (like quadruple the size of a refrigerator cardboard box) is filled with food, with everything from pasta to cereal to baby food to toothpaste to all sorts of cans.  The food is then organized into categories like peanut butter, canned fruit, baking condiments, dry foods, canned meals, nonfood items, baby supplies, etc. and is boxed up and sent to people in need all over Utah.  It was really cool to see how the Food Bank works behind the scenes.

In the food bank, a lot of the donated food is unfortunately expired.  Food that is expired cannot be given out to those in need and is just thrown away.  So next time you donate to those in need, make sure it's edible and within a certain time frame before being expired.

Doing this service project reminded me of how blessed I truly am.  I've always had a roof over my head, money in the bank and food available to eat.  It truly is remarkable how giving people are and how much small, simple deeds make a huge difference in people's lives.  I'm so grateful I was able to do an awesome service project tonight. 

Yesterday was a REALLY GOOD DAY.  :)

Decluttering.

Usually I'm an empathetic, happy person.  I love listening to people and their problems so I can help them.  I don't know why I've hit a wall.  Every little complaint someone says has annoyed me or has angered me so much lately.  I feel so mean, but I can't take it anymore.  I wish I was back to my normal self but maybe I try to take on too many things.  Yesterday I felt huge burdens on my shoulders, for no apparent reason.  I've felt weighed down for a couple weeks now too.  People, I really do love you and I want to be there for you, but I've had enough complaints for a while.  So... please, be happy?!

Ahhh, glad that's out of my system... Now for the real post.

While at work yesterday, a coworker of mine brought in some magazines for the front lobby.  As I was scanning the covers and ripping out her home address, one in particular caught my eye.  It was Oprah Winfrey's magazine.  A couple of the articles had to do with keeping only the things you need.  Another article was on organizing and the other article I read was about how simplifying your life is healthy.  I have set a goal to declutter my closet and storage drawers in my bedroom.  I don't have much as a college student, but I feel it would be very nice to throw away things I never wear or need.  I'm also looking forward to spring cleaning coming up.  I love cleaning and organizing, it's a type of outlet for me.  It's almost March, warmer days will be on their way.  :)

Quick Thought

If you are reading this,
you are alive.
If that's not something to smile about,
I do not know what is. 

Lean on Me

On Saturday I had the opportunity to go to a baptism of a guy now in my college ward.  It was awesome.  I haven't felt the Spirit like that in quite some time.  It was one of those moments when you are so grateful for listening to the little angel on your shoulder trying to get you to choose the right. 

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tommorow
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand (Chorus)
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Second Verse
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand (Chorus)
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
If there is a load you need to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me
Call me (if you need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (if you need a friend)
Call me (if you ever need a friend)

The Gospel is always there. The Atonement is real. Christ's love is strong and abundant in so many ways. Prayer works. The Church is TRUE.

No Sugar Diet.

You are probably wondering why I titled this post with three words that should never be put together in one sentence.  Here is WHY I'm participating with my friend in this idea.  I have the hardest time remembering why my body hates me when I eat brownies or whatever, until after it's already in my stomach and I can feel a headache coming on.  I want to avoid the whole "I feel so sick!"  feeling, so Sugar, I'm sorry we could never be friends.  I'm sick of feeling like a failure for not remembering how you hate me so until after I spend time with you.  It's over, I'm done, I quit.  I know the whole 'Moderation in all things' idea, but it honestly doesn't apply to me.  It has to be an all or nothing for me so please feel free to text, call, question me on how well I'm doing with my no sugar diet, because honestly I may forget and slip and want to die afterwards.  I wonder how long I can go.  My friend has gone at least two months without sugar.  Wish me luck!

Stoic.

Do you ever have those days where you don't really feel anything, you just go through the motions and the activities of the day without putting too much thought or emotion into it?  You aren't necessarily depressed or happy, you are just there?  That's how I felt after work last night.  Nothing went wrong or anything, thank Heavens.  After dinner, I ended talking with two good friends last night.  I love how talking to close friends can totally change your mood from okay or whatever, to really good!  I have the greatest friends, and I love them so much! :)

Oven FAIL

So as I was pulling a pan out of the oven tonight, I smelled something burning and decided to look if something spilled out.  As I moved the dish towel I was using out of the oven, I saw that yellow flame that immediately makes your stomach knot up and eyes go as big as melons.  I have always had a fear of fire in the kitchen and I had to make myself think "Stay calm, walk to the sink, turn on the water and the fire will go out.  Nothing else will catch on fire, you are fine."  Which it turns out, my roommates dish towel is not fine.  The corner of the towel is all burnt and when it gets washed, it will fall apart.  I definitely need to invest in oven mitts and buy her a new dish towel.  I'm so sorry Kelly!

MLK, JR Day

The first week of school ended in sucess.  We had a ward mingle on Sunday after the block and we decided to serve yogurt parfaits.  It was a huge hit.  We had about 18 extra quarts of yogurt, yeah lots of free food for college students!  One of these days we will plan it perfectly where we won't run out of anything and we won't have extras either.  Ha good luck with that one!  The only bad thing of this week was that I went running on Tuesday and I'm pretty sure my right foot has stress fractures.  The worst part is that if it really is stress fractures, it takes about 6-8 weeks to heal and I'm suppose to stay off it.  However, that is not going to happen because I'm not going to quit my gymnastics class or Zumba.  Yes, I am that stubborn. 

This past weekend was pretty great too.  We had roommate + friends game night on Friday, had a Paraguayan Food and Signs party on Saturday and had another game night on Sunday night after Ward Prayer.  I'm so grateful for the amazing people I have met up here at college.  Lots of fun times!

Today being MLK, JR Day, my favorite little brother in the whole world came up to play with me.  He is such a stud.  It was pretty fun, we went ice skating, ate at Costa Vida, played games with my friends, watched the super cute Princess and the Frog movie and made some chocolate oreo cookie goodness.  It was a wonderful Holiday Monday.  I love three days off school weekends.

Monday Moment

We'll see if I can write about something every Monday.  It may be a good tradition or something I fail at even before it becomes a habit.  Oh well, here goes nothing. 
Today was the first day of school, well for Spring semester anyways.  I think I'm happy with my classes I'm taking, but I won't know for sure until I actually go to all my classes.  My classes are as follows:

1. Abnormal Behavior
2. Sensation and Perception
3. GYMNASTICS
4. Ethnic Minority Families
5. Social and Personality Development
6. ZUMBA (It won't start until the second half of the semester)
7. Doctrine and Covenants sections 77-138

In the summer I took a class and there was this really weird guy in there who would always look at me strangely.  About 6 times a class period.  I smiled at him, nothing.  I glared, no result again.  I looked at him with a blank face, nothing worked to make him even say a word or stop looking.  I was kind of creeped out but it wasn't a big deal.  The class was ending soon anyways. 
Then last semester he was in my research methods class.  My friend always sat by me, and the looks escalated to about 12 looks and then decreased to maybe 4 times within one week time frame.  Then he stopped completely.
Unfortunately, he is in my Sensation and Perception class this semester.  I about died when I saw him looking at me.  Again.  And again for the fifth time in about ten minutes.  I'm going to have to try and get there earlier so I can sit in front of the Creeper.  As I was telling my friend that the Creeper was in my class, he laughed of course, but he also told me to be careful because he may be a murderer.  I laughed at first but then realized I am so skeptical and possibly naive about how scary people can be.  I highly doubt the Creeper is a murderer, or even crazy. But it's true, you can never be too cautious and it's okay to have your guard up with complete strangers.

SkyWest

(So sorry this is such a long and boring post)

I’ve had wonderful experiences flying through SkyWest Airlines and only one negative experience. This past week was exceptionally awesome. On December 28, 2010 I went back up to SLC to work a couple days. Once I was on the airplane, I pulled my drivers license out of my pocket, along with my boarding pass and thought to myself, “I need to put this in my backpack so I don‘t lose it”. Well, I don’t know what happened exactly after that, but I remember seeing a white piece of paper on the back of the plane, just out of my reach so I assumed it was just trash.
Fast forward to Thursday, December 30, 2010. I’m packing at my apartment to come back home to St. George, when I decide to grab my license out of my wallet and put it in my backpack for quick and easy check in through security in SLC airport. It’s not there. It’s not anywhere. I search frantically but I know deep down exactly where it is… on the SkyWest EMB 120 Brasilia aircraft in the back.

Once I finally checked through security, with my expired driver’s license and school ID and debit cards, I went down to the E Terminal. The flight to St. George was full, and delayed, and my mom didn’t think we’d make it on so we decided to catch the flight to Cedar City.  My brother spent the week with his friend in Washington so we decided to meet up in SLC and fly down together.  His flight was delayed from Washington and our flight to Cedar was suppose to leave at 4:40 and that's just about when he landed.  I was on the phone with him while I was talking and begging and pleading and giving a play by play to the woman at the gate.  She got a phone call from a very important executive to hold the airplane for his son.  Well, he got on the airplane like 2 minutes before Chipper came running in. She decided to start boarding other non-revenue flyers while I kept pleading and giving her a play by play.  We made it on the flight, by no small miracle.  I was so relieved and my mom was actually shocked that we made it.  It was the perfect ending to my emotionally-intense Thursday.

Fast forward again to Tuesday, January 4, 2011.  I'm all packed and ready to go back up to the airport.  I have like thirty seconds to throw my stuff in the car and take off so I'm not late to the airport, but I'm not too concerned since the airport is so small.  My mom just vanishes while I'm saying bye to my sister.  Great.  Perfect timing.  "Miss Dani Shay, you almost missed your mail", my mom calls out when she walks back inside.  I cannot believe this.  I know exactly what is in that envelope before I even see it.  I know it's my driver's license.  I completely tear the envelope apart and pull out my driver's license.  The best thing that could happen this day actually did.  Sweet success.

mmx - mmxi

It's 2011.  It's still really weird to say that because 2010 passed by WAY too quickly.  Overall, it was a challenging but great year.  TEN events of [twenty10] that changed my life:

• Moving to SLC, by myself, in January to study psychology at University of Utah
• Getting a job at a social work office in March, and realizing how blessed I am for the amazing life I have, and for not having to deal with or worry about a 1/4 of what some teenagers have to deal with.
• Surviving my first and second semesters and finals week at the U.
• Moving from a dirty, cluttered apartment to an adorable little house with cute and awesome roommates in July. 
• Getting called as the Mingles Committee Co-chair in my ward in August. 
• Hearing and participating in missionary discussions with my ex-roommate, Wenjun Wang, from China.
• Deciding to work out with friends at 6am every morning. 
• Learning a lesson of Gratitude and true meaning of Thanksgiving by being stuck in the Salt Lake Airport during Blizzard 2010 and giving a talk in Sacrament meeting about Gratitude.
• Meeting people and creating some strong friendships that forever altered my life.
• Deciding that I really do want to become a high school counselor and I will be going to grad school after I graduate with my Bachelors Degree of Psychology in December 2011.

I'm glad where I am at this point in my life and I'm excited for what 2011 has in store for me.  I'm grateful for the memories I have of 2010, the friendships I've made and the joys I have had from living the dream.

Hello twenty[11]. 

WELCOME!