One week down, thirteen more to go!

So week 1 is done and over with.  

Did it go by faster than I expected? Not really.  

Were there a lot more assignments than I expected? Somewhat. 

Did I get tired of all the introductions I had to write and reply to? YES.

One the awesome perks of this past week was helping out my old Pathway missionaries, Elder & Sister Z.  They asked me and "Mrs. Reeves" to teach their new incoming students.  I was assigned the religion class; Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel.  Man, oh man, I was nervous!!! Then again, I'm always nervous. I was nervous because these were students who I had never met in my life, but also they were brand spanking new, which would probably mean that they weren't going to talk much.  The upside to this teaching opportunity was that a majority of these students were from Hawai'i!  It was pretty fun to observe Mrs. Reeves' class during the first hour and then I taught for the second hour.  

I'd like to say that the Spirit was strong.  Several students, men included, were crying and tearing up.  I hope they were able to learn something in the class.  At the very least, I hope they knew of my love of the Savior.  

Parenting.

Don’t get me wrong and assume that I have some sort of vengeance against parents, due to my post from a couple days ago.  That couldn’t be farther from the truth! I have a very high respect for parents, especially single parents, who go about doing their best to raise good children who have the potential to become extraordinary adults.  
Since the age of 9, I’ve had a front row seat to watching a baby grow into a toddler, start kindergarten, grow up, graduate from school and become a man.  In fact, I’ve had that beautiful experience at least 3 times over and now I’m currently watching my 12 year old niece blossom into a beautiful young woman.  By all means, I can CLEARLY see that parenthood is NOT a walk in the park!  Having shared a room with my first 2 nephews, I fondly remember the happiness that overcame me when they started to sleep all through the night!  Being 12 -16 years old, and waking up to a crying baby wasn’t fun, at all!  {If anything convinced me more of not becoming a teenage parent, it was certainly the lack of sleep due to a wet, hungry & crying baby} I remember how overjoyed we would all be when one of our toddlers didn’t need to use his pull-ups anymore because he finally grasped the concept of using the “potty.”  I remember how ecstatic we all were when one of our young 1st graders started to learn the words she needed for her spelling test, which soon became apart of her daily vocabulary.  
I get it--Parenting is hard. Luckily, I’ve seen the rewards that come with it.  When a child succeeds in accomplishing a hard task or homework project, their joy is remarkable! How wonderful it is when a parent can match their excitement!  I can understand that although it is hard, it can also be rewarding.  
Sometimes it kinda scares me that parenthood is right around the corner for Levi and I.  Although this is a rather big corner, it’s a lot closer than it’s ever been before! At times I get a lil scared, but I know that I have a strong partner in Levi.  It’s a learning process, and luckily we all get to take it one day at a time.  

In the last two days, my appreciation has grown for parents, as I’ve spent more time with my niece.  She just started at her new middle school and the homework load is just like I remember it. A LOT!  On Monday, we went over her Algebra, Social Studies and English homework.  It took a while.  On Tuesday, she came home, then we immediately left for her Softball practice.  I thought I was going to get to kick it in the shade for an hour & a half, but there I was playing catcher and then running bases.  {Note to self: get back to the gym this week!} Afterwards, we went home, did some more Distributive Property Algebra homework, then started on her Science project; an “All About Me” shadow box.  We didn’t finish til about 10pm, which only left enough time for her to go home, shower and hit the sack!  Poor girl! Some of the neighbor kids asked her to come outside and play.  I could tell that she wanted to, but she knew of the responsibilities at hand.  When we wrapped up our night, I was ready for the sack, too!  
So to all those parents out there… I get it -- it’s hard!  There are no days off.  The benefits aren’t always so great….but the retirement plan looks rewarding: the end product of a terrific kid, who becomes an intelligent, sensitive & respectful adult is pretty dang phenomenal!   
A HUGE kudos to all you parents who do your very best!! I have no doubt that you’re making a difference in your children’s lives and tomorrow’s world. 

6th Grade Camp!

My niece, Novee leaves for 6th grade camp today! I can't believe it! Where does the time go?!?! 
Yesterday, we went to church together and spent a good portion of the afternoon hanging out....taking photos.  She's so beautiful and tenderhearted.  She is a sweetheart and exudes with love and friendship for everyone. I can't believe that she'll be 12 at the end of this month and entering Young Womens. Wow!  Such a sweet little lady! I love her so much!

Ana Martinez.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) has become one of my favorite holidays.  I love this opportunity to think about our loved ones who have passed away.  Last year, I celebrated my Kuku & Tutu.  This year, I thought about my dear friend Ana Martinez, who passed away on May 25, 1997.  She was 18 years old and a senior in high school.  Unbeknownst to me, she had Lupus and died due to complications from it.  During the 2nd semester of her junior year (she was a year older than me), she was transfered to another high school.  We sorta lost touch during that time, but she transfered back during the first semester of her senior year.  When she came back, she looked very different.  I never asked because I didn't want to offend her, besides, she was the same chill and crazy Ana....what did it matter?
After a while, her attendance became sporadic.  Walking home from school, I had a feeling I should stop by her house, but I ignored that feeling and continued home.  I'd try to call her, but she was never home, she was always up in LA.  I got a call, late in May, from Adriana, a mutual friend who said that Ana was in the hospital and things didn't look so good.  The next day, word came that Ana passed away.  I couldn't believe it.  She was gone and I didn't even get to say good bye.  I was terribly sad.  She was the first person to die, that I knew personally....she wasn't a friend of the family, or my parents' friend...she was a close, personal friend that I shared good times with.  I recounted memories of junior high p.e., where I first met Ana & Adriana.  I don't remember much, but I just remember that we hit it off instantly!  It didn't hurt that she lived a block away from me, so we soon found ourselves walking to & from school together and hanging out all the time.
Ana was carefree, crazy and just all around cool.  She didn't really care what others thought about her, which was something I admired greatly about her.  She was extroverted and helped pry me out of my shy and introverted shell.  We use to go on walks together in an effort to lose weight (which didn't make sense, since she was already so thin).  We'd end up kickin it on top of the Juarez Lincoln school sign, talking, laughing and acting oh so crazy!  I had never pierced my ears, til I found myself at JL school, with an ice to my ear and Ana piercing the top of my left ear.  Man, that hurt like hell, but I felt cooler than cool!  That lasted about 2 days, because my Dad would have killed me, and suddenly wearing my hair down at the dinner table would have been suspicious after a while.  Not the highlight of our friendship, but when we were 13/14, she taught me how to shoplift and it was a pretty "sweet" summer.  I stopped after doing it twice, and lucky for me that I did....she later got caught with a friend and ended up with a $1000 bill to foot.  Yikes! That's when I swore never to do it again, fest up to my Mom and decided that maybe I wouldn't do just about everything with Ana.
I still had fun with her and enjoyed hanging out during school.  She tried to teach me to say, "Hey Sexy, wanna wrestle?!" as a pick up line for the guys I crushed on.  We'd always pass notes between classes and hung out all the time during lunch.  She made high school so much better!
I remember her funeral, up in Los Angeles.  It was a Catholic mass held in Spanish.  I didn't understand any of it, because I don't speak Spanish nor am I Catholic.  I remember standing, sitting and kneeling a million times over. My head was throbbing from this long experience as well as crying so much, because I missed my friend.  During her viewing, I walked up to her casket and she didn't look like the Ana I knew.  Her face was swollen more than the time I saw her during her last semester at school.  Her hair was thin and her skin was an ashy color.  This couldn't have been my dear friend Ana, but sadly it as.  Her fingers were so thin and her bones spiked out from her thin skin.  I remember the lavender purple knitted top that she wore on top of a white short sleeve shirt.  I didn't realize that purple was her favorite color, because she always wore black.  The only thing that really resembled Ana, was the black ring she always wore.  That was the only piece of Ana that I recognized in the coffin, that day....everything else was foreign to me.
Every so often, I run into her Mom at the market and we talk a lil bit.  I don't know if I'm a good or a bad thing for her Mom to see.  I don't know if she's sad to see me because it makes her think of Ana.  A couple years ago, as I was on the elliptical machine at the gym, a good looking guy walked by so I glanced down at him.  He looked up at me, and he seemed strangely familiar.   He walked by again and I just stared at him, while he stared back.    He stopped, we talked....it was Ana's younger brother Paolo.  I hadn't seen him in 12 years.  He grew up and was a grown man!  It was good to talk with him and it felt like old times.
I miss Ana.  I often wonder what her life would have turned out like.  I'm sad she never got to see her nephew grow up, as well as her 3 younger brothers.  She was definitely a fiery spirit! She lived life to the fullest and was definitely full of life!  I look forward to the day when we get to be friends again.  I couldn't have been more grateful to have had a glimpse into the exciting and extraordinary life of Ana Martinez.  

A Birthday Rendezvous

I've had the most lovely birthday week, EVER.!!!
It was just fantastically enjoyable!  I loved every single bit of it!!  
After my birthday dinner with Mr. Red & Hermanita, I had a little rendezvous at the beach, with Ely.  We hung out at the beach, walked the pier and talked til about 3:30am.  Yeah, I know that's late, but we had SO much to talk about.  I enjoyed EVERY single second of it.  He was FUNNY!! Oh man, it hurt my stomach to laugh!  I wanted to know him better, and felt the same about me too.  He was VERY reciprocal on all levels--something that had been lacking with TheBaker.  If I rubbed his hand, he'd curl his fingers around my hand.  As a very physically affectionate person, I greatly appreciate his reciprocation on that matter.  In fact, it was Ely that made the first move and was ever so sweet about it!  
We walked the beach the next 3 nights and talked to no end.  On Thursday, I had received some terrible news of a friend's baby and was so sad over it....as well as other stressful news about school.  I just wanted a really good guy hug....and he was there to provide it.  He just held me as a wave of emotion washed over me.  Have I mentioned that he's 6'1 and a pretty big guy, so I loved the way I felt small in his arms.  He didn't know what to say to console me,  but he didn't feel awkward around my tears.  
We went out Friday night and it was blissful wonderful!  He was the perfect gentleman! It's been a long time since a man opened ALL my doors.   He knows his role as a man and DOES IT!! After dinner down at the Coronado Ferry Landing, we walked on the boardwalk, then watched the fireworks from the Padres game.  So spectacular!  I have NEVER enjoyed the ferry landing as much as I did, that night. 
I really like him and he's SOOOOO cute!! Seriously, probably the cutest, most adorable guy I've ever been out with.  It's hard now, because I've got school I need to focus on and he's trying to find a job {he recently moved down from Nevada}, so our schedules are a lil packed.  Today, he asked if I'd like to go grocery shopping with him about 30 minutes away....so I went.  SO. MUCH. FUN.!!!  We had lunch first and then roamed the aisles of Target.  I just enjoy being with him because he's just so dang funny.  

A LITTLE overwhelmed!!

I feel anxious and panicky right now!!  I NEED to just breathe.  But there's SO MUCH TO DO!!! 

• I have homework that's due in an hour and a half. [I got 5 outta 6 assignments in. The 6th one is pending and submitted for instructor's approval. Good luck me.]
• "Shepherding"/Visiting Teaching lists that I need to organize and finalize tonight.  [It's 1:06am, ugggghhhh....shoot me in my head.]
• Organize the VT lists for the Quarterly reports that are due in a week up in SLC. [I'll do that right after I finalize the Shepherding list.]
• Have faith in my secretary that she'll be able to complete the newsletter by tomorrow. [She came through and surprised me with such a fantastic newsletter!  She also got me the reports I need for my VT quarterly reports.  She's only been in the position for 2 weeks and she's ROCKIN'!! LOVE HER!!]

I know that's only 4 things. But it's a lot of work to complete, due to the attention to detail.  

GGGAAAHHRRRRGGG!!!!

OVERWHELMED, I TELL YA.


plus, my Meniere's has been acting up lately :( 


BREATHE EHU.....JUST BREATHE!!!! 

"This I Believe" essay.

Assignment: Write a statement of personal belief or conviction in a certain ideal, principle, or thing. Offer supporting reasons and/or experiences that illustrate why you hold this belief. What makes you believe in this thing or idea? How has this belief enriched your life?

 Your paper, like the examples we’ve listened to on NPR, should be a combination of philosophical reflection and examples or experiences that illustrate why you hold this belief. 

Length: 300-400 words

Embrace Your Own Differences.

I was born to a Hawaiian mother and a Tongan father. Growing up in a suburb full of Mexicans and Filipinos, I felt like I stood out like a sore thumb. No one looked like me.  I had long coarse hair that needed to be braided every single day because it was too wild to let loose.  I was taller than all the girls in my classes and even most of the boys. My round nose didn’t have much of a bridge, so it wasn’t quite able to hold up my thick, heavy glasses.  They always slipped down. All the girls I knew had cute, familiar names. I cringed whenever we had a substitute teacher in school. There I was with my strange and complicated name that no one could pronounce-Ehulani L_____. I never felt like I fit in, I was just TOO different. 

This went on until my very last semester of high school, when I was a 17-year-old senior.  I had a teacher who insisted on calling me, “Ehulani” instead of my preferred nickname of, “Lani”.  It didn’t sound so bad when she said it.  It actually did sound beautiful like the Hawaiian meaning of which it’s derived, “red mist of heaven”.  I started to introduce myself by my full name, and even enjoyed it too.  I delighted in the compliments that stemmed from those who heard the meaning of my name.  For once, there was actually something magnificent from being different!  Of course it took time for people to pronounce my name correctly, but once they did, I was unforgettable.  I loved that!

My long coarse hair that I once detested became my prize possession.  I accidentally discovered the wonders of hair gel and how it could bless my life.  It transformed my hair into pretty ringlets that were just right! Female friends would touch my hair in envy.  I finally had a reason to love my gel-tamed wild hair. 

I thought I’d forever be the ‘ugly duckling’ that stood out like a sore thumb.  It took an outsider’s perspective and a funny little accident to turn my negatives into beautiful positives.  In the last 13 years of life, I have learned to view the proverbial cup as being half-full.  There is beauty in everything and everyone. Sometimes we just need to dig deeper to see the beauty, but it’s there. It’s always there. 

[This was probably my most favorite English assignment this semester! I love my little essay.  I never thought I'd endure that awkward & embarrassing time in life, and finally be comfortable in my own skin.  I feel like a better person because of my past.]

One of the MANY blessings of Institute...

This was the first night of our BYU-Idaho Pathway Program in our lil humble Chula Vista Institute. My heart swells when I think back to all the blessings that have come because of Pathway.  The couple on the right are Elder & Sister McK (affectionately known as "Papa & Mama McK" to me.)  I wouldn't have survived this last year without them. I have the deepest love for them as though they were my own parents.  We've really come along with with our lil Pathway group.  Although there are only 8 left from this picture, I'm still so grateful for all of my classmates, for the McK's and this heaven sent program.  

BL:ND

For my English class, we're to write an essay on a "problem-solution" topic.  

Me: "The problem-solution topic I'd like to write about is handicap accessibility.  Most people don't realize the inaccessibility that is presented to those with handicaps until it affects them personally or to a loved one."

About 12 years ago, my father lost his eye sight.  It's been a learning experience through the years.  I've gained a lot of insight.  I've noticed things that I would never have noticed if this disability never affected my family.  I've personally had to learn a lot in how to deal with my Dad and how others perceive/react to him.  I thought I knew it all. 

Several weeks ago, my friend CC wanted to experience a day without sight.  I thought that would be a huge learning experience for her and those who were new to this "experience".  Things that have become second nature to me were a whole new challenge/opportunity to our friends.  Something CC mentioned to me that has touched my heart since was, "I never knew how motherly and patient you could be.  You really know how to take care of me".  It's something I've had to work on over the last 12 years.  

As I was studying for my essay, I called TheBaker and he gave me more insight.  He said that I could do all the research that I want, but until I experience blindness for myself then I won't really know how it affects me personally.  

I've got the next 2 weeks to continue studying for my essay. I think part of that will include a day without sight. Experience is the best teacher, right? 

Other than that....

*My poor body, it's just so weak and not working properly. UGH... oh well, it could be worse, right?

*I hung out with TheBaker last night.  He's so cool to kick it with.  He came over and we talked for a couple hours on the couch, listening to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Nat King Cole.  I like hangin' out with TheBaker.  I learn so much from him and he's so kind & patient.  I like that we can just have a friendship without the complication of feelings getting in the way.

*I had more of my AWESOME soup for breakfast. Seriously, I love the stuff!  

*Class is tonight...I always love seeing my fellow peers. I have the best times with them!

SO PISSED!!

I JUST EFFED MYSELF!!! 


I'm SOOOO DAMN PISSED!!! LIVID!! IRRATE!!  I just want to punch, kick or scream right now!!!  


I thought I could study up til the last minute and try to get the EXAM & Self-Assessment survey in at the last minute.  It all has to be in by 11:55pm Mountain Standard time (One hour ahead of California).  I looked at the clock on the computer: 10:49pm (So I had about 5 minutes).  I know I didn't leave myself with a lot of time, but I would do my best to get it in.  When I hit 'start', it was already blacked out--meaning, I passed the time.  But how?!?!? 


I looked at my phone: 10:55pm. 
I looked back at the submission window: This is now closed - Due: Saturday, May 07, 2011 10:55PM


I wanted to kick the damn screen!!!  I still do.  
Right now, I LOATHE myself. A LOT.  


S.C.R.E.W.E.D    M-Y-S-E-L-F   O.V.E.R!!!!


Basically I wasted my Saturday night studying for......NOTHING.   A BIG FAT 0%


FML!!


(The worst part is that I kept studying when I wanted to stop because I currently loathe the subject of this class: Family Foundation/Family Proclamation.  A VERY hard subject when my concept and beliefs of "family" are barely holding on by a thread.)

Debate Essay pt. 2

The other side of this homework assignment is to debate with a classmate's debate thread (online).  That's usually fine and all, but the only ones I have to choose from so far are: 

• Against Cloning.
• In opposition to illegal immigration.
• In favor of parental notification and consent when a minor wants to get an abortion.  

Do you see my predicament??!?

      I'd have to be:

1. For Cloning: OF COURSE I'm not for cloning because I don't think we should try to mess around trying to be God.  WTH!?!?  I CANNOT debate that!
2. In favor of illegal immigration: How the heck would I justify any reason to be for something illegal?! But I just can't debate it because I feel like I would be turning my back on close friends [& their families] who did that themselves. I don't agree with it, but I just don't feel comfortable debating that.
3. In opposition of parental notification and consent when a minor wants to get an abortion: Really?!? Geez, I can't even think of how I'd try to oppose such a debate! That would make it sound like I'm 'pro-choice'.  I think there are very specific reasons for abortion, but I do not condone it as means of birth control.  

I have until tonight to pick a topic to debate or until my other SEVERAL classmates start posting their topics!!! I'm REALLY striving hard to maintain my 100% grade point in my classes this semester.  IF someone doesn't post soon, I WILL have to choose from one of the above topics.  URGGGG!!!  


You're just doing it for the grade, Ehu....it's just an assignment.  


***update... I ended up going with the "For Cloning".  As mentioned above, I HAD to pick a topic to debate.  I don't believe in it, but for the sake of argument that's what I'll be going with.  So far I think it's in the bag!***

Debate Essay.

I'm not one to debate or argue.  There's not many things I feel passionate about to debate it in an essay for my English class. Especially when the assignment is to be a "friendly debate".  FRIENDLY!?! Geez, why debate at that point! So here's what I came up with:


Against beauty pageants:

 I oppose beauty pageants and the damage they do to females.   They masquerade as ‘scholarship programs’ while women parade around in revealing ball gowns and skimpy bikinis.   Beauty pageants are a hindrance towards the empowerment of women.  Most of the women who compete in a beauty pageant have been doing so since they were very young girls.  These young girls have been robbed of their childhood and forced by pushy “Stage Moms” to win large monetary prizes.  Young girls shouldn’t have to start their lives out by being judged of their physical appearance in order to gain glamour and prizes.  Some of them have even been exploited by their gowns/outfits and stage performances.  Why are we allowing our children to grow up in such a manner, most especially young girls?  After puberty, girls have a higher rate in developing depression than boys do.  Since girls reach puberty before boys do, they are susceptible to develop it at an earlier age.  Besides the emotional damage that can come, it also gives young girls the false sense that all they have to do in life is flash a pretty smile and the world will shower them with large amount of money and prizes. 

sources: 

http://pageantcenter.com/history.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00035

It was an assignment, that's all it was....at first.  I didn't really care much about the topic, but I had to pick something 'friendly' and 'debatable'.  I don't feel extremely passionate about the topic, but I'll have to since I'll need to back up the reasoning behind it.

****sigh****

I wish I liked to debate....or felt passionate about such a topic.... GRR!

Other than that....

Mr. Red: I've tried not to think about him.  I've tried to keep him at the furthest part of my mind.  That's the only way I wouldn't let the thought of him consume my every thought & worry for the next several months.  This week, that wasn't so easy.  On Sunday, as I was sitting next to Em, we were talking about Lincoln.  Then she brought up how "Oh, "Mr.Red" is WAAAAAAY better than him!! At least "Mr.Red" looks good when he's concentrating! "Lincoln" just looks mean! Besides, where is he??".  UGH!! I didn't need that.  SUUUUUUCK!! Then that's all I could think about during the rest of church.  I thought about his red tie.  I thought about the way he would comment in class and how smart he is. I thought about him.  Great... I was doing so well for the last month and now this?!? 

I went to the beach the other day.  As I was walking over to my favorite spot, I passed by his place.  Thoughts of him flooded my mind again.  I remembered the last time we watched a movie at his place.... The Saturday night conversation when I told him EVERYTHING....or the Tuesday night walk about when he shared more about himself.  GAAAAH!!! I didn't want to think about him at all, and now here he was in my thoughts this week.  I miss my friend.  

Montana: Super nice guy, who's such a man & does manly things! I don't know where we stand right now.  I don't want to crush his heart.  I'm just not feeling it.  He's already called me his 'girlfriend' to his family and they're looking forward to meeting me at his sister's wedding in about a month.  I don't want to go anymore.  I don't want to be fake and pretend or force feelings for someone I have no interest in, anymore.  He says he likes me A LOT and has feelings towards the L word. I once had feelings like that for him, but he lagged and I just grew away from him.  To be honest, I just see him as a repeat of my ex-fiance.   I don't know exactly what I want to do.  I just can't be the one to dump someone again.   Mama McK asked me if I told him of my goal of BYU-H.  I haven't.  I need to.  

Parents:  I had lunch with them today.  We talked about school. I haven't really  talked to them much in the last couple months.  They know the superficial stuff, but I keep them at a distance with the in-depth stuff.  I have my personal reasons.  Anyways, I was telling them about school and BYU-H.  My Dad didn't react the way I was expecting him to.  He was really supportive, as well as my Mom.  I thought they would have been antagonistic/pessimistic about the whole idea. They gave me some things to think about, but they were very open to the idea.  I told my Dad that I figured I'd focus on graduating from college since I'm not getting married anytime soon.....

Marriage: ...and that's when it became a reality.  I might not be getting married within my parents' lifetime.  Or even at all.  I think I've come to terms with it.  Of course I want to, but I'm not holding my breath on the idea anymore.  I need to and get to focus more on making the most out of MY LIFE.  I won't be sad anymore or think of it as something 'lost'.  I won't think of my life as not being full or happy because I don't have what my most of my friends have (ie: marriage, children).  My life will just be full and happy in a different way, and I'm okay with that.  All will be well.  

Oh Thursday, I LOVE you, as always!!

*I was doing a lil blog surfing from a friend's and came across this lil jem! Probably my new favorite blog!! Check it out, it's so visually appetizing!

*After looking at that blog, it makes me miss having a camera.  I REALLY REALLY miss having a camera.  I need a new one, QUICK!! I can't stand NOT having a camera.  I've been using the camera on my phone--NOT. THE. SAME. DIFFERENCE. !!! :(  

*Also, after looking at that blog, I just want to create, create & CREATE!!!  I want to sew everything under the sun. I want to paint.  I want to put things in frames that I've created.  I'm stoked for the jewelry class I'm gonna take this summer. I just love to create.  

*Today's Thursday...I always LOVE Thursdays!! I get to see my class tonight & work towards my goal.  I also get to play Volleyball with my friends.  LOVE IT!! Tonight I've gotta teach class. I'm a lil nervous.  Well, not really, I just hope it goes well!  It's on "The Family: A Proclamation to the World".  I'm stoked to teach, I love to do it!

*Ok, that's about it.  I'm hungry.  

Appreciation.

Today, this very moment, my heart is so full.
I just got an email from the missionary couple that's in charge the of BYU-Idaho Pathways Program here in San Diego:

"Congratulations Ehu, You Aced the final exam, receiving an A grade!.  We are very proud of you. "


Tears well up in my eyes.  I can't believe it!  I can't believe that I did that!  It just makes me think that I'm one step closer to my dream of BYU-Hawaii.  I couldn't have gotten through this semester without the help, encouragement & support of loved ones!  Most especially without the persistence of Papa McK!! If he wouldn't have kept suggesting, steering and basically sitting me down to register for the Pathways program, my BYU-Hawaii dream wouldn't be looking like a reality right now. My heart is full of gratitude for him, Mama McK and everyone who's helped me get to this point thus far.  


I also received an email from my Academic Advisor:


"I know that getting your education hasn’t been easy – the most important things in life never are. You are working towards a goal that will impact you and your family for generations to come. Don’t give up, just keep moving forward one day at a time and we will get there."


I love the encouragement and support that I've also received from those at BYU-Idaho.  It has been such a blessing!!  


BYU-Hawaii, I WILL see you soon!! I KNOW it!!

Short Messy Hair: LOVE IT!!

(I HAD a blog post....went to post it and it disappeared. damnit.)

THURSDAY: I LOVE YOU!!

-Tonight I get to see some of my closest friends!! I LOVE Thursday night Volleyball!! So much fun!! Hopefully, Lincoln's there tonight. I'm stoked!!

-One more week of school....WOW!! Finals are next week. SCARY!! It's been a while since I've had to take Finals. I'm kinda nervous, not gonna lie!

-I started a new blog. I'm pretty excited about it! I love it!!

-I CAN'T wait to see Montana this weekend!! Oh I've missed him!! I talk to him every day, but that's not the same!! I just cant wait to spend the day with him. We're going out to breakfast to a place that I've been wanting to go to for a while--I LOVE LOVE LOVE Breakfast!! And then we'll spend the day at one of his favorite San Diego spots. I can't wait!!

-Today's San Diego forecast: 72 degrees!!! No clouds in the sky and just PERFECT for the beach!!

-I LOVE LOVE LOVE my short, straight hair!! I love that I can now spike it into a faux hawk. I love the confidence that it's brought. Such a blessing!! Yesterday, I was asked if I missed my long curly hair--NOT. AT. ALL.!!! I think I want to keep it this length for a while. Clearly, it hasn't messed up my social life. So to all those who say that men don't like women with short hair--HUGE MISCONCEPTION!!!

-Today, I LOVE life. I love my family. I love my friends. I love Pandora.com.

-I can't wait to go to the movies with my sister tomorrow. Last week we saw "Just Go With It". Tomorrow I think we're gonna see "Limitless". I'm pretty stoked! I forgot how much I enjoy watching movies. I think I've become addicted to movie popcorn and diet Coke. Jinkies!!

Wednesday + Free time = This Blog Post

Hello my dear friend Randi......

*I think I actually like pink...as girly as that is. I have a love/hate relationship with the color.

*Man, I'm hungry!

*I've had the wonderful blessing of hangin out with Mama McK the last 2 days. She has truly been an enormous gift to my life! She's been like a second mother to me, these last few months. I will be so heartbroken when her and her husband's mission ends in July. That is something we try not to talk about around Institute.

*I'm so stoked for my youngest nephew to start his Volleyball season at school. I can't wait to watch Buddy play some Vball!! I can't wait to support him thru his Vball season. He's such a good kid. I think he has so much potential for greatness. I love him dearly.

*In a matter of months his older brother will be back from his misison. Oh I cannot wait!! It's been so long!!

*Man, I'm not looking forward to the next 19 days to go by :(

*School's going pretty well. Something I learned from Mama McK that the way to get through college is to do all the assignments, which will pass the class. And then pass all the classes I need and that's who I'll graduate from school. When it's broken down like that, it doesn't seem so overwhelming. I've just got to keep in mind that I'm working towards my dream. It's going to take WORK.

*I can't believe it's MARCH already?!?! Where is the time going?!?!

UUGGGGGHHHHHH!!!

I need to buy a calendar.

I woke up in a frantic panic right now, thinking I had to call my advising counselor at BYU-Idaho. I thought today was my appointment to call. I even put it in my phone for today.

I logged on to the website ready to write down any questions I may possibly have for her and then noticed the date of my actual appointment.

February 15.

Note to self: Today is February 10.

Hellooooooooooo Ehu?!?!!

Lame.

Maybe I need better glasses while I'm at it, too.

Since last time....

-Well, my song went really well. I was so pleased with it!! The only part I wasn't TOTALLY happy with was the end. It's a song of Christ's time in the Garden of Gethsemane & the Atonement. So by the end, I got emotional--not extremely emotional but I didn't hold some notes as long as I should have. I was a lil nervous, my hands shook, but I'm glad I didn't have more 'vibrato' to my voice. A lot of friends and strangers came up to express their surprise that I could sing and how well I did so. I was even more grateful that my family came to my congregation to hear me, it really meant a lot to me.

-I'm so thankful for friends who would smile when I looked at them, during my song. Man, I am not a naturally born smiler like my BFF StephyPooh, so I need some encouragement with that sometimes. And for those who sent text messages immediate following my number. Ooooh Mr.Red.....

-Sometimes I forget that I'm a BYU student now, which means that I can't hate on BYU anymore. :-/ It's always so fun to do so.

-Tomorrow I'm going to eat FroYo with Cuz in Coronado. He's the cousin of one of my friends, and he happened to attend BYU-Hawaii. He's a cool guy and I wanted to show him around my favorite town, Coronado.

-I'm stoked for Thursday! My friend will be teaching class, so I'm excited to hear him speak!

-And Friday...oh, I can't wait til Friday!! :) THE GODFATHER MARATHON DAY!!

-Saturday, my girls have their first Volleyball game of the season. I'm stoked for them!!

-Oh Sunday, I can't wait to see so many hot guys at church. It pays to be religious sometimes ;)