"So Catch Up, 'Cause You've Got An Awful Long Way To Go."

So I was gonna write this yesterday, but I figured I should probably get my homework done instead once I got home - that's what happened.

Last week was a real good one though. Now that the semester's kinda coming to a close, professors are all being pretty lax, which means basically no homework. But I know I'll get hit hard next week when finals start up.

So, Monday was pretty relaxed - got my missionary emails, which is my favorite way to start a week.

Tuesday I spent in the meat lab. Probably more fun than it should be.

We worked with lamb carcasses this week - which I was most excited to learn about of all the species, so it was kinda my thing. But it was our last week in the meat lab, so I was a little sad about that. Oh well, next fall I'll be back at it.

Wednesday and Thursday were just like, gym time and classes. I upped my squat to 120lbs - 125lbs is coming this week for sure. I was gonna try that Saturday but got lazy. Ah well. It'll happen tonight. 

Friday was more classes and I got my storage unit rented for this summer. Figured I oughta get that taken care of. That night the roommates and I went to party, because our weekends together are quickly getting used up. There was a dance on the roof of the parking garage at North Point, so we went to that. I haven't been to an off-campus dance at all this semester, so it was good to get out again. 

It was a good time. And I still got home before 1am, so I consider it a success. ;)

This is what my Saturday looked like. Ben and Jerry's paired with "Water For Elephants", make for a pretty chillaxed day. 

That night there was a 90's themed party, so the roommates and I got all dressed up and went to that. It was fun - definitely more chill than the party at North Point, but we know how to make it a good time. 

This is us trying to be attractive + cool... I'm not sure if we succeeded or not, but that's what happened. We left the party at about 10:30 to come home and order pizza, so I guess you could say we're pretty hard core partiers. 

Sunday was our last time having church with the ward, due to like Conference and such! Which was kinda sad. :( But it's kind of a relief to be done teaching - woot woot. Then we spent the night with friends, like we always do - and it was a good day. 

Good week. 

Alrighty, well, English class is a-calling and I've got to go present my extremely dramatic movie review of Titanic (which is just about one of the best movies to ever grace this planet) to the class, soooo, until next week, my friends. 

Don't forget to stay amazing, por favor. 

"What Good Is A Love Song?"

So the best part of last week was probably when I got to play with sheep, because it's been awhile since I've done that. And by play I mean evaluate them for slaughter, but ya know, same thing to an ag major. 

Other than that, this week has been pretty chillaxed. Or at least, less than exciting. I wrote an english paper, couple religion essays, took a test on the dairy industry. I know, amazing stuff.

I upped my squat max to 115 lbs, which I am incredibly happy with, but I'm going to try 125 this week, because yolo, right. 'Course, it would just be my luck to hurt myself right before the end of semester, so we'll see how this goes.

The roommates and I went to see Divergent this weekend too (girl's night, duh) and it was actually pretty decent. The guy who played Four wasn't my favorite - he was a little too pretty, but all in all, it was worth seeing. Stuck to the book pretty well.

Also finally went to tour North Point apartments this weekend - I figured it would probably be a good idea before actually moving in next fall. L.O.V.E. them. They'll be just finnnnnne for this person. Plus they are literally right across the street from the gym. Location is everything, in my book. 

I started packing some of my things today. Made me a little sad, but I figured I'd better get a head start before finals week comes around in a few. Can I just say though, having to choose which items of clothing to leave here for the next few months is incredibly painful. I'm trying to let go, but it's a process.

A'ight. Sleep is a-callin' to me. But I'll probably go watch Pitch Perfect instead.

G'night pretty ladies and handsome fellas. Stay cool, 'kay?

"Don't Let What They Say Keep You Up At Night."

I can't believe there's only like, three weeks left to the semester. I feel like I just got here and at the same time, I feel like I've been in college forever. Funny how that works.

I meant to get this written yesterday, but ended up getting a little distracted and then was up 'till three working on an English paper. Sleep is so overrated, after all.

Sooooo, highlights of last week -

Got a 92% on a math test. Heck to the yeah. Might just pull an A in that class.

Watched the cattle slaughtering and butchering process in one of my ag classes, which wasn't like super exciting, but the entertaining part was the offended princesses who sit in the very back. Come on ladies, where did you think meat came from?

I went rock climbing for the first time this week too, which let's be real, was actually a good time. I suck at it, but hey, I got to the top of the wall a couple times and that's really all that matters. And the next day I was so sore I thought I was gonna die, so that's always a bonus.

Talked to my bestest friend from back home, who I suck at keeping in contact with. Can't wait to see her again and get back to our Alaskan shenanigans.

Roommate night was Friday night (who needs date night when you've got your girls) and we went to see Monument Men. I'll be honest, I fell asleep partway through, but we went to the eleven o'clock showing so I really can't be blamed for that.

Saturday we decided to have a Harry Potter marathon. We really only got through the first three movies so obviously marathons are not a skill we possess, but it was a good time and made me realize how much I'll miss my people here.

That's basically my week summed up, I'd say.

The closer it gets to April, the more I wish things could slow down just a bit. I mean, I'm looking forward to seeing the family and some specific folks back in the Last Frontier, but a big part of me wishes it could be like a two week visit and then I could get back here to Rexburg. I'm already homesick for the burg and I haven't even left yet, how pathetic is that. When I left Alaska six months ago, I didn't really believe anyone when they said that things would be different when I get back - but it's crazy how right they were. I just hope that the next few months go by fast, so I can get back here to my cows in sexy rexy. And the people are pretty great too.

'Til next week y'all... #butfirstlemmetakeaselfie

"A Lover Not A Fighter - On The Frontline With A Poem."

Midterms, y'all. That basically sums up my week in a word. I honestly don't remember them being so cray last semester, but apparently I just forgot, 'cause they is.

Unfortunately, our entire apartment has been in an anti-homework mood all week, so we haven't exactly been the most encouraging to each other. Butcha know what - ain't no cares have been given.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mostly just consisted of tests and essay writing, with gym time and like, eating thrown in there. Not real sure I slept much those three days - they still kinda blend together in mah mind.

On Thursday things started to chill a little - I went in and got my hair re-colored. Went darker this time, yeah buddy. Getting sick of being called a redhead, plus, it was time for a change.

Went for a chocolate ombre - can't really tell here, but whaterrrrrr.

Friday was classes and homework. I also happened to run into an ex's brother on my way to English - not exactly how I had planned to start out my morning. Then that night we all hung out with Netta's family, 'cause they came to visit for a little bit. Her cousin brought all his roommates (pretty sure all the best looking guys on campus are in that room, no big deal) and by the end of the night, one had my number. Got a date out of it thirty minutes late (apparently he don't waste no time) and it was a good time. Definitely needed the night out!

We spent Saturday in IF, did some shopping, and I got the most fabulous pair of aztec print leggings that ever existed y'all. We didn't get back 'till late and then there was church today. Now we're crashed on our boat (our couches pushed together) and listening to the most ratchet of music. Because yolo.

Annnnnnnd that's been my week.

I've been thinking alot the last couple days about my dad - I don't think this guy gets enough credit. I talked to him on the phone earlier this week and he started to get all choked up before we hung up. Definitely made me think. My dad's a legit hero though guys, and I'm not just saying that 'cause I'm his daughter, but he actually is. He's raised fourteen kids (still raising them actually) and seven of those have been girls, which couldn't have been easy, let's be real. I wasn't exactly the sweetest pre-teen or teen, but the man still put up with me. He always encouraged my piano playing, even when it was painful to listen to, and I don't think he ever said no to me bringing home any animal that I decided I wanted, including two reindeer calves and a three-legged cat. And then there was the abandoned miniature rabbit with dental issues and the blind chicken. But you know what, he never complained. In fact, he's probably my most loving and loyal supporter.

I definitely didn't appreciate him enough in high school and now that I'm out and on my own, I've started to realize what I've had along. I hope my daughters can have a father even half as amazing as my own.

Alright, well that's enough cheese for this post - peace out y'all, stay classy. And attractive, why don'tcha. ;)

____________________

(My dad writes poems, right, and he sent me this one he's written for me the other day. Made me cry, a'ight.)

(Also, not sure why he wrote it in all caps, but he did. So yeah.)

                                   MY LOVING DAUGHTER

I REMEMBER WHEN WE FOUND OUT HE WAS TO US TO BE BORN, A NEW LITTLE SPIRIT FROM HEAVEN NOT THE LEAST YET TATTERED AND TORN.

AS FRESH AS A MORNING STAR AND SPECIAL AS CAN BE,  CRYSTAL WAS SO HAPPY A LITTLE BOY TO SET ON HER KNEE.

DON’T THINK I EVER SAW A MOTHER AS EXCITED AND HAPPY AS SHE, ALL HER DREAMS OF FAMILY LIFE FINALLY GOING TO COME TO BE.

WE PLANNED AND WE DREAMED OF THE DAY WHEN HE WOULD APPEAR, SO EXCITED TO HAVE HIM AND TO KISS HIS TINY EAR.

WE ATTENDED ALL HIS APPOINTMENTS TO VERIFY HIS HEALTH, TO US HE WAS A SYMBAL OF ALL OUR WORLDY WEALTH.

WE PURCHASED ALL THE CLOTHS THAT WOULD BE PERFECT FOR OUR LITTLE BOY, WE SEARCHED AND SEARCHED FOR THAT SPECIAL LITTLE BOY TOY.

THE TIME WAS FINALLY AT HAND AND WE WENT TO THE BIRTHING PLACE, FINALLY WE WOULD GET TO SEE HIS BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FACE.

I WATCHED IN EXCITEMENT AND MY HEAD WAS IN A WHIRLE, THEN WHAT TO MY SURPRISE HE WAS A LITTLE GIRL.

WE BROKE THE NEWS TO CRYSTAL AS EASY AS COULD BE, AT FIRST SHE DIDN’T BELIEVE ME UNTIL SHE GOT TO SEE.

SO WE CHANGED OUR WAY OF THINKING FROM RAISING A GIRL INSTEAD OF A BOY, HAD TO LOOK FOR PRETTY NEW CLOTHS AND TO FIND A NEW LITTLE GIRL TOY.

CRYSTAL REALLY COULD HAVE CARED LESS ABOUT THE SEX OF THE FIRST LITTLE CHILD, ALL SHE WANTED WAS A BABY WHO WAS HEALTHY AND MADE HER SMILE.

WE NAMED THE CUTE LITTLE BUNDLE ASHLEENA AND WERE BLESSED TO WATCH HER GROW, SHE BLOSSMED LIKE A ROSE AND WAS PURE AS THE DRIVEN SNOW.

NEVER SEEMED TO AMAZE US OF ALL THE TALENTS THAT SHE HAD, SHE WAS SMART, WHITTY AND CHARMING AND RARELY EVER SAD.

I LOVED TO LISTEN TO HER PLAY THE PIANO AND IT NEVER EVER GOT OLD, NOW SHE GROWN AND GONE AND WITHOUT THE MUSIC THE HOUSE SEEMS SOMETIMES COLD.

SHE RAISED AND LOVED ALL ANIMALS AND HAD A SPECIAL HORSE, SHE WAS KIND AND FRIENDLY TO EVERONE AND VIRTUE WAS HER FORCE.

SHE ACCOMPLISHED SO MANY THINGS IN THE SHORT TIME SINCE HER BIRTH, LOVED AND TOUCHED THE LIVES OF MANY IN HER SHORT TIME UPON THE EARTH.

NOW SHE’S ON HER OWN AND LEFT THE SAFTEY OF THE NEST, LOOKING FORWARD TO FULL FILLING HER LIFE SHE IS NUMBERED AMOUNG THE BEST.

WE MISS HER VERY MUCH AND KNOW THAT GOD EVEN LOVES HER MORE, SO MANY THINGS AWAIT HER SO MANY THINGS IN STORE.

AND SO IT DID NOT MATTER BE IT HE OR SHE THAT HEAVENLY FATHER SENT, WE WOULD NOT HAVE TRADED HER FOR THE WORLD OR A LIFETIME OF EARTHLY RENT.

WE HAVE BEEN SEALED AS A FAMILY FOR ALL TIME YOU SEE, WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER THROUGHOUT ETERNITY.

"Call My Name Or Walk On By."

So, this week I've been kind of obsessed with that song, Don't You Forget About Me, by Simple Minds and I have literally played it on repeat for the last seven days. Sorry roomies. It only happened 'cause I watched The Breakfast Club on Monday and my word... good movie, if ya want to get choked up at the end. It'll do that to you.

Okay, so this week... Monday I was sick (hence The Breakfast Club). But it was only a one day thing so no biggie. 

Tuesday I upped my squat to 105lbs. Whichhhhh was kind of a big deal for me okay. 

Nothing too exciting on Wednesday or Thursday. But on Friday, yo, I baked a cake. 

That's right, I did that. All by myself without any maternal help over the phone. Though I was tempted, I'm not gonna lie. The cake was for Netta 'cause it's her birthday today! Yeah, she's an old woman now, but we love her anyways. 

We threw her a little partay Saturday night and invited some of the best people in Rexburg, no big deal or anything. It also decided to snow on Saturday, which if you ask me was kind of rude, because the snow had just all melted and it was warm and I was like, "yeah, spring is coming", but then no. Still a little TOed about that one. 

Also on Saturday I went with mah groupies to see Non-Stop and Son of God. Both of which were pretty dang good. Especially the second. Movies about Christ always get me - I was crying within the first five minutes. Embarrassing. 

Since today was Sunday there was church (obviousssssly) and Netta taught an amazing Gospel Doctrine lesson. Plus, I learned something new, which was exciting - apparently Isaac (like Abraham's son) was anywhere from 16-20 years old at the time when his father went to sacrifice him, which I'd never really realized and kinda changes the story alot. The things you learn in Sunday school.

Tonight we went to the CES broadcast at the conference center here and listened to Sister Burton speak. It was really, really good. I hadn't originally planned on going, but I'm so glad I did. Plus, Sister Burton is probably the cutest little lady I've ever seen in my life. Can I look like her when I get that age? Please and thank you.

Then we went and spent the rest of the evening with some friends and ended up having an unexpectedly good night. Today gets a solid A from me. 

Now this person is pretty much exhausted, sooooooo... Peace out, my brosephs. :)