"This Life I Live, It Might Not Be For You, But It's For Me."

So I'm pretty sure I skipped a week. Oh well. Life happens.

Alrighty, so I have officially finished my first year of college! Woot woot - I am no longer a freshman and it's about dang time. So I figured since I'm all experienced now, I'd do another "what I learned at college" post. Here goes.

Community laundry sucks as much as everyone says. It's expensive, you can never get a washing machine on the weekend, people steal your clothes (like come on, folks), and if you're .2 seconds late getting back to the laundry room, someone dumps all your freshly washed laundry on the nasty floor. I have never appreciated a private laundry room as much as I do now. 

You can escape the "Freshman Fifteen". It just requires lots of gym time. It is inevitable that you will eat like crap all through finals, midterms, any exams, roommate dramas, holidays, and basically every day. But as long as you run that off on the 'ole treadmill, your pants should still fit by the end of your first year.

Caffeine will save your life. Energy drinks were just another thing I never appreciated until college. But I tell you what, they'll get you through any last minute paper or homework assignment you're working on at three in the morning. Also they make a great substitute when playing pong. #mormoncollege

You will actually use that math that you learned in high school that you said you'd never use. Algebra, trig, and calculus may seem pointless now, but turns out, they're pretty handy when college comes around. I know I'm not the only one who complained all through high school because the formulas seemed useless, but I had to take back everything I said when those same formulas helped me to determine the yield grade on beef carcasses in class. 

Not everyone sticks around. Especially if you go to BYU-I 'cause everyone gets married. But in general, that was something I had to learn pretty quick. You'll make those good friends that'll stay with you through a few semesters (maybe even a few school years), but alot of people you'll lose touch with as soon as class ends. And that's okay - you don't need three-trillion friends to be happy. 

Go into the roommate situation with a good attitude. Having roommates is never really ideal, but I know from experience it works out better if you don't go into the semester hating these people you haven't even met yet. Heck, maybe you'll even love the girls! Also, don't judge future roommates by their facebook profiles - it seriously does zero good. 

Make sure you study what you love or you won't want to keep studying. I went into my first year as an exercise physiology major, because I knew a career in that field would make good money and I figured I'd enjoy it. However, after taking a livestock reproduction class as an elective, I realized that agriculture was really where my interest was. I put off switching my major until the last week of that first semester, because I didn't want to give up the exercise-phys-major status, but it was the best thing I did all year. Which goes right into...

Don't be ashamed of what you love. This includes your major. You think it was easy telling people for the first few weeks that I'm a beef production major? Heck no. That's gotta be one of the dumbest sounding majors on this planet. But I finally came to terms with the fact that, hey, I love cows - what of it? So whether it's beef production, knitting (*coughAllegracough*), or underwater basket weaving, be proud of that, man. 

You really can do it all. I swear, every time I get on Pinterest I see that little pie chart that says, "College Life: social life, good grades, enough sleep - pick two". Psh, little Pinterest pie chart, you're a liar. It doesn't take Superman to do it all - you can do it too. I did and I'm not even that organized. You just have to realize that occasionally you'll make some sacrifices. Like a couple hours of sleep in exchange for night out with your favorite people. Or a weekend of studying for a test instead of that party. There will be another one next weekend anyway. But yeah - don't listen to the pie chart - time management isn't rocket science. 

Document everything! Pictures, journaling, blogging, instagram, whatever the heck it takes. Memories are great, but you need something substantial to keep them around. Plus it's great to look back on. So take lots of pictures and write down the big things. #butfirstlemmetakeaselfie

Learn how to cook. Do this before you leave home. Or else you will be eating alot of Chinese take-out and instant potatoes. Every. Night. 

Remember who you are. If your teenage years were anything like mine, your father yelled this out the door to you as you left the house each weekend. Let's be real - it got annoying and you mostly just laughed it off. Then you go to college and suddenly you're on your own, without anyone to remind you anymore. Sure, your college years are a great time to discover what you really like and what kind of a person you'll really end up being. I know I learned alot about myself my freshman year, as cheesy as that sounds. I learned that I enjoy washing dishes, I have a knack for writing essays (I'm the master of BS), I fall in love at least once a week, and I have an incredible aversion to bacon. But the most basic things about me never changed and it was something I probably could have been reminded of a few times throughout my first year. You're not going to impress everyone, so don't bother trying. Just stay you and the whole thing works out. 

_______________________________________

Figured I'd throw in a few pictures from this last week back in the great state of Alaska. I've done my best to keep busy and out of too much trouble. 

I missed this little chubster. Can't believe he'll be six in just over a week. Cray.

Got in the first horseback ride of the year! This gal put up quite the fight, but as always, I won. My shoulders, thighs, calves, and basically everything were feelin' it the next day though. 

Went down to the riverbed. I forgot just how beautiful Alaska really is. Those mountains! Gosh dang.

Took a 24 mile walk with mom on Friday. I'll be honest, my feet were killing me. But this view though. 

Spent the weekend with the little sister - making no bakes, caramel popcorn, and watching movies. It's good to be back! (But I do miss Rexburg a little.)

Peace out amigos - stay classy. 

"Now My Life's Another City, Another Picture."

Tomorrow. Finals. Begin.

Ew. 

Can we just like, skip ahead to where I pass all of my classes with flying colors and can stop stressin'? That'd be nice. 

So this week was just uncomfortably lax on homework - which just makes me nervous for what the next week's gonna throw at all of us lucky enough to be hitting the finals. The roommates and I were real smart this weekend and stocked up hard core on Ben and Jerry's. You know we're gonna need those boys to get us through this with minimal tears. 

Also we built a fort. I like to call it Fort Burg - it sounds real official. 

Alot of hard work went into this monument, let me tell you. Careful stacking and precise couch flipping - this was no easy task. But we did it. Darn right we did. And I'm quite proud of us, if we're being honest here.

So then of course we had to pull out the camera and document our accomplishment. I think this is probably the climax of my freshman year right here. Probably the greatest thing I've done in college thus far. Which is saying something. I'm not sure what exactly, but hey, somethin' fo sho. 

We call this our "come hither" look. And sometimes we wonder why we're single. Shocking. 

Anyways, I got to go to the temple twice this week! I figured I should get my time in while I'm here, since I don't have a huge amount of time left. And plus, the Rexburg temple is quickly becoming a favorite place of mine. 

Let's see, what else have we donnnnne this week. 

Well, we watched Insidious 2 last night. The roommates aren't big into scary movies, but I'm trying my darndest to convert them. I think it's working. Probably not, but hey, effort. 

And General Conference was yesterday and today! Talk about amazing! I swear, I remember when I couldn't sit through a session and now I wish they were an hour longer. And can we just appreciate L. Tom Perry's talk for a sec. It was pretty dang powerful. Like, enough to maybe make this girl cry like a baby in a chapel full of strangers.

Tonight we are gettin' camped out in the fort, with Doritos and The Prestige, getting in another girl's night because why not. I'm really, really gonna miss these ladies when I leave. I mean, I kinda like them and all. A little. Lot.

Well, Imma signin' out for the evening, y'all. Wish me luck on my finals. I have the feels I'm gonna need it.

Stay real, chill and classy. Adios mi amigos. 

#selfieweekend

"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

"I'll Be The One You Won't Forget."

Wow, y'all, I'm just ready to be done with this week. 

It was a long one. I think I've officially reached that point in the semester where I am just done. With errythang. So apologies in advance to my roommates who now get to deal with the full-on real me. It's a comin'. 

So Monday was boring. And so was pretty much all of Tuesday except when I got home and my lovely roommates informed me I had mail, which just happened to be the most adorable valentine from an equally adorable missionary. Like, what a sweetheart. 

(What do you know - I got a valentine after all! All the way from Alaska.)

Anyway, so that made my day and I basically smiled for hours. Super, super thoughtful. And because I'm the doll-face that I am, I wrote him a real-life letter back. Yeah, I know. I'm pretty much a peach. 

Wednesday was lab out at the livestock  center, but all we did was cattle performance data evaluation, so it wasn't anything super exciting. 

Thursday was meh. 

Friday morning I went out to the livestock center in the morning and did some work - got my farmer on. Then I hitched a ride with the foreman and two others over to Blackfoot for the Friday stock auction!

That was actually a really good time. We got six head, cows and heifers, for the school and got to check out the bulls which was my favorite part. I've decided that whatever area of animal science that I end up going into, it must involve bulls. They get me so excited, you don't even know. Still waiting for the day I get to ride one. Soon, so soon. 

After that, we drove back home, unloaded the cows, and then I had a date that night, which was a good time. But I'm gonna call as a one and only, then leave it at that. 

Saturday I literally just did math homework, hung out around the apartment, then went grocery shopping with my ladies, 'cause we called it as a much needed girls' night. 

This was the product of the grocery shopping spree. Needless to say, we'll all be fat before long. But ya know what? Psh, ain't nobody caring about that 'round here. Also, I've decided that in a perfect world, I would just live off of fruit snacks. They're like crack, but better. 

Saturday night we watched Pitch Perfect and dreamed about beautiful men with perfect cheekbones. 

Today was church and such. Also I decided to be brave and practice my cooking, so I made dinner for my little fam fam here. 

It didn't turn out too bad and it was healthy-ish too! I'm pretty proud of myself. No big deal. But I did cut myself, which was just unfortunate. 

Mm, but in general this week was just a little confusing. Like you know how there'll be that one guy that you'll be like, "Hey, you're chill and attractive and I'd be into you." And he seems to be all like, "Hey, ditto." And then it goes back and forth for awhile and like, he texts you, and y'all hang out, and you're like, "Okay, he's actually pretty cute in general." And then he's like, "Oh wait, JK." And you're like, "Well, that's awkward." And then you just end up a little turned around and sitting on your couch eating ice-cream 'cause I mean really, what else can you do in this situation? 

It happens, folks. I guess that's why Ben and Jerry were born. 

But hey, whatever works, ya know! I mean, after all, cows are forever.

Goodnight, you good-looking people, you.

"Well It's Bulls And Blood, Dust And Mud."

I have been thinking about home a lot this week. A missionary friend sent me this picture on Monday and I've pretty much looked at it every day since. They just don't make mountains like that anywhere else.

This week was kind of long, with ups and downs, but overall it was decent to me.

Monday I got my mish emails... my favorite way to start the week. I basically spend all morning checking my computer for the little email thing to pop-up and when it does I usually re-read the emails over and over again. It's all good stuff. :)

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were all kind of eh. Generic, ya know. Classes and such. I did, however, get the highest score in the class on my animal production test which basically made me way happy. This girl knows her livestock.

Friday morning was the ultimate highlight of my week. I went out to the livestock center that morning bright and early to do work - it was warm and just a really chill morning.

The back of the feed truck, out in the pasture, is my favorite place in this whole world. Every time I'm out there, I just get another affirmation that this is where I'm supposed to be and this is what I'm meant to do. This is my kind of life. 

We got the horses and cattle fed with no big deal, then we had a small group of steers that we loaded, trailered, and weighed. That was a bit of an adventure and I almost died when one of the steers got cocky, but it's all good. Not exactly my first rodeo.

I had the fun spot at the back of the chute, pushing the rawhide through. But that also meant I had to watch out for the feisty few that liked to kick. But no big deal, I'm a boss.

This good-looking guy was my valentine, since Friday was Valentine's day as well. We're kind of tight - it's not a big thang or anything. But you should probably be a little jealous.

There's an auction in Blackfoot next Friday that I'll probably ride along to. The school's getting a few new head and maybe a new breeding bull. That'll be exciting - I'm really looking forward to all that good stuff.

Saturday I just hung out during the day - practiced my cooking, which still basically sucks - and then I had a date, which was fun. 

Today is Sunday so I taught in Relief Society and now I'm doing nothing for the rest of the day. And guess who doesn't have school tomorrow? That's right, everyone. So boom.

Well. That was my exciting week. I'll be home in a month and a half though - so I'm holding on to that when the college times turn not so fun! Life would be a lot easier if I could just live out with the cows, if ya ask me. ;)

But anyways, peace out, girl scouts. And don't forget to keep it real. 

"If The Magic Ain't Right, Time To Walk."

*sigh*

Guys.

Today was a sad day.

Manning, I trusted you and you smashed my heart to pieces. Hands down, that was the hardest game I have ever had to watch. And as a result, I owe one guys' apartment cookies. That'll teach to never bet again.

But I have faith in my soul that next season... next season Denver will take it spectacularly. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Alright, let's see what I did this week.Well, nothing life changing or extraordinarily spectacular. Homework kept me pretty busy during the weekdays. I've found myself loving Mondays because it's P-Days for my missionaries, so that means I get emails. I upped my squat this week, which was exciting. Workin' on those glutes, no big deal. I got invited to go out with the prettiest (in a good way) boy in our ward. Didn't go through, but it's the thought that counts.

Friday morning I got up uber early and went out to the livestock center with some friends to do chores. I'm pretty sure the Ag department is the only one that requires students to do like actual chores, but I'm not complaining. I forgot how much I missed actually working. We got to help run some of the cattle and get the bull loaded up, which was a bit of an adventure. I have this thing about being around bulls. I think my dream job would involve working with them on a daily basis. But anyways, coming home covered in hay and cow crap really made my morning. Can't wait to get back out there again!

Saturday kinda sucked a little, due to a migraine headache that decided to pay a visit. I spent most of the day asleep and then I wrote an essay all afternoon. It was relaxing, once the pain went away, but nothing super exciting.

Today was church and a really, really good fast and testimony meeting. The Spirit was incredibly strong today, through all of the meetings. In fact, I've felt the Lord's presence in my life very strong throughout this last week. I know that He loves and cares about us. We are literally His kiddos, each and every one of us. I think knowing that is the foundation of my entire testimony. I've been reading the scriptures more regularly now and when I do I've been trying to spend more time highlighting and finding passages that mean the most to me, as a daughter of a Heavenly Father. It has really changed my perspective on things and I've been able to see more of the blessings that He has sent my way. I'm a lucky girl.

Speaking of how lucky I am, I'd like to just take a moment to talk about the people here. Last semester I was blessed with some amazing roommates. Those girls are pretty much blood sisters to me at this point and I love them to death. When this semester started, I didn't have them and I was honestly terrified. I came into my new roommate situation with a bad attitude. I didn't want to like the new girls. I wouldn't like the new girls. Nope. Wasn't gonna happen.

The first few weeks weren't the best. Luckily for me, I had a couple friends outside of the room, made  the previous semester, so I wasn't completely alone. However, I was living with strangers that I was making no real effort to connect with and that's not an easy thing. This was the dumbest thing I've done recently though, because when I started putting an actual interest into these girls, I realized how hilariously amazing they each really are. I've got Netta for her sass, Amanda to vent over football about, and Allegra as my little shoulder angel. They are such a good support system and I love these girls. I really do.

I've also been blessed with the most caring and wonderful home teachers on this planet. This morning I was thinking about how I would like a priesthood blessing and half way through church Allegra texted me asking if I wanted one, because she had had a prompting to ask. So I hit up my home teachers and the amazing young men that they were, took time out of their evening to come by and bless me. I've been given so much - I can't even begin to give enough thanks.

This is our first picture together and I love it, just like I love the girls in it. How'd I get so lucky?

"I Want To Be Strong And Admit That I Was Wrong, Man."

Well, it's been a week, y'all.

Monday was a holiday, so classes didn't even start until Tuesday. Homework was light this week, which was nice, except for the fact that I put off what little I did have until this weekend, which left me in a panic to finish several papers up until about an hour ago. Not exactly the brightest thing I've ever done.

I decided to practice my culinary skills a whole freaking lot over the last week and let me just say, I am down right proud of myself. Look at what I have accomplished.

Those are dumplings. Roberts thing - reminded me of home. 

I actually made a salad. Vegetables make me sad, but I suffered through it. 

And my crowning glory... the most beautiful cheesecake on the face of this earth. It's already like 3/4 gone. I'm going to be fat.

I realize that this may not seem like a big deal to all y'all, but let me tell you what, I am no chef here. I called my mother this week because I couldn't remember how to boil eggs. Yeah. So this is kind monumentous.

And I haven't been alone in the kitchen. I've got this little guy to keep me company.

His name is the Brave Little Toaster. Or BLT for short.

Anyway. So that was my bragging for this post. I can officially cook some things sometimes.

Also, I want to share with you the most hilarious moment of my week. So I'm sure we've all heard the glorious news involving the good 'ole Justin Beibs. DUI, coke possession, egging, resisting arrest, you name it. WELL, my roommate and I were sitting around that morning and a brilliant idea came to us. See, we have this poster on our wall depicting the man himself. We decided he needed a little ink, so the convict got a tat.

#deported

I don't think I've laughed so hard in a very long time. I still find it way too amusing. Sometimes we're kind of geniuses, no big deal or anything. 

Let's see, what else has happened. Well, OH, gym news. I know you want to hear about that. So I was leaving the gym a couple nights ago, feeling all boss and such, when I feel someone touch me on the shoulder. Turn around and BAM, there's this adorable young man like right there and he's all like, "Hey, so don't want to be weird or anything, but do you want to go out with me?" So of course I said sure - we swapped numbers, etc, and that was the moment that made my day. Whether or not a date actually comes from this encounter, thank you, good sir, for making me smile. 

Mr. Hottie McHot as mentioned in previous blog posts continued to make appearances throughout the week. Unfortunately he's a Bear's fan though, which is a big of a point loss in my book. But those glorious shoulders might just make up for it - I haven't decided yet. 

So, I guess I'll get serious here for a moment 'cause it's a Sunday and a lot has been on my mind lately anyway. I woke up one morning this week and I realized that I wasn't really where I wanted to be or where I had ever planned to be. And by that I don't mean in Idaho ('cause I love it here). What I mean, is that it's been almost exactly seven months now since I've been regularly doing what I should be doing. Scripture study, talking to my Heavenly Father - I've been slacking. This past summer I got into a relationship that I should have avoided. Because of it, I prioritized things all wrong and grew further from my Heavenly Father than I ever have been. I did some things I shouldn't have, justified them and acted like they had no effect on me. Too bad that's not how it works. 

I picked up my scriptures for the first time in a long time a few days ago. I started reading in Alma and came across a verse that really hit me hard, so I thought I'd share. 

"If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed." 

How incredible is that promise? To know that we can be forgiven and fixed, even if we've messed up so bad that it hurts all the time. It doesn't come without work. We still have to believe and in order to believe, we have to act upon what we know. But it can be done and that's what matters to me. 

Guilt is a scary thing, but someone shared a scripture with me that's helping my process. 

"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him. Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life."

I know that if I do my duty, when the time comes, Christ will be the one pleading for me at the judgment seat. So I'm taking care of what I need to now, even though its the hardest thing I've ever done, because I'm ready to be completely and totally happy again. I think it'll take awhile, but I've been blessed with some incredible people in my life. It's hard being away from home and the people there, but I have a support system here that almost seemed to have appeared from out of nowhere. That was the Lord's hand in my life, I guarantee it. And I love him for it. I'm ready for the change. 

More than anything.

"Ain't Gonna Let You Down, Just Wanna Make You Proud."

Quote of the Day:

*We're sitting around looking at pictures of guys on Tinder and there's this really good looking black dude.*

Allegra: "Well, you need vanilla AND chocolate..."
Amanda: "... to make... cookies and cream."

Pahahahahahaha, okay so maybe it was a had-to-be-there moment, but just the fact that it makes no sense, made it hysterical.

Okay, anyways. So this week seriously felt like it lasted a month. Like for real.

So Monday was chill, back to classes. Wrote my favorite missionaries, did a little homework, ya know.

Tuesday was lab day for my live and carcass eval class. We went out to the livestock center to do live weight estimations on a herd of bred angus. It was actually a lot of fun to be out moving the cows - everyone's inner cowboy sounds started to come out while we were moving the herd. At first, the measurements were a little iffy. I've never done weight estimation on cattle, so I didn't really know where to start. But after a few head, I started to get the hang of it. By the end of lab my average was 10-20lbs off. I felt pretty good about that, I won't even lie.

Wednesday was more classes and I hurt myself benching. That was dumb. Thought I was a beast, apparently not.

Thursday has a funny story. So for the past few weeks there's been this guy in my math group who I found very attractive. And we sit by each other so that was just like a huge bonus. Well, on Thursday we were talking in our group (it's me, cute kid, and one other guy) and Mr. Hottie McHot said he was from Illinois. So I was like, "Oh that's cool, I just went there for Christmas to visit my sister." And so we were talking and I find out he's from Geneva and my sister is from St. Charles, which is basically right there. Well TURNS OUT, my favoritest brother-in-law ever was his scout leader for awhile until the ward split. Whaaaaaaaaaaat. Talk about a small world.

Anyways, so now he has my number and I'm basically just waiting for him to utilize it. But we've seen each other in the gym a few times, so that's also a good thing. Please Lord, give him inspiration to text me.

Okay, so then Friday came around, woot woot. There was a party over at one of the other complexes, so my roommates and I hit that up. We played monster pong (for those of you who don't know what that is *coughmothercough* it's like beer pong, but with our beverage of choice, monster energy drinks) and turns out I'm no longer as good as I once was. But I can hold my own.

This is the dream team. We're kind of amazing.

After having way too much caffeine, we all went and watched Grown Ups (which is one of my all time favorite movies, so that was chill) and ended up getting home around 4:30, no big deal.

Saturday was pretty chill. Went to the gym in the morning, did some much needed apartment cleaning, then went out. First, we were gonna go rock climbing, but the place was occupied, so that didn't happen. So we basically drove around in their van and kinda didn't do anything.

Then I ditched for another group and we all went out to this "haunted" swing set out in the middle of nowhere. That was exciting stuff, except for it was freezing, even for this Alaskan. After the swing, we stopped by the old train tracks and messed around on the old train cars. It was actually pretty legit. I've never been on top of a train. I can just go check that off my bucket list.

Today is Sunday and so church. I taught in Relief Society today. Oh yeah, so I got released as Gospel Doctrine teacher (sad day) and they moved me to the Relief Society. At first I was like, "this is dumb", but it was fun teaching today. But I still miss my old class.

So that was this week. We get tomorrow off of classes 'cause it's a holiday, which is super nice. I think the roommates and I are planning a grocery shopping trip. Which is probs a good idea 'cause I'm thinking we're pretty much out of food these days.

Oh and the Broncos are playing the Patriots today. It's the 4th quarter, the score is 10-26, and Manning is a beast. Enough said.

Also, sometime this week I discovered the song "People Back Home" by FGL and oh my goodness it's like my song of the week. I've listened to it basically every day, no big deal. Anyway, it's amazing and reminds me of all y'all.

I think that's probs just about all of it. The home teachers are about to show up any minute now, so I should probably go put on pants. Probably a good idea. Peace out.

"Too Young To Know Any Better."

I know it's been like ages since I've posted. It's not really my fault though; life has been a little cray-cray to say the least.

I'm gonna try and remember everything that happened, but considering there has been so freaking much, I'm probs gonna miss  whole lot. Oh wells.

Okay, so I said goodbye to my wonderful, beautiful, favoritest roommates. There were tears, more pictures, and lots of hugging. That was not exactly a good time. I woke up to an empty apartment, which wasn't exactly a great feeling, finished packing, caught the four hour shuttle to Salt Lake, and finally made it to the airport. Due to weather issues, my plane got delayed several times and I ended up spending five hours at the SLC airport. I wanted to shoot myself. Finally, they got us boarding and the flight was about three hours to Chicago. Can I just say, flying sucks. It gives me a massive headache and planes smell weird.

Anyway, Stacy and Josh were waiting for me when I got there and of course Stacy starts crying 'cause I'm so amazing and plus there's pregnancy hormones helping out there too. So that was good. We got home at 2:00am and pretty much just crashed.

So the next day was church - Stacy had me talk to the young women there for a few minutes, share my collegiate wisdom, etc.

Monday was our first venture into the city! We took a train in (which I have never done before so that was exciting.) We ran down Michigan avenue and made it just in time for our reservations at the signature room. Which, by the way, is on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building. Talk about a view.

It was incredible. Luckily for us, the weather was clear so you could see basically everything. Absolutely gorgeous. 

After lunch we decided to head over to Navy Pier 'cause I really wanted to see that. It was absolutely freezing outside - below 0 and the wind off the lake was absolutely rude. But we walked all the way down the pier because we are strong Alaskan women and a little cold never hurt anyone. Ish. I got some pretty decent shots down there with the 'ole camera. Poor Mr. C; he wasn't liking the cold either. His battery was draining like crazy. 

This was my favorite from our Navy Pier adventures. It was all really pretty and we got to see the skyline so that was cool too. Also there were lots of pigeons... which I thought was fun. Anyways.

Next we went to Millennium park and saw the bean. And then we went iceskating there. The line was crazy long and we probably waited like an hour before we could get on the ice, but it was completely worth it.

This is us in the bean. Fabulous I tell ya, fabulous.

So then we did a little Nordstrom shopping and headed back to the train station. It was so cold, my face was numb, but it was getting dark and the city was absolutely beautiful at night. 

I'm not a huge city person, never really have been. I like my cows. But I'm not gonna lie, the big city has a certain charm. 

So the next day was Christmas eve and we didn't do much. We made pies and cooked Christmas dinner. Actually, Stacy mostly cooked. I just messed around in the kitchen and was in the way a lot. But it was fun!

I sure love this purty sister. And her fancy shmancy scrub brush. 

So the next day was Christmas and we did stockings and presents and all that good stuff. The missionaries came over for dinner which was fun and then we went and saw Frozen. Talk about adorable. Made me miss my reindeer boys. 

Thursday Stace and I got sick. For like, a really long time. We laid in bed pretty much all day every day, occasionally turning over to make sure the other one was still breathing. And we probably drank like five gallons of orange juice. 

Well, New Years eve we decided to buck up and be men and go out and party. So we got dressed and went out and it was a lot of fun, even though we were coughing our lungs up and only made it until just after midnight. But the effort, that's what counts. 

New Years day we went back into the city to the Shedd aquarium and this time we took Joshy with us. That place was huge. It took us like five hours to get through the dang thing. But it was exciting 'cause I got to see fishes and dolphins and whales and seahorses. So basically it was successful. 

That's the entrance. Not a lot of exciting stuff there, but now you've seen it.

This guys was pretty much my favorite. Apparently he's like a sea dragon or something or other. He was pretty awesome. Unfortunately I couldn't use my flash at all in the aquarium, so yeah, the picture quality on my shots pretty much sucked. Oh well.

We also went to the whale/dolphin show, which was pretty fun. Whales are so cute. I need one.

So after the aquarium we spent like a half hour trying to catch a cab, which was impossible and it was freezing and awful. But finally we got one and we went and had dinner at this little old timey pizza joint. It was super cute and the food was amazing. 

I probably ate more meat that night than I have all semester. It was crazy, but way good. 

So then we went home and yeah. 

I was only there for another couple days. We watched movies together our last night and hung out on the couch having way too many TMI moments. The next morning we finished packing and then they brought me back to the Chicago airport. It was sad leaving; I wish we all lived closer. It was nice being able to be with family again and plus I hadn't seen Stace since May so it was good to see her. So anyway, that was sad.

The flight home was long and delayed and the drive back to Rexburg was even longer. I got home at 3:00am -  I was so exhausted. Also, once I got back I realized I left my leather jacket on the plane. Freaking sucks. 

I met my new roommates the next day and honestly, all that made me do was miss my girls from last semester. But I'm dealing with it. 

Classes started on Monday! Honestly, I'm loving my classes this semester. All of them. I think my least favorite is my Book of Mormon class. I know that sounds bad, but I'm just being honest here. And it's not that I don't like it, it's just that it's not my favorite, ya know? 

My livestock classes are so interesting - I really like them already. On Tuesday we're heading out to the livestock center to do some live hog judging which I'm really looking forward to. 

Also, mi madre sent me a new pair of coveralls for Christmas. I freaking love these things! I can't wait to get out there and break 'em in. Actually I just can't wait to wear them around campus. But I'm waiting for the right opportunity. 

I'm liking my English class okay so far. It's pretty easy - we're most just reading like articles from people and finding the thesis statements. Not hard at all. And my math class is like... ridiculously easy. I was all worried 'cause ya know, it's like college math and all that jazz. Nuh-uh. I already have 116% in the class. It should be no problemo. 

Also, I sit at the same table as this pretty attractive guy during class period, so ya know... it could be worse, that's all I'm saying. 

Earlier this week I got a surprise email from a mish friend, who I met when he served in my ward back home. It was nice to hear from him, plus now I get two Elders to write, so score. 

Ummmm, I think that's basically it. All summed up, it's good to be home in the 'ole burg. While I was in Illinois, I was getting a little homesick and not for Alaska, like I thought I would be. I kinda like this place. A whole lot. Plus it's been nice 'cause I've been able to get back to my gym schedule, which completely went down the drain over Christmas break. 

Okay, well that's all for now. I'll get back on my regular posting schedule from now on I suppose. Later y'all! Have a fabulous week. \m/

"I Can See Life Has Been Patiently Waiting For Me."

This is my last blog post for the semester. Wowsers. I six days I'll be catching a plane for Chicago to spend my two weeks of Christmas break with my fantabulous sister. Then I'll be right back here to give college another go.

The last couple days have been filled with a lot of different emotions. Excitement for break - stressing about finals - and sadness whenever we all start talking about going home. Not that we're not all excited to see family and friends, because we completely and totally are. But we're a little family here too and one that I'm going to miss like crazy. 

It almost seems a little unfair. I've only had four months with these girls and already I love them more than half the kids I spent the last eighteen years with. Our time here in college together has been so short - we'll probably all be married before we get a chance to room together again. 

We've laughed together until we cried, vented until 2:00am about ratchet hoes, been pregnant and then pregnant again. We've been hit on by the creepiest of the creepies, had simultaneous sore glutes from squats, and baked a freaking cheesecake. We've spent countless hours stalking attractive male  classmates on facebook and planning our future weddings down to the center pieces. 

We've got five days left together, so yesterday we spent the day together running around campus with a camera. I've never had a lot of girl friends. I've always preferred the guys and the drama free route. But I'm so incredibly thankful I got blessed with these three amazing girls in my life. I guarantee Heavenly Father knew exactly what I needed this semester and gave them to me. 

While I'm being all cheesy and stuff here, can I just say, I'm going to miss this person so much. I'm pretty sure if I didn't have my brotein shake Kenzie this semester, I'd go cray-cray. Honestly, my first impression of her was not the best. I prepared myself for the worst and thinking back on that makes me laugh. Never ever thought I'd make such a broski in college, especially with my roommate, but hey, I've been wrong before. Who I'm going to judge other people with next semester, I have no idea. 

Not that we really have a lot of room to judge… but oh well. 

So after pictures yesterday, we went hookiebobbin' with a group of friends. Yeah, I'd never heard of it either, but apparently that's what you call it. Basically, we drove out to this icy parking lot in the middle  of nowhere and then you hold onto the tailgate of the pickup… you get the gist? It was crazy fun - probably one of the best times I've had since I've been here in Rexburg. Plus we met some country boys and we all know how I feel about that. 

Well, my last final is on Tuesday - Animal Reproduction - and then I'll be done with my first semester. Fingers crossed it goes well, I'm a little nervous. We'll see what happens!

We've all been talking a lot about how our lives and where we are all going to be headed from here. I kinda came to the scary realization that from now on, I'll spend more of my year in Idaho than I will in Alaska. And in all reality, this upcoming summer is probably my last trip home for awhile. By next summer I should have an internship, year-round apartment, hopefully a fiancé or something close. And I actually really love Idaho. It's not Alaska, that's for sure, but I'm happy here and am completely content living in this state for the years to come. 

I honestly never thought I'd consider this place home. But it kinda is! 

So, the rest of this post will probably just be pictures that we took yesterday. We got like 250, so I won't bore you will all of them, but I wanted to put them up here. 

Well, we're cool, what can I say.

And we love our Christmas lights, but who could blame us.

Pregnant bellies are also way too much fun.

But don't let that fool you. We're pretty thug.

More roomie love. 

We have this thing where we're going to audition for American Idol and then win because we're just that amazing. 

Annnnnnd, we love Brooke's energy!

Also our booties. 

Group hugs are the best. I don't wanna let these gals go!

They love me, no big deal.

I really don't know what happened here.

We shoulda been models probably. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love these girls. We're like the three amigos, but plus one.