Thursday, April 29, 2010

Packrat-itis

It's a genetic disease.

I've found the cure is a craving for SPACE. I have been in the largest de-clutter movement of my life.

I wish I had some before & after pictures of my room for you, but I don't. So oh darn.

I now have 4 empty drawers, 1/2 a closet shelf, & a bedroom floor! I am very pleased with myself.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Post Provo

I moved home to sunny Las Vegas on Saturday (talk about bittersweet).

Since walking in the door I have:

*played nonstop with Gertie
*moved/cleaned/organized/discarded...& am nowhere near seeing my bed or more than a walkway of my bedroom floor
*taken 3 naps (BLISS!)
*went dancing at the Monte Carlo with my big bro
*texted my girls about every stupid thing that's happened, I kinda miss 'em
*changed my oil (not personally, I went to Jiffy Lube)
*took Gertie on a run this morning at the park- she did NOT like it! hahaha 1st she thought it was a new game and she would pounce at my feet with every step I took. When she realized we were just running, & she was supposed to stay @ my side, the crying started, & I was laughing so hard! Like mother like daughter- I don't like running either, but have come to terms with it as a necessary evil in my life. I'm taking her again tomorrow :)

Gertie playing pitiful after our run

Dear World, I GRADUATED!!

What fun! Thursday & Friday are a blur of a memory, but I know I will cherish those days forever! Thursday morning was torturous waiting for the clock hands to move so it could be time to start getting ready for the big event...then the momentum took my breath away!

met up with the best girlfriends before Commencement

Thanks Tati for the awesome pic!

me & Luke w/the Coug. it was a perfectly gorgeous day

do you see what's in my hand? i kinda had a hard time believing it myself

so lucky to have my family's support & love! thank you!!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

We are ready!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I JUST PICKED UP MY CAP & GOWN!!!

and my free alumni t-shirt!

2 DAYS!!!!

Southern Utah Trip

I love Southern Utah. The mountains, the desert, the quiet, the quirks.

Sunday afternoon, after Church, we went to visit some of the cemeteries. I love walks through cemeteries. There is so much peace and love found on those sacred grounds. When we pulled into the Glendale cemetery, I was surprised to look over and see a Terry headstone, and upon closer look realized it was my great-Uncle Mel, my grandma's older brother. I had forgotten that he was buried here, and was so happy for the opportunity to visit.


On the drive through Hatch, oh how I LOVE driving through small towns, I saw this beauty parked on the side of the road. I have no idea really what it is used for? A camper of sorts? But I fell in love with it, & on the way back I simple had to stop to take a picture of it. I just knew my mom would love it too.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Sunshine

I spent yesterday afternoon outside, in the sun, on a blanket, with a best friend, reading a book, & taking a nap. I will miss Kiwanis Park.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Antelope Island

A lot of my time last week was spent on Antelope Island, in the Great Salt Lake. At first I was excited to go setup my research at this new on-site location. I'd never heard of the place but thought it sounded fascinating and like the perfect adventure to conclude my undergrad research experience. In looking up some info about the place I found this breathtaking picture


But that was not quite the view I found! Instead, this is what I stared at for 12 hours on Thursday, and then a few more Friday morning. Add to this picture a small trailer, an uncooperative instrument, a wind that would bring a sewer smell, and our lovely friends the mosquitos, & you can glimpse my days.


Friday afternoon slightly made up for the return trip from Provo. We went to Roy, UT and stopped at the Burger Bar (previously featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives). FUN! Seriously, a LOT of FUN. I'm glad I got to visit this Utah novelty before adios-ing it outta here!


Moral of the story, if you're going to do some grunge work, make sure you have good company, and good food! Those 2 in combo can turn any potentially horrific experience into some of your favorite memories!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

1 week from TODAY

I graduate in 1 week! I see my family in 1 week! I move home in 1 week! I am that much closer to my future in 1 week!! I had my exit interview with the Chemistry Dept.Chair yesterday afternoon, and now I'm ready to go! (except I keep forgetting that I do have 2 finals I need to take sometime, ah well, can't do anything about that til tomorrow) I met with Dr. Farnsworth though, & he's like 1 of the 3 Chemistry professors I've never spoken with. Figures. But that was ok because it kept it short & sweet. I sold my textbooks back this morning, stood in the line for nearly an hour, I planned on an hour, & was pleased when it only really took 45 minutes, & they even brought around candy bars for us while we waited (I stashed mine for later he he he)

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

I like to pretend I'm rebellious

This weekend I got to check off one item on my bucket list! I still get giddy just thinking about it. I have ALWAYS wanted to drive on the Authorized Vehicles Only turnabout things on the highways. ALWAYS!!


On Friday I was driving with my friend, & he thought he'd missed our exit. He very nonchalantly (I was SO impressed because if I'd been in the driver's seat I'd have been screaming the whole time- an exhilerated/excited/terrified-of-getting-in-trouble scream) pulled off the fast lane and drove onto the gravel. My mouth hung open! But that's not even the best part! Turns out we didn't miss the exit, so we got to do it again!!! So I cleverly & quickly snapped this shot with my phone. Such events in life MUST be documented.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Mother

I completely enjoyed General Conference today. I stayed awake, learned a great deal, and most importantly felt the care & comfort of the Spirit. I wanted to share some of Elder Ballard's talk from the morning session. It was about the relationship between mothers and daughters. I thought I'd post a few of my favorite quotes, ones that particularly reminded me of my own beautiful mother and our friendship.

Mothers & daughters play a critical role in helping each other explore their infinite possibilities.

Your mothers adore you, they see in you the promise of the future generations. Everything you accomplish, every challenge you overcome brings them pure joy, & likewise your worries and heartaches are their worries and heartaches.

Model yourselves after [your mothers].

Look to your mother; learn from her strengths, her courage, and her faithfulness.

No other person on earth loves you in the same way or as willing to sacrifice as much to encourage you and to help you find happiness in this life and forever.

He noted "how much the young women behave like their mothers" for good or bad.

As mothers in Israel you are your daughters' first line of defense against the wiles of the world.

A mother-daughter relationship is where a daughter learns how to nurture by being nurtured. She is loved, she is taught, and experiences firsthand what it feels like to have someone care enough about her to correct her while continuing to engage, encourage, and believe in her at the same time.


Mom, I love you so much. Thank you for being the world to me, and for being my best friend. I am so blessed by you, & continue to pray to live as you do- with courage, confidence, compassion, optimism, & a great sense of humor!

Love you more!