Happy Halloween!!!

*Hint: It follows your mouse.

2 girls, a car, & some sleep deprivation

In the pursuit of being a "good student" I've been successfully neglecting the rest of my life. I'm happy to say I think it has paid off as I've finally felt relief leaving an exam rather than the usual post-test anxiety. I'll tell you though that I thought it a cruel irony I was sitting up late 2 nights in a row studying the physical & psychological benefits of SLEEP

1. Body's time of repair
2. Time for consolidation of learned information
3. Dreams are of psychological and/or emotional importance

Hmmph.

I resolved to take the day off  (once I took my last exam...that I may or may not have nearly fallen asleep in. It was so hard to focus on all those printed words!!) The day got better when I told Jamie I'd help her with her car. Ya, 2 girls taking care of a car...we should've known. We met Donny at Auto Zone who told us it was the alternator, not the battery. Doug gave us a jump after we looked for an hour in the cold for the battery leads under my hood (for some reason Saturn thought it'd be fun to stick the actual battery in the trunk? Not funny.) The negative lead is nowhere to be found still, even after calling the dealership. We ended up taking her car to Dave at Japanese Autocare (that's a story for another day!) They are now fondly referred to as our 3D's & we secretly love them all.

Then we came home & watched The Holiday, which always makes me feel like it'd be a lovely idea to kiss the next man that knocks on my door...

My Ultimate Comfort Food

I had a long day. I came home after 8:00 famished. I looked in my cupboard for something delicious & incredibly low maintenance to top off my day. I spotted it. There at the top. My favorite cereal. But wait? Do I have a banana to go with it? Otherwise it's not worth it. I looked over my shoulder & saw with relief that 1 of the 4 bananas sitting on the counter was still cereal worthy (hasn't crossed over to the smoothie/bread side yet). Phew.

2 Original Shredded Wheat biscuits with 1 sliced banana drenched in milk.

I feel much better.

President Obama

President & 1st lady Obama came to The Oval last night. I went to watch/listen. It was my 1st time ever seeing a US President in person, a little surreal. A group headed over after Church & waited for 2 hours listening to all the Democratic propaganda...some amusing, some frustrating to me. I sat on the blanket, took a nap, got a back rub (it's a hard life, I know) & listened from below. Don't worry though, I definitely stood up when "The Eagle" arrived. There were a lot of "OH-IO"s shared & I clapped when he claimed that more than being called Democrats or Republicans we are proud to be called AMERICANS!

If I knew how to draw an arrow to point him out for you I would. But he & Michelle are on the far right by the podium, if you feel like playing an altered version of Where's Waldo? 

Angels among us

My friend, Jamie, saved a man's life last week. While out for an afternoon walk, enjoying a little sunshine while it's left, she crossed paths with an elderly man & had the distinct feeling that he was not ok. Instead of dismissing it, she paused & watched him on his path. I am so proud of her for not giving in to the temptation to walk away & reassure herself that he would be fine. Then, as she watched the disoriented man fall, she ran to him. She caught the attention of 2 road maintenance men who then saw him & ran to his aid as well. The 3 of them were able to care for him & get him safely home (a nearby nursing facility he'd escaped from).

I was so touched when she shared this experience with me, & I was so grateful to know her & call her my friend. I was reminded of the words of Elder Holland
  
But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with - here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind.

Jamie was this man's angel. I couldn't help but think of my own dear grandpa in his last days with dementia & how grateful I am to all those who loved & cared for him. My mom told me a story of a young man, maybe 12 years old?, who would sit by my grandpa every week in church. One week my mom & Auntie Lynne showed up & sat behind the 2 of them. Not knowing who these women were, the young man turned to them & asked if they wouldn't mind watching his friend while he stepped out to use the restroom. They said they'd love to. It was something so small, but knowing my grandpa was loved & watched over brought such peace. This man's family will likely never know about the service Jamie offered, but regardless they will always be grateful for a young woman who had the courage to follow her heart.

Just when you thought it didn't get any better than Flight of the Conchords

My friend sent me the link to this video & I laughed. It may have been due to the late hour I watched it combined with severe lack of sleep...but now you get to enjoy too. My friend's short message said, "Note that the pretty girls are the ones in the school of pharmacy." So, I ask you, Really...how could I resist? I'm a sucker for science humor.

*View original Flight of the Conchords here. My brother would be so proud.

Ace of Cakes

I am going to see Duff & Geoff LIVE.  

Another reason to love OSU. FREE events with my buckID. On Nov 1 I have 2 exams, so I felt that this would be the perfect way to wind down from the stress. I can't wait!! I hope there's free cake :)