Catching Up

I started to write a new post for this 10 days ago, but never got the chance to get back to it and now I don't feel like writing everything I was going to write. Suffice it to say that Saturday, the day after my last post, was a great day even though I was struggling with school work. I spent the morning at home watching the Bourne movies, then rode around in a pickup/snowplow truck with my friend Flint for a few hours in the afternoon (he'd been working since 8:00 the night before and needed someone to help keep him awake til he finished), and then took only 45 minutes to shower and dressed up for a date that night with Jason B. (who happens to be Flint's room mate). It was actually a double date where Jason and I met up with a couple of friends for dinner and a movie. If you want more information you will just have to ask me because I'm not putting anymore than that on here.

Moving on, I ended up turing in that first paper about 5 days late (and it was a piece of crap) which put me behind on my next paper for that class. That one I also turned in late, though only 4 days this time. Meanwhile, I've been working hard on my Practicum hours and will finish them next week. I've also still been working my 2 part-time jobs, trying to keep up with church responsibilities, and have a social life. I've found it really helps me to take the time to enjoy life and not stress out about the little things.

I once again graduated from Institute (religion classes) and was asked to speak at the first ever Institute graduation ceremony for the Denver Metro Area. I've typed up my talk and posted it on Facebook, but I think I'll post it here too very soon.

Anyway, life has been pretty good lately. I have caught up on my assignments for my class, though I still need to catch up on my writings for my practicum. Since I did not have homework hanging over my head last night I was able to really enjoy Institute, seeing my friends, and take the opportunity to go roller blading after. I hadn't been on roller blades since high school I think so I was a little nervous, but I did pretty well. I did fall once, hard, on my butt (and it still hurts right now) however I really enjoyed myself. It helped that I wasn't alone and that Jason was willing to give me pointers to improve. He even showed me how to go backwards when I asked even though I thought it better that I not try just yet and end up falling again. I think I will deffinately have to go roller blading again. I forgot how much fun it can be. Maybe I'll actually get into shape this summer if I can do that and take some walks around the neighborhood and, of course, play soccer!!! I'm so glad we're starting to play again tonight! Yay for warmer weather and longer days!

...36 days

Second Snow Day

I went to bed last night while it was still raining/ foggy outside my apartment and woke to several inches of snow. Granted it started snowing in Castle Rock last night while I was down at the public library helping with a youth services program so it was not really a surprise that it started snowing in Lone Tree while I was sleeping. The thing is, it's still snowing! So, it was nice having another snow day (even though I was taking the day off anyway). It's been a day full of movies, friends, and naps. I tried working on homework, but I am once again experiencing mental blocks when it comes to writing my papers. I am tired of writing pointless reports that really aren't helping me learn anything anyway. If the class I'm taking weren't a required class I think I would drop it and focus on other things. Don't get me wrong, it is an interesting class. I'm just jaded by all the fluff papers I've had to write in Grad School. Seriously, can't they just ask for the content and not ask for more pages than really necessary? I have often been able to express myself completely in one or two pages when the teacher asked for ten. I am sooo ready to be done!
... 49 days

Happy Easter!

Time's fun when you're having flies... or something like that. Today was Easter Sunday, but for me it was pretty much like every other Sunday. It was my first major holiday where I didn't spend at least some time with my family, which is weird but that's how it worked out this go round. Going to Grandma's just didn't work out and Katie is dealing with her medical anomalous husband not to mention 4 kids. Church for me just runs so late that it makes it hard to be responsible in my callings and spend time with my family. In all reality, I really wish I could have gone to Utah to see Mom, Dad, and Frances. Don't get me wrong, I had a fairly good day. It's just one of those very stressful times where I wish I could see clearly into the future to stop my worries. I know what I want, but what I want doesn't seem to be working out right now. Maybe someday it will. In the mean time, holidays alone don't feel like holidays at all. I hope I don't have to spend another major holiday alone again. We shall see...
54 days to graduation

Friends, Phantom, and Flowers

What a great St. Patrick's Day and continuation of my birthday celebration! Tonight I went with my mom and room mate, Amanda, to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for crawfish. Other friends from church joined us in eating the delicious mud bugs. Thanks for coming out tonoght James, Christy, Rhisa, Danny, Stephanie, Jenna, Brandon, Jason P., Brad, Brian, Ashley, Carston, and Jason W. To all of you that could not make it, you missed out on good company and good food.

After enjoying some crawfish my mom, Amanda, and I went downtown to the Denver Center for Performing Arts to see The Phantom of the Opera. It was amazing! Definately a show I want to see again live.

Lastly, I want to say that I love getting fresh flowers. My mom got my a small pot of Daffodils (my birth flower) last week. Then today I received a floral arrangement of White Tulips and Bells of Ireland from my older brother, John. And at dinner Stephanie brought me a bouquet of blue dyed Daisies. All of the flowers are beautiful. Thank you so much.

The flowers from Mom

The flowers from John

The flowers from Stephanie

For My Birthday

Some time ago I got the idea that I would like to go up to Lookout Mountain above Golden, CO, for my birthday to watch the sunrise. Part of this idea came from a friend's blog post last year about watching the sunrise and I want to say thank you to her (I hope you know who you are).

I was originally planning on going up by myself to just enjoy the peace and quiet and the great view that Lookout Mountain offers, but then I wouldn't have been able to get a picture like this. My mom ended up going with me to enjoy the spectacular beauty that is a sunrise over the plains of Colorado. Thanks Mom!

I must say I was amazed at how quickly the sun comes up over the horizon. Even though I am not a morning person it was worth getting up early. What a great way to begin celebrating the day I was born and at an age where I can remember it and appreciate it that much more. I would recommend to anyone to take advantage of an opportunity like this sometime during your life. We spend so much time running around that every once in a while it is refreshing to take a step back, slow down, and enjoy a sunrise (especially from a mountain view).