Time

Lately I have to repeat this quote to myself several times a day...

'Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson & Albert Einstein.'

I wonder if they accomplished everything on their to-do lists!?! I would love to see their Google Calendars... ;)

Saturday is a special day...

it's the day I hear from Skyler. It's wonderful to know that real kindred spirits can go years without seeing each other and pick up right where they left off. After our email conversation today I am so so so excited to have him home and all to myself. June can't come soon enough.
If you want to follow along on Elder Holmans adventures go here, and enjoy!

Just one of those days...

You know, the ones that make you happy to be alive?! Ya, that was yesterday. And it’s funny, because as I go to write about it, there really wasn’t anything spectacular about it. It started like every other day…

I picked up a few friends and we drove to school. I was there by 8 so I could edit and print a paper I had written the night before. By 8:45 I was running through a presentation with my team for our HR training session. It was only the 2nd time we were able to get through the whole thing – we figured if the 3rd times the charm, then we wanted that to be the one we were graded on. ;) And lets just say 3rd time was for sure the charm! I just LOVE presenting.

After class I sat on my black couches in the Tanner and did my readings for my afternoon class with a couple friends – it’s always reassuring to know I’m not the only one getting things done at the last minute. And by the way…for anyone who ever turns up on BYU campus – come to the Tanner building in the west wing on the 2nd or 3rd floor and there I’ll be…working away on my homework in my signature place. ;)

In my Ghana prep class we filled out our Visa applications and did more case work. People….I’m going to FREAKING AFRICA! Ya… it’s still sinking in. I really couldn’t be happier.

Then I was sitting in my Nonprofit Finance class thinking of the huge paper that was due for that class by midnight, and I didn’t even care because I just love that class so much. You guys – the class has the word Finance in the title and I still LOVE it. Just goes to show you can’t judge a class by it’s title. (A lesson I actually learned after taking a class in my undergrad called ‘Does ET exist?’. What did we learn? Well, I can tell you what we didn’t learn – if ET really does exist!)

Anyways, sorry for the tangent.

Ok, back to my all around wonderfully ordinary day:
Ballet class was fantastic simply because it was ballet class.

After school I came home and ClEaNeD for 3 hours because today we had cleaning checks – and we ALL passed, which never happens! I just love cleaning. We may all live shorter lives due to the fumes that were coming from the chemical mixture my roommates made to get their tub clean, but I guess it’s worth it. ;)

Oh, and while cleaning my visiting teachers brought us dinner! WHAT?! I know! Could they be any more devoted? It is my goal to someday be like them! In cooking and kindness!

Then around 8:30 I finally sat down to write a 6 page paper that was due by midnight. Man it was a beast, but I couldn’t help but love it. I don’t know if it was the fact that I was high on Clorox fumes or that I had eaten my first real meal in weeks or that I just love school, but it was great. And guess what, I got the paper turned in with 8 minutes to spare! That’s right people – 11:52! Heck, I could have taken a nap and I still would have gotten it in on time. ;)

Oh, and somewhere in all this i took my accounting quiz and got full points! Ya, you read that right - 100% BABY. Too bad there were only 5 questions. ;)

Did I get any of the homework or reading done that were due today? Well, no – but look – I’m still alive.

Anyways, it’s just nice to have those days when you know you’re on the right track and that life is right where it should be!

Murder at its Finest

Ever Seen the movie Clue?

Ya, neither have I, but after this fabulous photo shoot, i'm adding it to my 'movies I need to see' list.For our closing MPA social we are holding a Murder Mystery Dinner - i'm way excited. They wanted some fun pictures for their promotional posters and such, so they really went all out. There is nothing more fun than good friends, fun outfits and a talented photographer. If you want to see some more from our photo shoot go HERE. And just guess who the real murderer is...

Just a bit of perspective …

Spinal meningitis – already immune
Yellow Fever vaccine – check
Polio booster – check
Typhoid pills – half-way through the cycle
Malaria prescription – filled

Well, looks like I’m on my way to Africa! I’m so excited for this life-changing experience, and lets face it, the change in perspective is already happening.

While I was sitting in the nurses’ office contemplating the challenges in my life and treading those deadly waters of self-pity, I was given a peak at what life is like for so many in this world. Deadly diseases are a part of everyday life. Hunger, sorrow and pain is a daily occurrence for millions of people.

So here is a little reminder of just how lucky we all are! Next time you take a drink of water, marvel at the fact that you don’t even think twice about the diseases you may get from it. Next time you get a bug bite, instead of being bothered by the nuisance, be grateful your life isn’t at risk.

And on a lighter note…

The nurse told me that the malaria medicine makes your skin even more sensitive to sunlight – sunburn here I come! My classmates are already starting to make fun of how much I’m going to stand out.

Study break

I stole Landens 'nerd glasses' to see if they held any special nerd powers. I was hopeful that my accounting would suddenly make sense through these cute new lenses.

Alas, all that happened was a successful distraction, and now I plan to play the night away, even though all of this homework still awaits.
I'm really good at sharing if anyone wants to join me!

Love is in the air ...

Isn’t the day of Love just Loverly?

I think it’s such a fun holiday. And lets be honest, with the sun shining like it was today, you can’t help but be happy!

So, in honor of cupid’s joyful day, here is a wonderful quote from a silly movie (Win a date with Tad Hamilton) that I just can’t help but love.

“Pete: Like do you know she has six smiles? One when something really makes her laugh. One when she's making plans. One when she is laughing out of politeness. One when she is uncomfortable. One when she is making fun of herself. And one when... she's talking about her friends.
Rosalee: You have five smiles Pete. One when you think someone's an idiot. One when you think someone's REALLY an idiot. One when you're singing to Barry White. One when you're getting all dressed up. And one when you're looking at me.”

So keep smiling because you never know who is falling in love with all your smiles.
HaPpY VaLeNtInEs DaY!