Advanced Theory of International Relations

As a matter of fact, this class is kicking my butt. However, I am slowly getting the hang of it. Today though, was prolly my favorite class thus-far. Was it because I had diagrammed both of the articles before class and got it kinda almost right? No. Was it because Brother Adamson let us out 15 minutes early? No. Was it because he told us more stories about his old singles ward?

YES.

Brother Adamson had the BEST Singles Ward. It seems like a lot of the characters frommm Singles Ward were based off of the people in this particular war, because they are all so crazy and ridiculous-sounding. I laugh sooo hard whenever he graces us with a story from this crazy time of his life.

Today he told us about Stephanie. Stephanie was this beautiful girl, and all these boys liked her. Brother Adamson had taken her on a few dates, when she went on a date with this other kid. She really only did it to see how Brother Adamson would react. He played it cool. "Have fun," he told her.

Later in church, Brother Adamson was sitting next to Stephanie. It was Fast Sunday, so this young man got up to bear his testimony. He told the congregation, on no uncertain terms, that he had gotten confirmation from the Spirit that "Stephanie. in the sixth row!" was supposed to be his wife. Stephanie turned bright red. 

The kid next to me leaned over and said, "Stephanie should've gotten up and said, 'I have received revelation that I am not supposed to marry this man. Amen.' " Through-out our class everyone was making little jokes like that.

And guess what? Stephanie did not marry that man, she married Brother Adamson. And I will tell you thatt story later.

Grown-up decisions

Today I made a big decision, but I didn't make it until after I had said "this is what I am going to do." Do you understand?

I am on the Winter/Spring track for BYU-I. This means that I go to school January-end of July, almost constant school (we have a week break in-between). Last year, my Spring semester had very few perks. It wasn't a horrible experience, but I was just sick of it and wanted to be home almost from the get-go. Going that long not seeing almost all of my family and my beloved state and best friends was just depressing, and it got to me in a major way.

Coming back out to school this time around, I was just in a bad mood. I was leaving an amazing job. I had just had the most wonderful five months anyone could ever ask for. I was walking into a bunch of friend drama, my house is three ginormous mountains short of where I need to be every day, and one of my favorite friends is practically married and leaving after Winter semester for forever. I didn't want nor did I feel like I deserved to waste my time languishing another seven months in Rexburg, Idaho. My money and time felt like they were about to be wasted, and now that I am awesome I could not stand the thought of that.

But I was going to stick it out. I didn't want to be whiney and run home. I wanted to be a big girl and suck it up. However, it was mere hours into the semester that I realized that that matter-of-fact solution was not humanly possible for me. I could not stay here, I would not stay here and after two weeks, I finally knew why I could do none of those things.

There was an internship that my friend told me about a week before the application was due. The internship starts in May, so obviously I could not stay for Spring semester bc how could I be two places at once? I'm no Hermione. So I applied, and I got Nanny Mom and Ms. Avis from NIH to be my references. I didn't/don't expect to get this internship, but I think it was a good experience to apply and I felt very firmly that that is what I needed to do, so I did it.

In a gesture of gratitude for their last-minute support I sent Nanny Mom and Ms. Avis flowers. Nanny Mom's flowers were just a problem and a half getting them to her, so in concern for Ms. Avis' bouquet I called her. She was so kind and thanked me profusely for the arrangement. We only chatted for a couple minutes because she had to go to a meeting but during our conversation she said, "Nicole, do you want to be an intern at NIH again? We would love to have you."

I was kind-of shocked. It never, ever occurred to me that I could work there again. "YES!" I blurted out. Ms. Avis directed me to the application and I think that I am going to apply for a Fall internship there. I would LOVE to work at NIH again. Those was some of the most inspirational months of my life. I mean, sure, I was tired allll the time, and I sometimes fell asleep very, very early, but it was all worth it to me. I loved my time there.

So that conversation got me thinking about my goal to become a phlebotomist. One of my goals for 2012 is to become a registered phlebotomist and I am determined to stand by that goal. However, my initial plan was that I would go to school Winter/Spring, come home late July and then take the three month course ending prolly in November. As I was reviewing this plan though, I realized the huge, gaping hole in it-

I cannot possibly expect someone to hire me for a measly less-than-two months. I can also not possibly expect to earn enough money in less-than-two months to pay for almost eight months of college. Something has to give.

I decided that that something would be Rexburg. I don't mind learning, but I do mind staying here when I could be somewhere else, accomplishing one of my goals.

Leaving Rexburg wasn't a snap decision. I put a lot of thought into this choice. After I got off the phone with Ms. Avis I called hospitals in Idaho, universities in Idaho, blood banks in Idaho....the works, people. No one was offering phlebotomy courses anytime soon, and waiting around for August is not something I am willing to do. I then looked up phlebotomy courses in Maryland. There are SO MANY. I guess people in MD care about blood more than people in ID. I dunno. I know that I can get into a phlebotomy course in Maryland, I know that I can get certified prolly by August, and then I can intern at NIH or work at a blood bank somewhere in Maryland.

Now, back to the learning thing that I'm supposed to be doing right now. If I get the internship that is a secret (not the NIH one), then I will take one online course- the one for internships. If I do not, then I will take the phlebotomy course as well as online courses. I am not dismissing my education, I am merely providing myself with a job and financial security, something that I count as a valuable, important use of my time.

All of these thoughts and ideas have been running through my head ever since January 14th. I wasn't sure what I was going to do, and that stressed me out. I prayed and fasted and asked advice and just was not content with any decision I made. Then I went to church.

Today in Sacrament meeting they talked about making decisions. This one girl gave an amazing talk wherein she described a situation she found herself in last year. She wanted to go to Russia and teach children English, however, she was nervous and scared and not at all sure if she was making the right decision. So she applied, and she still didn't know how she felt about it. She had her telephone interview with the director and she expressed her concerns. He told her that they had a spot for her if she decided she wanted to go, and so she said that she would.

She couldn't believe her ears! Had she really just agreed to go?! What about all her worries and the problems and complications? She thought nervously on these things as the phone call went on. Finally the call ended and she hung up the phone....

....And then a funny thing happened. She felt fine. She felt perfectly fine in fact, she felt better than fine she felt GREAT! She was filled with a good feeling. All of the sudden, the choice did not seem that difficult. This was what she needed to do, and she was extremely happy with her choice.

She then went on to say that we can pray, and we can ask and ask and ask but Heavenly Father gave us agency for a reason. We are supposed to make our own decisions. He has given that opportunity to us. So sometimes, we need to just not wait around and worry. Sometimes we need to just make a decision, and if it is a good thing, we will know it because we will feel the Spirit's encouragement and approval.

I did not expect this to happen to me, but as I sat on my bed after church, pondering on the words of that speaker, I found myself picking up my phone and calling my mother. When she answered I said, "Hi, Mom! Well, I made a big decision today, and I don't want you to be mad about it."

She asked me what that was and I took a deep breath and said, "I'm not staying here for Spring semester. I'm coming home."

And that was that. The decision, which hadn't been made before, was made. It was a short phone call, ending with my mom needing to hang up because she was going to a meeting, but once I clicked the "end" button, I felt exactly how that girl described her feeling. I knew that this was the right decision for me. I wasn't scared of it anymore. I was excited and invigorated and I didn't feel so confused. I knew that this was the right thing for me to do, and I could not be more happy with my choice.

So now I need to sell my contract, and figure out my storage, and choose my on-line classes that I am going to take. I feel awesome about this decision. I am so glad that I finally got up the courage to make it, and it's all because I acted.

I took a big leap today in my book. I love to have everything planned out and to see exactly what is lying ahead on my path, but although I do have a good idea of what that is, my vision of my future is far from 20/20.

And I'm okay with that, because whenever I have had this feeling before- this calm, happy, confident feeling after finalllyy making a big decision- I have had the most wonderful experience. I felt it after I had applied for NIH. I felt it after I accepted the nanny position. The two best jobs I have ever had have come from similar leaps, so of course I am excited to see what amazing thing will happen this time around.

I am so ready.

I am so happy.

I am so excited.

I am so decided.

Rude anddd I hope you fail

Today I walked into my Intro to Criminal Justice class. We have a test today. It was postponed from Tuesday bc I guess we hadn't covered everything yet. Also on Tuesday our class was a lil distracted because L. Tom Perry was here. Our teacher is head of campus security, so he got to meet him and everything!

My friend Amber and I sat down and I joked that I hoped that our teacher was spending time with L. Tom Perry today so that class would be cancelled and no test when the girl across the aisle from us was like, "Oh no I wanna get this over with."

Well, welcome to the conversation.

I looked at her desk and saw, with much excitement, that she had flash cards. Last minute study sesh and go! "You have flash cards?!" I exclaimed in awe. "Why are you so awesome?"

I beamed, my mouth filling up with an invitation for her to study with us in the future, when she said, very loudly and rudely, "Because that's what you DO when you have a test! You study." Heads turned as people in the class looked for the source of the yelling. She looked dismissively at my desk, which was clear and flash card-less.

An uncharacteristically irritated look crossed my face. People are not usually rude to me, and when they are I usually let them keep going, bc I know it will make a hilarious story later. In order for them to continue digging their own grave, I let a neutral, sometimes even pleasant look mask my face. Sometimes I can't even help a smile, because I am just imagining making fun of them later. This time, however, I was so caught off guard by this loud, rude, obnoxiously prideful girl that my face gave away my irritation. I glanced over at Amber, who giggled uneasily and widened her eyes in surprise at her abrupt, unclassy manner.

The girl busied herself with her beloved flashcards which are undoubtedly her best friends, bc what else but inanimate objects would stick around this shrill brat? She looked over at me, someehow expecting me to grace her sass with a response. "Well," I said dryly, clearly communicating my annoyance at her lack of social skills.

I immediately got out my lap top to write this down, and chatted with Amber while we waited for class to start. Another girl came in and sat in front of Rude Girl. She expressed her nervousness for the test. Rude Girl scoffed and said, "I am so ready. I studied sooo much."

Well gooo-d for you!

This post may seem over-dramatic, but I don't think so. Subtle, rude moments are something I have been noticing a lot more recently, whether they are directed at me (not usually), or someone around me (usually). They are not acceptable. Being rude for no good reason to two adorable classmates just reeks of something deeper, but whatever that underlying problem is it does not justify loud voices at innocent strangers. She is unprofessional, self-righteous, and mean spirited, and I hope I never have to endure another interaction with her ever again.

Oh, and a little more about her character....when our teacher was handing out the test and giving last-minute tips and instructions, she kept telling him to shut-up under her breath. Over and over again. This is stupid because it is rude, and also if she wants silence she shouldn't be talking.

Also, at the beginning of class our teacher came in and talked for a moment about the weather. It is snowing today so of course I am happy. He commented on this and Rude Girl let out a disgusted noise. Of course she hates snow. She's an abomination.

Your guide to being Nicole's friend

I am a pretty awesome person, if we're being honest here. In the past six months or so I've become very easy-going. I really don't get mad that often. This is a good thing, but if I am mad that should send you a message. Here is a handy guide that lays out what makes me angry, what I do when I am angry, and how you can help fix the problem.

• When people try to tell me what I should be doing. I know what I should be doing, and if I don't know I will ask. I have no psalms with asking. But if I'm sitting around and you come in the room and say, "you should be at class," I will automatically get a flash of annoyance. I know where I'm supposed to be, I don't need a little tour guide for my life.
• When people aren't considerate or just plain rude. I believe in being kind and thoughtful. When people aren't this way, it baffles me. Didn't your mother teach you anything?
• When people take without asking, or ask while in the process of taking. If you have already committed the act, you obviously don't care if I mind that you borrowed that, or ate this. Don't mess up the order. If you want to go about it the right and polite way, you will ask and then act upon my answer. However, this doesn't always apply. If we have already discussed sharing something, then we don't need to reiterate it every time. For example- Merrin, Kathryn, and I have a community closet. We can waltz in and borrow each other's clothes whenever. It doesn't bother me when I see Merrin in my shirt, or Kathryn in my boots. We've already discussed it, it's fine. However, I very rarely have such an agreement.
• When someone insists that I discuss a problem. Maybe I don't want to. If I want to talk, then I will.
• When someone keeps talking when I'm trying to learn. Be quiet. I'm not paying to get educated on your opinions or the story of your life. I'll talk to you after class.
• When I'm going somewhere with someone and they keep talking about the time. Shut up. If we're late, we're late. You're not going to change that by continually bringing it up. You're just stressing me out.

Alright. Now onto the indicators....

• I am extremely quiet. I either don't talk, or I use very short words and sentences. I think this comes from my anger at the perpetrator's lack of intelligence, because in general that is what angers me the most, when people simply don't use their brain.
• I blow my nose.
• I am coloring
• I am blogging. This is not completely accurate. I blog when I am feeling happy, creative, bored, procratinatory (not a word. Whatever), etc.
• I am showering. When I was little and I would get sick, my parents would tell me to go shower and then go to sleep. Now I use those two procedures to relieve my stress. I always felt better after I did those two things, and I am a firm believer in their healing power.
• I am sleeping
• I avoid eye contact and will likely busy myself with my taplop or phone....or cleaning.
• My bedroom is getting dirty. This derives from my immense love of cleaning and organization. It is basically therapy for me. If my room is getting dirty, that means that a) I am getting lazy, b) I just don't have enough time, or c) I am really mad, and I know that when my anger peaks I will want to clean something, so I make a real big mess in preparation.
• I am rigorously cleaning. Now, sometimes this does not mean that I am angry. It actually probably means that I am quite content, bc I've just been able to clean my room. However, if i'm cleaning, I must be allowed to listen to my music and just get it all done. I don't like cleaning in stages, it'll all be one massive production.
• I leave. A lot of the time I just prefer to not be around the people I am upset with. I will leave the room or house or whatever.
• I will look outside. I actually do this a lot, bc I love nature, but when I am mad especially. I think it's because I love nature so much that looking outside is one of my first impulses when I am angry. I may even go take a walk.

Now what can you do if you are the one I am angry with?

• Do NOT! try to talk with me about it if I am cleaning. I don't want to talk, I want to clean.
• Bring me a smoothie, preferably something with blueberry or peach in it. The other day someone did this for me and it was the nicest thing ever! I am still super happy about it :)
• Bring me sushi, preferably spicy California Roll with crab.
• Write me a note. I like to read rather than talk when I'm angry, bc if I talk then I might say something mean, and I don't like hurting feelings
• Give me time to gather my thoughts. Don't shoot me fearful glances whenever I enter the same room as you. Just leave me alone.
• Bring me The Lorax or any Harry Potter book

Not super original or different from any one else, but I feel like this should be general knowledge and sometimes I find that it is not.

Tom and Tara

My roommate is dating this guy who actually dated her old roommate, but don't worry he is NOT a player. His name is Tom and her name is Tara, and I want them to get married.

At first I was a bit wary of Tom, but that feeling was quickly overcome by awe. This kid, when he gets up to bat, is all home-runs, people. He took her on like, 5 dates in like a week and a half. Tara had like, 6 boys around when I came to school according to Merrin, but Tom just thought she was so awesome and he snatched her off the dating market right quick. Tom really went for it. In observing them I have come to conclusion that they as a couple are something that I aspire to. I want to have a relationship like that, but not now. In a few years.

Now, they've only been dating about two weeks, so whyyy have I gone all Mormon Standard Time on us?? Welllll it was quite unexpected. Tom and Tara were sitting on the couch, talking to me about some stuff, and for whatever reason Tom started talking about how he first noticed Tara (this time around). He said he was sitting in church and all the sudden he saw this girl, and she had really beautiful hair (see ladies?? Men DO notice our efforts!).

He wanted to just touch the hair, and so he leaned forward and introduced himself. I imagine that he smiled all cockily and was super-excited to meet this girl that had such sensible shampoo sense. In his head they would be dating by the end of Sunday School and he would be the only boy to ever touch her hair again. With all these optimistic thoughts going through his mind, I am sure he was very surprised that when he leaned forward and said, "Hi, I'm Tom," Tara glanced back at him and, giving him a dismissive look, said, "Yeah, I know who you are." And then whipped her magnificent hair around in a gesture that clearly stated, not interested.

Tom said that he went home and told his dad about it, and that it kinda made him laugh. But he really wanted to date Tara, and so ask her out he did.

It was at the point of this story where he imitated Tara saying "yeah, I know who you are." that made me sit up straight. I looked over at this couple sitting on the couch across the room from me and I felt like I was looking at my own parents. It was at that moment when I was like, "ohmigosh. I am looking at a future family."

I knowww this is dramatic, but I am telling you- Tara and Tom are going to get married. They just are.

Another thing that sealed the deal for me is a quote from Gordon B Hinckley where he says,

"True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of anxious concern for the well-being of one's companion."

Tom and Tara are anxiously concerned for each other's well-being. Tom is so good to Tara. She got this awful cold a week or so ago and he brought her soup- just because! They weren't even dating at the time! And I need to add that it is sooo cute when she talks about him. She just gets so happy and smiley and giggly :)

Tom is very caring. Tara says that he has made it a point to learn all our names and that he wants to get to know us. It is very nice having him around, I have decided. It's kind-of like having a big brother.

Tom told us this story tonight about how this girl in his ward just now got engaged to this man, and he had been divorced. So they've been engaged I guess three days now, and apparently he went over to her apartment and just yelled at her for like, three hours about something yesterday. Tom was sooo mad. He does not count that as acceptable behavior. This demonstrates that he will treat Tara right. Tara is very mild, and Tom is not so much, but I'm glad that he is not the yell-y type.

Tom is also very humble. He talked about how great girls are, and you know I appreciated that. Tom recognizes that he is not perfect, but he is trying his hardest to be the best that he can be. But how he said it was through a series of other statements, and I did not get a superiority vibe off of it. That made me very happy.

It also made me realize though, that Tom wasn't always this person that he is now. He was once a stupid teenage boy. I bet at some point he was just plain big-headed. His character is a product of the evolution of his priorities, something that just takes time.

Tonight I basically word-vomited all over Tom and Tara, but they didn't mind. They just sat there and listened and gave me advice and built me up and made me feel very heard and very understood and very awesome. As I sat there talking to them I felt like I was talking to my parents. I mentioned this to them and Tara felt old, but I don't think they should feel old, I think they should feel wise.

They were able to provide all these insights that I had never even thought of before. I lovedd talking to them. I was so delighted in their carefully thought-out responses. I felt very at peace with the points they made. They weren't judgmental, just very kind and eager to help me think. They make a great team, and one day they will make excellent parents.

The level of maturity that they are at is something I know I will have to wait to reach, but I am okay with taking my time. Seeing Tom and Tara and their relationship as well as individually with their personalities makes me realize how much I do not know about grown-up love. Their relationship, if it pans out the way I know it will, will blossom into this amazing, ever-lasting love- the kind that doesn't fade as looks do but just gets stronger bc it is built on this foundation of mutual respect and enjoyment of each other's company.

I love them as a couple. It is not awkward being around them. They aren't weirdly affectionate or anything. They just exude this comfortable, happy, content vibe and they genuinely care for each other and those around them.

Based off of my observations of my parents and a few other couples, I have had a pretty good idea of what my relationship with my future husband will be look like, but this time around is different, because Tom and Tara are not my parents or Young Women's leaders. They are just a few years older than me. I'm living with one of them. I'm seeing this fantastic love story unfold before my eyes, and it makes me happy.

So, yes. One day I would like to find myself in a relationship like Tom's and Tara's, and while I am not currently seeking my future honey-smooch, I will say that the bar has definitely been raised. To Tom level.

And lemme tell you boys, it'll be hard to measure up.

I do not believe in this song

Recently I half-heartedly watched the billioneth Cinderella Story. In it there is this song that she sings when she's finally letting her true colors show, and she's like, "I'll make you belieeeeeeve in me!" And I felt very inspired and Iiiiii believed in her! However, I just started listening to this song and okay, I'm just going to be straight with you; the lyrics are stupid. The only line I like is the one about believing in her. You can listen to it if you want....

I know, really dumb lyrics. And you know how I feel about the word "legit." I LOVE it! But in this song it just sounds dumb. Whatever.

Brittany is very sought after: Part Two

Today in math class something crazy happened. It was so crazy, that as we were witnessing it, Chelsea leaned over to me and whispered,

"Is this real life?"

I'm lying. Chelsea is not one for subtlety. It's okay. I still love her. But anyway, it was really crazy. This is what we looked like for basically the first 20 minutes of class

Here is what happened. Today as we were walking to class, Chelsea, Heather, and I saw a very attractive black man. He looked like this

We'll call him Seaweed. This really has nothing to do with anything, except for the fact that he is going to be my best friend.

Anyway.

Well, I guess it does have something to do with anything bc he was talking to Captain America,

but I am still willing to be Seaweed's best friend. He deserves more in his bffaeaes than wanna-be homewreckers. Except for the fact that today Captain America sat lonely and dejected at the end of a row. I was like, wow. Wow wow WOW wow. And I feel bad and sad all over for him.

So today Chelsea and I walked into class and we saw our friend Brittany! This is really good, bc she hasn't been to the last TWO classes, so you know that we were sad. We were so sad and bored last class that finally, 20 minutes to the end, we couldn't TAKE IT anymore and we stalked and stalked and stalked that girl until we were victorious.

I am not even kidding, it was the most intense stalking sesh of my life. I feel like I have reached a new level of awesomeness. I felt like a combination of Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, and some awesome CIA agent. Here is how awesome I am. I knew three things about her THREE, and I was able to narrow down all of our search options until we found her exactt address. Chelsea and I are like Batman and Robin. I mean Sherlock and Watson.

And I will address it, bc I know we're all thinking it. How does Watson look sooo good when he has that awful creeper mustache??

So back to today. We walked in and Brittany was sitting there. We greeted her with hugs, laughter, and tears. I am lying. But we weree really happy to see her. Then we expressed our joy at her upcoming reunion with this guy....

....and she told us BAD NEWS. And it is this; Basically Cute Wasian told her friend via fb that he was only interested in beezing friends with Brittany. And then he told her something else. He said that he has a girlfriend! But Brittany says that according to fb that is not so! So he is either lying, or very secretive about his love life. Either way, I am mad. I kneww he was bad news when Brittany told me he was in a band. You know how I feel about those things.

So as we were all setting fire to random objects in our rage, this cute guy came into class! Well, I'm not sure if he's cute bc he's sitting in front of us. Next to Brittany. Because Brittany is very sought after. I'm sure he looks like this

We will call him Scruff, bc he is a MAN and wants everyone to know it, so he didn't shave today. ssk. Remember, he rocks it. He is cute.

So then he saw Brittany and raced over, the wind from his speed putting out our pitiful caveman fires and fanning the flames of fiery passion in Brittany's heart! However, CONFLICT! Cute Wasian walked into the class just as Scruff was halfway to his desired chair! Cute Wasian looked sad. Cute Wasian looked mad! Cute Wasian looked like this

But Cute Wasian had lost. Scruff was in the lead and he sat next to Brittany. He smiled winningly down at her. Brittany smiled back. Cute Wasian was really sad, bc Brittany is very sought after and he had lied. However, he tried to be a good sport and sit next to Scruff.

He looked over and waved friend-ily over at Brittany, trying to communicate to Scruff that he was a big tennis ball stuck in the middle of a love sandwich. Aka, he didn't belong in between him and Brittany. But he's wrong. Scruff does belong there! If he is worthy, and that we have yet to decide. Brittany politely flapped her arm back at Cute Wasian and then focused on what Scruff was saying.

Scruff: Hi. I'm hot.

Brittany: Oh! Hi, you are.

Cute Wasian (Under his breath): He's not that cute. I am sad that I was stupid!

Chelsea and Nicole: Cute Wasian, we wish you had been smarter. At least you are still a little cute, even though you're a tool.

Now back to the budding romance. Scruff gazed into Brittany's eyes, leaned over....and then....shook her hand.

I mean, I guess it's okay. He's prolly just this so-awkward recent RM. He asked her where she was from. She asked him where he was from. I kicked her chair fourish times in my joy that simply could not be expressed in a different way. She tried to casually swat my foot away out of his line of vision. Very sneaky.

They seemed to hit it off. He kept looking over at her. Chelsea and I broke out a package of Disney Princess fruit snacks to celebrate. Huh. It's a wonder I ever get anything done in this math class.

However, all is not well in the land of Stats class. Remember that so-beautiful couple that wouldd have happened had Captain America not intervened and ruined everything?? Yeah. Today the cute boy sat behind her a-gain. He sat next to this blonde girl who was wearing a cute red and white striped shirt. Whatever.

OH MY GOSH! I just looked over at them to find something to criticize about her when I realized that HE is also wearing a blue and red striped shirt! That dorkmobile! He only likes her bc they kind of match! If he was sitting next to the girl that he shouldd be sitting next to they would be the American flag, bc she's only wearing white! And you KNOW that that is better.

I would like to pause and say that this is prolly the spazziest blog post of my life.

And speaking of matching- if Cute Wasian had sat next to Brittany they would have basically been the American flag too. All of these patriotic couples need to get together! For our nation's sake!

So that is why Chelsea said, "Is this real life?" bc all of these crazy things were going down all around us. It's no big deal, math class is very interesting is all.

And Brittany wins, bc she is going on twoo dates this weekend. Because Brittany is very sought after.  Take that, Cute Wasian!

PS: Also, Chelsea and I have these awesome matching green water bottles that we got together and we always make it a point to clink glasses once every two seconds. It's no big deal, but today she forgot hers so we just pretended her hand was her bottle. I guess we might've looked a lil dorky. Whoops.

PPS: We learned something today in math class, and that is that "fun is where you put it."

....thaaatt's what she said.

PPPS: Something mean has bitten me on my arm near my right wrist. I feel angry and betrayed and I don't even know how or where or when it happened.

PPPPS: Today I got a letter! From Elder Nuss! i am so excited :) But there is one big problem- it is in Maryland and you knoww that makes me sad bc I am not! My mommy is sending it over to me and apparently it is very well decorated and he is trying to learn cursive! She says that this is very unlike him, and I agreed, saying solemnly, "the mission is changing him I guess." I hope it changes him to the point that he is a more consistent letter-writer. Few and far between is just bothering me at this point. New Years resolution for him thurr right thurr.

I am also supposed to be getting a package from my family and a letter from Johnny! And I sent a letter to Carlos just today! I am obviously a rock star and everyone knows it.

PPPPPS: I ALMOST FORGOT! So Scruff was trying to send a manly message today right?? Well, he took it a step further. He pulled the Raymond from Aquamarine! As in he stretched all innocently, but really he wanted to communicate to all the boys in the vicinity that he could and would beat them up and to all the girls that he was awesome. And boyyy did we get the message. This is what he looked like,

I couldn't find a picture of him doing the famous stretch thing. This is what we looked like,

because of his utter hottitude. It's whatever.

Here is what I have decided....

It is okay to try. If it doesn't happen, I can always try again. There is nothing wrong with trying, not a thing. However, there is something wrong with not trying, because this is an incredible opportunity, and I really feel like I need to try.

I would really like to succeed at this, though. It would be such an incredible experience and I would feel so cool telling everyone what I had achieved. I would learn and grow and be in a place that I love.

It is okay if it doesn't work out the way I thought, because I have other things that I can do. This is a great opportunity to get ready for more things to try for in the future. Maybe that's why I need to do it, so I'll be all ready when the time is right.

And just because something doesn't happen the way I want it to, does not mean that I am a failure, or not right for that position, or that Heavenly Father doesn't love me. It does not mean that at all. It just means that I will have to try again.

And I can do that.

Dear couples at BYU-I

Please stop roaming around the BYU-I Center and going up to paintings that are righttt next to my study space and being all affectionate. Excuse me. Stop now.

Dear bad parent,

You need to go to a Parenting 101 class. No, it is not okay to leave your screaming infant on the floor and simply sit there while she looks at you and cries her eyes out. Pick her up, walk her around, get her outta our study space. Also, those weird slobber-y sounds you make while trying to comfort her do not seem to be working. Stop it.

Dear girl on the phone in the Hinckley study space,

Hang up or move. I am about to chuck that phone down the mountain.

Dear wind,
No one likes you. Go away.

PS- Sometimes, you come at the worst times. Like on Sunday, when all us girls are dressed up all cute. I mean, it's slightly okay now, bc we're all wearing leggings, but honestly you just suck and no one wants you around. Seriously. Go to Iowa or something.

Dear Merrin,

Why, yes, I would lovee to watch Beauty and the Beast with you tonight! I knew you were an awesome roommate!

Dear Tara,

Thankk you for joining us! I know this will help you get better. Disney is healing.

Dear future children,

You are allowed to watch Disney classics, Winnie the Pooh (particularly Pooh's Grand Adventure. I LOVE that movie!), and Arthur. None of that dumb Barney and Care bears (I mean Telly-tubbies. Whatever) business. I remember being a really lil kid and going over to my friend's house and theyy were watching Barney and then even then I distinctly remember thinking "wow, this is dumb." And if a two-year old thinks that Barney is dumb....?? Wellll out of the mouths of babes, people. Take the hint and shut that franchise DOWN.

Dear Selena,

YOU SAID DOLPHIN I KNOW YOU DID (yes, I as a matter of fact am still listening to that song from the previous post. Whatever stop judging me.)

Dear Disney,

I would love to work for you. I was told just last week that I should be a Disney Princess! I mean, yes, I do get this quite often, but it never looses it's shine. It is sooo flattering! I'm glad I so emulate such a wonderful place! But. Should I work in Disney World or Disney Land?? Pros and Cons list and GO!

Disney Land

Pros:

    1. I kinda would love to experience a few months in California. No humidity?! Whhaaattt?? Yes.

    2. Also, I know a missionary in Anaheim! So even though I would prolly never see him, it is nice to know that there is someone around who can help you if something bad happens!

Cons:

    1. Said missionary says that Disney Land looks pretty lame. He even drew a picture and yeah, it does look a lil on the lame side. However (I totes spelled that "hoever" just now. Hahahaaa I wanna start using that.), I am preetty good at making things un-lame. I know I would have fun if I worked there.

    2. But back to the bad stuff! It is on the west coast, so I couldn't see my family.

Disney World

Pros:

    1. EAST COAST! It is Disney World, hellooo?? My ultimate dream

    2. Heather worked there :)

    3. Sam and Emily might come with me?!?!

    4. Chelsea lives in Florida :)

    5. My family could visit me :)
    6. I would get TAN! If Heather can do it, so can I!

Cons:

    1. Honestly can't think of anything, except for it's not in California and again, I kinda want to live there for a few months.
    2. Oh yeah. Humidity.

Hmm. This is far from settled. Let's discuss it later.

Dear nutella,

You are so wonderful.

Dear decisions,

Sometimes, you are really difficult to deal with. I am just saying.

Dear lil guy,

I miss you terribly! Every day.

Dear BYU-I,

I am soo glad I don't have school tomorrow! I don't think you should necessarily be insulted, I juust don't feel like dealing with you. Whatever.

Dear snow!

I am glad you are here :)

Dear Gina,

bestfriend! I am soo sad we are not at the same school and not even on the same coast! Take care of Zachary for me.

Dear cute boy in my math class who likes Brittany,

DO NOT GIVE UP! We are all cheering for you :)

Dear boy who keeps trying to sabotage Brittany and Cute Guy,

STOP IT! We are all mad at you.

PS- You are very attractive. Please be my friend.

Dear word "sabotage,"

Who knew you were spelled like that?

Dear grammar police,

Is it "spelled" or "spelt" for the above sentence?? And is "spelt" even a word? Because the red squiggly lines don't seem to think so.


Dear random guy who was walking by,
I'm sorry I jumped like, five feet in the air when I saw you. It's not like you look like a monster or anything, in fact I'm sure you are very attractive. However, my roommate had just told me that someone was screaming bloody murder outside, so when I was peeking out I was honestly expecting a serial killer. Sorry. I'm glad for both of us that you're not.


Dear new apartment,
I like you. You are pretty and nice and open.


Dear beautiful, clean room,
I am so glad that you are so attractive! Keep this way and we will be friends forever.


Dear 56 mountains I have to climb in order to get to the Ricks and Hinckley,
Level down. I am not kidding. I hate you.


Dear Orville,
Iloveyouuu :) You are my best friend!


Dear Rude,
Umm....actually my Tinker Bell pajama pants are cute, unlike your fake accent. Whhaaattt??

I must comment

Michelle's cousins are visiting, and I love them so I am quite happy. Last night we were driving home one of their friends and Sarah blasted this song....

and I promptly made it number one on Nicole radio. But okay, at 1:17ish doesn't it sound like she says "cool....dolphin"??

Yes.

Also, this song is slightly reminiscent of A*teens, and you know that makes me happy.

I LOVE THIS SONG. I do I do I doo! Perhaps I am a summer girl after all....

Just kidding. Maybe I would be if I didn't look so freaken adorable in knit hats with pom poms on the top. Or if, I dunno, I could get tan?! It is so not fair that I used to be able to get so tan when I was little. It's not like anyone cares when you're five that you look like a bronze goddess. I guess it's okay that the only color my skin turns is pink, red, very red, and lobster.

IT IS NOT OKAY.

And I'm listening to it again (bc I'm listening to it constantly. Whatever.) and she DEFINITELY says "dolphin" there! I knew it.

I think I'm missing Maryland

because I keep wanting to watch the dances from the Step Up series. I always feel like I'm back in Maryland when I watch them, which a little bit is weird bc it's not like I ever saw anything like it all my years there. However, it does take place in Maryland, and you know the dance crew in the second one? The 410? That's an area code in Maryland! Maybe that's why they have it as their name?? More on them later. This is the opening scene in the first movie....

So epic! And this is the final dance....

OMG can Channing Tatum get any hotter?? NO! The answer is no, he cannot.

And now for the 410!

Look how cool they are! However, I am superglad this never happened while I was on the metro, but I think this is Baltimore anyway and not DC.

Anyway. My favorite character in all of the movies is Moose.

Isn't he adorable?? Yes. We are getting married in the Fall. Also I love his part in this one (starting at about 3 minutes in)....

Seriously so awesome.

I love these movies.

Brittany is very sought after

Today I made a friend! Her name is Brittany. She is in my stats class. This is very exciting bc I have always wanted to have a friend named Brittany, but all the Brittanys I have known have been very mean and scary. This Brittany is not any of those things :)

I actually made friends with her on the first day of class, which was a week ago. She invited me to sit next to her, but I declined bc I was saving a seat for my friend. Too late I realized that there were two open seats next to her, and as I gathered my stuff to move, this hunk of human flesh plopped down next to her. I was a lil sad, but mostly happy for her. After all, he looks like this

Anyway.

Every class this kid (who we shall call Cute Wasian) sits next to her. He is adamant about this seating arrangement, but today it was challenged. By a guy who looks like this

Anyway.

So this guy (we'll call him Captain America) is kinda a trouble-maker. He has tried to challenge couples in our class before. There was this so beautiful couple that sat next to each other on the first day and noww they don't sit together and it's all bc THAT GUY sat in-between them last time (at least, Chelsea and I think it was him). So now the cute guy and the pretty girl (who would look like this if they were a couple....

)

don't sit next to each other. He sat behind her. And she glanced back all these times like whyy isn't he sitting next to me?? I know she's sad. It hurts me for her :(

Anyway.

So Cute Wasian always comes in like, right before the class starts. Today Captain America walked in righttt in front of him, and this is where it gets intense.

They look around the room. They spot Brittany. They hurry over, Captain America in the lead. He is literally moments away from slipping into the seat next to her. He looks down and smiles, and I can see the words "can I sit here?" forming on his mouth. I whack Chelsea. This is how we looked, btws.

Anyway.

So he's about to ask and then WHAM! Cute Wasian knocks him out of the way! Not really that extreme- he was really smooth. He didn't even give Captain America time to talk, he just kinda nudged him all innocently like, scoot over, man, I wanna sit in this row too. Captain America and Cute Wasian have a mini stare-off- it is literally a quarter second long. But this is what was said in it....

Captain America: What are you doing, man? Can't you see I'm tryna score here?

Cute Wasian: There is no way. I have this spot re-served.

Nicole and Chelsea: Captain America, haven't you ruined the future of enough couples in this class?! MOVE!

Chelsea: Come sit with me! *flashes her "come hither" look. It does not work. Weirddd*

Captain America: I was here first.

Cute Wasian: I'm not messing around man, move over. Or do I need to whip out my black belt?

That seems to have done it. Captain America plops dejectedly down on the next seat over and Cute Wasian slides into the chair that's next to Brittany, to tumultuous applause from Chelsea and I and I'm sure the rest of the class. This is what we looked like

Hooray for happy endings! And hooray for Brittany, who, as you can tell, is very, very sought after.

Some things never change

And while this is sometimes a bad thing, it is not in this post!

This Friday (written October 17th, 2011) I came home, ate dinner, and frantically ran around grabbing blankets and BenKetty and then I got in the car and went with my parents, brothers, and this lovely lady named Stephanie to the Alonzo Stagg Hike. It is an annual 50 mile hike and I haven't gone in a couple years. The furthest I've gone was 16.7 miles, and that was with Gina in 7th grade. The Alonzo Stagg is a very fun thing if you do it with the right people, even if the elements are not cooperating. Example, one year it was raining like I'm sure it rained in Noah's time. You also will hear rather suspicious splashing sounds. People will tell you its beavers but honestly, I'm 26% certain its the mafia dumping bodies.

This year I was manning a station with my mother. We were freezing and in front of this old, almost definitely haunted house and this canal with an extremely creepy ferry boat. Aren't my Friday nights a blast?? No actually it was really fun, but all that is true. I did nottt appreciate that stupid house. Mom and I chatted and sang and read our Nancy Drew for the Nancy Drew Mystery Story Hour. Ecoli Emishi was currently running the entire hike so she could not stop to sing for us. Too bad.

We got home a little after 7am and I promptly slept till 3ish. I am still tired. Once I was all showered and make-uped Gina came over and we made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for our family for dinner.