And When The Storms Come...

...I say let it rain. I was here first.

And also:

"I love this crazy tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life."

It's a little before midnight, but most of my roommates are already asleep. Honestly, even though I proudly hold the title of Resident Insomniac, I might join them soon, because the weekend has been kind of crazy. On Wednesday I sent an email to my Breezy, the girl I've been closest to for the longest time. When we both got accepted to both BYU and BYU-I, the hardest choice we've ever made was parting ways. In a way it was good for us, as hard as it was. Anyway, I sent her a quick email letting her know what was going on in my life, and that everything hadn't been all peaches and cream lately. She got the email in the afternoon, immediately called my roommie, settled things with her classes, and arranged to come visit me for the weekend. Within 24 hours she was in Rexburg, and I was so excited I thought I was going to burst. It took all of a couple hours to readjust to how we'd each changed, but in almost no time we were finishing each other's sentences, making random animal noises to express our emotions, and giggling at secret memories. Breezy did her homework while I went to class, and we were able to spend the rest of the time just talking. I guess life has been kind of scary for the both of us lately, and we needed the confidence that comes from years of knowing each other better than we know ourselves. On top of that came the long walks that are our trademark, whether it be around the meadow and lake at home, up and down the beach, or through the gardens and up to the temple. How I'd missed them!

Luckily, my roommates quickly fell in love with Breezy and welcomed her back anytime, which is good for both of us. Turns out 200 miles isn't too big of a separation after all. It was sad to see her go this afternoon. Luckily, the miracle of modern technology means I can talk to her whenever I want.

Which fact segues nicely into Mother's Day! Why, you may ask? Because modern technology also allowed me to see my mother's beautiful face via Skype today, along with my dad, sister, and dog (now if only we can discover a way to let me pet my dog from 1000 miles away...). Hopefully modern conveniences won't fail me, and the letter and gift I'm sending in the mail with get there quickly and safely. Maybe next time I write I'll post a picture of what I'm sending her, because it's so cute and I'm in love with it, but mom reads this, and I want it to be a surprise. I'll post a picture of something I really want though:

It's called 'Brother and Sister' by WillowTree. Isn't it just so cute?
Anyway, Mom, because you'll likely be reading this eventually, Happy Mothers Day, know I love you and am so grateful for all you've done for me. I wish I could have been there to spoil you and pamper you to no end, but a small blip in my blog will have to suffice.

There was a bit of excitement today at church. See, last week my Bishop had discussed being the Relief Society Music Specialist this semester. Of course, I agreed, no big deal, and today I was sustained for it in Sacrament Meeting. A minute or two later, though, my name was called again as a member of the Temple Committee. I looked to the Bishop in confusion, but stood and was sustained for that as well, sure that a mistake had been made. When I talked to him before being set apart though, he said it was no mistake, they had simply forgotten to ask. This will make me one of a very small number of students with two callings this semester, but I'm sure I'll love them both. If nothing else, it just means that soon I'll get to attend the temple regularly, which will be amazingly awesome. I mean, have you seen this building?

It definitely comes in close second to the San Diego temple.

Finally, I shall wrap up this ridiculously long blog entry with my new motto:

It's one of the many things I've become obsessed with lately. I want to find a decent copy of it and put it on my wall.
For the record, I'm also currently obsessed with:
Crackle nail polish
Wearing multiple watches and hunting for 'new' ones at DI
Denim jackets
Mail/ Writing Letters


Have a great week everyone. Much love from Rexburg,
Katie Helen

2582

One Week Down...

...thirteen to go.

I admit, it has been a crazy week. My classes have hit the ground running and, well, I'm running. This is what my schedule looks like on any given week:

Two classes have me reading essays left and right, two have me reading gigantic chunks of the textbook each day, one requires a healthy amount of Book of Mormon study, and one requires three hours of outside practice each week. That being said, My FDSCI, Anatomy/Physiology and FDENG teachers all remind me of Bill Nye the Science guy. They're all ridiculously passionate about what they teach, a little goofy/awkward, and frequently wear odd shoes and ties that clash with their shirts. My humanities teacher, on the other hand, is actually a theater teacher here. He reminds me of Chris Farley in his motivational "Down by the River" sketch on SNL. Except...a bit more positive. My book of Mormon teacher is a little like Mr. Rogers, and my orchestra conductor is just awesome. He's the one who coined the phrase 'Never look back, and if you're going to make a mistake, make it in a grand manner'.

Well, I foresee a great many long nights and notecards in my future, and hopefully I'll get that 4.0 that I'm working towards. Maybe, if I'm really lucky, I'll decide on a major this semester. Who knows?

Suddenly: College

Here I am, back at the I. I'm officially moved into my dorm, have met two of my new roommates, and love one of them. The other, I've really only seen with her boyfriend...not a whole lot of Roomie bonding going on yet. Catherine and I, of course, are still getting along great. My new apartment lacks the cinderblock walls and classroom-style industrial carpeting of the dorms making it instantly more home-like.

Oddly, I find myself wondering what to do with my life. I'm considering, more and more, finding work. I know, unfortunately, that I need a 4.0 this semester, and that would likely be an impossible feat with a job added on. I just feel so weird without a work schedule, without the knowledge that a paycheck is coming every two weeks, without suiting up and meeting my friends for a day spent over cash registers and popcorn poppers. I really hope that once classes start, I'll be so busy that I'll have to remind myself to eat and sleep. All I can say for now is that I'm jealous that Catherine gets to go to work on Monday. Right now, I'd do ANYTHING to break the monotony.

The biggest shock of all for me this semester was how little of a shock it was at all. I mean, I moved in yesterday, drove my mom to the airport, and moved on as if I've always lived here, on my own, a thousand miles from home. I miss my family, of course (and my dog) but it just feels so normal to be living here. Not so normal is a kitchen without a pantry and an apartment without a linen closet, but hey, that's just me.

I guess, when all is said and done, I'll just have to wait and see what the future brings.

A tasty fun tidbit.

The Change

In about nine hours, I'm climbing into the front seat of Clark, who is, at this moment, anxious to be loaded. Mom will be riding shotgun. I'm putting the car in gear and kissing California goodbye. Again. The problem is that I've just barely started appreciating the beauty of where I grew up. The weather is so nice, the people aren't terrible, and I've loved being back with my family. I have some color on my arms now, and was just starting to hope that my legs would follow suit. Let's face it, I'm the kind of girl people walk up to and say, 'You're from California, right? So you go to the beach all the time, don't you. Shouldn't you be, like, really tan?" I then calmly explain that I spent every summer since I was sixteen working indoors, and they change subjects like nothing happened. I always counterbalanced their stares with 'Yeah, well Pale looks better than Skin Cancer!'
Oh well.

As of the beginning of this semester, my major is officially undecided. My parents and I had a long discussion about it yesterday, so I'm more directed than I was, say, the day before that.

I'll say this though: I am really considering staying in Idaho all summer. Frankly, this moving every 14 weeks (and in summer's case, 7) is getting really old. I'll be happy when that aspect of my life is over.
I'm closing this up so I can finish cleaning my room and get some sleep. Look out for my next blog post, coming to you live from Rexburg!