Rainy Days and Girl's Nights!

My Bestie, Christine C. (pictured from Dec '09)

The past few days have been quite cold, and unusually so since it is mid-March. Why is it that there is snow in March in UTAH?! What ever happened to spring rain, spring warmth, spring color? I don't like the snow and the wind and the cold!!! Regardless of my dislike of the current weather, I was still able to have a good time with my friends and family this weekend.

So, Friday night, I spent the chilly evening with one of my besties, Christine C. As you may have read in my post about my Dad, she is such an amazing friend. I love her to death!!! (And more!) I made dinner for her and her family, simple yet delicious, Mac & Cheese with Bacon, Shreded Tillamook Cheddar Cheese and a bit of Onion.

We then headed to the institute to dance the night away and give our legs a good work-out. By the time we were done, both of us had sore legs! We stayed up late that night (probably later than we should have) and we watched The Guardian while eating giant chocolate-covered strawberries and drinking our favorite sodas (Diet Coke for me and Dr. Pepper for Christine). Then as the movie got more intense Christine ended up reassuring me that everything was going to be ok and I also found out that she has a good arm to clutch when afraid!

On Saturday, in the morning we got up and I made breakfast for me and Christine (since we got up a bit late the boys had already eaten), we had Bacon, Eggs (with cheese and onion) and Toast with home-made jelly. It was soooo yummy! After that, we headed to Wal-Mart to do some shots with Emma and Jeremiah for the video I am making for my digital media class. It isn't done yet, but it will be!!! Below is a clip from the various shots that I took, be on the lookout for the final project soon!

What I am trying to show is...

how quality Tillamook Cheese brings people together,

take a look!

Let me know what you think about this shot.

After the filming was over, we grabbed a bite to eat for lunch and I had to head home. I took the long ride on the bus from Utah County to Salt Lake County and then took TRAX home. After mom picked me up from the station, we headed home to the beading party. There were snacks to be had, drinks to sip and necklaces to be made.

Below are the things that I worked on.

Part of a Choker made of Hemp, using the Square Knot

The entirety of the necklace and earrings I made. The Dragonfly charm lifts up to show the blue underneath and it says "Live life to the fullest." The blue earrings say "Hope" on them. I anchored on the little swirlies and the dragonfly charm using jump rings.

As we all worked we helped each other with our projects, while listening to Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr., Carrie Underwood and the Hairspray Soundtrack. Mom and Chrissy had already finished a few necklaces before I got home, but while I was there mom made a couple of pretty button necklaces and Chrissy put final touches on some unfinished projects such as a watch, she also did some repair work, such as fixing my New Moon Necklace, and she made a cool China-themed necklace too!!!

What would be a girls night with the family without Tippy's crazy antics? She ran around the room like she was high on cat-nip and she tried attacking the strings of my hemp, thinking possibly that she was trying to help, and then as she finally calmed down, she laid out flat on her back and looked at us lazily. Silly cat! I love you!

Tippy on her back...

Today, at church it was pretty interesting, the Relief Society lesson was about the Creation. Sacrament meeting was exciting, it was for the two missionaries that are leaving soon, Brother Tholke, who is leaving for Argentina and Brother Littlewood, who is leaving for Connecticut. Also, I managed to discover something during Sacrament, when trying to catch a couple's kid from running out of sacrament, it would be wise (especially if you are already klutzy) to not dash after him while wearing heals. It may result in a twisted ankle, hurt knee and damaged pride. Meetings aside however, it was the cover of the program for Sacrament that caught my attention, there was a scripture quoted there, and it read...

Behold, my arms of mercy are extended toward you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

~3 Nephi 9:14

Also, since my mom serves in the Library, she makes tons of copies for people in the ward, so I happened to see the program for tonight's Standards Night, which struck me as weird, because I don't have to go anymore... Anyhow the scripture that is quoted for the theme this year is "Be Strong and of Good Courage."

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

~Joshua 1:9

This scripture really struck me, and I really hope that I can remember it in days to come.

Well, this weekend was a great weekend and I really wish that I could skip the next two days and just go straight to Spring Break... I am really looking forward to it. There is some stuff going on with the Epilepsy Association of Utah this week, and then Chrissy and I are taking another adventure to Vegas on Friday, now that I can actually DO the "fun" stuff there! LOL JK.

Be on the lookout for another post!

Always

~Holls

Bueno Y Malo

Hey There Collegiate Readers!

So, I have had some interesting experiences these past few days...

~*~

Last Friday was really a pretty good day. The devotional that I attended was very good. The speaker was Jack Christiansen, he is a alumni of the staff at the Orem Institute of Religion. I really enjoyed his talk. It was on kindness and doing the right thing because it is right. Let's not forget the munch and mingle that occurs after each devotional - they always serve something good!

I played a few rounds of pool to end up the school-week and then just hung out with the people in the game room. By the time closing time came, I hadn't returned the pool equipment to the main office yet, so one of the secretaries came to get it. At that point, I remembered that I needed to pick up my UVU Plus card from the office since you have to trade your ID for the equipment. Well, to my dismay, my ID was no where to be found and the thought that it might be in the hands of someone dishonest and irresponsible was shocking and horrifying. So that in and of itself really sort of ruined the weekend for me and my family just with the worry of it all.

So, instead of risking the loss of money to someone who may have picked up my card I called up the 24 hour line to the bank that is linked with the card and I froze my account.

Thankfully, and luckily, I checked my e-mail and found that a young lady named Amy had sent me a message on Facebook that said that she had my ID card and to call her at the number she gave me. I checked out what I could see of Amy's profile and she was in the Provo network and that she was married so I guessed that she either attended institute on campus or at least went to the young married socials at the institute that happen in the evening. She said that she found it late on Friday night.

So, obviously, excited with anticipation I called her up once it was 8:00 am, today, and asked for details on where and when I could get my card back. We set up a time and place and I met here there and she had it! I was so thankful to her for that! At least some kind and honest people still exist in this world.

~*~

Saturday was a pretty good day, I got up early and went to work at the Fabric Center. I usually don't work there very often; I was just subbing for another clerk. It was so good to be back at the place I love to be and to help people with their sewing projects. Best of all, I was able to work with Marilyn and Allyson, I think I have had some of my best times working with them. It was really good to see Allyson again. I love that girl, she is probably the sweetest girl that I know and a lot of times I just want to hug her!

~*~

Sunday was a pretty good day, there weren't very many kids in nursery and there seemed to be more adults than kids. I think it was a hard day for a few of them. I went to YSA, which was good and interesting. I like to go to YSA because it gives me an opportunity to go to Sunday School since I am in nursery during the time that the adults go to Sunday School. I am not complaining about that, don't get me wrong, but it is also nice to be able to see people my age who I don't see very often anymore.

~*~

Today was a pretty good day. ASL seems to be going pretty well, my professor seems to see that I am trying very hard in class. The same goes for my Ethics and Values professor. Both classes are small and I don't mind speaking up in those classes.

However, I must say that I found my Sociology professor to be very annoying today. He talked about many things, about how society shapes the expectations of what comes with differing roles and status' that are established just with living within society.

The thing that bothered me though was the fact that he was justifying that society sees it as OK to not pay women the same wage as men. His reasoning behind it was that women are not as commited to their jobs because they have to work in the home as well, be mothers and homemakers and housewives and are more likely to quit their jobs and work as a mom. While I understand the reasoning behind it, I still think it is wrong. Even if the majority of women in Utah Valley do want to be housewives, that is no reason to pay them less than the men. Women are doing the exact things that men do in the workplace. Most working women that I know are very commited to their jobs and it seems like the only way for women to get ahead romancing their way to it. I think that too many times, women who are committed and work hard don't recieve the merit that they deserve. I honestly think it's a bunch of B.S. that women still get paid less than men ! My professor stated the fact that 33% or one third of all women in America are the bread-winners of the family. With that being said, how are women supposed to support their family and keep up a household when she has to work more hours to compensate for the lack of pay?

My professor went on to say that men that are in positions of power and management are respected when they are assertive and authoritative. However, he went on to say that women who are in positions of power and management are not as respected, he went as far to say that they are bit**es. That made me so mad! He made it seem like it was OK to see women of power that way. It is not OK! I don't appreciate what he said. However, I do realize that he may have been saying that to just get us thinking and to get a rise out of us. Even so, I still don't appreciate it!

~*~

Anyway, thanks for reading the vent about my Sociology professor. Please comment! Let me know what you think about my past few days that have been "bueno y malo."

Gracias!
_l^^l

Blogging later,
~Holly Elizabeth
AKA
~~Holls

Fun & Inexpensive Dating Ideas

So, in my institute class - Dating & Courtship (AKA Date & Mate) - we discussed fun & inexpensive dating ideas. My friend Brittany and I came up with a list of possible dates that are fun but don't eat a hole in your pocket. Here is the list that we made.

1. Dinner making and movie (fav veggis)
2. Childhood dinner favorites
3. Game night
4. Scavenger hunt
5. Church dance
6. Pet washing
7. Study date
8. Special smoothie (fav fruits)
9. Musical Chairs (fav music)
10. Cloud Watching
11. Star Gazing
12. Teach each other a new skill
13. Walking
14. Coloring
15. Face Painting

What are some of your thoughts? Do you have some fun experiences? What would you like to do if you could choose?

By the way, if you want to know more about any of my ideas, just ask about it (them) in a comment.

Lemme know what you think!

Blogging Later,
~Holly Elizabeth
AKA
~~Holls

A Sunday Still Unstained by Homework

Well, this week has been... interesting... I will give you the quick recap.

Monday

• Work

Tuesday

• Helped Mom at WX
• Ate Breakfast with Briahna and Kaylee
  
• New Epileptologist Appointment
• Psycho Phlebotomist
• Talked with U of U student on TRAX
• Hung Out with Jeff M.
• Ate at Litza's Pizza
• Shared music on our MacBooks

Wednesday

• Helped Mom at WX
• Took Frontrunner/TRAX/UTA Bus to Campus
• Found my classes
• ASL Level 3
• Philosophy
• Shakespeare
• Sociology
• Symphonic Band
• Explored the new Library
• Saw Joe...
  
• Bought my books
• Signed up for Institute
• Dating and Courtship
• Friday Devotionals

Thursday

• Hung Out With Breelyn
• Breakfast at Johanna's Restaurant
• Saw Mama Mia at Jordan Commons
• Work

Friday

• Work
• Shopping at Dad's Work (Caterpilliar [CAT])
• Shopping at Wal-Mart
• New Shirt
• Tink Bag
• Purple iHome
• School Supplies
• Jewelry
  

Saturday

• Wrote the most of my talk
• Work
• Finsihed writing talk

Sunday

• Nursery Calling
• Gave Report on Hill Cumorah Pageant Experience in Sacrament
• Went to YSA Class

Pretty much all I have been doing today is exactly what I want... I have been able to surf the internet and just listen to music and enjoy the day. This is probably the last week that I will have a weekend, let alone a Sunday that I won't have to do homework. I am hoping though, that I won't have to do homework on Sunday. I start school this Wednesday and I am pretty excited about it.

I've sort of had a lot on my mind lately, stuff pertaining to work, school, and my new epileptologist. I won't be working nearly as much now that school is starting. It is a good thing that I won't be working because I get so tired so easily but at the same time, I am going to miss the people that I work with and I am going to miss the fabric...

I don't know what to think about my new epileptologist... she seems nice, and kind, but I am really sort of nervous about the whole thing... I have some new perscriptions that I am going to start in a month...

There is so much more I want to tell you right now, but my mind really isn't working too well with me...

TTYL
~Holly Elizabeth

The Wheel of the World

I am in total shock... there is no other way to describe it... I cannot believe that President Gordan B. Hinckley just died less than 2 hours ago today. He is the only president of the church that I ever knew and really remember. I don't remember very much of President Kimball, since I was only in first grade when he passed away...

I suppose I took his being here on earth for granted. I mean, I knew that one day that he would die, considering that he was nearly 100 years old and that he was suffering some health issues that are normal for a person his age... but...

I really don't know what to say... I know that this is part of God's plan, and I am not shaken in my faith from what has happened at all. I know that President Hinckley is in a better place, he is with his wife and he is free from earthly pains and stresses. In a way, I am happy for him, that he can be with his wife, Majorie P. Hinckley.

This just makes me want to stop and think about how much he has impacted the world, how many lives he has touched and even though he is gone now, he will still continue to touch more lives by way of remembrance.

Right now I am listening to Carrie Underwood's "Wheel of the World," here are some of the lyrics...

God put us here on this carnival ride
We close our eyes
Never knowing where it will take us next
Babies are born and at the same time, someone's taking their last breath

It's the wheel of the world
It's the wheel of the world turning around

In the blink of an eye
It can change your life
And it never even slows down

It's the wheel of the world

I don't know what it is
I'm flying high
Then I'm wondering why I'm sinking on this ship, going down
Life keeps on moving anyway

I suppose I will be posting more on this when my thoughts are more settled...

"We thank thee, o God, for a Prophet..."

Institute Boys - Part IV

Ok, so you have heard about how wonderful Tom is, you have heard about how much of a flirt he is and finally, you have heard about how he told me just recently that he has a girlfriend... and girls are supposed to be complicated?

So, yesterday was the last day of Institute and I was really surprised to see that Tom wasn't there. When the role came around I looked at his attendance history, which anyone can look at, and I saw that besides today, he had been to every single class from the beginning. So even though I decided that I am not going to pursue him it bothered me that he wasn't there. It wasn't like him to not come to institute. So then I started worrying about how maybe he was working on another assignment, or he was consoling some other needy girl. I sent him a text asking him where he was and it wasn't until 15 minutes before the end of class that he finally showed up.

Somewhat annoyed, somewhat relieved to see him I passed him a note, asking him where he had been and sure enough, he was settling problems between three of his admirers and his girlfriend. Apparently a cat fight had broken out just outside of the Wal-Mart where he works – since they had all come to see him at the same time... This doesn't surprise me in any way... I wonder if he likes that kind of attention.

Anyhow, after class, I was curious to know more about what happened with the girls. I relish a good cat fight story. ;) I should have just walked out. I don't get it, there is just something about him that draws me to him, some little quirk of his... So inevitably, we walked out of the class together, I was walking somewhat in front of him, as I didn't really want to walk next to him, if that tells you anything. We stopped at the balcony that overlooks the common area entrance and we looked at the view.

I had had a tough day, and I didn't feel good that day. So I suppose that it was me feeling a bit sick that caused some of the negative thoughts I was having that day. He was staring at me again, and he said to tell him what was wrong. Well, I didn't want to... there are just some things that don't need to be spoken about and there are some things that guys don't need to know about. But no! He pushed me and pushed me to tell him what was wrong with me.

My problem is that I get caught up in his kindness and sweetness, that it isn't until afterwards that I realize what I could have done to just get out of the situation. He is so freakin' confusing to me! He flirts with me, he was trying to tickle me yesterday – which purely annoyed me. He compliments me, saying that I am adorable and beautiful and that no man will ever be worthy of me. As much as I want to believe him and as much as I know that he is probably right, why is he, of all people, telling me this?

He has a handful of other girls after him and his own girlfriend to worry about. I don't like how he sacrifices his time that he could be working on things that he needs to get done – for example, his 6 page essay that he was supposed to be working on – and he talks to me why? Why does he even care about me if he already has a girlfriend, why does he take the time, when I know the he knows that I would rather that he would do what he needs to do other than what he feels obligated to do. Even though I know he is just trying to help, I didn't want his help, I don't like feeling like a pity project, just another one of his needy girls...

I think the thing that I don't like about him the most is that I feel like I am powerless when he is around me, like I have no say, that he is always right and why should I talk... he already knows what is wrong. Like yesterday, he looked into my eyes, even though they were diverted from his, and he told me how I was feeling and who I am and what I need, what I want – all in a general sense, but at the same time, it was like he was looking into my eyes and reading my thoughts. It is creepy! He brought many of the things that I have tried to push down and away up to the surface of my thoughts and I didn't like it! I felt intimidated and violated by it. He overwhelms me with so many different feelings that I felt like I was going to pass out after he left.

Anyway, I have talked with a few of you about this already... I am sort of glad that I won't have to see him again. He stressed me out too much.

Your comments are appreciated!
Love you all!
*hugs*
~Holls

Institute Boys - Part III

The News on Tom:
Alrighty you guys, to those of you who have been keeping tabs on the 'ship between Tom and I, I have some news for you. Between talking to him last Friday and today, I have found out what his intentions are.
Tom is the sort of guy who enjoys being selfless, it is his mission to care about others, particularly girls. He admits that in the apartment complex where he lives that he is the unofficial social worker. Basically, after putting in a long day at school and working until nearly midnight at Wal-Mart, he usually gets calls and texts from needy girls, wanting his help, sometimes they will show up on his doorstep as well.
Last night for example, a group of girls who are all very close friends started fighting over Tom and they failed to realize, as I did, that he has a girlfriend. So he was in the middle of all of these girls fighting over him and he wanted to fix it, so he stayed up until four o'clock in the morning, talking to one girl, then the other, and then another. He finished up his social-worker-therapy-sessions with his girlfriend, who apparently has suffered some serious abdominal trauma. Please don't get the wrong idea here; he snuck over to her house, just so he could hold her and try to ease any pain that she was experiencing.
I was shocked to hear that he had a girlfriend, because he outright flirts with me. I asked him about this and he said that he is just a flirt, that is the way he behaves around most girls. My chats with him did not come without some flirtation on his part, he proceded to take off my hat not once, but two times and the second time he proceded to muss my hair, which I found somewhat humiliating.
Anyway, readers, Tom is taken and I am not persuing him, so I think this will be the last time that I talk about him on here. I hope that this post answers all of your questions because I don't want to rehash them again.

I think that is all of the major news to be posted. I will PTYL

You are welcome to post a comment about what is here or whatever, have a great day readers!
~Holls

Institute Boys - Part II

OK, to those of you who love to hear about my love life here is today's exciting entry.

After IMing for quite a while on Yahoo Messenger with Viper, Putt and Quag, I was excited to see Tom today. Quag is so intent on me and Tom getting together and he might just get his wish ;)

I made a point to make sure I looked presentable today and that I didn't have one of those downed expressions that turns a guy away. Luckily for me, my English class with Professor Fullmer got out early and I arrived at the 'tute a bit early. I made a point to sit in the middle of the row so then Tom would be able to walk in and get the aisle seat, since he would obviously be there after I was today.
Devotional began and Bro. Scott began to talk and I started to worry, "What if he isn't coming today? What if I don't get a chance to see him before Thanksgiving Break?" I quietly expressed these concerns to my friend Brittany and she calmed me down saying "Don't worry, he will be here." I pulled out an extra measure by putting on one of my favorite lotions that I know guys like. "Moonlight Path" from Bath and Body Works (now my secret is out – lol). Supposedly the lavender in it is supposed to be attractive – what ever... I don't know if it worked or not – I will tell you more and you can tell me what you think.

I said the prayer for Devotional and one of the things that I said was that we would have the Spirit with us. I had to work really hard to make sure it was there, because I wanted to flirt with him so bad during class, but I think he was worse than I was!!! I was writing in my Institute notebook when Tom pointed at my ring finger, on my left hand. I was wearing my birthstone ring from my parents there but he gave me this look of posed confusion and slight worry – like he was worried that I was engaged... Hah! I laugh at that one!!! So to make him happy and to get that corny look off of his face I switched my rings around, putting my birthstone ring on the ring finger of my right hand, my CTR ring on my right hand and my class ring on my left hand...

At one point he took my pen and I was trying to get it back from him with all subtle measures taken. Somehow he ended up holding my hand and when I looked up at him, he looked right back at me and didn't pull away. Then I think we both realized that we were in Institute class and of course I felt my cheeks go red. After that, we focused on the lesson – which was really good one. We were in the book of Alma, chapter five and six. I actually got a lot out of the lesson.

After the benediction was given and class ended this is where things really started to happen. Again, he waited for me to walk out of class with me and he followed me out of the classroom. I turned around and started walking backwards so I could face him. I made note to say that I was impressed with myself at not running into the door, the wall or biffing it on the carpet. With that being said, he placed his hands on my shoulders and he started guiding me down the narrow hall. It seemed like all I could look at was his face and I really didn't want to because he is so gorgeous, it hurts to look into is eyes. So I tried to look at the wall, but continued to let him guide me down the hall. He noticed that I wasn't looking at him and so instead of guiding me with my shoulders he put his hands on my cheeks and guided me that way. All I could see were his deep blue eyes and his cheesey smile. It was if I was bridled by his hands he was so close to me – I could feel something happen, but as we neared the end of the hall where we came to a common area, he let go of me and we walked to the staircase. He mentioned that it might have been scary to walk backwards down the stairs and I agreed with him. So like the funny guy he is, he started to walk backwards down the stairs. I really didn't want him to fall down and hurt himself so I begged him to turn around and when we arrived at the first landing, I pushed him playfully up against the wall and demanded sarcastically that he turn around to go down the stairs – it was quite hott for a while, but then people started coming upstairs so we continued walking down the stairs to the main exit.

He walked with me out of the institute and he gave me his number and we talked more and more about things I cannot remember.

Well guys, let me know what you think...

Much Love!
~Holly

Institute Boys

*Disclaimer: This post is very "chick-flickish"*

It is interesting, the way that boys at the LDS Institute on campus, particularly the Return Missionaries are so very different from any other boys around.

The picture there is of a young man I met at the Hill Cumorah Pageant, he was in my cast team. He is one of the many examples of sweet guys that I know. This picture was taken in the Sacred Grove, which is very near to the Hill Cumorah.

There are two particular boys in my Book of Mormon class that really now how to make a girl feel good. They notice when something is wrong without it being obvious, they do little things that just make you feel warm and fuzzy all over. They show how well-read they are without being boastful. They are willing to contribute at any time during the class and are chivalrous in how they treat a lady.

One of these RM's is named Tom. He just had his 24th birthday on Monday and I really like the way he treats me. Yesterday, I was having a tough day and I was sitting there as the devontional was going on and he looks at me, (I can see this through my periferal vision) and he leans over and asks "Are you OK?" Well, there is no lying to him, he knows how to read feelings so I shook my head, "no." He asked me to tell him about it and I whispered back to him that now wasn't the time to talk about it because we were in class - "later" I said. Then I asked him how he knew I wasn't feeling good today and he said, "it was in your eyes."

I thought that was so sweet, that he can look into my eyes and tell what I am feeling.

The next thing I knew I found a piece of paper with nicely lettered handwriting on it declaring that I should, "spill." I had to be careful about what I told him, because as much as I like him, I don't know him all that well - yet.

I explained, very briefly and somewhat vaguely what the problem was that I was having. His concern was genuine and his words were kind. As I read what he had to say in reply to me it was if he was giving me a hug.

The things that were talked about in class were also very helpful - he just expounded upon it in a personal sense.

Class ended and I took an extra few seconds to pack up, but he waited for me by the door. We walked down the stairs and to the main entrance hall and I expected that he would leave to go to his next class and I would stay and take a nap on one of the Institute's comfy couches. He insisted that he talk to me more, because his talking to a beautiful young woman right now was more important than getting to class.

I said, "no, you need to get to class, you can't be late." But he insisted that his teacher, who is a bishop, would understand that he was late because he was consoling a beautiful young woman. I am not jazzing this up by saying beautiful. He really said that! I didn't want to believe him, but I let him stay.

As I spoke to him, I couldn't bear to look into his deep blue eyes because they were so full of concern that it made me ache to see . I, instead, looked at my feet. We talked for a few minutes. But there came a point when I didn't really want to talk anymore, and he seemed to pick up on my hint so he said that he would see me on Wednesday and that he was heading to class.

I watched him leave, just because, and to my amazement he didn't hurry off to class. He saw that a young man was having car trouble and he stopped, without hesitation and helped him. I couldn't believe how full of service he was that day. How humble and kind he was.

My questions for you are these:
What do you think of what he did?
What qualities do you think are mandatory for your ideal husband/wife?
What do you think I should do about what he has done for me - if anything?

Feel free to add any other comments. Thanks for reading.

~Holly