How Much Can I Pack Into One Weekend?

       Today is Halloween...FHE is cancelled and none of my friends have plans so I am a free person this evening! Which is a rare occurrence these days!

       Truth is, the last five days for me have been nothing but go, go, go! It's been so fun! Even when I don't have time to sleep or eat (minor necessities)!

       Friday was an eventful and busy day at work which is the best. I left 45 minutes early though after completing everything I needed to that day so I could meet up with some friends who were going to Lagoon soon after. It was the last night of the Fright Mare at lagoon and my friend had found some coupons online that would give us a great discount! She had invited 5 other people to come including me, but when the time actually came everyone had cancelled except her boyfriend, another boy and me. So by process of elimination it practically became a double date because naturally the other boy and I paired up because my friend was already paired up with her man. 

       It turned into THE funnest night! It was raining up a storm, but that didn't deter us. We were determined to stick it our the whole night, soaked shoes and all. And when I say soaked shoes, I mean SOAKED all the way through shoes. Haha The two guys we were with were hilarious! We went on lots of rides and went inside every haunted house. You get real comfortable with each other when you go through a haunted house together! No shame in throwing yourself onto the nearest person next to you going through one of those. Haha I thought for sure I would have a croaky voice the next day from all my screaming. 

       Seriously, I have never laughed or screamed so much in one night in my life. The boy I paired up with that night sure enough asked for my number at the end of the night and hoped we could do something in the future. I had a ton of fun with him, and we got to know a lot about each other, but the only reason I would go out with him again was for the fun of it not because I am actually interested in getting to know him more.

         I got home well after midnight that night, but I had promised a friend from my mission that I would go to the temple with her at 6:45 the next morning. We barely missed the 7:00 session though which meant we had to wait in the temple chapel for another hour. Guess what I did? Sprawled out on the bench in my temple dress and fell asleep. Just kidding! Haha But I definitely was zoned out for that hour. Haha

       I thought for sure I could take a nap after the temple to catch up on my lack of sleep, but when I got back from the temple I didn't feel like taking a nap so instead I did the dishes and then I got a call from a random boy that I had only briefly met twice and have no idea how he got my number. He wanted to know if I wanted to go on a group date that evening. Not with him though, but his poor friend who had asked 8 different girls but who had all cancelled on him or said no. Me being me, said yes without much thought because A) I can't say no to what sounds like a good time and B) I can't say no to what sounds like a goo....okay you get the point. Anyways, the problem with this is that I had already told TJ that I would do something with him that day, but he hadn't given me a time yet and I hadn't heard from him in the last 24 hours so I figured whatever this double date was I could fit that in around whatever TJ and I were going to do......dumb! So dumb!

       The double date was a murder mystery dinner and the theme was western which meant I needed a cowgirl hat. Sheena was already going to go shopping for her halloween costume that day so I tagged along with her in hope I would find what I was looking for. AND THERE WENT MY NAP! One thing led to another and before I knew it Sheena and I were at lunch with Saren and Dallin.

       In the end we didn't get back home until 4 and my date was coming only 30 minutes later to pick me up. In the meantime, while all of this is happening, TJ had texted me and said what the plan was for that day and it all started at the exact same time that my blind date was going to start. Talk about being flustered. I felt so bad that I had said yes to this boy who had just asked me that morning when TJ had been wanting to do something with me for several days. I explained the situation to TJ and He made sure to text me every few hours during my date to show me what I was missing out on. Ha

But let's be real, I rather dress up like a cowgirl over carving pumpkins any night!

       I got home late that night again to, and the next morning was Sunday. But I had a mission farewell to go to which meant that we had to leave at 8 which then meant I had to wake up around 6:30 AGAIN.
When I said I was lacking sleep I was serious.

Temple Trip, Sunday Dinner & Halloween Dance

Man, I can't believe October is practically over! Time is going by quickly for me because life is good. I have a great ward, and have really been getting close with my singles ward friends. I was just thinking the other day how weird it was for me when I first moved here and didn't know a person. But now! I have a whole bunch of close friends and am having a blast with them!

Last Saturday (Oct 22) was seriously the first Saturday off my mission that I didn't have anything going on. Crazy, huh?? Although I love being busy and having eventful weekends, I found it nice to have a Saturday to myself. I woke up that morning and decided to take a leisurely stroll up to the Draper temple. In the end it took over an hour and I was sore from it for several days after. Haha! My goal is to run it one of these days, but I obviously need to get in better shape.
After I got back from my walk to the temple, I decided I wanted to go again, only this time to do an endowment session rather than a walk. I took my sweet time getting all fancy for the temple, including ironing my temple clothes because they were super wrinkly from being packed in a small bag for 18 months. 

I've never been to the temple by myself before. This was the first time. It was incredibly peaceful. The kind of peaceful that makes you wonder why you don't make coming to the temple once a week a priority. Obviously life is busy and at times crazy so that is not always achievable, but my mission president always told us that our temple attendance should be based on our level of sacrifice. Which means, go to the temple often enough that it is a sacrifice. The beauty of it is, everyone's level is different so it is unique to each person. I heard during church, institute or conference (who knows!) someone say that if you want to accomplish your goals in life, go to the temple. A lot. I've thought about this a lot since then wondering what it is about the temple that motivates you or in other words helps you achieve your goals. While I don't know the direct answer, as I sat in the session one of the biggest things that stood out to me was how much of a planner God is. As it says in the scriptures, "He created all things spiritually before he created them temporally." The temple teaches you how to plan!! And we all know that if we want something to happen in life we have to first plan it. Therefore, go to the temple because you will learn how to plan, work towards, and accomplish your goals. :)

Monday night for FHE we had a stake Halloween dance. Haha my first dance in a LONG time. Seriously over two years. Stake dances can always be a little interesting, but it was fun! It was a costume party too, but I didn't know about the event until Sunday and you can't buy a costume of Sunday so essentially I had about an hour and half time gap from work to the dance to get a costume. I had no idea what to do! I decided not worry about it but about 30 minutes before I got picked up I decided to put a little effort into atleast trying (talk about a last minute costume...haha). To my surprise I actually pulled something together and everyone LOVED my costume at the dance. I went as Besty the Riveter.

Anyways, there was the boy who decided he really liked me half way through the dance because he hung around the rest of the night and when I was leaving he said, "Hey, can I take you out for ice cream sometime?" He seemed like a pretty cool guy so I said yes.

Jazz Basketball Game & More!

I just got back from my first experience in visiting teaching tonight. It was perfect. I have a great visiting teaching companion, and we visited the sweetest girl who is in preparation for her mission. This lead to all our discussion and conversation focused on mission stuff because my comp. went on a mission too, and being "fresh off the boat" myself, I was eager to give advice where needed.

While on my mission I was able to console myself in the thought of being able to visit teach when I got home when I no longer would be able to go around visiting and uplifting people. I love it! I love visiting and meeting people!! (*feeling positive vibes towards my mission tonight*) :)

In any case, let me tell you about last night because that's really what I want to write in my blog about tonight. First things first, there is this boy that I have met in my singles ward (oh how I love singles ward! Haha!) But anyways, John at work offered Sheena and I four tickets to go to a jazz basketball game that very night, and since there is only three of us, that meant I got to invite someone. So, I asked this boy if he wanted to come with us (miss YSA FHE for a jazz b-ball game? I think we can manage for one night *wink). He said yes! I was so excited! Right after work he met us at our house.

T.J. offered to drive us up in his car so we jumped in and headed for SLC. We stopped for food on the way up and then found our seats at the game. It was so fun!! Plus we had a big group to sit with because a bunch of others from work came too.

Catch up on the weekend with some more pictures! 

Spent Friday and Saturday with Saren and Dallin while Sheena and Tyler celebrated their anniversary. We went to the BYU homecoming parade. It was Emmy's first parade (picture above!). Saren even took me to the mall to buy my first "skinny jeans" and now I love H&M! 

That night, after I got back to Draper, T.J. picked me up for a Bon fire with a big group of singles ward friends.

Sunday was a great day!! I was asked to lead the music in sacrament meeting which I have never done before and I loved it! After church we went straight to Tyler's parents house. We brought pumpkins and had a contest. Little did we all know that it was Sheena's reveal to her birth date. Whaaaaa???? Best moment ever!!! Can you guess who won?? (See picture above) Mine's in the middle. I guess it's pretty cool too ;) 

After we got home that night Sheena and Tyler dropped me off with a group of YSA friends. We usually get together every Sunday night. I got home around 1:30. Haha Getting home early has been a struggle this past week!

Until next time! :)

Mission Reunion & Conference

Wow! This weekend was seriously one if the best since arriving home.

Probably because I felt like I was back on my mission...Haha 

My first official mission reunion was last Friday, and let me tell you, it was a blast! I love my mission friends so much and getting to hear from president Ames was such a blessing. Seriously, I have so much respect for that man.
I got off work at 5:00 and Sheena drove me to the home of one of the sisters from my mission who was also going to the reunion. We carpooled up together stopping at Chick-fil-a for a quick snack to hold us over until the reunion was finished. 

The reunion started at 7 and was "suppose" to end at 9. However, after much socializing, listening to Pres. and sister Ames address us, more socializing, and a thirty minute line to say buy to President one last time, we filed out of the church building around 11:00 at night. :) Never on the mission could we have stayed out that late! ;)
Afterwards, we hit IHOP for a late night dinner. I got back at 1:00 in the morning. Such a fun day!! But only the beginning;)

The next morning was the first session of GC. I watched it with Sheena and Tyler at our apartment. I was filled with gratitude as conference begin knowing that we were about to have a spiritual feast. 

It was a breath of fresh air for me. If there is one thing I miss the most about my mission it is the spirit. When I feel the spirit, I feel at home. When I feel at home, I feel like I'm on my mission. And when I feel like I'm on my mission, it's because I feel the spirit. It's just all intricately entwined ;)
Anyways, as soon as the first session was over Sheena raced me to the Trax station where I caught a ride to temple square. It took about an hour and with each stop the train got fuller and fuller. I had a wonderful family sit next to me that had travelled from California to attend conference. I had easily made friends with them by the end of the ride. I told them about my mission to Texas and they knew an elder who I served around because he was from their stake back home. We were practically best friends by the time we arrived! ;) 

I contacted Sister Benson on the phone and had a plan to meet her and Terry at the reflection pool by the Salt Lake Temple. On my way there I happened upon Sister Ames who was sitting with some of her kids eating lunch. I went up to say hello and sister Ames first motherly instinct was to offer me food. Thank goodness for her because I had totally spaced lunch for the day. So I went along my way crunchin' on my little cucumbers right through a line of men singin' hymns on temple square. Haha It was great!
I met up with sister B but Terry hadn't located us yet. We were becoming concerned when around the corner comes Terry. Wow! Over 8 months since the three of us had been together. Only last time, we were sister missionaries and he had just been baptized. After hugs, Terry, with a concerned tone in his voice said, "Sisters I missed placed the tickets. I can't find them anywhere!" We were so panicked! No this can't happen!! To which he reaches into his pocket laughing and says just kidding here they are!! ...Atleast one thing is certain and that is after 9 months he still can't help teasing sister B and I. Haha we left to get in line for conference 30 minutes before. The lines were sooo long and the ticket said we should be in our seats by now. I was panicked again! This can't happen!! To our great luck, we made it in our seats in time for the opening prayer. I was impressed!! The session was amazing, and very missionary focused. What a more fitting session to take our recent convert too. I was thrilled when they announced that the intermediate hymn would be Called to Serve. In the Texas Fort Worth mission we have our own special way if singing it and when they announced the song, I leaned over to sister B and said, "Texas Fort Worth Style!" I think everyone around heard me announce it too! Haha :/

After the session we went to Chick-fil-a for dinner and had a great time catching up. Neal even found us there and I got to introduce Terry and Sister B to him.
As we ate, Terry had some questions about the word of wisdom so Sister B and I got to put on our teaching caps just like old times. :)
Terry had a ticket for the priesthood session so he left us and I got back onto the Trax to head home. It was a beautiful day:) Sheena and I went out for Ice cream when I got back just before the Ice Cream shops got run over by men coming out of the priesthood session. It was actually quite fun to sit in the back corner and observe ;)
Terry texted me later that night telling me I needed to go watch Elder Holland's talk from the Priesthood session. In his talk he described a man who had lost all hope after his little boys death and couldn't pick himself back up. Only after faithful members of the church intervened did he find strength and fulfilment again in his life. This story had almost brought Terry to tears he later told me because he too had suffered intense depression after his only daughter was killed in a car accident. Then one faithful day not even a year later, he was introduced to two sisters missionaries serving in Temple Texas (Sister B and I!) who completely turned his life around and helped him find strength through the Lord to pick himself back up and continue forward. I was almost brought to tears too as I read his text and listened to Elder Holland. I remember having to carry some of that burden with Terry. I remember the pain, the sorrow, the encouraging. It's amazing to look back and see the ground that has been covered (literally!) 

Also, how wonderful it is to know that the sacrifice of a mission had such a powerful effect on one soul. As was said in conference, this church is about the one. When I think of my mission, I couldn't agree more! My mission, like the gospel, was all about the one. :) 

Sunday morning session was spent with many YSA friends. It was lots of fun! I had arranged to watch the second session with Derek at one if his friends house near SLC but because of traffic, he got held back and so we no longer had time to drive there without missing half the session. Sheena and Tyler had gone to his parents house for the day so we broke in to their apartment (with a key;) and watched it there. 

After conference was over Derek and I talked in the kitchen until 9:00 at night while I crushed day old pancakes in my hands until they were nothing but fine powder...haha Sounds entertaining right?? :)

When Sheena and Tyler finally got back, I asked if I could have work off tomorrow because not only was it Terry's last day in Utah but also my MTC companion's last day too (she had traveled from Kentucky for the mission reunion!). Both wanted to see me one last time. To my surprise Sheena let me have the day off, sooo I arranged to have breakfast with my old MTC comp. at a little breakfast place called the Egg and I. We didn't have breakfast until 10:30 in the morning and I didn't get back until 12:00. It was so fun to catch up with her and reminisce about the mission while discussing what it's like to be a new RM. After I got home I contacted Terry who wanted to take me to lunch before he left. So I jumped in the car only 10 minutes after arriving home from breakfast to go to lunch with Terry at a little restaurant called Food for Thought. Haha two meals, two restaurants, back to back!! I was making my way around this town today! I was concerned I wouldn't be able to eat so much, as are you I am sure, but lucky for me I was so hungry it didn't matter!

It's because, I had totally spaced food on Sunday. I ate a little breakfast with the YSA, but nothing after that for the whole day so I was hungry today!! 

It was so nice with Terry! How I love the connections and friends I have made from my mission. I told him I would text my mom and see if he couldn't stop by on his way out of Utah that evening...but as I write this blog post at 10:30 at night I am reminded that I actually never did that. Sorry family!! :/ Too late now.

I had so much to remind me of my mission these past two days and with general conference my resolve to live closer to the spirit as an RM was increased. Oh my, how we need the powerful spirit that comes from our daily scripture study, prayer, and service. You don't even know the difference it makes!!

I was telling my singles ward friends at our activity tonight, as we discussed our thoughts about conference, that the only time the scriptures are a burden to me is when I am not reading them. Because whenever I have taken the time to read, I am never disappointed. :)

In a nut shell, my weekend was wonderful because not only did I spend it with some of my all time favorite people, BUT I did some of my all time favorite things!! 

I want to relive it again!! :)