Patience

I recently finished reading the first book in the Work and the Glory series, and I'm hooked. I'm impressed that Gerald Lund can create a book that crams many of the things I love all together on the same page (history, my religion, and a love story). 

At the end of the book I had two questions. The first was: Where is a Nathan Steed in my life? Nathan is gentle, thoughtful, humble, kind to his mother and younger siblings, hardworking, and has a strong testimony. To my dismay, I haven't been able to answer this one yet. For now, patience will have to suffice. 

The second was: Where can I get the second book? I was sad to learn that all 6 copies at the Provo library are checked out, and I was the third person on the waiting list! Apparently, everyone and their mom in Provo is reading this series right now. Therefore, the answer yet again is patience. 

To keep my mind off the dismal answers to these questions, what better than making cinnamon rolls and art projects? 

Summer Days

My summer schedule and life have been ideal: (1) I wake up without an alarm clock (2) I get to do whatever my heart desires for almost the whole day (3) I have a job. 

I have recently tried my hand at a few DIY art projects. I'm not very artistic but I'm getting better.

When I wasn't trying to be crafty, I was getting certified for lifeguarding, CPR/AED and first-aid. Long story short: it was intense. I think the picture below sums up what the rest of my summer will consist of:

the countdown begins

56 days until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II comes out. I know that it's a little early to start counting but I can't help it--I'm excited! When the first Harry Potter book came out I was only 9, and it was the first book series that I got hooked on. When the first book was scheduled for release, my dad took me to the bookstore early in the morning, standing in line to get the book. I even got my picture in the newspaper! 


Every time a new HP book comes out my mom, my sister and I fight over who will get to read it first. It's quite an ordeal but my sister usually gets it first because she reads the fastest. One time my family was camping when the half blood prince book came out, and we actually drove to a town, bought the book, and drove back to our camp site. We are simply die-hard Harry Potter fans!

The Y

Before leaving Provo, I had to climb the Y Mountain. My friend Lisa and I embarked on this adventure on this warm afternoon. We didn't even cheat by driving up to the trail head--we walked all the way from our apartments. Great weather with a great friend; what more could I ask for? I could have asked for more stops along the way to rest! It was a work-out, but it was definitely worth it. Being at an elevation of  6000 ft, there is such a beautiful view. 

New Hobby

I have a problem. See, when I'm in school I am unbelievably busy with homework, jobs, callings, and when I have time--sleeping. Obviously when finals come around my 'to-do list' increases by a factor of 10. But as soon as finals are over, the whole scaffolding of my life is removed. I am left with no deadlines, no assignments, no 'to-do lists'. Others (who probably have lives and hobbies outside of school) find no trouble adjusting to summer after a tough semester. But for me, I struggle to adjust. 

When I end up doing something fun, I have to fight off this guilty feeling  (thinking that I always need to be productive, rather than enjoy whatever I'm doing). This guilt is both a blessing and a curse. When I listen to it, it helps me work hard and do well, but at the same time I sacrifice a lot of little happy moments.

 In an attempt to suppress this guilty feeling over the summer, I have taken up the hobby of crocheting. Now don't judge me--thinking this is hobby only for grandma's. I started with a simple headband and a flower. It's not the prettiest, but I think I did quite well for my first time. 

Rain

One of my favorite things in the world is the smell of rain.The scientific name for this smell is petrichor. One source of this smell is bacteria, called actinomycetes,  that live in the soil. When the weather is hot and dry, the actinomycetes produce spores. When it starts to rain, the rain drops fall on the soil, making the spores airborne. These airborne spores create an earthy, fresh smell that we associate with rain. Isn't it amazing?

Another day in the Hundred Acre Wood

The other day I was walking to work and talking to my mom on the phone. I was chatting away, not paying much attention, when I tuned around a corner and walked into a swarm of wasps. Just a note: I hate wasps and swell up like a blimp if I get stung. They were busy collecting pollen from the bushes that lined the sidewalk until they noticed an intruder (me). They were swarming all around me, buzzing angrily. My mind flashed to the Discover Channel episode of killer bees and my life flashed before my eyes. I impulsively started running, making sure to keep my mouth shut. As I was running, the wasps were bouncing off my face, hitting my arms, and sticking on my clothes. After I ran through the swarm I dropped my phone and swatted the remaining wasps off me. Through a miracle I didn't get stung one time; but I must admit this was one of the scariest things that has happened to me. I felt like Winnie the Pooh being chased by a swarm of honey bees. But I bet he is used to it, thinking it's just another day in the Hundred Acre Wood.