The Low Down

So, my blog is pretty much my journal where I get to keep track of lots of random things that happen in my life. Since I have been a total slacker (or just not in a place where I had internet access and time to write simultaneously), I figured I could at least make a list of stuff that has gone on. The really interesting ones will turn into blog posts (how could I in good conscience not write about the donkey/watermelon races????), but others will merely be consigned to a line on a blog post, as follows:

Saturday, August 29--night out with pd students for Katharine's housewarming party

Sunday, August 30--first Sunday back in LA. Went to USC and LA 1st wards. So love being back at Church!! Great meetings, saw old friends, met new ones, and got settled back into a ward. Even met some new Russian speakers!

Monday, August 31--Went to a SCycling class (SC for USC, I can spell sometimes) that totally kicked my butt. Lots of fun, though!

Tuesday, September 1—Interviewed with the company I am now interning with and did sealings at the LA temple

Wednesday, September 3—Grabbed some free food with Tabby, which she entertained herself with by feeding squirrels before heading off to our conflict and religion class.

Thursday, September 4—Went to my 9 am class, then took off for Parowan for an amazing labor day weekend *so much about this weekend deserves a blog post. To be continued…

Friday, September 5—Ran about ½ mile with Michelle in her Red Rock Relay Run. I’m going to say I only ran that long because the rules state you can’t have a pacer, but really I was just thirsty and sick of the hills J And I hadn’t been feeling well, but hey. Then of to the rodeo at the county fair, mostly hung out with Burke, who was working the chute, went dancing after and met some fun, new people, including the swing club from SUU. I have an official invitation any Wednesday I’m in Cedar J

Saturday, September 6—Spent the night at Burke’s (have I mentioned he’s my brother?) before heading off to the cousins', where all the girls spent the morning curling our hair before heading off to the ranch rodeo where we saw Burke on a branding team (no, not the marketing kind of branding, but the one where you have to rope a calf, toss it, tie it, and brand it—in this case with white paint). Stuck around for the rodeo. This was the rodeo to beat all rodeos—namely the one where the donkey riding took place! Then off for some more country dancing and fair rides! Dance party in the kitchen with Cami, Amy, and Wendy when we got home. Totally hilarious

Sunday, September 7—Went down to Enoch to Burke’s ward. Rhett was being ordained a deacon. So fun to be there for him and watch him pass the sacrament! Mom, April, Burke, Zane, and I all bore our testimonies. Really special experience for me to be there with my family! Dinner for grandpa's birthday at Kelly and Rosa's. Sunday evening fireside with the Army band and Russian piano performance.

Monday, September 8—Labor Day parade. Grandpa was so great as the Grand Marshall up on his horse! Thought he was missing after, but turned out he was at home all the time. Lots of hanging out with the cousins, then went over to grandpa’s after everyone else drove home. Mom, dad, and I were the only ones who decided to leave Tuesday instead.

Tuesday, Septmeber 9—back to LA. Listened to Truman G. Madsen’s lectures on Joseph Smith the whole drive home. So amazing! Then crash reading to try and get ready for my Wednesday presentation

Wednesday, September 10—Spend the whole morning reading the 300 pages I was presenting on, went in for a two-hour training at my internship, then off to classes

Thursday, September 11—More classes, first day at the internship by myself, and home for more homework. (Any one else feel like there should have been something more done today given it was 9/11?)

Friday, September 12—half day at the internship and another 8 hour drive to Utah (normally takes about 7 hours, but traffic was awful), and another series of lectures from Truman G. Madsen (I had the original 8 lectures he delivered on Joseph Smith, plus another series he did on teachings of Joseph Smith). Made the drive much more enjoyable! Got to Parowan in time to help fold up tablecloths Joyce and my mom had been pressing for Alex and Becca’s reception.

Saturday, September 13--Alex and Becca's reception

Sunday, September 14--Enoch stake meeting, lunch at Marie's with everyone, watched Jon Tucker Must Die with Amy, Wendy, and Cami, then took off on my long drive back to LA. Since my Truman G Madsen CDs were done, took the time to catch up with friends from Russia--Ryan, Eli, Tyler-- and got a call or two from my mom, who was scared I was going to fall asleep (was very grateful for this call--that last stretch was tough!)

And that brings me back to Monday, September 15--the great institute class, a stint at the internship, and the amazing fhe dodgeball event. There you go, all caught up!