Christmas Gotcha

Once again, Mike and I didn't didn't take a million pictures like a couple of BYU girls would so you'll just have to imagine the weekend we had having some fun and missing lots of people in Utah. Mike came up Friday morning so he could be here when comcast installed my internet and cable (yessssss). I went to work and he picked me up for lunch. The whole trip neither of us (well mostly Mike) could keep the days of the week or the Holidays straight. It doesn't help that I call Sunday through Tuesday the weekend (because those are my days off). I think it was hard to keep the days straight because we were eating out on Christmas Eve and I was working both days. But it still was so nice to have family to come home to.

So you're like "get to the gotcha Mal." Ok. So this morning Michael thought it would be funny to call my name over and over like he needed something while he was in the shower. So I'm cracking up because he's just being himself. I stood outside the locked bathroom and he told me to come in. I told him it was locked and he laughed like that was some really difficult one. Fair enough. So when I got in the shower, I left the door unlocked then did the same thing to him. I figured he'd sit on the couch the entire shower and I could tell him it was unlocked the whole time and the joke was on him. He surpassed my expectations. When he came in, he had actually bent this hanger like so, so that he could get into the bathroom. It was unlocked the whole time Mike. Solid.

Maybe you just had to be there? Oh well, we missed you guys but I'm glad I got to talk to a few of you on the phone. And what would a Christmas post be without something serious. I was having quite the pity party on Christmas (along with my coworkers) that we had to be there for 12 long hours. But as I was driving back to work after my lunch break I had that familiar feeling that everything is ok. Sure it's not fair that I had to work this weekend, or be 2,000 miles from home, and light years from any man that I could have a legitimate relationship with (too much?) (just when I try to be serious something in my brain can't take it and makes a joke). Back to Jesus. People didn't treat him very well but he overcame all difficulties. I felt that special love and peace that only He can bring. Even though nothing is ever perfect in our lives, he takes care of the essentials. I'm so grateful for all the blessings I have because of His life.

A Very Merry Christmas

it has been in Taylorsville. I'm sitting at the airport and SLC now has free wifi. Don't mind if I do! I'm sitting around an outlet with two plugs and 4 macs, 2 ipads, 3 smartphones and all their owners. Too bad none of us brought a power strip. I'm truly enjoying surfing the internet, watching Arrested Development and simultaneously managing to avoid hanging out with some lost puppies in VA. I felt so thirsty to see the faces and laugh with the people I love. Today, my cup runneth over. I loved every moment of being home this weekend. I loved the midnight trip to Autozone and Walgreen's with Greg and going on a double date with Becky, Quinn, and Eric. Yeah I feel bad I made my brother go on a date with me especially since he's anxiously engaged to a pretty little girl. I loved Becky and Quinn being adopted children/star-crossed lovers. I loved having girl time with the sisters and Mom. I loved teasing Dad about not coming to my welcome home dinner in front of the Fergusons, and then repeating it again now. And how do I describe how wonderful it was to see Garrett, Annabelle and Abby? Those sweet little babies. Next time you need to discipline them, please send them out and I will really teach them a lesson. I'm sure that the attention the tools at Micron will need tomorrow will not exactly compete for the top ten moments this year with the greatest Christmas break in America.

When I Really Need a Laugh

I watch this video the Hobbit sent me. (Turn the volume up).

Picture Time!

Speaking of blessings... I bought a Honda Civic and I'm really happy with it. I had to take a picture of the odometer, because she's so young.

Luckily, Eric tested the alarm for me, for which service I am extremely grateful. You don't want a cheap car where the alarm goes off when some punk off the street is shaking the car or, heaven forbid, punching it. Well everyone, I have anecdotal evidence that Honda alarms are high quality and will not go off even if you hit the car hard enough to leave an imprint of your hand in it. I love you Eric.

The good people at Ken Garff removed the dent for free before I left Utah. What a great story.

This is the beautiful sunset driving across Nebraska. This and the 75-80 mph speed limit were about the only positive things I found in that state.

Good thing my brother is a genius and found a Giordano's on our way through Illinois. And they accidentally made a larger pizza than we ordered. Their bad.

Remember the Hansen's? Well Ashley (Patt's daughter) brought her 2 year old and her 3 week old up from North Carolina to visit me. We went to the coolest little zoo in Reston. This is me and Willa-woo-woo.

Grandma Patty, willa, and the HUGEST horns I've ever seen on a bull.

Brian first discovered this gentlemen making his rounds in John and Patty's complex, and this was my second sighting and this picture opp was perfect. So here you go guys, wish you were here right?

This picture is at the Antietam Battlefield. These bugs are everywhere out here and I'm sure you can guess how I feel about them. I want to punch them in the face as hard as I can.

Before we went to the battlefield, we went to the temple. Unfortunately the baptismal font was closed, so I watched some old BYU produced seminary videos in the visitor's center. Great use of time.

Snuggling with my Garmin, Staci. She died, so now I have Staci Jr.

Here's the computer my buddy hooked me up fat with: it needs a battery, which is much cheaper than a whole new computer, so I'll take it. Sorry I don't have pictures of the winning males I have had the pleasure of meeting out here, but I'll keep working on it. Miss you guys.

I Would Like To

formally welcome myself back to consistent internet usage. Welcome Mal. I was chatting with a friend at work yesterday at lunch and I told him about my "predicament" of lack of media. I've kind of been laughing about this since I got out here: my hand-me-down Dell that my daddy gave me (because my parents gives me just about everything they have ever owned) crapped out once and for all. Being as how I have been broke-phi-broke for the past year just meant I would have to learn to wait. I also have this gigantic TV in my apartment that came with the apartment, but I don't have cable or a dvd player so I just get fuzz. I've been using computers here and there and just reading a lot. I felt frustrated one night about not being able to do many necessary things and I told my brother I just needed to buy one. He was really understanding and told me he'd lend me the money if I wanted it. Sometime during the next few days I calmed down a bit and realized (with a little exceedingly wise guidance from my church leaders) that getting out and staying out of debt is very important. I had a new motivation to hang on a little longer. I got a library card and got some good sleep in the meantime.

So back to my friend at work. He's all "I have an old gaming system that will play dvds if you want to borrow it" and I'm trying to decide if I should just keep enjoying my reading time so I never really asked for it. Well today on our way into work he's like "I have a present for you after work" and so after work we walk out to his car and whips out a mac laptop. And I'm like "um.....what is that?" and he's like "here, take it". So I took it with the promise it would come back once I purchased one for myself and he was like "well whatever, I don't use it anyway so have it for as long as you like."

I brought it home smiling and laughing the whole way and then another miracle happened at my apartment. I'm somehow connected to someone's internet (the first thing I did, obviously, was watch a good Fly a Kite youtube video). So I'll get some pictures coming of my new place, my double recliner couch (another great patience slash Holy Ghost story), and my weird friends from church. Love you.

I Miss You

All of you. It's past my 8 pm bedtime but I came over to Pat and John's to do a little online bill-pay and found myself here. I thought I'd just say hi and tell you about my rather uneventful couple of weeks.

I'm doing shift work so tomorrow will be my 4th and final 12 hour one of the week (praise the Lord). There is so much going on at work that I have to learn about that my brain nearly explodes everyday. I have been frustrated almost to tears a few times already but then I tell myself that no one is going to feel bad for a 22 year old girl who cries because learning new things is hard. So I have had to humble myself and remember that Rome wasn't built in a day. Besides working long hours the tools in the fab are incredible. I feel like a kid in a candy store. Everything is shiny and clean. It's a cleanroom so there is no dust/dirty oil/grease anywhere which is something I can handle if I'm going to be an engineer. Being dirty makes me feel less girly and I hate that.

The team that I work with is awesome because I don't feel like the odd one out because I'm the girl (like I was in school). There is so much diversity on our team no one thinks I'm so very different. And I enjoy that not everyone knows everything about Mormon culture because they don't treat me any different either way. There is another LDS guy on my team who I've become friends with which is super cool. And when someone on my team mentioned drinking the other engineer (who is Hindu) said he doesn't drink, and a tech who has teenage kids said he doesn't either. And it was almost like we had all said "we don't drink soda." No one thought it was a big deal at all. I'm so grateful everyone at work has been so sweet and helpful as I try to learn.

My singles ward is really small and there are a lot of converts and the elders come to our ward every Sunday and all our activities and it's just slightly different than the BYU wards I've been attending for the past 4 years. There are differences in the culture if you will of this ward and I think it's cool to learn about something different.

At "Home" in Virginia

I just wanted to stop by and give you an update. Brian and I made it to Virginia. I can't begin to explain how selfless it was for Brian to drive 34+ hours with me across the country and buy a plane ticket home. He also cleaned the Manassas Costco out and emptied it into my new apartment. I told him I'm going to repay/get back at him for it by giving his children cell phones and ipods at ridiculously young ages. Thanks Brian. Oh and he has most all of the propaganda we produced throughout our roadtrip so visit his blog for *amazing* videos and pictures of a few state lines.

Next on my Thank List are Elder and Sister Hansen who are on a mission here in Virginia. Part of me believes that Heavenly Father sent them to this mission for me. Patt Hansen is Nat's aunt by marriage and has been a wonderful mother while I've been here for 4 days. She's been feeding me wonderful meals and just making sure I have everything I need. Which brings me quite nicely to numero uno on the List.

The past few weeks and really months as I have looked for a job and tried to figure out where my life is going I have received more blessings that I can count. I prayed for this job in Virginia the moment I applied for it. I had this (strange) desire to try something I had never done before: live far from home. I have this weird tendency to copy my brothers. I feel like I need to do everything myself and prove somehow that I'm independent and smart and all that crap. Heavenly Father really gives us what we want in this life which is incredible that He actually trusts us enough to say "tell me what you want, and I'll make it happen." His love is incomprehensible to me. I wish you could have seen His hand the way I did while trying to find a job, and a car, and get out here and find a place to live and a bed to sleep in.

Recently my good friend's father died. He was only 50 and he was perfectly healthy. He was just kayaking. My heart ached whenever I thought of this extremely close family. They all just loved each other so much. And some of their children are still in elementary school. I wondered how they must be feeling. I wondered how Heavenly Father would take care of each of them. And when I observed an outpouring of blessings in my life I wondered why He was blessing me so, when surely others needed His help more. The Holy Ghost taught me that because God is no respecter of persons, He is not limited like I am. He can, and is, taking care of all His children who need him. No list of needs is too long for Him.

I Have Thought

long and hard about why I love redheads so much. I think it's because they are rare. I have an affinity for rare beauty; redheads are rare and so beautiful to me. No one will ever change my mind.

Happy Birthday Greg.

International Traveler

Minus the 'inter,' but National Traveler just sounded weird.

In the past two weeks I went to three places I'd never been: Manassas, Virginia; Jackson Hole and the Grand Canyon. Virginia was great except I couldn't find my way around and I can find my way around the entire state of Utah so that was a huge hit to my pride. But it was a lovely state with lots of trees and slow, considerate drivers.

I went to Jackson Hole with Nat and the kids. I loved having some quality time with those rascals because I feel like I never see them. I drew about 800 helicopters, spiders, kites, and fishies for him on the magnadoodle over the many hours in the car. Poor Nat even had to put up with me while I was being cranky with the two children. It was like she had 3 kids for a day. Sorry Nat, but thanks again for taking me. I love the place and I loved watching her brother in the Lotoja race.

On Sunday I woke up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and went to sleep in a hotel with Mom on the Utah/Arizona border. We went to the Grand Canyon on Monday and Mom told me stories about working there as a kid and about she and dad meeting and getting married in a whirlwind. I absolutely loved every minute of the weekend.

What a travelog right? Sorry for the bore-fest. My one message: I love my family so much. It's sad to be separated from them. I'm so grateful that the best is yet to come.

P.S. I got a job in Manassas, Virginia so I'll have to start updating this more for my official fan club.

P.P.S. I love Matt

Personal Philosophy

The more I go through the motions of life and try out living the teachings of Jesus Christ the more I am convinced of their ability to produce happiness. Let's start by examining a younger Mal Pal who was picked on mercilessly by one or more older brothers and to be fair, one dad. My dad has jokingly told a story about how I would burst into tears at the slightest discipline from him. I laugh and think about how that sounds about right, I wanted to cry a lot as a child. I also got angry at the boys a lot. I hated one of my brothers when I was younger and forgiveness was practically a journey. It felt wonderful when I finally figured it out. With effort and planning over the years I have found it easier to forgive and therefore I can do it faster. Recently I had my feelings hurt by a handful of people all at once. I thought about it for about 5 seconds then said to myself "what am I going to do? be mad at them all forever?" I didn't really have a choice. Well I did, but one choice was so very clearly a waste of my time and energy. So I set out to letting things go. My friend told me that reminded her of an article that was just the last key to figuring out exactly to let go of those silly things. I started my garden immediately and I already need more room.

Livin the Life

Happy birthday shout out for Becky (albeit belated). We got sushi and went to Kings of Leon at Usana to celebrate. If you haven't listened to their music, I highly recommend it. They made me love rock music. I mean it. They're from Nashville and just have the coolest sound. Start with my favorites "Use Somebody" and "I Want You". Anywho here are some pictures to document. This concert was SO good. And so was the company. Thanks for being sexy Kings and for being my bff Becky.

My roommate TaeCee

Idk, my BFF Becky.

I just got back from a trip to California with Becky. The trip was a smashing success. We only spent time doing things we liked (riding rides and eating churros at disneyland, watching movies, sleeping in, going to the beach a lot, eating good food, and flirting with boys). I told Becky on the way down I had anxiety because I'd never been that far without my parents. But I just realized that's a lie. I flew to Milwaukee by myself two years ago. So I don't know why I had so much anxiety about going. I just got scared to go so far away. Which is weird. I kept telling myself that I would feel better once we got to Becky's house and I would just feel like I was at a friends house that wasn't 11 hours away. And I did feel great. And I really actually didn't want to come home this time. Not like my last vacation.

looking fierce

This is our friend Quinn who came to Disneyland with us. I think he and Becky may have been crushing behind my back... well the mystery remains.

This is around 11:30 pm... we were getting tired

Earlier in the day we had tons of energy. I loved Disneyland so so much.

First time swimming in the ocean. Huntington beach was pretty smelly (just like every body of water) but I loved it

This last one is for Mom. I was so excited to see ride this because it's her favorite and I didn't get to ride it when they took me in 7th grade.

I had so much fun seeing Becky's stomping grounds. I can't wait to go back.

My Father's Daughter

On Thursday a friend invited me to go to Lake Powell. Completely unlike myself I took off with them on Friday and went. There were some things about the trip I really wish I could have changed, but there were some things that I couldn't get enough of. I couldn't get enough of the silence and the stars that I got to sleep under (when I found out a tent was broken and someone had to sleep under the stars, there was no getting me into a tent). I couldn't get enough of the red rocks or the cold water, or the sunsets, or the nostalgia. The whole time I was there I thought about people who I wished were with me. I missed my dad the most. He loves that lake. I could replay the times he took me, my mom and my brothers all over that lake and told me cool things about the landscape and boats and everything else.

I took a trip on a waverunner to the Glen Canyon Dam because he took us there in the boat and he thought it was so neat. As a child I wasn't impressed by much but I'm impressed now, and I love that he shared with me the things he thought were great. I wished I was camping with him and chatting under the stars in the dark with him. I thought about you all weekend. Then this morning in a sacrament meeting in Page, a little boy gave a talk and said he loved his dad because he showed him how to use the Priesthood and how to be a good man. I love that my brothers know how to be men. And until this weekend, I didn't realize what a precious commodity good men are.

I DO love Springville

too. It really is beautiful. I never thought I could live in a small town (and I've only been here for about 2 months) but this place is adorable. I love driving to and from church on Sunday because the houses and buildings are so old. And I can't help but wonder about all the things they've lived through. And every time I run here I can smell the freshly cut hay and see the sky so well. I wish I could describe it better.

I got on today to tell you that I re-realized yesterday that attitude makes a difference. This week has been colorful for me. On Tuesday night I was working on a group project in my last class at school and I got super frustrated. And I started to tear up. And I had to take a walk to calm down. This is weird because although the tears are unleashed during poignant movies and Relief Society, I don't usually cry in the Clyde building (tears on campus usually happen in the Wilk-once- and the Lib-also once) (or the walk back to the Riv-hundreds of times) My point was supposed to be that I don't cry a lot. Maybe I do, but heat exchangers and smoke stacks are rarely the catalysts. I was a little weirded out, but I pulled it together. Wednesday was worse. Some dumb stuff happened at school which would make anyone mad, but make anyone SOB? In the middle of class? With 8 other students? Yikes. I packed my things politely and walked out because I could not take sobbing with 8, 21 year old boys.

Sisters to the rescue. This time I sobbed (outside the Wilk) for an hour plus. Then couldn't go to my next class, or work, and I couldn't control the tears. It was a physical thing, and something I'm not used to. But I will deal with it, because that's what women do.

Thursday my poor niece was sick as all get out so I tried to do a little rescuing. I hope I helped. Later that night I got sick, and threw up a good 4 times throughout the night and could barely walk in the morning. So I stayed home Friday even though I was really excited about some research that needed to be talked about.

Saturday was spent in the Clyde doing that project. 11:30am- 9pm. I visited Bri and Cath afterwards (if Brian trys to tell you he had FIVE gotchas, don't believe him for a second) then went to get Becky and we were late to the see the fireworks show here in Springville. We parked at some random elementary school to watch them half-way through to the end.

As much as I hate giving travel logs there it was. On the way back from the fireworks show (and a trip to Taco Bell and Burger King to get all the items we wanted- TB doesn't have diet coke, I'll never understand) we talked about how this week and that whole day and night would have been so crappy if we were mad we were late for the fireworks. Or if I was mad I couldn't stop crying, or throwing up, or that I spent so much time on my dumb project.

If I had let Brian get to me when he pretended to have gotchas even though he thought Lauren Conrad was part of the The Refugees with Wyclef Jean (try and explain how that turned into 5 gotchas on ME) then I wouldn't have had such a fun time watching Cathy play with my phone the way Annabelle plays with my phone when I visit.

Ode to the Greatest Brother and Sister-in-Law

Well, it was another STUPENDOUS evening spent with Brian and Cathy and Annabelle (my favorite niece of all the world born before 2010). I think I'm going to buy this family a Toyota Tundra (V8 5.7L, CrewMax cab, Normal bed) when I graduate to thank them for just being so fetchin' awesome. I mean honestly, I submit that of all the brothers, Brian is my favorite. Sorry Mike and Greg and Eric and Matt, you are all second fiddle (and third, fourth, and fifth).

I mean, with pictures like this, you can't tell me we didn't have a blast:

And if those aren't proof that I had perhaps the greatest night of my entire existence, here's some pictures of the great people who hosted the great night:

What an absolutely AMAZING fish! Don't you think it's amazing?

Pretty much world's best dad right here.

And pretty much world's cutest kid right here too... She matched her outfit to her balloon.

Cathy's pictures couldn't grace my blog for the simple reason that I couldn't afford the copyright fees to the modeling agency that owns them. Maybe someday when I graduate I can own a print. We'll see.

Well, that's all for now, faithful readers. I can't wait until the next time I get to hang out with this awesome family.

TEAM JACOB!!!

Stress Much?

A few months ago I thought I found a grey hair right on my part, but I couldn't be certain because I was probably being dramatic and it was just the glare from the vanity lights. So I asked my friends at school and Tyler confirmed the finding then pulled it out promptly so we could have a good look. Well that hair grew back: I found a white one in roughly the same spot that is about 3 inches long. I showed Cath today and she got a really good laugh. Then we found one that is 10 inches long.

Going grey in my early 20's. This should be good motivation to live by the phrase "calm it down. calm. it. down."

I'm So

Sentimental right now I'm nearly going crazy. Last night I moved out of the glorious Riviera apartment complex. I've lived there for 3 years, in 5 different apartments, and 2 wards. I've survived mice, October without a heater, a shattering breakup, broken toilets, sinks, dishwashers, garbage disposals (and many more maintenance issues I'd like to forget about) and a hot tub broken almost my entire senior year. One defining characteristic of my favorite complex is the nearly comical amount of time it takes anything to get fixed. But I'm over those issues (luckily). I stayed because I needed to be there. I stayed because of the people who live there. I also am afraid of change. I hate admitting it, but familiarity is something that is almost a necessity.

I moved into a condo in Springville (that happens to be the Celestial Kingdom in comparison with the hole I just moved from). But when I was driving the ten minute drive on the freeway with all my stuff last night I couldn't fight the tears. No matter how hard I tried. I've been in the Relief Society presidency for two years which, obvious to me now, has been a main source of structure (and strength) for me. Luckily I've had two incredible friends who are more than understanding about my emotional wreck that has happened on their doorsteps.

I've been planning this epic blog post countdown of the best moments of my college career, but I suddenly needed to vent about all the overwhelming feelings I've been having the past few weeks.

And don't be surprised that I cried while typing this. I need to go check my mascara before I head to the Marriott Center for graduation. Wish me luck.

Oh Dear

Tomorrow I'm taking an 8 hour standardized test. Here are some pages from a test prep book I've been studying out of.

I think the hanger is it to be used in the event that you feel death has become a better option than finishing. Also, who really has that many calculators...

Thank you for putting that in the book. I'll be sure to do so.

Apparently

I'm not the only sentimental one who is going to miss all these engineers when I graduate, because everyone has been packed in this computer lab all day long just hanging out. Not that I mind hanging out, I'm going to miss a couple of these guys too. But this poster I saw online the other day is representative of what does bother me.

Sunday

John 20:1-18 (I like the way John tells the stories best.)

Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.

But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.

No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or the next, Sunday will come.

-Joseph B. Wirthlin

His words helped me through a hard time when Gordon died. I know they are true.

Saturday

Then: Darkness

Now: General Conference with my family. I'm so happy.

Friday

My Friday was pretty much a crap-fest. As I suffered, I tried to remember that Friday was not a pretty day for the Savior, or the world.

Judas then, having received a band of men (600 Romans) and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. John 18:3

And as soon then as he had said unto them, I am, they went backward, and fell to the ground. John 18:6

And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. John 19:2-3

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a burial, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. John 19:17-19

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. John 19:34

I found an article about Roman crucifiction. Take it for what it's worth, something to think about if nothing else.

This is a lot.

Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5

Thursday

Turns out, Passover was on Thursday

Bitter herbs (very bitter pure horseradish) to remind us of the bitterness of the slavery our ancestors in Egypt.

Parsley dipped twice in salt water

Reed, Katie, yours truly, and Haylie

One of my favorite chapters in the New Testament is John 17. The great intercessory prayer offered late Thursday night.

Wednesday

There is no record for this day in the New Testament. I needed to catch up on Tuesday's events anyway...

Then Jesus began to weep over Jerusalem, saying, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, ye who will kill the prophets, and will stone them who are sent unto you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her winds, and ye would not! JST Matthew 23:27

This is one of my favorite descriptions of the Savior. A teacher told me about hens once (I am clearly no farm girl). If a predator threatens her babies, she will gather them in and sit down and let a predator tear her apart until she's dead before she'll move off those chicks.

My stake president challenged us to remember the Savior more, or think about Him more. I am trying to study the last week of His life, as I go through it. I've never felt more peace. John 14:27

Tuesday

He taught so many things on Tuesday. A parable that I found very interesting is the Parable of The Wicked Husbandmen (Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, and Luke 20:9-19). Mainly because I have a pride problem (what?!) and it's sobering to see what pride can lead you to do. The chief priests and Pharisees knew that Jesus was condemning them, and they feared losing authority over the masses. Somehow they thought they could stop this.

Monday

Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. Matthew 21:18

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple. Matthew 21:12

And he taught daily in the temple. Luke 19:47

And when even was come, he went out of the city. Mark 11:19

Palm Sunday

When the Savior came into Jerusalem on a colt, the people sang the Hallel, Psalms 113-118.

I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. -Psalm 116

Good Times

On my walk to school this morning I found my student id card in my back pocket. I always put it there when I work so I can get into my lab without carrying my entire (and adorable) wallet. I gave myself a silent lecture. "Mallory, every time you lose one it costs 10 bones, and you're on your fourth. Please put the id back in your wallet when you get off work." (I really did) So after class I needed a bathroom break before I hit the books. And because my pants are low riders, the pockets are small and when I'm zipping up I hear a quiet ping and splash. I turned around just in time to see my mugshot sinking in the water.

I never thought anything could make me plunge my hand into a toilet but I stand corrected. Because when you're so broke you've resorted to bringing tupperware dishes filled with pasta to school for lunch, you become a little more careful with the valuables. Although, I'm not sure if I thought "soap will fix this" before I put my hand in there.

The Dentist

I had a reunion with the long lost Dr. today. Don't gasp, but I don't think I've been in like 5 years. So I finally made it over there and this girl who is assisting the dentist started making small talk and asked me what my major is. I am uncomfortable with this question for the two reactions I inevitably get: A) Exagerated gasp, followed by blank stare, followed by some comment along the lines "holy crap you must be like super genius" or 2) immediately turns off all guys (and if they aren't turned off, I usually am). So whenever people make small talk I decide if I'm going to brace myself for the response or if I'm just going to lie and say something like "I don't know" or "marriage." I usually brace myself and go with the first.
So when I tell her what I'm studying she stops what she's doing and her mouth falls open and I think she even bent her knees a bit and said "no way. oh my gosh that is like so hard. you are so smart." and I laugh quietly "nah I wish...haha"
"NO. SERIOUSLY. At least you're not like just getting a teacher certificate like every other girl"

(?!?)

"what?...So you're at BYU?"
"No I'm at UVU"
"oh right on. that's great"
"it's not like you, but at least I'm going to school... Don't judge me"
"I didn't say anything... I think that's great"
"So do you know an engineer named... Tyler?" (we are actually tight, he sits behind me all day and punches me)
"yeah, we're friends"
"Really?! We were in the same ward together, and I think he liked me, well that's what everyone says, but I don't know, he flirts with every girl you know?"
"right"
"yeah I married his roommate"
"cool"
"so do you know his sister is engaged?"

I could go on, but I think you get the point. I got a good laugh today at the dentist office, and I don't have any cavities Mom.

Where did I sleep this week?

Good question.

Combustion with Lignell? yes.

Pearl of Great Price with Belnap? yes.

Plant Design with Wilding? yes.

Research meeting with Dr. Hawkins, and 3 other students? yes. really.

I'm working on getting it together.

When I am awake I'm listening to Jay-z, We Are the World, or wondering where my life is going (usually both simultaneously). I found an answer in the funniest place. In this month's Ensign in the temple. Adulthood requires me to be independent. That's something I'm happy to shoot for.

My Life, Your Entertainment

Well, more like Becky's entertainment. I passed out during Pearl of Great Price today and according to reports I talked in my sleep. After I woke up and went back to sleep, I shoved my notebook off my lap dramatically and kept sleeping. I hope it provided some entertainment. Anyways, sorry Dr. Belnap I went boarding last night so I was really tired today.

The Clyde is Closed

So I'm sitting in a computer lab after my 8 am class trying to finish a homework assignment. I'm in a low stress state because I have three hours until my next obligation. Suddenly out goes the power. Me and the 10 men in their late 20's react only slightly less excited than elementary students when it snows, or someone hits the lights. I decided that a nap in the dark would be the best use of my time during this power outage. So I close my eyes just in time for the lab manager to come in and say "um... you guys need to leave." Ok, fine. Now is when my mind started racing. What does one do without the INTERNET?! Calm down right? Right. So I thought I guess I could study a book? I started up the stairs to my lab when the fire alarm goes off. Whatever right? I went to the bookstore because I needed a binder, then I read a book for about an hour. I heard so many conversations from lost engineers like myself. There were 200 people out and about on campus with no home. This is sad people. Almost as sad as the fact that when the power goes out and I can't use the computer, the first thing I think to do is go find another computer to blog about my computer turning off.
I headed back to the Clyde at 11 for another freshman panel to explain "What I wish I knew freshman year" (it's funny how I'm asked for, by name, for these panels because there are three women and 50 men graduating this year). Instead of going to this panel, I found a police officer taping off the doors with caution tape. The first thought: I need a picture. So as not to annoy the officer, I walked to the front of the building where I was sure the same tape would already be. It was really funny (moronic) when three students who think they are important try frantically to stop me as I walk toward the doors "You can't go in there!!" It took all my strength to refrain from responding with something like "I can read you idiots" or "oh! is that what this yellow tape is for?"

ah the satisfaction that I cannot work or go to my 3 hour lab class. So I'm in the library. And let me tell you, the senior engineers are sticking out like sore thumbs.

Quote of the Day

I have an 8 am class Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Isn't that ridiculous? I know right. But I've successfully made it on time (as in sitting peacefully before the prayer) twice this week. After the prayer, my teacher gives us a "quote of the day." Today's:

You better cut the pizza in 4 pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six. -Yogi Berra

There was a wave of silence before everyone got the joke. I, of course, got it after the word pieces mainly because Dad tells that joke about me on average of 3 times every family get together (anytime anyone in the family is together counts).

On another note I have some blessings that need counting:

• Ali is back from her mission and has been my running buddy MWF at 5:30
• I've been on time twice this week (yes!)
• I've worked out twice this week (unbelievable!)
• I have a new friend TaeCee. You wouldn't believe the bonds that can be forged by a common liking turned to disliking of a boy. We're like a scene from John Tucker Must Die.
• The Church. It's where I make friends, and life is ok, and good, and wonderful.
• And I'm not sure if I'm breaking some unwritten blogging rules by posting this, because she's not mine, and I haven't even met her, but I can't wait to. And I'm so grateful for her.

Sunkissed New Year

My dad gave me a box of Sunkist oranges and they are soo good. I'm trying not to let them go bad though so I am eating about two a day and giving them to roommates and Eric. So my new year's goal was to peel an orange so that the peel was all in one piece and I just did it.

So I pretty much plan on coasting for the rest of the year.