Chapter 36: Final Fall at BU

Remember how I was going to blog about my Fall Semester as a Senior in college? Fail. I am not home in Utah about to go to bed in my own bed, my own comfy bed. But before I do that I wanted to tell you about a few things I learned over the semester. I'll type one thing for each class.

OB 221-Organizational Behavior

In this class I learned about my personality type: INFJ. It was interesting to see how I differed from my other teammates. I also related this to the quote from The Italian Job movie: FINE:Freaked Out, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotional. I find that to often be who I am. I am proud to be an INFJ though. And I definitely strengthened other parts of my personality that were beforehand weaker.

EC 333-Antitrust Economics (the actual name was Market Organizations and Public Policy I believe)

This class was awesome. And although I don't have anything too specific, I did learn that I like learning about Antitrust cases. I found the class to be really interesting and more my style. Oh, but I do remember we studied the case: Utah Pie vs. Continental Baking (1967?). I was happy to hear the words, Salt Lake City, in a class. I felt cool, even though no one knew I was from there. Utah Pie won the case, just so you know.....but in modern view they might not have.

EC 323-Behavioral Economics

Although I thought this class would be easy, it wasn't. The material was fascinating, but it was a different style of testing than I was used to. BUT, I learned from the class and could relate it to my life. We studied about preferences and how they can change according to when the decision actually comes. For instance when going to bed you set your alarm and prefer to wake up at 6AM rather than 7AM. But when you wake up at 6AM the next morning, your preferences change and you prefer to wake up at 7AM. This class teaches about how people act and make decisions every day. Pretty cool.

EC 341-Monetary and Banking Institutions

This class was quite boring and harder for me (because it was boring and I got tired). I actually really wanted to learn the information because I knew it really related to today's time. Unfortunately I will say the teacher wasn't the greatest. Maybe I just didn't give him a chance, but it was really hard to learn the information. The book became my best friend in that class. The cool part of the class was when I was reading and related it to my life or the gospel. Yes, these things actually happen. When reading the risk chapter I definitely could relate to myself. In another chapter about stocks, I read a certain part and automatically thought about the gospel. So, of course, I am going to share it with you:

"[Faith] tends to rise steadily and slowly, collapsing only on those rare occasions when normal [life] mechanisms are out of alignment. For most people, the experience of losing or gaining [faith] suddenly is more memorable than the experience of making it gradually. By being preoccupied with the potential short-term losses associated with crashes, we lose sight of the gains we could realize if we took a longer-term view" (Money, Banking, and Financial Markets. Cecchetti and Schoenholtz, 181).

The bracketed parts are words I replaced. I would have to say though, it was quite the discovery for me. Made my reading a lot more enjoyable.

So that was my semester academically. My last Fall Semester at BU. Crazy. I really enjoyed it though. I broke out of my shell more. I had my ups and my downs. But most importantly, I LEARNED. And not just academically. I learned a lot more about myself and what my desires/passions are.

I am going to continue forward in this battle.

"Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing."

(Doctrine and Covenants 128:22)

Chapter 35: Assembling myself

Today was the first day of classes and it was not that bad, considering I had a gym class and then one econ course. That's my Tuesday for you!

After classes I decided to assemble my dresser from Ikea. I was excited because I hadn't really done this before. This was my challenge (not that it was all that hard). It was fun and something to accomplish. I took my time, turned on some music, and so on. After a little while, the dresser came together so nicely! Now I have a place to put my clothes rather than living out of a suitcase. Thank goodness for organization.

I am getting used to this apartment more and more each day, as well as loving it. I feel less cramped up in a place, and feel more at home. It makes me excited for when I officially move out of my parents' home.

I can tell already that this is going to be a difficult year, but I also know that it's going to be filled with fun. Like the dresser, I am going to assemble myself this year. I have all the pieces, I just have to trust in the Lord's directions and follow them. One day I will have a purpose like a dresser holding clothes. I'll figure it out. And there's a purpose that I am here in Boston. I tell myself that all the time to keep me going. I could have stayed in Utah easily, but then again, it's not about the easy. I am finding more and more pieces of myself all around, and eventually I will be able to settle down.

Now is the time to discover and assemble.

(This is my schedule for the Fall semester)

Chapter 34: So Long Sweet Summer.....

It's been forever since I have update this blog. My apologies. I have officially moved back to Boston for my Senior year of college. What the?! My goal (one of my goals I should say) is to blog about my year. The experiences, the good, the bad, and just.....everything that I learn. This is my final year! Let's hope I don't screw it up. :)

I've learned so much over this last summer. While I may still have a bit of a curse, it's slowly getting to be better, and more bearable. I met some amazing people too. They are lights in my life and knowing that I have such a great support group makes it easier to get through this next school year. I have a lot to look forward to.

So long sweet summer. It's time to conquer another year and make a Heaven out of the Hell I thought I was in. Really it's all how you look at it. And this is the year I create something amazing in my life.

(Here's a sample of part of my room-I'll get more settled in later)

Also I forgot about the funny story on my plane ride here. I got onto my second flight from Denver to Boston. There was a family that needed a window seat and room for two (so a whole row) and no one was offering as the flight attendant walked down and asked. The guy in my row started getting up and so I was okay with moving as well. Too bad it took someone else to have me do a service. Anyway, she thanked me and then wanted to do something for me and asked what do I drink.....vodka? I thought it was funny and replied that I don't drink. Vodka was offered probably because it was the cheapest, but at least she offered. And that means I look 21! At least.

Welcome to Boston. :)

Chapter 33: Homemade Cupcakes

Sorry it's been awhile since I last blogged. Summer is here and I've been trying to keep myself busy. One of the first things I did was make homemade cupcakes, inspiration from my friend Stephanie Graves. Check out her blog here: Cupcakes are the Cure. She inspired me to try to make my own cupcakes. So I decided to try two different flavors with a chocolate base: Lemon Cheesecake frosting and Smores.

Here's how the first batch came out. Fail. But I learned that I put too much in the cupcake liners. They still tasted good though.

For the Smores cupcakes, I did a graham cracker base and then put marshmallow fluff mixture in the middle of the cake. I will say that it both smelled and tasted delicious.

I'll post the rest of the pictures at the end of my post. The Lemon Cheesecake frosting was awesome and turned out just the way I would have wanted it to. I put a little bit of lemon zest on the top so it looked a little better. I think for a first timer, these turned out pretty well. Although next time when I read that it makes 12-16 cupcakes, I'll know it really means much more. :)

This is just one of many things I will be doing this summer. I can now check this off my list. Hopefully I will keep you updated with the rest of my summer. After all, it's going to be a good one. I already know this and I've been home for about three weeks. :)

Chapter 31: Femur

One year ago today, we put my dog down. She was 16 years old. She was the best dog and really my friend. Best friend. She was there when no one else was. When I cried, she sat by my side. While I played wall ball, I would have to make sure not to hit her as she ran around outside. She was always there. So many times we still yell "Femur!" in the house when we spill something.

What makes me really sad is that I couldn't be there the day she went away. I remember crying that day and tears come to my eyes as I think of her today.

I broke my Femur bone when I was four years old. The day I came home from the hospital, we got a dog. A Jack Russel Terrier and named her Femur after the bone I broke. I have a special connection to her and will always remember her as the best dog and best friend I ever had.

I love you Femur!

Chapter 30: Sunday Morning

I woke up around 6:30AM for one reason. Watch the sun rise. I got maybe three and a half hours of sleep, but walking along the Charles this morning was worth it. It was cold and I should have worn more layers, but I toughed it out.

There weren't a lot of people up this early, which made me really happy. I brought my camera in hopes of getting a really cool sunrise shot. While walking I realized that I wouldn't see the typical sunrise you see in Utah. I also didn't start early enough. Building were blocking the sun, but I still found beauty in the nature. I felt really happy.

I want to make a tradition of waking up early on Sundays and going for a walk. There was such peace and calmness in the air. Less traffic, less people, and more clearness.

I checked off one more thing on the Spring Break Task list. It is the end of Spring Break, but maybe that's why I had such a motivation to wake up and get this done. But, it taught me that I like waking up this early, and I like getting fresh air by going on a walk. Other days maybe I will wake up early and go for a run.

But for now. Sunday Mornings. Watch a sunrise. :)

Chapter 29: Adventure Day!

As promised I am going to tell you about my adventure day. My plan at first was to take the T (most likely the red line) and get off and on wherever and whenever. That's exactly what didn't happen. I knew I wanted to go to Fanheuil Hall and the Commons, but I ended up going in a different order than I thought. I hit those places first. Then I just kept walking from there.

I found myself seeing familiar places at first, but then.....I got lost. It was the best feeling in the world. I smiled and I enjoyed what was around me. I knew I would be able to find my way back, but I honestly had no clue where I was. So I kept walking around just to see what other treasures I could find.

I learned a lot and the goal of getting lost was accomplished. I also reached the goal of being able to follow my heart. I am the kind of girl who often sits back out of fear, or can't quite seem to figure out life. Today changed my mind. I cleared my mind and I enjoyed life. I wasn't worried about the future. I was focused on the now. Again, best feeling.

There was a time when I went past a free museum (the firefighter's museum, very small). I got the feeling that I should have gone in, I mean, it's free! Well guess what. I wasn't going to let myself make up an excuse. I went back and walked around. I even bought a shirt. Why? I am not really sure, but it just seemed like the right thing to do. I didn't mind that at all. Part of my adventure day was to listen and not be afraid to do anything. Take some chances, even if they aren't big. Little things can create big smiles.

The lesson (or one of the many) is to listen. I found this cone thingy and that's what it said. Guess what.....I listened! Pretty cool I must say. And that was a bit part of my adventure, so to find something that actually told me to listen, was pretty funny.

Another moment. I had a jam session outside. This was on my list of things to do over Spring Break. Luckily (and my friend also said I should bring it) I brought my harmonica (little toy one my sister gave me). I felt stupid when people were around, so I sat down, timed it right, and played. Yes I have a video. I laughed about that for awhile. Another great moment of my day.

There was so much more and I am really grateful I had today to go on an adventure alone and was able to truly get lost. I recommend and highly encourage everyone to take one day, just one day.....and GET LOST!

Oh.....and I even got a sunburn. Who would have thought that I would actually burn in New England. :)

Chapter 28: Rock vs. Sand

I remember reading this scripture and wanting to write about it.

3 Nephi 14:24-27

24 Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock--

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mind and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand--

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

I was on sand for a long time. Rain came, floods came, the winds blew and I fell. And great was my fall. I can tell you that sand will not help you. You will sink. I became weak and gave into those weak feelings. The feelings were horrible. I wasn't prepared because I didn't build myself upon a rock.

After the storm, I had to get up. And there was a moment when I was able to do that. Not by myself, but from the help of another. It was unexpected, but it was a moment I needed. The Lord was truly looking out for me at this time.

Now I am rebuilding and this time, on a rock. No more sand. By building on a rock I will be able to withstand the storms and I won't have to rebuild myself every time they come. I'll be able to suffer through them and come out with a smile. And I'll be able to turn to others and stay strong.

Like the primary song says: "The wise man built his house upon a rock.....the foolish man built his house upon the sand".

Are you foolish or wise?

Chapter 27: People Who Make Me Smile

After my Zumba class today I wanted to go to CVS to pick up a few things I needed. It's nice to go in the morning because there aren't a lot of people. When I was checking out, the cash register guy was just saying how it's going to be raining all day and asked if I was ready for it. Just simple conversation. I mentioned how I have a midterm today and he was asking me when those are over. Midterms already? One he rang me up and I paid he told me to have a nice day and good luck (I guess for the midterm). It wasn't anything big, but that guy at CVS made me really happy and started my day well. Thank you.

The whole weekend was quite interesting. Well really the whole week. But I have been extremely blessed and even amongst the down feelings, I have felt so much love around me.

My friends here in Boston mean the world to me. I am trying to be a better friend and follow their examples. Even when I am having not the greatest time, they are there for me and still spend time with me. They make me laugh. I even had a friend notice when I wasn't doing so great and they asked me if I were okay. Thank you. They also asked if I wanted to talk about it. That meant a lot to me because it meant that they cared. Thank you.

I was also really blessed because after dinner at the church I decided to take the T home by myself rather than wait and get a ride home. I just wasn't feeling up to it. I got back to my apartment and just felt so blah. Yesterday was so odd. Later in the night though I got many text messages from friends. Two in particular made me smile. I guess I realize that I am doing what's right in my life and really looking for something to lift me up when I am down. The Lord knew what I needed and when I needed it. I just had to have patience. Thank you.

So I guess this chapter is saying that there are many little things in life that can make us smile. More specifically there are people who really care and they will be there for you when you need. And they will surprise you often and help you without even realizing it. So remember to say: Thank You.

Chapter 26: Runaway Girl

I apologize for not writing in a long time. I just haven't sat down and blogged. I have written in my journal though which is a plus. Lately I've been a little down, I'll admit it. Of course I am looking to change this, because who wants to be down all the time? Not me. I decided that I wanted to share a little bit about running. I haven't really been running in awhile. Over winter break I went a couple times outside and it was AMAZING. It makes me really excited for Summer. Now that I am back in Boston I haven't ran outside because it's so cold and in the beginning of the semester it was super icy. That and I guess I am a wimp.

I decided to give myself a challenge this semester. I don't have an exact goal, but I could make it right now I guess. My challenge is the mile challenge. Each Tuesday I time myself for a mile run, and so far.....I am very happy. I started timing myself on Tuesday January 25th in which I had the time 7:23.07. I didn't think that was too bad, but of course I really wanted to get my time down lower. So after each week, I improved. The first week I ran on Thursday as well and knocked off about 7 seconds. It only got better. Today I timed myself and my time is now down to 6:49.31. I am very happy with that time, although it's only one second faster than my time last week. That's okay though. I am improving and I knew I would hit a plateau eventually. I just love running.

Another reason I want to write about running is because a friend of mine read a chapter of my thoughts and discovered that I don't just run for the health aspect of it. It's true. I run a lot from life I guess. And there have been times when I am not very happy so I go for a run. I don't listen to the typical pump up music, but I listen to songs that make me think. Sometimes I don't listen to any music. And the more I think about running, the more I think I need to make sure I run more and more. My life is only getting harder, so why not run to make it a little easier?

And after thinking about running, one day I wrote a song. Well lyrics to a song I guess. I'll share them with you. I might not be the most talented person in a lot of areas, but I try. And I don't really care too much about what people think (I do care a lot though), so I figure why not do the things that make me happy.

I run.

Running (title unknown)

Running from the world I'm living in

Going through a battle that I'm gonna win.

I'm no longer looking back at the past,

But moving forward with a pace so fast.

Everytime I run my thoughts are so clear

Clear in the night and clear in the day.

I know that I no longer want to be here,

So I run, run, run away.

Running from the life I used to know

To go somewhere else to learn and grow,

And when I feel like I don't belong,

I'll keep running until I feel strong.

Everytime I run my thoughts are so clear

Clear in the night and clear in the day.

I know that I no longer want to be here,

So I run, run, run away.

Instead of worrying about what I should have done,

I'm going to RUN.