Chapter 40: Life of Pi

Recently I finished the book, "Life of Pi" but Yann Martel.  It's now on my favorite books list.

I won't tell you what it's all about, the plot and all, but I will say that it is well worth reading.  I felt very connected to the book and had to keep a piece of paper and pen by me in order to write down quotations that I felt really impacted me.  I loved every page and every moment of the story.

I also really enjoyed the religious aspect of the book.  I connect to aspects in life that are spiritual, which is probably why I connected to the book so easily.  Once I finished I was amazed.  I didn't want to stop reading.  I craved more.  But alas, there has to be an ending, and it was a grand one.

After reading the book, I went to see the move with a good friend of mine.  I really wanted to finish the book first and I am glad that I did.

I saw the movie in 3D and I must say that I am usually skeptical of 3D movies.  But this one is a must see in 3D.  It was beautiful and breathtaking.  The shots were amazing and I enjoyed every moment of the movie, just as I did the book.  I knew to go in with the expectation that it would not be exactly like the book, but I think the movie did the book justice.  I might even say that the movie is on my favorite movies list.

At the end of the movie, or a little before the actual end, I shed a tear or two.  I am not ashamed at all.  I see it as a really good sign.  I don't like to cry in movies, or really in front of people.  This movie touched my heart and I had already read the book and knew what was going on.  That's how I knew it was a good movie.  It touched my heart. I couldn't help but cry because again, I could relate to what was being said.  This is a moment I cherish.

My recommendation is to read the book then go see the movie (preferably in 3D).  Both affect the audience in different ways.  As they should.

"You must take life the way it comes at you and make the best of it." (Ch. 35)

Chapter 39: Bye Bye Boston

Getting ready for my one-way flight to Utah

I've officially graduated from Boston University and I am currently sitting at the Jet Blue Terminal awaiting my flight back home.  I cannot believe it's already been four years.  I guess in this chapter, I will tell you about my experience briefly.

Graduation: BA in Economics

The first two years of being in Boston were brutal.  I kind of hated Boston.  I had a hard time adjusted to a new life and my attitude was not the greatest.  But I never transferred.  I told myself I didn't want to give up.  And I didn't.


The next two years were better and I found my love for Boston.  My time did not get easier, but my attitude did change.  I learned to embrace this new life and I had some of the best adventures.  Not to mention the people I met here are amazing.  Many of them became like family members to me and I will miss them so much.

My original roommates.  Two of my closest friends from BU.

Spiritually I went through a lot and learned lessons I needed to learn.  I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I truly believe it.  I have been through dark times and I don't think people realize this.  I wasn't always the goody good girl.  I didn't do anything horrible, but I did doubt.  I can tell you though that I believe and I know that through prayer and scripture study, I found my way to truth and comfort.  Satan hit me pretty hard and I had to fight each and every day.  I cried, I hit my feelings from those around me, and I went through a lot of pain.  But I got through it.  And I wouldn't have been able to do that without this church.  My turning point was actually this last semester.  I slipped a little bit.  I was still doing the 'checklist' items: scripture reading, going to church, going to institute, etc.....But there was more I needed to do.  Going is not enough.  So I fought my battles and I relied on the Lord.  Sitting here right now, I can smile.  I look back and realize that those experiences shaped me into who I am today.  I am happier and I got through some horrible moments.  I survived.  But even more than that, I learned and I grew as an individual.  I figured out more so who I am!  I am grateful for those dark times, because I was able to search for truth and light and see the blessings in my life.


I laughed a lot these past four years.  Looking back, I did some pretty crazy things.  Maybe not crazy in the way others look at it, but crazy to me.  I broke out of my shell.  I am no longer the quiet and shy girl who rarely talks.  I talk a lot.  And I am not afraid to make new friends. Actually I LOVE IT!  I met some amazing people this last semester.  And I found friendship just within the 4 months time.  And people accepted me for who I was, even if I was weird.


I learned to play the guitar and I created music during my time in Boston.  That is a gift I am forever grateful for.  Music defines a lot of my life and the guitar has opened my eyes, mind, and heart.  It's amazing what you learn when learning a new instrument.  I cannot wait to get home and play on the front porch as well as put my fingers on our piano and let the music flow.  I am so grateful my mom had me take piano lessons all the way up to my Senior year of High School.  Music is powerful.

My guitar: Boston

Out in Boston I learned to accept myself for who I am.  I embraced it a lot more.  I am not the beauty queen who is super skinny.  And I am okay with that.  I think some of my qualities are really unique and I love that.  Who cares what the media says.  I think I am pretty awesome.

Just a few of the people I got to know in my last semester

I met people who have changed my life.  Who have changed my perspective.  They taught me to love.  They taught me to embrace life.  They taught me patience.  And so much more.


I kept running.  Running helped me survive in Boston.  Boston is where I ran my first 10K, and I continued to run that.  I ran more, and I developed a deep connection with going on a run.  After all, I do call myself the runaway girl. :)


Of course I couldn't have had this experience without the help of my parents.  Their example to me makes me want to give the same blessing to my kids.  I am the luckiest girl ever.  My parents raised me so well, and thanks to them, I am strong.


This is definitely not a goodbye.  I will be in Boston again one day.  After all I do love it.  Boston has a very special place in my heart and it can't all be described in a blog.


To those who have been in the same place for a very long time, I recommend taking a chance and making a change.  I am so glad I didn't stay in Utah.  Even if I didn't do the things I wanted at the time, leaving brought new talents to me.  I learned more and I did things I never really saw myself doing.  I love learning.


So I will see you later Boston.  You'll always be in my heart.  And I officially named my guitar Boston.  After all, Boston is extremely special to me.  I would not have lived my life differently. I'm glad I spent four years of school in Boston.

Now.....on to Utah.  :)

Chapter 38: Just what I needed

Today was a great day and to top it all off my sister and her boyfriend came by my place for a visit. I figured it would just be a chill hang out for awhile, but no they both surprised me with a case of Mexican coca colas! For those of you who don't know.....this is my favorite. My room back home is sort of decorated with the bottles. And it tastes so much better than the regular coca cola you buy in the store.

I am writing this more than just as a thank you to them, but to say that life is grand! February came and is now gone. It was an interesting month of craziness. But it's over now and I have been blessed with some amazing moments in my life. I have had some wonderful conversations with friends, new people, and my family.

It's small moments like this that make me smile. Although life can get hectic, it can also bring about special and happy moments. And we should never forget that. Take in those moments and let yourself be happy. It's okay. Life doesn't always have to be busy and fast pace. Slow down once in awhile and look around. You often find you are surrounded by some amazing people and amazing beauties.

Today is just what I needed. :)

Chapter 37: The Year 2012

Well it seems as though 2011 is gone, my winter break is gone, and I am in Boston for my last semester at Boston University. How did I get this old? It seems weird that I have made it this far and that I am so close to being done with college! It's amazing how much I have grown and how much I have learned in just about four years. I am definitely a different person than I was Freshman year. It's good though, not only am I growing up to be an adult, but I am keeping the kid inside of me. :)

I am a little scared. I figure fear is natural for this time of my life. I am not quite sure what to think, but I do know that there is more for me to learn. I have many adventures ahead of me. Good and bad. Gotta have both to have a true experience! Haha.

How does it feel to be a Senior in college?

Relieving. Stressful. Relaxing. Fun. Content. Prepared. Scared. Excited. Adventurous. Worried. Thrilled. Terrified. Hilarious. Odd. Confused. Grand.

It's the year 2012 (supposedly the world is coming to an end). But before then, I get to graduate college. It's a true accomplishment. And holding that degree will make me feel like I am worth something in this world, even if others do not see that. I know it. And it's not just the degree, but the experiences.

I guess that's all I have to say for now. My 2012 slogan is: BE BOLD. So I am going to be bold and this year is going to be one of the craziest. Life is always changing. We change with it. And you know what.....it's extremely fun, challenging, and amazing.