twenty fourteen part dos

August 2014

i learned to do civilized things again with my two best friends, Julie and Allie. We biked to 

Boring, Oregon and back. And funny enough, it wasn't even boring ;)

September 2014 

--On the third day of school, I felt prompted to walk home a different way, and so i did as such, and ran into my piano teacher, Sister Alice Lyle and her husband, who were waiting for their granddaughter outside the JSB. 

--then... I met Bronson. But you already knew that. And I've just had only fun since then. 

case in point . 

October 2014 

-- General Conference

-- Smith Family Halloween Party (that one time that Bronson met my entire 

moms side of the family at once). 

-- Hiking the Y at night

-- Loving living with Hayley Lowder! 

November 2014

--Attending the final home BYU football games in negative degree weather, or at least thats what it felt like. Then eating Cafe rio afterwards was a worthy reward. We celebrated cheesily "2 months" that same day and went to the dollar theatre to watch "The Giver." ( I loved it!)

--That one time we were quoted in the daily universe. I've waited three years for that. 

--Driving to Oregon for thanksgiving! 

--Going to Time Out for Women with Alice-Anne

December 2014

--Finished another semester of college (and didn't do half bad either!)

--and all I had to look forward to was cute kids to play with! This is what "christmas break" looks like to people on Facebook: 

And then this was reality: waking me up at 7 am to play. . . 

mwwuah! bye twenty fourteen

could i trouble you for a glass of warm milk?

For most of the world, December is a large glass of holiday cheer. For college students, December is a large glass of anxiety and suffering, garnished with a large dollop of stress and zero sleep; so hot, you might just have a meltdown.

The end of the semester and finals week just does that to you. For me, finals week consisted of a handful of exams and a new daily soap opera life.

I found eating ice-cream for breakfast and salad for lunch was a good emotional coping mechanism. However, my waistline thought otherwise.

Hayley was obviously concerned, when I walked into our room and exclaimed I was completely out of finals-studying-mode-comission when I reached the extinct of my ice-cream. She fancied my request and took me to the store to buy more ice-cream. She understands me.

But the deed is done. I finished my first semester of college post-mission. I did it. I remember still having months to go on my mission, and I couldn't even imagine myself strapping on a backpack everyday and sitting in a classroom, and yet, now it is first nature.

To be slightly serious for a moment--I completely attribute my good grades to having served a mission. I expressed with my mission president my 'education rebellion' i experienced my freshman year of college. (who doesn't? or maybe its just complete justification). And because of that, I made the goal to do well for the rest of college. He strongly encourage me and I felt equipped with a belt of responsibility and experience this semester.

Now, that i've had this break to enjoy sleeping in, and forgetting the regimen of school life, I anticipate this semester will be even better. I really want to get a 4.0. *gasp* Remind me thats my goal when we hit mid-terms.

For now, i'll enjoy my last few days of 'break' before the rolodex of school picks up again. Too bad I procrastinated all my research hours during the semester, and I've become a slave to it here and there during break. Heres to only 14 more hours of research...

in the meantime, I'll post super-low-quality iPhone pics of my best buds, my nieces. mostly, because the backlights in the ghetto bowling alley make our teeth look white.

happy friday!

if i've made it to friday, i feel like its my birthday, and i just get to celebrate and say happy friday to myself all day. today's friday is finally beginning after 11 hrs on campus. no beuno. but...i got things done. i am so close to being caught up. and once i am....wait i probably won't, so i won't get my hopes up.

its the first night i've come home before 11pm. that means success--because that means i'm not at the library! tonight my summer ward is having a little "reunion" but....i'm just skipping that. why? because i am reading a really good book, called MindSet. and right now, a book sounds more enjoyable then talking to people. crazy as that sounds coming from me. so far, i've been reading this book in sections, because it's not a novel. it was written by Dr. Dweck, from Stanford.

some funnies this week:

:: one night after going straight from work back to school, i decided to indulge and buy myself some dinner at the cougareat. I was hesitant. because i can count on my hand probably how many times i have actually bought food from there. i usually would rather starve, eat gum and drink water, then pay and arm and a leg...you get the point. i bought a wrap, and proceeded to sit down. as i began eating, i see Crismon walk by to get a napkin or something. he sees me too, and we start talking, and he brought his dinner over and we sat and ate together. it was good fun. its nice to not eat by yourself once and awhile :)

:: part 2 to this story, as we finished, he said he was on his way to the library. when i replied i was too,  he asked me where i like to study and i said the media center on the 4th floor, and to my surprise, thats exactly where he studies too.

:: part 3 to this story. then on wednesday night, of course, like my ritual, i went back to the media center to study, after being there for awhile, i had fallen asleep sitting up, and crismon happened to walk by to get something, and sure enough saw me....go figure. this truly means we are siblings since we eat at the cougareat at the same time (which is seriously a rare occurrence for both of us), and study in the same place at the same time unintentionally.

:: sorry, since all my time is spent in the lib, i really only have stories about it...but today, i was again in the media center, and i saw my cousin becca!!! one of my most favorite people ever. what i mean to be only a quick hello ended up being a 1.5 hr conversation! my checks literally hurt from smiling and lauging with her. i'm so glad she goes to school, because i love seeing her at devotional! :)

:: another funny. i walked back to the school after work on thursday and i was on the phone with Ondalynn, my sister. after awhile she handed the phone to sydney, my 8 yr old niece, she's my hero by the way, so we could talk, and then i told her i had to go meet up with a friend for institute. without missing a beat she said, "FINALLY!" and I kind of laugh, and said, "sydney, why is that...." and she responded, "well, every time we webcam with you, or you talk to my mom on the phone, you are always by yourself on a friday night! its about time you have friends." wow... reprimanded by my niece. :) i did nothing but laugh.

look familiar? this would be a girls bathroom counter space. 0% space whatsoever. typical.

celebrate GRINGO day....

...or...what most civil people like to call, St. Patrick's Day. I celebrated with my adopted fhe family. they're pretty tight people. i felt i needed to repay them for their generousity, as so as a peace offering i invited them over for a breakfast of GREEN crepes, green waffles and pancakes.

 absolutely great people. hayley and erin and i were also able attend the temple the night before which was great. we went at 9:45 on a friday night and were done at 10:20. woah.

someone forgot to spray the waffle maker......

and after spending many hours on campus--the best finale of the day was learning how to drive a stick shift. something i've dreamed of doing for years. i'm not saying i was a pro--but i sure felt like a kid again. oh and just in case you didn't believe me....here is documentation.

(See told ya)

Oh, and if you are in provo and you're smart. you will go to the Awful waffle and partake of such deliciousness. seriously. you can't go wrong.


And please, for my sake, listen to this talk. It is powerful.
I forgot how much i loved it until I was reminded of it last night as I saw this Mormon Message.
I shake my head at how i think my worries, troubles and problems are far greater than everyone elses, and then I watch these inspiring videos of others, and I am always humbled once again.

Life is Wonderful.
Just so you know. 

best of both worlds

let me explain. i first loathed the idea that i'd be working at the MTC again. i quit my job at the MTC cafeteria on a Monday. Got a call on Tuesday for a second interview for what i thought was the BYU bookstore. On Thursday, I interviewed, and realized it was for the MTC bookstore. Awesome. The MTC was the place I trying to get away from. I'd already worked there for 7 months. Friday morning, i found I got the job. I couldn't turn it down. I started work at the MTC the next week. I've never had to work 20 hours a week before. But now i see how the Lord has prepared other people to help influence me to take this job. I didn't want to take it. I was already feeling overwhelmed to the brim with 16 credits, church calling, living on my own, and other excuses, but my parents resentlessly encouraged me to take this job. So i did. And am I so grateful I did. I love the people I work with. They are an elite-down-to-earth group of girls. Not only that. But i feel pretty solid at the end of the day, knowing i served people that serve the Lord. Although it is time consuming, I am learning better time-management (or so i hope), and its truly been a nice "break" from school. For those hours I don't have to think about anything school related. And its just wonderful.

Now...to mention the part two.
I got another job for the summer! i'm thrilled. if i never get the chance to be an efy counselor, I think this is as close as it gets, and i'm stoked. I will be a byu sports camp counselor for this summer. i'll be attending spring term, then work as a counselor for summer, work education week, attend the reunions and then its back to school in the fall and winter. i have to get through spring--and that will be my first official break in like 2 years. i'm not tooo excited for being in the dorms again, or eating at the cannon center for every meal (but hey, free room and board, i can't beat that).

this has been far more of a journal entry than what I really meant to write about. but i find it ironic that because i work at the mtc, i'm required to wear church/business dress everyday. (and for the record, i never once in my entire life wore a skirt for the heck of it to school from K-12. thats the truth). Where as for the sports camp job, i'll be wearing shorts and a t-shirt every day. thats the best of both worlds. 

my one rebellious act

what would you think if i got a tattoo?

lucky for me, i think they are hideous, but....i did dabble in the art of henna on Sunday in the beautiful afternoon sun with my roommate Madeline--she is an amazing artist.

of all the things i could pick...like Luke 1:37, Alma 37:37 (kidding)
I chose the dark mark.

love it?
be jealous. its pretty wicked sweet. literally. 

recent beginnings

attention world: i just might have friends. 

proud of me? (don't answer that) me too. And sadly, i have no documental proof that any of the below listed events occurred, so you are just going to have to go on my word for it. 

its been a great couple of weeks, besides those two tests that i won't mention how poorly i did. 

Somethings worth mentioning:

-My roommates and a few members of my ward went to "The Seville"a retirement home in Orem and played 'bean bag baseball.' They kicked our trash. And i'm not kidding either. 

-I finally taught a few other friends how to play Acquire, and we realized at 10pm on Saturday night that it was Fast Sunday the next day, we decided to order in pizza and then watched a movie as just girls. 

-On Friday, I was able to do early morning baptisms before school with a few other girls. Naturally I went on into a full on dream and talking in my sleep in a matter of 10 mins sitting in my Writing Class. Then,  after attempting to study for 4 hrs for a midterm i had to take before I left for Farmington for Mckenzie and Brad's wedding dinner, I accidentally slept for 2.5 of those hours. Then Becca picked me up and we left for Farmington. I just love family. And was so happy to spend all weekend with the Smith Family. It made me really appreciate being where I am right now so that I can attend these family events. 

-A wonderful mom came to my Sacrament Meeting today--which was just wonderful. 

-McKenzie and Brad's wedding was beautiful! I am so thrilled and happy for them. Its quite alarming that my cousin (just a few months older than me), is now married....i didn't see that coming. 

-Today was the most beautiful Sabbath day. My roommates and I spent all afternoon sitting on blankets outside--and after a little bit we had congregated quite a few friends. We were out there long enough for  me to get pretty darn sunburnt. Then 2 of our friends came and played Dominion with us--a new game I am being introduced to and is super fun. 

-Overall life is great. Busy. Complicated. Beautiful. Challenging. but...definitely FUN. 

1 more month of school. 

speak to me, no, really

rather than me admit something to you, and totally swallowing myself pride, instead, i'm merely going to ask for your ideas, advice, and thoughts.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU RUN OUT OF MONEY?
HOW DO YOU STRETCH THE DOLLAR?

(the caps aren't me screaming at you, rather, its me freaking out inside and emphasizing a dilemma here....)

HOW DO YOU STRETCH THE DOLLAR?

freshman year, thats a wrap

guess what...emily can finally say one thing. 

1. I'm NOW A SOPHOMORE.
in college that is. not to be confused with high school.
i'm moving on to finer things in life.

celebration of the escape from the womb (19 years later)

12.05.92 and 12.05.11 was a fantastic day. and every december fifth in between has also been fabulous.

i would feel weird doing a self-absorbed post of myself (oh, wait, i do all the time...) but just to record for history sake, i want to remember why it was so memorable, and say a loving and forever THANK YOU for everyone who helped make my birthday special, and made me feel love, and most of all for those who have helped shaped me these past 19, and most of all to my mother who was willing to have children and sacrifice so much of herself to raise me and bring me into this world. Thank You doesn't even touch the surface of the love and admiration I have for my mother and father. So....thank you. 

Sunday night: I was able to have Lynette & Jennie (our 2nd cousin) Lewis over for dinner, and then we watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional together. It was bliss to hang out with them. I made them my birthday dinner including my favorite items of food: couscous salad with chips (easier version of cafe rio), sweet potato fries, chicken and a green salad. my roommate Hannah brought this tree and decor, and we had a blast setting it up. we danced to christmas music and hung lights on our window. 

christmas is magical. 

Jennie brought hot chocolate, and I made an apple pie,  because lets be real here, who actually likes cake?

monday, the fifth. was absolute bliss. roommates gave me rides to and from school which is a beautiful thing when the weather is 15 degrees. my friend announced my birthday in my new testament class, entirely against my will, and turns out it was my professors birthday too. (and this isn't just any professor, this my absolute favorite religion professor that i had for Book of Mormon and he's helping me prep for the seminary program). 

conner, my friend since we were 6mo. old, brought me hot chocolate and a donut to anthropology, which was just splendid, since i didn't have time for breakfast that morning. 

someone offered to work for me, which was just a wonderful break. I studied for most of the day in the library and then cousin Harrison took me to the cannon center for lunch. I went back to the library for more studying, and once i start falling asleep at the computer, i decided to walk home, and Gemma picked me as she saw me walking. 

i came home to a package from my favorite family in Washington, the Vances. I almost just cried looking at the box, but then i opened it and of course my heart melted with the sweet inside joke items and a few darling decorated cards by my neices and nephews. my favorite was from bryson. it was completely blank and on the inside said: love, bryson. precious :)

i also got a sweet card from my mom and dad! Thanks so much again for the Thomas S. Monson book. I love love love it!

my favorite part of the day was when my siblings called and left messages of their kids singing happy birthday. it was the best. thanks for thinking of me fam!

my roommates were so kind to take me out to dinner that night to California Pizza Kitchen. It was delicious. And free ice cream sundae is a plus always a plus!

then we came home, and i thought i was having the best birthday ever, until i walked in and there were surprise guests waiting for me. i'm pretty sure my pulse has calmed since then, but i was so surprised. i'm quite certain that my brother Crismon and I are the most oblivious people on this earth.

that was so sweet of them. they put up streamers, ballons, signs, and made brownies (my favorite). 

cousin Harrison, summer roommates Sami, Amber (and Sara dropped by later), cousin Lynette, and friends Jorgen and Craig. 

the 19th most valuable wish of my life. (do you see the M&M's spelling Emily? Lynette is the best!)

I seriously was overwhelmed by all the love and kindness everyone gave to me. It seriously was one of the best birthdays ever. I am so lucky to have such great friends and family who care so much about me. I am so grateful to be here--and to celebrate life on earth! 

thank you again. 

have the happiest of day, everyday.

a mid term love affair

school is great. i rather enjoy learning so many new things. but these mid terms--that have lasted for an entire month. can really die right now. lets just light it on fire and let them burn. 

pardon me. I should probably sensor my words and make this more PG.

but 4 of my hardest mid terms this week. 1 next week. and 2 last week. ahhhh.

did i mention that i completed my anthro mid term in the course of 1 night. The assignment was basically the equivalent to an assignment i had my junior year of high school. and lets just say our class spent months, and months preparing for that 10-15 page paper, when i cranked it out in 1 night. hmmm...i should've learned something by now. 

also, it was 9 pm on Friday night. I had a paper due at midnight. I thought to myself, well now is a good time to watch the movie i'm suppose to write about. watched it. wrote the paper and turned it in with 15 mins. to spare. 

is this method practical? no, not really. workable? i suppose so. College like? absolutely. 

i went out side to study since i didn't want to bike to school...and this is what i look at...BEAUTIFUL. 

i love that in UT, we get ONE tree that changes colors, and in OR, the leaves are changing EVERYWHERE. 

 i found the BEST spot in the library to study. a little cubicle. its awesome. i don't get cell service down there, and slow Internet connection so it FORCES me to study. i end up spending more time there in that chair then I do at my own apt. and I suppose just the act of studying in the library makes my intelligence factor go up about 60%!

and for posterity's sake....i made homemade corn chowder! it was delicious. and that night I also had homemade bread and homemade almond milk. (and broiled the asparagus). pretty domestic! 

okay. going to study now. 

live in fear, mid terms are here.

this one is for my mother

 warning: before looking at pictures below, you best be in a good health condition or serious side affects can occur. 

 mother, if you haven't gone into cardiac-arrest at the sight of this atrocious room, i commend you. don't fret, cleaning checks are on monday, so i will clean it....eventually.

 mother, this has been the majority of my caloric intake for the past 3 days. did i mention i paid $6 for the large back of childhood-memory cereal? eating the first bowl was like tasting christmas all over again, for the past nineteen years of my life.
 You may question if this was....
Ridiculous? Naturally. Economically Sound? Perhaps not. Healthy? Lets not even go there.
Delicious? Of course. Worth it? Most definitely. 

and mother, this is what my hair can do too.....be a big mess. i'm afraid i'm going to go on a archaeological dig for random items i've been losing lately. oh, like my house key, every single day. 

(some may never look at me the same after this picture....)

lastly mother (and all of you), i'd smile like this if you sent me something in the mail. believe me there is nothing more depressing then opening your mail box only to be given ads for things you can't afford to buy. shout out to the best sister award--meredith. you know how to win my heart----money to buy cereal! thanks for literally feeding my cereal obsession. I know we must be sisters.

oh and why you all go pretend to play house with children and changing diapers, i'm going to go attempt to read my 13974 pages of hw, and too many essays, and tests to study for.

did i mention that Provo rained (and still is raining) today. i attest that rain is the perfect cure for homesickness, probably because i am still such an Oregonian at heart. #lovemyorgin

F15 Formula

tonight, we established the fastest--but best tasting--way to get your freshman 15.
let me illustrate.

 add copious amounts of nutella to ice-cream.

 apply nutella mustaches on face (aka: mexistache)

and done.

after tonight, BYU is changed for the better.
shoot, they should pay us.

oh, wait, otherway around. we pay them to let us eat ice cream, avoid papers, mock FHE groups, and get fat. 
the ignorant life is bliss.

whats making me smile

if this week was any indication of how the rest of the semester is going to be...then i'm scared. 

phew. its just about over. but...theres still something to smile about. so humor me...

 after a particularly exhausting morning...i walked to the Talmage Building women's bathroom--and sunk deep in the couch and slept. It was wonderful. I also studied. But lesson learned: if you don't turn your music up load enough, you'll be accompained by the sound of pee from the next room over.

mama: be proud! i made 2 loaves of homemade bread. that was my ultimate domistic-ity day. made bread. did so many dishes. cleaned. baked. studied. my brain/body was out of commission for a while. 

I attended the General RS Conference....which gave me needed beautiful inspired direction in my life.

 this doesn't technically make me smile....(since there is a good portion of my savings put into these books...) but...being at this university does.

 and cousins! what else could you need in life!

and i met a new friend...Kristy Rich. She is a friend of Derek's, and he suggested we meet. Ironically enough, she has Bishop Syrbowsky as her bishop this year!

and on Sunday night i went and visited Kristy and the Sybrowsky family at their ward prayer--and it made my week!