This past weekend was a dream. I was able to go to Provo and visit Walt. Sometimes we get a little nervous to see each other after not seeing each other for awhile, worrying that things will be weird or not as good as on the phone. But when we are soon proven wrong when we see each other. It is always better than I even expected- and that's pretty good. Here is a rundown on my weekend activities:

- Shopping excursion with Jill
- Date with Walt to J-dawgs
- Double date with Becky and Heath to a Orchestral group and the BYU Creamery
- Cuddling (of course) while watching Finding Nemo
- Catch up with friend (love you Katelyn!)
- Made enchiladas with Walt
- More cuddling :-)
- Double date with Jill and Jordan (pictionary, taboo, movie, ice cream)
- Church (always more enjoyable when you can hold someone's hand)
- Dinner and movie at Walt's aunt and uncle's
- AMAZING 2-hour walk around Provo with my honey

Whew, I told you I had a great weekend. I am excited for many more like that in the future.

4.4 earthquake awakens Southern California; no major damage or injuries reported

4.4 earthquake awakens Southern California; no major damage or injuries reported

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So yesterday Rachel and I ate out at a Mexican restaurant. I had a hard time choosing what I wanted. I have been wanting to have tongue tacos again because I liked them in Mexico, but I didn't want that for my whole meal. After looking at all the burrito choices, I picked one with meat. What I failed to do was really pay attention to the name. I should have known that if "Super" was in the title, the burrito would be big. But even if I had realized that, I would have had NO IDEA.

CHECK IT OUT:



No wonder we are obese in America. This burrito could feed me for a week! I barely made a dent in it. It also didn't help that I was full on horchata and chips before I even got the burrito. Oh well. It was tasty.

This week of work was interesting. We worked about the same amount of hours every day, but saw varying results based on where we were. One day we only got 5 letters, and the next day we got 15. Let's just say the days when we receive a lot of letters are like those days on the mission when we were able to teach a lot of lessons- successful and short. Contrastingly those days that aren't as successful where you get door after door shut in your face drag on.



Rachel and I have agreed to take turns paying for lunch and to pick a restaurant once a week to try out. So far we have eaten Indian, Italian twice and Chinese. This friday, we ate Greek food. I ordered lamb. It was cooked on a kabob served with rice, pita, and a salad. It was delicious! I have decided that I enjoy eating lamb. I had it for the first time this past semester in a stuffed pepper and then ordered it at the Indian restaurant and then the Greek restaurant.




Today was a big day, full of blessings.

First I was able to volunteer my time to babysit for a local couple to go to the LA temple. I babysat 5 kids(pictured above) for nearly 5 hours. I was somewhat nervous before because it has been so long since I babysat and never 5 kids, but I loved it! The kids were so well behaved, I was impressed. We played doctor, colored pictures, built a fort, made paper airplanes and ate ramen and quesadillas. I can see how children are tiring but rewarding.

Second I was able to go to a regional fireside where Elder Neal A. Anderson spoke. As he came in, I felt the spirit enter the room. He actually walked 3 rows in front of me, which was exciting. During his talk, he related a couple touching stories where single adults persevered through hard things and made the best out of life that they could. His message was that Heavenly Father loves us all equally and immensely and knows what is best for us. We need to remember that we are loved and to trust him. It was inspiring to hear of others who persevered despite amazingly hard things. To top the night off, we were able to go to the front and shake his hand! It was awesome.

So I got my hair cut. I was just going to get it trimmed about an inch or two because I like it long, (and so does a special someone in my life) but the hairdresser convinced me to take a little more off. She told me that I should cut it a little more because it was thinning out at the bottom. So I told her to take another inch off. Somehow, she thought I gave her permission to cut my hair to the next layer, which happened to be another 2 or 3 inches. I was a little sad to see my hair on the floor, and started to panick. Lukily my amazing boyfriend reassured me that he would date me, even if I shaved my head or went blonde. (For the record, I would never go blonde- that would be a terrible mistake for more than one reason.) Anyways, after I straightened it and took this picture, I decided it wasn't so bad, it was actually cute.

So among our many travels to different parts of LA, we see a number of interesting things along the way. This car was one of them. Isn't it funny looking?






Another thing that we saw in our travels- the temple! I have been fortunate enough to go several times. It is a little further than the Provo temple to get to, but it is worth it!

Rachel and I went to a party where they were making robot costumes just for fun to dance in. It was pretty funny. This girl Christine is a convert and she is awesome! I have been uplifted and impressed by the members in this area. They are strong in the gospel. They do a lot of fun stuff together and it is great.





Today we worked for about an hour at the beach! We were working in a district that was really close to Venice beach, so we took some time to write some letters in the sun. It was a little windy and chilly, but really nice. Being here in the winter makes me want to live here year-round.

Wow I am not good at this blogging thing. Well, let's try this again. I hope to write more often so I can relate silly happenings here.

I am currently in LA doing an internship. We have done a few different projects, starting with researching recycling for every city in the state of California to visiting restaurants asking them to hang recycling posters to collecting letters to the local major and district councilmembers asking them not to ban foam.

It is crazy seeing the diversity here in LA. I have always heard that more nationalities are represented here than any other city anywhere, but I had no idea. Last week, we were walking downtown going to different restaurants and I felt like I was in a different country. All the signs for the stores and restaurants were in Korean. I seriously felt a little out of place.

We have been to so many different restaurants: Argentinian, Persian, Mediterranean, Indian, Mexican, Guatemalan, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Italian, and the list goes on and on.

I have had the chance to use my Spanish a bunch. It has been both frustrating and fun. I am glad that I can speak enough to communicate what I am trying to say, but some days I wish I knew Korean or Armanean.

The singles ward here is awesome! It is big and Rachel and I have enjoyed hanging out with a variety of people. We have gone bowling, gone out to eat, gone dancing, had olympic parties and just hung out. I am on the dance committee and playing the piano for relief society. I was impressed with how organized the ward is, and how they give you callings right when you move into the ward. It is fantastic. We have also been surprised by the large number of converts and even non-members in the ward. This is a great place for missionary work. Some of my favorite people at the ward are converts of only a few months!

This post would be very incomplete without mention of my love and best friend- Walt. We are still dating and enjoying falling more in love and learning more about each other. The long-distance thing is very hard but has been good for us. We look forward to the Summer when we can be together and date in person in the warm weather.

Weekend in the Life of a Crazy College Student!

So I had a fantastic weekend!

Friday afternoon, I got together with a guy from my ward and played tennis. I am a little rusty, but it was a lot of fun.

Then that night, we had a relief society sleepover. I laugh now, thinking how I was worried we wouldn't have enough to do. Somehow I forgot how easily girls can talk, especially about boys! It was really fun- we circled around and swapped bad date stories and other information with each other. It was all good and fun until one girl went off on how cute (looks and personality) a guy in our ward is- who happens to be the same guy I am interested in and have been spending a lot of time with lately.....hmm.

Then Saturday I met up with one of my favorite members from my mission, Sister Hazleton, and Carol Wilcox at the Timpanogos temple. We did a session together and talked forever in the celestial room. Then we went to Chilis to have lunch and visit some more. Wow Sister Hazleton amazes me with her simple faith and optimism! I love that woman!

Then I came home and spent an hour or so with that boy previously mentioned.

Then I returned to my apartment to prepare dinner for my date. Ariel and I each asked a guy out to have dinner at our place and then see the Harry Potter movie. We had a lot of fun playing outburst, eating dinner and going to the movie. Our dates were fun and laid back.

Then Sunday I headed up to Centerville to go to Sister Johnson's homecoming. It was great to listen to her give her talk and see how she has grown. I also had a blast talking to her for 4 hours at her house after.

After those pleasantries, I drove 2 exits south to my grandparent's. We had dinner and talked. It has been way too long since I have seen them for being so close.

As you may have noticed, homework or studying wasn't apart of any of my weekend activities. Let's just say that I have a lot to do now!