So initially, I wrote a HUGE Christmas blog. However, I lost internet connection not very far into it, so it was all lost. Then I got the brilliant idea to break it up. So this particular post is dedicated to what we got, so as to not distract from the posts about the festivities. I know, I know. I'm slow in finishing up Christmas. Deal.

Grandma and Granpa Covalt gave us a little basket with oranges and lollipops (they were nummy :)), along with a pic from the nativity we did last year. We did a white elephant this year, and I scored Hip Hop Abs! I was way excited. Now if only I used it... I don't remember what Matt got though.

From Grandma and Grandpa Erdmann, we got the usual Christmas letter and updated Pertinent Information sheet, along with universal gift cards (aka cash).

Grandma and Grandpa Christiansen gave us a tower box with truffels. Grandma also made beanies and pot holders - we picked two beanies :). At the same party, Randy and Janelle had us, and we got a HUGE bag full of edible goodies - and some adorable novelty chapsticks.

Grandma and Grandpa Wilson also opted for cash this year instead of gift cards. Steven gave us $15 worth of gift cards to Deseret Book. Even though David and Edna weren't there, they had dropped off their gifts, and Benjamin gave me a cute set of porceline dolls :) Megan had Matt and gave him a Wal-mart gift card.

On Christmas, we did our presents and went to Matt's parents'. Matt got me David Archuleta's and Akon's cds. He also got me a Happy Bunny calendar with tickets to Rockapella New Year's Eve taped to it :) I also got myself Gilmore Girls season 7, a cute figurine thing that says, "Families are Forever," and new gloves.

I got Matt a new shaver (as per his request). He also got The Office (US version) seasons 1 and 2. In his stocking was a new water bottle (since he always drinks out of mine!), some microfiber cloths to clean his glasses with (once again, so he doesn't steal mine...), and a last minute Guitar Hero toy - courtesy of the cereal box. He enjoyed it, lol.

Bhuvan also had a stocking, in which was a new toy and a snack thing.

The "family" (yes, Matt and I do make a family, but it's still kinda weird to call them family gifts when there's only two of us) got V for Vendetta and House MD seasons 1, 2, and 3.

My parents also got us toilet paper and tissues (apparently this is some tradition - would anyone like to fill me in on it?), and HUGE bath sheets with our names embroidered on them.

This year at Matt's house, Jason and Camile had us. They got us Oreos (which I think I got like 5... Matt and Devan ate most of them... actually, probably mostly Devan...) and made us an ADORABLE shelf to hang Matt's llama rug from Peru on. Now if I could get Matt to put it up...

His parents got us The Princess Bride, Mind Errand from the Lord by Elder Packer, hot chocolate mix :D, a Chile's gift card, and a food storage starter kit. In his stocking was a box of chocolates. His aunt Lynell gave us a cute Christmas book along with an Olive Garden gift card. Matt also got a flying monkey... that's right, a flying monkey.

I think that is all. Sorry if I've forgotten anything. We also received various Christmas cards and letters, and treats in Heather's case (so I ate all those oreos myself :)). Thanks everyone for your thoughtfulness :)

So there was no Hadfield party - Grandpa post-poned on account of the weather. It was a good thing cuz it snowed all day! However, I was sad about no sleigh ride. I don't know if there will actually be a get together. I should probably just mail the remaining Christmas letters at this point....

In other news - no work tomorrow! I swear this is the first year Wats has had Christmas eve completely off. That's okay though - I'm going to make cookies, reclean my house, workout to my new Hip Hop Abs :D, wrap the last 2 presents, and email my notes for Strenthening Families. Then it will be off to Grandma Wilson's for another Christmas party. Probably my favorite too. We always have Christmas eve at Grandma's. It's long, but fun. I hope that even after we move away, that we will be able to come up for Christmas.

And for some depressing news - my computer stopped working. (I'm on Matt's at the moment.) I shut it down this morning and went to work. When I came home, it wouldn't turn on. So I unplugged it, and got it to turn on, but it had an issue. Now it thinks it needs a password. It has done this before, but we got to the problem a different way. Matt thinks it's the same thing, though, the bios password thinks it should exist when it really shouldn't. He read up what to do, but doesn't dare do it himself. It was pretty cheap the last time we got it fixed, but I am absolutely broke. That's been depressing. First, being broke, but then having no computer either.

Anyway, that's all that is noteworthy.

Well, now that Christmas is almost here - I finally have won the war with my photo editor to get my Christmas header up. However, my cute wedding pic screws it up, but this is one is from Thanksgiving weekend - so I guess updated is okay :)

So - it's not that I haven't had anything to say, just that life has been hectic! However, the semester is over. It has been nice to just hang out at home without having to worry about homework! The xbox has seen more use (at least by me, Matt has been playing quite a bit all along).

I almost didn't put a tree up this year. I found some of our decorations and put them up - I hate to not have a cute house when I have adorable decorations! However, with the semester being crazy at the end, I really thought it wouldn't happen. But I managed to get it up on Thursday. Then I started putting up the rest of the decorations. I'm so glad I did because it put me in a great mood!

We've already had 2 family parties - the Erdmann side and the Covalt side. Tomorrow is the Hadfield party - Grandpa is going to take us for a sleigh ride! I'm so excited! I always see the horse-drawn carriages in Salt Lake, but I never get to go. I have to remember to take my camera... Then on Christmas eve is the Wilson side - and the Biggs party is going to be AFTER Christmas (still weird to me) on the 27th. Christmas shopping is almost done. I can't wait! The sad thing is I still have to go back to school in a couple weeks. But - I'm almost done! Then I can live like this forever! Or until I go to grad school, if I do that.

Anyway, kind of a lame post, but it will have to do.

Well, since the library website has stopped working - thus preventing me from having any hope of finishing yet another damn paper (yes, I'm bitter), it seems like a good time to finish this blog (I started yesterday).

So Friday was my 23rd birthday. I went to school and then work - where there was a lot of work.... We had dinner at Matt's parents with brownies and ice cream for desert :) Matt's mom got me a set of little lotions and renewed our Ensign subscription. Matt's aunt got me a cute snowman candy jar that plays music when you open it.

We shared the eXfuze video and left them with a bottle of Seven + It was funny. We had his parents try it. Apparently, Matt's Dad's co-worker's wife (I'll let you process that ... ok) works for Tahitian Noni, so he's (the co-worker) is always bringing stuff in. When Mom handed him a glass, he asked, "Do I have to?" Fortunately, he said it wasn't as bad as the Noni stuff lol.

After that, we went up to my parents' because Gloria had made me a cake. So we had cake and hung out for a little bit. They gave me a card with $20.

Saturday, after Matt got off work, he took me to Body Worlds 3 at The Leonardo. Shawn came with us too. It was fun and interesting, though a little long. It was kind of fun to see brain structures. They had the basal ganglia from.. someone.. I've learned about that in my physiological psych class! Also of note was the left congenital hip dysplasia - that's me! It was weird to see a version of what I was born with. We also really liked the nervous system - a brain with all the nerves... and that's it. It was like a fuzzy human form lol. My favorite, though, was the baby section. They started at 5 weeks I believe - so tiny! Did you know that at 9 weeks, you can see fingers and toes? It was amazing - and so sad. they then jumped to what actually looked like babies - not "lizard babies" as Shawn liked to call those in the tubes. I think I would have enjoyed the downstairs part more had it been intermixed with the other stuff, or had there been less of the featured heart stuff. That was where it got a little long. Not to mention, the little info things they had were kind of redundant. I guess that's in case you didn't feel like reading one a few feet back in the room? Then it got to be, "look at the pretty dead people..." Overall, it was good. I think it would have been fun to go with Dr. Yells for a field trip.

Afterward, we went to dinner at Denny's and had fun hanging out, especially since I haven't seen Shawn in ages! My poor Matt has been sick, though, so he was pretty quiet. Funny thing - they seated us in a party room in the back - we were the only ones there. I found it amusing. Shawn thinks they knew we were trouble, and they didn't want us to pester the other guests. Could be, we did enter by talking about crack and meth.... (for a reason - there was a beggar lady that we [Shawn] gave $5 to....)

And that was the extent of my birthday.

Wrestle-mania!

Ellie and Candy

This is how Morris always looks ;)

Me and Maritza

Kiera and Felicity

So Matt and I went down to St. George on Thursday - the day of Thanksgiving. We first took Bhuvan to Grandma Biggs's, where we was going to be bird-sat for the weekend. Grandma agreed to watch him as long as we stayed and talked to her for at least 15 minutes lol. Daddy thought it would be fun to get him out of his carrier while we were in the car.

Look Ma - no wings!

Friday morning, I went Black Friday shopping with Greg and Morris. We left late - 6am. It was fun to get to know them better. Morris is such a tease! Oh to have siblings... :) (remember, I am an only child!) We went to Wal-Mart. Greg was absolutely brilliant - we checked out at photo - no lines!Then they dropped me off at Target while they went to Lowe's. Then we also stopped at Robert's for a Christmas/Anniversary present for Makayla. Perchance I shouldn't put that? Sorry if I'm ruining any surprises! Anyway, we got back around 8am. Matt was still asleep, and I went back to sleep for an hour or so.

I really enjoyed Friday because it was pretty laid back. Everyone had a barbeque lunch with their dad, so Dad, Gloria, and us hung out. We first visited some friends of Gloria's. They manage some apartments next to the temple. This was the view from the car window:

Next, we went to Bajio's for lunch - I was craving a burrito. Here's a picture of Gloria and Dad. I had Dad take one of us, but there's a window behind us, and the flash didn't go off, so it's pretty dark.

Next, we went to Santa's Workshop - which is a huge boutique of random stuff. I got a headband - one of those ribbon ones with the ties on the ends. We also got a cute pic of the Manti temple, and gifts for both our parents.

Us at Santa's Workshop

That afternoon, we met up with most everyone again and headed over to some guy's house (I don't recall his name) to hear a presentation on the business that Greg & Makayla and Dad & Gloria are in - eXfuze. It was pretty sweet. Check out the site - let us know if you're interested - in either the product, the business, or both! (I'll have to blog on it further - cuz this is already ridiculously long.) We got a picture here too, because his dog, Zeus, is freaking HUGE! I needed pictures for proof and comparison! I seriously could ride him like a pony...

After the meeting, we quickly ate some leftovers and headed over to the church for Chase's Eagle court of honor. Way to go, Chase! We're so proud of you! Earlier that night, the temple Christmas lights were lit - so we swung over to see those.

The Nativity

The temple (and some Christmas lights)

Us in front of the temple - in our PJs

Finally, Saturday morning we took family pictures. When they were all done with us, we headed home. I looked dang good, so when we were about to Payson (yes, there was more sleeping), I took a pic of us :) We picked up Bhuvan and headed home.

This year, Matt and I went down to St. George for Thanksgiving to be with my step-family. Two of my step-siblings are in the area, and 3 are in the Phoenix area, and all of them were able to come up. I'm really glad we went. It gave us an opportunity to get to know most of them a little better, and to feel more like a part of the family. We had a pretty full weekend, and I didn't get ANY homework done. I didn't even pull my computer out to check my email the whole time. I'll detail the events later with pictures and everything, but I just wanted to let everyone know how grateful I am for my newfound family. I am so glad I got to know everyone better. I love you guys!

K, I don't normally do these, but how could I resist with #6?

1. The last band I saw live was I don't really recall.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is spending time with family.(if you don't celebrate thanksgiving, insert your favorite holiday)
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is barely started.
4. Thoughts of homework and stress fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear tanktops again.
6. Bagpipes ROCK! Especially when I'm playing ;) j/k!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to nothing, tomorrow my plans include Rebecca's birthday party, football game, and laundry, and Sunday, I want to catch up on some homework.

I know - this should have gone away by Nov. 5. Surprise! Not so much!

***Be forewarned - this is a very highly opinionated post*** I know some won't agree - that's okay, but this really bugged me, so I'm sharing. I don't really want to start a fight or anything.

I've really enjoyed staying out of politics this season (didn't re-register to vote after getting married....) I didn't feel I knew enough about the issues (or what they even were) to vote. I am pleased Obama won - that's whom I would have probably voted for had I done so.

I have also been VERY annoyed by how intense Prop 8 was. From my point of view - I don't live in California, so I couldn't vote on it if I'd wanted to (or been registered). Why does the whole nation have to get so incensed over it? I was also annoyed one Sunday in sacrament meeting when I'd found out there had been "over the pulpit" calls to like 20 people in each of four stakes to make calls to people in California about Prop 8. I'm sorry, I thought the LDS church stayed out of politics, at least in that manner. I thought it would be another - this is the church doctrine, but you have agency - bit (you know, like when we had a similar issue on the ballot here in Utah four years ago...) (They were released before they actually called people, thank goodness.)

However, I'm finding myself even MORE annoyed by Prop 8 since its passing. I think I shall now disclose that - had I been registered AND lived in California, I would have supported Prop 8 (ie, against legalizing gay marriage). I'm sure that sentence just pissed people off - sorry Shawn, Dan, whoever else. Understand this is a personal decision that did not come lightly. Of course I'm glad it passed. Yes, I have gay friends. No, I don't hate them or wish they were miserable all their lives. However, I do not believe it is morally right ( You already knew that, Shawn, you can't get mad at me over it.)

In fact, Shawn, our plans have attributed to strengthening my decision. For the rest of you - Shawn's going to move to Cali with me and Matt and rent a room from us - yay! I have played out this scenario. I hope to have kids by this point, or at some point during this arrangement. There are also other aspects *cough* drinking *cough* that I don't approve of in Shawn's lifestyle - that have nothing to do with orientation. So I have thought to myself how to best teach my children that these things are wrong - and how hard that will be when we have Shawn living with us (hence the wine rack in your room, behind closed doors ;) ). I have also imagined trying to explain to my little Gavin (no name stealing since I'm throwing it out there) that Uncle Shawn is going to hell, but we still love him. (No, Shawn, I don't think I'd tell my kids that - I'm not to pass judgement, but I hope you get the basic idea.) I'm sure any of you can imagine one thing you really don't want to pass onto your children, and how hard that would be if you were surrounded by it.

Now imagine that this thing was legal, approved of, and possibly even pushed in society (like where your kids go to school). That doesn't help your case. So I hope you can all understand that I have a personal conviction to not allowing it.

Now, back to being more annoyed by the Prop 8 issue AFTER the election. You see, today on Facebook, I see a feed that two of my darling gay friends are attending Gays on Strike. "What is that?" I wonder, so I click on it and start reading. Interesting concept. Keep reading - another event within this one - to happen today - a peaceful protest outside the Manhattan LDS temple. That made me angry. Personally, I felt discrimintated against as a Mormon. We weren't the only church to support it, you know. People protesting isn't going to change church doctrine. AND - there are plenty of mormons who are against Prop 8, as well as plenty of homosexual Mormons. Another obnoxious thing that struck me about this protest is that it's in Manhattan - on the OPPOSITE side of the country from Prop 8 territory. I don't know why the Mormons had to be singled out. Shouldn't you be protesting the voters? It was a pretty narrow margin, anyway. If you are Mormon and either a gay marriage supporter or a homosexual - perhaps you should consider finding a new religion that is more conducive to your beliefs, because the doctrine is NOT going to change.

Also, I'm bugged because it feels like gay marriage supporters are pissing and moaning trying to get it repealed, when it won fair and square. Problem? Put it on the ballot next year. It comes across to me that the "gay marriage movement" (not necessarily any particular individuals within it) is whining like a little child until Mommy (aka the government) gets so sick and tired of it that Mommy finally lets baby (the gay marriage movement) have a sucker, or the toy on the shelf, whatever. It feels totally and utterly wrong to me to go about it that way. If you have such a huge issue over the government and the political process - find a different state or a new country that is more friendly toward gay marriage. After all, you can have a homosexual marriage in Massachusetts.

This looked like fun :) (Do you like how I just pick ones I like, and not the ones I actually get tagged on?)

1. DID YOU DATE SOMEONE FROM YOUR SCHOOL?

more than once :) Married one too

2.WHAT KIND OF CAR DID YOU DRIVE?

first my blue leprosy car (I don't remember what it was) after I killed it :(, I got my gold buick, which lasted until... during my first year of college I think

3. DID YOU PASS YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE TEST YOUR FIRST TRY?

It wasn't THAT hard

4. WHERE YOU A PARTY ANIMAL?

nope

5. WERE YOU CONSIDERED A FLIRT?

I sure hope so - cuz I sure did it a lot. It would be sad if no one noticed... but might explain the lack of dates...

6. WERE YOU IN BAND, ORCHESTRA, OR CHOIR?

OOO! All three! yay! k, not quite, I quit orchestra after 8th grade (dumb Mr. Barnes)

7. WERE YOU A NERD/GEEK?

k, I know there's a difference between the two, but I need one of you to explain what it is again...

8. WERE YOU ON ANY VARSITY TEAMs?

ha ha - no.

9. DID YOU EVER GET SUSPENDED/EXPELLED?

not an idiot (no)

10. CAN YOU STILL SING THE FIGHT SONG?

umm no. Though I still insert "and the blue!" .... if the D isn't around....

11. WHO WERE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHERS?

Mrs. Bridges (bless her heart!), the D, I liked Hill too, and Mrs. Walter, and....

12. WHERE DID YOU SIT FOR LUNCH?

either in the courtyard or on the bench by the green room

13. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL'S FULL NAME?

Payson High School

14. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL'S MASCOT AND COLORS?

Mighty Lions! woot! Green and Silver (and the Blue!)

15. DID YOU GO TO HOMECOMING AND WITH WHO?

surprisingly yes... David Botkin, I think? (It was a last minute thing, quite literally)

16. IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND DO IT AGAIN WOULD YOU?

I would do senior year over. That was fun! Not junior year though... oh laws.

17. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT GRADUATION?

Played bagpipes - then sang in choir - cried during Sister D's fav song. It was really good bye! I also remember that it sucked I had to actually stay for ALL of graduation that year... and Monique gave a talk, and we took pictures outside after-the-fact - and then we left for Costa Mesa like the next day! woo hoo!

18. WHERE DID YOU GO SENIOR SKIP DAY?

Lagoon day? not Lagoon....

19. WERE YOU IN ANY CLUBS?

Pipe Band is a club, right? and Winter Guard!

20. HAVE YOU GAINED SOME WEIGHT SINCE THEN?

.... :( yes....

21. WHO WAS YOUR PROM DATE?

Shawn! tee hee - good times

22. ARE YOU PLANNING ON GOING TO YOUR 10 YEAR REUNION?

I sure hope so! Can I tell you that I'm bitter my class decided not to do a 5 year reunion? Because I am.

23. DID YOU HAVE A JOB IN HIGH SCHOOL?

Western Wats baby - SF office, dialer :p

I saw this on a friend's blog and though it looked like fun :)

200 things you could do in your lifetime.
Highlight the ones you've done and repost!

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins - I didn't swim with them, but I have fed them - does that count?
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one (let me clarify - this was in mini-golf)
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hotel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Known CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter

Yesterday, my personality theory class went to the clothesline project on campus. We were required to write a one page response to it. I hand-wrote mine in my following class. As I was writing it, I thought I should blog it. So here's a typed version (possibly will end up edited a tad - it was more like a journal entry).

Well I knew today would be kinda long and slightly stressful, but I didn't know how. Today we graded our take-home midterm in individual therapy (20 out of 20 baby!). Then I went to work. I figured I'd finish that and go to Target to pick up Jason and Camile's wedding present. Then I'd study for my group therapy midterm- do my part, and rush down to Payson for pictures before Jason and Camile's reception.

HOWEVER! That isn't quite how it all played out. Instead, I didn't finish work because Matt called. He asked what I was doing (working, duh), and asked if I could come down to Spanish Fork. I thought the credit union had an issue with something. (He was in Spanish making his car payment, I talked to him like 10 minutes before this call.) So naturally I ask why, and he tells me he hit someone. I asked if it was on his bike, and he said yes. Immediately, I asked him if he's alright. (Obviously he was alive since he *called* me.) He said yes. I asked if he was sure, and he said maybe. I asked if he'd called 911, and he said he hadn't. So I told him to hang up and call them. Pretty sure I called him a dingbat too lol. I told him I was on my way, I loved him, and then we hung up.

I haven't driven 80 in awhile... I went 65 - 70 in the work zone (55mph). I was shaky when I left work. I calmed down in the car, but as I approached Spanish Fork, I started to get shaky again. I found him and ran over to him. He was sitting with the EMTs. I came up from behind them and noticed he was bandaged (gause sling and wrap around his chest). The EMTs told me he'd hurt his shoulder. I had to sign stuff for him (that was kind of scary). They suggested getting it x-rayed pronto, then they left. The cop wasn't done with his information, so we hung out for a little while.

Apparently, he was driving straight, and the large vehicle in front of him was moving - it appeared that traffic was moving. The large vehicle went around the vehicle in front of it - which happened to be stopped at the light. Matt locked his brakes up and started skidding. He couldn't stop in time, and since he was sliding, he couldn't get around the minivan either. He laid the bike down and slid under the minivan a little, causing a hole in his pants to form over his knee - which got road rash. The bike also scraped up his ankle some. He figures the road must have bounced him up, and he hit his right shoulder on the bumper of the minivan. This smashed the tip of his collar bone (which we found out at the Payson ER). The bike has at least one broken handlebar, and Matt figures there's a hole in the gas tank.

When the cop was finally done, he gave Matt's license and insurance back with the paperwork with the insurance of both parties and the claim number. Apparently, Spanish Fork mandates that a citation must be written with all accidents, so Matt got a ticket for "improper lookout." Then we got him in the car and went to the Payson ER. (Dumb hospital is building a new wing - no parking!) Once again, I had to sign the paperwork for him. Weird... Matt got an x-ray, found out about his collar bone, and got the bad road rash spots cleaned and bandaged. He cannot use his right hand for at least 2 weeks. At which point, he needs another x-ray to determine better the state of things. It should take about 6 weeks for it to heal. However, after 2, he might be able to write and type a little.

After we finished at the hospital, we went to Smith's and filled his prescriptions - painkiller and a muscle relaxant. Then we went to his parents' house and got ready for the reception. (Yes, we still made it to pictures, however, I didn't make it to my midterm. My teacher was okay with that.) Matt borrowed his brother Curtis's pants (on a mission, he won't miss them yet) and his dad's socks. Dressing someone else is interesting, let me tell you. We had some food, and Matt was able to take his pills then. About an hour later, the muscle relaxant was fully in gear and he felt much better.

We stayed at the reception until about 8pm. It was way cute. However, I forgot to pack my camera in the morning, so I only have a few pics that I took on my phone. Perhaps I'll get those up later. The drive home didn't agree with Matt. He had a slice of bread and some water for dinner. Now he's asleep. He should be fine, though I bet he gets cranky later since he can't do anything. If anyone's bored and wants to play xbox with him, I'm sure he'd love that.

For those who might not know - I'm a psychology major. Now I'm getting my bachelor's December next (2009). This is very exciting - however, you can't do anything in the field with a bachelor's. Upsetting, isn't it?

Initially, I was pre-med. I wanted to be a psychiatrist. (I still wouldn't mind that route.) However, last year, I decided it wasn't worth it for a few reasons. So I thought maybe grad school, a master's or doctorate, might be a little easier on me. "Nope," I decided. Instead, I'll just finish out my bachelor's (at this point, I had found out that I only had 33 credits left!) and see where we go from there.

That has been my stance until this last week or two. However, Matt thinks I should still work. (I want to have kids and then stay home to raise them...) Well these last few days, I've been super stressed over what I'm doing with my future. (It's so ominous at this moment!) I started looking into grad school. Actually, first I happened across California requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). That site also included info for becoming a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). So I found the site to become a Licensed Psychologist and found you need a doctorate. :( Then I jetted back over to the requirements for MFT (the one counseling option I am aware of that I think I could handle). California will let me license with a master's or a doctorate. I figure I can handle a master's.

So then I began searching my graduate school options in Southern California (since, hopefully, that is where we will be living by then). Well, Stanford Med popped up - and I determined that's still really what I'd like to do. However, I have again ruled it out as a viable option, for now. Part of my dillemma the last couple days has been whether or not to accessorize my schedule or post-grad schedule with the rest of the science classes I shall need to get into med school - should I decide to go that route later. However, I don't think I shall. Grad school (I was looking at numbers today) is going to cost enough as it is. I don't particularly want to take out MORE loans.

So, I figure I can do a master's degree. Some schools I'm finding that offer an MFT master's and doctorate will count master's work toward the doctorate should you choose to continue (assuming you get in obviously). So now I need to start looking into exactly HOW to get into grad school. I am going to join the ABSC (Applied Behavioral Sciences Club), and they will help with this process. I'm going to help out with their service project this saturday, which will look nice on my vita. I might join NAMI as well. One of my old professors is offering an opportunity to co-facilitate groups with DCFS too - hopefully she gets back to me and I can do that too. Another nice vita addition, as well as great experience. I am also thinking I should start going to Dr. John's research meetings and get in on that, but we'll see.

So now I'm kind of excited about the whole prospect, but as I look at admission requirements for schools, I get scared again. (There's a reason I went to UVSC - open enrollment.) But it must be done if I'm actually going to go to grad school. At least I'll have the option, right?

Well, I decided to change the background to fit the season. I think it's cute :p You'll also notice a pic in my header. Laws has that been obnoxious! Even though I'd try and try to upload a pic to my header, it would NEVER show! So finally, thanks to The Cutest Blog on the Block and Tips for New Bloggers - I was able to bypass this issue by being able to add gadgets WITHIN the header (ex. a picture!) So not as cool as having the title ON the picture, point is, I was able to put a picture in the header. :) Now my cute fall-esque header was made with a digital scrapbook kit downloaded from Shabby Princess. I know there's a white background on it, but you'll have to deal with it. That's just the nature of the beast methinks. Perhaps I'll try editing it some more to make it more pretty :)

So it's finally to the point where the semester seems bearable (10 more weeks plus finals!). In 1.5 weeks, it's Fall Break! Wahoo! (And also Jason and Camile's wedding :) You'll get pics, I'm sure.) Then it's about 5 weeks before Thanksgiving! and then only 2 weeks til finals. YAY! Then one last full semester, a summer off, and a couple classes (I'll only need the one, but if I go half time, I can get more financial aid and have one more semester before I have to pay on my student loan :)) - THEN - I'll be gradumatated! Huzzah! It really is that exciting. My bachelor's degree is in sight. There *is* a light at the end of the tunnel. The trick is staying enough in the here-and-now to not fail any classes :) I need a C- or better in all my classes left in order to graduate. Should be doable - just more papers. I hate papers.

So that's what's going on. Not a whole lot exciting. Bhuvan is still losing feathers constantly. He has two growing in on his tail that we can see - and his head is as spiky as ever!

Well, I should do some more of that homework stuff so as to not fail.

School and work have kept me busy! Hence no post lately. That, and there hasn't really been anything exciting happening. Bhuvan hasn't tried to break any feathers, though he keeps leaving them EVERYWHERE! However, some new ones are managing to grow in.

Here, you can see two new ones, one on each wing. On the left, he has a rather long gray one, and the white one on the bottom of his right wing is new too.

In this one, I was trying to show off his spiky head. (He's got quite a few new ones coming in on top too.) However, you can't really tell the difference between the pins and the feathers. I'm including it because I noticed one eye is half shut, and I thought it was funny.

Anyway, today, Jason's fiancee, Camile, received her endowment at the Manti temple. *Funny side note (at least to me): I received my endowment at Provo and got married in Manti. Camile received her endowment in Manti and is getting married in Provo.* It was really good to go down with her. I've wanted to go down since we got married because I knew they did live sessions. It was so cool! Definitely helps you stay awake :) It's so pretty in the endowment rooms too. Anyway, it was a good experience to go back a little over a year since we initially were sealed there. I had Matt's mom take a few pictures of us outside the temple afterward. Here they are!

We had a bit of a scare last night. Bhuvan has began to molt. He's losing feathers all the time, and new ones are growing in. Well, last night, the little bugger broke another blood feather. Why he does this at 9pm, I don't know. Anyway, Matt runs to get floss to tie the feather off and wants me to take him in the morning. We had to locate the feather to do that anyway, and I knew the doctor would just pluck it. We watched last time, and Dr. Ipsen told us best how to pluck it. So I told Matt we should just do that. (I have class, and he has class, and even non-after-hours visits are more money than I'd like to spend.) So I grab a towel and get up enough courage to restrain the poor little thing, and Matt's wearing his motorcycle gloves (mostly so Bhuvan could bite him and it wouldn't hurt - I can't restrain his head very well). Then Matt finds the feather and plucks it - so fast! (Dr. Ipsen suggests slow pressure until it releases.) Either way, the feather was removed and Matt applied pressure to the wing. I'm happy to report that Bhuvan is still alive 11 hours later. We were worried about him (Matt especially) because he was in shock for a while. After maybe an hour or so, he finally started to move around his cage and ate a bit. I think he'll be fine. I'm glad we decided to do it at home. I think we'll be a lot more confident next time (as long as we're both home!).

Well the last entry wasn't so positive. I just want to let you all know that the paper got done and the debate went relatively well. And we got out like 15 - 20 minutes early from group. Group was also pretty fun :) It's true - I just stress way easy - and then break down :) Prepare for more of that. I have a response paper to an article about Freud due Tuesday, and our first paper in Individual therapy due the week after that. Oh! and a test this weekend in social psych! Yay for the semester getting underway (13 more weeks, plus finals - if anyone is interested...). Hmm - that is all, for now. mwah ha ha .... ;)

I sit here at school in kind of a daze. There was about 2 hours worth of work today. Why is it that Wednesdays are always dead? Doesn't work know that I have a class at 4, so it's not very economical for me to drive home and back again? I planned ahead today, though. I packed my laptop, power cord, and binder for a class I didn't have today - all so I could sit here before class and work on the stupid paper that accompanies my debate tomorrow. I got more done, but it's not all done.

Anyway, I was sufficiently side-tracked for a while. I played on facebook and chatted with Dusty, in between sort of working on paper. I checked all the blogs I read. However, at some point, I just had to get something done. So I worked more focused on my paper. Then I stopped caring. I'm staring off in the distance and watching the few people who walk by. I thought, maybe I'll take a break and read some for the class I have in 40 minutes, since we have a quiz and all. Didn't work. I'm still in a daze. I'm ready to go home. Unfortunately, I have 2.5 hours of group. I think it will go: 2 quizzes (we're behind a week in that regard), group for an hour or so, break (huzzah!), and then we'll have our first lecture. Unfortunately again, I'm pretty sure this week we'll stay until 6:30.

Did I mention the weather is crappy too? Well this is starting to sound depressive, isn't it? Sorry - I'm not depressed. I just wish I could go to class and learn, but not write papers :) Reading textbooks is iffy too. Too bad it doesn't work that way. Anyway - I'd best finish so I can clean up, go to class for hours on end, then go home and work on stupid paper more. (Class is at 8:30am) bleh.

While blog-hopping - I found the cutest widget! Shelfari! It's a virtual bookshelf. (duh, you can see that much on the right of this blog!) Anyway - I love books. Books are my friends. So you can browse through my shelf via the arrows on the bottom to see what books I've enjoyed. You'll probably see a pattern. I'm big on sci-fi and mystery. :) Books are one way I can escape from the real world - especially when it sucks. I figure suicide isn't a good option, so how else can I leave what's going on? By transferring myself to another time and place of course!

I'm sure my love of reading comes from my mom. She was such the bookworm! She'd finish books in days easily. She'd practically read anything and everything. This made her a great teammate for Trivial Pursuit. She soaked up random tidbits like a sponge.

Anyway, I think I'll give you an overview of some of my all-time favorites.

Dune

Laws, do I love Frank Herbert! Dune is seriously epic. Some call it the Lord of the Rings of sci-fi. And it is. The end. :) Only MORE epic. Dune alone has so many "plots within plots." The main theme is a messiah story, however you get ecology, sociology, religion, etc. :D I'm a Dune-nut, it's true. Of course, that means I don't only love Dune - but the whole lot of the series. Allow me to break it down for you, should you decide to take on the monolith.

Written by Frank Herbert:

Dune

Dune Messiah

Children of Dune

God Emperor of Dune

Heretics of Dune

Chapterhouse: Dune

Written by Brian Herbert (Frank's son) and Kevin J. Anderson:

(prequel trilogy 1):

Dune: The Butlerian Jihad

Dune: The Machine Crusade

Dune: The Battle of Corrin

(prequel trilogy 2):

Dune: House Atreides

Dune: House Harkonnen

Dune: House Corrino

(Dune book 7):

Hunters of Dune

Sandworms of Dune

(Random):

The Road to Dune

Paul of Dune

Note - I, myself, have not read ALL of these. I got stuck on Road to Dune. I don't want to go on without finishing, though I probably will. I'm sort of re-reading Chapterhouse in order to read Hunters and Sandworms. Eventually anyway :) Regardless, I highly encourage everyone to at least try Dune.

The Cat Who... series

Well, it's pretty obvious I stole this pic from Amazon. However, considering I just gave them credit - it's not exactly stealing, is it? Anyway..

The Cat Who... series is written by Lilan Jackson Braun. Super easy read - and short too! I enjoy this when I want something light. They can be read out of context very easily - so you don't have to look at it like a series if you don't want to. I'm currently going through and reading them as a series, however. You do see some progressions that are kind of interesting when you do that.

Anyway - there are a lot, and they're kind of predictable, but they're still entertaining. The first (if anyone wants to go the series route) is The Cat Who Could Read Backwards. I'm currently on book five, The Cat Who Played Brahms. Good books - and she's still alive, so occassionally a new one shows up.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

K, I stole this from Amazon too - but I got smart and found the cover *without* the "search inside" business. I'll conclude my list with this - considering this post is HUGE! Anyway - Douglas Adams is a funny, funny man. There is no definite Hitchhiker's Guide. It has mutated in all its forms (BBC radio broadcast, TV series, books, recordings, and, of course, the movie).

I show you the picture of The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in paperback, mostly because this is the one we bought, so this is what I've read. It contains all five books and the short story that comprise the "trilogy." (That's right, 5 books, one story = trilogy.) If you opt for this route - you NEED to read the forward stuff. Douglas Adams is funny always - not just when writing novels ;)

Alright - I'll be done. Kudos to anyone who makes it this far. Check out my shelf - and get your own at http://www.shelfari.com/