I know, I haven't posted in forever. And I'm always sad when I don't get to hear about other people's lives but it's been one thing and then another. For example, I've had a post about the Princess Party almost ready for a week and a half--but am waiting to download one more picture off of my camera. And other such things.
So, I'm just going to tell you about February (and hopefully do a couple of others about things like princess parties). Here are just a few highlights from my month (in no particular order)
Weather
I know talking about the weather is a joke, but it's a major part of my life, so I want to talk about it. We had one blizzardy weekend; I really wasn't sure I'd make it back up my mountain when I went to the temple that day. But otherwise it's been gorgeous this month. Downright springy most of the time. I wear no jacket. I ran with a t-shirt at least once. And I'm just thoroughly enjoying it all. It makes me so very happy!
Running Ruth
This has been probably the best part of my month. I think I wrote late last fall that I'd started running. Well I've continued and am now up to my 3+ miles--all ready to run the Rex Lee Run in two weeks (I'm even registered). It's been a wonderful feeling to accomplish something. And to have something achievable to work on has made my winter much happier. A couple of weeks ago I was feeling discouraged because I haven't lost any weight (still haven't) but then I remember that that isn't the reason I started running. I did it to be obedient. And it's blessing my life. A lot.
Parties
I've been to lots of parties this month. On Valentine's Day my cute cousin Kathryn and her roommates had a princess party. We all dressed up in pretty dresses (I even got to wear my tiara!) and had a wonderful time dancing, eating and doing other princess things. It was wonderful!
The next Saturday I was invited to a formal party/dance at some friends' complex. So, Rachel and I went up. Still fun to dress up. :) And it was ever so much fun to see beautiful girls and handsome boys all dressed up.
And finally, this Saturday we're having a party at my house for my wonderful roommate Sarah. She had a birthday yesterday and we're celebrating. (Only I'm taking a break and writing this--supposed to be doing something else. How did I get to this?) Anyway, it looks beautiful and is fun.
Wyoming Boys
A couple of days before Valentines, Hyrum and Benson (my brothers) played a basketball game in Kemmerer, Wy. Since it's "only" 2.5 hours away (well, that's a lot closer than Arkansas or even Lovell, Wy) Rachel and other relatives generally go up. But it's always scheduled during my Fall Semester finals, so I haven't. However, this year it was rescheduled because of a storm, so it was in Feb.! I went with Rachel, Whitney/Laura/Lietta, Aunt Ruth Elaine, Elisabeth M., and Tanner (the latter are cousins). We had a great trip up and back and it was delightful to get to watch my baby boys play. :)
Missionaries
Nancy finished up at the MTC mid-month and is now in Arlington, Texas. Don't know much more about her. Asael is over a year in Las Vegas now. I don't know if I wrote about this before, but he messed his knee up right before Christmas and it was getting better instead of worse. A few weeks ago he almost got sent home to let it heal. But fortunately he as able to stay out. It's a pain because there's so much you can't do when you can't walk a lot (even though he got transferred to a car area). But we've fasted for him as a family and it's healing better now.
Job, etc.
After signing up for the bar exam, I've been very at peace about my future. I have no idea what I'm doing, but I have so many other things to worry about that it's no big deal. Plus I'm remembering the last time I needed a job and all the worrying I did--and how perfectly Heavenly Father took care of things--in his time. I'll probably worry more when school is over and I have time. :) And maybe I'll write more about this later. I did apply for a job that sounds wonderful, but not holding my breath.
Research (or, what could have been spring break and a wonderful trip)
If running has been the highlight of my winter, my directed research has been the low-dark. I have to do a 30 page paper to graduate from lawschool and since I wanted to do mine on something immigration oriented (so I'd learn more) I chose to not do it through a class, but instead to sign up for Directed Research and do my own thing. And since I needed the credits, I decided to sign up for 2 credits. Problem is, each credit requires 50 hours of research. Now, you can crank out a 30 page paper last minute (or last week) but you can't magically do 100 hours of research. Especially not when you're taking 14 credits of other classes. So, it has hung over me and darkened my life considerablly. The third week of Feb. is our law school break (remember Arizona last year?). Well, instead of going to California or Mexico (my two best options), I spent the week trying to do as much research as possible. I got 30 hours in (not as much as I wanted, but a lot) but 20 hours into the week (30 hrs. overall) I realized, after talking to my advisor, that I had no thesis. Nothing to say. And I can't write 30 pages without anything to say. I was extremely discouraged. I cried. I prayed. I pled with the Lord for help. And I spent another 15 hours researching all kinds of random ideas--anything that popped into my head as an option. Finally, on this past Thursday afternoon I think I figured out what I'm doing. I feel SOOO much better. And I have 45 hours done--only 55 to go.
Amaryllis
Rachel shared with me her beautiful amaryllis plant. It had bloomed once for her and was starting another stalk/four blossoms (if you don't know the flower, you should google it). It was a joy in my life. Every day it changed and was so fun to watch. It was gorgeous. And, best of all, every day when I walked in my room I thought (literally, this is true), "I am loved." It was such a joy!
Talent Show
Two and a half years ago, as a new law student, I was inspired by a muse. She whispered alternative words to the Little Mermaid, Part of your world, song and all year I sang it in my head. I planned to sing it at the law school talent show, but the night before I was called upon to go translate at an immigration interview for my beloved Familia Crespin. So, it didn't happen. The next year I had a meeting during the talent show time, plus it was kind of past. But in my heart I still felt unfulfilled. So, this year I did it. I prepared and I performed. And it was wonderful! I felt good about it. And the audience seemed to enjoy it--I got a rousing applause and (best of all) they laughed at all the funny parts. :)
Birthdays
I can't pass up February without mentioning the birthdays. Little Miss Elisabeth turned 2--is that possible? Hopefully I'll have follow-up on that.
Roland, my one and only big brother, turned 30. Even more unbelievable!
I love them both in very different ways, but both very, very much. And maybe more about them; we'll see.
Laura & Lietta
Finally, I've mentioned Rachel a couple of times; we did several things together this month. But I've especially enjoyed my time with Laura and Lietta. I go see them when I finish running and do my stretching out while I visit them. It's delightful. Lietta is getting bigger and changing all the time. I'm so grateful to be close for at least part of her life.
Well, there are many things I've thought of as I've gone and maybe I'll write more later. But there's a little update on my life. It's a very good life.
