life lately

                 

I can sum up the last month of my life in one word: unpredictable. 

Do things ever really turn out the way we plan? I think this is a constant theme on my blog -- being surprised by what happens.

I've often heard that life is what happens when you stop making plans, and I suppose I've come to see the truth of that statement. Sometimes, in just one day, you become great friends with a coworker (the one pictured above). Courtney and I have been Presidential Ambassadors together for 2.5 years, have worked together for 1.5 years, and somehow, in the last month, she has become a treasured friend. We even traced it back to a simple conversation that happened at work. 

I think it's these random (though not-so-random to God) friendships that remind me how kind our Heavenly Father is to us. He knows exactly who to place on our path & when. This last semester (and especially month) has taught me much about His timing. It is truly better than ours, because He sees the whole picture. At times, I get so frustrated. I think, "But, this is what I want. This is what should happen. This is what is best."

Yet,  if I had it my way, how many lessons would I miss? How many friendships would not be developed? How many tiny miracles would I cease to see in daily life? How many blessings would I forfeit if I insisted things be done my way in my time? 

To quote an excellent talk given by President Henry B. Eyring in Oct. 2012 General Conference:

"His time should be soon enough for us since we know that He only wants what is best for us."  

Though life lately has been quite unpredictable, it is clear that I have also been blessed in countless ways -- through 2 a.m. FaceTime conversations, 25% off of a book for a final project, pillow talking with best friends, unexpected answers to prayer, phone calls with my siblings, holiday traditions with my mom, letters from missionaries at the perfect time, gentlemen who are really gentlemen, free Thursday dinner, wearing capris on a bike ride in November, #tbirdnation pride...the list could clearly go on & on.

So, in spite of (or perhaps because of) the unpredictability, I am quite thankful. 

the ugliest of them all.

I love a good ugly sweater party. Two years ago, I kicked off the holiday season with an ugly sweater bash. Last year I planned to, but ended up leaving town early for Thanksgiving. It was great to have a final hoorah this year before graduating. And there was quite the turnout! Pictures will do better justice than my words, so enjoy.

These faces were just so fitting for the occasion -- Also, Courtney won for ugliest sweater

Rebekah even accessorized with Santa earrings

Awkward Family Photos on the couch

People came and went, but this was the main group for the night. There are some ugly sweaters in that crowd!

Happy Holidays. If you're wanting to host a party this year, make it an ugly sweater occasion.

Why don't we just dance?

Group shot.  This just looks like fun, right? 

A few weeks ago, the institute had its annual Fall Formal. This year, however, it was Girls' Choice. I've never been one that has been too scared to ask a boy to dance, and this was no exception. My date and I had a blast dancing mocking other couples on the dance floor. You know ... the jr. high style? Swaying back and forth? Oh, and then there is the classic bear hug. That's always a good one at the institute dance. Enough talk. See for yourself the fun we had.

Take 1. And probably my favorite from the night. This was the -- "Hey, let's pose like high schoolers."  

Take 2. This is the ... "what is my date doing?" face. Also note that, while I am clearly laughing, the lowered eyebrow shows my apprehension at whatever is going on with my date's face. 

Take 3. This was taken on the photographer's "do a cute pose" cue.

There you have it. Being lame is not an option for us. 

roommate hunting.

Today, I went in to chat with my landlord about the lease on my house. I've shared a room all semester, but my roommate is getting married in December. Apparently, I have to find a roommate or my rent goes up. I asked how this could be, when I signed a contract. Oh, the contract ends in December. I still don't understand how it is my responsibility, but I'm so excited to start roommate hunting. NOT.

If you know of anyone looking for a nice, close-to-campus, super affordable home in Cedar, let me know!

life lately.

...in 1-3 word descriptions:

pumpkins.

rosie the riveter.

candy.

work.

Spanish.

syllables. 

cookbooks.

20 seconds.

adobe illustrator.

running.

spelling bee.

bzzzz.

long nights.

campus events.

new people.

apple cider.

sleepovers.

impeccable timing.

grocery store dancing. 

decisions.

crunching leaves.

simplifying.

colors.

boots.

sheep tunnels.

scarves.

cuddling.

cookie dough.

game night.

interviews.

graduation.

memorizing.

studying.

provo.

halloween.

lit-up phone screens.

caramel apples.

zombie run.

pretty little liars.

trick or treating.

singing. 

RED. 

kittens.

roommate story time.