I am sitting alone in my living room. Every possible light that could be on is, t.v. commercials are keeping me company and for a moment I am just enjoy doing nothing.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and especially Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
I can't leave them out-
Sleep has been taunting my eye lids all morning long- 5:30 in the morning is awfully early to wake up.
I was late for my first class, but I am having a wonderful hair day, I look cute and may I just add that it is Wednesday- my Happy Wednesday!
During a break between classes I found a empty couch in the Institute building- laid down and fell asleep. After waking up due to a kinked neck I looked around and noticed the room to be full of students, many of them writing in note books (journals). I hope I made it into some of their pages. . . I know I would have written about me - "the girl with the pink blazer slumped onto the couch as if she couldn't go any farther. Before long she wasn't moving anymore and the only sign of life was the soft whistle that came from her breathing. . . "
Is it vain to say that it completely makes my day when people sincerely tell me that I am beautiful. Every time I walk into my Monday/Wednesday Institute class my teacher shakes my hand and says in a very sincere, very reverent way that I am very beautiful. Today I told him that I am going on a mission and his eyes became soft and pleased. "You are so beautiful, everything about you. You are going to bring so many people to the truth." - Dear Elder C. you have given me hope, strength and have built me up in so many ways. Thank you.
I walked home from class - or rather I slid home from class. There is a steep grass slope outside my apartment and luckily for me I tested out its "slipperiness"factor. It gets high marks. In return I got grass marks! What makes this moment even more great is that an elderly man watched me and giggled under his breath!
My favorite thing to do on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
is to sit in the courtyard outside the fine arts building
and watch the yellow leaves flutter to the pavement.
Before they can settle they are swept up in the wind and tossed.
And right before my eyes a sea forms.
A yellow sea.
I close my eyes.
And let the sun drench my face with warmth
as I listen yellow waves splash against the concrete court yard.
Oh, it is wonderful.
And now for some unfinished business.
TAGGing. I feel indifferent about being Tagged. I am always flattered, sometimes hesitant to participate, but hey they can be fun too-
I was TAGGED by my friend Melissa and even though I won't continue the TAG on, I will tell you 11 things about me and answer the 11 questions she asked. After all this blog is all about me anyhow!
Eleven Facts about Me:
I love to get my dance on: in the shower, the kitchen, the car, walking to school- the list goes on.
I can't sleep at night, not because I don't want to.
I love to eat vegetables- broccoli, squash, sugar snap peas are among the top choices
I hate having dirty clothes in the hamper. I would wash my clothes everyday if it was feasible.
I have NEVER worn sweats to school unless I had to because our sports team was.
I am the only child in my family who isn't named after someone- I like my name though.
My birthmark is on my forehead.
I hardly ever sleep inside my covers- I just use a blanket, a beautiful, big blanket my mom made.
I loose my toe nails every summer.
When I get nervous my armpits get sweaty.
I write dialogue in my mind when people speak-- that is kind of weird.
Here are Melissa's Questions:
1. What is the most disgusting thing you have ever eaten?
I had pickled cow hooves once. . . nasty! 2. If you could marry someone famous who would it be? Definitely Liam Hemsworth, too bad he is already taken. 3. How long can you get a piece of Bubblicious gum to last? Maybe a half hour-- large pieces of gum make my jaw ache. 4. What is your number 1 pet peeve? Pen-clicking during class. (click, click, click, click. . . ) 5. Describe your mom in 1 word. Heavenly6. What is your favorite color crayon? Pacific Blue 7. Mac or PC? Mac 8. What music artist are you a secret fan of? Taylor Swift9. What is your favorite animal? Whales -- I'm not allergic to them. . . or smart dogs. 10. Are you good at poker? I'm a fabulous poker, but sometimes I leave bruises. Nope. 11. What are 2 things on your bucket list? 1. Rock climb a cliff side and do yoga on the edge 2. Be an best selling author.
He looked up and saluted the flag with honor and sincerity then put his hand back on the stirring-wheel and continued to drive up the freeway. He didn't know anyone was watching and yet he changed my life. I don't know whether that particular flag meant something or if it was just his respect and honor for the symbolism that it holds, but he was wonderful.
I was driving my Durango up to Logan on Tuesday on my move back to this lovely Valley. Just off I-15 there are some warehouses and on top of one particularly high building flies the American flag. The flag has been there for as long as I can remember and never before have I thought anything of it. But watching this man be so respectful and so sincere caught me off guard.
I have been blessed with the opportunity of living in such a wonderful country. I am free to take pictures, to drive, to eat food I want. I am free to go to school, to have friends of all walks of life, I am free to have religion in my life and to worship the way I want. I am free. Free to read, to write, to state my opinion and to choose for myself the course of my life. I can't even comprehend life without the opportunities that these freedoms have provided me.
And it wasn't until this man saluted this flag that I realized for myself the symbol of sacredness that the American Flag has.
The rest of the drive to Logan I noticed the flags I passed along the road. Our country is free and as long as these flags fly there will be happiness in this country. The example that this man in the car next to mine set has been burned into my mind. This man who defines his character by the this act even though he didn't know anyone was watching.
Sometimes I want time to stop. Or memories to last forever.
Sometimes I want to "Plan my Wedding" with my mom just a little bit longer.
Laying across my bed with my laptop open while my mom sits beside looking at wedding photographers and Pinterest boards.
We laugh at some decorations, comment on creativity, and plan for my one day wedding. Where will we have it? What will my colors be? Wedding line? Cake? Dress? Photographer?
You know, all the wonderfully, fun, fluffy stuff that I used to draw pictures of as a little girl.
Then the oven timer goes off, and she has to leave to finish making dinner.
Part of me wants to beg her not to leave an just let the food burn on the stove, but I don't.
She leaves. She has to. Time doesn't stop.
Just like all car rides come to an end, and how all Sundays melt into Mondays.
But today I cherished this fifteen minutes we had together.
These simple things are the things I will miss most when I am gone.
As far as today's wedding planning went. . . would you like to see the goods?
I would say that I am someone who is pretty reserved. . . well, my "at-home" Kelsie is really quite reserved. College not so much.
However I don't think I am one to just throw myself out there and to take huge dramatic chances. Moving to Logan was a huge step in my life, and here I am getting ready to make an even bigger one. But you see I have had lots of time to think about life and about our time here and know what I have come up with? Life is something to be experienced (hence my post just previous of this one).
I have had such an amazing life thus far. Really. I love and am loved by my family more than I can describe. I have been given opportunities that many only long for. And I witness miracles every day. No, my life isn't perfect. Somedays I cry and somedays I question my worth. Trials are real and they are really hard, but those not so perfect days make the good ones so much sweeter.
As a sophomore in high school the thought of becoming a sister missionary crossed my mind. I had watched all of my brothers prepare and leave for their missions and the anticipation, excitement, and sacrifice was something that humbled me. The desire of missionary work settled in my heart. Over the years as my testimony in Christ and of this gospel has grown so has my desire to serve.
But, I had doubts I would go. Why? well because I kind of thought I would be one of those girls to graduate from high school, go off to college, find her prince charming and follow the trend of so many others. After all that trend runs true and strong in my family. I was ready to accept that lifestyle. But that desire to serve the Lord never left me. It is like I knew in my heart that I would be given the opportunity to serve. And I even though I didn't have to serve a mission I knew I would always be left questioning.
So I started the missionary paper work.
I filled out all the information and set up interviews as fast as I possibly could.
After a few doctors appointments and a few phone calls they were on their way.
Soon enough I will be known as Sister Mason.
I haven't been telling very many people- except for close friends, family and those who ask about what I will be doing in the next couple of months. But ya know, I might as well share the news with the lovely little blogger community. You are my friends and you all probably know more about me than I do of you, but that is fine.
Now for the big question(s) that are commonly asked:
Where do I want to go?
I honestly have no preference. I mean it would be really cool to learn a language and be thrown into a new culture, but at the same time if I was in states, speaking english I would cherish just as much. I have no clue where I want to go, but it is going to be wonderful where ever it is.
When will I leave?
Well, I don't turn 21 years old until October, so my guess is somewhere around then. However, I would really like to leave before, and you know sometimes that happens- missionaries can turn eligible in the MTC. But I won't know the official date until after I get called.
When will the call be here?
Oh, the question I ask myself every day. It will either come next week, or the next, or possibly even after that. I will keep you all posted.
Will I be going back to school for Fall Semester?
I won't know that until I know when I will be leaving. I did register for classes and I put money down on a apartment just incase I do go.
What about the blog?
Well, I am currently working on something great. So here is another "stay tuned" answer.
What about my photography business?
Yes, this question has kind of sickened me. I will miss taking pictures so much. I love what I do and the magic I have in capturing someone's life on film. I was recently given the opportunity to take pictures for a company the rest of the year- they would use my pictures on their website, magazines, billboards and anywhere else they needed advertising. However, I could only agree to a limited time because I will be leaving before too long. To be honest that was a bit hard, however I understand that I am going to be on the Lord's errand. My life is in His hands and I know that if I have faith and always put Him first He will see that everything works out for the best.
*If you would like to have me answer any other questions feel free to ask.
**I also like to hear where people think I will go so feel free to guess away
For some reason I keep thinking it is Friday and I feel like I am forgetting something.
I have checked and rechecked my schedule for the day and I know what is going on, but I still don't feel at ease.
Maybe I am just uneasy because my mind has been on other things than just living in the moment and taking each day for what it is worth. I highly disregard doing this, but I can't help it. Don't worry all you curious people out there- "other things' will be revealed in a few posts to come so stay tuned.
Maybe I feel uneasy because I am not living the fast-paced college lifestyle that I was used to, so the idea of having free time throws me into a panic.
Or maybe I just feel uneasy because I am forgetting that today is Thursday. . . yep, that is probably it. At least I hope that is it.
PS. It is kind of funny to watch myself blow dry my hair. I need to think of another name for blow drying, because 80 percent of the time I am using the little handheld device to warm my body.
I really don't have time to be writing this. In an hour I will be giving a presentation and then I won't stop until I lay my head down to sleep. . . Sleep? What is sleep?
I have ran and ran all week long- and I love it. I enjoy being busy and productive and all that good responsibility that comes with it.
However, I am tired.
This day though, it is great. It is Thursday of the last week of school. . . I have almost made it. I can see the finish line in the clearing.
It could be the last week of school for me for a good 18 months or so-
that fact kind of scares me, but I am embracing it.
I went running this morning. My body hated it, but I knew that I could push through- I had to push through. And because I did I feel strong, I feel like I have defeated weakness. And that my dear Thursday is a powerful feeling.
English was cancelled. Thanks to my Professors child who decided that yesterday was a great day to be born. I really needed that extra time to finish my paper that was due today.
Institute was inspiring, invigorating and other words that start with "i" like. . . i-mazing and i-wonderful (this is not my attempt to steal iPod's glory, but "i-mazing" does have a ring to it).
I hit that "loopy" point when I get so tired that everything seems funny-
(to all the people who witnessed my craziness on my way home from school: bare with me, it has been a long week)
Mom called. We had a long chat and laughed a bunch as she brought me up to date with everything that is going on down in the land of sagebrush and grey mountains.
I love her.
There is just a buzz in the air that makes me want to giggle. . .
or maybe it is the Coke- caffeine does weird things to me.
When I was growing up my brothers would tease me by saying that if you have curly hair then you must be boy crazy (they would then tempt to pull out my hair to see if it was curly)
I didn't have curly hair when I was little though-
Sure, there was a slight wavy to it I guess. . . but definitely NOT curly.
Then I moved to college.
I thought that my hair just got curlier because it is more humid up here in Logan.
However, my hair dresser informed me otherwise. . .
In fact one of the first time she did my hair after moving away she ran her fingers through my hair and said, "Kels, your hair is changing- from the roots."
I asked her if hair did this often and she informed me that it does - IN PREGNANT women!!?!
Hold the phone! I don't now what my body is doing or why my hair is going curly but I know for a fact that I am not going to be having a child anytime soon!
Haha- I laughed when she told me that.
But hey, I welcome the curls, the body and the volume that my hair has now obtained.
It makes getting ready for school a lot easier and quicker!
On another note-
this morning I painted my nails. . .
three different colors.
Yes, I am 20 years old,
and no I don't care for nail polish on my finger nails,
but yet they are painted.
I have now been up 5 hours- and it is only 10 o'clock.
I have decided that I need to write a blog and dedicate it entirely to the Aggie Blue Bus- so many eventful, entertaining, story worthy things happen on the many bus rides to and from campus.
Wednesday - I was on my way to yoga.
The regulars stood in line some look as if they had just woken up, complete with swollen eyes and plaid pajama pants. There was a tall girl with long blonde hair who was eating a piece of toast - she was the only one I didn't recognize.
Right on que the bus pulled in and we filed in.
It was early and once again there were only a few of us on the bus. . . I have decided the fewer people there are the more awkward/entertaining the short ride to campus gets.
Everyone had sat down and the driver was ready to pull out when a man came running around the corner and chased down the bus. He was a small-featured man who was a whopping 5'5''. He wore glasses and wore green pants, a green shirt and carried a cargo green messenger bag.
He sat down a few seats away from me and across from the tall blonde with the toast.nMind you, this blonde- she was cute and I could see the green-man "observing" the situation.
"Is that Grandma Sycamore bread?" he said.
My heart sunk. . . Really- out of all the pick-up lines in the world you are going to hit on this girl by asking her what kind of bread she is eating. . .
The blonde looked around confused and not sure how to respond.
"Um. Yes," she quietly answered.
I don't know what else the poor girl could have said.
"I love Grandma Sycamore bread," he eagerly pushed on the bread issued, "But, it is so-o-o-o expensive."
Inside I was laughing. I wasn't quite sure if he was hitting on the blonde or Grandma Sycamore.
"Yep, but it is on sell at Lee's," she was a sweet blonde.
"And you are eating it with jam, oh so good," he had suddenly flipped his focus from the bread to the jam. . . and at this point I wasn't sure if he was hitting on the girl or wanting her to share her breakfast with him.
"Yep," she started looking out the window and realized that we had almost made it to campus.
The bus stopped.
The door opened and that girl was off the bus before I had even stood up. . .
"I hope you like your Grandma Sycamore bread with jam!" the man in green called after her.
Under his breath I could hear him murmuring something about bread. . .
I wonder if she will ever again eat breakfast on the go - or at least take it with her on the bus.
It was a lovely morning.
. . . . only in a dominate LDS college community .
Remember that you have already been called. "And if ye have desires to serve, then ye are called to the work." Fear is not God, confidence and love are.
We are best friends. . . tighter than my suit pants four months into the mission.
Did you know that the last letter I got from you I looked up, said 'thank you', kissed the envelope and ran away to read it alone?
Sincerely,
Your Slurpee Sipping Friend.
Hello warm weather.
I am so happy that you have come early this year- I have missed you. I am especially glad that you have arrived just in time for me to begin my training. Yes, I know there are going to be a few more storms that come and go before you are here to settle in, but I think I can manage as long as you promise to come back quickly.
I want to also add that I love the life that you bring into the world. The earth is waking up from hibernation, birds are greeting the sun each morning with song and people have become unhidden from within the walls of their homes.
Welcome Spring-time. I think you are wonderful and I hope you have a splendid few months. . . But remember that summer is on his way, and if though I care for you a lot Spring, Summer and I, well we are in love.
1. tried on cheer uniforms from freshman year of high school - I still fit!
2. visited the middle
3. over looked Logan
4. went off road'n in the 'Rango
5. ME (I think I am kinda funny sometimes)
6. abandoned treasures
7. new shoes
8. roads lined with eery trees
9. 3rd Hunger Games (!!!)
10. adventures with Pot-Pot and Critter
11. over 14 hours of driving
12. coming back to a lovely temple land
13. diet dr. pepper. . . need I say more
14. reminiscing by the river
15. playin' with the new bangs
Spring Break at home was loads of fun and relaxing.
I came back to Logan and went adventuring to Burely, ID with two of my roommates and a neighbor- more to come from that epic experience.
