The Pearl

A very long time ago, I was a sophomore in high school. Back in those days, I was a super top notch student (sometimes I feel like I've drifted from my studious habits of the past) and chose to step up to the challenge of an honors English class. 

For our summer reading we were assigned "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck and given a few instructions.

Because the book was only 90 pages and it was our only summer reading (and probably, in part, because I was sure I'd be an English major in college) I read the book four times looking for all these insights. By the end of the summer I had only found a handful of references to Kino and animals, but after reading those four times, I was positive I'd found everything.

I came to class that first day very self-assured in my knowledge and capacities. Surely I'd mastered every part of this novella.

I was wrong.

As we studied Steinbeck's words, I was astounded at how many metaphors I'd breezed by. All the mentions of ants, mice, scorpions, fish, hawks- every reference had been the very thing I'd been looking for but hadn't seen. I was reading the narrative level when there were deeper sociological and symbolic meanings I couldn't yet decipher.

I'm beginning to re-read this book tonight. Just like my experience with "The Pearl," I'm able to gain new insight every time I open its pages. The last couple of times I've read, I've used different copies to mark my notes.

It's been really cool to see the differences in what I highlight. The last time was the first I'd gone through focusing on a specific topic-- how to be a more Christ-like leader. I think this next time I'll be looking for examples of charity and love. Feel free to join me and let me know what you think.

I'm a sap

Matt Wertz's song "Feels So Right" is kicking off my 'songs of the summer' playlist. If the video doesn't work, you can get to it here.

A Clean Slate

Spring term just started up last week and things have been really busy. I have two classes for my major (Comms 300 and Comms 321), work at the library, a possible internship with the Red Cross, my service calling I'm working to do more with in my ward and tons of other little things running through my mind.

I'm very grateful for this change of pace in my life and the opportunity that I have to start fresh and be reinvigorated with my classes. I don't know what it it's been, but lately, I feel like something is lacking.

For the first time since I first came to BYU, I don't have a leadership position on campus. I miss BYUSA a lot. I really have been changed by the time I was able to spend in that office and the people I was able to interact with. It's really strange for me to not have a responsibility on campus; however, I still feel like focusing on public relations is what I'm supposed to be doing. Part of me feels like I've opened the next chapter to my life- and that's both completely exciting and utterly terrifying.

With the added time I'm reinvesting myself in my classes- that is, after all, what I'm here for- and trying to figure out where exactly that hole in me is.

Last night there was a CES Fireside with the Primary General President, Rosemary M. Wixom. You can find the broadcast for yourself here. Sister Wixom posed the question, "How can our surrounding landscape help us come to our Redeemer?" and offered four further questions to ponder on:

1. How can I come to know the Spirit of the Holy Ghost?
2. How will I come to know the Book of Mormon is true?
3. How will I come to know the personal plan Heavenly Father has for me?
4. How will I come to know the Father and his Son?

In reflecting on her words, there was one quote that really hit me.

"You are on this Earth and have merely forgotten what you once knew."

I think that this is part of my hole. I can improve in so many areas of my life but I feel like starting back at the basics with who I really am is going to really help.

Mom & Joe's wedding

I have been waiting for these pictures for FOREVER! My mom and Joe were married back on September 17th at Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake. The photographer Bry Cox just finished their album and blogged about it here. You can also watch the movie slideshow of the day here.

It really was the perfect day for the two of them.

One of my favorite parts of the day was when my mom did a special recognition for each of the kids. Part of my duties was to keep every thing on schedule- and did I know that schedule! When she broke from what was on the outline, I was super surprised. My mom stood and thanked Emmie for all of her help with the dress and fashion advice. She then thanked Dillon for helping out more around the house and for all the help that he gave her. Then, she had me come up to her. As I was walking she thanked me for being DJ and giving her all my music (we can really thank Tanner for that one). Once I reached her, she presented me with her bouquet and explained that she really looked forward to the day when I would find someone that made me as happy as Joe makes her.

That will always stand out as my favorite part of the day.

We have a big family dinner tonight with everyone - Mom, Joe, Dillon, Emmie, my Dad and me. This will be the first time that we've ever done something like this; I'm crossing my fingers that everything goes smoothly.

I'd rather...

I should be studying for finals and enduring to the end but I'm having a really really really hard time staying on task. So of course the best thing to do would be to blog. It's been on my list this whole semester but it keeps getting pushed off. No MAS!

Here are some other things I would rather be doing right now:
dancing in the RB
watching HSM
hiking Y mountain
editing this blog to make it prettier and more interactive
making a music video with my sister
baking quadruple threat cookies
shopping with birthday money
camping under the stars in my mummy bag
eating dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets
getting started at the Red Cross (Note to self: I need a car)
learning more about what Christ did during his last week
updating the Date Idea Book
exploring the spiral jetty
swimming backstroke in an outdoor pool
reading public relations blogs... or just generally blog stalking friends
write missionary friends that haven't heard from me in about 8 months... (SORRY!)
filming a spoof of this
journaling what's gone on in my life the last two weeks
compiling a good bye mix cd for Ann
boating in the sunshine and getting my freckles back
figuring out pintrest
snuggling up to come cocoa in my onesie on our wonderful couches
host an outdoor dinner with white twinkle lights strung up above our heads

Good things that happened today- I got to talk to my Grandma for about half an hour after work today. I miss her. I miss my family. I am so excited for our family reunion in July. Also, I am the recipient of a half tuition scholarship next fall and winter. I received a similar scholarship this year and didn't think I'd be able to get it again. It's a huge blessing. I was very excited to open that email. The financial office is usually asking me for money; this was a very nice change.

I like it when it's springtime-y outside. This afternoon was very pretty.

Today I looked like this ---->

[back to studying.]

bulgogi - Korean BBQ

I've been wanting to try to make this dish for awhile now. I ended up combining five different recipes and the result was heavenly.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb beef top sirloin, thinly sliced

3 tbsp white sugar

3 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

4 green onions, chopped (with white part)

6 oz can pineapple juice

5 cloves garlic, pressed

a few shakes of sesame seeds

1 yellow onion, chopped

honey, drizzle

Directions:

1. Begin to freeze beef in freezer for about an hour to get it firmer. Remove and slice into thin strips.

2. Place beef in large bowl. Add white sugar. Incorporate the two.

3. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, pineapple juice, garlic, sesame seeds, yellow onion and honey. Mix well.

4. Cover and marinate in fridge for at least three hours.

5. Warm large skillet to high and grease bottom with cooking oil. Add mixture in thirds. Brown meat and caramelize onions.

6. Remove from heat, turn off burner, serve and enjoy! Best if served with rice and mixed bell peppers (cook these with brown sugar for an extra zap of flavor).

This was amazing. I can't wait to make it again. Tell me what you think about it!

car accident

My friend Ryan was in a pretty bad roll over accident last week which fractured his back and broke his neck. He's going in for surgery this week; please keep him in your prayers.

Somebody to Love

BYU-I had some serious fun during finals. AWESOME.

So much depends on what you do today.

One of my favorite things to volunteer with here at BYU is New Student Orientation. For the past three years I've had the great opportunity to help out with six NSOs. Every time I get the email asking me if I'd like to be involved in the next one, I always have to say yes. There is a special spirit with BYU's newest students. I always feel like I'm discovering BYU for the first time as I sit in convocation, explore campus on the Cougar Walk, visit Education in Zion, and laugh at Tradition of Honor.

The time that I have here at BYU is special. I'll never have an experience quite like this again in my life. A NSO first for me- at this session I was paired with transfer students, and not just my typical 20-30 students, but 80. To make things a little more daunting, this was also the first time that I didn't have a partner.

I was humbled. Eighty brand new BYU students and I was going to be their first impression of campus. Some of them were international students ranging from Jamaica, Colombia, Australia, Mexico, and South Korea- I could possibly be one of their first impressions of what the United States was like. Even though I was scared, and at times didn't know quite know what to do, I knew that I could be a friend to these students. Coming away from my experience today, I have a more sincere love for my fellow students at this university. I have a great testimony that each student is at this institution for a reason. I'm going to be working harder this semester to treasure this experience and truly have a BYU Experience.

Below is my favorite BYU movie. I get goosebumps every time.

Here's to a new semester. Winter 2011, I'm ready for greatness.

Hold On

I can't sleep. Tomorrow I'll be helping out with New Student Orientation and I guess I'm just a little bit excited for the newest BYU students.

This song by Scott Alan is amazing; it's the perfect song for the New Year.