Back in the saddle again...

Well - it's official! I am a student again. Oregon State University offers online courses and 9/28/09 was the first day of classes. I am now signed up for a General Chemistry class (think BYU-I Chem 105) - it's a self study class and I have a mid-term and final test to determine what I've learned. I'm a bit overwhelmed yet excited. Wish me luck!

(For those of you I haven't recently updated: I've been considering applying for a coordinated master's program in dietetics - but I've got 4 chemistry classes as prereq's that I must complete before I apply. It's a long road but I've decided to test it out. We'll see how I'm feeling about things once I finish this first chemistry class.)

Paid in full

I paid off my car loan this week. And in a couple more months my student loan will be paid off too. It will be nice to be debt-free. Of course I am considering returning to school - so it won't last for long (ironic). But it is nice to have a few less expenses to worry about.

Thank You!

It's Not You: It's Your Technique

I went to some great YSA Workshops in SLC this weekend. Amongst those I attended a workshop about dating strategies. Very informative and I feel like I have a lot of newly gained knowledge. I wish I'd have known some of this earlier on - it would have helped me better understand past relationships. This speaker has even written a book and has a website http://utahsdatingcoach.com/ for anyone interested in learning more. Some other workshops I attended I learned about communication - those were some fun classes. Thank you YSA program! :)

YEAR IN REVIEW

So I just had my (gulp…too painful to mention the number) birthday last week. I’ve been telling people “you only turn 21 twice” :) Well, in spite of that – I had a great birthday. My friend Desi and I found a shave ice stand and although it was sub-par it was nostalgic of having the real (and good) stuff in Hawaii. Ate dinner at the Bombay House with some more friends. Then a party at home where Desi surprised me with a beautiful and delicious homemade cake (*not the cake in the picture. It was chocolate with filling & raspberries - yum). I even got to unwrap a few presents – I have such good friends. Mom & Dad had mailed me a gift & called me the day before - Dad was joking that he’s wished me happy birthday twice this year (I had also spoken with him on the phone the week before) and I kidded that that may be true but would he actually do the deed on my birthday? (It’s okay Dad, I kept busy all day so I didn’t miss not being called). Overall, it was a great day. Thanks everyone for your birthday wishes!

So I’ve been contemplating the last 12 months of my life. And a lot has happened! I’ve had many experiences – both good and bad. It’s been interesting reflecting on those experiences. I had a lot of “firsts”. Some were: flying, seeing the ocean/beach, Hawaii, California, Disneyland. I’m glad I’ve taken advantage of the opportunities that have come my way. I’m realizing, even more so, that you have to make things happen. You can’t wait for things to come along – you must pursue your goals.

I am happy – I have a good life. I might not have everything figured out and not everything has worked out like I would have hoped. But I’m still happy. I have good friends and a loving family. I have a firm testimony and faith in my Savior and in the gospel. Life is good. And I’m looking forward to what will happen in the next year of my life.

HAWAII

Okay, so I know it's a long time coming....but here are some pictures from my Hawaii trip.

Hawaii was so much fun! I loved every minute of it - except for the times when it was cold. It was a great experience - worth all the time & money invested. I'd go again if I could. :)