Holy crap, I'm going home!!!

Hey guys,

Ok, I realize it's been over a month since my last post, but my excuses are the same old, exams, moving, social engagements, papers, etc. I'm just writing to tell you, there will be more to come when I go home this week. I'm heading out on Wednesday morning (bright and early at 5:50am!) and I'll be back in Ottawa around 1:30pm. Watch out Ottawa, I'M COMING HOME!!!!

-J

Masquerade!

Hey all, sorry for the delay in posting. This week has been a pretty crazy one. First off, 3 of my classes were cancelled and the school was closed on Tuesday because of a sewage back-up (ew!). My weekend started on Thursday around noon. I went shopping that night, with my friend Kaylee, for the Masquerade on Saturday. We both got super cool dresses and were totally stoked.

Friday I went to Friday Forum at the institute building. Our lesson was on the King Follett Discourse. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's a 2 hour talk that was given by Joseph Smith at General Conference on April 7th 1844. Only about 45 minutes was recorded between four scribes. The general topic was knowing God and how to obtain eternal life. It was a really great lesson and I recommend everyone to read this if you can find it.

Friday afternoon, my friend Brad came over and we (like any productive and studious adults) played nintendo all afternoon. We're that cool. I then went visiting teaching (woo!) and later on headed to a dance at the church. The music was lame, but the company was good :)

Saturday was devoted to preparing for the Masquerade. We (Kaylee and I) went out and bought supplies to make masks and then headed to Karen and Sera's to put them all together. This is how mine turned out.

The Masquerade was lots of fun! There was a live band for about 45 minutes at the beginning. They weren't that great, and all they played were slow songs, but we didn't really care. There was an appetizer 'buffet' and a drink 'bar' (non-alchoholic of course!) too. Once the DJ started, things got so much better. He played really great music and he knew how to mix tracks and get everyone dancing the whole time. We (me and 2 friends) left around midnight, but apparently the party went on well past 2am.

Sunday was church, and lots of people weren't there (presumably still recovering from the dance). We had a really great lesson in Relief Society about the Second Coming and I was greatful for it, since I realized I have been focusing lately on what's right in front of me instead of the big picture. This lesson made me realize that and I felt a little ashamed that I've been so self-absorbed.

Sunday evening I went to Emily's house and we made paper snowflakes and paper chains, just because we could (and also because they needed stuff to decorate their place for winter/christmas). Then off to Institute choir and back home around 10:15pm. Long weekend for sure.

Until next time,

-J

Halloween and Callings

So this week we had Halloween!! I went as a super scary vampire (Volturi-esque you could say). I freaked out a few people and it was awesome.

I went to the dance at the church where there were so many people it was practially a mosh pit. Totally awesome though. The people who won the best costume contest were these two guys who were robots (Iron Man style) on stilts painted silver. They were amazing! I only wish I had gotten pictures.

In other news, I had another miraculous answer to my prayers. I've been getting a litte frustrated with being here since nothing big had happened yet. SO, today being fast Sunday, I got on my knees this morning and started my fast asking for a calling at church or something to reassure me that being here was right. Not ten minutes later, I got a phone call from the bishop's secretary asking me if I could meet with him today.

I almost cried right then and there because it was so fast! I was so grateful. Then meeting with the bishop, my call was unexpected. I thought maybe I'd be a teacher in Relief Society or Sunday School (since they desperately need them), but instead, I was called as Enrichment leader! I'm actually really excited for this calling and I look forward to getting started! I basically get to organize fun stuff for the women of our ward to do, and it can be as often as I want it to be! Super awesome. I never would have expected this calling, but I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me a calling.

Personally, I never turn down a calling, no matter what it is. I believe that you're called to do something in the church because it's what the Lord wants you to do. Even if you don't like it, or don't have any idea what to do, you still take it and learn from it. That being said, I'm going to try really hard to make this calling work for me and I hope that I can help a few people along the way.

Until next time,

-J

Institute and My Personal Story

Tonight was the first night I was able to attend a real institute class (other than Friday Forum, which is just guest speakers). The class topic is Church History. Now, you'd think that since I don't like most kinds of history that I wouldn't like this class, but I love it! The teacher (brother Reid) is so funny and he really knows what he's talking about. There was one thing he said tonight that I felt he was inspired to say directly to me. He said everything that had happened to me and what I am feeling right now, it was really interesting. The fact that he said those things, makes me think that I'm not the only one who felt impressed to come out here. I realize that I haven't shared why I came out here in the first place, so maybe this is the time to do so.

In August of 2007 I was working in Fort McMurray, Alberta and I had about 2 weeks left before I was supposed to start school. I wasn't enrolled in all the classes I was supposed to be, I felt hesitant to live at home again and it just didn't feel right. I remember that I was sitting on my bed in camp, thinking about school when this thought came to my mind "you're not supposed to go back to school". I shrugged it off and thought, why not? I have to finish school so I can get a job. "Don't go back to school" the thought came stronger this time. I felt so conflicted and knew that I'd be upsetting some people by doing so, but I finally prayed about it and felt that it was the right thing to do.

I dropped out of the few classes I was enrolled in, I asked my foreman if I could stay on until October and then I did the hardest thing of all, I called my mom. She didn't understand why I wanted to take the year off and all I could say is "it's what I'm supposed to do". So, I went home, got my car and headed back out west to work. When I came back home at the end of October, I prayed about what to do next. No answer came so I just did what I thought was best. I got a job in Ottawa, I applied to transfer to another university (Lethbridge was the only one that came to mind and the only one I applied to) and just lived my life. I got my acceptance letter on Christmas eve and my plan was set for Lethbridge.

Once I knew I was coming here, I kept praying and asking for confirmation that it was the right thing to do. Still no answer, so I continued with my plans and not until the week before I left did I get my confirmation. I went to get a priesthood blessing, like I usually do before school starts, and so many things were promised to me about coming out here. It said that there were people out here waiting for me and people I need to help. It promised that I'd excell in my classes and that the Lord would be with me every step of the journey. There were other things too, but they're a little personal.

So with that blessing, I came out here knowing this is where I'm supposed to be. I'd been feeling down lately because nothing has happened here yet, and what Brother Reid said was exactly how I was feeling and the circumstances behind me coming out here. If he was saying that to more people than just me, then there is definately a reason we're here. It's the impatience that's driving me nuts, because I want some kind of indication of what is to come. I just need to have faith that my priesthood blessing will come to pass, but in God's time and not mine. For now I need to "...excercise faith in the redemption of him who created [me]" (Alma 5:15) and remember that "the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them to accomplish the thing which he commandeth them" (1 Nephi 3:7).

Working on a change of heart,
-J

Wedding Madness!!

Well, it wasn't my wedding( haha, that would be a shocker!), but if was Mike and Lydia's! They're both so awesome it was great to get to be with them on their special day. We got some really great pictures, which you can browse on facebook. If my desire for a temple marriage wasn't strong already, it was definately strengthened when I saw how happy those two were when they came out through those temple doors. It may sound corny, but there actually was that twinkle in their eyes.

I'm so glad that these two are happy together. It was a really great weekend full of decorating, running errands, speeding to get places on time, last minute touch ups of cake, makeup, decorations etc. But we had so much fun taking pictures and dancing the night away at the reception. Overall a really great time. Congrats Mike and Lyd! You're the best!

-J

Thanksgiving in Leader

So my weekend started out with driving to Medicine Hat to meet Nath before heading to Leader. We had so much fun at Nath's that we ended up staying the night. We played rock band and sing star on their playstation and had such an awesome time.

Saturday morning, Nath had the great idea that we all carpool in the limo to Leader. It was a great time. Lyd and I spent the whole ride there singing along to cds in the back of the limo. We got to Leader and heads turned as we drove down the street. I'm sure there's never actually been a limo in a small town like Leader. haha

We spent the evening eating, laughing and having a super dance party in the living room.

On Sunday we went to the dunes and got some sand for Lyd and Mike's wedding centrepieces. Again, a lot of eating and laughing (a LOT of laughing) and lots of wedding plan discussions.

We played games and had so much fun. Overall a great weekend. :)

Until next time,

-J

Conference Overview

Since my last post went on a little long, I needed to separate my thoughts into two posts. In this one, I want to share what particularly impressed me in conference this weekend.



I felt the overall themes of conference were the importance of missionary work, hope, optimism, and courage. From the saturday and Sunday morning sessions, 4 talks were on missionary work. Even the prophet asked us to pray to the Lord that those countries where the Gospel is not allowed to be preached, may be opened unto us that our work may spread to all the corners of the earth. When the prophet asks you to do something, you do it. That's my philosophy anyway.

The various themes I mentioned can be summed up in a few short, but meaningful phrases.

"You don't know everything, but you know enough" (Neil L. Anderson of the 70)
you may not know everything there is to know about God's plan, or about the Gospel, but more often than not, you know enough. Faith is not only a feeling, it is a decision. We need to choose to have faith before that faith becomes real.

"the infinite power of hope" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf 2nd counsellor in the 1st presidency)
Hope is not knowledge, but abiding trust that God will bless us. Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness. You have two different types of hope: hope in something and hope for something. You hope for future events (maybe completion of an education, finding a new job, getting married, having kids, travelling etc). You have hope in the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Atonement, the goodness of God, the manifestations of the Spirit, and that God will answer our prayers. The brighter our hope, the greater our faith.

"A great day of unity is coming" (Henry B. Eyring 1st counsellor in the 1st presidency)
Families need to pray together. In doing so, they knit their hearts together in unity and oneness of purpose. We need to meet together often in those places God has provided for us. Revelation is the only way to know how to follow the will of the Lord together. Be humble, pride is the hinderance of unity. Speak well of one another and be generous in your judgements.

"nothing is as constant as change" (Thomas S. Monson President of the church)
Our lives are always changing. If you keep putting off something until tomorrow, your life will be filled with a lot of empty yesterdays. Find joy in the journey NOW! Rather than dwelling on the past, look forward to today. "They do not love that do not show their love". We need to tell those we love that we love them on a regular basis. Whatever God gives to you, whether it be trial or blessing, take it! and with happy heart. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." -1 thessalonians 5:18.

These are what stuck with me and I hope that you are inspired to look up the full talks and read them. They will be available on lds.org tomorrow.

Until next time,
-J

Conference and Music

First off, some really exciting news! 5 new temples are going to be built in the near future! One in Calgary Alberta (woo!), on in Argentina (I forget where...), Kansas City, Phillidalphia and Rome, Italy! The last one is super cool. I hope they do a really cool design for the architecture there.

Secondly, for those of you who aren't LDS, there was a world-wide general broadcast for all Latter-Day Saints this past weekend. It was broadcast from Salt Lake City, Utah (church world headquarters) via satellite, internet, cable and radio to countries all around the world. It is something we only do twice a year; the first weekend in April and the first weekend in October. During this conference, various leaders of the church (apostles, seventies, the prophet, and others) prepare talks about subjects they pray about and deem to be appropriate.

So, that being said, I went to two sessions of conference (broadcast to the church) and watched a third online. There are five in total (one is a priesthood session). I always take notes, even though I know the talks will be transcribed, just so I remember what impressed me when listening to it. I also always write down the music that is sung. From the two sessions I watched at the church, these are the hymns that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang:

High on the Mountain Top (one of my favourites of theirs)
Redeemer of Israel
Oh, May my soul Commune with Thee
Come ye Children of the Lord
Do What is right
O, Thou Kind and Gracious Father
I need Thee Every Hour

Now Let us Rejoice
I know that My Redeemer Lives
Oh What Songs of the Heart
I Feel My Saviour's Love (a personal favourite)
Rejoice the Lord is King
(and I missed the last one...)

The fact that each hymn is about 4 minutes long, and they sing 6-7 hymns per session, that works out to about 24-28 minutes devoted to music, not including music and the spoken word the half hour before conference. 1/4 of our general conference is devoted to music. If that doesn't say something of its importance, I don't know what will.

I'm not just saying this as a music major, I really believe that music is something that can express what words fail to do. One of my favourite sayings about music is "Music is a Universal language". I love that quote because it's so true. You can communicate feeling with music, even if there aren't any words.

I had to go to a voice masterclass today (a masterclass is where 5 people each sing one song and then the voice teachers critique their performance and work with them each for 20 minutes trying to improve their sound and anything else they deem necessary) and even though 3 of the 5 performers weren't all that great, seeing them really connect with what the teachers were getting them to do and really having their sound improve was so exciting to me!

I was literally on the edge of my seat and waiting for the beautiful sound to come through. It put me in such a good mood that I haven't been able to stop smiling all evening. So, in conclusion, I just want to say that seeking after music that uplifts and is pleasing to the ear is something that will raise your spirit and make you happy, if you let it.

I have the tendancy to be so involved in the emotion behind the music that I feel so exposed when performing because I'm showing emotion that I normally wouldn't. Music is a release of those feelings and a safe place to let them show through the medium of another character. Music is an amazing thing and I'm so grateful that I'm in the program I am. Lastly, I want to close with a quote that Elder Dallin H. Oaks said in his conference talk, he said "the song of the righteous is a prayer unto the Lord". Think of that the next time you feel the urge to break into song.

Until next time,
-J

Onto new ground

I had a quiz in music history today that I was freaking out about and it turned out not to be that hard after all. People had said that Brian gives really hard quizzes, but this was fine! As long as you went to class and took notes, there was no way you could fail. All I did was re-read my notes this morning and I think I only got 2 questions wrong. Big relief.

As for my social life, I'm actually starting to spend time with people! Tonight I'm supposed to hang out with Lydia and Mike, maybe go mini-golfing and have some dinner. I also have a friend from work (she is one of the ones who quit, but we keep in touch) who wants to do an Anne of Green Gables marathon, since she got all the dvds for her birthday last week. Totally awesome.
I'm looking forward to the weekend because we have General Conference. It feels like it's been so long since I heard the prophet speak and I feel like there's something I need to hear. There always is, but this time is different. I'm really anticipating it and am excited. Anyway, that's all for now, I'll let you know if I find anything out during conference!

Until next time,
-J

The Next Installment

First off, I have been praying for a while about what it is I am supposed to do here, what direction I'm supposed to take, and all the answer I got was "you need to take an institute class". First off, none of the institute classes worked into my schedule, what with work and school, so I just shurgged it off. Then, I felt really strongly that I need to take institute.

So I thought to myself, how can I take institute unless I quit my job? How can I pay for school unless I keep my job? I fasted on Sunday specifically about what I should do about my money situation. I didn't get a specific answer but I decided to apply for an extension on my loan. In answer to my dilemma, less than a day later (this process usually takes 2 weeks) I got an e-mail from the bank approving my loan. So, in answer to my prayer, I got an extension on a loan so I don't have to work and can attend institute.

The only problem is that everyone else at work is quitting too. There are 4 other people that are quitting or have already quit. My manager even called me to day to make sure everything was going ok. I see that as the adversary trying to sway me from what I'm supposed to do. I'm trying really hard not to feel bad about quitting, so I made a compromise. I'll stay until the 11th. I'm going to drop off my resignation letter tonight and we'll see how Netty takes it. She yelled at the others who quit and threatened to blacklist them with all the other businesses in Lethbridge. If that doesn't say something about her (being the Nazi boss) I don't know what will. So you can see my reluctance in quitting. But I feel it's for the best and so off I go to hand in my resignation.

Wish me luck!
-J

Time Flies...

Well, time does fly, but in my case, it's because I've been so busy. I've had papers and assignments and practicing and work, I just don't know where this week has gone. I wish I could say that I have a break the rest of the day, but I have a workshop to go to in 45 minutes and then I'm off to work until midnight. *sigh*. At least I have all day tomorrow (or at least until 5pm) to get stuff done. Our house is a wreck right now, so I'm going to take a trip to the local recycling depot and get rid of all this cardboard and bottles that have been building up. How exciting. I also plan on sleeping in. Those are my major plans.

Sorry for the short update, but I need food before the masterclass.

Until next time,
-J

A Day of Rest

So, as I've mentioned in my last few posts, I got to go to the Cardston temple yesterday. It was my first time actually going inside of the temple and it was so beautiful. It's actually a bit smaller on the inside than Montreal, but it's a lot more colourful and has murals lining the walls in certain places. It's a lot more open than Montreal and there's not as many doors that close off places. The outside is gorgeous and I'm so glad I was able to go.

I got to meet quite a few people that were in my ward, since we all did the sessions together. Those of us going to the 1pm session, met at the church at 11:30 to carpool and go together. I had two people in my car. One was this really nice girl, Lisa, who was fresh off her mission, and is originally from Edmonton. She's living there now and is studying massage therapy. I thought that was really neat.

The other person with me, was Neil. He's pretty quiet so I didn't find out too much from him. I think he's studying at U of L also though. We hung out a little at the Stake centre where they had food for everyone participating in our Stake temple day. It's awesome to have a temple so close by that we can visit so often.

Today I went to my new ward for the second time. This part may sound corny, but in Relief Society, we have this thing where you can write someone an anonymous note and the presidency will deliver it to them and someone wrote me this:

It really cheered me up and made me realize that I already have a few new friends in the ward. I'm slowly learning people's names and I joined our ward choir today, so that will be a great opportunity to get to know more people. I'm also joining the Institute choir, which meets tonight for the first time. I'm really excited.

Today marks three weeks that I've been in Lethbridge. Has it really been that long? I can't believe it! Time has flown by and I already feel so comfortable here. I'm so grateful that things are going so well and that things in my life are finally starting to turn around and change for the better. I look forward to having more news to report to you all, but until then, keep smiling!

-J

Week 2

Well, week two of my university experience in Lethbridge is done. Hurrah!

Things have gone pretty smoothly, minus what I mentioned in my last post. I am not letting anything bring me down. Last night, work was so insanely busy that of the three of us working, none of us got a break, when Brody left and it was just me and Dustin, we were working our butts off to get everything done. Even with that, Dustin stayed an extra half hour after close to help me, and I stayed over an hour. I didn't get home until 1:30am, then I had to finish my theory homework for class this morning. At least I only had one class today.

After class I went to the FORUM for Institute class, and we had a guest speaker, brother Woodward, tell us about his personal experiences as a bush pilot. They were very interesting. He talked about times where he almost ran out of fuel and somehow managed to find a lake or river to land on. He also said he managed to land on a lake at night, which is not an easy thing to do. He said he owed it all to God for directing him when he needed help.

As for my plans for the weekend, I get to go to the temple tomorrow. I haven't been since July so it'll be nice to go again. I hope I can go more often now that I live nearer to it. It's only a 45 minute drive there. Tomorrow night I'm working again and then I have Sunday off. That's pretty much all the entertainment that's going on in my life right now.

-J

Lies and Deceptions

Hey guys,

for those of you on facebook, you might have noticed various status changes recently. I just found out that someone, who I thought was always honest and open with me, was really lying to me for a very very long time. I feel betrayed and disgusted with this person and I never want to see or talk to them again. I won't go into detail, because I won't sink to exposing dirty secrets about anyone. Even though that person would well deserve me to tell the whole world about what they did.

I don't want you guys to be worried about me. I am angry about it, but it's in the past and there's not much I can do about it other than stop my association with this person. Life in Lethbridge is still good, regardless. I'm actually going to the temple on Saturday, so that's something I really need right now. Don't worry about me, I'm just trying to work through this. Everything else here is going fine.

until next time,

-J

Music and History

Today, I got up early, did my homework assignment for theory class (which I actually felt good about), and went to theory class. I went to brass and percussion class, where I learned how to tongue properly on a brass instrument, that was intriguing. Then I had my voice lesson and it went really well. My teacher says that she loves the sound quality of my voice and we're already working hard to improve my pronounciations and technique. For the first time, I'm actually excited about singing classical music.

The only class I'm worried about and that I really don't enjoy is my music history class. It is so monotonous and I'm really not interested in history, so I find it difficult to listen attentively. Even when I do, I feel discouraged because the Prof talks to us like we're supposed to know all this terminology he's using and know of all the examples he's given us. It's a headache class, and I can't get motivated in it. Don't know what I'm going to do about that one.

As for the rest of the day, I'm relaxing this afternoon, maybe taking a nap, before I go to work tonight. I'm closing for the first time by myself, so hopefully I won't mess it up! That's all for now folks!

-J

Dinner at the Kyle's

So this afternoon, we had a dinner/lunch at the Kyle's place for all the Ottawa people that have migrated out to Lethbridge. There were 6 of us, plus the Kyles. We had an amazing meal with roast beef, potatoes, beets, broccoli, buns...it was really tasty. Probably the healthiest meal I've had since I got here.

We chatted about Ottawa and some of us had never met each other, but we had common friends that we told stories about and we shared all the Ottawa gossip and who was getting married, who got back from their missions etc. It was some really good conversation. It was the most at home I've felt so far. But I guess that's just the spirit that the Kyles invite into their home.

We also had stake conference this morning and it was huge! We had the stake centre full from the chapel, all the way to the back of the cultural hall. PLUS we had an overflow building at Jerry Potts where it was being broadcast from the stake centre. Talk about a huge stake! As for the rest of today, I just spent the last hour and a half looking up videos and pictures of the new Twilight movie. Productive, I know. Only 67 days left!! I actually can't wait.

I have oodles of homework and practicing left to do, so I'll get on with that.

Happy reading,
-J

Coulees and Pancakes

This morning I got up and went to the pancake breakfast the Lethbridge YSA had planned as part of WOW (welcome out week). The pancakes were pretty good. They served them with vanilla ice cream and some mixed berries. Quite a sugar high so early in the morning.

I then did some grocery shopping and actually had a conversation with John (my housemate). Our other two housemates are away for the weekend so it's been nice and quiet so far. Kalysha's at the Rookie Camp for new people to the university, and Mickey always goes home to Calgary for the weekends. John's actually pretty clean so I haven't had to clean up anyone else's messes today. It's been nice.

After that, I decided I'd go down and explore the coulees, since I haven't done that yet. Once I finally found the trail that headed down there, I drove my car around the far side of the bridge and parked. I walked a fair distance (probably about 2 kms both ways) so I was out for a while. While walking, I encountered this sign-->

Not exactly encouraging. Needless to say, I stayed on the trail until I passed that sign on the other side. After walking about a kilometer, I came across the portage route for people in boats to get past the small dam in the river. I found some big rocks and sat soaking in the sun for about a half hour. Just listening to the water and the wind and watching some people on the other side fishing. When I was sitting there, I tried to figure out how I was feeling. I wasn't sad, I wasn't melancholic, I wasn't afraid or excited. I couldn't quite put my finger on it until I was thinking about my past. I realized that the feeling I had was happiness mixed with anticipation. I feel very strongly that I have a mission to do here, something to accomplish, but I have no idea what. This feeling of anticipation is not one of impatience because I know that the Lord will bless me and guide me to that mission. I'm just waiting for Him to let me know when that time comes. In the mean time, I am feeling content, and happier than I have felt in what seems like years.

When I got back to my car, my ipod appropriately began playing "unanswered prayers" by Garth Brooks. I'm not a big country fan, but this song really hit me at this time. Particularly the chorus:

"Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers

Remember when your talkin to the man upstairs
That just because he may not answer doesn't mean he don't care

Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

If I had all the prayers in my past answered the way I wanted them to be, I wouldn't be where I am now, and I probably wouldn't be as happy as I am now. So on this day, I thank God for my unanswered prayers, and for the guidance and many blessings He has given me the past few months in particular.

For now, I wait.

-J

Weekend!!

I'm so excited for the weekend! I am officially done my first full week of classes and I survived! I thought I was doing badly in theory but I got my last assignment back and ot a 96% so that can't be a bad thing.



As for work, I'm bascially working for the Subway Nazi's. They are so strict and obsessive about everything! It drives me nuts, and I've only been working for 2 days. Hopefully I'll be closing soon so that'll be a step better because I don't have that much to do as a closer.


This weekend, I don't have much planned, but there's a pancake breakfast at the church tomorrow morning that I might go to. Save me a few bucks for breakfast. :) Students are always happy for any free food!


There's not much else to report at this time, but I just want to say to those who are actually reading this, I hope you enjoy my inane messages and things. Despite my complaining, I'm having a really great time here so no need to worry!


happy reading!
-J

A New Start

So, from reading the blogs of various friends of mine, I've felt inspired to start writing one of my own. I just want to make sure that every knows this is a casual blog and I'm only writing when I feel inclined to do so.

Well, as most of you know, I have moved out to Lethbridge, Alberta and have started school at the university of Lethbridge.













So far it's been a pretty smooth ride. I've managed to somehow make sense of an entirely different educational system and am doing ok for the time being. My new house is pretty nice. I'm living with 2 guys and a girl. They're names are Mickey, John, and Kalysha. So far no one's gotten on each other's nerves too much.


I started work yesterday and guess what? I'm working at Subway again! It's also run completely differently and it's really strict, so I'm not sure if I'm going to stay or not. I figure I'll ride it out until another, better job comes along...I hope.


I'm so sick of working there, but they were desperate for people and I'm desperate for money, so it all works out I guess.

I've only been to church once so far, but it seemed nice enough. I'd rather get a calling right away so that I'm forced to be thrown into it, but I don't know if that's going to happen. For now, I'm trying my best to get all my school work done and practice the 3 instruments I'm learning/improving on this semester.

I don't know if anyone's even going to read this, but it's fun for me to do. Enjoy!

-J