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Time for a Festive background! Happy December!!

I left my camera at my parents' house during Thanksgiving Break. So no pictures this time. I'll get it back soon though.

The guy that was supposed to buy my macbook bailed, so now I have no money. I am not friends with that guy. He is on my bad list. If anyone wants a macbook, let me know. You can have mine. :)

I got a letter from Sister Simmons. She's doing great! I also found her mission blog if you are interested in checking up on her. She comes back in February, if she lets them which is not likely.

Yesterday, was the best. I went snowshoeing up Green Canyon AND sledding on Old Main hill AND had some nutella toast. It was a great way to celebrate the snow.

I've registered for classes for next semester. I'm taking language science, speech & hearing & language development, acoustics of the ear, and a few other classes related to communicative disorders. I'm also taking rock climbing for fun :) It's going to be a fun semester (even if it does start at 7:30 am).

Well, that's it for now. Catch up with you later!!

my fantabulous weekend

I spent Friday night with my new life long buddy, Ashley. We went a Special Needs Dance and danced the night away. There were guys in jeans, and girls in ball gowns (even one wedding dress). It was a blast!

On Saturday morning I competed in the USU Dodgeball competition - very random I know. We didn't make it to far in the competition, but that's totally fine. It was to support the Special Olympics, which I really want to help out with now.

After that I got a tour of Logan City. I went to Great Harvest and had a yummy sandwich, then to Global Village and the hippie store, Earth Awakenings (pretty sure they were selling a few illegal things, if you catch my drift). I went to Gossner's too. They have flavored milk! I had orange creme milk (tasted like a creamsicle) and rootbeer milk (tasted just like the frothy part of a rootbeer float). It was incredible! I had some very squeaky cheese as well.

Now for the funny of the weekend:

After Gossner's, I went to a place called "All About Socks" If a store that only sells socks isn't funny enough for you, just wait. While I was there, I found a pair of socks that had beer mugs on them. Absolutely hilarious, right? My friend bought the socks and I hope he cherishes them for his whole life. I found an amazing pair of "socks". They were $1.00. They are rainbow-striped. I was soo excited to put them on when I got home. To my horror, I discovered that these socks were actually tights for two year olds. Never fear! I turned them into socks! Here is the finished product!

Life Happenings

Logan has transformed me into a new person. I like the new person too. It's the person that I've been all along that couldn't find a way out until now. I really feel like I'm blossoming. I'm more motivated, more uplifting, and more confident.

I don't know if Logan is the real reason, although I do think it has a lot to do with it. Change is so healthy and my "transformation" is proof of that.

Here's what's new:

1) I have been admitted into the Communicative Disorders program. Only 1.5 years left till I get my Bachelor's Degree - if all goes well.
Totally scratch English Major. This is a much better program for me. I've been thinking about becoming a SLP for years and years now. I don't know why it took me so long to actually commit to it.

2) I cut my hair. I have cute straight-across bangs now. I'm a pretty spontaneous person, but I'm especially spontaneous when it comes to haircuts. It's very therapeutic for me.

3) I'm really getting into cooking. As a college student, I usually survive off of tuna sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. I'm being better to my body now. :) I made sour cream enchiladas a few weeks ago, and lived off it for a week. I made Shepard's pie this week and still have half a casserole left. It's been a lot of fun so far.

My Fall Break was incredible.

I spent one day in Park City with my family. We visited the 1884 Cemetary in the area - one of the most peaceful places I have ever been. We walked up and down Main Street and visited the Kimball Art Center. I love that museum. It's always got the greatest exhibitions.



I got to see Casey and Jalise and AJ all in one night while we ate pizookie.
It's a cookie pizza with ice cream on top.



I even went horseback riding with Chase. My first time in about 10 years. Once I got bit by a horse and I had a childhood grudge towards them since then. It was so nice to be on the top of the mountain looking down at the fall leaves. Amazing weekend.

Want to graduate?

Wowowowow.

Life is good, right? I think I've chosen my major. English Teaching with a minor in ESL and secondary education certification. . . To do all of this - it's 110 credits. And this doesn't include my desire for a second Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders. Woe is me!! I'm going to be in college forever!!

P.S. What do you think of the new layout?

Lisday K isms.

Here are some things that I say, all the time:

"Sucker Punch!"

"Legit."

"Epic."

"Roundhouse kick to the face!"

"You're so _____ I just want to pinch your cheeks!"

"Toe Touch!"

"Beer."

"Yeeeesssh"

Day 1

Today was my first full day in Logan. I love it up here. I have a great apartment and awesome roommates.

I haven't been able to do any hikes or anything yet. I've been spending my time getting my room organized. It's all done now. My goal is to keep it that way. No doors on the closets so I can't do my traditional stuff-it-in-the-closet-no-one-will-ever-be-able-to-tell-the-difference routine.

6 YSA stakes were completely changed today. Boundaries, bishoprics, and everything. Haven't really had set meetings yet because of all the changes, but I'm very excited for next Sunday. Our bishop seems very chipper, like Santa Claus with no beard.

I start school tomorrow. I will officially be an Aggie. Wow... It's so great! I'll start the day with Institute (It's better than breakfast), then head over to Communication Disorders, and end the day with Parks and Recreation.

Major? Oh... Do I really have to decide? Now, I am thinking English Teaching with a minor in ESL. I like that plan, so I may actually be double majoring - English Teaching and Social Work/Child Development.

But who knows? I sure don't.

LOVES!

Photos

Check out my photos. I've developed a new love of photography and have been taking a lot of fun pictures and what not. I'm hoping to gain some (I spelled sum the first time I wrote this :P) mad photography skills with practice. I hope you like them!!

Especially for Counselors

EFY is over. . . now it's time for EFC.

I'm heading to California in the morning with approximately 60 counselors. We'll chill at the beach, then go crazy at Disneyland for 3 days. That is the plan... and it is epic. :)

EFY / life joyz

Only one week of EFY left. It's crazy how fast it goes by! Week 2 in Logan, my groups name was "Greatest of All" with Janey and Jay as co counselors , week 3 we were "Heirs of the Kingdom" with Devin (and Jon for a day) and Amy. I've had 14-15 year olds every week, and it's been the bomb.com!

One another note, my eyes have been bloodshot and irritated for about two weeks now. Pink eye? nope. Lack of sleep? very likely. Allergies? possible. Honestly, who knows? Whoever does, should tell me, so that I can make my eyes a normal color again. :)

I believe in Silly Bandz. They may be better than pogs. I've been handing them out like candy at EFY. I personally own a stingray named Stefan, a whale named Wilson, and a Brontosaurus named Bingley.

Remember how my car (whose name is Aciteritak / Van Gogh) broke down in California because it didn't have any transmission fluid? Did you know there was such a thing as transmission fluid? I sure did not. We were able to get it back to Utah, but I don't know how much longer it will last. Hopefully longer, I guess we will see.

I am going to Disneyland in 20 days! Hurrah! I'm going with approximately 60 EFY counselors and I know it is going to be a blast. I can hardly wait to go. I'm excited for the family trip to Glacier which is in 9 days. This has been such an awesome summer, and there is no better way to close it than two incredible trips with lots of incredible people.

Luvs!

Free Will

Last week in Provo. Co-counselor is the one the only... Jared. My goal this week to develop a strong friendship with my co. Check. Jared and I have been buddies for about a year now. It was a blast.

10 girls, 10 guys, ages 14-15 = tons of fun. We had a crazy fun week. Now it's time for one week off and then I'm heading to Logan!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT! Good ol' Logan. :) My "home sweet home"

Mine Own Voice

3rd week this year, 24 youth, and Petey (whose name is actually Jeff but he looks so much like a Petey) as a co-counselor.

Great group with a lot of CRAZY energy and inside jokes. I love it. We were really able to unify. What an incredible group! Is there a better job than that of an EFY Counselor?? I submit that there is not!

Reward Thee Accordingly

Second week: complete

My first Provo week ever with Kori and the amazing Molly. We made a good team and we had 26 incredible kids.

We won first place in banner and were in the top 4 for our cheer. More importantly, we learned that we are sons and daughters of God and how important it is to know that. Don't ever forget it girls!! You are daughters of God. True princesses.

Joy in the Soul

EFY. Logan 01.

(clap repeatedly for extended amount of time) E F Y!

"The time has come," the Counselor said,
"To talk of many things:

Of God--and love --and modesty--
Of commandments -- and rings--
And why the world is boiling hot--
And whether angels have wings. . ."

It is that blessed time of year. Especially for Youth time.

I'm in Logan this week working with Sarah and Gabe. Pretty much the best co-counselors thusfar. It's been a blast. Our group (Joy in the Soul) is top notch. Great kids with great comments and even better hearts. It's a blast!!

PS. We won 3rd place in our banner competition, and 1st place in our cheer, which was based off of Potter Puppet Pals. It was a hit!

Take it Back

Hmm... So my friend is awesome. He installed a windows account on my mac. So I take back my last post.

PS. Today is my last day at BlueHost. Farewell awesome Job! I will miss your paychecks! (And Kira) I'm heading to Logan tomorrow for EFY. Two things I love very very much. Logan and EFY.

YAY!

Goodbye [iPhoto], Goodbye [Dashboard], Goodbye [MacBook]

I am saying Goodbye Mac, and Hello Microsoft!

I'm selling my MacBook this week. Kinda bitter, mostly sweet. I'm looking for a new PC though, any suggestions would be great! What kind of computer do you like best?

E F Y!

I am now doing 7 weeks of EFY. 4 in Logan (woot woot) and for 3 at BYU. I am soooo excited to get started!

That means that I quit my current job in 10 days. 1 more monday! It's so unbelievable.

Say Cheese!

I have bought a new camera. Yay!! It's a Canon SD1400 IS (That's right... It's a Canon). I haven't stopped taking pictures the whole three days that I've had it. You gotta hear what I can do with this little (3.6" W x 2.2" H x 0.7" D) toy!

I can highlight just one color, I can swap one color with a different one, I can make things really bright colors, I do all sorts of things (I would totally upload pictures for you, but the computer is being difficult).

I've had bad luck with cameras. My first one started turning people purple (yeah...it was weird), my second one was stolen, and my third one was lost on USU campus - maybe I'll find it in the fall... Fourth camera: please be good to me. You were expensive.

Big Changes

So, especially for a young, single, college student - the only thing constant is change. One second you are dating someone, the next you are in China, or a youth counselor. You are living on your own, you're living at home, you are working, you're on Institute Council, you are engaged, you are considering a mission. . . Life is flat out crazy.

Ok... So what I'm saying is... I'm not going to be in Utah County this coming fall. I am moving to Logan to attend Utah State University. I am so excited, but at the same time kinda sad.

I'm giving up that awesome apartment with Ale which I already miss, but I'm going to be exploring all sorts of different majors that weren't an option until now. YAY! I'm soooo excited!

Come visit me, if you can!

Associates Degree

I just finished my last final presentation. The only thing keeping me from my associates degree is one more test. Too bad it's the final for Math 1050. I must pass... and I will.
I'm moving home in one week for the summertime. I'm going to be an EFY Counselor again and I am super duper excited. YAY EFY!

Hear All! Hear All!

I have an announcement to make...(ahem)

I got 90% on my math test.


Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Keeping Ya Posted

I volunteer at a crisis nursery center for my social work class. Don't be scared by the word "crisis". I've been volunteering for a little over a month, and we've never had a crisis case. It's just a safe environment for kids that are going through the foster care system or family tragedies. It's a lot of fun. I absolutely love it.
This last week, I was watching this little boy play with a dollhouse. There was an elevator that moved up and down with a touch of the button. You could tell he was deciphering it with his little boy mind. I went up to him and asked, "How does that work?" He turned to me and very seriously said, "Because I said so."
It made me laugh out loud. He heard that answer a lot, I guess.

This week for iTV, AJ and I had this very detailed plan. It involved our President, Derick reading a book entitled "How to be a Superhero in 5 easy steps" and proceeding to do those five easy steps. They were:
1. Choose Name - He chose Mr. Power.
2. Find Costume - He wore two capes (thanks Kristi!). One was blue and long, the other was small and red with a mask too small for his head. Also a shirt with Mario on it that said "Power Up!".
3. Destroy Arch Nemesis - This one is my favorite. We had a girl tied to a pillar with rope, struggling to get free. Mr. Power had a guy in a black mask, my incredible friend Casey, in a headlock.
4. Rescue Pretty Girl - he untied her from the pillar and she loved him. Then he raised his arm in a nice, strong power-to-the-people pose.
And... to tie this all into Institute:
5. Go to the Dance

It was so much. I hope it's funny. I think I may have got way to caught up in my own weird sense of humor. Haha. Oh well! I know I will really like it!

Alejandra and I found a place to live. I can't tell you how excited I am to move in.... I'm very excited! It's a really nice condo and we have our own tree! YAY for foliage!

Anything else?? Yeah... I found the best career ever. That's right. I have...made...a....final... decision???? ugh..... maybe.
A Child Life Specialist seems right down my alley. Let me know what you think.


Lots of Love! - Linz

Update...

1. Apartment Anxiety
Alejandra and I are trying to find a nice place to live for the next school year. We are having a really really hard time. :P In the past years, I was focused more on price or location. Now I would really like to find someplace that just feels like a home. A place I can do a bit of decorating and cooking and piano-playing. After looking at a bunch of different places, I think a condo will be the best option. There are TONS of condos though.... Which one? Which one?? Our goal is to have one picked out by the end of this week. Wish us luck!



2. Lost
Here is my spiel about this TV show. I have watched every episode of every season. I love the characters, except for Ben of course. Here's the thing though: We are in the 6th season now, and pretty much what would have been a shock is not a shock anymore. I don't think anything can happen to the storyline to shock me anymore. I've given up on trying to understand it, yet I always watch it. It's like an addiction. I'm lost (haha) as to why I can't turn off the TV and walk away. I feel my brain cell's shrinking and my face shriveling into a look of pure confusion and there is nothing I can do to stop because I'm hoping one day it will all make sense.





3. Kinda annoying...
And my soap box moment of the week.... Car flyers. I feel like I should get a No Solicitor Sign for my car. Flyers about parties, about doing summer sales, about classes for school. And I don't usually notice them until I'm cruising down the street and a paper is trying to break free from my windshield wiper which cannot be fixed by turning on the wipers bytheway.

One reason that I love China.

Jay Chou. Beautiful face, great singer.
I have been listening to him all day today. Here is a link to one of his best songs, with English lyrics. ENJOY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E0HKGFoBFs

Best Compliment

I had such a great day this last Friday. It was absolutely incredible! Let me extrapolate:
I woke up on time, which is always a good way to start the day. Class was great and what not. I understood Math, which also added to my happiness level.
Then I went to institute and got a pretty good seat for the devotional. We had a guest speaker... Elder L. Tom Perry! I got to wear an earpiece to make sure the recording was going well. With my awesome white trench-ish coat, I looked like Security and felt awesome. After a very spiritual devotional, I went to a luncheon with my Institute Council pals and Elder Perry. We had Lionhouse rolls, and Chicken Cordon Bleu (hmmmm) and the biggest eclair I have ever seen in my life. It was delicious!
Elder Perry then said a few words to the council, including one of the best compliments I have ever received. While speaking about enrollment, he turned to me and said, "Look at this beautiful sister. No one can say no to her!" I blushed and smiled. He then said, "Look at that smile. No one can resist you." I was so touched!
An Apostle of the Lord thinks that I am a catch! I didn't get to shake his hand, but I did receive a wonderful compliment, and needed lesson too that I would take any day. :D

♪School's back for the spring!♪

The New Semester has started!
I changed my major and my classes three days before classes officially started. I am now a Behavioral Science Major with an emphasis in Family Studies (which may switch to Social Work in the near future).
I'm taking Sociology of the Family, and Intro to Social Work and I'm hoping to pick my emphasis by the end of this semester. I'll keep you all updated, do not fear! I'm also taking Editing (which was part of my English major, but it sounded like so much fun so I'm going to take it anyway) and Math (Blehghehghegheegehge. I hate Math). I'm also taking two Institute classes, Repentance and Forgiveness and Missionary Preparation. I've met all of my teachers, except the one for Social Work, and I'm really excited about it. I think it will go splendidly.
I've started up Institute Council again. We've already filmed our first video announcement and I think it'll turn out great. WAHOO! GO INSTITUTE COUNCIL!!