Occasionally, I tell Tommy he should surprise me more. I like surprises. Actually, I love them! I don't understand why some people don't. (I secretly think it's good for them, and to let go of the control.) I love surprising others, and getting surprises. The excitement, the smile, the reaction, the aura of the atmosphere- I love it all!
I have noticed smaller things lately where Tommy has really been trying harder to do this, and contribute to my overall happiness and our relationship. Last week, when he had a break between semesters, he surprised me by coming to meet me after work. (That actually turned out not-so-great for my sister, but that's a completely different story, poor girl.)
Usually I call Tommy at lunchtime. I honestly sometimes don't even know what to talk about sometimes, but I just want to feel connected to him and hear his voice and see how everything is going. I just like talking to him, even if I have nothing in particular I want to say. It's because I love him. On Friday, I called him, and we were talking, and he said,
"Hey, did you ever purchase tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters?" (He knew I had seen something about it online.)
"No, I didn't."
"Good, because I just bought tickets for Monday night at 7:00. They were kind of expensive, actually. They were $28 each..." (Originally I thought he said $48 each, but I'm glad to know that was not the case, although I assured him that it was worth it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.)
The conversation continued, but I told you the most important part about it. I was so happy that he got them, and also that he did something to surprise me! I didn't have much else to say besides "That's so exciting!/I'm so excited!" and "Thank you!"
Later on, I was talking to him about it, asking what prompted to buy them. He said a few things, and I said that I thought he wanted to surprise me. He said, "Yeah, that's a another big one, actually." I told him that I was surprised, because usually he doesn't like spending a lot of money. He responded by telling me that he actually sat there for 30 minutes trying to decide whether or not to get them. That both cracks me up that it was that difficult for him, and also makes me so happy that he was willing to do something that big to surprise me. (I know that $28 isn't really too much money, but usually our dates cost a little bit less than that (unless he's in the mood to "have a really good meal"), so it was a splurge for him, plus we are trying pretty hard to save money.) And I just found out that he could have saved some money from it, but that's okay. It puts a smile on my face to know that he did that, and of course I told him thank you for doing that to surprise me (positive reinforcement, folks!) and I really am thankful.
I'm happy that I have this cute and adorable and also awesome Chinese guy in my life. I am so grateful that he is making such an effort to make me happy. He always likes to quote, "Happy wife, happy life" and he's really starting to live that.
Okay, now can I divert this and bring up the point that we're going to see the HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS?!?!?!?!? And now you can vote on a rule that you want them to add to the game. Folks, I am so excited. I am living my mom's dream. She has always wanted to see one of their games. I think I shall be exploding her phone with photos and videos so she can see it! (Unless they don't allow photography...) Too bad facetime wouldn't work very well for that. Anyway, EXCITED. :) I just really really wish my mom could be here. She would be so thrilled!
Showing posts with label BYU-Hawaii. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BYU-Hawaii. Show all posts
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Life, Creepy Crawlies, Cars, Easter
(Okay, I know this post is really random. That's how my brain works. And I had a lot of catching-up to do, so I did it in one post.)
This past week, Tommy has had school off. It's been really nice, even though I had work. We got to do a lot together after I finished work. He starts school again tomorrow.
I have 6 more weeks of teaching left of the school year. (This means only 5 more weeks of planning! WOOHOO!)
He has 7 weeks of Summer A (the summer semester is cut in half with a 5 week break in the middle).
Plus 2 more weeks of an extra SAP class his professor voluntarily teaches (I think unpaid) to help students get SAP certified. 2 weeks of 8 AM to 8 PM.
9 weeks of school. Hard weeks. Busy weeks. Crazy weeks.
I'm so scared. When he's in school and super busy, life is more than just a little hard for the both of us. At least he got a week to relax to the max.
The next week, we head to Hong Kong for just under 2 weeks. I'm really excited to go.
Tommy got his extension approved the 2nd time around, thanks to help from many faculty and professors on campus. (He started school before the 9 semester rule, so he's in that middle group who was applied the rule, but sometimes have a hard time finishing.) He is double majoring, which isn't grounds for staying another semester, so basically he had to talk about why those classes would help him in his future career. We are just really grateful his appeal (actually, re-appeal) was accepted, and he can graduate in December.
A few minutes ago, I saw something out of the corner of my eye. At first, I thought it was a cockroach. But as I stared at this creature that seems to somehow blend in with the carpet (perhaps the texture), I realized it's a spider. I do not know what kind, but perhaps it's the one that laid egg sacs on our ceiling. I have been staring at it. And it just moved again. I don't usually mind spiders, but this one seems a little creepy to me.
...
Okay, that was an ugly one. After I checked out what it was (and it was bigger than I thought), it crawled away, and across the door. So I opened the door up in attempt to help it go outside. It crawled around and ended up on the cement by the door. So I then opened up the screen, and out it went. I think it did not exactly want to be around me, either. Good bye, spider. I'm glad I did not kill you and that you are outside where you belong. Please don't go into someone else's house, or back into mine. Some people aren't as nice to me.
Speaking of these things, there was a grasshopper head in my dim sum yesterday. I cut it in half to share with Tommy. When I picked up my portion, there was something that fell out. I ate my dim sum, while staring at this thing. I couldn't help but think it looked like a grasshopper head, but that it was probably part of the veggies inside. I really wasn't sure. I picked it up to show Tommy, and then it shot out of my chopsticks and landed by his plate. Then he picked it up and I told him what it reminded me of. He looked at it, and said it was. Frankie and Felicia, who are from Malaysia, were with us, and said it happens quite often there. That was a first for Tommy, who has only seen it in movies/TV shows. It was also a first for me. He called over the waiter and told them. They crossed that off of our bill and also gave us free egg tarts.
I had eaten that piece, and I don't think the body was inside, but it's still a little gross to think that the head was touching stuff that I ate. I tried to tell myself that it was okay since I once voluntarily ate a mealworm in a Bio Lab class in Idaho. (It was fried, salted, and for extra credit. So I did it.) But I think they are a little different. And also, I did it voluntarily, for something.
In my last post, I talked about not going anywhere for Christmas. My dad had a bunch of extra sky miles that he ended up using for plane tickets for us. (I think both of my parents really wanted us there.) It was fun, and I can't believe it's already Easter! I love Easter. I love what it represents and reminds us of. Anyway, 4 months have passed already. January...February...March...and now April is closer to being finished than it is to beginning.
Stacy left on Wednesday morning. She's transferring to Provo. I don't know who I am going to play with this summer. It makes me a little sad she's gone. In some ways it's good, but in a lot of ways, it's just sad. I'm happy for her, though. Getting her to the airport was crazy. She had a ride, but then that person's car broke down and couldn't take her. Tommy came to town that day to get his computer looked at and met up with me after work. We went to Wal-Mart, and then we went to a movie. We BARELY missed the bus after our movie, I think. So we had to wait a really long time and we got home at 10:00 PM. Stacy still had no ride. But a little while later, our neighbor came and offered to let us borrow their car since he had to work. I had to be to work, and Tommy didn't feel comfortable driving, so he went along in the car, but got someone else to drive her. (I rode the bus, because I felt uncomfortable with the possibility of traffic and being late. Especially since we were taking a field trip that day to the Bishop Museum.) I also felt bad, because Stacy had been locked out of our apartment, with no phone, after having gone to the beach. She called me during the movie from a friend's phone, and I didn't answer, but the second time, I knew what had happened, I left, and I called her back. I ended up calling an RA to come open the door. Everything turned out okay, but that poor girl had a hard day and a run for her money.
This story illustrates why I would like to get a car now, because I am tired of these kinds of things happening. Also, I want Tommy especially (but also me) to enjoy the island before we have to go. I don't know when he's going to start grad school, but he's not applying to UH because he cannot get a scholarship there, so it costs too much money. I'm a little sad about that. It's really hard to think about leaving. So I want to make the most of the rest of the time we have, and the bus doesn't go everywhere, and takes a lot of time.
Well, I think I hit the bulk of it. Today, we ended up joining another ward for Sacrament Meeting because the building where we meet was having its floors redone. It was a last minute notice, so we only had Sacrament Meeting, and then went home (the other ward continued everything, but we would have been too much for them to handle). It was funny, because I was supposed to play the piano for Sacrament today, and teach a lesson in Relief Society. I didn't end up needing to do either. I tried to not get annoyed about it, since I had put in a lot of extra preparation, which could have been used for other things. So I prayed that I wouldn't have a bad attitude about it. I ended up telling myself that it was okay because I learned more than I would have had I known I didn't need to do either. This is true. So then I was okay. (Especially since I need more piano practice, and playing the piano today would have been slightly stressful, because it always is. I don't really like playing while people sing- it is a difficult thing to do.)
Happy Easter! I am so grateful that Jesus Christ descended below all so that he could ascend above all, and allow us to be with Him if we follow and obey Him. Just think of the lowest place you've ever been in your life- the darkest. He experienced that, and everything else from everyone. He knows every single person's feelings, as well as the pain from sin. That blows my mind, how much He must have truly hurt (because I think that really helps put it into perspective). He knows. He still followed Father's commandments, and did not "remove the bitter cup." And then He literally rose 3 days later, and broke the bands of death. I am so thankful. And so filled with love toward Him. I'm thankful for everything He did. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I feel so joyful and honored to call Him my Brother, for He is! And He lives!
This past week, Tommy has had school off. It's been really nice, even though I had work. We got to do a lot together after I finished work. He starts school again tomorrow.
I have 6 more weeks of teaching left of the school year. (This means only 5 more weeks of planning! WOOHOO!)
He has 7 weeks of Summer A (the summer semester is cut in half with a 5 week break in the middle).
Plus 2 more weeks of an extra SAP class his professor voluntarily teaches (I think unpaid) to help students get SAP certified. 2 weeks of 8 AM to 8 PM.
9 weeks of school. Hard weeks. Busy weeks. Crazy weeks.
I'm so scared. When he's in school and super busy, life is more than just a little hard for the both of us. At least he got a week to relax to the max.
The next week, we head to Hong Kong for just under 2 weeks. I'm really excited to go.
Tommy got his extension approved the 2nd time around, thanks to help from many faculty and professors on campus. (He started school before the 9 semester rule, so he's in that middle group who was applied the rule, but sometimes have a hard time finishing.) He is double majoring, which isn't grounds for staying another semester, so basically he had to talk about why those classes would help him in his future career. We are just really grateful his appeal (actually, re-appeal) was accepted, and he can graduate in December.
A few minutes ago, I saw something out of the corner of my eye. At first, I thought it was a cockroach. But as I stared at this creature that seems to somehow blend in with the carpet (perhaps the texture), I realized it's a spider. I do not know what kind, but perhaps it's the one that laid egg sacs on our ceiling. I have been staring at it. And it just moved again. I don't usually mind spiders, but this one seems a little creepy to me.
...
Okay, that was an ugly one. After I checked out what it was (and it was bigger than I thought), it crawled away, and across the door. So I opened the door up in attempt to help it go outside. It crawled around and ended up on the cement by the door. So I then opened up the screen, and out it went. I think it did not exactly want to be around me, either. Good bye, spider. I'm glad I did not kill you and that you are outside where you belong. Please don't go into someone else's house, or back into mine. Some people aren't as nice to me.
Speaking of these things, there was a grasshopper head in my dim sum yesterday. I cut it in half to share with Tommy. When I picked up my portion, there was something that fell out. I ate my dim sum, while staring at this thing. I couldn't help but think it looked like a grasshopper head, but that it was probably part of the veggies inside. I really wasn't sure. I picked it up to show Tommy, and then it shot out of my chopsticks and landed by his plate. Then he picked it up and I told him what it reminded me of. He looked at it, and said it was. Frankie and Felicia, who are from Malaysia, were with us, and said it happens quite often there. That was a first for Tommy, who has only seen it in movies/TV shows. It was also a first for me. He called over the waiter and told them. They crossed that off of our bill and also gave us free egg tarts.
I had eaten that piece, and I don't think the body was inside, but it's still a little gross to think that the head was touching stuff that I ate. I tried to tell myself that it was okay since I once voluntarily ate a mealworm in a Bio Lab class in Idaho. (It was fried, salted, and for extra credit. So I did it.) But I think they are a little different. And also, I did it voluntarily, for something.
In my last post, I talked about not going anywhere for Christmas. My dad had a bunch of extra sky miles that he ended up using for plane tickets for us. (I think both of my parents really wanted us there.) It was fun, and I can't believe it's already Easter! I love Easter. I love what it represents and reminds us of. Anyway, 4 months have passed already. January...February...March...and now April is closer to being finished than it is to beginning.
Stacy left on Wednesday morning. She's transferring to Provo. I don't know who I am going to play with this summer. It makes me a little sad she's gone. In some ways it's good, but in a lot of ways, it's just sad. I'm happy for her, though. Getting her to the airport was crazy. She had a ride, but then that person's car broke down and couldn't take her. Tommy came to town that day to get his computer looked at and met up with me after work. We went to Wal-Mart, and then we went to a movie. We BARELY missed the bus after our movie, I think. So we had to wait a really long time and we got home at 10:00 PM. Stacy still had no ride. But a little while later, our neighbor came and offered to let us borrow their car since he had to work. I had to be to work, and Tommy didn't feel comfortable driving, so he went along in the car, but got someone else to drive her. (I rode the bus, because I felt uncomfortable with the possibility of traffic and being late. Especially since we were taking a field trip that day to the Bishop Museum.) I also felt bad, because Stacy had been locked out of our apartment, with no phone, after having gone to the beach. She called me during the movie from a friend's phone, and I didn't answer, but the second time, I knew what had happened, I left, and I called her back. I ended up calling an RA to come open the door. Everything turned out okay, but that poor girl had a hard day and a run for her money.
This story illustrates why I would like to get a car now, because I am tired of these kinds of things happening. Also, I want Tommy especially (but also me) to enjoy the island before we have to go. I don't know when he's going to start grad school, but he's not applying to UH because he cannot get a scholarship there, so it costs too much money. I'm a little sad about that. It's really hard to think about leaving. So I want to make the most of the rest of the time we have, and the bus doesn't go everywhere, and takes a lot of time.
Well, I think I hit the bulk of it. Today, we ended up joining another ward for Sacrament Meeting because the building where we meet was having its floors redone. It was a last minute notice, so we only had Sacrament Meeting, and then went home (the other ward continued everything, but we would have been too much for them to handle). It was funny, because I was supposed to play the piano for Sacrament today, and teach a lesson in Relief Society. I didn't end up needing to do either. I tried to not get annoyed about it, since I had put in a lot of extra preparation, which could have been used for other things. So I prayed that I wouldn't have a bad attitude about it. I ended up telling myself that it was okay because I learned more than I would have had I known I didn't need to do either. This is true. So then I was okay. (Especially since I need more piano practice, and playing the piano today would have been slightly stressful, because it always is. I don't really like playing while people sing- it is a difficult thing to do.)
Happy Easter! I am so grateful that Jesus Christ descended below all so that he could ascend above all, and allow us to be with Him if we follow and obey Him. Just think of the lowest place you've ever been in your life- the darkest. He experienced that, and everything else from everyone. He knows every single person's feelings, as well as the pain from sin. That blows my mind, how much He must have truly hurt (because I think that really helps put it into perspective). He knows. He still followed Father's commandments, and did not "remove the bitter cup." And then He literally rose 3 days later, and broke the bands of death. I am so thankful. And so filled with love toward Him. I'm thankful for everything He did. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I feel so joyful and honored to call Him my Brother, for He is! And He lives!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Excitement
The life of a university student isn't always the most exciting thing in the world, which is why I've spared so many people from updating my blog as of late. (Okay, that is only partially true.)
But, for example, today I spent 4 1/2 hours in the library studying for and taking two online quizzes. That is not exciting at all. However, amongst learning many new academic things, I also learned why the library here is so cold. (No matter how hot you feel when you go in, if you stay in the library for more than one hour, you need a jacket...and possibly some gloves.)
Because I spent a good part of my day in the library, I went to the bathroom (twice, if you were wondering). On the doors inside of the stalls, they have library newsletters. (I guess they're so that you don't get bored while you're there...and so that you can learn more...) I noticed that it explained why the library is so cold: Hawaii is naturally a bad environment for books, due to the humidity and large amount of bugs. Bugs like to eat paper (did not know that), and humidity can damage the books as well. Keeping the library BELOW 70 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT (21 CELSIUS) helps ward off bugs and humidity. (I always wondered how cold it was in there, exactly...)
Last time I read the newsletter, I found out that George Washington Carver didn't actually invent peanut butter. Ironically, I read this AFTER I wrote a story for my science class about the very man, and the fact that he invented peanut butter. (Now, I don't know what to believe. I have an inclination that the library newsletter is correct...for the sole reason that it is the library newsletter.)
This week, my mom had an interview for a 1/2 time music teaching position. The same day, they phoned to let her know that she got the job! Boeing also let my dad know that he could start work again on light duty. (He's been away on medical leave for about a year.) Needless to say, our family has been VERY blessed this week, and answers to our long-time prayers have come. I think my parents are beginning to see a little bit more light again. (It's been a long time.) To top it off, I was studying my scriptures in Mosiah today, and I came across this verse: "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith." (Mosiah 23:21.) I immediately thought of that situation, and how much my parents' patience and faith has been tried. I'm pretty sure the Lord is pleased with the way they've worked through all the troubles they've had.
And more exciting news: Monday is the last day of class for one class, and Wednesday for the other. (No Thursday or Friday finals!!!) Which means I finish everything BEFORE I pick up John from the airport! YES! I'm so excited that my brother is going to be here with me. It's awesome to have family around. (Matthew visited in July, which was also fun.) This also means no more Sunday Skype with John. Considering the fact that in mid-September my church time moves from 9 AM to 8 AM, I'm not sure what I'll do with my time! (I may just have to buy my parents a webcam. Or Skype other friends. Or "hangout" on Google Plus, which is pretty cool.)
That's all for now, folks!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
School
SCHOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL! It's still going. Spring Term. Lovely... Short. Fast. Long Classes. Lots of homework. Lots of rain this week...................................................................................................................
That's all. :)
But, I like school.
P.S. Cockroaches are scared of the dark. ;)
P.P.S. I had to run home from church today...through puddles. 3 girls, 1 umbrella. The puddles were so deep...and my skirt was SOAKED wet all the way up to my mid-thigh!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Stats
Did you know
that you can check who is viewing your blog? (As in where in the world.)
Weird.
Just click Stats. Thanks to my lovely awesome BYUH friend for showing me this. So, if you're looking at this in Japan, I'm going to know. hahahahahhaha!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Homework
Hello,
My name is student and I'm trying not to drown in homework. Homework is a substance more solid than water, but less effective at killing you. You know "The Princess Bride?" Well, there's a quote on it...."To the pain!" That, my friends, is what homework is all about.
Haha. Just kidding. Homework's not that bad...it's the deadlines that you have to watch out for.
I'm so tired, too! Man, at least I'm at school in a warm place! (I actually really like this semester...it's just really busy.) And, I got a raise! Woot! (P.S. I like BYUH soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much more than Idaho. That's all. It's just the perfect place for me.)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
10 days
"10 Days until departure." That's what the Delta message told me when I logged on. Holy cow. That's coming soon and came fast!
11 days until grocery shopping again. Hopefully I'll get some shave ice that day, too.
0 days until my 4 sisters start school. (They started today. I wish they would have kept the tradition and started next Wednesday, after Labor Day.)
7 more days of work. Including today. Maybe I'll get out early some of these nights. Hopefully it's not as busy as they think it will be. And then I'm finally throwing my 3 year old ragged shirt with mouth sleeves AWAY. It's ragged and stained, let's leave it at that.
1 more Sunday. Of being the assistant primary chorister and singing with those nursery kids. Makes me kind of sad. They sure are cute.
7+ days until I find out my writing results for my Praxis test. (Praxis test was taken for my admission into the School of Education in Hawaii. It's for pre-teachers.) I passed math and reading. (Hopefully writing, too. I think I did, but we'll find out!)
3 days of packing. Planned for after I'm finished with work.
2 days with John! He'll be home on the night of the 8th. I'm leaving the evening of the 10th.
4 more stamps. For my letters that I write to missionaries. I need to buy more stamps, and write more, too. Okay, that isn't really a count-down, but I was remembering I need to write letters.
15 more days until school starts. That's 2 weeks and one day, folks. Pretty crazy.
I can't think of anymore numbers.
I'm going to miss Rexburg a lot. That's a very....special...place. Nah, I love it. But I know I'll love Hawaii, too. So I'm not too concerned.
I do wish, however, that my mom could come with me. I know how much she wants to. And I think it'd be fun to have her there for the first few days. She's pretty cool.
11 days until grocery shopping again. Hopefully I'll get some shave ice that day, too.
0 days until my 4 sisters start school. (They started today. I wish they would have kept the tradition and started next Wednesday, after Labor Day.)
7 more days of work. Including today. Maybe I'll get out early some of these nights. Hopefully it's not as busy as they think it will be. And then I'm finally throwing my 3 year old ragged shirt with mouth sleeves AWAY. It's ragged and stained, let's leave it at that.
1 more Sunday. Of being the assistant primary chorister and singing with those nursery kids. Makes me kind of sad. They sure are cute.
7+ days until I find out my writing results for my Praxis test. (Praxis test was taken for my admission into the School of Education in Hawaii. It's for pre-teachers.) I passed math and reading. (Hopefully writing, too. I think I did, but we'll find out!)
3 days of packing. Planned for after I'm finished with work.
2 days with John! He'll be home on the night of the 8th. I'm leaving the evening of the 10th.
4 more stamps. For my letters that I write to missionaries. I need to buy more stamps, and write more, too. Okay, that isn't really a count-down, but I was remembering I need to write letters.
15 more days until school starts. That's 2 weeks and one day, folks. Pretty crazy.
I can't think of anymore numbers.
I'm going to miss Rexburg a lot. That's a very....special...place. Nah, I love it. But I know I'll love Hawaii, too. So I'm not too concerned.
I do wish, however, that my mom could come with me. I know how much she wants to. And I think it'd be fun to have her there for the first few days. She's pretty cool.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tickets
I love to travel. I guess it's a good thing that I'm going to a school that requires me to do so. Sometimes I don't love the prices on plane tickets, but I found a really good deal with Delta- one way for $165. The deal has been going on for a few days, and I couldn't pass up the good deal, so I finally bought it. (I was hesitant because I haven't found housing yet, so I don't know when my place will opens, which means I could end up being early...and I don't necessarily know what I'd do, but I know people there and so does my brother, so something will be worked out.)
I'm going on Friday, Sept. 10. I think I'm excited.
I'm going on Friday, Sept. 10. I think I'm excited.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Sisters and School
I guess my sister Lizzie takes after me. She burned peanut butter and chocolate chips in the microwave last night. (She microwaved them for three minutes or so.) The kitchen smelled ALMOST as bad as the time that I burned my quesadilla. I guess it's prone to happen to everyone every once in a while.
So...school. Almost anyone who reads this blog (which isn't a high amount, I'm sure) would think that I'm incredibly indecisive. "First she decides to go to BYU-Hawaii, then she decides to stay at BYU-Idaho, and then she transfers to Hawaii afterall," they'd say. Now, I have my moments of indecisiveness and being noncommittal, but this time is not one of them. All I have to say is that the Lord's timing and plans are incredibly different than ours.
I am going to BYU-Hawaii because it's where the Lord wants me to be. I promise. :)
Here's the story that's been waiting:
Last April, our family visited Hawaii, and we happened to stay on the island of Oahu, which is where BYU-Hawaii is. We were about an hour away from the campus, but we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), which is right next to the campus, and I did set foot on campus once or twice. We also went to the temple visitor's center quite a few times, which is also next to the campus.
I loved it there so much that I wanted to transfer. We talked to some people at church there who work at BYU-Hawaii, and they said BYU-Hawaii needs more Elementary Education majors, and some of the people worked in the admissions office-or had connections. ;) They said to let them know if I applied, and when I was done. So I started on my application while we were still there. But I stopped. I can't really say why, but I know that there was something that just wasn't quite right. (I was REALLY leaning on the Spirit, or at least trying to.) However, I never withdrew my application.
I ended up deferring fall semester at BYU-Idaho because I didn't have quite enough money to go, which you'll see turned out to be a good thing. I just worked during that time.
One night during winter semester, my roommate Tiffany and I were in the library. I had actually finished my homework, so I was waiting for Tiff. (Usually I had more homework than she did, so it was rather impressive that I finished!) Since I was waiting, I was on the computer. Somehow I found myself on the BYUH website. I was just reading stuff on there for fun, and I went to the admissions page. I started reading some information, and suddenly I was hit with the Spirit, which told me that it was okay now and that I could/should apply. I couldn't believe it! I didn't say anything to anyone, but I felt happy, and actually, a tiny bit scared.
That night, I went home and prayed to make sure that I was supposed to apply to BYU-Hawaii. I also prayed the next morning. Both times I wasn't really hit hard either way like I was at the library. All day long that was on my mind, and I just wanted to make sure that it was really the Spirit which told me to apply, and not myself, and asked Him for help to know. I had some time after a class, so I went to the Taylor Chapel to pray, read my scriptures, and meditate. I really had to make sure this was the right thing. Before I read or meditated, I just said a silent simple prayer, telling Heavenly Father how I felt the day before, and how I just wanted to make sure that was His will for me, and not just my high hopes or something getting in the way. I then meditated and read my scriptures, which helped. In fact, I came across a scripture in 2 Nephi 32:9. It's one of my favorite scriptures now. It really came alive to me just then.
"9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."
Right then, I knew that I did indeed feel the Spirit at the library and that I needed to move forward with my application. So I did. And since I had started it 10 months before (AND HADN'T WITHDRAWN IT), I just picked up where I left off. All I needed to do was have an interview with my bishop and a member of the stake presidency.
Even though that was all I needed to do, I fixed my application essays, too. I went to library from the chapel, and worked on them for about two hours. When I got home everyone asked me where I had been, and I just told them the library. That appeased them enough (thank goodness)! I enjoyed keeping the secret to myself for a few days. It's kind of fun to have your own secrets, I found out.
I made an appointment with the bishop, and then with the member of the stake presidency. After the stake presidency interview, some of my roommates were suspcious, but I told them I couldn't talk about it yet. At this point, one of my roommates knew (out of 15...). Also, one friend Lindsay, who goes there, knew. I had to ask her some questions. Eventually I told my dad so that I could ask him if we should tell the people who we met at church that work there. He never really gave me an answer, but I decided not to tell them. I knew if it was to be, that the Lord would take care of it. But I made my dad PROMISE he wouldn't tell anyone, not even my mom.
I don't think I even had to wait a week for my admission status, although I will tell you that it felt a whole lot longer than that! There were nights of fitful and halfsleeping. I didn't even know you can worry in your sleep, but you can! Worry isn't really the best word for my condition during that time, though. Although I really did want to get in, I wasn't worried about it, because I was just leaving it up to the Lord. I would be happy to finish out my schooling at BYU-Idaho.
Now, I wasn't worried about getting accepted, but I had started to think about some other things, and became concerned. Finally, the Spirit said, "Don't worry about that right now! You don't have to worry about that until you get accepted. You'll find a way to make it work." So I stopped, and never worried again (about that).
Well, I finally got an email saying an admissions decision had been reached. My heart started racing. I spent a lot of time covering up my tracks so my roommates and other people wouldn't find out. That was okay, though, because the decision was made. I went followed the link, logged in, and read the word "Congratulations!" That was enough for me. I then thought, "Should I scream, or should I not scream? Should I or shouldn't I?" I finally decided to scream...and it came out a lot louder than I thought it would. My roommates yelled, "Are you okay?!" and came rushing in. I told them yes, and to wait just a second. I had a phone call to make.
I called Lindsay, and told her I was accepted. I promised her that she'd be the first I'd tell, and she was. I told her that I would call her back in a few minutes, because my roommates were slightly confused. So I gave the news to everyone, and all of them got really excited. Then I told my brother and my parents, and I called my other brother who didn't answer. We'll just say I was excited....
Actually, I was bouncing off the walls for the rest of the night. The next morning our ward was going to do baptisms for the dead, and I said I'd go. Needless to say, I got very little sleep that night. I think I amused quite a few people with my behavior, though.
The rest is pretty much history. That's the story of why I applied, and why I'm going there. As you can tell, I didn't make it the short version. It's the whole thing.
So...school. Almost anyone who reads this blog (which isn't a high amount, I'm sure) would think that I'm incredibly indecisive. "First she decides to go to BYU-Hawaii, then she decides to stay at BYU-Idaho, and then she transfers to Hawaii afterall," they'd say. Now, I have my moments of indecisiveness and being noncommittal, but this time is not one of them. All I have to say is that the Lord's timing and plans are incredibly different than ours.
I am going to BYU-Hawaii because it's where the Lord wants me to be. I promise. :)
Here's the story that's been waiting:
Last April, our family visited Hawaii, and we happened to stay on the island of Oahu, which is where BYU-Hawaii is. We were about an hour away from the campus, but we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), which is right next to the campus, and I did set foot on campus once or twice. We also went to the temple visitor's center quite a few times, which is also next to the campus.
I loved it there so much that I wanted to transfer. We talked to some people at church there who work at BYU-Hawaii, and they said BYU-Hawaii needs more Elementary Education majors, and some of the people worked in the admissions office-or had connections. ;) They said to let them know if I applied, and when I was done. So I started on my application while we were still there. But I stopped. I can't really say why, but I know that there was something that just wasn't quite right. (I was REALLY leaning on the Spirit, or at least trying to.) However, I never withdrew my application.
I ended up deferring fall semester at BYU-Idaho because I didn't have quite enough money to go, which you'll see turned out to be a good thing. I just worked during that time.
One night during winter semester, my roommate Tiffany and I were in the library. I had actually finished my homework, so I was waiting for Tiff. (Usually I had more homework than she did, so it was rather impressive that I finished!) Since I was waiting, I was on the computer. Somehow I found myself on the BYUH website. I was just reading stuff on there for fun, and I went to the admissions page. I started reading some information, and suddenly I was hit with the Spirit, which told me that it was okay now and that I could/should apply. I couldn't believe it! I didn't say anything to anyone, but I felt happy, and actually, a tiny bit scared.
That night, I went home and prayed to make sure that I was supposed to apply to BYU-Hawaii. I also prayed the next morning. Both times I wasn't really hit hard either way like I was at the library. All day long that was on my mind, and I just wanted to make sure that it was really the Spirit which told me to apply, and not myself, and asked Him for help to know. I had some time after a class, so I went to the Taylor Chapel to pray, read my scriptures, and meditate. I really had to make sure this was the right thing. Before I read or meditated, I just said a silent simple prayer, telling Heavenly Father how I felt the day before, and how I just wanted to make sure that was His will for me, and not just my high hopes or something getting in the way. I then meditated and read my scriptures, which helped. In fact, I came across a scripture in 2 Nephi 32:9. It's one of my favorite scriptures now. It really came alive to me just then.
"9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."
Right then, I knew that I did indeed feel the Spirit at the library and that I needed to move forward with my application. So I did. And since I had started it 10 months before (AND HADN'T WITHDRAWN IT), I just picked up where I left off. All I needed to do was have an interview with my bishop and a member of the stake presidency.
Even though that was all I needed to do, I fixed my application essays, too. I went to library from the chapel, and worked on them for about two hours. When I got home everyone asked me where I had been, and I just told them the library. That appeased them enough (thank goodness)! I enjoyed keeping the secret to myself for a few days. It's kind of fun to have your own secrets, I found out.
I made an appointment with the bishop, and then with the member of the stake presidency. After the stake presidency interview, some of my roommates were suspcious, but I told them I couldn't talk about it yet. At this point, one of my roommates knew (out of 15...). Also, one friend Lindsay, who goes there, knew. I had to ask her some questions. Eventually I told my dad so that I could ask him if we should tell the people who we met at church that work there. He never really gave me an answer, but I decided not to tell them. I knew if it was to be, that the Lord would take care of it. But I made my dad PROMISE he wouldn't tell anyone, not even my mom.
I don't think I even had to wait a week for my admission status, although I will tell you that it felt a whole lot longer than that! There were nights of fitful and halfsleeping. I didn't even know you can worry in your sleep, but you can! Worry isn't really the best word for my condition during that time, though. Although I really did want to get in, I wasn't worried about it, because I was just leaving it up to the Lord. I would be happy to finish out my schooling at BYU-Idaho.
Now, I wasn't worried about getting accepted, but I had started to think about some other things, and became concerned. Finally, the Spirit said, "Don't worry about that right now! You don't have to worry about that until you get accepted. You'll find a way to make it work." So I stopped, and never worried again (about that).
Well, I finally got an email saying an admissions decision had been reached. My heart started racing. I spent a lot of time covering up my tracks so my roommates and other people wouldn't find out. That was okay, though, because the decision was made. I went followed the link, logged in, and read the word "Congratulations!" That was enough for me. I then thought, "Should I scream, or should I not scream? Should I or shouldn't I?" I finally decided to scream...and it came out a lot louder than I thought it would. My roommates yelled, "Are you okay?!" and came rushing in. I told them yes, and to wait just a second. I had a phone call to make.
I called Lindsay, and told her I was accepted. I promised her that she'd be the first I'd tell, and she was. I told her that I would call her back in a few minutes, because my roommates were slightly confused. So I gave the news to everyone, and all of them got really excited. Then I told my brother and my parents, and I called my other brother who didn't answer. We'll just say I was excited....
Actually, I was bouncing off the walls for the rest of the night. The next morning our ward was going to do baptisms for the dead, and I said I'd go. Needless to say, I got very little sleep that night. I think I amused quite a few people with my behavior, though.
The rest is pretty much history. That's the story of why I applied, and why I'm going there. As you can tell, I didn't make it the short version. It's the whole thing.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tribute to Tiffany
Well, today I figured out how to activate my student BYUH account! (Holy cow...I don't know why it took me so long. It wasn't even that hard.) So, that's in use now...I had 56 lovely emails/student updates awaitin' for me! They do run things differently there; there's a shuttle that you can pay $5 for to go to to the Pearl City Mall, Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (which is really quite awesome), and Wal-Mart. Hahaha. I love the Wal-Mart part.
My good friend and roommate, Tiffany, got set apart as a missionary today. Off she goes to the MTC tomorrow! She's going to be an Hermana (speaking Spanish) in the Fort Worth, Texas mission. I am so doggone excited for her, it's incredible! She's going to be a great missionary- she already is. I know that she is going to bless the lives of so many people in Texas. The only bummer part? We can only correspond through letters for the next 18 months. I'm a decent letter-writer, but sometimes I get too caught up in my own life to be as good as I should be.
Well, that's all I have to say.
And if anyone happens upon this blog, you can visit www.mormon.org to see all about what Tiff's doing and her purpose.
My good friend and roommate, Tiffany, got set apart as a missionary today. Off she goes to the MTC tomorrow! She's going to be an Hermana (speaking Spanish) in the Fort Worth, Texas mission. I am so doggone excited for her, it's incredible! She's going to be a great missionary- she already is. I know that she is going to bless the lives of so many people in Texas. The only bummer part? We can only correspond through letters for the next 18 months. I'm a decent letter-writer, but sometimes I get too caught up in my own life to be as good as I should be.
Well, that's all I have to say.
And if anyone happens upon this blog, you can visit www.mormon.org to see all about what Tiff's doing and her purpose.
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