I can hear it in the past: Part II

After a plethora of positive comments on my last post, it's clear to me that my readers want more.  I was going to hold off a bit for the presentation of part two of updates, but it is obvious that the world cannot wait.

Thus, nor will I.  So, onto the updates:

I left Provo.  My last time through the 12687, the final quickening of my pace as I pass the Benson (not looking, of course), and my reluctant last step and it's accompanying moment of hesitation, as I leave BYU campus.

I'll admit it, I was consciously aware that I was being dramatic as I did all these things.

But isn't life more fun that way?

Also, can I just say that saying goodbye to people is one of my least favorite things since global warming?  But it does have the upside of helping you realize how much you like everything about your day to day life that is boring and normal, like the people you see everyday and the places you go, along with the things you do.

Leaving Provo hurt my heart.  What healed my heart was my immediate trip to...

I can hear it in the past

Sitting here listening to K-son's frequent gagging noises (yes, he's been sick the past few days) reminded me I haven't given updates for a while.   Ya'll deserve some highlights since WINTER SEMESTER ended.  Ugh.  Winter semester; it seems like yesterday and forever ago all at the same time.  Don't get me wrong, I had an enjoyable Jan-April, but I definitely have enjoyed a homework-less May and June.  On to the updates.

For some reason, the "GOOD" in capital letters always feels like the biggest accomplishment.  And I left the bottom part of my picture on purpose so you'd believe me, ok?  Next update.

13.1 miles.  Woot.
And I liked this picture too.

Fun!

I read through my journal entry about the occasion and found this:

"Here's some things I learned:

-Running 13.1 miles isn't easy.  

-All shapes and sizes can run 13.1 miles

-Training first is a good idea

-2 hours is a long time to entertain your brain

    Yeah, and a lot of other things, but I'm tired right now.  Why am I tired?  Because after we finished the half marathon (Kelli, her Dad, and I ran) Kevin, Kim, Emily, Kelli, and I all went and floated the river in a raft.  For 3 hours.  And we didn't even stop for breakfast first.  AND not only did we float the section of the river that the raft company wanted us to, but we went on for probably an additional 25 minutes....until we'd confirmed that we missed our stop and would have to call the rafting company to come down and get us.  Hahaha.  It was fun though.  So, once again, we found ourselves driving home, sun setting, music pumping, (but this time people were sleeping) and I was VERY hungry.  Food has never tasted so good.  And my legs have never had such trouble walking."

It was a quality weekend, spent in a quality place, with quality people.  Bless the Brown family, with their supplies of dressing-less salad!  Also, I decided for my readers sake, the rest of the updates are going to have to come at a later point in time.  Stay tuned.

If you say so, walkie talkie.

Running late => take car rather than bike

Take car => find parking spot on campus

Find parking spot on campus => why not attempt to park in visitors parking?

Maybe they'll miraculously wave me by like last time.  (Yes, that day was a good one.)

Or maybe he'll stop me, ask if I'm a student, (I'm going on a mission...so that means no, right?) ask if I'm taking classes in the fall (no, siree) and then ask me for identification because, after all,  I am pretty shady looking.

And into his little walkie talkie:  "Can I have a BYU Affiliation check?  Yes, that's N as in ninja...Jo is the middle name"...and so on.

I'm thinking: "Oh, great."
 

A pause.  Then the walkie talkie gives me the best news I've heard all school year:  "She's just graduated."

And then he gives me best news of the day: "Go ahead."

Unexpectedly being graduated is fun.  Go Cougarzzz.

If I get old, I WILL BE THIS AWESOME.

сестра Parker

I like to ride my bike.

She likes to ride her bike.

Thus, I will make a great sister missionary.  Get ready, because starting June 16, I'll be sending you guys sexy pictures like this home in the mail:

Oh yeah, and did I mention RUSSIA, ST. PETERSBURG?

Lots of hunger.

MY MOST SELFISH DESIRE:  To stumble upon an all expense paid trip for me, my family, and my chill buds to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.  I find myself subconsciously hungering for this.  Or even just go to South Africa during this time to witness the insane excitement that surrounds it.  If any of you have any hook-ups, feel free to hook.  Me.  UP!

Also, the Hunger Banquet is come and gone.  For those of you who weren't aware, I participated as a volunteer.  We helped set up, welcomed guests, served food and the like.  Leading up to the event, I often wondered to myself why I was wasting my time at the planning meetings, why I wore a sign on my backpack ("Ask me about the hunger banquet") and even if I would actually show up the nights I was supposed to help.

Well, I'll tell you.  I am SO glad that I helped.  The fun had, people inspired and money raised aside, I have discovered even more deeply MY passion for international development, and reaffirmed my role in helping the human race get "one inch better."

The combo of my world cup day dreams and the hunger banquet caused me to listen to this song  on repeat for the past few days (it's the theme song for the World Cup).  I think the song is great, and I love the excitement of the masses of people at the concert in this video.




Among other news, I've been working on my mission papers.  I called up my mother the other day in need of a photo I can send into THE BRETHREN.  Well, she felt a little low on options, but eventually came up with this:

Oh.  How sweet.  But do me a favor, and look at the original.

Ha.  Yes, that's a sunburn!  On a scale from 1 to 10, how obvious is that on the B&W version?

Well, happy Fast Sunday everybody.

I found this in my pocket today.  It's from at least 3 months ago and made me very glad.

I received this shortly before valentines day, in response to a lame picture text of "Will you be my valentine?"  Talk about being one-upped.

I like this a) for obvious reasons, and b) because I could take it as  - "being your valentine isn't socially acceptable."  Ha!  Funny and sweet.  The best kind of valentine.