Pine View Ladies

 Today I took my last final for the next two years. Such a weird feeling. Yesterday I officially moved out of my apartment in Logan. We had roommate Christmas and took a few pictures together before I left. Not gonna lie, I was heartbroken. I cried all the way out of Logan and the rest of the night. I love these six best friends so much and I'm going to miss them more than I'll ever be able to express in words. I've learned so much from their amazing examples and friendship. Each of them are such sweet, thoughtful, smart, hilarious, beautiful, incredible ladies. I know that the decision for me to move out is right and I know I have so much going for me and my future, as do they. This helps a bit with the heart tugging but I'm still going to miss them beyond belief. Thanks, girls, for making the last 2 years the best of my life! I love you all!

20

Two decades. Veinte. The big two zero. Whatever you may call it, it's strange having a 2 in front, instead of a "teen." The past 20 years have been the awesome. Here's to 20 more! To kind of "celebrate" living two decades, I made a bucket list of things to do in the month before I turned 20. I'm quite proud to say I completed the majority of my list! I...

• Ran 19 miles in less than a week.
• Temporarily dyed my hair dark brown (and actually liked it).
• Slept out under the stars in Moab, Utah.
• Sang Mamma Mia at karaoke night with my wonderful roommates at Pizza Pie Cafe.
• Read/listened to the Book of Mormon in four days (Literally finished at 11:59pm November 1st. Close call!)
• And completed a one month photo challenge. 

Unfortunately I can't add the spontaneous trip to Seattle or skinny dipping on the list, but maybe that can be for 25. ;)

The birthday celebrations were fabulous. The day before my birthday, Mom came up and we went to Olive Garden, bought a new birthday outfit, and chatted the afternoon away. Then that night some friends, roommates, and I went to Pizza Pie Cafe to check off my "sing at karaoke night" bucket list item. The day of my birthday I woke up to cute decorations from my roommates, a temple trip with Kaitlyn, Legally Blonde, delicious red velvet cake, and many birthday cards, texts, calls, FB wishes, and Happy Birthday singing. Needless to say, I felt very loved. The celebrating continued into the weekend when I went home for work (although that wasn't part of the celebrating. haha) I had my birthday dinner with the fam on Sunday and returned back to Logan to find a wonderful birthday letter from a dear missionary friend. It was a great birthday! Thanks to my roomies, family, friends, and everyone who made it a wonderful birthday. Hooray for being 20. :)

Nikolay, the Russian

Today I randomly met a kid named Nikolay, from Russia. He just walked right up to Brooke and me after Institute and started talking to us. He had an accent, so I inquired and pretty soon he was speaking Russian! He's lived here for 11 years (he was adopted), told us about borscht, where he lived, and then asked if we had boyfriends. hahaha You could say my life is pretty great.

In other news, my good friend Elder Fennemore went to the MTC today. He's going to...yup, Russia. He should be departing from his family and entering the MTC right about now, actually. Miserable joy, I tell you. Miserable joy. He'll bless that country more than they know with his goodness and incredible testimony. He's basically going to be the most amazing missionary ever and the people will just love him. I know it. Good luck out there, Elder Fennemore! See you in two!

Ready, Set,

Go! The last couple months of school in one post. Ready?

Kaitlyn became an auburn and had issues with her milk. Actually, we all had issued with our fridge. 

Nightly chats with Dakotes through our windows. 

Spring break! That's coming in another post.  

(almost) Midnight showing of HUNGER GAMES!! 

Dakota's, Lindsie's, and my obsession with Peeta aka Josh Hutcherson! Whoo baby.

Dying easter eggs for home evening. 

Being collegiate in appearance and in studying at the library. 

Visit from Savannie! She went to classes with me and of course we had Aggie ice cream...even if it was necessary to wear coats.  

Easter Sunday dinner with the roomies.  

Going to Brooke's soccer game. 

Soaking in the glorious sunshine.  

Seeing Sydnee in her play. Dang is she good.  

Nicholas Sparks movie night. Actually, a lot of movie nights. :) 

True Aggie night!  

Those kisstixx getcha every time... 

Hanging with good friends. 

Karaoke night at Pizza Pie Cafe. 

Legit slumber party. Last weekend together as roommates. :( 

Roommate date that consisted of volleyball, picnic, s'mores, and How to Train Your Dragon. 

Taco Tuesday at Cafe Rio. 

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning in 407. 

And of course finals and studying fit in there somewhere. ;)

It was a tearful goodbye leaving Snow 407 and the girls that lived there this past school year. We had memories and laughter that I'll remember for a long, long time. As the lyrics say from Wicked, "because I knew you, I have been changed for good." Love my 407 girls!

Finals Week

Definition: books and notes strewn across the table, overwhelming stress, late night, brain-frying study sessions, pretty much a nightmare of a week.

There are ways, of course, to reduce the agony of such a week. Here are a few tips to ease the tension and prepare yourself for finals week.

1. Get rid of distractions. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, cell phones, whatever your weakness may be, give it up for a week. If it's impossible, limit yourself to checking once a day. I promise it's worth it. 
2. Study at the library. Discover your favorite nook and settle down for a hard core study session. It's quiet, the distractions are few, and the atmosphere is comfortable, relaxing, yet motivating.
3. Howl. Every Wednesday of finals week there's been a Utah State tradition to howl (yes, like a wolf) at 10pm in the library in order to unwind and release test anxiety. 
4. Take breaks. Power walk for 15 minutes, grab a healthy snack, stick in ear buds and have a silent dance party, watch a funny YouTube video and share it with a friend, or reminisce by looking through old photos. Do whatever it takes to relax for a few minutes so your brain doesn't turn to mush. 
5. Make a list. I find when I schedule out my day with what I'm going to study, for how long, as well as when I'm going to take breaks, I get a lot more accomplished than if I go on a whim of what I feel like studying at the moment. 
6. Listen to music. Try classical music to help you stay focused and motivated. Pandora has some great classical and piano stations that are perfect for studying. 
7. Reward yourself. After all that hard studying and using your stellar skills to ace exams, give yourself a treat! Party with friends, go to a movie, or get some Aggie ice cream to celebrate a job well done! 

College is Fun

Grilling apples 

The best tasting crepes ever from "The Crepery." 

Prepping for the 80s choir concert 

Savanna's first dance :) 

The Vow with Brooke 

Valentine's Day...Brooke got lots of surprises ;) 

And I got a wonderful Love package from home! 

Last home basketball game 

Some pics via Brooke and Grace