Christmas

So, of all the times of the year I believe that Christmas time is one of the best. It is the time I get to think about the Savior. I get to walk along the streets singing Christmas songs to myself. I get to hear the Salvation Army Band play as people bustle around doing Christmas shopping. I mean I know that the holiday season has become quite trivial and all, but I still get a good feeling when people say "happy holidays" everywhere I go. I feel like its the one time of year when people aren't afraid to talk to eachother in the street. I know that I have to deal with the wonder of having finals, and stress, and all that other good stuff you experience at the end of each semester, but ya know... its worth it. Christmas is so wonderful... well at least the season is... I don't really like the day per-say but hey, I love the feeling!

Help from the Lord

So, this week is finals. Hooray! (not) Well, I guess in reality it is a hooray. I mean I will finally be done with my first semester of grad school. Who knows if it will be my only semester of grad school or not. I mean I already know that I failed one class, and if I don't get a 3.0 this semester then I am out of the program... or if I fail another class (which means below a B-) I am also out of the program. Not that I am planning on failing, or not getting a 3.0, but let me tell you... as of right now I am cutting it close. I am praying, and praying hard to be able to stay in my major, because I don't know what else I would do with my life if not. This semester has been tough, not because the work is tough (because, it isn't) but because I have discovered the depth and breadth of my ADD. For some reason I can't get on top of assignments... they are easy, but somehow they slip my mind no matter how many reminders I give myself. I have had the hardest time turning things in, which has greatly affected my grades. I have also discovered that it is really difficult for me to study. I mean I always knew that I didn't study, but I don't think I knew that I had a hard time studying. I just figured it was because I didn't need to. Now, I need to (and I mean it isn't like I need to study for hours on end, I just need to study) and I haven't been able to focus for long enough to do so. It has been a blessing in discuise though. I have learned the ways I can study. For example- if I have to memorize anatomical stuff, I need to draw it. I draw it and lable it once from the book, and once from memory, and bingo. I know it. This weekend I finally found out how to study other information. I was praying really hard to be able to study, and I asked the Lord to help me know how to study so that things would stick in my mind and I would be able to learn what I needed to know. As I sat there listening I learned that if I would read the information aloud and then try to recite it from memory immediately afterward I would be able to memorize the information. So... I tried it. Never in my life have I been so successful. Never. Literally I read something one time out loud... then I close my eyes and say it out loud, and it doesn't leave my memory again. If that isn't a blessing, I don't know what is. The Lord has helped me out so much this semester. I just hope that I am able to remain in my major long enough to apply the things he has taught me. If not, I will still know that he loves me and has a plan for my life. I am glad he does... because believe me... I don't know where I am going. So, those of you who read this... pray for me... pray that I can stay in my major, if it be God's will, but that if not... I will know what to do with my life instead.
-Catherine

The City Where I Live

I cannot believe I live in this wonderful city!
I went on a walk in the rain today. I don't really know why. I was on the phone, and just decided to walk (since I can't go into the T without loosing reception). I walked all around the city (which isn't really that hard, since its not that big of a city) I walked up to the North End, then over to Government Center, and then to Feneuil Hall, and through Quincy Market (where I ate lunch) I saw the old state house, the park street church, etc. I sat down to eat, and people watched for a bit. There was a group of school kids (probably in middle school) sitting and eating, and all I could think "they are so lucky... they live here... they actually get to live in Boston" and then all of a sudden, it hit me, I do too. I live in Boston. I am so glad that I do, I mean I can't even explain how amazing it is here. There is so much to do, and see. Even on a rainy day the beauty of this city can't be beat. I love it here!

Wednesday morning Ryan and I went to Plymoth MA. I figured I needed to go being that it was Thanksgiving and William Bradford is my great great...etc. grandfather. I had been wanting to go anyway and I thought Thanksgiving would be the perfect time. We got to see the Mayflower II and Plymoth rock... later we went to the cemetary where I hunted down Governor Bradford's grave... the funny thing is... one of the toumbstones says that his ashes lie beneath it, and the other says his body lies beneath... interesting... two bodies, one person... well who cares... it was fun anyway! It was beautiful down there, and the city is quite quaint. I had a great time!

My Town... Boston.

So last night Ryan and I showed his brother Brett around town. We went up to the prudential center... the view was unbelievable! I got some great pictures.



Next we went to the North End, which is the Italian section of Boston. We had dinner at a great (albeit expensive) restaurant, and then we had dessert at Mike's Pastry's... which is the best pastry shop in Boston (and believe me, it was amazing) I got a peanut butter crunch cookie, which was about the size of my head. Then we walked up through government center to the T. It was a great night.

Pictures: random cigar store, Ryan and Brett in front of the random cigar store, me on a budwiser bench, view from the Prudential center

Gratitude

Well, it is Thanksgiving again, and time to reflect on all I have. I can't even begin to say all the things I am thankful for, but I will definitely try to at least put a few (in no particular order):
Family- I am so thankful for a family who loves me, for parents who have given everything so that I can be happy. I am grateful for all my ancestors who make me who I am. I am grateful for the opportunity that I can live with my family for eternity. I am grateful for a brother serving a mission for the Lord. Thankful for parents who support me, and help me in so many ways. Thankful for grandparents who are stalwart examples to me. Thankful for cousins (and cousins-in-law) who are so much fun to be with.
Friends- those people who I can call on when I need strength, everyone who makes me feel special, the people I love, and who love me despite how stupid I can be sometimes. People who I can laugh with, people who I can cry with... Friends.
School- yes school... amazingly enough I am thankful for it. Thankful for getting into a grad program, thankful for teachers who are kind, thankful for being able to get an education, thankful that I can choose what I want to do, thankful for doing something I love, thankful for my clients at clinic and how much they have progressed.
Church- thankful for belonging to the true church. Thankful for having served a mission for the Lord, thankful for the love I feel at church, thankful for the scriptures, thankful for peace, thankful for the priesthood, thankful for prophets, thankful for teachers... thankful
The United States of America- being here, in this wonderful country. Thankful for the founding fathers who sacrificed so that I could have my freedoms. Thankful for freedom, thankful for liberty, thankful that there are still good people in this country. Thankful that I can walk down the street without fearing for my life.
Boston- thankful for moving here. Thankful for the wonderful people here, thankful for the heritage here. thankful for the beautiful city, thankful for the Charles river, and how it reflects the lights. Thankful for the T... and how it gets me to and from where I need to go. Thankful for the Boston Common, which is beautiful year round, thankful for being able to walk around and see so much history. Thankful for the beautiful buildings.

ya know... I am so grateful for everything I have... there is no way I can name all my blessings, but those are a few.

Grace of God

So I am thankful for my blessings, the way the Lord works in mysterious ways. This morning I was on time getting ready. I was dressed with hair done, makeup on, and coat buttoned up at 8:00. Though this is a strange occurrence I figured that I had time to wait for JM to get ready and come with me so we could sit on the T together. I thought to myself that it would be a far more favorable ride if my sidekick was... well... by my side. I waited and we got off about 10 minutes later than I would have wanted, but hey, there was still plenty of time to get to school. I prayed as we ran down the stairs that I would be able to get to clinic on time, and that I would even have time to spare to run up to check my mailbox. Everything went so smoothly. We got to the t-stop and only had to wait 2 minutes. The ride was fast, and enjoyable as we talked about who knows what. JM got off at Boston University East at 8:31, way ahead of schedule. "Hooray" I thought, "I am going to be a good 15 minutes early." as we descended into Kenmore I said a prayer of thanks that the T was running so smoothly today. Hynes Convention Center virtually flew past, we squeeled into Copely at 8:39. Good... early... so much less stress! "Next stop, Arlington, doors will open on the right" said the T voice, and I breathed a sigh of relief, and then we stopped. No big deal I though... happens all the time, we must be waiting for the other one to leave the station. The conductor's radio seemed to be going nutts... everyone talking... "this train is a test train, no passangers will be allowed on or off" said the T-voice on my train... "ha ha ha" everyone laughed... Wow this is taking longer than usual... "ladies and gentelmen we are sorry to report there has been an accident at the Boylston T-stop and we are unable to move" I tune into what the radio is saying in the conductor's booth (I happened to sit up there today). "Two train collision. . . I hear screaming and static from somewhere on the line. . . multiple injuries. . . should we evacuate the trains. . . ambulance on its way. . . its really bad . . ." uh oh... what is wrong. Everyone in the train starts to grumble about having to be somewhere, do something. Gosh dang it I think... for once I am going to be early instead of just getting there in time... and now this. 40 minutes pass... and I realize... if I had left my house 10 minutes earlier when I had wanted to... I would have been on that train... how can I complain about being a half hour late to clinic when by the grace of God I am whole?

Ryan's B-day

Ryan's birthday was last week... and so we celebrated... twice... once at our place, and once at his. This first picture is at his house... awww the three musketeers... second one is the awesome gift we gave him... and the third one is the three of us with the cake we made him. Happy Birthday Ryan!

Pictures

So I was just thinking how I have been lax in posting my pictures recently- which is the entire reason I even got a blog in the first place- not so you could all read my ramblings on about my life, but rather so you could see it all... feel like you are here with me etc. Well now I have gotten the hang of blogging and can't seem to get enough (on the days where I just want to talk about something to the world) and I have forgotten my real intentions in blogging in the first place... so here are some pictures (so I still can't get them to turn the correct direction) but here is a day where JM and I went on a tour of the city... not meaning to but we discovered bronze trash (cuz we needed more trash in this city- especially some that you can't get off the ground) JM and I eating a watermellon we got for a buck at haymarket (which is this place that they sell produce that is going to go bad soon for way cheap) we broke the watermelon in half on the government center steps and enjoyed the jucy deliciousness on a cold wintery day. There is also a pic of me and JM in the T station (so you can see the place I talk about so often) and a picture of the T

Rejoice

I know my Heavenly Father loves me. So, those of you who read my blog this morning will know that I am stressed out. I was having such a hard day and trying to get over it. All I wanted was something, some way to know that it would all be ok. I decided that I would go and get a beagle for lunch and try to relax for a bit. As I walked up the street I heard bells... bells I have never heard before ringing from a church. As I listened more closely I realized that I recognized the tune, "Rejoice the Lord is King" the song rang out "Lift up your heart! Lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!" and again the bells sounded, "Lift up your heart! Lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!" and I realized that I would be alright. Everything would work out. I would get over my problems. I would see the light of day again. I have so much to be thankful for. I must rejoice in my blessings. I will lift up myheart, I will lift up my voice. I will rejoice, yes, I will rejoice.

Reality Check

Ok, so I have had so many people tell me that my blog is totally positive and that I can seem to put things that are negative in a positive light, so I am going to let you all see that life isn't always fine and dandy. I mean I am sitting here outside my class where I just failed (and I mean totally failed) a test which I actually bothered to study for (amazing I know that I would study for a test) it just so happens that I happened to study all the wrong stuff... and I mean all the wrong stuff... I only KNEW about 1/10 of the stuff on the test at all... and could BS about another 1/2 of it (which I guess was a totally piositive thing). I have no idea what happened. I mean seriously I STUDIED I even went to the library for like 4 hours (I didn't even know where the library was) and I tried really hard... but hey I guess I am already failing like 2 other classes so why not fail 3. It is getting to the point in the semester where I am thinking there is no way I am ever going to dig myself out of this awful pit that I am in. I can't get less than a 3.0 in my classes otherwise I get kicked out of the program and I will have wasted... well... bacically my life... aside from the thousands of dollars. I guess it could be a good thing if I get kicked out of school because, then I could work... I don't know what kind of crap job would want someone who has a useless degree... and I am pretty sure that that kind of job isn't something I even remotely want to do... yeah cuz pushing papers and flipping burgers isn't exactly something that interests me. So I guess wht I am saying is that life sucks... I cried all morning (and that was before the test) because I am so stressed, and I even woke up my family at 5 because I just really needed to talk, and that just made me feel more like crap because, I had awakened them... well, I guess I need to be thankful for a family who is willing to talk to me at 5am. I should also be thankful for the fact that some girl gave me her seat on the T this morning even though it was totally crowded (I think that she was my angel, cuz I was able to get a bit more studying in... even if it did me no good) and some lady just passed me in the hallway right now and smiled at me... which made me feel less... I don't know crappy. I guess I should also be thankful for the fact that I did really well on my Neuro quiz last week... which gives me tons of hope for getting my grade up in that class (two weeks in a row of almost perfect quiz scores... even if I still don't know what I got on the test that is pretty good) I am also thankful that I got lots of my reports done this weekend... and I am thankful for friends who make me happy (thanks JM and Ryan... and everyone else) I am also thankful for church... and how it can make me happy even when nothing else can... I am thankful for God... how he loves me, even when I procrastinate and do stupid things... and fail classes and tests... I am thakful for my Savior- who gives me peace... I am thakful for scripture which sooths my soul and calms my mind... so I guess my life is actually pretty good... even if today is a hard day. I will totally live... I just am having a reality check (and guess what... its ok)

Different Perspectives

So I am sitting here on the T (I just realized my life must revolve heavily around the T because I seem to be talking about it in 9 of every 10 of my blog posts) thinking about how wonderful it is. I happened to get on the best train ever tonight, the big window in the front of the cab is stretched before me and I can see the beautifully, intriguing labyrinth stretch before me. Tunnels merging and diverging one after another, bulbs casting strange forms on the walls in slightly orange light, lines of electric cables scurrying across the walls, beautiful. I guess I haven’t thought of how beautiful functionality can be.I have often thought “I wish this train would go faster,” or “I hate how it seems that the C train and the D train and even the E train come faster than mine, the B train, and yet today, all I can think is how thankful I am to have this public transportation. I can’t believe how much time, and money, and stress it saves me. Then... I listen. The people next to me are complaining... “I didn’t miss this about Boston.” “It is the s***iest system in the world” “Murphy's law always applies on the T, your train is never the first to come, you always have to wait forever, and then even if it is the first train to come, it never makes up for all the times you have to wait forever till your train comes. I can’t stand it.” Strange I think... they arrived after me to wait for the train tonight... yeah it took about 10 minutes, but hey, it came. And... and, there were seats. Besides, it is the best bit of culture I get here... the accents... the languages... it is like heaven on earth. I love the T. Odd how people sitting on the same train can have such different perspectives.

Laughing at oneself

So, I am constantly doing stupid stuff. I have broken my ankle in Versailles, I have burned giant chunks of skin off my elbow with a curling iron, said the most random, most stupid stuff ever in classes, and done all sorts of other things which I can't think of right now. Most people just get overly embarrassed and slink away from the situation. I, on the other hand, feel like it is my duty to the world to let myself be laughed at, to laugh at myself... to embarrass the embarrassment. No, its not easy, and yes I would prefer to do as the common man does and try to be invisible, but who does that help? It doesn't help me, it doesn't help anyone else, but if I laugh I tend to feel better about it all, and everyone seems to feel a bit more at ease. So laugh people, laugh at yourself... laugh at me... its ok... life is so much better when you do. Laughter is the key to happiness (ok not necessarily, but it helps)

JOY!

Today- today was a good day, no wait, it was a great day! I got up for clinic this morning after a full night's sleep. I went to school, and though I left late I got there on time. My teacher was incredibly nice to me (even though I am a bit behind on my reports in her class). The child I work with was talking today, and I mean he was talking, he has gone from literally not even making a sound vocally to talking, all the time (ok so you can't understand it all the time, but just the fact that he is doing it is wonderful!). I had midterm evaluations where I was told that I was a fantastic clinician by both my instructors. They had so many compliments and were so amazed at how much my client has progressed in the last month. I walked down to subway and got the most delicious sandwich, she loaded it with more veggies than they ever put on, and it tasted so good. Then I went to my neuroscience class where I took a quiz that I didn't study for and I actually knew some if not most of the material, and then when the class had finished the quiz she said, "well guess what, I am going to give everyone who took the quiz a 100%" my happiness was bumped up another notch. Next, we proceeded with a lecture, which for the first time in the history of the class I actually understood... no... I didn't just understand it I totally got it. It was amazing, and interesting, and just took my mind to places it misses going. Then, as if my day wasn't good enough, class was dismissed an hour early. I walked to the subway with a bounce in my step. I couldn't seem to wipe the grin off my face as I waited for the train (not that I would have wanted to). I got a great seat and listened to Enya (my traditional friday afternoon relaxation music). When I arrived at my stop it was warm and sunny and the leaves were painted yellow, and red, and orange, and gold. It was beautiful! All of a sudden I felt something so rich, so warm, so beautiful. I wondered to myself what the feeling was, and it hit me. Joy. I felt joy. Joy in my wonderful day, joy in having a wonderful life, joy. I was so full of gratitude to God that as I walked down the path, across the street, and up the stairs on my way home I talked with him aloud. I thanked him for the day, for my blessings, for everything I had. I had to admit that I didn't know why I was so joyful today, that it wasn't for the big things, but the little ones. I thanked him for the love I felt from him, for the fact that I knew that he was my father and that he loves me. I thanked him for my gratitude. I thanked him for everything I could think of. Yes I know that at least here on this earth that feeling won't last forever... but I am so thankful I got to experience it, if only for a moment.

Insomnia

So it has been 5 days since I have actually gotten a night's sleep, and when I say that I really do mean it, as in 4 days where I have not slept (as is evident by the fact that I am writing this at 4:30 am) It has been pretty interesting. The first 3 nights I laid in bed tossing and turning despite having taken something to sleep. Tonight (this morning really) I decided that there was no use in being unproductive even if it was the time one typically devotes to dreaming. I figured that it was a good thing that I have been given an extra 7-8 hours a day. I have already gotten so much accomplished since I decided an hour ago that if I couldn't sleep I was going to make the best of it. I wrote a couple self reflections for class, am starting on some progress reports I needed to get done, and will even have time to study... all before I would usually have awakened. The best part is that I am not even that tired during the day. Yesterday when I couldn't sleep I decided to get out of bed an hour and a half early, and I got in the best scripture study I have had in a long time.
I have always wondered what it would be like to only need a couple hours' rest each night before returning to my peppy day self. I envied the people I studied in psychology who didn't need sleep, and now I know what I have been missing my entire life. I guess I am more productive when there is really nothing else to do with my life besides work (being that as many times as I check my g-mail no one else in their right mind would have written me at 4 in the morning, and facebook... ahh facebook... yet again fruitless at this time of day). So I guess what I am saying is as long as you have insomnia you best make the best of it. I hope it doesn't go forever, but hey I just might be the most productive person you have ever met if it does.

Blessings

I am sitting here in the hallway outside my class, thinking about all the wonderful blessings I have in my life. I just took a test, which I didn't study for, and it was so easy... because I was blessed with a wonderful undergraduate education. I came in on the train this morning, and when a girl who was blind got on the train, I was thankful to give up my seat, because I realized that I am blessed with sight. I live in a wonderful house, with wonderful roommates. I am able to go to school, and get a degree in something I love. I have been blessed with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I am able to see blessings from that each day. I look down and realize that I have shoes, that is something that not everyone is blessed with (and most definitely most people don't have as many pair as I have) I am blessed with clothing (yet again, maybe too much). I listen to the elevator go up and down over and over again, and am thankful that I can hear. I type and realize that I have been blessed with a computer to type on. I gripe about having to take a Neuroscience test, and having to study (albeit for the first time in my life... or maybe the second), and I realize how amazing the brain really is, the fact that I can not only have that wonderful structure sitting in my head, but that it works well enough that I can study it and understand (minimally) how it works... it is a great blessing. I could go on, and on, and on. Everywhere I look I see blessings. Everyone I meet is a blessing. My trials, they too are blessings, for they make me stronger, and teach me more than anything else can ever do. I am so thankful for all my blessings!

On Kindness

So, as the world is overwhelmed with the horrible news of the stock market plummeting, banks going under, terrorism, killings, etc. I find that the world is not all bad.
Today I got off the T (subway) in the middle of Boston and watched the crowds rush in and out of the station, each person going about his business... most shopping, or taking lunch, or going somewhere to visit someone... one man stood apart from the rest. Two crumpled dollar bills clutched in his hand this man stood in the center of a room full of people. Aside from a look of panic and terror on his face there was nothing to distinguish him from the rest. As he paced back and forth near the automated ticket machines, occasionally walking up to someone only to turn around again, he caught my eye and I wondered what he was doing. I could see that he was distressed, and yet I did not think to help. Then, I heard a warm and friendly voice at my side as the ticket attendant took him by the hand and said, "Can you remember how to use the machines?" and I realized that this man, all alone in a crowded T stop, must have had some sort of mental impairment. As he handed her the money the woman continued, "No, sorry I'm not going to do it for you, but I will show you how, that way when I am not here, you will be able to buy your ticket alone." Her voice was one of calm assurance, she did not sound annoyed as she showed the man what he was to do. It was obvious that this was not the first time this had occurred, and instead of becoming annoyed, she had taken the time, yet again, to show him how to buy his ticket. I know it wasn't much, but as I sit here in my living room, tears stream down my face as I think of the kindness of that one woman, and realize that she is not alone. There are countless others, all doing small acts of kindness, some without even thinking, which brighten each day, and make it worth living. I watch daily as people still give up their seat on a crowded car so that someone more feeble than them can rest. I see people smile, a ray of hope in a dark world. I watch as someone lends a helping hand, for no other reason than that they want to. I realize this world is not all darkness, its not all selfishness, its not all suffering. This world is a world of brightness, of hope, of love... even if sometimes its streaked with sorrow.

we went to canobie park to a haunted house... it was a blast... except for the fact that it wasn't scary at all!

Prop 8

So for all my readers out there (not that I am actually pretentious to think that people read my blog) I am requesting that you (if you live in the state of California and can vote) vote yes on proposition 8. More than just being important to define that marriage is between a man and a woman, it is defining that religions have the rite to make their own definitions of what marriage should be. If prop 8 doesn't pass it will mean that all religions within the state of California will be forced to abide by a law which may contradict their religious doctrine. I just think that is wrong... isn't that what the separation of church and state is all about? Isn't it unconstitutional for the state to determin how people should worship? Once it starts, who'se to say that it will stop there... what will be the next step. So if you care about your constitutional rite to worship, if you believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, or if you just don't feel like giving the state any more leway than it already have PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE vote yes on 8.

Comments

I LOVE COMMENTS!!! So I think that the reason I even bother to write on my blog is the fact that somewhere in the back of my mind there is a little voice telling me that someone, somewhere cares... that I can write my random thoughts (and I know that they are random) and someone will comment, but alas, I am always wrong... no one comments.

An Epiphany

I was sitting in a class and watched as a girl broke something. It wasn't hers, and where I would have said "I am so sorry" and felt absolutely awful, she said "its ok" and brushed it off. I sat there in a quandary. Are there people who aren't like me? Do people live their lives without feeling that awful sinking feeling that is remorse. What is it like to do something (which I would consider remorse inducing) and walk away, never thinking of it again. I can't even begin to think of what that is like. This strange feeling of jealousy, and sadness, and I can't really identify it all washes over me and I think of what she must feel like. But then, I think of how glad I am I feel remorse... as nice as not having to think of "that one day that I did that one thing..." all the time would be, isn't that frightening? What would it be like to never feel like you needed to apologise. I can't even wrap my mind around it, life without guilt, but life without apology. Interesting.

Sickness

I swear it feels like the entire world wants me to get sick. I'm getting the feeling that the entire idea of going to work, or school, or wherever else I go is actually to make me sick. I feel like I am fighting a loosing battle against colds, flue, everything. I take the T and everyone is sick, I come to school and everyone is sick, I go to clinic and everyone is sick, everywhere I go everyone is sick. I woke up this morning willing myself not to feel sick (my will was far more concrete than previous days being that I didn't feel so well)... as the day wears on my will is being reinforced as my immune system is attacked from all sides. I will not get sick, I will not get sick, I will not get sick (cough) I will not get sick. Aw man, I am not sick, I am not sick! Maybe I can call in healthy tomorrow, but then again, everyone is sick at home too.

Boston

Ahhh Boston, I love it. Driving down the Charles at night, seeing the lights reflected in the water, I think to myself that I am living in the most beautiful city in the world (and then thoughts of the wonderful European cities come flashing into my mind, and I restate my opinion- the most beautiful city in North America, and maybe all of America in general) sigh. I can't believe I live here. It seems like every corner has something to discover- a restaurant, a church, a really sleezy alleyway. Hmmm I don't think I will ever be sick of this city.

The Reservoir

Between conference sessions we walked down to the reservoir (which is like 4 blocks from my apartment, who knew.)

Conference Saturday

So yesterday was General Conference and so I decided to keep my family tradition alive and make waffles. I had some of my friends over and we had a blast. (we ended up carrying on text conversations and cracking up laughing during the first session)






Ha ha ha ok, so I still can't figure out how to turn the stupid pictures- plea to everyone if you know how to make the picture turn please tell me how

Last weekend all the single adults 25+ in the New England area went on a camping trip in New Hampshire. It was a blast, we got to go canoeing, play tons of fun games, and sleep in the wilderness. I had so much fun!!! We even got to have church looking out onto the lake... quite a difference from the normal Sunday routine.

Clam Bake

A couple weekends ago my ward (LP1) and the ward across the river (LP2) had a clam bake. It was tons of fun! I actually ate my first ever clam, mussel, and lobster claw... none of which I actually enjoyed, but hey, I ate them. I also got to go swimming for my first time on this side of the Atlantic...brrr it was cold





this is my roommate Jan Marie





Me, Jon, Jan-Marie freezing our butts off in the Atlantic Ocean

Here is my beautiful room... furnished beautifully. The bed and one end table is from FormerTennant.com, the hand crafted chairs cost a mere $13,000 (minus 3 0's) at BuenaVoluntad, and the end tables are from Le Dumpstair USA.

this is the back stairway












here are pictures of our scary basement















this is our back patio... under construction, sadly because we used to have these beautiful archways on the patio and then they destroyed them, which was like the saddest day of my entire life :-(

these are pictures of my house and street from the outside

this is my entry way... sorry I can't get the stupid pictures to turn upright.

Here is my beautiful living room: