And, we're back!

It’s happening again. The longer I procrastinate, the harder it becomes to write regular blog posts.

But tonight I definitely needed some time to write my thoughts.

First off, I wanted to let everyone know that I have the coolest Pops around town. Today is my dad’s birthday, and I just love that guy so much!

                   

This week started our spring term here at BYU. Let me just say that I’m loving/ hating it. Loving it because campus it literally empty (minus the 15,000 women who are attending Women’s Conference this weekend). Loving it because it’s only seven weeks. Loving it because the walk to and from campus allows me to eversoslowly get a tan. My only drawback to spring term is that my classes last three hours instead of one.

I mean really people, who can honestly be so focused for three hours? Let’s just say the intake of Diet Cokes per week will increase significantly for this next little while.

It’s also probably worth noting that I’m reporting for the Daily Universe, our school’s newspaper, this term. So far I’ve written three stories in three days. That’s alot. Especially for this PR major who creates quotes for people rather than writing exactly what people say. I know that sounds shady, but people say the darndest things and sometimes we have to help them sound more...educated. But this will be a good experience. It will let me understand “the other side” of the communications field.

Let’s divulge from all this school mumbo jumbo and talk about my trip to Oklahoma.

I realized how much I missed home as soon as my parents gave me a hug. I realized how much I needed it. Needed that.

You see, families are great. They love you regardless of how weird, annoying, or cranky you can be. They encourage you to be a little better, to work a little harder.

An my brother did just that. Last Saturday morning my brother and I went to a park where we spent a good amount of our time at while growing up. Saturday was my scheduled long run. The distance? 6 miles.

Not even half way through the run, I wanted to quit. My brother saw this (even while he was struggling far more than I was) and so he looked to me and said, “C’mon, don’t quit now. Just keep on going.” At first I was annoyed, how in the heck is he beating me when I’ve been training for several weeks? But I listened to him.

And as I crossed my made-up finish line, I got all grateful like.

Brothers are good like that. They can annoy the heck out of you, but they can be the saving grace that gets you through the toughest times.

I also spent time with some of my favorite people. Here’s a few.

         Mi madre         

 

Grandma!

 

And the infamous Ms. Carolyn Burkes

Don't worry, I also visited several other Okies, we just forgot to snap a picture of our beautiful faces.

And I may or may not have visited my favorite place to eat ice cream just a time or two.

The trip went by way too fast, but I’ll be back soon. I don’t know of anything half as pleasant as coming home.

Attagirl, Jessica

So it’s been far too long since my last post. I’d have to say a few things happened in between now then.

-I’ve ran 4.2 miles straight, running FIVE tomorrow. 

  And yes I still wake up at 5:30 to work out.
-I went to Salt Lake and attended two sessions of General Conference 

  and loved every minute of it.
-I made the best chocolate chip waffles yet.
-My brother, a few friends and I celebrated his 23 birthday. 

  Yikes he’s getting old!
-Classes for Winter Semester ended...hallelujah!

Now it’s safe to assume that more than five things have occurred between my two week hiatus from blog posting, but most of that consisted of writing PR campaigns and law papers. And working..LOTS of working.

But I wish to divulge on a few things I’ve learned this semester. If you haven’t noticed, I LOVE making lists.

1. Working two jobs and going to school full-time is many a stress and hard work but great for learning how to manage your time wisely.
2. Being patient and trusting the Lord is essential for surviving this crazy life.
3. The cereal “Life” will always be a staple food in my household.
4. Living in an apartment of six girls should make anyone realize that girls are NOT meant to live together.
5. It’s important to know the various community resources and volunteer opportunities wherever you live. Being involved in your community is part of being a good citizen.  
6. Jimmer Jimmer Jimmer!
7. Google docs are by far the best innovation for college kids working on group projects, study guides and papers.
8. Utah really isn’t all that bad...it’s actually a great place.
9. Training for half marathons are hard, but it’s SO worth it. 

10. Be bold. Take chances. But also, be wise.

So there you have it. This weekend I will be running for the first time ever, five whole miles. 

That is crazy talk, people. But I’m loving it!

I will also be packing to go HOME, for a short visit.

And in honor of that grand state in which I was born and raised...here’s a little something.