Heigh-Ho!

So I realized that I haven't blogged in a while, but there's really not much to blog about except work!  Way back at the end of April, I received a promotion at work to Crew Supervisor (in a regular restaurant chain, my position would be the equivalent of like an assistant manager).  This brought new responsibilities, among them the responsibility of having to do what the Lead Crew Supervisor (equivalent of General Manager) would normally do because she is gone for the summer.  So, I am at work every morning, Monday through Friday, usually by 9 to take care of those responsibilities.  It's not too bad, and actually gives me a reason to go to the track everyday (I'm already on campus, why waste the fifteen minute walk?)  Well, back in April, our Full-Time Supervisor (equivalent of the Store Owner) got hitched to her One and Only and was finally able to go on a honeymoon that wouldn't be cut short by work this past couple of weeks.  So, being the temporary LCS, I was sort of  "in charge" in a way whilst she was unreachable.  And guess what happened?  Almost everything that could possibly go wrong.  Almost.  Came in one morning to discover the fridge had shorted out sometime during the night and everything was too hot, so we had a ton of spoilage that day.  The cause of the shorting out was the soup well, which the maintenance dude took, so we had to find another way to serve soup.  Came in another morning and found that the ceramic inside of our crock pot had broken, so we had to find another way to serve our pork (which is part of our most popular wrap, so there's no possible way we could just have a day without it.).  The last day before our supervisor came back, we were supposed to be really busy; there was an event going on on campus that was supposedly going to bring us a lot of business.  We were all prepared for it and ready for the people and . . . nothing.  We ended up with a ton of produce and stuff that we didn't use, meaning it is likely to go bad and cause us to have huge amounts of spoilage in the very near future.  Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Adventures in Foreign Dining

Resolved to use up the four cans of enchilada sauce sitting in my pantry, I exercised my brain and came up with a chicken-corn-bean-Mexican-soupy thing.  It was actually pretty good.  I decided to call it Mexican Crockpot Dinner.  It's very easy: put everything you would put in a taco in a crockpot with enchilada sauce and come back in four or five hours.  I did chicken (cut in fajita-style strips), sweet corn, black beans, diced onions, pressed clove of garlic, and a little bit of lime.  (I forgot to take pictures before I cleaned up, but at least this time I sort of remembered!)

(Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips)

And there are lots of left overs . . .

There and Back Again

Operation Mother's Day Surprise: successfully carried out and accomplished.

Saturday I left good old Provo early in the morning for the Salt Lake City Airport.  Why would I go there you ask?  Because I went home!  That's right.  Saturday, I went back to my beautiful Georgia for my Mom's Mothers' Day surprise.  I got to see my mom, my dad, my siblings, my kitties, and the beautiful trees!!  It was a wonderfully fantastic surprise which I thoroughly enjoyed!!  Mom was so shocked and surprised; the look on her face was definitely worth the three days off from work.  My sisters and little brother were also thrilled; it was worth being able to physically hug them good night for four days.  And Dad has lost so much weight I almost didn't recognize him at the gate!!  I also got to talk to Bubby (that's Elder Nunnally, for those of you who aren't aware) since it was Mother's Day!  And the next time I talk to him, it will be in person in July!  I got to see lots of the gals and friends from church.  Of course, a trip to Grandma's was in order and completed without fail.  I got to hang with bestie for a few hours (while enjoying the delicious goodness that is fried pickles)!  And I got to see the trees!!  In my humble opinion, Utah is severely lacking in trees (see pictures below for an appropriate amount of trees) and I have dearly missed their amazing, green leaves (although, Utah does make up for the trees with the lovely mountains).

This morning, the fun came to an end and I came back to Provo.  (Not to say that Provo isn't fun, but my family lives in Georgia, and I enjoy being with them.)  And so completes this tale of my journey there and back again.

My wonderful family :)

Trees!!!!!

And even more trees!!!!! :] They don't exist in the desert/Utah.

Mommy dearest <3

Opening Mother's Day presents

Grandma and Grandpa Nunnally- a quick visit to satisfy not seeing them for nine months. :)

Finals, Finances, and Fire Alarms

So you would think that this week would be kind of crazy and somewhat stressful because of finals.  Au contraire, since Monday, things have been practically spectacular!  Each day has started out kind of rocky with an extended stay at work, but ended up being absolutely stellar! 

Marvelous Monday
So Monday started early with Gail and I walking to campus at about 5:45 am.  Yeah, super duper early.  I proceeded to being a long work day that lasted from 6:15-3:00.  Work wasn't particularly bad; it was just long.  (And at some point, you do get annoyed by the rudeness of some people.)  So after work was over, I went to take my third of four finals for one of more questionable classes.  I knew if I had studied enough, then I would do well.  If I hadn't, then I would do okay, just not as well as I would have liked.  And I was thinking I would get a high c, maybe a low b.  I would be totally cool with that.  My actual score: 89!!!  I practically skipped all the way home :)

Terrific Tuesday
Tuesday started early again (though not quite as early as Monday) with another long work shift from 8-5. (Again, the longer you work, the more irritated you get)  So after work, I met with my study buddy for stats to study for our final, which I planned on taking that night.  Since I had just got off work, I checked my email before we started and found a message from the Financial Aid Office, saying they had distributed scholarships and to check Route Y (BYU website for students) for awards.  (Keep in mind that last semester I received no scholarships at all.  None, nada, zilch.)  I wasn't expecting anything, but decided to check Route Y anyway.  I checked . .  and I will be receiving a $1000 scholarship!!!!! :D  I was super duper happy!!!!!  Such a blessing from Christ!!!
And then I studied with my buddy and went to take the test.  I was thinking I was going to get a solid C.  Not a b and certainly not an a.  And at this point, I would have just been glad to pass stats.  I'm so tired of it and ready to be done.  So I took the test and spent twice amount of time I normally do on any type of test.  ANd my score . . . 89!!!!!!  The highest I've ever got on any stats test!!!  Yay me!!!  :D

Wonderful Wednesday
Just like the past two days, today started pretty early with a shift from 6:45-3.  I was actually running a little late, and somewhat freaking out, but when I got to the Wilkinson Center (where I work), the fire alarm was going off and apparently had been for about twenty minutes.  Saved by the bell!!  er . . . the fire alarm . . .  No more finals to finish, and only one more day of work before the new schedule starts.  After work today, my boss wanted to talk to me.  I am now the Crew Supervisor at L&T Salad and Soup!!!!  Yay!!!!  I am so excited!!!!! :D
Then, since today was my roommate's last full day in Utah until fall semester, we went to DI and the mall and had a grand old time. :)

Life is great and full of opportunities.  Don't take them for advantage. ;)

"I Am the Gardner and I Know What I Want You to Be."

So who enjoyed conference this weekend?!  SOOO good!!!!  I learned so much and am so much more prepared to face the real world (which comes sooner than you think!)

I was especially touched by Elder Christofferson's talk on Sunday.  He talked about a gardener and seeing this wild, rampant bush.  So the gardener went out into the garden and cut back the bush and it was almost like he could hear the bush saying "Why are you cutting me back?  I was doing so well and I was flourishing and growing!  If you had just let me keep growing, I would've been the biggest plant ever!  Why did you cut me back?!"  And he replied, "I am the gardener and I know what I want you to be.  One day, you'll thank me."  Our interaction with God is the same thing. 

Sometimes, God "cuts us back" and we don't understand why.  We may fail to receive a promotion which we have worked incredibly hard for; we may not got accepted to our school of choice; we may not win an election for some type of position of authority.  Whatever the case may be, it seems as if we would have flourished and grown and been better off if we had been able to receive that promotion or been accepted rather than rejected.  Then we shake our fists towards the heavens saying, "Why did you cut me back?!  I was doing so well!!  I would have flourished!!  Why?!"  And then we have to remember that God is the gardener.  God knows exactly what he wants us to be and he knows exactly what is best for us.  He is, after all, the creator and grand master of the Plan of Salvation.  He knows precisely what needs to happen in order for things to pan out the way they are supposed to.

Call me crazy, call me sick with Provo fever, call me desperate, call me whatever you desire, but I will admit that I seriously want a "significant other."  Someone to love, to hold, to just be there when I need him.  (I think I am validated in this considering I have never had a real boyfriend, and I am in Provo, UT where there are currently 11 engaged couples in my ward [as of the last count].) This scenario described above has happened to me, where I shake my fists at the heaven and just constantly question why.  He was so perfect!  Why couldn't it have worked out?  He is such an amazing guy!  Why couldn't I have had just one date?  I really needed someone with his understanding.  Why did he have to leave now?  The question are endless.  I have asked Heavenly Father several times in my fervent prayers to help me understand this mystery, to give me a valid reason why this should be happening to me.  The answer came in the form of General Conference.  "I am the gardener and I know what I want you to be.  You will thank me later." 

Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  Be content with what you're given and know that it will all work out.  Heavenly Father doesn't want us to fail, so as long as we follow him, fail, we shall not.

Seeing Through the Rain

So I realized today that I haven't blogged in a while, so here we go!!

(This actually happened last Thursday)

So I started the day like any other Thursday: Book of Mormon Second Half at 9 AM.  About halfway through the class, my phone starts vibrating.  At this point two thoughts cross my mind almost simultaneously: 1) who is calling me at 9:25 in the morning? 2) Please don't be work.  And of course, it was work.  Their request?  Could I come in anytime between 9:30 and 3 to cover for a sick coworker.  I decided I could come in around 11 after I took my physical science test.  Therefore, I left class and went to take my test . . . and bombed it.  Worst test thus far in my college career.  But with no time to have a pity party, I ran to work and stayed there . . . until 9:30 that night . . . was I exhausted?  Definitely.  Was I completely bummed on the inside?  Without a doubt.  BUT I committed to myself that I was not going to let that effect anything I did.  I smiled to everyone at work, I was friendlier than usual to all the customers, and I was even engaged in pleasurable conversation with my coworkers, the customers, my escort home, and my roommates when I finally got home and got a chance to sit down. 

Sometimes, God lets it rain.  Sometimes we're prepared for the days when it rains with umbrellas, raincoats, and rain boots.  Sometimes, the rain catches us unprepared and off guard.  The question isn't whether or not you're prepared for the rain or how long it lasts.  It's whether you dance or run for cover.  It's whether you jump in the puddles or stay inside.  It's whether or not you believe that the sun is still there.  The rain's going to come, no matter what; the question is how you react to the rain.  God is going to send you trials and bad days; the only way to get past them, is to go through them.  You can go through them with a frown and bring yourself and everyone around you down; Or you can go take everything with a smile and make everyone's day just a little better because they saw you. 

The choice is yours.

Honor of A Different Kind

This week, the BYU Men's Basketball team was shaken by the loss of a fellow teammate, Brandon Davies.  Davies was one of the team's top players, and sure to be a great asset to lead the team to victory in The Mountain West Conference.  As a player, he knew no limits and as a student at BYU, he was bound to 'The Honor Code' which all students have agreed to live by.  Unfortunately for all BYU basketball fans, Davies broke the Honor Code and was dismissed from the team.  This whole event has caused a lot of scrutiny of The Honor Code at BYU., and I wish to discuss it.
What is the Honor Code?
Being a BYU student, I value The Honor Code.  It's what sets BYU apart from all the other universities and colleges in the nation.  Most people equate BYU with members of the LDS faith (aka Mormons), but that's not necessarily true.  Any person from any faith can attend BYU, they simply to follow The Honor Code, just like every other student on campus.  So rather than saying going to BYU must mean you're LDS or soon will be, I say that living by The Honor Code equates with living an LDS lifestyle. 

Whenever someone applies to BYU, they are encouraged to read over The Honor Code and familiarize themselves with the things it contains.  Before they can formally submit their application and be considered for acceptance, everyone must agree to live by The Honor Code.
So, what exactly does it say?
The Honor Code consists of a few main points.  Number one is to live a chaste and virtuous life; no premarital sex.  Number two is to follow the Word of Wisdom; abstain from drugs, alcohol, coffee, and tobacco.  Number three is to be honest in all your dealings with your fellow men; don't lie, cheat, or steal.  Number four is to be clean in dress and grooming; men should be clean shaven, and everyone is modest in dress (i.e, no strapless/sleeveless shirts, no shorts above the knee, no revealing/tight-fitting clothing).
Wow.  Some of that seems pretty tough.  No coffee?  And what's wrong with having sex before you're married so long as you're safe?
Well, maybe some it is tough.  Personally, these are the standards that I and many other members of the LDS faith were raised on.  These are the things which we have been instructed to do/not do by a prophet of God.
This is what makes BYU different.  People don't go and get wasted on the weekends; people don't swear at each other across campus; people don't compromise each other in any kind of intimate way.  This is why people come to BYU.  This is why I wanted to come to BYU; it's so different from any kind of school you've ever been to in your entire life.
This is all great, but what does this have to do with basketball?  It seems kind of irrelevant.
An excellent point and right in time for me to diverge back into my original statements.
Brandon Davies was suspended from the team Tuesday evening after the school found out about an Honor Code violation.  Prior to being suspended from the team . . .
- BYU basketball was ranked number 1 in the Mountain West Conference, with only 1 loss to UNM.
- BYU basketball was ranked number 3 in the entire nation (yes, that's above Duke!).
- Brandon Davies was one of the most valuable players on the team (along with Emery, Abuou, and Fredette).
- Brandon Davies started almost every basketball game.
- Brandon Davies was sure to be a great help in BYU's rematch against New Mexico, the only team in conference that BYU has lost to all season, that upcoming Wednesday.
Winning the Mountain West Conference and making it into The Final Four would be sure to gain BYU honor from the basketball community on all sides.  However, after learning about Davies violation, there was almost no hesitation in the decision to suspend him from the team for the remainder of the season.  They gave up the honor and recognition which BYU would have received had Davies been allowed to remain on the team and help lead the Cougars to a Mountain West victory for another kind of honor.  A different kind of honor was more important to the powers that be.  The honor that comes from living the way we have been taught, no matter what the circumstances brings far greater honor than any other kind of honor we could ever receive.
And that's important no matter how you slice it.
I'm proud to be a BYU student, and I'm proud to Live the Code.