Meet Lowg-E.

Lowg-E has become a fixed part of my laptop -ever perched on top; watching my every move. He was the cheapest web-cam I could find. But keep in mind that when you're in a small town with very limited resources, limited items don't usually come very cheap. Lowg-E is a Logitech. His name came about simply from miss-pronunciation on my part, and pointed out by a dear and caring friend. Pshh. Whatever!

I was also told by this dear and caring friend that the easiest way to "web-cam" someone is to download a free program called Skype. Perhaps some of you have heard of it. The program allows you to view your callers and even to send messages. I suppose it's pretty much like MSN. Anyway, I suppose if you had a web-cam and desired to view a friend then Skype is a good choice. I would recommend it to anyone (namely my parents). Well, I guess that's about it...

Age of Empires.

I was listening to some music today and the rhythm reminded me very much of a game I use to play. It was the only game (aside from Mario-Kart) that I ever really got into. I could get lost for hours playings this game! My brothers and I would fight each other or team up together to defeat the enemy. This game to me was like World of Warcraft to the guys up here. It was the best!

I remember playing with my step-mom too. She was always Yellow. Playing with her was so much fun! Trying to teach her the moves and show her the ropes and to watch her jump around in her seat not knowing what to do was the funniest thing. Ahh. Good times. Good times.

In my opinion Age of Empires was a very ...well, I won't go so far as to calling it "Educational", though it did have its share of educational points. For one, it taught the player how to finance their debts. In the game you are allotted a specific amount of money (whether it be gold or silver) and when you ran out you would have to dig for more, or some how earn more. Another thing was that you would have to be in charge of hundreds of people (and sometimes more). You had to make sure they were healthy, working, and all-in-all not being attacked. And the cheats were great! I will never forget the feeling of when your entire village has been destroyed and you have but one player standing and you pull out that last resort -The Car. Oh man, what fun! But I won't bore you further with the details of this game. I just felt like posting about it so that I wouldn't someday forget that it even existed. ...I am such a nerd! Well. Have a nice day!

The 80-Cent Burrito.

It was like a rock. I was so hungry. My stomach had to be filled. So early in the morning and so soon for class, it was out of the question to run home and grab a bite to eat. So, as many students do, I averted to the vending machine. I plucked out my change and found that I had just enough for a bean burrito. It was either that or Sour Patch Kids. This early in the morning I wanted something hot.

I stuck the coins in, one by one. As the machine oscillated, I selected the burrito of my desire and attempted to pull open the window. Only. It wouldn't work. Every time I pulled back the door, it would lock and the machine would rotate again. It was early and I was tired. It is a fact known to man that the human body is cantankerous when operating on only three hours of slumber.

I was getting a little frustrated with the vending machine and I ended up tugging on the door to try to keep it from being stupid. Well, just as I wanted, it opened. I looked inside the window and was surprised to see that I now had access to two open windows instead of just the one. The machine had stopped in the middle of two windows. I pulled out my burrito. I pulled out the extra burrito. I now had a choice. No one would know the difference. No one would ever know that I stole one measly meal. And it wouldn't really be stealing would it? I just happened to get lucky. Right? Besides, I had worked hard that morning. And I was so hungry.

At that very moment, as I held the two burritos with one hand and the door open with my other, the words of Brother Richard C. Edgley came into my head. "Honesty is the basis of a true Christian life. For Latter-day Saints, honesty is an important requirement for entering the Lord’s holy temple... As Latter-day Saints we have a sacred obligation to not only teach the principles of honesty, but also to live them, perhaps with examples as simple as three towels or a 25-cent newspaper. Honesty should be among the most fundamental values that govern our everyday living. When we are true to the sacred principles of honesty and integrity, we are true to our faith, and we are true to ourselves."

Without further ado, I replaced the second burrito back into it's slot and let the window slide shut, putting a barrier between myself and that of simple temptation.

I know my story is plain. I know it's nothing much. But to me, I passed a test. I proved to Heavenly Father, by small and simple means, that I was willing to obey His commandments. Even though it was something as small as a bite to eat, in truth, it was something much more. By my actions today I told my Father in Heaven that I loved Him. May you, when such a time arises, be willing enough to tell our Father that you love Him too "even unto the end."

Snow, Snow, Snow!

Snow. I like snow. But when it snows constantly and ENDLESSLY for DAYS-ON-END it can be very tiresome. Like this morning. I got up, walked out the door, and found a whole foot of snow on EVERYTHING!! ...Only, it's not the kind of snow that usually fills the ground (no seriously, it NEVER melts!) it was ...powdery, and not at all fit for a snowball. Every time I took a step the white power would just woosh! And the roads! Don't even get me started! I have never seen such horrible roads! So, as much as I miss my car, I'm glad I don't have it. And the drivers. Woow! I'd have to say Missouri's drivers are MUCH better than these Idahoan drivers, and that's saying something.

Hmm, what else could I say...? Oh, I bought a web-cam today! Sort of a spur of the moment thing. Well, not really. I actually thought long and hard about it. It was more of a favor to an awesome friend. Anyhow. I got to get going. I have big day ahead of me!

Snow Fight!

The one in the dark coat with stripes is Samuel, the two girls are his friends Sydney and Lindsey. The one in the orange is Shyanne, the tall one in black is Stephen and the one in the overalls is Adam, and then, of course, I'm the one filming. In case you were wondering.

Late.

I leaned across the bed and picked up my phone. Why in the world did I set my alarm this early? -that single question goes through my head everyday, without fail, until I think: Oh yeah, school.

So, with that in mind I got up, grabbed my clothes and headed for the bathroom. Once I was there, I checked my watch.

6:40AM, Friday.

It took a moment for it to click.

6:40AM! -On Friday!

Oh crap! I have a class at 6:45!

And so, as the adrenaline pumped through my body and the panic leap into ever fibber of my being I got ready as fast as I could. Five minutes. That sure didn't give me a lot of time.

I got dressed in less than a minute, had my hair up in one, got my shoes, coat, and glasses on in the next three. I had to throw brushing my teeth and putting on contacts out the window -that would definitely make me late!

I was out the door by 6:47. I speed-walked across the balcony and took the stairs three at a time. I ran (or hobbled, it's kind of hard to run when wearing a backpack) across the street. I didn't run the whole way to class, but I did run a good portion of it. I beelined to the building, ran up the stairs, and soon found myself standing in front of my classroom door.

I hesitated. I was very late. What if they were having prayer or something? Oh well. I would still have to go inside. Hopefully I wouldn't be tardy. I grabbed the handle of the door and took a deep breath. I shut my eyes and pushed open the door. This was so embarrassing...

The silence was overwhelming as it came streaming out the door and into my ears. Oh no. They had probably all stopped whatever they were doing and were now starring at me. Oh crappy. I finally opened my eyes.

The room was dark. Empty. And utterly quiet.

Uhh! Are you kidding me?? I was an hour early!! ARGH! ...Oh well, at least it was a guarantee that I wasn't going to be late. Psshhh.

College Living.

I-Learn

Let me take a moment to say: I detest I-Learn.

I-Learn is a program designed specifically for students to keep in touch with the professors and fellow students, and to get there homework in A.S.A.P. It's a neat program that does help when it comes to getting information fast and one doesn't have to keep track of millions of different papers for each class. ...It's just. When one has seven classes and when each class has up to seven to ten tabs, things can be very overwhelming.

I think, on average, I check I-Learn close to twelve times a day. No joke. I am constantly doing homework or quizzes on I-Learn, checking my school email, and then going back to I-Learn because I forgot to check one of those bazillion tabs.

Typically, a student has a fifty-fifty, to sixty-forty ratio of having to use I-Learn for their individual classes. -As in, not all of their classes revolve around the overrated program. Unfortunately, this is not the case for me. Every one of my classes is totally devoted to I-Learn. "I-Learn this", "I-Learn that". Ugh. I have enough trouble checking my email! It drives me crazy!

Well. I guess that's all I have to say about that....

Mormon Scientist.

I had the wonderful privilege today of meeting Henry J. Eyring. Henry just recently wrote a book about his grandpa called "Mormon Scientist". Well, for my science class my teacher has had us read excerpts from this book and today at school, Henry Eyring gave a speech at a University Forum and my science teacher really really wanted us to go. So I went. It was actually very cool. He talked a lot about his grandfather and about how he was prompted to write this book. It was held in the Taylor Chapel, which is actually a lot bigger than it looks from the outside, especially when every seat has a student in it. The place was packed! I'm not one for science, but being there at the forum somehow made me want to go out and buy the book. Anyhow, I guess I figured it was something cool to write down. I met the son of President Henry B. Eyring! I even got to shake his hand! And I would have totally gotten his signature if I'd had the book! ...It's really not that amazing if you think about it. Henry J. Eyring works on campus. He teaches some kind of Discipleship class, I'm not sure what its called. But regardless, I thought it was something worth making a note of. Oh and here's another piece of good news: the snow is finally starting to melt!

Missionary Gifts.

For Christmas my brother Jacob asked for only one thing: Music. And since I'm me, I didn't give it to him until I knew FOR SURE what he was allowed to listen to. (And because Jacob's the one sending me via email a list of what he can listen to, I haven't even come close to sending his package out. What a blessing it is to be next to a BYU-Bookstore (not to mention the DeseretBook store in town).

Today I sort of splurged on my big brother. I went a bought two CD's that I'm anxious to have him listen to, I'm on my way to town to pick up another CD, and I also bought him postcards -that I'll be sending to him, so that he can savor them and cherish them always. I bought him a "Return with Honor" bookmark with a plus of an attached scripture marker, and three wallet cards that will surely make him cry. -At least they made me cry ...almost.

In addition to this package that I will be sending him, I will of course, throw in his favorite no-bake cookies and maybe a few ties. I guess that leaves me with one question to ask. Since this is his belated "Christmas" present, my question then is: What should I get him for his birthday in April? My brain is dead and full of school. Please help.

Rexburgish Wonderland.

I dedicate this one to all of my family members who are stuck in some far away state without ANY snow. The below picture is just a small taste of what it's like up here in Rexburg. (Don't think this is the only picture of have, it's just the best one at showing what's it really like up here.) I hope you feel envious of it. I hope this makes you all jealous! ;)

Update.

School is going well. I think I have homework in every class. But that's alright, I don't mind. I also got to go do baptisms at the temple on Friday, and it was so much fun! I got to go sledding with my cousins last week, that too was a lot of fun! I got invited on a date for Saturday, but the guy "stood me up" (I guess that what you'd call it, he asked but never called back about it. Oh well, doesn't bother me. I don't mind any.) Hmm, what else... I went grocery shopping the other day so now I can make my all-time favorite dish for supper. Enchiladas here I come!

I've gotten to know my roommates very well now. I am convinced that they are ALL very cool. We stayed up the other night playing so many different card games. It was a lot of fun. I haven't gone to any social activities yet, though I was invited to several the other day. But no, I was lame and decided to catch a movie instead.(Next time, I promise to go and then I'll get to tell you all about it!) I guess that's it for now... I really should be getting ready for church. Until next time! Au revoir!

My Movie Reviews

FOUR CHRISTMASES - I got to watch this movie with my cousins in Colorado. It's directed by Seth Gordon, it stars Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, and it even has Tim McGraw in it! For rating purposes, between 1 and 5, I'd probably give this movie 1. It ended abruptly, I hated Vince Vaughn's character, and it really wasn't all that great in bringing a person closer to Christmas. Oh the brighter side of things, it had some funny parts, and I enjoyed watching my cousin laugh her head off at the spit-up scenes. All in all I it was not worth the 8 dollars that I spent on it.

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL - This film is a remake of the 1951 version and its directed by Scott Derrickson, starring Keanu Reeves, and Jennifer Connelly. Okay, I am by no means a fan of Keanu Reeves but because of the character he played in this movie his "acting" skills didn't shine as much as they did in his other movies. Rating wise I would have to give it a 3. I am a big fan of H. G. Wells and I couldn't help but be reminded of one of his Sci-Fi novels. The graphics were very cool and the scenes fit right in with the music. The ending was also rather sudden but I guess that's the way movies are these days. It was well worth the 3 dollars that I spent to go and see it.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON - This film is an adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story of the same title. It was directed by David Fincher and it starred Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. It tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards. So when hes a kid he looks hideously old and as he gets old his body looks very young. With rating I would give this movie a 1. It had more than it's share of "naughty" scenes and yet it was a touching story. In my opinion, there was definitely not enough good stuff to out way the bad. In other words, if you get a chance to see it, Don't. It really isn't worth it.

LOVE COMES SOFTLY - I was at the BYUI Bookstore the other day and I saw this and had to get it. I saw it for the first time years ago but I still love it. It's directed by Michael Landon Jr and it stars Katherine Heigl, Dale Midkiff, and the adorable Skye McCole Bartusiak. Based on the book by Janette Oak comes a story about a woman who undergoes a tragic loss and is thrown into unwelcoming circumstances. Out of 5 I would have to give this movie a full 5. I loved it and would recommend it to everyone.

"Temple of Learning"

I really shouldn't be posting... I really should be sleeping...

I got an on-campus job working with early morning custodial which starts at four in the morning and goes until seven. So three hours. I started this morning and it's not by any means a hard job, its just...exhausting, having to get up so stinkin early. And then my classes never go past twelve-thirty, so that's good.

I am most fortunate to have really cool roommates. Though being girls, we all brought tons of kitchen stuff. So there's like tons of pans, tons of mugs, and TONS of silverware. And the cool thing is, is that none of my roommates care if anyone uses their dishes. So everything (for the most part, when it comes to dishes and such) is fair game. And as for the food, all of our food cupboards and the whole fridge is STUFFED!

My roommates are all very nice, very talkative, and they're always wanting to go out together and do something fun. Hmm. What else... I'm in the eighteenth out of like ninety-two wards (which includes the married ones...). I started classes today. And two of my classes happen to be on the total opposite side of campus, which isn't fun at all, especially when you've really no idea where you're going. My classes here are HUMONGOUS compared to the size at the community college I attended last year. And of course, it's freezing up here. The second night I stayed here it was negative thirteen degrees outside! Oh and I can't wait to go to the temple! Hopefully I'll get to go this weekend, but who knows. I may be like dead tired this whole semester and never get around to it -but I am determined to never let that happen!

Speaking on the lines of the temple, classes were amazing! My science class was the first today and the Spirit was so strong! We pray before every class and in my Religion class we sing hymns and give short devotionals as well. It is so cool! Even to look out the window and to see the temple standing right there is just amazing. One of the things that also got to me was that my roommates are such good examples. They're always praying before they eat and I always see my room-roommate reading her scriptures and everything before bed. It's awesome! My Science professor today described BYU-Idaho as a Temple of Learning. I thought it was neat. Anyway, I've got a ton more to say, it's just, I really should be going to bed...