Blitzen

Do you ever have days that are so great and then one tiny thing makes them not so great anymore?  That describes today.  I had a great day, went on a super fun date, had Chi O stuff, went to a great engineering meeting and then opened at text from my mom at 6:51 saying, "Blitzen died today."  It was hard to keep myself together while in my meeting.  As I walked from the engineering building back to the Chi O I lost it.

To be honest, I'm surprised she lasted this long.  She's been on her way out since the beginning of the summer.  But the finality of it was startling.  Even earlier today I was talking to someone about how she just needs to die.  I was so lighthearted!  If I had known that I later in the day I'd be hearing the news that she was gone I don't think I would have joked about it.

Blitzen has been a huge part of my life since I was four.  We got her for Christmas (hence the reindeer name) and she had been around ever since.  I know that I didn't always play with her everyday, hated being on pooper scooper duty, and sometimes didn't really notice that she was around but she was my dog and I already miss her.  I'll miss her sleeping with me when there was thunder and lightning.  I'll miss her chasing after anyone in a uniform.  I'll miss her being so excited to see me when I got home from a trip.  I'll miss her eating bees.  I'll miss her being there for 14 years of my life.

Seeing her go down hill the past few months was hard- cancer, cataracts, arthritis- but she was always happy through it all.  Even on her pain meds she would try to come see me anytime I saw her.  She was such a loyal dog and I'll miss her.

RIP Blitzen.  You were the best dog ever.  I love you.

October 17, 1998- September 24, 2012.

mechale lauren

p.s. I wish I had a picture of her on my computer.  She was the cutest black lab ever.

Sunday Thoughts

Finally, things are settling into normal and I'm extremely happy.  I had two dates this week and two possibly three next week.  I'm doing well in my classes (even if I have never had so much homework in my life).  I have close friends and do lots fun stuff with them.  I'm finally here on the weekends and able to get involved in my ward here.  It seriously is such a relief.  I'm becoming a much better person than I was before.

That last one is what I've been thinking about the most on this Sunday.  The Brigham City temple dedication was today.  I don't live with anyone who is active in the church.  So I go to church alone.  It would have been so easy today to just not go to church since it was the dedication, not that I would want to, just that it would be easy because there is no one to go with, notice that I'm not there, whatever.  But I went and sat by myself and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I love making my own decisions and doing what's right not because people around me are or that it's expected but because its what I do and what I want to do.  I know that my testimony has gotten stronger and I'm definitely a stronger person because of my decision to move out and go to the U.

I love Sundays.  Its such a relaxing day to forget about all the worries and issues I have during the week.  I'm so grateful for this day!  All of my roommates are in and out all Sunday (shopping, homework, sorority things, getting groceries) but I have made it a priority to keep this day holy and that seriously has made all the difference.  I don't feel as stressed,  and I am able to just relax and regroup.  I have never loved Sunday's so much.

Life is good right now.  My life here is finally real.  I'm not holding on to Bountiful and my friends there anymore. I live in Salt Lake and it's so nice to finally have friends here to do things with.  Seriously, joining a sorority has been by far the best decision I've made in college so far.  I have an automatic friend group, I've made so many more connections than I ever would have.  It keeps me busy.  There's something to do almost everyday.  I love it.

Oh I love college.  I've been kinda back and forth with the whole thing but now, it really is all so great.  And I'm happy.

mechale lauren

a night in the 4201

just made french toast on kneaders cinnamon bread at 11:30.  so incredibly worth it.  and then doing a little mary hart shape up throwback (80's aerobics for those of you not fortunate enough to have come across mary).  and i have class tomorrow at 7:30.  awesome.  good thing i'm a college student and can run on no sleep?  i should probably get to bed.

i love life.

mechale lauren

p.s. the 4201 is our apartment number... but really, we're known as "the girls next door."  our rock even says so-

Post First Week of School

I'm having a hard time as of the last 10 minutes.  I love the University of Utah, don't get me wrong, but it's hard right now looking at everyone's pictures of BYU and seeing how much fun they're having.  It's hard being the only Mormon girl.  I'm having a hard time finding where I fit in.  My standards are so different from most people around me.  Yes, I came from the "Bountiful Bubble," but seriously, I've never heard so much swearing and stories that don't comply with my standards.  It isn't easy!  I know that I made the right decision in going to the U but it still doesn't mean I'm not envious of those at BYU.  Everywhere they go they are surrounded by members of the Church.  Their professors love and respect the Church.  They have the Honor Code!  I can live the standards of the Honor Code myself, but the people around me don't.  What I wouldn't give for the blessings they have!  It definitely isn't the same at the U.  I knew that my choice to come here would probably be the more difficult one and I am anxious to meet this challenge, but I didn't anticipate how immediately difficult it would be.  And it's just made more difficult seeing what so many of my friends are blessed to be involved in.

I don't in any way regret my decision to attend the U.  I have already had some incredible experiences and I'm gearing up for more.  I love my roommates.  Yes, our values and standards are different, but they are incredible girls and I already love them.  The four sophomores got me and the other two freshman we're living with to sign up for Greek Recruitment.  Going into recruitment I thought that there was NO way I would ever pledge to a sorority.  After Saturday (day one of recruitment) I'm pledging.  I can't wait to be apart of a sorority (bid day is Wednesday!!!).  It's an incredible way to meet people and be involved in something.  I always thought that it was all about drinking and partying but that is far from the case (at least at the U).  I'm excited to get my "big" and go to all the football games with my sisters and have an incredible support system.  GO GREEK!

The U is the place for me.  I love my classes... mostly and my professors... mostly. (Side note-  when I was little, my dad and I used to watch this scientist on PBS dress up in a top hat and a suit and do chemistry experiments.  Turns out that this mad chemist is my professor!  He's hilarious!  I seriously love that class!)  I've met a few great people (hopefully I'll meet more!  coughsororitycough) and have made some great friendships.  I feel so blessed to be living here in Salt Lake City and be attending the U.

mechale lauren

And one other thing

Oh yeah, I graduated.  And how cute are me and my dad?  Favorite picture ever.  I love him.

mechale lauren

New Beginnings

I guess you can call me a college girl or something... because that's exactly what I am.  I moved out last Thursday and have been here ever since!  But actually, that's not quite true because I went home Saturday all day and came home Sunday morning. And then I went home yesterday morning and came back this morning.  So really, I haven't even spent much time here... but I will!  And so far I absolutely love it.  I've met tons of great people, my roommates are seriously awesome (I for sure lucked out) and classes aren't too bad.. so far.  Don't worry, I've already done like 3 hours of homework today.  College is definitely a ton more work than high school (obviously...).  But I think it's going to be way more fun.  It is so far!

I'm way excited to see where I go the next few years.  I know that I'm going to change so much and I'm kinda anxious to see what happens.  I'm beginning college as a newly 18 year old and I'll end as a 22, 23 year old.  Maybe married, maybe not.  I'm sure my opinions will change, I'll grow up and learn new things.  I can't wait to see what happens.  I've watched older siblings change so much during college.  Definitely for the better.  They grew up and learned more about the world around them.  I hope that the same things happen to me.

Life is moving kinda fast, but I'm enjoying every second of it.

mechale lauren

New Day

Two posts in two days?  That's pretty dang good for me!  But I needed to finish up some thoughts from the last post.

Last night was one of the best nights of my entire life.  It was the all night party.  It was just straight up fun.  There were blow up slides, obstacle courses, bounce house, photo booth, aeroball, a cash cube (I won $10... haha yesssss), ukelele instruction, scooters, ping pong, racquetball, manicure station, hair cuts, massages, rifle and golf simulators, FOOOODDDD..  games, and best of all- some of my very best friends.  I spent time with so many random people!  It was wonderful.  I completed dares, signed meaningful messages in yearbooks, lounged, laughed, got super loopy, watched rap battles, boys waxing random body parts, danced my heart out, saw some stupid human tricks, played in the sand by the volcano (don't ask), ya know.  Basically had the best night of my life.  And no, I never once fell asleep I was strong from 8 am Friday until 8 am Saturday:) that's the first 24 hours I've ever gone without a single wink of sleep.  I have to say though that the best part of the night occurred at about 6:30 in the morning.  The party ended at 5 but me and a bunch of friends hung around to help clean up.  We then all got talking and realized that we'd never been up to the roof!  So what did we do?  We went up there.  I wish that I could describe the magic of the moment.  It was possibly the most beautiful thing I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing.  The entire sky (not just the east side) was lit up with pinks and oranges as the sun began is ascent into the sky.  It was awe inspiring and breathtaking.  I can't think of a better way to end my high school experience.  I wish the pictures we took would do it justice.  But it simply cannot.  I was so inspired. 

Then we went up to Alec's before going to breakfast at 7.  But here's the thing, Madi, Nicole and I ended up just sleeping in Nicole's car until everyone else got back.  It was sort of a bizarre situation but it was fun.  I was dead asleep in the middle of the road at first and then they woke me up and made me get in the car.  We were out cold when other people got back.  Addy, Tanner and Duke found us first and jumped into the back seat on top of Madi.  Then Alec heard a commotion outside his house and so decided to join us by laying across Nicole and I.  It honestly was so fun.  We were in there for almost an hour just talking.  Tons of Alec's neighbors walked by and gave us some pretty good looks.. It was so funny.  Finally, they all left and so Madi, Nicole and I went down to Nicole's for breakfast and then we slept from 10 until 3.  My internal clock is so off right now.

Before we went our separate ways (for a little while at least) we made a summer bucket list.  I must say- it's going to be a great summer.  I am so excited.  Graduation has been an incredible thing.  It's still completely surreal that I'm actually done with BHS, but I can't wait for what the future holds. 

I started my senior year with a sunrise with all the seniors marking the beginning of a new year.  We ended on Wednesday with a sunset signaling the close of an incredible era.  Starting this morning- the first of my life after high school- with a magnificent sunrise was awe inspiring.  Some of the best years of my life haven't even happened yet.  I look forward to them and whatever life has in store for me with hope. 

mechale lauren