The Next 8 Months

As I entered the Conference Center this morning, I anticipated that conference would be meaningful but there is no way I could have expected what was to come.  When they announced that President Monson would be the first to speak I was a little surprised but excited.  I love hearing him.  He began by talking at temples which was expected.  But then the focus changed to missionary work.  He began talking about young men who in some countries are allowed to begin serving at age 18.  He announced that now all young men will be eligible to begin serving missions at age 18 provided that they have graduated from high school.  Then he began talking about sister missionaries.  My heart stopped.  He announced that young women will now be able to serve missions at the age of 19.  I immediately got the chills and tears began to well up in my eyes.  Everyone began chatting in hushed tones.  Today was a historical day for missionary service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I feel so blessed to have been at the conference center.

In the two hours following that historic announcement I wept with excitement, anticipation and wonder.  I could potentially enter the MTC in 8 months.  To serve a full time mission.  As I sat and listened to the remainder of the session I was filled with the Spirit.  My mom served a mission and I always admired that about her.  I always thought that is would be so cool to go but didn't really know if it was for me.  I want to get married between the ages of 21 and 23 so I wondered whether serving a mission would be right for my life.  Now, though, I could serve and be home by the age of 20.  I still can hardly believe it.  I have never been to nor watched a session of conference more meaningful to me and my life.  I am now preparing to serve a full time mission.  I still don't know whether or not I will go, it's an incredibly personal and important decision.  But this I do know- whether or not I go, my Heavenly Father wants me to prepare to serve a mission.  I know this without any shadow of a doubt.  I have never felt so sure about something in my life.  Preparing to serve a full time mission will bless my life immeasurably.  It will be help me become who God intended me to be.  I know that preparing for this will help me be a better example and missionary now.

I am anxious to being preparing and exploring the option of serving a mission in 8 months.  I know this gospel is true!  There is no doubt in my mind about that.  As Sister Dibb said, "I am a Mormon.  I know it, I live it, I love it."  I am so grateful to be the age that I am so that I can take advantage of this opportunity.  I still can hardly believe it!  This seems so surreal.

mechale lauren

Fall Debates 2012

Let us get real here- Presidential debates are so much better than studying for a midterm, writing a paper on tennis, writing a lab proposal, and writing a paper about Ceramatec and Fairchild Semiconductor.  No questions asked.

Short blog post?  yeah, and I don't care.  Mitt and Barack are waiting..

mechale maxwell

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