Tierra and Jason's Reception

I went to two of my good friends' reception last night. (They got married to each other.) It was really happy. It is weird that they are married though. We've all been expecting it for years, but to have it here already is just crazy. The fact that I won't see them again for a year and a half is also a little weird. But it was a lot of fun to celebrate with them and to see all of my other friends that were there that I hadn't seen in a while. I had at least one friend there whom I hadn't seen since before his mission. It's a good thing I saw him now, or it would have been a very long time between seeing each other. I'm sure we would have survived though. :)
Well, I suppose that's my life right now. I'm frantically trying to get packed and clean my room so my mom doesn't have to do it after I leave. So this is all I'll write. If and when Jason and Tierra read this again, Congratulations once more, and WRITE TO ME!!!

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas day! Santa left a whole bunch of presents under the tree (that's a first for him, he usually just sets them next to our stockings). My mother informed us that they were "giving presents" and that the tag was inside. So each of us would unwrap one and then give it to whomever it belonged. I got a lot of them, as I'm going on a mission and all of my Christmas was what I needed for that endeavor. Santa also gave me a digital camera. Imagine my humor when I opened the present from my cousin, and found another one! So I believe I will take one with me and leave one here to be used as occasion needs. That means that the twins could take it with them to various activities and take pictures. This could be funny, since the family also has two different cameras. We apparently now have a lot of digital cameras in our family.

My Grandparents gave me pajamas. I think they've realized that I'm the only girl that doesn't mind pink, so I seem to get all of the pink things. They are very careful to not give either of my sisters pink anything. So my pajamas are pink, Angela's are blueish, and Trina's are blue and greenish. We were all okay with that. The fun thing is, one of my cameras matches my pajamas! That is very important. :)

Family History

So I've been going kind of crazy lately doing my family history. I have to take a couple stories of my ancestors with me on my mission. so I've been gathering stories and while at it, updating my PAF file. I think I may be driving my mother nuts because I've been at it almost all day, every day for at least the last week. the problem is, while I have a computer in my room, it doesn't have internet connection, and I've been doing quite a bit of it online. I think I was abnormally excited when I found some information that I had previously not had, and I hadn't gotten from my grandparents. I've gotten most of my info from them, but I'm running out of stuff that I can get from them, and I'm soon going to have to start working on my own. but that probably won't happen until after my mission. And so I will leave all of my information on my computer and hope that no one messes with it while I'm gone. I am, of course, making a couple copies and putting them on various flash drives and maybe even a CD, to put in my storage boxes, so that there is no way I will loose my information. it is too valuable to me.

Thanksgiving weekend

Well, Thanksgiving was fun this year. The two pictures above were taken at my aunt Nedra's house with her animals. I was lounging on the couch when the dogs one by one came and sat next to me until I had all three. It was really funny. And the bird is really nice. It just sat on my shoulder for a while. Of course, it preferred my cousin, Brian, but it was showing off and being rather social.

It was weird not having my great grandmother there this year. It's the first year that she wasn't. Of course, maybe she was, but as she's no longer alive, none of us would have been able to see her.

We went up after Christmas trees on Saturday and it took us a while to find the ones we wanted. We had to find three and maybe since we go up there every year, or maybe just cause they didn't like us, but either way, the trees weren't the best. But we were able to find some good ones, skinny, but full.

Well, this was kind of a short version of the four day weekend, but it ended up five for me because I'm now sick, and I don't feel like writing any more. Sorry!

My Odd Brother

Two years ago, when Richard got his mission call, he hadn't told anyone in the family that he was turning his papers in. I got an e-mail from him on Wednesday, August 31, 2005, with the subject line of "Yo sis, what up?" I thought it was weird that I was getting an e-mail from him, but opened it, without to much thought past that and began to read

Morning,

Just got a letter today...

"Dear Elder Bateman:

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Russia Novosibirsk Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.

You should report to the Missionary Training Center at Provo, Utah on Wednesday, 9 November 2005."

Thought you'd be interested,

Richard

I sat staring at my screen for a good thirty seconds as the words actually penetrated my brain. I also confused Whitney and Riley a lot as they didn't understand what was so shocking about my brother getting a mission call.

SO!

When I got my mission call, I wanted to do something crazy to try to get him back. The only problem is, he knew I was turning in my papers. So how do I tell him? The answer finally came, and this is how I did it. I copied his subject line, only mine was "yo bro, What up?" and sent him the picture you can see on the top of the page, along with one of my actual mission call to that he could see the date I'd be leaving. I then said

"Here's some pictures I thought you might enjoy."

And that was it. That's all I said. then I had to wait a week to see how it was received. I had wanted him to be surprised, and I wasn't disappointed. His response?

Julie! You little sneak! Not even telling me that you'd turned your papers in?? I should slap you (but I won't, because I'm sure there is a commandment somewhere about "thou shalt not slap your little sister"). I mean, honestly... who doesn't tell their brother who's on a mission when they turn in their mission papers??

yeah...

congrats! I'm so excited for you! It's going to be the most amazing experience of your life... I would honestly without a second thought stay out here for another 6 months if they let me.

For the record, I forgot to tell him about my mission papers. I had MEANT to tell him I'd turned them in, but I just forgot every time I had the chance.

Mission Call!

I finally got my mission call! (OK, so it's only been two and half weeks, but it felt forever and no time at all at the same time.) I am going to the Pennsylvania, Harrisburg Mission. And I report for the MTC on January 2, 2008! The butterflies in my stomach are much better now. This morning before I found out where I was going they were going absolutely crazy, because I knew I was getting my call today and I wanted to know where. My mom finally called me at about 3:30 and told me it had come. So I talked my supervisor into letting me run home and see it really quick and then come back. I think my mom was a little surprised at how fast I ran through the door. I also had to brace my self against the wall to make the sharp turn to run down the stairs so I could get to my room, where my mom had placed the life-changing envelope on my bed. (Wow, that was likely a VERY run-on sentence. Oh well.) As I had already planned, I read the letter by myself and then told everyone else. I, of course, told my mother first, as she was right there. Then I called my dad and told him. Then I called whoever I could think of. Some people didn't answer, but I left a message that I had news and to call me back. Most people knew what I was talking about, but some were a little confused until I clued them in. All in all, my afternoon was most eventful.

Halloween Party

So we had a party today at my house. I'm basically going to let the pictures speak for themselves.

The Dark and the Light

Lately, I've been feeling a little out of sorts, which is a little odd, since I just sent in my mission papers. (Frankly I think the suspense is killing me.) Anyway, I've been feeling for a long time that there are two people inside of me battling for my actions and I'm not sure who's winning. Well, tonight I re-read this poem that a friend of mine wrote entitled "The Dark and the Light". I thought I would share it with you all. I hope he doesn't mind.

Within ourselves, we have two sides,

One fights for us, and the other one lies.

They're constantly fighting without any rest,
For one instant's weakness brings the other one's best.
They'll battle and bicker for all eternity,
But you are the power, the secret, the key.
Without you, they're nothing, and neither will win.
For they're fighting battles with nothing but tin.
From you comes the metal, the unbridled power,
With a nod of your head that great power does flower.
The choice is just yours, no other can make it.
For others would see your great power and take it.
I hope you choose wisely, for if you choose wrong,
The consequence is pain, and the pain does last long.
So don't just be blind, your thoughts do not bind,
For others will definitely not be so kind.
The side that you favor will always succeed,
For you are the general; don't follow. You lead.

Whilst reading that I realized that I couldn't let myself be overcome by this depression that was threatening to overtake me. I knew I had to choose the better side. Although I've been trying to support the light, I now wonder if, subconsciously I was actually supporting the other side. So that's my new goal. To only support the better side, and hopefully come out of this funk that I'm stuck in.

Stargate CRAZE!

Well, I attempted to do my duty as a Stargate fan today, and ended up failing miserably. AHHHH!!!! I'm a FAILURE!!!!! I don't know anyone with the SciFi channel that would let me commandeer their TV for even the very short hour that I needed it to watch this very important episode. As it stands now, I have to wait to watch it until I can download it on Sunday or Monday. That will, unfortunately, not help with the ratings, therefore, not help get another season. But I tried! I did all I could! Don't hate me all you Stargate fans if I messed it up forever. (Okay, I doubt I would have really made THAT much of a difference, but still.) I'm still going to try to watch the other episodes live if I possibly can. I must do my duty to the Stargate world so that we can have more Stargate world and we can continue to enjoy it immensely like we do.
I am also in the process of bringing another Stargate fan up to speed on the show. It could take a while as he's only really seen through the first episode of season 5 of SG-1, but we're going to watch the DVDs on his parents' BIG SCREEN TV (assuming they'll let us), which I can't wait for because Stargate on a big screen TV as big as his parents' big screen TV, will just be flippin' AWESOME!

An amount of pain I hope never to feel again

I have as of late, been thinking about personal history and my Autobiography, which I am attempting to write. This is the latest memory I have written down and I thought I would share it on here. This occurred Dec. 9, 2002 and the poem that goes along with it I wrote on October 12, 2003. The second friend in the poem is a rat by the name of Karmel that my sister had gotten for Christmas two years prior to this.

As I left the house that morning, I held Sammi extra long, believing I would never see him again. I knew he needed to be put down. He was in pain, he was blind, he was deaf, and he had lost his sense of smell. I knew he wasn’t happy anymore, but I selfishly wanted to hold on. I wanted him to stay with me. He wasn’t only my dog, my pet, he was my best friend, and confidant. He was the one who could always make me feel better. And he was to be killed today. And my parents had informed me that I couldn’t be there. So, believing it was the last time, I hugged my dog and left for school with tears in my eyes.
Halfway through school I received a note from the office telling me that my mother had called and wanted me home right after school. Thoroughly trusting that I was missing Sammi’s appointment, I went through the rest of the day, trying to guess what the reason was. But, obediently, I went home on the bus so as to make it home as soon as possible. When I got there, I was surprised to hear Sammi’s toenails clicking against the kitchen floor. I was overjoyed to hear that the appointment had been made for three o’clock and Mom had called to make sure I would make it, because she knew how much it meant to me.
I held Sammi on the way to the clinic, as we took him unknowingly to his death. I knew it was what was right for him, but I couldn’t help but see it that way. I carefully carried him into the room when our name was called and then gave him over to the nurse for her to take him into the back room. It wasn’t until I first heard him yelp that the tears finally started to flow, and flow hard. I knew his yelp of pain. I could understand him as though he were talking to me and I knew that they were hurting him. I knew he didn’t understand what they were doing. I didn’t even fully understand what they were doing. With every yelp I heard come from him, I jerked with pain as my spirit cried out for him. This is one of the times I remember most strongly feeling Dads love for me, because when he saw my pain, my dad gathered me into his arms and allowed me to cry into his chest. With every jerk of pain from me, he held me tighter, unable to help any other way. At last they brought Sammi out for me to hold as they injected him with the medication that would make him sleep forever. This was my first time ever dealing with death, and I didn’t know what to expect. But I held him and comforted him and let him comfort me as they put the needle in him and slowly drained the liquid. I petted him until he was finally still and I knew he was gone. A new bout of tears I hadn’t thought I was capable of came and my father gathered me into his arms again as I sobbed hysterically.
I suppose the hardest part of losing Sammi was not knowing if I would ever see him again. I had full faith that I would see all of my human family again. I knew that they would be there. But I didn’t know if animals would be there, and even if they were, would Sammi know me, would he come to me? I have since learned that he will be there. I know he loves me as I loved him and he was happy to go. I can picture him as a happy little puppy surrounded by people that are caring for him until I can get there to do it. I hope more than anything that he will be one of the first to greet me when I finally reach the other side.

Painful Change

December 9, 2002
clinging to her father, tears running down her face,
her life changed forever.
Every yelp he makes brings a jerk from her.
Her father holds her tighter.

Her best friend is put to sleep after 16 years together
his little toenails will never be heard above her again
his little tail won’t wag for her when she comes home.
She can’t pet his head and know everything’s alright.
She’ll miss him horribly.

October 12, 2003
she clings to daddy once more, tears overflowing.
To go through it again is more painful then she thought possible.
The friend that had taken her confidant’s place
was stepped on, back broken, and died

The pain she feels now as she cries to God for help
fills her entire being with a great sense of loss
he isn’t listening, not comforting, it’s too painful for words.
She asks to have pain given her if only to bring her little friend back.
No such luck.

Riding on the wind, as fast as she can go, to the cemetery
“Help me Please!” She yells, no one hears, no one cares.
“Just a best friend, that’s all I want to comfort me when down.”
No one is listening, no one comes, she is all alone.

But then a friend comes to comfort her
and gives her the hug she’s longed for,
“You are not alone,” he whispers softly.
“You have your friends, family, and the Lord.
His spirit will guide you.”

Wrapped up in his arms, she feels love.
She believes.

And although I don't think that friend will read this, he knows who he is. Thank you! I think you may have spiritually and emotionally saved my life that day.

Those are my thoughts.

Dentist appointment

I had a dentist appointment today. I had to get temporary caps on two of my teeth. It was funny because while listening to the doctor drill my teeth down to practically nothing (or perhaps to keep my mind off of the fact that he was drilling my teeth down to nothing - I really like my teeth), I ran through several episodes of Stargate. That or I almost feel asleep. I was bouncing back and forth between the two. The appointment took an hour and a half. But I now have the temporary teeth. The one on the left is silver, so for two weeks I can brag about having a silver tooth. Of course, after that I will have permanent caps that match my others, so that won't be as fun. But much more practical. And I do like practical. Sometimes. I also found out that my dad has a gold tooth. Which is something I never knew before. It's funny how you can know someone for almost 22 years and just find out new things about them. Of course, my dad can also burp the alphabet - a talent my mom only found out about a few years ago, when Angela and I did, so that's even longer. Odd how that works. But I think he was purposely hiding it from her. She wasn't very impressed. :)

Random woody thoughts

As much as I am starting to loathe wood, I am at times pondering on the possibility of making my own dresser and bed when I return home from my mission. I think why I dislike my job sometimes is because I'm not doing anything I really want to do. I'm just making the same things over and over again, and it's getting tedious. Also the majority of the time, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing. I don't know what will be occupying my time for the rest of the day and that bothers me. Today I knew exactly what I was doing the entire day and really enjoyed work. It was completely mindless, boring work, but I liked it all the same. Maybe because I was working by myself, with no one looking over my shoulder, or maybe because when someone did finally come to work with me, he assumed I was in charge and let me give the orders and do the fun part. :) Actually, I just really like working with that guy. He and I have some sort of an understanding, which is funny, because I don't even know his name. That's kind of sad. But we both put our head phones into our ears with ear muffs over the top and how we communicate the majority of the time is by facial expressions or gestures. We don't talk unless we absolutely need to and it's pretty nice. I like it.

Anyway, I went to the outdoor movie night tonight. We watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which is by far my favorite of those movies. But I have seen it so many times, that it was a little boring. Especially since I felt a little bad about quoting it, because the friend I was with hadn't seen it at all. Weird. Oh well.

Relief Society Retreat

The fire’s warmth did not penetrate far enough causing everyone to move closer to it’s radiating heat. Soon, however, they were all shifting in their seats, torn between wanting to be within the circle of heat created by this blaze, or wanting to be away from the fiery ash popping out of the pit with a loud crack. Some were content to stay back, wanting only to be out of the danger of the ash and smoke. Some just wanted to be warm and risked the hot ash in the hopes that they would be warm enough not to care. The rest just paid attention to the speaker, not bothering about the fire, it’s danger or it’s warmth. Then there was me. I was as close as I could get to the fire without being in danger of falling in. Every once in a while I would poke it with my stick, moving one long or another to keep it as warm as I could. The ash didn’t bother me, if it hit me I just brushed it off with my hand, ignoring the heat. When I was positive the fire was going at it’s maximum strength, I sat back, frowning as the coldness of my seat soaked in, letting me know I was about to pay for my pyrotechnics.

I gazed into the fire, only really half seeing it. The smoke stung my eyes as I stared, unblinkingly; but my thoughts were far distant. The awesomeness of God’s power flowed over me as I tried to imagine his creations. I knew I never could, so I gave up after a while and looked to the sky. The stars weren’t as bright as they usually are when I’m camping because of the lights of the cabins. I could see the constellations twinkling brightly. How many of the stars I see now have people living on planets surrounding them? How many of my brothers and sisters are looking up right now, seeing my sun and wondering the same thing? The magnitude of the thought was too much for me and I turned to gaze at the fire once more, welcoming the simplicity of it.

Everyone watched as the chipmunk scurried around underfoot, wanting to be closer to people who might have food, but scared nonetheless. It didn’t notice that we were watching and wandered around, darting this way and that to keep us from detecting it. But no one could not have seen it as it scuttled up a lady’s leg, making people gasp. The woman next to them jumped up and hurried away, terrified of the small creature. Seeing it had been acknowledged it leaped from it’s perch on her knee, and scampered away, but not for long.

I took off at a slow jog, determined to force my body to run. At first, it was glorious, and I quicken my stride, my feet hitting the gravel with a soft slap. But my lungs soon began to protest and I had to slow again as I turned to start the climb uphill. Halfway up my whole body was screaming for relief and I slowed to a walk, panting as my lungs yelled for air. I could hear the sounds of animals to my left, but knew that it wasn’t really a cougar as it sounded, but a group of people, making the sounds as they laughed after each one. They were very realistic. Not finding what I had intended to find, I finally listened to my stomach and brain as they informed me it was time to eat and I turned and started jogging back down the hill. This was easier than up and I made it to the bottom without to much trouble. I got back to the camp and began to work on getting breakfast, but I was so lightheaded and tired that I vowed never to run first thing in the morning again. No matter what.

* ~ * ~ *

Those are the random experiences I had at the Relief Society Retreat this last weekend. I was going to put up pictures, but I can't find them now. :'( They were cool pictures too. Oh well.

I have about decided that I'm sick of wood. Wow! I know. I never thought it would happen either, but it just about has. I'm working with it just flat out too much and it's about to kill me. Maybe even literally. My entire right arm is dead. I'm surprised I'm able to even use it. I lifted really long boards and sanded them multiple times for about four hours this morning. I ended up having to get a wrist brace. Then I didn't need it when I got back and I was sanding by hand instead of with a sander, so I couldn't wear it anyway. It was all very annoying. It doesn't help that I think my supervisor dislikes me greatly. The guy that did like me retired yesterday. Which means we had a party, which was kind of fun. (Speaking of yesterday, happy late Patriot Day everyone.)

Anyway, I'm almost done with my mission papers. I should have them completely finished by the end of the month. I just need my physical and the permanent caps on the two teeth I got root canals on. So it shouldn't take too much longer! YAY! I'm so excited. I set my availability date for Dec 1, so that I'll be able to see Richard before I go. Even if it's only for a few days. I can buy him that ice cream I owe him. But if I go anywhere other than the United States, I likely won't leave that soon, because I'll need a passport and a visa, neither of which I have ever needed so I've just never gotten one. So there ya go. I'll keep you all posted.

Bloodbath

My dad is telling me to go to bed. But since I just woke up 12 hours ago, I find no point in going to bed quite yet, although I am starting to get a little tired and I have work at eight tomorrow morning.

Today I hung out with Aubrey, Heather, and Caulene. It was fun. We went to Saver's 50% of sale and I only bought two things. A gray blazer that fits me perfectly and a goblet ice cream bowl thing (that was mostly for the fun of it). Then we went back to Heather and Aubrey's apartment and just hung out and were lazy. Happy Labor Day to us! I love lazy days. We need more of them.

Engagement and Missions

Today was kind of boring. It was Fast Sunday, and my body decided right after Sunday School that it didn't want me fasting anymore and gave me quite a bit of pain. I'm still in some. But I should be fine. I'm hoping that it was just my body still adjusting to the fact that I don't have a gallbladder and that I can fast someday. My dad can't. Argh.

Tierra and Jason showed up at ward prayer and she was showing off a new ring. She and Jason are getting married December 27th. Sad thing, I might be on my mission by then. I'm going to try to push my papers through as fast as possible. I hope to at least have my call by November 28th when Richard gets home, but I might be gone by then too. Probably not, and part of me is hoping not, because I would like to see him before I go, but I know he'd be all for me going as soon as possible. If I'm not gone, I'm not going to tell him I have my call and then when I see him at the airport I'm going to hug him and then hand it to him. not quite as sneaky as how he told me, but it's as good as I can do since he already knows I'm working on my papers. I'm not as good as he is at keeping my own secrets. He didn't tell anyone but my parents that he was working on his papers until he got his call. When he e-mailed me and told me, the subject line was "Yo, Sis. What up?" Then he proceeded to tell me about this letter he got in the mail that said - and he quoted it. I was slightly stunned, to say the least. Whitney and Riley couldn't figure out what was wrong and it was about a minute before I could tell them. So, my telling him won't be as cool as his, but it should be fun. I just have to tell everyone not to tell him first.

Playing Around

I got to go to the temple again this morning. Last week I wasn't feeling well enough yet, and the week before that no one got up for it and I didn't want to go by myself. It was great to go back to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple where all the workers know us.

Today I spent the day playing with Megan. We went shopping and in the end I bought socks. That was all. But we bonded a lot and I found out that even though Megan said she didn't like the mall, we still spent most of our time there and she seemed to enjoy herself. I enjoyed the fact that we had rolls for lunch. They were really good and I liked that I could have them. Then we saw Ashley and she and I set up a time to hang out. I haven't seen her much since she got married. Funny how that works. But we are having dinner at her apartment and I'm excited. YAY!!! :D

While Megan and I were out playing Josh texted me and asked if I wanted to go to a violin concert. I said yes and we (with Scott and Amanda) drove to Temple Square and watched Josh's cousin's cousins perform. It was really good and I enjoyed the music immensely. I would have enjoyed the whole thing a lot more if I hadn't been wearing the wrong shoes with nylons and got blisters on the balls of my feet. That made it difficult to walk. I took my shoes and socks off and walked barefoot, and that helped a little, but not as much. I hope they're okay tomorrow, but who knows. The socks I have on now (which are the ones I bought earlier today) are very comfortable and they are helping a bit. I think sleep will be good. ;) <-- me half asleep.

YAY for insurance

Today I got the "itemized statement of services rendered" for my gallbladder surgery in the mail. It had all of the "services rendered" and how much each one cost. This is one of those times in which we are infinitely grateful for medical insurance. All together my four hours I spent unconscious in the hospital cost a grand total of $15,869.06 and I didn't have to pay any of it. Hallelujah! I definitely don't have that much money. I don't think if you added all of the money I've ever gotten in my life it would equal that. Maybe, but I doubt it.

So I'm trying to figure out why in the world I can't get really cool bruises. My sister, Angela, is always showing me her cool looking bruises (most of them come from colorguard - it's a dangerous sport) and I can never return the favor. It's not fair. Even when I kicked a cinder-block a couple weeks back, all that happened was a very small noticeable bruise and a red mark. Although it still hurts when bumped and I think I actually chipped the medial malleolus (that's the big bony bump in the inside of your ankle). It's got a bump on it that my other one doesn't. And I still have a little red mark. Then, yesterday, a coworker accidentally dropped a board on my ankle (other ankle - on the back) and it really hurts, but it didn't bruise practically at all. I mean, if you look really closely you can see it, but that's boring. Grrr. I only hope someday I will have a really cool bruise that I can brag about. Until than I will just have to find my enjoyment looking at Angela's. That sounds really mean. Trust me, it's not. You can even ask her.

Back to work

I went to work for the first time today. It was awesome! I loved being there. My mom was expecting that I'd get tired really easily and need to have only a half day, but I could have stayed longer if they would have let me. I would have been perfectly fine with that. But Alejandro kicked me out right at five. I guess he wanted to go home. But I didn't. Oh well.

I went and saw "Evan Almighty" tonight. After "Bruce Almighty" I wasn't very excited for another Almighty movie, but Evan Almighty was actually pretty good. I enjoyed it, but I'm still not liking the fact that they portray God as black. I'm not racist or anything, but God isn't black. It's a fact. There ya go.

Prologue to Portals

I was very lazy today for the last time. I'm going back to work tomorrow morning. Yay. I did, however get out of the house. That felt good. I had my car today! I drove my dad to work this morning and then came home and made and ate breakfast. Then I was lazy until I got really sick of the house at which point I left and went shopping. Mostly window shopping as I don't have much money I can actually spend, but I did buy myself some lotion, sharpies that I've needed and a chocolate bar. Yay for chocolate. I like. :)

I've decided to be really weird and watch all ten seasons of Stargate SG-1 again before I leave on my mission in January. Odd goal, I know, but hey, Stargate ROCKS!!! (Or as Aubrey would say, Stargate rocks my socks off. And it's true.)

Lissa, I've come up with an easy and happy solution to the problem. Get a facebook. www.facebook.com - Then you can write on my wall and I can write on yours. Or you could just e-mail me, or continue to just comment on my blog. I don't have IM. My dad dislikes it. A LOT dislikes it. Yells at us every time it's put on the computer. So yeah.

This is the Prologue to Portals. Everyone let me know what you think. Please.

Hastifora 37, 790. The last known day of the planet Tealia.
The explosions were deafening. Every where around him there were people screaming and swimming to get to land so they could get off of the planet before the Vulmans destroyed it. Josh dove and swam down to his house as quickly as his legs could carry him. His wife Kristine and his infant girl, Jeneal, were counting on him, not to mention everyone in his neighborhood. Sometimes he hated being the leader of Gulswald, but at times like this he was grateful for his training and would lead this people to safety to the best of his ability. He reached his house, where everyone in Gulswald was swimming around impatiently, awaiting his instructions. He swam into his home, grabbed Jeneal and waited as Kristine grabbed the most important things in her life. He felt terrible that she had to leave her home behind, and vowed that he would find a place for them to live that would be safe from the Vulmans. With Kristine behind him he swam outside and headed for the surface, knowing that the Gulswald people would follow him.
Josh head broke through the surface of the water and he waited a few seconds as his gills closed. Then he climbed onto land and, with everyone trailing him, moved toward the ship that he had hidden in a spot he knew the Vulmans wouldn’t find. All around him he could hear the sounds of a war between the two species. They had been enemies for a millennia, and he now saw that the Vulmans were much more bitter against the Tealians than the Tealians were against them. Although the Vulmans couldn’t touch the water on this planet, there was enough land that many Vulmans had been able to come down to set the explosives. Even as they were doing so, Josh could feel the Vulman ship getting ready to fire as soon as the Vulmans on the planet had done their job. Josh forced the thoughts and feelings away and put his mind to the task of getting his people off the planet. Not only did they need to get away without being killed, they also had to find a new place to live soon. Not many planets would be compatible for a species that lived their lives under a very specific kind of water. Tealians could live above water for some of their lives, which is why they would be alright while trying to find a new home, but eventually they would all be in trouble if they couldn’t find somewhere.
They reached the ship and everyone started pilling in. Josh handed Jeneal to Kristine and told her to find a place while he made sure everyone made it onto the ship. Then he went back out and watched everyone get on.
Just as the last person had gotten on, and Josh was about to follow, he heard a scream closer than any of the screams had been yet. Silently, he crept over and looked out through the bush. Standing over a Tealian was a Vulman. The Tealian woman was now dead, but the Vulman leaned down and picked up a bundle out of her arms. Josh felt sick. He knew this woman. She had had a baby boy just about a week before Kristine had given birth to Jeneal. He knew that bundle was little Daniel. And now the Vulman was going to kill him. But to Josh’s surprise the Vulman looked up, and took off straight up toward his ship with Daniel still in his arms. Josh ducked back and went to his ship, confused, but knowing there was nothing he could do about it.

* ~ * ~ *

Though they were able to get away from the planet safely, the Gulswald people still needed a planet to live on. Josh felt out with his mind, trying to find an uninhabited water planet. After weeks of searching, he found one that could possibly work. It had a large land mass that was about five thousand saalines, but the rest of the world was water. It felt correct. They now had to send down a team to survey it to make sure.
As they approached the planet that could be their next home, Josh felt even more sure that this was a good place. The team they sent down reported that the water was compatible with their needs. They landed on the land mass and everyone piled out of the ship. Josh looked around.
“This planet will be known as Awkwa. We will be known as the Awkwans.”
With that decided, the Awkwan people got to work making their new habitable.

Follow up appointment

Wow, today I feel like I wasted three hours. I had my follow up appointment with my doctor, which, of course, meant it was in Ephraim. So I drove with my mom for and hour and fifteen minutes there and back and sat in the room for half an hour to have the doctor look at me for five minutes and then give me a lecture on woodshop safety. Like I didn't get enough of those from my woodshop teacher in high school. After three semesters of it, I think I've got the safety part of it down. Ahh! It was such a pointless trip. The best part of the whole thing was that I was able to give my nutrition teacher back the shirt I borrowed from her in May. Not that I actually saw her, I just left the shirt on her desk, and left a note.

I've decided that the most annoying part of having been out for a week is that since I couldn't use my car anyway, the family just used it when they needed it. I was okay with that, when I wasn't able to drive it. Problem is, I am able to drive now, but can I go anywhere? No, because my mom has my car. Didn't ask, just took. What if I had needed to go somewhere tonight? It's just a tad obnoxious. Luckily, I don't really NEED to go anywhere tonight, but I did WANT to go somewhere tonight. Anywhere but here. I'm getting very sick of this house. After a week and a half of not leaving it, I need to get out of here. Walking to the cemetery doesn't count, which is what I did earlier today.

Oh, by the way, Lissa, no I don't have myspace, but I do have facebook, which is the clean version. And Aubrey, my parents have no problems with me going to the singles ward, but it has to be the one in my stake and I would rather go to almost any ward but that one, so I'm back at home.

Finally some fresh air

Today wasn't the most exciting day in the history of the world (or my life), but I got out of the house. I went to church with my family, back in my home ward instead of the singles ward I've been going to for a while. My parents decided that they prefer me to go to their ward, but they're okay with me going to ward prayer with the other ward and all of the activities. Which is good, since it's the extent of my social life. That's sad isn't it? Oh well, such is life.

So I went to ward prayer and ended up talking for forty-five minutes afterwards about everything and nothing. It was fun to see Scott again. And Josh and Camille, but I'd seen them since I'd seen Scott. Scott told me that he and Josh had been meaning to get me Coldstone ice cream and bring it to me while I was incapacitated, but they never actually got around to it. I told them it was the thought that counted. And I didn't tell them, but they will learn if they read this, I don't actually like Coldstone ice cream, so I don't really care. At least they were thinking of me. YAY them.

For the record, hiccups are painful.

Lazy Day

Today I was lazy and watched Scrubs all day long and ended up with a headache. That always happens when I watch too much TV. I should really have that figured out by now. Luckily, I took a nap and it went away. Which was nice.

Dayne's funeral was today. I didn't go, but my parents did. He was cremated, because apparently the cancer had taken such a toll on his body there wasn't much left. The sad thing is, they think he died on Saturday, but they aren't sure, because no one found him until Tuesday. He apparently didn't have much contact with his family, due to the fact that he smoked and hated showers, and he had very few friends that visited him (for about the same reasons). I wish he had chosen to be with them more often, but he couldn't handle their 'rules' (such as don't smoke around us and please shower). That's hard to think about. And very, very sad.

Well, that's pretty much the extent of my day. It was boring. I'm going to read a book now.

Air in my abdomen

Well, today has been nice. Other than the persistent feeling of air in my abdominal cavity, where it is not technically supposed to be, giving me a very constant bloated feeling. But I was able to sleep last night, thanks to my father giving my a blessing. The Lord helps us through the times when we need him. I'm so grateful.

I spent most of today lying on my right side, which was the only way I could get comfortable, and watching Scrubs. It's a hilarious show. That's why I like it, and that's why I have to be very careful while watching it because, quite frankly, laughing hurts. but it gave me something to do whilst recovering. I'm in the process of downloading more episodes. I wish I had the money to just buy the seasons, it would be much more convenient, but I don't. I finally got my paycheck today, but my mom didn't put it in the credit union, and since I can't drive and she was at work all day, I'm just going to have to wait to have money until tomorrow. But it still won't be as much as I wish I had. But does anyone honestly have all the money they wish they had? I've never met anyone who would claim that. But then, most of the people I know are my age and are under the classification of "poor, starving, college student". Like me. And right now I really am starving. I'm going to go eat a cheese sandwich.

I went a little to far

Today I'm not feeling so great. I don't care what the doctor said, I don't think all of the CO2 the pumped into my abdomen has been absorbed by my body.I can't lie down, I can't stand up. Sitting is fairly okay, but leaning back is horrible as well. I'm just getting a little tired. But I don't know what to do about it.

Heather, Aubrey and I went to the bookstore today. It is a great little place and I can't wait to go back when I actually have real money to spend. I finally found a book I've been looking to buy for years (literally) and was able to get it. It's one of my favorite books, but they had discontinued it, which had made me mad. Oh well, I found it at long last and am in the middle of reading it.

By the way, Trina, of course I would post pictures of my gallbladder! This is me we're talking about. I seriously considered putting the video on here, hindered only by the fact that I have no idea how. But if I did, it would be here. But hey, thanks for the puzzles and coloring poster! Isn't it fun to just act like a little kid sometimes? Especially when you've just gone through I procedure that no one should have to go through until they are a grandparent. It was a cool experience, but I think that it just hit me today whilst watching Scrubs that I no longer have a gallbladder. I know, I said that two days ago. But then it was just an offhand fact that had nothing to do with me. Now I can feel that absence of it and it hit me oddly. It was good to take it out, and I'm relishing the fact that I haven't had any of the pain I've lived with for so long and the only pain I feel is the result of the surgery, but it's odd to think that I don't have an organ that I've lived with for so long. It's a small insignificant organ yes, but MY organ nonetheless. Sorry, it just struck me as odd.

Attempting to recover

*This blog is dedicated to Dayne, a family friend who died recently of cancer*

Today I'm actually more sore than I was yesterday, but my dad and I took a walk and that helped quite a bit. I'm not allowed to drive until next Monday, so I either have to walk or get a ride with someone if I want to go anywhere. The funny thing is, I don't feel dizzy, nauseated, tired, or anything else like unto it. All I feel is slight pain in the belly button region and where they removed my mole. And I'm itching like mad. But that usually means that it's healing so I'll take it as a good sign. :)

Heather and I are going book shopping tomorrow at a small quaint little bookshop in Provo tomorrow, after I get paid. I'm looking forward to it. Apparently you can get fairly inexpensive books and you can find almost anything. I can't wait. I need a new book that I haven't read yet. They're getting harder and harder to find.

By the way Heather, thanks for the plant. I'm not entirely sure where I'll put it once I'm no longer in the guest bedroom, but I guess it will me that much more incentive to actually get my room clean. I still haven't cleaned it thoroughly since moving home three weeks ago. :0 Oh well. I'll get around to it.

It is now time for bed. Good night world!

My Gallbladder is Gone!

Well, it's official. I no longer have a gallbladder. Or the obnoxious mole that was really big and sat just on the surface superficial to the gallbladder. The doctor didn't know about the mole before hand and had to ask my mom if it was alright if they took it off. She said yes, and when I found out, I was very happy. I'd meant to ask the doctor if he could take it off while he was right there anyway, but it slipped my mind. Before I was taken into surgery I was given basically flavorless Gatorade through an IV to rehydrate me. With all the sugar, I kind of went into a sugar high and was pretty hyper there for a little bit. It made my arm really cold though. I didn't mind, as they put a heated blanket over me. All in all, it was a very cool experience, and I will remember it for a long time, even if I wasn't able to get my gallbladder bronzed like Joe M suggested. Sadness. Oh well. Where would I put it even if I had? But, as you can see I did get some good pictures of it, and I also got a copy of the video. It doesn't have sound. But I already know what was going on, so I can put my own explanation to it.
I'm actually a little surprised at how good I feel. I'm not in pain almost at all, which is definitely nice. I am tired, which means that reading my books is proving slightly difficult as I keep falling asleep, but I'm doing it. Hopefully tomorrow will be easier.

Well, I'm going to go continue working my way through that stack. :)

Goodbye to Jared

Today I went to my cousin, Jared's missionary farewell. Well, his "goodbye I'm leaving" talk, as we aren't supposed to call them farewells anymore. oh well. It was good. Jared did a good job on his talk. It was about faith. I enjoyed it immensely. Jared is entering the Missionary Training Center to go to the North Carolina, Raleigh mission. I'm excited for him. The funny thing is that if I leave when I hope to, I'll get back before him. Good times.

I have decided that my gallbladder is trying to give me as many problems as it can before it exits my abdomen forever. Right now there is quite a bit of pressure in there, and it hurts when I try to bend to much. So I'm not. Luckily, sitting at the computer isn't bothering it, so it's okay at the moment. :)

Well, That's all for today, I've got an early morning tomorrow. I'll let you all know how it goes!

Reception

Last night I went to my friend, Liz's wedding reception. It was really cute. And it was really nice to see all of the people I hadn't seen since high school. I got to dance with a guy named Kevin. We danced cha cha and then the triple swing, but the music wasn't exactly the best for ballroom. Someday, in ten years or so, I'm going to have dancing at my wedding reception, but I'm making sure I can ballroom to it. Which, of course, means I need a guy who can dance.
The first to pictures are really out of order, but oh well. Liz and Corey cut their cake with a plastic, disposable knife because they couldn't find the actual knife they were supposed to use. They then got ready and literally shoved the cake in each others face. Liz got Corey better than he got her, but he remedied that by kissing her and getting cake from his face all over hers. It was cute in an odd sort of way. :)

The other pictures are the books and movies I'm planning to read and watch next week while I can't do anything else. Unfortunately, I may need to get more books, as I've already read two from that pile today and am thinking about reading another. I do have to clean the bathroom and my bedroom first though, so I might not get around to it. But I might go to the library later today anyway. Angela (my little sister) and I went on Friday, but she got many more books than I did and I'm not really interested in any of them. And I've already read two of the three that I got. Actually, I've already read the other as well, but it's been a while.

Well, I read another one, but I never got to the library. Maybe I'll have to borrow some books from my grandparents tomorrow. We'll see. If all else fails Heather, Aubrey, and I are planning to go book shopping the end of the week when I'm feeling up to it and actually have money. I'll get more books then. But I'll have to be careful or I will go overboard. :D

I'm here!

I have finally set up a blog. Be proud of me. I never thought I actually would. But here I am, finally moving forward in the great world of cyberspace, sadly enough, following after my sister's footsteps, who already has a facebook page. Oh well. I have a blog now. Go me.

I'm getting my gallbladder out on Monday. I get to drive an hour and a half to get to the hospital where it's happening. Well, no, I'm not driving, my mom is. They might shoot me if I didn't have someone to drive me afterwards. Oddly enough, I'm looking forward to it a lot. I can't figure out why other than I'll be rid of the pain. I'm hoping they'll film it and let me watch later on. I forgot to ask the doctor if I could. Well, who knows?

I just finished reading Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks (thanks Heather, for letting me borrow it!). I'm not sure how I feel about it though. Why does it have to end that way? For those of you who haven't read it, I won't tell you how it ends, I suggest you find out for yourself. But I just don't understand. I read A Bend in the Road (same author) just before that, and it ended fairly happily. But I guess I have to remember that this is the same author who wrote A Walk to Remember and let Jamie die at the end. But he made it beautiful in that one. This one was just sad. :( Now I've given you a hint as to what happens at the end. Sorry.