The Wonderful Tricks to Pass a Test...

So I have this really cool chemistry class. I also have these really cool friends in it that I sit by everyday. There names are Arielle and Shelyse. :) 

One day maybe Ill have a picture of all three of us.

But today I sadly don't.

But what I do have a picture of is this...

This is Arielle, Shelyse and my creation.

Have YOU ever had to memorize the ten enzymes in Glycolysis?? Well.. I bet you wish you figured this one out!!! We were pretty proud of this accomplishment. And I am pretty sure this helped all of us on our test!

Through my first semester at BYU, I have learned a few things regarding studying for tests and school in general.

- You have to make it fun... Like the above picture.. or it wont be fun to see your grade at the end!

-You have to make friends. And then you make study groups. So what if you get distracted in the study groups a little bit? You have fun. Which then associates fun with dumb subjects like chemistry.. cough cough. and then Chemistry ... becomes... fun :0

-If you are a little tired and are afraid you might fall asleep in your class, eat chocolate. 

-Don't flirt with boys you don't like. [haha... this should be obvious... I know..]

-Don't forget about assignments just because they are due on Friday night! Ugh.. Definitely one of my biggest regrets ever!

-Memorize your syllabus that has due dates and such. Life becomes a lot easier when you know what assignments you have and when they are due!!!

What am I even doing?? I'm talking as if my first semester is over.. and yet.. its far from over. Four finals approaching and just waiting to come attack me. Please pray that I survive. 

One thing I have been taught that has helped me a little bit is this. God can't help you if you haven't studied. And if you are at a limited time, it will be okay. Pray that He can strengthen and multiply the worth of your time. You will be more efficient and prepared if you do this. Or... you could just not procrastinate :) haha. I love school no matter how hard it is! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be here and I know it is what I am meant to be doing!

Thanksgiving :)

 I was so excited for Thanksgiving this year! I have never needed a break from school so badly! Its kickin my booty! But its okay, only a few more weeks and I can start the process ALL over again!! :)

So I made this super long list of things to do before I could leave for Thanksgiving Break and I just had to share the list because I felt so accomplished when I was able to cross off EVERYTHING on the list. :) I love making lists for the joy of being able to scribble the heck out of it once I'm completed!!! Here it is... Isn't it beautiful????

Another happy thing about Thanksgiving Break... I get to see my amazing family :) Here is Marla... I have missed her soooo much! She is such a sweetheart and has grown up so much since the last time I saw her. She even knows how to steal my mothers phone, take a picture of herself, and send it to me with a message on it, all without even mentioning to my mother that she has her phone! hilarious :)

Another reason to love home. The beautiful... yes, I did say beautiful... fridge full of unlimited soda to drink. You may wonder where my unhealthy obsession comes from.. Well... Here you are! haha

 I love this boy! He didn't really want to take a picture with me... He would of rather played basketball with me but I convinced him to take one haha... He is adorable :)

 Everyone kept saying, hey look! its Justina 1 and Justina 2! haha I guess I look like her more now :) Love seeing her as well :) Shes got another baby on the way!! YIPEE :)

 Lil miss Eva :) She is freakin adorable.. She loves our dog and being able to feed her treats. And she finally likes to take pictures with me and hug me!! It was so cute.. She came up to me once or twice from behind and just started hugging my legs.. I would follow this by saying.. Eva do you think  I'm your mommy??? lol she would immediately withdraw and go to her mom and do her super cute shy face. Haha I love that girl :)

 This was my Mothers amazing creativity to entertain all the grandchildren. Bowling with squash and pumpkins!

I wish I got to take pictures with everyone but it was a pretty busy week so I didn't exactly have time!!! But I loved Thanksgiving and as always, it made me realize what a wonderful family I have! I am thankful for an amazing family :)

I absolutely love this quote and thought I should share it :) Its pretty much perfect for me!
Happy Friday :)

To quote a movie who also quotes a song...
"I wish life were like a retro pop song. 'I want you to want me' Boom, end of story. We all live happily ever after. But its never really like that is it."

TRUTH.






the end... :]

Family :)

I got to see my family this weekend!!!! Here are some pictures :) It was so fun! And I also bought another jacket.... hehee. We ate a ton of food too... probably not too good but oh well :)

 me and stina :)

 surprise visit from tayman :) took me to olive garden!!!

 I showed Justina the beauty of Broccoli hair haha.

Janie, Me, Brandon, Justina and Jessica :)

SUCH A FUN WEEKEND :) I loved getting a break from school to relax with them!

Halloween!!

So this year for Halloween, I was Meg from Hercules. Probably by far, my favorite costume I have ever done. :) I may have accidentally made it a habit to quote her regularly now. :) 

 FIRST full rooomate picture... Blogging world, meet my other roommate, Alyssa :) haha

 Biker Chick, Belle and Meg :)

 And this... welll. GROSS. We were doorbell ditched with a green pumpkin and I got to be the lucky one to open it... Lots of candy and it starts moving. Yes.. a rat. Well hello there discusting hairless rodant. I may have screamed multiple times....

And yes... to top it off, we were in the process of doing face masks when the door bell was rung. 

Overall... An amazing Halloween! Even with the rat!

[side not: carved my first pumpkin! why is there not a picture? well... it didn't look too great...]

Random Happenings at BYU

So instead of making a bunch of blog posts to catch up, I'm combining basically a few of my pictures and calling it good. Geeze.. I sound like a student turning in a paper or something.... Oh well :)

 Always gotta make time for the Thatcher boys and the Malt Shoppe :)

 Things seem to get crazy when I put my apron on. And when this girl is around :)

 Double Date?? First haunted corn maze [haunted anything for that matter] ever!

 Supporting the Cougars of course!

 Gotta make time with the Sista! Love her :)

 Apron and Guitar??? Probably was a bit scary!

 I love meeting random boys and taking pictures holding hands with them. Totally normal right??

Just checkin to see if mister Joseph Taylor Beowulf Stevens still has muscles of course!

General Conference :)

And how long ago was that?? GEEZE Jennifer... You stink at blogging on time. I apologize for the few followers I have :)

So for general conference this year, we were a little adventurous.. kinda. We went and stayed with a huge group of people at a friends house in Salt Lake. It was a ton of fun! We even got tickets by begging and ended up with plenty of tickets to spare! It was really fun and it was my first time actually being able to go to conference. I did love the experience but I think I love watching it from the comfort of my own home with the presence of my lovely family :) I loved the talks that were given. My favorite talk was probably actually in the Relief Society Broadcast. President Uchtdorf gave a talk on "Forget me nots". He gave us five things to never forget...

Forget not....

1. to be patient with yourself

2. the difference between a foolish sacrifice and a good sacrifice

3. to be happy NOW.

4. the why of the gospel.

5. that the Lord loves you!

I absolutely loved this talk and it really helped me a lot with my life circumstances right now. I have never been able to say that a talk was written and spoken just for me until now. I found a little picture of these phrases from the talk.. It may or may not be my computer background :)

So here are some pictures from this amazing week...

 Kelsey (my roommate), Natalie (my bff), and Me at the Conference Center :)

 The group of newly made friends :) 

[on a side note... loved watching a whole disk of modern family with the girls while the guys were at priesthood session!]

 The mandatory pyramid before a sleepover picture. 

 The its getting really late lets take pictures with bracelets part of the sleepover :)

It isn't a true sleepover until the pillow fight begins :)

and the girls in the next room tell you to be quiet.... hehe :)

That was my general conference weekend! Sorry it was a good month late!

Winter Preparation

Well... this year I shall experience something very strange and foreign to my life.

...

Winter.

Soo... This gives me an excuse to go shopping!!! :)

Jacket Purchase #1

Jacket Purchase #2

Jacket Purchase #3

Hopefully I don't freeze to death once the snow actually comes. Which I am pretty sure it will be in like a week... Ugh.

Cooking

I love cooking... What have I made recently?

Green Chili Burros

Green Chili Enchiladas

Mongolion Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Cauliflower Soup

Pumpkin Cookies

and much more...

Why can't I just be a Mom and cook everyday for my husband and children?? This school thing is hard. BUT... I did PASS a test today and that is always a great motivation to keep going with school. Freakin 84 percent :) So what if it was on the Book of Mormon! It is still a class and it still counts towards my grades!!!

Back to cooking again... This weekend something serious is happening... Roommate Cook Off with other Roommates haha. Me and Kelsey vs. Stephen and Boone. Yes, we HAVE made new friends. :) The contest is a chicken, italian meal. Bring it on! :) Pictures to come of course.

Cooking seems to be something I use as an excuse to not do homework...

"I'm hungry... I need to eat... This can wait til I have made a delicious meal... I might as well make something amazing.. I've been working hard! I deserve it!"

Okay now I am just rambling... And yes... I am hungry right now... And I am supposed to be doing homework...

:D

Someone Like You. Adele.

I heard that you settled down
That you found a girl and you're married now.
I heard that your dreams came true.
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you.

Old friend, why are you so shy?
Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light.

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me it isn't over.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,"
Yeah.

You know how the time flies
Only yesterday was the time of our lives
We were born and raised
In a summer haze
Bound by the surprise of our glory days

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me it isn't over.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."

Nothing compares
No worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes
They are memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead,
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."

I absolutely love this song. But I have found a new version that brought new feeling to it. Amazing.

http://youtu.be/Fx_wZCJ5fTg

CHeck it Out. You won't regret it!

Sodas and Sweets

So I have this soda problem. I have inherited this from my parents, and their parents as well. I used to be able to justify this problem with the following statement...

"It's okay that I drink lots of soda... WHY? Cause I never eat any sweets. If I try to quit soda, I eat sweets. So I might as well do the one I enjoy most!"

Well.... Times have changed. And I would like to blame BYU.

Byu brings tests, which brings stress, which brings emotional breakdowns, which brings desire to pig out, which means buy soda and if its a bit worse of a problem... buy candy. Well...

...

I don't think I can use my perfect excuse anymore. I have a problem. Darn byu...

Awkward Library Scenes

If I have realized one thing about the library through my two years of college, it is this. Boys love to make you feel awkward and\or ask you out. A few situations happend at Eastern Arizona College but today I am going to summarize the newest Brigham Young Library incident...

It is Friday at approximately four o'clock and I am about ten minutes away from leaving. Its been an extremely long day and I wished to cool down a little before the BYU home football game [by the way, we won :)]. So, back to the story... A guy, probably about 22 or 23, interrupts my lovely music background and asks me how long I will be at the library. I respond saying about ten to fifteen minutes. He is very concerned by my answer, almost pleading with his eyes to say a larger number. I then ask, due to the awkward silence of his worrying what he will do next, how long he needs me to be here??? He says twenty minutes max. I, feeling nice, say I can do that. He is afterall, very attractive and maybe I could get some kind of date out of this for my kind service. He runs away excitedly, leaving his stuff for me to keep a close eye on, and asks my name just before he leaves. He likes to pronounce it "yennifa". I then get to sit there, really having nothing to do, for the next fourty-five minutes. At that point, I begin a note apologizing for the fact that I had to leave. I debate for about another five minutes whether I should be super flirty or something and put my phone number or something. Just as this internal battle ends, he arrives, panting. He apologizes for the next couple minutes and then offers to walk me out of the library. On our way out, we have the following conversation..

Him: "So who are you going to the game with tonight?"

Me: "I'm just gonna meet up with some of my friends."

Him: "Wait, no guy to sit with? Geeze, I would think you get asked out so much."

Me: attempting to laugh, "umm no actually"

Him: contemplates this for a few seconds and then decides, "Well, then let me ask you out."

Me: "... Okay.. Ask me out then"

Him: awkward moment... [we have now walked out of the library] "I guess I should get a number or something" goes to his pockets and then seems to remember something that should have been obvious in the first place... "I don't have a phone, wanna write it down for me?"

Me: "Sure, why don't you have a phone?"

Him: "I will never have a phone, then people could actually find me. Its annoying"

Me: "I see..." no i really don't

[I write the number down]

Me: "So you never told me your name?"

Him: "Oh that is not important. Your name is Yennifa. THAT is important."

Me: pity laugh... "But really.. Whats your name?"

Him: "Its not as important as your name but its Andrea"

And that is pretty much the gist of it. Weird and Extremely Awkward? Ummm.. YES.

Consequences of Work at 5:30 AM

I think work is starting to get to me. I am losing my mind. So basically, brief description of my job... I make salads, sandwiches, arrange fruit trays, etc. I work in a refrigerated room so a necessary part of my day after work is taking a shower to literally defrost myself. I work three days a week, fifteen hours total. I think the only reason I really can survive this is the fact that they blast the radio while we work. For some reason, this radio station is actually amazing!!! I usually can't stand them but I seriously like about 95% of the songs they play! So on to the part where I might be losing my mind?? Well, on multiple occasions now, I will be singing along to the songs, and then I notice.. I am tearing up. These stupid songs are making me CRY. Not just one or two, but at least half of them! I know, I am ridiculous and I must be losing my mind... Or maybe I just don't have much of a life so I live through the feelings of music? I don't know but I will admit, this is not normal. Oh well. I enjoy the songs despite the water building up in my eyes... I am going to blame it on the fact that I am probably still sleeping in those early hours of work. Reminder: Work starts at 5:30 AM. Which also reminds me that I should be getting to bed... HA.

Disney vs. BYU

Sometimes I wish I could be in a Disney movie. Wake up one day and accomplish the following in the same day:

-sing to all the lovely animals of the forest

-meet the man of my dreams

-sing a lovely duet with him while: Riding on a horse, Having a magic carpet ride, Swinging on rope vines, dancing the night away, etc.

-fall in love

-be married

-live happily ever after

But real life.. This is not that easy. You get boys like the following...

The Shy Boys: They literally RUN away from you when it is time to say goodbye after a lovely date. Maybe fearing that you might smooch them to death?? I don't know. And only talk to you when they can actually see you at church or something. Don't wont to work TOO hard. This whole idea of texting or calling someone is ridiculous and out of the question, of course. They are also slightly embarrassed when you call them out on ignoring a text or something.. You enjoy every second of their awkward blushing. :]

The Brave Type One Boys: They come up to you the second sacrament meeting is over and hold your shoulder in a firm grip to get your attention and then announce to the whole room that you are looking "stunning" today, then leave quickly for fear that you might actually respond. [Little do they know they have just informed you that they have been creepily watching you for the past hour]

The Brave Type Two Boys: The boys that sit by you during Sunday school never meeting you before. Nice boy but talks quite a bit during the lesson and keeps rubbing up against you, attempting to "flirt". [Haha] Little do you know, this is somewhat distracting and I would really like my space back. Breathing is nice sometimes. But hey, you are still very funny and can make loud gum popping sounds! Very impressive ;]

The Silent, Beautiful Men: These boys, well men, I'd prefer to say, are the ones you admire from a distance. They probably think they are too cool for you or they simply just don't notice that you walk the same pathways everyday. But they are beautiful and for some reason, maybe just to tease you, you CONSTANTLY will see them, everywhere you go.

The Cocky but Beautiful: Then, there are guys that ask to take a sip of your soda, admiring the fact that you even would consider drinking a caffeine full soda. They then proceed to ask you, the complete stranger, if you prefer Coke or Mountain Dew, saying that he must know the answer before we can begin to date. Your response, of course, is mountain dew. He then proceeds to confess his dying love for you. And then he leaves, never to be seen again.

The Slightly Cute\Interesting Fellow: These are the guys you meet at football games that flirt playfully with you for the whole game and then, seeing that you might actually be cool enough to be talked to, he invites you to a game night at his house. You go, you play pole, you almost win, and then you scratch. And it is devastating. But all is well. He continues on throughout the whole night teasing you about your major but without making you feel stupid. Almost like he was... Good at flirting. Weird! He ends the night by NOT asking for your number but promising to see you again. You leave thinking to yourself what a waste that was. BYU is quite a large campus and you will most likely never see each other again.

Of course, these are all just hypothetical situations and I have yet to meet any such boys at BYU.

BYU

YES, I am finally at BYU. It's been very tough but also very fun :) The campus is HUGE, especially when comparing it the Thatcher. I have been lost about 20 times and I've only been there for about a week! But I think I am getting the hang of it :) My roommates are awesome and I'm excited for the times we will have! I love having Janie, Brandon, Jessica and Natalie so close as well. I even have a job now! The hours are absolutely terrible but it is a job and I can do it!!!!

It starts at 5:30 AM. Yes, I know. CRAZY. But ya... I'm a "Salad Production" person. HA. So I'll be pro at making salads... Good thing I LOVE salads... not. ha! But it will still be fun. The people were super cool and nice.

Partyin it up with some girlies :)

CARA surprised me this weekend. SO HAPPY to see her again :)

Visit from Joseph Taylor Beowulf Stevens. He is so strong...

Natatat and JanDawane :)

Some CRAZY boys.

Well that is all. I'm sure more will come :)

Hazy

I absolutely love this song... And I learned how to play it and sing it at the same time... great accomplishment!!!! It was fun to sing it with janie as well :)

Hazy by Rosi Golan.

Summer Time

I have neglected my blog and I apologize. Summer has been great at times and not so great at times. But since this is a blog, we shall focus on the good things :)

1 new friend.

Natalie Grover :)

SOOOOO glad I met this girl! She is awesome and we giggle lots together and have so much fun! We are kinda crazy when we are in the same room so be careful! haa. I'm excited that shes coming to Utah with me :)

2 wedding receptions

Jenna Pottles and Natalie Allreds :)

...

I mean Jenna Thacker and Natalie Thatcher!!!

Both were lovely! We got to dress up as cowgirls for Jennas which was super fun! Natalies was fun too. She had an adorable short dress that I LOVED :)

3 vacations

Lake Powell, Lake Powell, and Yellowstone :)

We had TONS of fun this summer. I loved seeing family!!

4 "major" changes

Elementary Education to Early Childhood Education to Nursing to Dietetics :)

I know... Random. But I've been going to my classes and they honestly interest me more than anything else seems to! So its perfect for me :)

5 days of work every week

"Freightliner sterling western star of arizona, how can i help you??"

Loved getting to know the ladies I worked with better. We always talked about the Bachelor haha

6 movies.. surprising that it isn't more!!! Haha

7 books read.

Hunger Games

Catching Fire

Mocking Jay

The Host

Uglies

Pretties

Specials

Super fun to get to read a bit this summer :)

Yes.. I was a bit of a reading nerd this summer! haha

Well that was my summer and now I'm off to BYU :) WOOOOOO

Eastern Arizona: CHECK.

I've made it through my last semester of Eastern Arizona college. It is a little bittersweet. I didn't think I would miss it. But as usual, atleast for me, whenever something is about to end, it always gets more fun. I made a lot of friends in the last few weeks. They weren't neccessarily new people, but more like remade friends. I don't know what was wrong with me this semester.. I just wanted to be anti- social. It definitely is the hard way to go. I don't think my roommates enjoyed me very much cause I wasn't very active... Sorry roommates I love you guys!!! But the last few weeks made everything okay. I made a lot of great friendships and plans for them to continue :)

What did I learn from my experience at EAC... you may be asking...

well...

1.) When a teacher says start studying now and gives you exactly what to study... do it..

2.) There is a process of "browning" meat. If this process is ignored, the meat or perhaps the "beef stew" that you are making will have no taste.

3.) If you want some visitors, just make some cookies.

4.) Lack of communication is the source of many complications in life.

5.) Always look for the good in people. If you concentrate on finding something bad, you're gonna find it. And it wont make anything any easier.

6.) Most every "walk" you go on will not end well.

7.) Life is full of awkward moments. Embrace it and have fun with it.

8.) Be happy. Don't worry, there is a plan, and the end is in happiness.

9.) A simple trip to the nearby Superstop ends all problems and provides for memorable moments with the roommates :)

10.) I have the best mother in the world. She cannot be replaced by anyone.

11.) Anything long distance stinks.

12.) Family is so important.

13.) Green Chili Burros are amazing... And I've learned how to make them.

14.) Pioneer woman does not know everything. Do not put an egg into a pasta dish. It is just gross.

15.) I will seem very silly in this one but... Bacon cooks in its OWN grease. You do not to add OIL.. this just leads to a smelly house and gross bacon.

16.) You must PETITION to actually graduate and there IS a deadline.

17.) Human Anatomy and Physiology is not a piece of cake.

18.) Education is the way for me.

19.) Pandora is a gift from heaven.

20.) Cream Puffs, when made with your best friend ever, are a great thing to make if you are super bored and find yourself hanging out with your bff with nothing to do. :)

I figured I would do 20 since I will be turning 20 in a few weeks... Heck, lets figure this one out... 7 weeks and 2 days. :) hehee.

Here are some of the highlights caught on camera for my last year of EAC Experience. :)

This girl was the reason I survived. Cara is always so happy and so nice and I loved being her roommate. She is awesome. I wish I could be her rooommate all of my college career.

Hanging out with this boy was quite the adventure. He is a great person and I am happy that I met him. He helped me grow and figure out a little bit about myself.

Oh Natalie! She is such a good friend and was always there to listen to me. It must have gotten annoying so thanks for putting up with me :) I am happy to have met you and call you my friend!

This is way out of order... But buying the last milk carton with Cara. It was a sad moment. I will miss her lots! But its okay we will meet half way at a grocery store to buy our milk.

I must include this guy. Taylor was such a good friend. If I needed to forget about anything going on in my life I could count on him. He was soooo nice and always let me drink soda. Haha... That is a good friend right there :)

Ohhh photoshoots. They are so fun... Especially with Cara and Maddie!

Burning in the sun with Ashley and Cara.. My favorite :)

The superstop. A happy place.

Curling hair with Cara.

The time me and Cara realized how dirty our room was. This is why we are perfect roommates. We thought it was funny :)

And of course (still way out of order) Halloween with our homemade costumes :) sooo fun!