Wrap-up of my very first college semester

Well people, it is about the weirdest thing I think i've ever said, but my first semester in college is coming to a close. I know. I am officially a grown-up crazy college freshman girl (well as crazy as you can get at BYU). I just wanted to post a little list of things that have been the best, the worst and had the most impact on my life since i've been here in this marvelous place.

1. My roomies.
I have posted about them a bunch, but really, they are the reason why my college experience has been what it has. The way we came to live with each other was a little crazy, but in the end it all worked out.
Lyndsie--(louise, mimsey, sleepy mama): the most sympathetic and caring person i know. She has her heart in the right place all the time. You can tell she loves the church and has her values first and foremost in her mind. She is my other half when it comes to tickle fights and singing and dancing around. She is so strong. She has very hard things in her life to deal with, but she still goes about with a pleasant look on her face. She has these blue eyes that pierce through you and you know she can do anything she puts her mind to.

Hilary--(lil hairy norton, lair, Indie spice): she is the independent one. Hil knows what she wants and there is no way you can stop her. She is brave and very intelligent in that little 5 foot body of hers. She sets trends and is beautiful in the way she accepts others. She loves her family. She also is very unselfish in the way she takes care of others. mostly me. She will give you a little treat or a note or something just to let you know she appreciates you. She is small, she knows, but wherever she goes the grass grows greener still.

2. Moving out
Moving out has probably had the most impact on my life so far. Living on your own provides you with so many chances to learn things about yourself. For instance, i'm turning into my mother. I love the apartment to be clean, the counters to be wiped, but i can't seem to keep my bathroom clean which i'll have to work on.

3. Boys
Oh boys. Going to college, i knew it was going to be a new experience from being with the same person all through high school, but i had no idea it was going to be this different! When you're in high school you think that you've met all the people you'll ever meet in the world....uh...think again. Here at BYU there are 29,000 students. That is 29,000 worthy people. about half of those are males, and ANY of them will make good companions. That's the most valuable thing i've learned here. I MAKE THE CHOICE. it is my decision who I hang out with, study with, and end up with. No one can tell me who I am or who i would go together well with. it is my destiny and i will the the captain of my soul.

4. Family
I LOVE MY FAMILY! in high school, as much as i hate to admit it i was a pretty big brat to my family. I had my head and heart in the wrong place, but nothing turns your mind around about how much your family means to you, than seeing other people here who's families are not nearly the same as yours. Families that have hardships and financial difficulties. Families that fight over legitimate reasons. Not like mine. we love soccer, singing and BYU sports. We like nothing more than sitting down on christmas day and watching 5 of the brand new movies that we've just gotten and then playing silly games that we make up. I love those guys. nothings better than just hanging out with the family. feeling like a little girl again, and knowing that i get to be with them forever.

5. My FHE family.
Now, I know that this may not seem like such a life-changing thing to people at first, but for me, here, it was. I am the "Mom" of our FHE family. At first I thought it was gonna be a good way to hook up with my husband.....but that was definitely not the case. He's a good guy. Awkward, but good, but totally not my type. Anyways, i'm in charge of planning all the activities for our family, getting everyone there, and making assignments. Our group is made up of 4 apartments. 2 of boys and 2 of girls. Tara, Karrie and Kamry are the sweet girls, Patrick, Johnathan and Ricky are the random mix-up of boys and then there's Josh, Jacob and Junior. The last group of boys is a handicapped apartment. Josh was hit by a car on his motorcycle after his mission, Junior was born with physical handicaps, and Jacob takes care of them. The person that's made me take the biggest step back and look at the big picture is Junior. Junior is a 27 year old and has Muscular Distrophy. He doesn't have full use of all his limbs or even control over his neck sometimes, but he's here and he's going to college.

The biggest reason Junior has impacted me is that he is so happy and still loves life, even in the circumstances he's in. Same with Josh. These men were once regular people living life as it should be lived, and then their lives turned, but their attitudes didn't. They have given me so many opportunities to look around and be grateful for the little things. Like walking on my own, feeding myself and having people actually understand me on the first try. They are amazing people and I am so glad to have met them and have them in my life.

Well, that's about it! I'm a day away from going home to spend the holidays with my family, and I can hardly wait! Hope your holidays are great. Remember the reason for the season. :) toodles.