Sundays

Before I left for Ottawa I remember my sister Katie telling me that Sundays were going to be the days that I would get most homesick. When she told me this I brushed it off and did not really believe her.

But even though I have only spent 2 Sundays here, I can already attest to this accusation. Although I have enjoyed being in a YSA ward and the bishop is really great, I don't think there is anything quite like your home ward. A place where you have known almost everyone for your entire life and a place where you feel completely comfortable.

To be totally honest, I didn't think that I was going to miss my ward all that much. Sure, it contained some of my best friends, but I didn't think that I was going to miss the ward, as a whole, as much as I do. There are so many wonderful, quirky, smart, and passionate people in my home ward and I don't think it has been until now that I have grown to truly appreciate them all and what they have taught me. It has really taught me to not take the people in your life for granted.

I also miss Sundays at home for the most simple reasons. For the feeling of coming home after church and making lunch. For the way that Oakley and Cooper would always look adorable in there church clothes. For being able to walk Oakley to nursery sometimes, and hearing after church of all that he had learned. For being able to go from church from 10-1 (unlike the awkward time of 2-5). And for the feeling I would always get when the whole family would get together for our Sunday Dinners.

However the plus side of Sundays in Ottawa... unlike home, clean up is only for 4, not 8!

The Cupcake Girls

After completing my first week of living in the big city of Ottawa, which was both physically and mentally exhausting. I could not think of a better way to relax and celebrate, than by making some red velvet cupcakes!

Sarah and I decided to walk to Loblaws and soak up what was left of the sun on the autumn evening. As the sun was about to go down, the air was fresh and the neighbourhood was quiet, I realized that I was going to love my time here in Ottawa.

We then returned home and began our baking! I had never seen red velvet actually being made and I was shocked to see how truly read they were! They tasted amazing, and do not even get me started on the icing which was probably our favourite part!

A Face in the Crowd

I have never been one to like crowds. Even just the simple task of going to Costco or Ikea has proven to be too much for me to handle.

And you can believe my reaction when I went to the University for the first time! I was overwhelmed with the number of students and people who were taking over the campus! I must admit that I felt a little nervous and highly claustrophobic!

I have discovered there is some joy to be had with just being a face in the crowd however. For one, I don't think that I have ever seen the same person twice, so I have the mindset of "so what if I embarass myself, I will most likely never see you again." I also find great happiness in people watching before class! I think I picked up this trait from my mom, in which I like to make up peoples life stories and guess what their major is... it provides great entertainment!

So, although I am still not the biggest fan of crowds, I am beginning to see how they can be fun! Now, if the crowds are in Disneyland...that is a crowd I can handle ;)