It Seems Impossible...

There is a quote by Nelson Mandela that goes: "It seems impossible, until it's done"

This quote probably describes my whole 1st year of University. Numerous times I remember talking to my mom or sisters saying that "I can't finish all these essays!" or "I can't do these readings!" At the beginning of the year, with my freshman naivete, I thought "oh just 3 essays, university is so easy!" Boy was I wrong! Those dates WILL all conflict and you will find it impossible to finish that 5 page paper!

This was exactly what I was thinking these past few weeks, as I had a 5 page paper, a 10 page paper, and a group project due on the same 2 days! I was talking to my mom about it, and she can attest that I was about to cry while walking home from the bus because I didn't think I could do it!

BUT today is the day they are due and they are done!! (Huge shout out to Katie for looking over them for me last minute! Thank you!)

"I Don't Wanna Wait"

I have always been a lover of the "teen drama" when it comes to television shows. They are incredibly addicting, and there are so many of them for one to enjoy! I believe my love affair began in the fall of 2007 when Gossip Girl first aired, and I was instantly hooked! The following year 90210 began and my love continued to grow as I would watch the OC, and Gilmore Girls! I remained watching these shows devoutly for the following years. But the summer before my senior year is when my devotion truly blossomed! This was when my lovely sisters introduced me to the world of Capeside! Dawson's Creek... I do not even know what words to put together to accurately describe my deep love for this show. It is quite possibly the best show for anyone between the ages of 15 and... well I plan on watching it for years to come, so let's say 40? Yep, I may be finished my obsession with Dawson, Pacey, and Joey by then (but no promises)! After I had finished the whole series of Dawson's Creek, my sisters introduced me to many other shows including Everwood, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and more that I am sure I have forgotten at the top of my brain. Right now I am beginning One Tree Hill (I know, I know I am a little slow to hop on the bandwagon as they are beginning the last season and all) and so far I am loving it! I am not sure what it is about these shows that are so addicting, there are so many perfect attributes to them that it is everything together which makes them so wonderful!

I must go and continue watching One Tree Hill, because once I finish it I am going to begin Felicity... but I shall leave you with the theme of Dawson's Creek and let it bring back some memories!

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 ;)

We Heart Cookies!

With Valentines Day fast approaching, it was time to make some sugar cookies!

These two took the reigns on the flour...

As you may guess, more flour ended up on their clothes and hair then the cookies, but they sure did love it!

Yes, we sure do love baking cookies! And if you have any doubt... just look at the pure bliss on Oakley's face!

Two down!

I have finally applied for 2 of my 6 university applications! I have postponed the process for quite some time, and my guidance counselor had began hassling me almost everyday! But it wasn't that I hadn't finished my applications, it was just that for the life of me I could not press the submit button! I felt that as soon as I pressed that little button, it was official that my life was going to change in just 7 months, and I wasn't ready for that.

But with the help of my sisters (one of which pressed the button for me) I finally did it and was over the moon when I saw this on my computer screen!

(sorry for the blur, it was taken with my phone!)