Roots and To Do-ne

School has been out for exactly 1 week and I have to say, it is pure bliss.

Except, what is so odd about student life is, as far as busyness, it's a little like flying with Superman for 4 about months, and then smashing into a brick wall and sliding down into nothingness the next day. It is always so jolting to me that your entire life can be pulled out from under you every 4 months. How is it possible to feel like the world is going to implode any second during finals week, and then have nothing and no one expecting anything of you the next day. It feels so....anti-climactic.

Every semester it makes me realize how temporary and unrealistic this type of life is, and how much I look forward to a period of time when I can settle down and put down real roots. Where relationships and life doesn't turn over every 4 months. And where expectations and opportunities to perform at your best all the time don't disappear. (I think that's called family life.)

Speaking of things that aren't transient, as I was serving in the temple tonight, I saw some dear friends of mine attended the session I was helping in. Looking out on the faithful faces in that room, I began thinking about how grateful I am for the faithful, wonderful, meaningful friendships I have developed over time. I am so grateful for these friends that have resulted from the unexpected path of my life.

These friends are not the kind that come and go with a ward or a semester. Because of the beauty of their souls, they have become part of my heart and are there to stay, permanently. And the neat thing is, in Provo, if you're an older single, it's not long before your friends become friends and you all know each other and are in the same big social circle.

It's so wonderful to have such intelligent, spiritual, insightful, caring and incredible peers. These people are incredibly rooted in the gospel, successful in their careers, serve in the temple, serve their families, go to India to serve in leper colonies, start and lead organizations, travel the world, enjoy adventures, pile up degrees, act as mentors for youth, create beautiful service-oriented lives, write books, speak publicly, all while waiting patiently for the promises of the Lord to unfold in their lives. I am so inspired by them, by you, my good friends, and grateful you have been willing to walk along side a part of the path with me.

And now by way of follow-up on the procrastination project list. That procrastination tactic was quite effective.I am pleased to report to you on my progress on said items:

1) Clean- well not deep cleaning, but I definitely have those longhorns hung up above my dresser, above the iron star. Laundry done, bedroom clean, storage unit cleaned out - check.

2) Garden- I TOtally started a garden today. And I'm sprouting my own seeds! I bought this magical little green house with dirt disks that grow when you water them to sprout the seeds. So exciting! Potential problem - I'll be traveling a lot this summer. (Like leaving for San Diego next week!) So I'm just going to bring my little sprouting buddies with me and incubate them in San Diego (No, not taking plants as a carry-on. I'm driving there.) I also bought about 30 kinds of vegetables and hope to sprout the entire section of a produce store. Is that expecting too much?

3) Chickens- those are permanently on hold. Until I marry a cowboy.

4) Brain work- I have an amazing intern that I work with that is really helping me to flesh out the ground work for this new program for young leaders on college campuses. So excited!

5) Thesis....um. yeah. I really need to get to this. Moved up to top of priority list before while in Provo.

6) Car. I'm pretty much a ticket waiting to happen. But the check engine light is off now. Yay! So I just need to go and pay the $25 bucks for emissions, and then the $150 for registration.

7) Volunteer work- a little tricky. I am consumed with work and travel, and I'm finding it really hard to wedge another big project in there. It is unfortunate that when push comes to shove, between paid work and volunteer work, the volunteer work has to give way. As a non-profit manager, I've seen this over and over. It's really difficult to make progress on projects when your workforce flakes out any time they get busy. And now I'm that flake. Boo.

8) Eating- I've started my 40 day Lent. Here's the skinny: I eat a lot of fruit and salad. Period. That's it. Sometimes a stick of gum, or corn chips or diet caffeine free soda if I'm having a break down. But 40 days it is. And so far, so good. I also exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. My body feels good, I feel good.

9) Family- since the last post I've spent significant time with the fam-o, including a trip to Texas, a slumber party with the nephew, Sunday dinners, and plans for Aunt Nicole dates. And flying to Illinois next week to see my bro. graduate with his double masters degree and meet baby Penelope. Check on the fam. time.

10) Write a book- haven't done it. But oh so going to make it happen. someday. Maybe when someone offers me a book deal. Thinking of titles. Something like, A Singular Life: How to Be Single, and Happy, or How to live a family-oriented life as a single person...or something. I want to address influences in society that undermine our ability to form relationships that lead to marriage, and how to live a life that prepares for family life, with roommates, in a ward, in dating, etc. Any suggestions/ideas?

11) Genealogy- I did indeed go up to my grandparents over Easter weekend and ask if I could record a brief history. Grandma insisted on not recording here, and grandpa couldn't hear what I asked, or remember the questions for more than 5 seconds. I'll find a way. Maybe hidden cameras and unsuspecting conversation....

12) Books on nightstand- still 17. But working through them all. Current favorite: The Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox. (The Mormon, not the sociologist.)

In other interesting news- I tuned up my mountain bike yesterday and have decided on a impromptu trip to Moab this weekend, as inspired by the pending snow storm tonight. This weather is ridiculous. I can't handle it any more, I need some real sunshine.

And, Women's Conference is going on right now. That means about 20,000 crazy ladies flood BYU campus with knitting needles out your ears and a need for all things womanly. While the gaggles of women can be obnoxious, the impact of the conference is wonderful, and it always lifts my spirits. Sis. Beck is speaking tomorrow morning at 9am, and then Elder Bednar later in the day and I'm going to go battle the crowds to hear them.

I pretty much love Sis. Beck. She is my hero. I met her at a BYU football game when I got tickets to the President's box one time. She was just hanging out with a bunch of other general authorities, watching cougar football, chattin it up with her hubby. I got to sit next to her for a bit and watch the game and chat.

That is until my friend saw her and had a meltdown upon meeting her hero. Upon spotting her, my friend exploded into fits of "you're my favorite ever! I love everything you say! I'm your biggest fan!" accompanied by tears and other general gushing and embarrassment, requiring us to escort ourselves away and pull ourselves together. For some reason I don't suffer from celebrity-itis. But it sure is funny to watch. I think if I were to ever be a celebrity and this were to happen, while feeling bad for their awkwardness, I would secretly enjoy watching them squirm and gush all over themselves. This is also why I will never be a church leader.