GRE

So...the scores are in. Its funny...I can get over 100 points higher in the math section than in the verbal section and I am in the same percentile in both. I don't understand it. But either way, I am happy. I was very consistent in all three categories (math, verbal, and writing) and was surprised with my verbal score especially. Hopefully these are good enough for getting into PA school (especially with my lack of medical experience...blah) but who knows...I might end up taking it again.

**snow**

Thanks to the weather this past week...

I got to do some of this on Friday.



It was fantastic! Hopefully next week will be just as good.

A MONTH!?!

Wow...I am a failure to the blogging world. I didn't write anything for a month?!? I guess I just got so caught up in doing nothing all winter break then got back to school and had to jump right in while studying for the GRE that instead of having too much time I didn't have any time. BUT, since that is all out of the way, I am back...and there are some updates to prove it. So just keep reading {if you care} because who knows...it could be fun :)

Back to School

Winter semester 2010...

Church History
Developmental Biology
Evolutionary Biology
History of Civilization from 1500
Technical Writing
Physiology and Developmental Biology Seminar
Physiology Lab TA

So this semester is a little different than the last one. Last semester I had all science and math classes. This semester I have three GE classes. Since these are totally outside my comfort zone this could prove to be a tough semester - but I know it will be interesting. This semester also includes some BYU firsts for me...
...first semester with no classes in the Benson building!
...first semester with no chemistry classes
...first semester with no classes on Friday!!!
...first semester with a class in the Maeser building

The semester also lets me see some of the weirdest classrooms on campus. I've awarded the top three.

Third place goes to my English class in the JKB...the room itself isn't weird, but the building is. I swear this building was built one room at a time, with no consideration for the building as a whole. Three different materials make up the exterior. There are only four floors but half of the building has half floors and you can only go from the half floor to the real floor in certain areas - so forget about finding a bathroom!

Second place goes to my developmental biology class in the Eyring Science Center... this classroom is on the fourth floor. I didn't know the building even had a fourth floor - but I finally found the stairs...kind of hidden...in the back of the third floor. Once I found the floor I checked out a map and found the room easy enough. Only problem...there isn't a door where the map says there is a door - just a wall. So...wandering around the floor, I found the rest of my class and together we found the classroom...about 5 minutes late.

First place goes to my church history class in the Maeser building...this is one of the original buildings on campus so I guess this room totally fits in. I walked in the room to find a small, rectangular stage in the front with three rows surrounding three of the four sides. Unfortunately these rows were packed. I looked up and saw a balcony - so I walked out of the room, up some stairs, and walked back into the room where I found three more rows overhanging the rows on the floor. Weird. I have never been in a classroom like it. I felt like I should be watching a show...not listening to a lecture.

So...even with the weird rooms, and the three GE classes, I am way excited for this semester. I love learning new things and challenging myself to see what I am really made of. So I may complain about it later...but I am ready for all of the hard work. At least now :)

Christmas Break

After a pretty tough semester, Christmas break was full of much needed relaxation. I finished up finals, did some snowboarding with Jess, and packed up enough clothes for a week in Las Vegas and a week in Brain Head (completely different climates) then went home and did absolutely nothing productive. It was beautiful.

I love the way my mom decorates for Christmas - the tree is always beautiful, the house smells delicious, and the whole place makes me feel so warm and happy. Here are some pictures of our Christmas Eve dinner I stole from Abby because I was still camera-less (thanks!).

See what I mean about the beautiful tree?

The place-cards were my mom's famous sugar cookies.

The dinner was followed by way too much dessert, a live version of the nativity story directed by Danica and Matthew and starring all the other little kids, and spending much appreciated time with family. Christmas morning brought fun gifts, but more importantly everyone was home and happy to be together. That feeling is one of my favorite parts of Christmas.

For three years now my family has enjoyed spending the week after Christmas in Brian Head. We ski/snowboard, eat at delicious steakhouses, play tons of games, and enjoy the time together. This year we threw some snowmobiling into the mix. It was a blast.

My first time on a snowmobile...I might have got it stuck in a few feet of powder within the first couple seconds. {but just maybe}

The whole gang. I know all of the drivers loved it, but I think the little kids got a little cold riding in the back.

Me and Dani on a very long lift ride.

Drew

Dani, Drew, my dad, and I on top of some of our favorite runs. We had great powder and beautiful weather. It was some of the best boarding I have done.

Danica, Matthew, and my dad.

Since I was the one taking the pictures there aren't any of me, but I took a shot of my best friend on the mountain - my board. Isn't it pretty?

Dear Vegas...

This is why I miss you...

...but only sometimes.

Confession...I love it here right now! Weird, but true. I think its beautiful. True snow makes everything take longer (getting dressed, driving, walking, sometimes even thinking) but it has many pluses - sledding, snowboarding, layered winter clothes, Christmas spirit, and giving everyone the urge to cuddle up by the fire and do absolutely nothing :)

The Countdown Begins

As of now I have
four days of regular class,
one test,
and five finals
left before I can relax. Ready...go.