Thoughts on a Monday

I meant to go to a concert in Orem.  I meant to go running. (I suppose I still could...) I did finish my thesis revisions, and I can't wait to get the final signatures and call everything DONE. I probably should be doing laundry, or writing a packing list, or vacuuming or something. I did try calling the temple. I called twice before I realized that I was getting the voicemail message because today is Monday, not Tuesday-Saturday. At this point, I should probably eat dinner. I mean real dinner, the leftovers Megan sent home with me because I've been eating cake for dinner instead. (No comment on how much cake I ate for my... "snack"... tonight.) SIGH. I wouldn't mind going on a walk. It's more fun to talk to someone and walk with someone. Like the concert: it's more fun to go with someone. Sometimes I've been really great about not caring if I go to things alone, but apparently today I'm not in that mindset. I think I just really need to finally complete my things here in Provo: thesis, work stuff, etc. I'll have an amazing trip to Europe, and when I get back I'll my moments of taking a step forward spiritually, graduating, and hopefully find a fulfilling job. Until then, tonight feels like a Monday. 

Reality Check

Dear dude on that ldsdating.site, 


I'm tired of you, collectively speaking. Yes, yes, there are some true gems on there. I do believe that. I mean... I'm on there. But let's face it: you're most likely talking to me because of my looks. Flattering, maybe, but it gets old super fast. I personally believe that my brain and personality are just, if not more, attractive than my physical looks. Let me share some thoughts on what I think of you. IF you are closer to 40 than 30, I am not your girl. IF you are 3o and only have a high school diploma to your name, I am so not your girl. IF you are 22 and already divorced, I probably am not your girl either. IF you call me pet names without even knowing me, I am not your girl, your baby, your hun, etc. IF you judge me because I didn't serve a mission... well wow, and I guess I'm not your girl either. IF you talk with me or meet me and it turns out you're a toad, I am not your girl. IF you weird me out and I cancel plans the same day you invite me, I apologize, but I am not your girl, and no, I will not give you any recommendations for friends of mine you should ask out in lieu of me attending that event. And finally, one of my favorites. IF you are 30+, a musician, living with your parents, high school diploma only, no real job, no real picture, questionable interest in your religious convictions, and attack me because I turn you down, I am not your girl. 


So, dear dude out there, I am departing from your world. The quantity of dates you've supplied me with has been somewhat amazing, but quality is better than quantity. And I'm leaving the country. But even if I weren't, I'm tired of your general type. Thanks for the hilarious stories, at least!


-me

Random quotes and travel preview

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence in society.

Mark Twain (1835-1910)

 Mark Twain was a smart man. And funny. I saw that quote last night and thought it merited preservation here. It also makes me feel somewhat better about my recent influx of clothing. One of the worst parts of working is that you have to have two functioning wardrobes: one for work and one for everything else.

Scholar of Mormonism Melissa Proctor says, “A Mormon woman who has post-graduate education is less likely to attend church,” perhaps because “an advanced degree does not contribute to an LDS woman’s status within the church,” whereas the church tends to fill its top positions with professionally successful men. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-10/mission-training-grooms-mormons-to-pursue-presidency-ceo-suite.html I find this to be an interesting statement... not sure how true it is. For me, at least, it's definitely not true! 

Awesome places I'm about to go to (after I defend my thesis tomorrow...)

Paris, France

I'm going to Paris, I'm going to Paris, I'm going to Paris!! I suppose no European traveler can really be fully-fledged until they've made the obligatory expedition to Paris. Originally I thought I would have a day or two to see the city, which would enable me to spend some quality time at the Louvre and other Paris museums. As it turns out the time will be shortened a bit, but I don't care if it requires minimal sleep: I'm going to see as much as humanly possible during the time I'm there!

Normandy, France

On July 4th, we will be traveling to the American cemetery at Normandy, the famous location of the D-Day landings. These beaches lead up a bluff, and the cemetery rests at the top of that. To my knowledge, I don't have any relatives that fought over here. Our group is going to visit the Utah soldiers buried here, though. I located Edgar D. Erickson, a young man from the Weber area who died at Normandy on July 28, 1944. He received a Purple heart. I haven't learned much more about him at this point. 

Biarritz, France

Could this place look any lovelier? I can't wait to see it in person and walk along the beach! It is an old town, so it seems like the city will have a nice mix of old and new architecture. Call me a humanities nerd, but I notice stuff like that, and I love it!

Versailles, France

I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. What does that have to do with this place? Well, thanks to the efforts of the mission office over there, we are performing at Versailles (a stake center somewhere, not here at the famous Palace). I love being able to use my talents to uplift others and share the light of Christ.

Bayonne, France

Basically right next to Biarritz, we'll be spending time in this lovely town as well. From what I can tell, it's not necessarily right on the coast like Biarritz is, but is 7km away, along about three rivers. For those interested, both these cities are in the Basque area of France.

Pamplona, Spain

You see those balconies above and away from the big scary massive bull charging out at you? That is where I will be at. Maybe a few levels up, just for good measure. But either way, I'll be in Pamplona for one long and crazy night of Spanish fiesta-ing! I wish we could spend more time in Spain, rather than just one night/morning and then driving across it, but I guess that means I'll just have to go back to Europe to see it!

Figueira de Foz, Portugal

Apparently I should have been working on my surfing skills, because this city in Portugal has the country's longest beach (2 miles). At the very least, I'll come back with my nice tan and plenty of beach exposure! 

Lisbon, Portugal

My mind has been a bit preoccupied with school things, so I haven't been able to marinate many thoughts on where I'm going. But I am definitely super excited to be going here! I've heard so much about how beautiful Lisbon is, and glancing over its history (Moorish influence, Portuguese center of of spice and jewellery trade)  it seems to be so rich with many fascinating influences. We also get to perform two shows organized by the church here, which will be quite the experience! Apparently they had so much interest in our show that people were getting upset that only a limited number could attend our single show. So our director said we would perform two shows to accommodate more viewers. This will be my first time doing two full shows back to back. I mean, we often did shows in SPAC that had very short rest intervals, but we'll literally have 30 minutes to end and get ready to begin again. And these shows are not like SPAC... they are way more high-energy, thanks to multiple clogging numbers. It's so worth it, though. The experiences I've had traveling and performing overseas, meeting people from all across the world and connecting with them -- these have been the most incredible opportunities. I have been so blessed to be able to share my talents and share my love with others. They have broadened my perspective and touched my heart. 

And, this just in. The day after I return to the states, I am performing a Bollywood dance at the Springville Folk Festival. There are a few prayers I want answered in life, but among the top five is this: please, may I never stop dancing until the day I day!!

And now, I shall go prepare for my thesis defense. Did I mention? It's all about dance too. 

:)

DONE

My thesis is done!!! It feels amazing. It is officially 123 pages long, with 7 intro pages and 10 bibliography pages, 4 chapters, 1 map and 6 photographs. And I feel awesome!! What started in 2005 as an idea to visit Ireland has turned into a Master Thesis and degree in 2011. 


It feels oh so good. 


:)