Thursday, October 17, 2013

Home is Where the Heart Is

This week marks the middle of the semester, both for the students and myself. 

Although I love it here and feel very grateful to be back, there are a few things I look forward to as December 6th quickly approaches. 

1) Family. If there is anything I've learned in my 22 (almost 23!) years of living, it's that family is the most important thing we have on this earth. Since we are put into families that help us grow the most, our family situations might not always be ideal, so this idea of family obviously extends beyond biological relations. Nevertheless, I cannot wait to see my family. I can't wait to go on winter adventures with my siblings, get great life advice from my wise mother, play on my Grandfather's farm, and listen to the same 1-hour genealogy speech he gives me whenever I talk to him, one of these times it could be his last so I try to soak in every minute of it.  Dec. 6th, people! Get ready.

2) Friends. Friends are up there with family for me. Relationships are the only thing we take with us aside from ourselves throughout the eternities. I have been extremely blessed in my life to be surrounded by loving friends who have taught me how to be better, how to love, and how to be loved. My friends have been there for me for better or for worse and for everything in between, even when I might not have deserved it. Thanks for your unconditional love! You know who you are. Reunions are right around the corner. 

3) North Branch, Minnesota. I never thought I would say this, but I miss North Branch, Minnesota. It is such a good home base, and while my main reason for loving it is family, it is truly a peaceful place to visit twice a year and recharge. The never-ending fields, the vast forests, the quiet atmosphere, and the small-town feel make me want to cry and laugh all at the same time. I can actually hear myself think while I'm there and I cannot wait to go back for some good ol' TLC.

4) Provo, Utah. Alternative yoga classes, living in houses with my best friends, using a bike as my main mode of transportation, the mountains, the overall outdoors, being able to walk around by myself, tons of restaurant variety, and countless memories. Also, BYU. I miss BYU. I love school, and I hate school. Like life, college has it's ups and downs. However, I am really excited to return to a very structured class schedule, professors, syllabi, my office in the JKB, late-night study sessions with good friends, and the Harold B. Lee Library. Need I say more? Take me back, Provo.

5) Temple. Cheesy, yes, but I miss being able to go to the temple. It has always been such a refuge for me, especially during times of trouble. I can't wait to be able to walk to the Provo Temple in order to clear my thoughts and receive guidance and comfort.

6) Jamming. I miss my ukulele, I miss jamming with my friends, but above all I miss playing, singing, and harmonizing with my favorite sister, Anna. I think we'll start a little sister duo when I get back. I also miss dance parties. I'm beginning to feel a little oppressed over here with the lack of dancing that goes on in my apartment.

7) Being alone. The nature of this program makes it difficult to spend time alone. Although I love everyone here, it has been difficult to work in some much needed alone time. I can't wait to spend time with myself more.

8) Ethnic food. I love Middle Eastern food, but there is little variety. Lately I've been craving un poco de Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Sri Lankan, Japanese, and American food. Give me burgers, hot dogs, pulled-pork sandwhiches and salads, sushi, masaman curry, and sweet potato friers to name a few. I'll be back soon enough.

9) Fro-Yo. Yes, I think frozen yoghurt can constitute as a meal, and I could easily eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner. One week during my last semester at BYU I had fro-yo EVERYDAY. I repeat, EVERYDAY. I've toned it down a bit since then, but I hope that illustrates my undying love for fro-yo.

10) Tight Pants. Skinny jeans, leggings, the whole shebang. I cannot wait to wear clothes that actually fit me again.


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