Busy as a Buzzing Bee

It's time to stop putting off my blog post. I had to look in my planner to remember what I've been up to for the last month. Here are the highlights:

Sunday, September 7

I played the organ and piano for the combined Orem Institute choirs at the worldwide broadcast for the Church Educational System. We performed "Nearer, My God, to Thee" and "My Kindness Shall Not Depart from Thee." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was the speaker, and he specifically requested the songs. He even spoke about them in his talk. The Spirit was incredibly strong during the whole meeting and the songs went very well. You can still watch it on lds.org. I'm so grateful to have had such an amazing experience.

Monday, September 8

Josh and I went to W Talent to check out an acting class. It was interesting, but I think I would benefit more from the modeling classes than the acting. Neither of us have much time for the classes now anyway, but it was good to see what they were like.

Friday, September 12

LDC had an opening social. We played games, got to know each other better, and ate pizza. The picture is from one of those games where you all link hands and try to get untangled without letting go. Our group never got out of the tangled mess. Afterward, some of us went to Jamba Juice to hang out and exchange phone numbers. Good times.

Saturday, September 13

Welcome, baby Hyrum! Melanie had a brand new baby boy. He is little, but healthy. She called in the afternoon to tell me about it and said everything went well. I love his expression in the picture!

Later on, I went to Tucanos Brazilian Grill with a group of girls for Jenny's birthday. We had to wait a long time for a table, but it was really fun once we were seated. We had three male waiters who were very attractive and very flirty.

Sunday, September 14

It was little Amy's birthday, so I called her and we talked for about a half hour (she did most of the talking). One of the first things she said was, "I got a little brother for my birthday! It's the best present ever!" She's so cute!
It was also Jenny's actual birthday, so she had a dinner at her house. I went with Adam, and Josh met us there, along with Clint, Craig, Karee, Jen, Paola, and lots of other friends. Jenny and I both made yummy enchiladas.

Friday, September 19
Chorale had a social at the Institute. I don't have my pictures from it yet. We had hot dogs and played some games. Afterward, I had one of the most awkward "dates" ever. A boy asked if I wanted to see Indiana Jones at the dollar theater, and two other boys decided to go along. It made for an interesting night.

Wednesday, September 24

My cousin, Zach, entered the MTC and I went to see him off with his parents. He is going to the California Santa Rosa Mission. I asked if he was nervous, and he said, "No, I'm just excited." He couldn't stop smiling. My aunt was very good. She cried, of course, but wasn't overly clingy, and my uncle just got some tears in his eyes. Afterward, I introduced my aunt and uncle to the MTC President and his wife. They were very gracious and thanked my aunt and uncle for sending their son on a mission. They also said some kind things about me, which was nice.
I also had the first of a week and a half of 7:00 a.m. rehearsals at the MTC. Around 365 missionaries are singing for the Priesthood Session of General Conference. I wish I could go with them, but it is a men's meeting. I've decided to go to the Institute tomorrow and watch just the songs during the broadcast. It would be sad to have spent all that time rehearsing with the choir and not get to see them perform. A Tabernacle Choir organist will be accompanying them for the meeting.

Friday, September 26
I had dinner at Josh's place with him, Jenny, and Adam. I cooked spaghetti, Josh made pineapple-coconut drinks, Adam made fancy green beans, and Jenny brought salad. After dinner, we went to see the movie Igor. It had funny parts, but I wouldn't say it was an overall great movie. We went back to Josh's after the movie and had fruit salad for dessert. Everybody had a good time.

Saturday, September 27
I watched the Relief Society Session of General Conference. It was very uplifting, and I especially enjoyed President Uchtdorf's talk. Some of my favorite things he said:
"The differences between men and women can be quite striking--physically, mentally, and emotionally."
"Our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities."
"You don't need money or influence to create something of substance and beauty."
"As spirit daughters of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage."

Saturday, September 28
I played for a missionary fireside at the Institute. The Provo mission president was the featured speaker. His wife and a couple of elders spoke before him.

Monday, September 29

My buddy Paul got back from Basic Training! Yay! It was great to see him. He even bought me lunch. Then we pretended we were monsters! Actually, the picture is from LDC tour and we were imitating the animals behind us.

Tuesday, September 30

I had four rehearsals and a performance in one day! After the MTC devotional, some members of the Church Music Committee came to hear the elders practice for General Conference. It was the first time practicing with the organ, so I cranked it up and the elders were singing at the tops of their voices. At the end of "Called to Serve," the Committee members clapped and the director turned to me and said, "Nice organ playing!" Then all the missionaries gave me a standing ovation. I couldn't believe it. It was like something you tell someone you dreamed about, only it really happened!

Wednesday, October 1

I went tree climbing with Josh after LDC. Yes, I really did. I can't remember the last time I climbed a tree--it was probably at girls' camp. There are some good climbing trees and little hills in the south part of UVU campus. Cari, a girl from choir, met us about twenty minutes into it and only stayed for a little while. My arms got scraped up, but it was fun. I took a picture of Josh in one of the trees--he was climbing all over like a monkey!