Yay!! and I did well too.. I was SOO nervous, but the faculty seemed to be impressed that I memorized the piece and worked so hard. It's a LONG piece of music, and I've really made some improvements, especially since my recital last November. And even the past couple of weeks I made some real progress with my piece. It was Bach Suite 5 Prelude and Fugue - it's 4 pages long! But I love it. And I have had some great musical experiences with it too. And Rachael and I have been listening and helping each other with advices and such the past couple of days. She is a great example to me of working hard and also having the Spirit while playing. I like that I can think of the Savior when I play. Even in my jury I thought of Him there with me. I'm glad to know that He was there for me.
I've been thinking of my mom too the past few days. She used to play this one fugue by Bach and I was thinking about how she would play it. She always took the tempo down from how the "professionals" might play it, in general, so I brought my tempo down too. And it did make a difference! My mom's playing can always be defined as expressive, I was thinking about this, and I realized that education wise, I've come as far as she has, and maybe that means I'm just as good of a musician as she was in college. WOW! And that would be saying something. My mom is pretty amazing. And I'm expressive too, and I want to carry on that legacy, that memory and that spirit that my mom had when she played. A part of me still regrets not working as hard on the piano to be as good as she is, but I am grateful that I went on in music and I know she appreciates that. I guess I can just think, someday in Heaven we'll do chamber music like we used to, and now I have new skills so we'll be even better than before. Aahhh not crying.
Speaking of piano, yesterday I recorded that song that I wrote. I'm so excited! It turned out so nice, and I'm grateful for that! I can't wait for Annalaura and Ricky to hear it - since it's dedicated to both of them. I guess one of the great things about being a BA in music is that hopefully I will focus this next semester on composing ~ I'm signed up for semester II of Composition class, and I'm really looking forward to it. Maybe I'll compose a piece that I can perform in my recital! That would be awesome.
I love that I'm writing songs again. I blame it on Ricky, but I'm so glad he pushed me to write songs and he just loves them. I feel great about this new one because I know that a lot of people can relate to it. Plus the recording turned out so well! And writing songs and playing them always invites the Spirit. Always. It's a great experience and I would recommend it for anyone. And we're always self conscious about it but if you have someone who will appreciate it no matter what, that always helps. And those people are easier to find than we may think. We also have our Heavenly Father, who always wants to hear from us.
Well, I'm glad that I was able to write again. No work today! yay! but there is a training meeting thing that I have to go to in 45 minutes, then dinner with my friends from the internship class, and Debbie's coming too :) and then music practice at the Friday Night Activity. Then study (possibly lol) and then scripture study then talking to Ricky (I hardly talked to him at all last night) and then sleep. oh, how glorious sleep will be tonight, now that my juries are over! :)
Love,
Stephi
6 Days until the Semester's over
9 Days until I go home to see my family!
14 Days until Christmas!
15 Days until I see my sweetheart!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Gratitude List
Wow, I have just been so blessed this week it's just remarkable!
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that:
I have my family and my fiance that love me no matter what and I love them so much.
We had a great concert this Sunday!
I bore my testimony - and cried. but the good kind of crying.
I paid my tithing and offerings!! What a blessing that is!
Emily's home!
I went to Sun-yi's baptism and I could feel the Spirit and I could think of people to share the gospel with - Rachael, Allison from work, and Sean.
The missionaries helped me make a goal to find someone for the missionaries to teach in 6 weeks. - well, I've only got 5 weeks now. At least I thought of those people.
This missionary mindedness just makes me so happy - I love how it makes me feel about my brothers and sisters - when I think of it that way, I just want to share the gospel with them.
I talked to Ricky's mom yesterday - wow I just love her so much! And she loves me. She's so encouraging, she says that I'll be a great member missionary and that we can work together when I'm visiting in Mexico. She also encourages me as a person.
I'm grateful that I was able to get a jury time that wasn't during work! *phew*
Bilingual club was cancelled today so I could have an extra hour or so to practice.
Lots of snow, but we're safe, and now Debbie's here! :)
This lady offered to give me a gorgeous wedding dress for free!!!! And Ricky likes it too! I'm so blessed.
I had a great chat with Sister McCullough
And I talked to Annalaura yesterday!! We are so alike, I look up to her so much.
I'm writing an awesome wedding song and it's going to be a wedding present for Annalaura.
I was able to do my laundry - random I know but I'm glad to have clean clothes again!
Wednesday deal at Papa Johns!! and if this nice lady didn't tell us we would've just left without buying anything because we're not rich.
Food delivery is amazing. I had Jimmy Johns delivered to me last night.
I've been studying already for exams! yay!!
I had a great discussion/performance with Rachael - my Bach was the best it's ever been!!
I survived on that day with 4 hours of sleep.. yay!
Debbie and Emily were there to comfort me when I was having a mood swing meltdown.
Ricky is at the fair today - I'm happy when he goes out and has fun. I know he misses me.
I caught the bus today when I thought I wasn't going to make it.
Ricky helped edit my Spanish paper! that is just so awesome and he corrected all my little errors.
I'm liking this snow.. well.. not the wind or driving on ice or the slush.. but I'm liking the snow a lot more than I thought I would! there's something about those first couple of weeks that gets me every time. I can't wait until Ricky see's it someday!
I'm graduating in April so I can move to Mexico in May! And at first I was nervous about making that decision but I felt a confirmation that I should and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father answers my concerns and my desires.
I just had my LAST SPANISH CLASS EVER!!! that's exciting.. finishing a major. no more Spanish ever again!! jk!!!!! I'm grateful that I have my own personal tutor every single day.
I'm grateful for the many many countless blessings, in little things like catching the bus and big things like a free dress, or things that I can't replace like my family and my fiance, for friends that encourage me, even for trials, for helping me become better, for Jesus Christ being there with me. There are so many things that I haven't written here. It's like, WOW, Heavenly Father really wants me to be happy and to know that He loves me. I'm so grateful for that and I just had to write it. I hope that I can show my gratitude to Him more every day.
Love,
Stephanie
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that:
I have my family and my fiance that love me no matter what and I love them so much.
We had a great concert this Sunday!
I bore my testimony - and cried. but the good kind of crying.
I paid my tithing and offerings!! What a blessing that is!
Emily's home!
I went to Sun-yi's baptism and I could feel the Spirit and I could think of people to share the gospel with - Rachael, Allison from work, and Sean.
The missionaries helped me make a goal to find someone for the missionaries to teach in 6 weeks. - well, I've only got 5 weeks now. At least I thought of those people.
This missionary mindedness just makes me so happy - I love how it makes me feel about my brothers and sisters - when I think of it that way, I just want to share the gospel with them.
I talked to Ricky's mom yesterday - wow I just love her so much! And she loves me. She's so encouraging, she says that I'll be a great member missionary and that we can work together when I'm visiting in Mexico. She also encourages me as a person.
I'm grateful that I was able to get a jury time that wasn't during work! *phew*
Bilingual club was cancelled today so I could have an extra hour or so to practice.
Lots of snow, but we're safe, and now Debbie's here! :)
This lady offered to give me a gorgeous wedding dress for free!!!! And Ricky likes it too! I'm so blessed.
I had a great chat with Sister McCullough
And I talked to Annalaura yesterday!! We are so alike, I look up to her so much.
I'm writing an awesome wedding song and it's going to be a wedding present for Annalaura.
I was able to do my laundry - random I know but I'm glad to have clean clothes again!
Wednesday deal at Papa Johns!! and if this nice lady didn't tell us we would've just left without buying anything because we're not rich.
Food delivery is amazing. I had Jimmy Johns delivered to me last night.
I've been studying already for exams! yay!!
I had a great discussion/performance with Rachael - my Bach was the best it's ever been!!
I survived on that day with 4 hours of sleep.. yay!
Debbie and Emily were there to comfort me when I was having a mood swing meltdown.
Ricky is at the fair today - I'm happy when he goes out and has fun. I know he misses me.
I caught the bus today when I thought I wasn't going to make it.
Ricky helped edit my Spanish paper! that is just so awesome and he corrected all my little errors.
I'm liking this snow.. well.. not the wind or driving on ice or the slush.. but I'm liking the snow a lot more than I thought I would! there's something about those first couple of weeks that gets me every time. I can't wait until Ricky see's it someday!
I'm graduating in April so I can move to Mexico in May! And at first I was nervous about making that decision but I felt a confirmation that I should and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father answers my concerns and my desires.
I just had my LAST SPANISH CLASS EVER!!! that's exciting.. finishing a major. no more Spanish ever again!! jk!!!!! I'm grateful that I have my own personal tutor every single day.
I'm grateful for the many many countless blessings, in little things like catching the bus and big things like a free dress, or things that I can't replace like my family and my fiance, for friends that encourage me, even for trials, for helping me become better, for Jesus Christ being there with me. There are so many things that I haven't written here. It's like, WOW, Heavenly Father really wants me to be happy and to know that He loves me. I'm so grateful for that and I just had to write it. I hope that I can show my gratitude to Him more every day.
Love,
Stephanie
Thursday, December 3, 2009
2 Semanas until break!!!
I can't wait for this semester to be over.. but now is the time - I gotta figure out what I am going to do about my degree.. I'm meeting with Margaret Hamilton today, Fedotov discussed possibilities of graduating this summer... but I don't know if that's even possible. We're going to find out.
I'm still grateful though, really. But prayers are always welcome anyway!
Love,
Stephi
I'm still grateful though, really. But prayers are always welcome anyway!
Love,
Stephi
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Gratitude List and Life
Okay, I'm in the middle of some exam studying but I did want to take the time to write in gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the many blessings I have been receiving.
I am grateful for:
- my family. We had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend! It was just actual bonding time with my siblings. We did a little service project for Lisa - reorganizing all the DVDs and VHS's!! It took way shorter than I thought it would because so many of us were working on it. I don't even know if Lisa's seen it yet! lol but I'm sure she'll love it. they are all in alphabetical order and before it was just a mess. And now that everyone helped do it, they will be more likely to keep up with it too. haha. Also, we watched videos together, played with baby - now he knows he's cute and always wants to be a part of whatever's going on haha - and he's only 6 months old! he's learning fast. He is the cutest baby. seriously. I had a study date with Katie, involving a trip to IHOP and Starbucks, volunteering at and attending Maddy's play, Cinderella, having Thanksgiving dinner, and last Saturday William and Elizabeth's baptism, hanging out with Josh, going dress shopping with Debbie, Katie, and Becky, and more things too! It was just so nice to spend time with them. I'm glad I'm gonna be with them forever.
-my fiance. I love Ricardo sooo much and I know you hear it enough on here but I guess that's what journals are all about. I am so grateful for him, that I met him, for the person that he is. He's strong, spiritual, cute, gorgeous, a great leader and teacher, a worthy priesthood holder, a romantic boyfriend with an adorable accent (seriously, I love it), such a gentleman, an understanding and listening best friend always. he has a great excitement for life, a passion for learning, he loves music and has talent for it. he appreciates me, loves me, loves our Father in Heaven, loves the gospel, loves my culture, loves the mexican culture I fell in love with.. I'm grateful that he's patient, that he encourages me, spoils me and takes care of me. I love that I can make him laugh - on purpose! okay, and on accident too, hehe. I love that when I do something that's a completely "oh, stephanie moment" (like forgetting my keys or getting lost, lol) that he just smiles and sweetly tells me how much he loves me. how when I was running late or stuffing my clothes into my suitcase instead of folding them, things that are completely different from his nature, that he was patient and kind and loving. I'm grateful that he helps me become better, and that he's becoming better himself. That he loves me no matter what - and we've had our share of arguments, but we get through them and learn from them - ALWAYS. That I can tell him my weaknesses and he understands them and tells me that I'm a million times better than I fear I am sometimes. I'm grateful for the confirmations that I receive from my Heavenly Father in my decision to marry him.
- I'm grateful for school almost to be over!!! In just 3 weeks I will have finished all of my Spanish classes - YAY!! And my semester at work - my supervisor (hate is a strong word, but she really really really doesn't like me). But at least next semester I can probably work in the afternoon so I don't ever have to deal with her again. I'm grateful that I have that option in my job! What a blessing that is!! I'm grateful for my hispanic american council project. I LOVE it. So far, it's everything I was hoping it would be. If I have time next semester, I'm going to go there and keep volunteering, just to get more experience and it really does bring a good feeling inside to be helping people, volunteering, AND speaking Spanish!! yay!
- I'm grateful for music. Music is a way that I can bring myself closer to my Heavenly Father, family, and friends. I realized that I had a hard time when I was practicing. But from now on when I practice, I think of my Savior and performing for Him and my Heavenly Father. I play with more passion and work harder. They don't care if I make mistakes, they love hearing me play and seeing me progress and try and learn. And I realized that I can do that with my whole life, and that they can make my weaknesses strengths - and they have been!!
I've been growing so much, and learning so much. And strangely, as much as I hate them, I'm grateful for my weaknesses, so that I can overcome them with my Savior's help and become stronger than I thought I could be!
- I am grateful for my country, for my other country Mexico, for my safety and security, for my family's health! and they've been going through a lot lately - it's something truly to be grateful for. I am grateful for the gospel, and the prophet. I am so grateful that my parents were sealed in the temple, I'm grateful for the scriptures, for personal revelation and prayer, and for my Heavenly Father and Savior.
-and, of course, I'm grateful for my friends, and all of you! thanks for reading, thanks for being there for me and listening to me. I love you, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and that the end of the semester goes well for you!
Love,
Stephi
I am grateful for:
- my family. We had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend! It was just actual bonding time with my siblings. We did a little service project for Lisa - reorganizing all the DVDs and VHS's!! It took way shorter than I thought it would because so many of us were working on it. I don't even know if Lisa's seen it yet! lol but I'm sure she'll love it. they are all in alphabetical order and before it was just a mess. And now that everyone helped do it, they will be more likely to keep up with it too. haha. Also, we watched videos together, played with baby - now he knows he's cute and always wants to be a part of whatever's going on haha - and he's only 6 months old! he's learning fast. He is the cutest baby. seriously. I had a study date with Katie, involving a trip to IHOP and Starbucks, volunteering at and attending Maddy's play, Cinderella, having Thanksgiving dinner, and last Saturday William and Elizabeth's baptism, hanging out with Josh, going dress shopping with Debbie, Katie, and Becky, and more things too! It was just so nice to spend time with them. I'm glad I'm gonna be with them forever.
-my fiance. I love Ricardo sooo much and I know you hear it enough on here but I guess that's what journals are all about. I am so grateful for him, that I met him, for the person that he is. He's strong, spiritual, cute, gorgeous, a great leader and teacher, a worthy priesthood holder, a romantic boyfriend with an adorable accent (seriously, I love it), such a gentleman, an understanding and listening best friend always. he has a great excitement for life, a passion for learning, he loves music and has talent for it. he appreciates me, loves me, loves our Father in Heaven, loves the gospel, loves my culture, loves the mexican culture I fell in love with.. I'm grateful that he's patient, that he encourages me, spoils me and takes care of me. I love that I can make him laugh - on purpose! okay, and on accident too, hehe. I love that when I do something that's a completely "oh, stephanie moment" (like forgetting my keys or getting lost, lol) that he just smiles and sweetly tells me how much he loves me. how when I was running late or stuffing my clothes into my suitcase instead of folding them, things that are completely different from his nature, that he was patient and kind and loving. I'm grateful that he helps me become better, and that he's becoming better himself. That he loves me no matter what - and we've had our share of arguments, but we get through them and learn from them - ALWAYS. That I can tell him my weaknesses and he understands them and tells me that I'm a million times better than I fear I am sometimes. I'm grateful for the confirmations that I receive from my Heavenly Father in my decision to marry him.
- I'm grateful for school almost to be over!!! In just 3 weeks I will have finished all of my Spanish classes - YAY!! And my semester at work - my supervisor (hate is a strong word, but she really really really doesn't like me). But at least next semester I can probably work in the afternoon so I don't ever have to deal with her again. I'm grateful that I have that option in my job! What a blessing that is!! I'm grateful for my hispanic american council project. I LOVE it. So far, it's everything I was hoping it would be. If I have time next semester, I'm going to go there and keep volunteering, just to get more experience and it really does bring a good feeling inside to be helping people, volunteering, AND speaking Spanish!! yay!
- I'm grateful for music. Music is a way that I can bring myself closer to my Heavenly Father, family, and friends. I realized that I had a hard time when I was practicing. But from now on when I practice, I think of my Savior and performing for Him and my Heavenly Father. I play with more passion and work harder. They don't care if I make mistakes, they love hearing me play and seeing me progress and try and learn. And I realized that I can do that with my whole life, and that they can make my weaknesses strengths - and they have been!!
I've been growing so much, and learning so much. And strangely, as much as I hate them, I'm grateful for my weaknesses, so that I can overcome them with my Savior's help and become stronger than I thought I could be!
- I am grateful for my country, for my other country Mexico, for my safety and security, for my family's health! and they've been going through a lot lately - it's something truly to be grateful for. I am grateful for the gospel, and the prophet. I am so grateful that my parents were sealed in the temple, I'm grateful for the scriptures, for personal revelation and prayer, and for my Heavenly Father and Savior.
-and, of course, I'm grateful for my friends, and all of you! thanks for reading, thanks for being there for me and listening to me. I love you, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and that the end of the semester goes well for you!
Love,
Stephi
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Updates and Inspiration
Hello!! I know it's been way too long since I've updated everyone. I can't write much from work but at least I can tell you our plans so far! Our tenative date is May 26th in the Mexico City temple, at least my Dad will be there, Debbie will be in Mexico with me, and Annalaura promised that she would do her best to be there too. And of course, Ricky's parents, and a few close family and friends. Later on in the summer we will have a big reception here, but not too close to Debbie's wedding! After we get married we plan to live in Mexico so that he can go to college and I will look for a job, hopefully through my connections in Mexico!
Debbie has been a great soundboard for all of my ideas, today we went to Kari's and she was SO MUCH HELP!! We both felt extremely grateful for Kari's planning skills ~ she's just incredible!!!! Debbie and I each made a list - mine was a list of things that I needed for my reception here, and I was starting to enjoy the planning for it - yeah, can you believe that!! It is also so awesome that Debbie and I can plan together! It makes it fun and we grow closer together too.
Emily has been great, she always manages to be there for me when I need it ~ this week she cleaned the apartment for me, came and had a great family home evening with me, she listened to my problems and gave some great advice, on Tuesday she stopped by with her aunt and talked to me, and left food for me!! and not to mention that she always responds to my texts so kindly. I am so grateful for her, even when she's going through the most stressful times in her life she is still there for me and she is still such a great person.
Lately, I've been trying to practice and make it through my classes, through my health - I've had a nasty cold and also wasn't eating very well so it was hard to accomplish things like I wanted to, and I have been going through challenges within myself, and feeling discouraged and not good enough. But I've been really improving, even though it's been step by step, and it's amazing how the Savior has been helping me.
I know a lot of my friends are discouraged now, but maybe some of the things that I learned can help, or even if it just helps me (this is late so I'm sorry if it's not worded the best, I'm at work doing a 9pm-12am shift and that doesn't make for the most beautiful compositions, but I felt that I needed to write this) :
At the atonement fireside on Saturday I felt that I really needed to be there, I canceled my previous plans so that I could go, and I'm so glad I did because I learned about the Atonement in a new way ~ Atone means - At One. How can we be At One with our Savior?? by learning about Him and continually striving to be like Him, and by serving others, by prayer, by repenting. And I have really been feeling its power within me and in my life. And now, I'm becoming better. But I also feel power, potential, I'm not sure where all to channel it~ I know that I have school but I was hoping for something for myself too. I do have wedding plans and that is something fun to work on. :) but a few weeks ago Ricky said that I should learn the scripture masteries in Spanish. I thought, great idea! but I wasn't quite ready for it yet. Now I think I should try to do that again. It can really help me to truly become a new and better person.
Another thing that I was reminded of at the fireside is that nobody's perfect. Though it's much easier to say than to believe. I look around me and see so many amazing people and I think, I want the blessings they have, and I'm receiving them, I have a great family, great friends, school, and I'm going to marry the most wonderful young man in the world. And all the little ways that the Lord blesses me in every moment. How is it that I can deserve that? Me, with my problems and challenges and sins and imperfections? Sure, nobody's perfect, but they are close enough, I'm not. But in the fireside I learned that we are ALL struggling with problems and challenges and sins and weaknesses. The speaker at the fireside said that when he became Bishop he realized that all of the people that he thought were perfect were struggling with major problems. Every single one. And that didn't mean that they were bad people or unworthy.
Even the people who seem perfect feel as I do at times. That just makes me feel so grateful for the Atonement, and Christ's power to be there for us and make it so that we can feel that He loves us enough for us to deserve it, and He helps us be that person we want to be! And our trying and our repenting and our love for Him and keeping the commandments as best as we can is our part that we do to be worthy to enter into His presence and receive His mercy and His blessings. And that is good enough. And it's all He asks. I'm so grateful. And my sweet Ricky has been incredible. He's just been so supportive and nothing but sweet and understanding and helpful. I love him so much. And we've done some real growing in the past month, together, our relationship, and me, myself. I just want to be the best person that I can, and he appreciates that, and supports me. And we learn together too, I love that part.
Another thing, Sherri Dew is amazing!!!
Her talk called, "Are we not all mothers?" was the lesson that Emily and I had for Family Home Evening. I love that as women we are divinely and premortally made to nurture and enrich the lives of others, and that we can do that every day. I want to see as God sees. I want to love as He does. To serve as He does, and to be His instrument to bring people closer to Him - it says that I will in my patriarchal blessing. Heavenly Father sees everyone dressed in white, as His children, just trying to be as happy as they can on this life. What greater happiness can we share with others than the light of Christ, His love, and the gospel? And what more beautiful calling is there than bringing His Spirit up so that they can return to Him? And while we're preparing for that calling, what a blessing it is to be able to use our mother-like abilities to all of God's children around us! Everyone should read it - these are just some of my thoughts since Monday, I'm sure if it was a lot more fresh in my mind there would be even more to say ~ it was addressing so many of the questions and issues Emily and I addressed in our discussion together beforehand, in such random ways.
These days the General Authorities of the church have stepped it up even more, for our day, in the sense that they're more specific, they are relating to right here, right now, just what we need. They have always, but I am just realizing how life and time is changing and the counsel that we receive applies to our every day challenges right now.
This is a lot, I know, I hope that those who are feeling discouraged can read and know that Heavenly Father loves you, I love you, and that He will be there so that everything will be just how it should. :)
With Love,
Stephi
Debbie has been a great soundboard for all of my ideas, today we went to Kari's and she was SO MUCH HELP!! We both felt extremely grateful for Kari's planning skills ~ she's just incredible!!!! Debbie and I each made a list - mine was a list of things that I needed for my reception here, and I was starting to enjoy the planning for it - yeah, can you believe that!! It is also so awesome that Debbie and I can plan together! It makes it fun and we grow closer together too.
Emily has been great, she always manages to be there for me when I need it ~ this week she cleaned the apartment for me, came and had a great family home evening with me, she listened to my problems and gave some great advice, on Tuesday she stopped by with her aunt and talked to me, and left food for me!! and not to mention that she always responds to my texts so kindly. I am so grateful for her, even when she's going through the most stressful times in her life she is still there for me and she is still such a great person.
Lately, I've been trying to practice and make it through my classes, through my health - I've had a nasty cold and also wasn't eating very well so it was hard to accomplish things like I wanted to, and I have been going through challenges within myself, and feeling discouraged and not good enough. But I've been really improving, even though it's been step by step, and it's amazing how the Savior has been helping me.
I know a lot of my friends are discouraged now, but maybe some of the things that I learned can help, or even if it just helps me (this is late so I'm sorry if it's not worded the best, I'm at work doing a 9pm-12am shift and that doesn't make for the most beautiful compositions, but I felt that I needed to write this) :
At the atonement fireside on Saturday I felt that I really needed to be there, I canceled my previous plans so that I could go, and I'm so glad I did because I learned about the Atonement in a new way ~ Atone means - At One. How can we be At One with our Savior?? by learning about Him and continually striving to be like Him, and by serving others, by prayer, by repenting. And I have really been feeling its power within me and in my life. And now, I'm becoming better. But I also feel power, potential, I'm not sure where all to channel it~ I know that I have school but I was hoping for something for myself too. I do have wedding plans and that is something fun to work on. :) but a few weeks ago Ricky said that I should learn the scripture masteries in Spanish. I thought, great idea! but I wasn't quite ready for it yet. Now I think I should try to do that again. It can really help me to truly become a new and better person.
Another thing that I was reminded of at the fireside is that nobody's perfect. Though it's much easier to say than to believe. I look around me and see so many amazing people and I think, I want the blessings they have, and I'm receiving them, I have a great family, great friends, school, and I'm going to marry the most wonderful young man in the world. And all the little ways that the Lord blesses me in every moment. How is it that I can deserve that? Me, with my problems and challenges and sins and imperfections? Sure, nobody's perfect, but they are close enough, I'm not. But in the fireside I learned that we are ALL struggling with problems and challenges and sins and weaknesses. The speaker at the fireside said that when he became Bishop he realized that all of the people that he thought were perfect were struggling with major problems. Every single one. And that didn't mean that they were bad people or unworthy.
Even the people who seem perfect feel as I do at times. That just makes me feel so grateful for the Atonement, and Christ's power to be there for us and make it so that we can feel that He loves us enough for us to deserve it, and He helps us be that person we want to be! And our trying and our repenting and our love for Him and keeping the commandments as best as we can is our part that we do to be worthy to enter into His presence and receive His mercy and His blessings. And that is good enough. And it's all He asks. I'm so grateful. And my sweet Ricky has been incredible. He's just been so supportive and nothing but sweet and understanding and helpful. I love him so much. And we've done some real growing in the past month, together, our relationship, and me, myself. I just want to be the best person that I can, and he appreciates that, and supports me. And we learn together too, I love that part.
Another thing, Sherri Dew is amazing!!!
Her talk called, "Are we not all mothers?" was the lesson that Emily and I had for Family Home Evening. I love that as women we are divinely and premortally made to nurture and enrich the lives of others, and that we can do that every day. I want to see as God sees. I want to love as He does. To serve as He does, and to be His instrument to bring people closer to Him - it says that I will in my patriarchal blessing. Heavenly Father sees everyone dressed in white, as His children, just trying to be as happy as they can on this life. What greater happiness can we share with others than the light of Christ, His love, and the gospel? And what more beautiful calling is there than bringing His Spirit up so that they can return to Him? And while we're preparing for that calling, what a blessing it is to be able to use our mother-like abilities to all of God's children around us! Everyone should read it - these are just some of my thoughts since Monday, I'm sure if it was a lot more fresh in my mind there would be even more to say ~ it was addressing so many of the questions and issues Emily and I addressed in our discussion together beforehand, in such random ways.
These days the General Authorities of the church have stepped it up even more, for our day, in the sense that they're more specific, they are relating to right here, right now, just what we need. They have always, but I am just realizing how life and time is changing and the counsel that we receive applies to our every day challenges right now.
This is a lot, I know, I hope that those who are feeling discouraged can read and know that Heavenly Father loves you, I love you, and that He will be there so that everything will be just how it should. :)
With Love,
Stephi
Sunday, October 18, 2009
I'm ENGAGED!!
YAY!! I wish I could write the whole story of everything but unfortunately I don't have much time, but yes I'm engaged to my sweet mexican love and he's amazing. i'm very grateful because my Heavenly Father has blessed me so much.
I also had the opportunity to go to the temple yesterday, I realized that I have been so selfish and now I must focus during these next 2 months in which I'll be away from my sweetheart -I have to focus on my studies and as hard as it is I owe that to my Heavenly Father - and also serving his children in the temple and in my new calling as a branch missionary again. Emily is my "companion" - well, not really but she's also a new branch missionary and I know that we can support eachother and help eachother in this calling.
This weekend I have learned to love all of my brothers and sisters even if I may not particularily like them or know them. and it makes me so happy and grateful to know that my Heavenly Father loves me.
anyway yes I'm so excited and no we don't know when or where but we are hoping that it will be in the Mexico City temple this coming May. I love my fiance with all my heart and I know that we are just beginning there is so much to learn but that our Heavenly Father is blessing me in school, in church, with my family and friends and in my relationship with my husband-to-be.
My friends and family have been SO encouraging - more than I expected considering I know noone knows him in person but they are so happy for me and supportive and encouraging so i also wanted to write how thankful I am for that.
Well, I should probably work on things, although I guess I just want to rest today, my mind and body have been through a lot of work - I've been sick :( but I'm feeling better and last night I slept extra.
Wow, my sweetheart is amazing. I love him! :)
Love,
Stephi
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Pictures!
A tour of campus in the cold - Like the flag in the background? :)
Em using her make-up expertise on Debbie - note the Pride and Prej on the tv! :)
Model shot! hehe Me looking pretty gorgeous after my makeover - great job Em!
Our new orchestra shirts came today! Aloha! it's because our conductor is Japanese Hawaian and he makes jokes about it all the time. gotta love Uch. He was imitating famous conductors today while we were doing the dress rehearsal run of Bolero and I almost cried from laughing so hard!
Me and my darling Jamilyn at Lake Michigan in between the dress and concert for Southwest - the paid orchestra I'm in. We walked along the beach and got our feet wet. Good times!Wow, conference!
I just have to say that General Conference was amazing!! Emily and I were both just so impressed by the clarity and the comfort that we could feel from the speakers. I love it!
Yesterday I was SOOO stressed. After getting a few of those stressful things out of the way and having a fun girls night with Deb and Em and confessing that I lost my folder - that was stressful but actually Mel and Uch were super nice about it! Uch said that even if I didn't find it that he wouldn't make me pay the fine which was, like I said, insanely nice. It's gotta turn up around here somewhere. Anyways, to add to that, conference was amazing and I just prayed to feel peace and guidance and I definitely did. Em and Deb were watching it with me though Debbie had to leave early because she couldn't get work off even though she tried. :( She seems happier lately I think. I just hope that she comes closer and closer to her Heavenly Father. These past few weeks I can see that she's making an effort to do what she knows is right. And It's fun to talk to her about engaged stuff. :)
Ricardo's still amazing. He sent me an e-mail that was really encouraging, and I could feel the Spirit and it helped me the whole day. And he was patient so that I could spend time with Deb and Em. He's been really patient this whole week. What a sweetheart.
Our girls night was so fun - we did makeup - well, Em did makeup, and we watched our favorite pride and prejudice mini series. we had to convert Deb! that was our excuse anyways.
Well, I am finally liking our concert program. I can play it better, that definitely helps. and the soloist! and there's something about being on that stage that was really nice.
Anyway, i gotta go. Hope everyone has a great day!
Love,
Stephanie
Yesterday I was SOOO stressed. After getting a few of those stressful things out of the way and having a fun girls night with Deb and Em and confessing that I lost my folder - that was stressful but actually Mel and Uch were super nice about it! Uch said that even if I didn't find it that he wouldn't make me pay the fine which was, like I said, insanely nice. It's gotta turn up around here somewhere. Anyways, to add to that, conference was amazing and I just prayed to feel peace and guidance and I definitely did. Em and Deb were watching it with me though Debbie had to leave early because she couldn't get work off even though she tried. :( She seems happier lately I think. I just hope that she comes closer and closer to her Heavenly Father. These past few weeks I can see that she's making an effort to do what she knows is right. And It's fun to talk to her about engaged stuff. :)
Ricardo's still amazing. He sent me an e-mail that was really encouraging, and I could feel the Spirit and it helped me the whole day. And he was patient so that I could spend time with Deb and Em. He's been really patient this whole week. What a sweetheart.
Our girls night was so fun - we did makeup - well, Em did makeup, and we watched our favorite pride and prejudice mini series. we had to convert Deb! that was our excuse anyways.
Well, I am finally liking our concert program. I can play it better, that definitely helps. and the soloist! and there's something about being on that stage that was really nice.
Anyway, i gotta go. Hope everyone has a great day!
Love,
Stephanie
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Updates!
Well, it's been a little while since I've written, or at least it seems like it. My last entry was pretty emotionally high strung - well, I can imagine! I've just come to terms with the fact that I'm just going to be emotionally crazy during this time. And I'm pretty sure I'm pmsing, of course - I think I'm noticing a trend in important events and hormones.. it always makes everything more dramatic. I was telling AL, why do I have to go and make my own drama! lol. Monday evening was pretty rough to be honest, and I had 5 friends including my dad help me get through it. They were so sweet and Daddy was amazing - he took the time to listen to me and talk some sense into me when I wanted and needed to hear it. Tuesday and yesterday, however, were great - although I was pretty tired. I got a decent amount of sleep last night though! yaaay! Well, Ricky has been incredibly sweet this week - I could tell that he was really putting in the extra effort to make me feel happy and loved. I think he kinda put on my shoes because on Tuesday he was so encouraging and acknowledging and that was something I really needed. of course! Well, Tuesday night he completely surprised me and told me that he bought the ring! He said that he bought it that day because he wanted me to know how much he appreciated me being so "valiente" and to know that he would love me no matter what. I was totally in shock but I wasn't complaining. :) Apparently from what he tells me this is a real 10-cow ring too, which is something that I wasn't expecting at all because we are poor and have a few plane tickets to pay for but he said that he has a (non-interest) payment plan so that he can have some cash handy if we need it instead of spending it all at once, which I think is pretty smart. (oh wait, it was partly my idea O:) So that's our update.
I have a viola lesson today which I feel so unprepared for! aaahhhh! I am definitely behind on schoolwork and orchestra and practicing - Jamilyn helped me out on Tuesday and I was able to practice 3 hours yesterday and Tuesday and today if you include my lesson in that.
This weekend Em and Deb and I are giving ourselves makeovers - yaay!! Next weekend is Em's birthday and my trip so both of us have occasion to spoil ourselves. I love it that Emily and I can do things together. Last year we really didn't so much because I was always gone and I'm still gone a lot but I always come home for dinner and she's there, and then at night before bed we talk too so it gives us a chance to plan fun things like makeovers with rag curls! lol. It's been a crazy semester so far - we deserve some self-tlc! I've been excited about it all week.
Well, I should probably get back to my homework. I hope everyone has a great day!
Love,
Stephi
I have a viola lesson today which I feel so unprepared for! aaahhhh! I am definitely behind on schoolwork and orchestra and practicing - Jamilyn helped me out on Tuesday and I was able to practice 3 hours yesterday and Tuesday and today if you include my lesson in that.
This weekend Em and Deb and I are giving ourselves makeovers - yaay!! Next weekend is Em's birthday and my trip so both of us have occasion to spoil ourselves. I love it that Emily and I can do things together. Last year we really didn't so much because I was always gone and I'm still gone a lot but I always come home for dinner and she's there, and then at night before bed we talk too so it gives us a chance to plan fun things like makeovers with rag curls! lol. It's been a crazy semester so far - we deserve some self-tlc! I've been excited about it all week.
Well, I should probably get back to my homework. I hope everyone has a great day!
Love,
Stephi
Monday, September 28, 2009
So I'm officially planning on getting married!
We've been talking about it for a while and last Sunday both of us got confirmations and I wanted to wait to tell people until October but right now it's hard because I want to be with him already and because this past week has been challenging to say the least. I need support and encouragement! Ricky is doing the best he can to support me (well, of course he wants it too!:) he is the best future husband ever he's so sweet and he puts up with me and truly loves me and he gives me opportunities to learn. Already I've learned so much; that's what I love most about him I think. My family and friends have been really supportive too. Especially Debbie because we can talk to each other now that we're both engaged and I think we're having a double reception if we can. It would be fun and we would be inviting the same people pretty much. So.. yay!!!!! I'm really happy these days and just looking forward to seeing him and now I know what Debbie meant about looking forward to having a shiny ring on her finger, not because it's pretty or expensive but because of what it symbolizes - love, sacrifice for me, commitment, and forever. :)
Today something wonderful happened. Annalaura came to visit me at work right before she was about to leave and she gave me a big hug and told me that I could call her anytime for advice and I felt sooooo encouraged and I just had to write that I was really grateful to see her because she's going through a crazy engagement as well and I have always looked up to her and she has definitely been an example and inspiration to me because she knows that it's right and so do I and she didn't hesitate, she had to act. Well, me too. And I am so grateful that I am. And just the way that she smiled at me today was just so encouraging - I felt truly blessed because I wasn't feeling so great yesterday and I was just searching for just a little extra help from the Lord. And I got it.
Anyway, so I have to go because Debbie's waiting for me now. :)
Love,
Stephi
Today something wonderful happened. Annalaura came to visit me at work right before she was about to leave and she gave me a big hug and told me that I could call her anytime for advice and I felt sooooo encouraged and I just had to write that I was really grateful to see her because she's going through a crazy engagement as well and I have always looked up to her and she has definitely been an example and inspiration to me because she knows that it's right and so do I and she didn't hesitate, she had to act. Well, me too. And I am so grateful that I am. And just the way that she smiled at me today was just so encouraging - I felt truly blessed because I wasn't feeling so great yesterday and I was just searching for just a little extra help from the Lord. And I got it.
Anyway, so I have to go because Debbie's waiting for me now. :)
Love,
Stephi
Monday, September 21, 2009
Internship Class - Expectations
I'm writing this entry for my internship class - this is a class that involves hands on service. My specific job will be to work in a Spanish immersion middle school! Yay!
Que espero de mi trabajo este semestre?
En muy poco tiempo yo he aprendido mucho en esta clase, de la historia de los hispanos en los EU y de las oportunidades que hay para los que hablan espanol. Pues realmente espero que haya hispanohablantes nativos en mi clase porque me dijeron que mi clase es de "Spanish Immersion" y la mayoridad de ellos seran gringos pero tambien dijeron que habra una mezcla entonces ojala que sea asi porque me encantaria ayudar a las personas a aprender espanol pero tambien quiero practicarlo y aprenderlo. Tambien espero que pueda estar feliz por estar en un ambiente lleno de ninos y ojala que quieran aprender y esforzarse en sus clases.
Estoy un poco nerviosa que sea dificil hacer todas las horas necesarias porque mi horario durante el dia es muy complicada pero Sr. Millar me ha ayudado mucho entonces creo que estara bien.
Estoy muy emocionada para el proyecto de servicio de 10 horas porque yo puedo escoger que sera. Yo realmente quiero hacer algo que me ayude a tener coneciones para mas tarde conseguir un trabajo pero tambien me interesa mucho ayudar a las personas a entenderse y ayudar a los mexicanos y tambien a los inmigrantes de cualquier pais hispanohablante.
Ahora estoy pensando mucho en como esto va a ayudarme mucho en mi relacion con mi novio porque el es queretano y creo que esta feliz que yo tome esta clase. Antes yo tenia muchas ganas de aprender el espanol y cuando fui a queretaro tenia aun mas ganas de ayudar a los mexicanos y a los gringos a entenderse y comunicarse bien. Pero ahora tengo aun MAS ganas por eso de mi novio de aprender de los mexicanos y hablar mucho espanol.
Tambien tengo unos medios hermanos que estan en una escuela de "Spanish Immersion" en Grand Rapids y por eso es muy especial que puedo ayudar a los estudiantes de Spanish Immersion a aprender el espanol porque cuando yo hacia eso en el verano con los del primer grado realmente fue muy divertido y todos me querian. Entonces voy con una actitud positiva aunque un poco nerviosa pero voy a esforzarme mucho y se que todo sera una experiencia muy buena para mi.
Saludos,
Stephanie
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Never Lose Sight: Ricardo
I found this in my other blog - I didn't realize I wrote a bunch of other entries in there about Mexico too - I'm really grateful for that. Anyway, Ricardo reads my blog a lot so this is for him.
April 17th was about 10 days before we became official boyfriend and girlfriend I just think this is hilarious looking back on it now. And like I said, grateful.
Friday, April 17, 2009
There were a lot of other things that I wrote in my other blog, because it was good for me to write things just for myself. But I had forgotten all about them, and I am so grateful to think of the times that I wrote and they were real spiritual checkpoints in my life and I can't help just being humbled and grateful. I feel truly blessed by the power of writing and reading our own personal history to see our progress and growth and to remember good times and hard times and lessons we have learned.
I talked to my dad today about Ricardo - and he was so much help!! He gave me ideas of possible plans for the future with him and they were better than anything I was coming up with myself so I am glad that he is supporting me because I need his help! When I told Ricardo about my conversation with my dad, he was so happy and he felt peaceful and he was really grateful for his support. We need all the support we can get.
Im home in GR right now and it is SO NICE!! I really missed my family. I just feel so loved when I'm home and there are 9 people happy to see you.
Well, I've been procrastinating reading scriptures for a really long time so I need to get on that.
Love,
Stephi
April 17th was about 10 days before we became official boyfriend and girlfriend I just think this is hilarious looking back on it now. And like I said, grateful.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Never Lose Sight: Monterrey and amigos
WEll, i'm not
going to write much. I'm writing only because i felt like if I didn't i'd be
punished somehow (I think I wrote this because I got a strong prompting to
write but I was tired but did it anyway lol). I was talking to
Ricardo today and I realized that I really like some things about him. And I
realized, what's the point of getting to know all of these new guys if I don't
learn anything from it? I like that he has a lot of energy. He's always funny,
he appreciates my sense of humor and life and I make him laugh. Today he asked
me if I read scriptures every day, he encouraged me to go to FHE. he was like,
you know that's important. now, there's someone who knows what's right and is
not afraid to encourage people to do it.. especially the ones he cares about.
unfortunately, I find that really attractive. but I don't think I'll have to
write that down to know it. I also like just how he is - just a really fun
person and also he compliments and appreciates me. I just really like that. I
think we are going to be good friends and I hope that I find someone with those
qualities when I go back to the US.
There were a lot of other things that I wrote in my other blog, because it was good for me to write things just for myself. But I had forgotten all about them, and I am so grateful to think of the times that I wrote and they were real spiritual checkpoints in my life and I can't help just being humbled and grateful. I feel truly blessed by the power of writing and reading our own personal history to see our progress and growth and to remember good times and hard times and lessons we have learned.
I talked to my dad today about Ricardo - and he was so much help!! He gave me ideas of possible plans for the future with him and they were better than anything I was coming up with myself so I am glad that he is supporting me because I need his help! When I told Ricardo about my conversation with my dad, he was so happy and he felt peaceful and he was really grateful for his support. We need all the support we can get.
Im home in GR right now and it is SO NICE!! I really missed my family. I just feel so loved when I'm home and there are 9 people happy to see you.
Well, I've been procrastinating reading scriptures for a really long time so I need to get on that.
Love,
Stephi
Friday, September 18, 2009
Congrats, Rudi!!
I'm so happy for you - and for me too because I can't wait to see your little baby girl or boy in March. I love you and I'm here for you if you need any help with anything - or another massage!
Em totally has me hooked on Pride and Prejudice, and we're almost done.. so I'm going to keep watching, I'll write more soon!
Love,
Stephi
Em totally has me hooked on Pride and Prejudice, and we're almost done.. so I'm going to keep watching, I'll write more soon!
Love,
Stephi
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Happy Birthday, Ricardo!
Well, today's Ricardo's birthday!! I am writing to wish him a happy birthday because I know that he and his mom will read my blog soon. :) I was so surprised yesterday when his mom called me. And even more surprised when I found out that she had read my blog as far back as the first entry that I wrote after I went to Mexico! I couldn't believe that someone would take the time to read that much about me! I don't think I would haha. But she likes me. Ricky says I'm her favorite in-law already. And that's so awesome because I don't have my mom here to be my best friend. I have had Lisa and other examples and loving mother-like figures in my life, and I am grateful for that. But I really like how Ricky's mom and I connect when we talk, even though it's difficult through skype. And she took time for me. It's not something I'm used to, but I definitely like it. I am excited to spend hours talking with her when I go to Mexico. I think she is too.
Anyway, I am also REALLY excited about how spoiled Ricky is going to be when I see him. But I have to admit that he has spoiled me and will spoil me a LOT. But I can't write about the big surprise that I have for him. Because then he'd read it and know what it was - then it wouldn't be a surprise! But I will keep thinking of ideas of what I can do to pleasantly surprise him - it's too bad that I didn't have enough patience to keep the other presents a surprise. :(
Well, I'm writing a bit distracted because I'm watching the 5 hour version of "Pride and Predj" with Emily. But now I really should go practice and I have a phone call to make. Well, I will write again soon!
Love,
Stephi
Anyway, I am also REALLY excited about how spoiled Ricky is going to be when I see him. But I have to admit that he has spoiled me and will spoil me a LOT. But I can't write about the big surprise that I have for him. Because then he'd read it and know what it was - then it wouldn't be a surprise! But I will keep thinking of ideas of what I can do to pleasantly surprise him - it's too bad that I didn't have enough patience to keep the other presents a surprise. :(
Well, I'm writing a bit distracted because I'm watching the 5 hour version of "Pride and Predj" with Emily. But now I really should go practice and I have a phone call to make. Well, I will write again soon!
Love,
Stephi
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Annalaura!!
So I FINALLY got to catch up with Annalaura yesterday. I wish I had pictures. But anyways, wow, I am always so inspired by her and I look up to her so much. There's no denying it.
We got to tell eachother our crazy love stories and I just think that it is so neat that we are going through similar things at the same time. I know that in the past it was the same thing. I got so excited when she said that she wanted to come to my wedding whenever that may be. I don't know if she really can - after all it would be difficult, but it would mean the world to me, she's one of the very few friends that I feel should be there. She's really special to me. We are very different but at the same time we have similar qualities and desires. I was so grateful to talk to her and she was really encouraging. Unlike one of my friends at work today. UGH well, my friends' opinions have always been important to me. MAYBE and just maybe my Heavenly Father wants me to learn something. I decided at that moment that I was going to start changing right then. I am going to let what I want and what Heavenly Father wants for me to be what I should do and listen to. Plus, I have so many people who are encouraging to me! So what's a few oppositions? Speaking of which, as if a long distance relationship wasn't hard enough without immigration laws, Ricky and I are trying to figure out what in the world we are going to do to be together. It's kinda insane how the government really doesn't want Mexicans to come here. But I'm not losing hope. Lisa has a good lawyer and he has to deal with immigration laws and stuff sometimes. We're trying to ask those who have had similar experiences what they did so that we can get ideas. Tonight we're going to do some praying and brainstorming together, but the bulk of that will be done when I go there in October.
Yesterday in the marriage class we studied the Proclamation to the Family. In it the first presidency listed 9 qualities that a family must strive to have. The first one they mentioned was faith. And I was thinking - without faith, a relationship is nothing. And especially my relationship. Maybe I am supposed to learn to have more faith. My Heavenly Father knows I have a lot of faith in Him, so he knew that I could do this. I feel blessed to be learning so many new things and ideas.
Today I was EXHAUSTED!! School is sooo busy and I feel like I'm just trying to make it through these weeks! And ironically they're flying by. I just hope that my lesson tomorrow goes well. I feel like all this music is above my ability but I am going to work hard. Today I did extra Schradiek and Kreutzer. Well, I'll ttyl! Have a great night, everyone.
Love,
Stephi
Monday, September 14, 2009
Back to School!!
HII!!!!!
It's been a bizillion years since I've written in this and it's been so long that I was thinking about putting up a new blog but then I realized that I worked pretty hard to set this one up and I still like it. :) Well, now I don't really bring my computer to campus so I can't blog during my one slacker class.. although he does go pretty fast so I should bring my laptop but it definitely isn't like that american music class that I had last year where I could blog pretty much every day in class because I knew a lot of that stuff anyway. Well, either way I need to blog again - I miss it!! Blogging was such a good thing for me last year but when I didn't have a slacker class to do it in I didn't have so much success in Mexico - although I was really happy when I looked back on this blog and realized how much I still wrote! It was cool looking back. This summer I was working on a really long version of my love story but I never finished it.. I could always post what I do have - well, it sorta describes everything that happened - my love story, my spring break, how I got sent home, and a lot of other things. So I'll post that sometime.
Well, to sum up my summer - Living with my family was pretty awesome. I thought I wouldn't like it and I have to admit I was pretty excited to come back to kzoo to be with my friends and back to school and in my own place with Em, BUT it was really nice because I felt that I was really appreciated being home. With Ethan being born and a lot of help with rides, etc that was needed, Lisa loved having me home. Plus I was more responsible and I had my own car this year. And I wasn't as busy. I took 1 class each half of the summer and I only worked part time, as opposed to the 40-45 hour work week I had last summer and I would always come home too exhausted to do anything. My family welcoming me home was what really saved me emotionally because it was so hard to get sent home early. They really needed me, and I believe that that was one of the reasons that Heavenly Father let it happen. It's good to feel needed and loved by my family.
Of course, I have also had a great opportunity to learn so many things about Ricardo - we have been talking every day since I've come home, and we send each other pictures and do things for each other. This summer I have come to really love him and I know that he's amazing and very special. I am a better person because of him. Everyone who's seen me since I've come home knows that I am pretty serious about him. It seems weird but at the same time not. And it's like everything around me is pointing to marriage - so many friends are getting married (including Debbie), my siblings can't wait to meet him and Lisa is encouraging, even President Johnson was talking to me like I was almost engaged - it was so funny seeing that. I'm not saying that I want to get married because everyone's doing it, but I just feel like there are little things that are preparing me and that make me feel more peaceful about it. I don't even want to go on a mission anymore (and that's saying something) because I know that I can serve the Lord just as well by getting married, and that I'll be happy. So that all sounds cheesy but.. well, I'm cheesy and in love. And even still I know that it might not work out how I hope it does. I just have a really good feeling about this, and a lot of faith and hope.
So 3 1/2 more weeks until I see him and we can figure out what's going to happen, and how we're going to get him to come to the US so that we can be together while I finish school. I'm going to make a few calls and try to learn as much as I can - is anyone an expert on visa getting? :)
Well, now it's back to school and back to hard core viola - I just got a sub position and it's awesome because I get to play in every concert - so really it's like a normal position except less commitment - nice! And I get money. I'm working hard to keep a good track of my money this semester - Ricky's helping me with that. And I've been more organized on my own too. I've learned SO much since last year. Imagine what I will have learned by next year!
But right now school is stressful - I hate the beginning of the semester because I get scared - like, I gotta do all that?? And grad school auditions next year - aaaahhhhhhh
But I love being back and I absolutely love living with Emily she's the best roomie that I could ever ask for and I like that we can just hang out for example we just went out to dinner at applebee's the other night and we were just making fun of random songs.
Well, I only meant to write in this for a few minutes but it took a long time - but I'm glad I could catch you all up. :) I'll be sure to write more often. And I hope you are all doing well - I haven't been able to do any reading of your blogs either but I'll do more now.
Love,
Stephi
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Updates, relationships, etc.
I sent this e-mail to study abroad because they wanted an update on my trip. so I thought i'd post it. I know I haven't written in here for forever. But I did buy a new journal to write in. It's just easier because sometimes I'm just sitting outside waiting for the bus or whatever. But I'll make sure to write in here again soon so that you guys know how I'm doing.
What is really lame is that my camera broke in February so I haven't been able to take any pictures. :( but my new friend Ricardo lent me his camera for my spring break trips which was incredibly nice of him, so I will take a ton of pictures and post them on here or on facebook. I'm borrowing a dress for the dance that makes me look super-guapa so I'll make sure to take some pictures of that too. :)
Here's my update:
My classes have been going well. I had some difficult times trying to figure out what the teachers wanted, but I have learned that they are very understanding and encouraging. I have been on 2 trips so far, and will go on 2 more over spring break. My first trip was to Puerto Vallarta, which was amazing. I loved swimming in the ocean and meeting people from all over the world. We also swam in a waterfall and got serenaded by local kids which was really cute. I also went to San Miguel de Allende, which is close to Querétaro but still "super padre" - super awesome. I got to see mariachis and take a picture in front of a huge castle-like church - it is beautiful! I have made a lot of new friends from church and friends who share my passion for music. Another accomplishment I have made is that I have been learning how to salsa dance. I've always wanted to be able to dance well and now I'm living one of my dreams. I think that's my favorite activity to do here. I also love to walk around the centro or the mall to shop or just to people watch. On holidays, the centro is super full of people just walking around, and there is a lot of tourism. I really like my host family. My host mom is very proper, which is kindof the opposite of me, but we are both respectful, religious, and dedicated to our families, so we have had some really great talks. She also cooks amazing food. My host dad is funny, he always teases me for practically sleepwalking to my first class of the day. My 2 host brothers are awesome - they both know English really well but never speak it to me because they want me to learn Spanish. One of them moved out to live on his own but he still comes to visit sometimes. Something I would like to accomplish during this last part of the semester is that I would like to add as many new experiences as I can, and work even harder to perfect my Spanish. Well, that's my update, I hope everything is going well at Western too! Have a successful end of the semester! Stephanie
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In my time here in Querétaro, my relationships with my friends have been very important to me. Laura, one of my best friends here, is from Western too, and we talk about boys and exercise together - we joined a gym together. I love the girls in my study abroad group - Amy and Katie and Lisa and Janelle and Amanda - they are alwasy such fun to hang out with and I meet a lot of people through them. Lenina is my ever-animated mexican friend from church that always laughs at me when my spanish comes out funny and when I try to dance by myself. She's always talking about her "Pololo'' -which is apparently the chilean word for boyfriend, even though she's not chilean or anything, she just likes the word, haha. She has been helping me get hooked up to go to this YSA conference this weekend - I'm sooo excited! And then there's Jaser - my bestest ever mexican friend who taught me how to dance, as you know, and also took me to San Miguel, vents to me about whatever problems are going on, relationship-wise or with his job, family, whatever - which I understand - especially the relationship ones. He introduced me to his family, and watched general conference in english with me, gave me the courage to ride on his motorbike which is DEFINITELY new for me.. I thought I was going crazy. I hate motorcycles. AND he is the only guy besides Brian that's ever held my hand. I'm still trying to figure all that out, but I am pretty sure we will end up staying as just good friends. I have also made a new good guy friend named Ricardo who walked with me to the centro and back TWICE - and that's a good 20 minute walk each way. And he lent me his camera. We just became good friends on that day, which was this past Sunday. I guess it's really nice being a foreigner because guys actually notice me. I think it will help me have more confidence when I get back to the US.
Maritza and Frank and their daughters Magaly and Magda are my "adoptive host family". I am at their house nearly every day to practice viola and I hang out and talk to them and through them I have made a lot of new friends. Magaly's boyfriend, Fedy, is really fun and wants to study in the US. Alejandro is tall and black and cuban and he has an accent that's so strong I can hardly understand him. hahaha Tonatiuh plays the violin and is really cute but i think he has a girlfriend. we all always want to go out and dance but never can because Alejandro is only 17 and they won't let him in in the clubs.. hahahahaha. Jousmin and Juan Manuel are in the band that plays at my ultimate favorite place, Barra Habana, but they are teachers at the music school which is also the house of the family that I was talking about. I want them to introduce me to the rest of the band but we haven't gotten around to that yet.
So that's sorta the run down on my life and friends here right now. i will try to write again soon. I really miss all of my friends in the US. *hugs to everyone!*
Love,
Stephi
What is really lame is that my camera broke in February so I haven't been able to take any pictures. :( but my new friend Ricardo lent me his camera for my spring break trips which was incredibly nice of him, so I will take a ton of pictures and post them on here or on facebook. I'm borrowing a dress for the dance that makes me look super-guapa so I'll make sure to take some pictures of that too. :)
Here's my update:
My classes have been going well. I had some difficult times trying to figure out what the teachers wanted, but I have learned that they are very understanding and encouraging. I have been on 2 trips so far, and will go on 2 more over spring break. My first trip was to Puerto Vallarta, which was amazing. I loved swimming in the ocean and meeting people from all over the world. We also swam in a waterfall and got serenaded by local kids which was really cute. I also went to San Miguel de Allende, which is close to Querétaro but still "super padre" - super awesome. I got to see mariachis and take a picture in front of a huge castle-like church - it is beautiful! I have made a lot of new friends from church and friends who share my passion for music. Another accomplishment I have made is that I have been learning how to salsa dance. I've always wanted to be able to dance well and now I'm living one of my dreams. I think that's my favorite activity to do here. I also love to walk around the centro or the mall to shop or just to people watch. On holidays, the centro is super full of people just walking around, and there is a lot of tourism. I really like my host family. My host mom is very proper, which is kindof the opposite of me, but we are both respectful, religious, and dedicated to our families, so we have had some really great talks. She also cooks amazing food. My host dad is funny, he always teases me for practically sleepwalking to my first class of the day. My 2 host brothers are awesome - they both know English really well but never speak it to me because they want me to learn Spanish. One of them moved out to live on his own but he still comes to visit sometimes. Something I would like to accomplish during this last part of the semester is that I would like to add as many new experiences as I can, and work even harder to perfect my Spanish. Well, that's my update, I hope everything is going well at Western too! Have a successful end of the semester! Stephanie
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In my time here in Querétaro, my relationships with my friends have been very important to me. Laura, one of my best friends here, is from Western too, and we talk about boys and exercise together - we joined a gym together. I love the girls in my study abroad group - Amy and Katie and Lisa and Janelle and Amanda - they are alwasy such fun to hang out with and I meet a lot of people through them. Lenina is my ever-animated mexican friend from church that always laughs at me when my spanish comes out funny and when I try to dance by myself. She's always talking about her "Pololo'' -which is apparently the chilean word for boyfriend, even though she's not chilean or anything, she just likes the word, haha. She has been helping me get hooked up to go to this YSA conference this weekend - I'm sooo excited! And then there's Jaser - my bestest ever mexican friend who taught me how to dance, as you know, and also took me to San Miguel, vents to me about whatever problems are going on, relationship-wise or with his job, family, whatever - which I understand - especially the relationship ones. He introduced me to his family, and watched general conference in english with me, gave me the courage to ride on his motorbike which is DEFINITELY new for me.. I thought I was going crazy. I hate motorcycles. AND he is the only guy besides Brian that's ever held my hand. I'm still trying to figure all that out, but I am pretty sure we will end up staying as just good friends. I have also made a new good guy friend named Ricardo who walked with me to the centro and back TWICE - and that's a good 20 minute walk each way. And he lent me his camera. We just became good friends on that day, which was this past Sunday. I guess it's really nice being a foreigner because guys actually notice me. I think it will help me have more confidence when I get back to the US.
Maritza and Frank and their daughters Magaly and Magda are my "adoptive host family". I am at their house nearly every day to practice viola and I hang out and talk to them and through them I have made a lot of new friends. Magaly's boyfriend, Fedy, is really fun and wants to study in the US. Alejandro is tall and black and cuban and he has an accent that's so strong I can hardly understand him. hahaha Tonatiuh plays the violin and is really cute but i think he has a girlfriend. we all always want to go out and dance but never can because Alejandro is only 17 and they won't let him in in the clubs.. hahahahaha. Jousmin and Juan Manuel are in the band that plays at my ultimate favorite place, Barra Habana, but they are teachers at the music school which is also the house of the family that I was talking about. I want them to introduce me to the rest of the band but we haven't gotten around to that yet.
So that's sorta the run down on my life and friends here right now. i will try to write again soon. I really miss all of my friends in the US. *hugs to everyone!*
Love,
Stephi
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Español
hace mucho tiempo que he escrito aquí.. que triste!!! Pues, voy a escribir en español un rato. Debbie me dijo que uso muchos modismos cuando escribo... jeje.. A ver.. Ahora, estoy muy muy bien.
Recuerden mi amigo, que me llevó a bailar? A él yo le gusto mucho, y este es muy extraño. Él es mas grande que yo y creo que quiere relaciónes serias, y yo no. Pues, sólo estamos amigos buenos. Es uno de mis mejores amigos aquí. Ayer, me pidió que yo fuera al baile mañana con el como "una cita," no sé como decir, pero yo dije no. Todavía estoy sin pareja, y me gusta. Cuando yo voy a bailes de la iglesia, claro que quiero bailar con otras personas! Cómo no? Yo quiero conocer la gente aquí. Esto debo hacer!!!
Ahorita voy a un baile/fiesta para mi clase de alimentación. Hay muchas cosas q hacer aquí, no?Ojalá que vaya a ser muy divertido, pero no sé, ahora, estoy un poco espantada.. porque el viento es muy fuerte hoy, y también como voy sola. Nadie de mis amigas van a ir. :( Yo quiero ir para divertirme con las amigas de la clase, pero quien sabe... quizás no debo ir. Pues, tengo una hora y media (mas o menos) para decidir.
También he estudiado mucho de mi viola esta semana - por fin!!!! lunes - 3 horas, martes.. muy mal, como 30 minutos! yo estaba muy ocupada ese día, pero el miércoles, estudié como 4 horas!! y hoy casi 3. Es muchísimo mejor.. Ojalá que Gela no vaya a matarme... porque si me matara..Fedotov también me mataría.. de veras...
Hoy y ayer he estado pues, un poco desanimada de mis abilidades en el español. De hecho a veces siento bien y a veces me doy cuento que no sé mucho. Pero hoy mis amigas y mi padre de intercambio me ayudaron... Ojalá que voy a reconseguir mi confidencia. Pues, tengo ir.. nos vemos. Que rezen para mi!!
Que Dios les bendiga,
Stephi
Recuerden mi amigo, que me llevó a bailar? A él yo le gusto mucho, y este es muy extraño. Él es mas grande que yo y creo que quiere relaciónes serias, y yo no. Pues, sólo estamos amigos buenos. Es uno de mis mejores amigos aquí. Ayer, me pidió que yo fuera al baile mañana con el como "una cita," no sé como decir, pero yo dije no. Todavía estoy sin pareja, y me gusta. Cuando yo voy a bailes de la iglesia, claro que quiero bailar con otras personas! Cómo no? Yo quiero conocer la gente aquí. Esto debo hacer!!!
Ahorita voy a un baile/fiesta para mi clase de alimentación. Hay muchas cosas q hacer aquí, no?Ojalá que vaya a ser muy divertido, pero no sé, ahora, estoy un poco espantada.. porque el viento es muy fuerte hoy, y también como voy sola. Nadie de mis amigas van a ir. :( Yo quiero ir para divertirme con las amigas de la clase, pero quien sabe... quizás no debo ir. Pues, tengo una hora y media (mas o menos) para decidir.
También he estudiado mucho de mi viola esta semana - por fin!!!! lunes - 3 horas, martes.. muy mal, como 30 minutos! yo estaba muy ocupada ese día, pero el miércoles, estudié como 4 horas!! y hoy casi 3. Es muchísimo mejor.. Ojalá que Gela no vaya a matarme... porque si me matara..Fedotov también me mataría.. de veras...
Hoy y ayer he estado pues, un poco desanimada de mis abilidades en el español. De hecho a veces siento bien y a veces me doy cuento que no sé mucho. Pero hoy mis amigas y mi padre de intercambio me ayudaron... Ojalá que voy a reconseguir mi confidencia. Pues, tengo ir.. nos vemos. Que rezen para mi!!
Que Dios les bendiga,
Stephi
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Puerto Vallarta!
So I definitely had a great time at PV. But I'm not going to write too much about it now because I actually had to write a short essay about it for my class so I'm going to post it on here - google translate?? :D I'll probably add a bunch of comments to it too. I have lots of pics on facebook - more coming soon.
But I just wanted to write and say that I did in case I ... forget someday? jaja jk.
Well, I decided to make a goal. Some people here always try to speak Spanish 24/7 with American friends, and those who know english. Others speak english every time they get a chance. I decided that I want to be the first one. When I first got here, I was speaking so much Spanish because my host family doesn't know english (and I just discovered that my host brothers both know english better than they let on but they did it so that I would speak Spanish, which you know, I REALLY appreciate that.) But every time I was with my American friends I would talk in english. and all too often I was making comparisons to the US. Well, that's just the way I am, sometimes I understand the present by looking into the past. And sometimes that's a good thing, but only sometimes.
I'm rambling now, but I also wanted to say that during my PV trip, one of the girls was always insisting quite strongly that we all talk in Spanish. And, I think my Spanish actually got better over the trip when I thought it was going to get worse, but it was thanks to her persistence which even got annoying sometimes, but I'm glad she did it, and I let her know so.
I only have 6 months here. To be honest, this first month has gone by quite rapidly. and I don't want it to be a waste. I wanna come back with a spanish accent!
it really stinks that I have to take english when I get back - UGHHHH. haha. yeah.. not going to be fun at ALL.
Lots of love and besos,
Stephi
But I just wanted to write and say that I did in case I ... forget someday? jaja jk.
Well, I decided to make a goal. Some people here always try to speak Spanish 24/7 with American friends, and those who know english. Others speak english every time they get a chance. I decided that I want to be the first one. When I first got here, I was speaking so much Spanish because my host family doesn't know english (and I just discovered that my host brothers both know english better than they let on but they did it so that I would speak Spanish, which you know, I REALLY appreciate that.) But every time I was with my American friends I would talk in english. and all too often I was making comparisons to the US. Well, that's just the way I am, sometimes I understand the present by looking into the past. And sometimes that's a good thing, but only sometimes.
I'm rambling now, but I also wanted to say that during my PV trip, one of the girls was always insisting quite strongly that we all talk in Spanish. And, I think my Spanish actually got better over the trip when I thought it was going to get worse, but it was thanks to her persistence which even got annoying sometimes, but I'm glad she did it, and I let her know so.
I only have 6 months here. To be honest, this first month has gone by quite rapidly. and I don't want it to be a waste. I wanna come back with a spanish accent!
it really stinks that I have to take english when I get back - UGHHHH. haha. yeah.. not going to be fun at ALL.
Lots of love and besos,
Stephi
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Debbie and me.. cont.
Hey!! That's really funny. I totally just got my hair cut today. AND I got bangs!! I thought you were going to laugh. haha. I'm not even going to tell you how much mine cost. I decided not to get highlights because I think it would be too much work for me. But I really like it. I think bangs are fun and I definitely look latina now. lol. But I made up the difference and bought some expensive shoes. Though I do feel guilty. Well, I went into a dance club last night and totally felt awkward because I was wearing tennis shoes (like the guy that let us in told me that next time I couldn't wear tennis shoes.yikes!) Well, I did because the flats that I bought blistered my feet and I wanted to dance. So I went and bought some nice "tacones" which means high heels. Hopefully they're better.. and hopefully I can dance in them. I learned the basics of Salsa and Merengue and Cha-cha. I felt so awesome I had a totally awesome time and was out until 2:30. That's a big record for me. It was really fun. Well, I'll ttyl. I like writing to you. I'll have to call you sometime and show you on skype. Love, Stephi
Deborah Lynn Mathias wrote:
That sounds cool. I got my hair cut for really cheap too. It only cost $5 because I had a coupon. And I got bangs. They are kind of long, and are meant to kinda be swept to the side. I like them. You should get some too. You should dye your hair blond too. I think it'd be really funny...I mean pretty. lol. Dying your hair any other color wouldn't look bad though, so maybe you should try it. When you get your hair done, you should post pictures.
Deborah Lynn Mathias wrote:
That sounds cool. I got my hair cut for really cheap too. It only cost $5 because I had a coupon. And I got bangs. They are kind of long, and are meant to kinda be swept to the side. I like them. You should get some too. You should dye your hair blond too. I think it'd be really funny...I mean pretty. lol. Dying your hair any other color wouldn't look bad though, so maybe you should try it. When you get your hair done, you should post pictures.
A blast last night.
I had an absolute blast last night. I learned so many new things about dancing. The guy that invited me, Jaser, is a really amazing person. Don't worry, we don't like eachother, but I was just feeling really happy to have a guy be really nice to me and teach me how to dance. You know I've been feeling lonely since I've moved here. I'm a little annoyed that he's moving in a week. He's one of my closest new Mexican friends and he goes and leaves on me. go figure. haha. But I felt very pretty and happy because I love dancing. and he said that one of the most important part of dancing is to smile. I told him that one of my goals here in Mexico is to learn how to dance. Everyone here dances. My "cousins" all know how to dance and they dance together when the family has gatherings or despedidos (goodbyes). Anyway, when Jaser was taking me home, we were talking about how he was moving to try to start a new life. I definitely understood, right? I'm trying to become a better person, but lately I've felt like I haven't been living up to it. So maybe I need to write a gratitude list of things that I've learned or new experiences.
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that:
-I can read scriptures in Spanish. And today it went very well, and I actually looked up the words I didn't know this time. Something happened before that too. I felt loved. It's not the first time since I've been here, but it was just really nice. It was the first time in a few days that I read before I got really tired. Whaddayaknow? same as in inglés. haha.
-I went dancing and had an amazing time.
-I have been drinking non-alcoholic pina coladas and they are AMAZING.
-I have been walking a lot.
-I have less "cosas" (stuff) to take care of and I want to show respect, so my room's actually clean on a regular basis. haha.
-I got a blessing in Spanish - and I understood it.
-My friends here from the US are really awesome. 3 of us don't drink! Kudos!!
-I love that Debbie and Katie e-mail me. It makes me really happy. I guess I appreciate them more.
-My spanish has gotten SOOO much better since I've moved here. I should be "una experta" when I'm done here.
-I have pictures of some of my friends and of the Savior and the temple in my room. I also just put up the stop sign that Brian made me forever ago that says Pray.
-I got bangs!! I finally did it. And I love them.
-Since I've come here, I have actually been more relaxed. Maybe it's because I'm not in the music school right now, that always invites lots of stress. Maybe it's because I walk everywhere instead of driving. But I'm hoping that it's because this culture is having a good impact on me in that respect. I could definitely use a little more type B in my life.
I am very grateful for my experiences here and just pray for me, okay? I'll pray for you guys. Miss you.
Oh, Rudi, I wanted to tell you that if I don't get a chance to write on your blog soon, thanks for writing earlier. I love you. Tell Emily hi and that I miss her too. At least I might be a little more neat when I come back! She'll appreciate that. :)
Love,
Stephi
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that:
-I can read scriptures in Spanish. And today it went very well, and I actually looked up the words I didn't know this time. Something happened before that too. I felt loved. It's not the first time since I've been here, but it was just really nice. It was the first time in a few days that I read before I got really tired. Whaddayaknow? same as in inglés. haha.
-I went dancing and had an amazing time.
-I have been drinking non-alcoholic pina coladas and they are AMAZING.
-I have been walking a lot.
-I have less "cosas" (stuff) to take care of and I want to show respect, so my room's actually clean on a regular basis. haha.
-I got a blessing in Spanish - and I understood it.
-My friends here from the US are really awesome. 3 of us don't drink! Kudos!!
-I love that Debbie and Katie e-mail me. It makes me really happy. I guess I appreciate them more.
-My spanish has gotten SOOO much better since I've moved here. I should be "una experta" when I'm done here.
-I have pictures of some of my friends and of the Savior and the temple in my room. I also just put up the stop sign that Brian made me forever ago that says Pray.
-I got bangs!! I finally did it. And I love them.
-Since I've come here, I have actually been more relaxed. Maybe it's because I'm not in the music school right now, that always invites lots of stress. Maybe it's because I walk everywhere instead of driving. But I'm hoping that it's because this culture is having a good impact on me in that respect. I could definitely use a little more type B in my life.
I am very grateful for my experiences here and just pray for me, okay? I'll pray for you guys. Miss you.
Oh, Rudi, I wanted to tell you that if I don't get a chance to write on your blog soon, thanks for writing earlier. I love you. Tell Emily hi and that I miss her too. At least I might be a little more neat when I come back! She'll appreciate that. :)
Love,
Stephi
Email me and Debbie.
Hey!! That's really funny. I totally just got my hair cut today. AND I got bangs!! I thought you were going to laugh. haha. I'm not even going to tell you how much mine cost. I decided not to get highlights because I think it would be too much work for me. But I really like it. I think bangs are fun and I definitely look latina now. lol. But I made up the difference and bought some expensive shoes. Though I do feel guilty. Well, I went into a dance club last night and totally felt awkward because I was wearing tennis shoes (like the guy that let us in told me that next time I couldn't wear tennis shoes.yikes!) Well, I did because the flats that I bought blistered my feet and I wanted to dance. So I went and bought some nice "tacones" which means high heels. Hopefully they're better.. and hopefully I can dance in them. I learned the basics of Salsa and Merengue and Cha-cha. I felt so awesome I had a totally awesome time and was out until 2:30. That's a big record for me. It was really fun. Well, I'll ttyl. I like writing to you. I'll have to call you sometime and show you on skype. Love, Stephi
Deborah Lynn Mathias wrote:
That sounds cool. I got my hair cut for really cheap too. It only cost $5 because I had a coupon. And I got bangs. They are kind of long, and are meant to kinda be swept to the side. I like them. You should get some too. You should dye your hair blond too. I think it'd be really funny...I mean pretty. lol. Dying your hair any other color wouldn't look bad though, so maybe you should try it. When you get your hair done, you should post pictures.
Deborah Lynn Mathias wrote:
That sounds cool. I got my hair cut for really cheap too. It only cost $5 because I had a coupon. And I got bangs. They are kind of long, and are meant to kinda be swept to the side. I like them. You should get some too. You should dye your hair blond too. I think it'd be really funny...I mean pretty. lol. Dying your hair any other color wouldn't look bad though, so maybe you should try it. When you get your hair done, you should post pictures.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Much better
I am feeling much better today. Well, I've been relatively busy. I went to the immigration office to do stuff for my visa. It was quite a walk, but once we got there it was pretty much the equivalent of SOS, almost exactly, actually. then I went home and slept for a couple of hours (I was EXHAUSTED, and the new bed is actually comfy and I love that), then practiced but for only an hour which is not good. Thankfully, I've got all day tomorrow to practice. Then I ate lunch which was potato soup and fish and it was quite delicious. Then I went to Syntax class which is actually going pretty well. I'm understanding what's going on. Speaking of classes though, I've gotta go, so I'll ttyl!
Love,
Stephi
Love,
Stephi
Monday, January 19, 2009
I'm going to write a little bit because I need it.
I had a really cool weekend. On Friday, my new friends from church invited me to go out with them.. We went to a restaurant and then went to sing karaoke and I impressed them with my knowledge of the Celia Cruz song that was on the CD Nick made for me - it's one of my favorite songs ever, so I did alright! :) Well, Jaser, the one that invited me, is super nice and so is Raquel and Abi, the gals that I also hung out with yesterday. I am really glad I have church friends. Well, I talked to Brian today and he made me laugh. I have really been missing him, but it's gonna be okay. Every time we talk or every time that I write, and when I read and pray, I feel like everything's going to be fine. That's a good thing. There are a lot of things that help me with that. My Heavenly Father helps me. I just need to listen to Him more, haha. Reading Jamilyn's blog reminded me of the goals that I have for myself, to become the woman I want to be. So I need to make my goals more specific so I can achieve them. :) I was homesick yesterday. I also miss orchestra. But everything's going to be okay. I moved into a new room today and I like it. it was semi-exciting. :) I also wrote a 1 page essay about my mexican family which was really fun to write. I am really having a good time but I needed to write to get things off of my chest to feel better. And it's helping. I also got a blessing yesterday. That really made me feel special. Well, I gotta go. I'll write more soon. ttyl. loves. Stephi
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Talking with My Host Mom
Last night I was able to sit down and talk to my host mom, Lupita, about lots of things, well, mostly about my family. I thought that was really cool of her to listen to me and she really cared. I also got to hear some about her family. She was married at 25. She met Leon on the street, because back then, Queretaro was so small that everyone knew eachother. She had her kids about a year and a half later, each about a year and a half apart. Diana, then Leon Felipe, then Daniel. I didn't realize that Diana was the oldest. She looks so young! She looks a lot like my mom did. She's really short and pretty and is always smiling. And because my mom's half hispanic, she had some of the same features. I also gave Lupita a picture of when my family went to Mexico. It's really lame that I don't have a printed picture of all of my new family. But I did get to show her all of them on my first day from my computer.
Today, Nutrition class went a lot better. Yesterday it was awkward and I felt quite alone and lost. But today, I actually talked to some of the students before class. It's embarrassing to talk to them. But I'm sure they understand. I mean, none of them know english, so how can they make fun of me? haha. Well, it's still embarrassing to pick up things slower than anyone else. But they're nice. My new friend is Meli - she's kinda like a cool kid type and she seems like the leader of the class, like, all of the students in that class are nursing students, and she was one of the ones organizing the bienvenido - tomorrow at 9 in the morning they're having a welcome breakfast (except pizza party haha) for everyone in the class. And they invited me. Other students that I met are Ali (who apparently lived in Georgia for 7 years), Chucho (who really isn't chucho but nobody will tell me his actual name, haha), Iris and Monse who sat next to me today and helped me in class a bit, and told me about the bienvenido.
Only 1 more day until I get to hang out with my new church friends. But I still miss the branch and Dalton. I miss Jamilyn! I was thinking that last night. Jamilyn, I miss practicing orchestra music and talking to you about boys and about what a pain the professors can be sometimes, and seeing you play in orchestra with your yellow rainboots on. Hopefully we can talk soon. I might skype you sometime. :) And I never got a chance to get my foot and hand scrub. lame... haha. well, you can give it to Debbie. I told her to store it for me. :) haha
Well, I hope everyone's doing well!
Ttyl!
Lots of love and besos y abrazos,
Stephi
Today, Nutrition class went a lot better. Yesterday it was awkward and I felt quite alone and lost. But today, I actually talked to some of the students before class. It's embarrassing to talk to them. But I'm sure they understand. I mean, none of them know english, so how can they make fun of me? haha. Well, it's still embarrassing to pick up things slower than anyone else. But they're nice. My new friend is Meli - she's kinda like a cool kid type and she seems like the leader of the class, like, all of the students in that class are nursing students, and she was one of the ones organizing the bienvenido - tomorrow at 9 in the morning they're having a welcome breakfast (except pizza party haha) for everyone in the class. And they invited me. Other students that I met are Ali (who apparently lived in Georgia for 7 years), Chucho (who really isn't chucho but nobody will tell me his actual name, haha), Iris and Monse who sat next to me today and helped me in class a bit, and told me about the bienvenido.
Only 1 more day until I get to hang out with my new church friends. But I still miss the branch and Dalton. I miss Jamilyn! I was thinking that last night. Jamilyn, I miss practicing orchestra music and talking to you about boys and about what a pain the professors can be sometimes, and seeing you play in orchestra with your yellow rainboots on. Hopefully we can talk soon. I might skype you sometime. :) And I never got a chance to get my foot and hand scrub. lame... haha. well, you can give it to Debbie. I told her to store it for me. :) haha
Well, I hope everyone's doing well!
Ttyl!
Lots of love and besos y abrazos,
Stephi
Sunday, January 11, 2009
even more pictures
the room I'm staying in right now.
my first meal at my new home.. homecooked and SOOOO GOOD.more pictures
poor Pablo... crying for his balloon.
Alec and my host dad.
Pablo and Alec. SOOOO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alec loved the balloons too.
my first dinner.. my friend told me to take pictures of food.. haha.
Pictures for my first day.
Tessa, the grad assistant, her host mom, me and my host mom, Lupita
The view of the city from the UAQ.
WMU Querétaro study abroad group.
A building in El Centro
Another view in El CentroMy e-mail to Katie
My e-mail to Katie:
I was feeling really sick that day. I had to go home early and everything. I'm going to send you a really long e-mail because it's what I'm also going to put on my blog.. sorry it's so long! Okay, well, to answer your questions... No, I don't have a cell phone here. The one I have is local only to call my friends in Mexico. I'll try to call home and e-mail so I can talk to you guys too. I miss you lots. I love my new family. The mom is Lupita, and the dad is Leon. There are 2 brothers that are almost 30.. something like that. Their names are Leon Felipe and Daniel. Daniel is the one that drove me around my first days. He's pretty cool. He likes photography and has this really fancy camera. I don't know Leon Felipe that well yet because he works all the time, but he seems nice - he took us out to ice cream yesterday, which was pretty good. The daughter and her family were also visiting from France. How cool is that??? Her husband, Gotier??(i don't know how to spell french names), but he was really awesome. and they had 2 kids, Pablo and Alec, that were SOOOOO ADORABLE. The first day that I was there, they were celebrating Dia de los Reyes. It's like, instead of Santa Clause, they have the 3 wise men give them presents on January 6th, and Christmas is only a religious holiday. I kind of like that tradition because it takes away the distraction of the presents on Christmas. Anyway, the night before, they send balloons up into the stars (orion's belt - the 3 stars, is where they live). Attached to the balloons are letters saying what they want. Pablo, who's 5, was crying and crying because he didn't want to let go of his balloon!!! Aww... it was so cute.I know that was a long answer for one question. The Spanish is alright. I can get around just fine, and understand people. Sometimes it's hard and they have to explain things. I went to church today which was pretty fun - everyone was nice and I made some new friends. Thank goodness the relief society lesson was the one that I taught a few weeks ago - so I already knew all about it!! That definitely made it more easy to follow. The Sunday school teacher talks SUPER fast though.. every time he told us to look up a scripture my friends had to help me because I didn't understand which one. hahaha.. But overall it was fine, the spirit is everywhere you go and I know I have a lot to learn but I think in time I'm going to learn a lot. It's exciting. There's a fireside tonight, and my new friends invited me to hang out with them this Friday. :) The city is super cool. At first I didn't know what to think about it and wasn't too impressed, but now I like it. Everyone's laid back and happy, and the weather is AWESOME down here. It's like summer in Michigan.. only 100% more dry. I have to admit I'm not a fan of all this dry climate. In combination with the altitude (because it's pretty high apparently), it gives me a headache. :( But it is pretty warm - and I like that a lot. I heard you guys got a TON of snow.. hahahaha. I hope that school was canceled at least!Anyway, tell me about school and life and everything. How is the new semester?? I miss you too lots and love you. I hope that everything is going well. Take care and say hello and send my hugs and kisses to everyone, okay?
Love,
Stephi
ps. if you go to www.gratitudelistsandlife.blogspot.com, you can see pictures. :)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
E-mails that I've written about Mexico. :)
'Don't worry.. I wrote about more than just my exciting flu. But I can't find the e-mail that I sent Katie. I'll post that soon. Love you guys and miss you!
Love,
Stephi
To Debbie Today:
Hey! Yeah, Mexico's great! It's really nice here. I love my family and I get along with all of the American students well too. Except today I got "el gripe" and it really stinks. one of the girls got it yesterday too but she was fine today so hopefully I'll be fine by tomorrow. I had no voice and bad stomach pains all night last night and today. I had to skip a class to go home and sleep and I threw up right outside the door. Then I slept for about 6-7 hours and didn't eat anything until like an hour ago - 3 crackers. I was so excited to finally eat something because I threw up everything that I ate this morning. LAME. lol. I'm sure that's so exciting for you to hear about. How's school? what are your new classes? how's the roommate situation? going well? Love ya, Stephi
To Justin Today:
Hey Justin,I'm finally sending you an e-mail on my computer - the one I used on Sunday had an international keyboard so it was all awkward to write. Well, i absolutely love Mexico. Querétaro is a HUGE city - about a million people - imagine that, Kalamazoo has like 100,000, so it seems so big. At first, I wasn't sure what to think about it, I wasn't too impressed. But now I really like it. Everyone here is relaxed and having a good time. It's a pretty safe city too. I'm in an "internet cafe" right now, minus the cafe, haha. It's pretty cheap to use. My family is really cool. In Querétaro, the mom is basically in charge of the family. The dad goes to work and the mom stays at home. A lot of the kids live at home until forever because living on their own is so expensive. The kitchen is the center of everything. After I go to bed I can hear everyone in the kitchen just talking and hanging out. It's especially cool because the daughter and her husband and their 2 little boys are visiting from France and they're super nice. It will be hard to see them leave in just a couple of days. I can only imagine how sad my host mom (Lupita) will be. The dad is pretty cool too, he's kinda like, retired, or he has an excuse from work or something. He's so laid back and kinda reminds me of a grandpa. Today, I got "el gripe," which in Spanish is the flu. it was really, really lame. So I've been sleeping most of the day. All I ate that stayed down was 3 crackers after sleeping for like 7 hours. I couldn't eat anything else the whole day. blegh... I had to skip class to go home. besides that, I've been having a good time. I'm only taking 2 classes so far, the ones for the american students. The rest start on Monday and that will be cool. I hope I make a lot of Mexican friends.
Love,
Stephi
To Debbie Today:
Hey! Yeah, Mexico's great! It's really nice here. I love my family and I get along with all of the American students well too. Except today I got "el gripe" and it really stinks. one of the girls got it yesterday too but she was fine today so hopefully I'll be fine by tomorrow. I had no voice and bad stomach pains all night last night and today. I had to skip a class to go home and sleep and I threw up right outside the door. Then I slept for about 6-7 hours and didn't eat anything until like an hour ago - 3 crackers. I was so excited to finally eat something because I threw up everything that I ate this morning. LAME. lol. I'm sure that's so exciting for you to hear about. How's school? what are your new classes? how's the roommate situation? going well? Love ya, Stephi
To Justin Today:
Hey Justin,I'm finally sending you an e-mail on my computer - the one I used on Sunday had an international keyboard so it was all awkward to write. Well, i absolutely love Mexico. Querétaro is a HUGE city - about a million people - imagine that, Kalamazoo has like 100,000, so it seems so big. At first, I wasn't sure what to think about it, I wasn't too impressed. But now I really like it. Everyone here is relaxed and having a good time. It's a pretty safe city too. I'm in an "internet cafe" right now, minus the cafe, haha. It's pretty cheap to use. My family is really cool. In Querétaro, the mom is basically in charge of the family. The dad goes to work and the mom stays at home. A lot of the kids live at home until forever because living on their own is so expensive. The kitchen is the center of everything. After I go to bed I can hear everyone in the kitchen just talking and hanging out. It's especially cool because the daughter and her husband and their 2 little boys are visiting from France and they're super nice. It will be hard to see them leave in just a couple of days. I can only imagine how sad my host mom (Lupita) will be. The dad is pretty cool too, he's kinda like, retired, or he has an excuse from work or something. He's so laid back and kinda reminds me of a grandpa. Today, I got "el gripe," which in Spanish is the flu. it was really, really lame. So I've been sleeping most of the day. All I ate that stayed down was 3 crackers after sleeping for like 7 hours. I couldn't eat anything else the whole day. blegh... I had to skip class to go home. besides that, I've been having a good time. I'm only taking 2 classes so far, the ones for the american students. The rest start on Monday and that will be cool. I hope I make a lot of Mexican friends.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Un Dia Mas
Well, I am almost ready to go. Wow, so close to leaving, it's insane. in 12 hours I'll be on a plane to Mexico. So.. I've got some packing to finish up. So I guess I'll talk to you when I get there? Maybe I'll write again tonight. Pray for me! Tomorrow is fast Sunday. I might fast tonight because I had a huge dinner at Olive Garden with the Yangs. Oh my gosh, Kaylee was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ADORABLY CUTE! at first she didn't recognize me, but eventually we were like old friends again. That is so sweet that she likes me that much to remember me. Or at least act like she does. She's even saying some words. she said uh oh! when she dropped stuff and things like that. so cute. And Bryon and Lucy were as awesome as ever. They seem happy. And it was so nice to have dinner with them and spend time with them. I'll never forget them.
Well, I'm doing alright.. just getting ready to go. It's hard to say goodbye to everyone and everything that I love and miss here in Michigan. But it's a short chapter in life coming up. A time for discovery and excitement and learning and patience. And lots of learning, lots. :) I'm excited and I know it's gonna be great.. I'm just nervous anyway, can you blame me? :)
I'll see you guys soon! and I'll keep my blog updated!
Love,
Stephi
Well, I'm doing alright.. just getting ready to go. It's hard to say goodbye to everyone and everything that I love and miss here in Michigan. But it's a short chapter in life coming up. A time for discovery and excitement and learning and patience. And lots of learning, lots. :) I'm excited and I know it's gonna be great.. I'm just nervous anyway, can you blame me? :)
I'll see you guys soon! and I'll keep my blog updated!
Love,
Stephi
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