Cocoa-Coated Truffles

The Beginning: Back in January, I received a prize: cocoa-coated truffles. A whole box! (The chocolate, not the mushroom). I got this prize because I was able to correctly identify by name 40 people after about an hour to mingle. It was a wonderful prize.  

The End: At last it comes. The one week a semester where college students develop super powers. Somehow, without sleep, without food, and without taking a break from studying, we students can still manage to construct a sentence. 'Tis a miracle if you ask me.

Other students are stressing and studying for their finals and I am listing them in my head.

Epidemiology

Healthcare Strategy

Managing Technologies in Provider Organizations

Three final exams. 

But I have more finals than that... conclusions of this chapter of my life.

I have lived in the same apartment for two years; I'm moving out.

I have been a student at Brigham Young University-Idaho for 3 years; I'm deferring for 18 months.

I've had the same roommates since freshman year; one is getting married, the other is transferring.

I have been on Dance Alliance for another 7 months; it will be my last time.

These are just a few of the finals I have to endure this next week. It is such a bittersweet emotion... A bit like cocoa-coated truffles. When you pop 'em in your mouth you just want to spit it out it's so bitter, but then, it gets sweet, and starts to melt and it's amazing... 

However delicious as truffles may be, I am trying to avoid my "finals" by filling my time online shopping for mission clothing (the frugality part is painful); thinking of clever things to blog about and then forgetting them right as I sit down to type it all out; and finding creative uses for food items that I have in excess, (I ought to just donate to a soup kitchen).

On the flip side of endings are beginnings. I will be starting a new adventure in Mesa. I will be serving my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ... and getting a gnarly farmer's tan while I'm at it. I will meet new people, make new friends, and share the greatest gift I have to offer: my testimony. 

The end is just the beginning and I am so excited!

To cocoa-coated truffles...

 Happy finals week everyone! 

Addiction

Addict: to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively

My dear friends, I am an addict. 

Some people are addicted to coffee. Not me.

Some people are addicted to energy drinks. Not me.

Some people are addicted to alcohol. Definitely, not me.

Some people are addicted to methamphetamine. Again, definitely, not me. 

Some people are addicted to television. Not me (Insert quote: "Ain't nobody got time for that!")

Some people are addicted to video games. Again, "ain't nobody got time for that."

Some people struggle to admit addiction. Not me.

I am addicted to Subway cookies. 

In some ways, I'm your typical addict. I make you try it and get you "hooked" too. I have a "dealer." And I go borderline crazy without my "substance". 

In other ways, I'm not your typical addict. I am totally aware of my addiction. Yes, it may control me, but it doesn't make me do stupid things... Unless, of course, you consider driving around to find the proper quantity stupid. 

You would think that a sandwich shop that has used a man named Jared, who lost 245 lbs by eating their sandwiches, as their main marketing tool for years wouldn't sell cookies. Well, let me tell you: Subway sells cookies. And they are D-E-licious. I'm talking, buy them by the dozen good. 

There are four, yes, 4, Subways within the city limits of Rexburg. And I have absolutely no problem walking into one, checking to see if they have a dozen cookies, and if they don't I drive a mile or two to the next location. I then proceed to purchase my cookies. 

I may or may not eat my dozen cookies within in 24-48 hours. Never more, never less. 

I recommend the double chocolate chip cookies. 

They are my guilty pleasure and I suggest they become yours as well. 

I'm Moving!

It's official. I'm moving!!!


The last time I moved, it was from home to college. Not sure that counts, but whatever.This has been a huge decision in the making. It's something I've wanted to do since I was 15, and something I decided to make a reality last October. I spent 17 years living in Kansas. I have spent 3 years living in Idaho. And it is now time to announce where I will spend the next year and a half of my life.



Dear Sister Gille: 
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Arizona Mesa Mission. You should report to the MTC on Wednesday, September 25, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language.

That's right! I'm moving to Mesa, Arizona! 

I'm going to be a missionary! 

When I opened the mailbox, and saw the lovely white envelop I could barely breathe... 
And then a burst of adrenaline came and I ran to my apartment where I proceeded to ask a roommate to hide it from me because I wanted to open it so badly.

Here are some pictures:

Before I opened it!

My area:

I am so grateful for the love and support of all of my friends and family!
Love,
Danica

I Am Human

Christmas 2010 I received a very thoughtful, very long, hand-written letter from my best friend. At 9 pages front and back, and given to me about a week before I left for college, she gave me an amazing piece of advice, “you are not Superwoman, don’t try to be.”

Two and a half years later, I am learning the significance of her admonition. I have now been enrolled in 8 consecutive semesters, maintaining a minimum of 16 credit hours for 7 of them, and being employed, (both paid and unpaid positions), for 5 of those terms. During this time, I have also been on 51 first dates, been in 3 serious relationships, and made the best friends I’ve ever had. Sounds busy, huh? There’s more.

 I am a dance minor, and have participated in 3, invitation only works of choreography, which I don’t get credit for and don’t get paid to be in. They take a minimum of 2 hours of rehearsal a week. For credit, I’ve been on a team called Dance Alliance for 4 semesters, which rehearses between 6-8 hours a week regularly, though sometimes we can rehearse in upwards of 20 hours a week.  We also travel, sometimes during the school week. Just like your favorite infomercial I can say, “But wait, there’s more!”

Just over a year ago my parents began the divorce process. As if trying to work through and understand my thoughts and feelings about it wasn’t challenging enough, I broke my foot about a month later. I was taking 20 credit hours at the time and working 10-15 hours a week.

I pushed through it. Just like I push through everything else.

I tried to be Superwoman.

I don’t claim to be wise. I don’t claim to know all of the answers. But one thing that I’ve realized is that the key to happiness is recognizing that you are human.

That’s right.

I am human.

And I struggle with human emotions and human problems.

I get frustrated. I get hurt. I get angry. I cry. I get jealous. I make stupid mistakes. I. Am. Human

It’s okay to feel frustrated. It’s okay to be hurt. Making mistakes is part of life, an area that I am particularly proficient at. It’s by reminding myself that I’m not perfect, and that I won’t be overnight, that I have been able to not only accept myself, but also accept others. I am realizing that I can’t measure someone by a standard which I myself cannot, or have not, achieved.

Don’t tell my dad, but I think it’s okay, healthy even, to skip a homework assignment every once and a while. I dropped a class for the first time in my life. Most liberating feeling, ever. Sometimes you have to take a moment for yourself. The “me” moments. Sometimes it’s being silly. Sometimes it’s crying. Sometimes it’s treating yourself to a mani/pedi. (Which I want like crazy right now).  Sometimes it’s giving into those moments when you just don’t want to do anything.

The fact of the matter is. I don’t want to do homework. Which is why I wrote this blog. 

I Think I Can Kind of Christmas

Christmas. It’s my favorite. I love everything about Christmas. I love the lights. I love the smells, (particularly cinnamon). I love the kindness. I love the music. And this year... I love the garbage truck with Christmas lights on it that plays Christmas music so loud I can hear it in my bedroom.

This year I was ready for Christmas early. Generally I have a strict “No Christmas before Thanksgiving” rule. But this year was different. About a week before Thanksgiving, I pulled out my iPod and pressed play. As my favorite Christmas album filled the air I was flooded with memories of boxes and boxes of Christmas decorations. Hours of singing and dancing around the house as we filled it with holiday cheer. I decided that day to decorate my bedroom. I bought lights and glitter-covered snowflakes and got to work.

For weeks I have listened to Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Amy Grant, Celtic Women, 98 degrees, and my personal favorite: Point of Grace. For weeks the sight and sound of Christmas has filled my heart with excitement and joy. Until last week.

The week before finals is always stressful. But this year was especially hard. On Saturday afternoon, I spent all afternoon in my bedroom. (I do not recommend this). From the time I woke up, to the time I went to bed, I was in my bedroom with the exception of 1 trip to the kitchen for food, and a few trips to the restroom. It was an emotional day.  After spending nearly 12 straight hours on homework, I made a to-do list.

Please note: I am taking 19 credit hours this semester. I work 13-15 hours a week. And I have tried to maintain some semblance of a social life.

I counted 9 exams that I needed to take. And then I counted 4 papers I needed to write. At the bottom of my list it said “Pack.”

I burst into tears. For the fourth time that day.

This time it wasn’t out of frustration, stress, or exhaustion. This time it was because of Christmas.

My parents are in the middle of a divorce. I love them both very much, and I know that they love me. But I don’t feel like I have a home. I realized in that moment, it would be my first Christmas without a family. I sobbed. I sobbed until the tears wouldn’t come. I sobbed until I couldn’t breathe.

I don’t know what it will be like. Quite frankly, I’m scared to find out. But I learned something special this year:

"I think I can" becomes "I knew I could" as we work hard and never give up. Adversity is unavoidable but the way that we face our adversity determines the outcome of our experiences.”

This Christmas, I think I can.

How to Survive a Rexburg Winter

Today marks the beginning of my third winter in Idaho. I am pretty much a pro at survival. As our first snow of the season approaches the 1 foot mark, I decided that I should share a few tips for Rexburg winters. Trust me. It is a winter like no where else. These solutions will not work for everyone, but I’m still alive and going strong!

What I wish I would have known as a freshman...

•        There is no such thing as a snow day. – Snow is on the ground almost every day from now until late April. Sometimes later if we’re lucky.Almost like the ocean reaching the sky, the snow line does the same thing. If you’re like me and hate snow. Congratulations, you live in a snow globe. Figure it out. You’re going to have to trudge in it every day for the next six months.
•        We Rexburgers have a term for when you slip on the snow/ice. It’s called “The Rexburg.” –I do not care who you are. Before you graduate or transfer, (whichever comes first), you WILL “do the Rexburg.” Embrace the embarrassment. And save your tailbone, don’t walk with your phone in your hand.
• Robert Frost was a man of incredible wisdom. – “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” When possible, do NOT take the commonly use route. People walking in the snow equates to snow melting or getting packed down. Melted and/or packed snow equates to ice. Ice means Rexburging. If you can, walk in the powder… If not… Make the best of falling.
•  NEVER say “It’s cold out.” – Saying it’s cold is like egging the universe on. Right now it’s a balmy 30 degrees. It ALWAYS (can and will) get colder.  Invest in long johns and/or footie pajamas.
• Winter is not a fashion show. – Some people are totally cute in their scarves and pea coats… but really, they’re freezing. My recommendation, buy a few pairs of CHEAP winter jeans. Walmart actually has some cute ones. Buy them at least a size too big. Then you have plenty of space for layering! (I know, I’m brilliant.) Also, cute boots are just that. Cute. In my experience, cute boots have no traction. Please refer to tip 2 to see the result of no traction.
• Tuck your jeans in your boots. – I really recommend boots. I really recommend tucking your jeans. Most places use salt to clear the road. Rexburg uses red sand. Washing machines aren’t that great in college. So tuck. Otherwise, you’ll have red clay caked to the cuff or your jeans until April. GROSS.
• Hair. – Men don’t really have a problem with this. Or makeup for that matter. However, girls, we have issues. My suggestions either put it up, or style it the way it is naturally. We always want what we don’t have but trust me. Curly hair if straightened will just go curly. Straight hair if curled will just look awful. On that note… Make sure it’s COMPLETELY dry before you leave the house… it can, and does freeze. Popsicle hair, though totally fashion forward, breaks. Seriously.
• Bring tissues. – The fact of the matter is. It’s cold. It will only get colder. Fun fact about cold weather: nose hairs freeze. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling. It’s even worse when you walk in a building and immediately Niagara falls relocated to your face. Either give yourself even time to go to the restroom before class, or bring tissues. No one likes hearing you sniffle.
• Beware of traffic. – Pedestrians. Bicycles. Unicycles (if you haven’t seen her, she does exist). Cars. You name it. Snow makes people do crazy things. If you Rexburg into someone else… Well, that’ll hurt and I might laugh.
• Leave your windshield wipers up. – In the cold. In the snow… Rubber freezes to glass. Pretty much everything freezes actually. If you have a car, and you don’t want to replace your windshield wipers every week. Stick ‘em up. 
• For the beach babes.  - Your skin is probably turning a color you've never seen before. There are three tanning salons in Rexburg. If you want to look like an alien, sign up now. The rest of us are just going to stay pale... It's not worth the drive or walk. 
• Be positive. -- The last and most important tip to survive Rexburg is to stay positive. There is always something to complain about. Always. Anyone can complain, but it takes a true Rexburg Champion to make the best of this cold, white, and dreary situation.

You got this!! 

• 
  

A Very Special Announcement

Yesterday, I announced on Facebook the following:

On Tuesday afternoon I read this scripture, "And now, O my son(daughter), ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my son (daughter), go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words. Amen." (Alma 42: 31)

This afternoon in the 182nd Semi-Annual General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson announced that young women can now serve a full-time mission at the age of 19.

My dear friends and family,

I am pleased, and excited, to announce that I have chosen to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I feel as though the Lord has prepared me for this decision and for the wonderful experiences that will come from it. I will begin preparing my papers within the week. Much love!

Danica

There has been an influx of love and support from the members of my family, and of the communities which I have lived in. However, I have also seen many people who have made their less supportive comments in other, indirect ways. I wish to take this opportunity to address those concerns. I agree because this is a life changing decision, it is not one that should be made lightly, nor should it be made because others are making it. This is personal. It is between the individual and God. I want to share with you some of the experiences leading to this decision; I pray that in doing so those who are more skeptical will see that this is not a rash or rushed decision.

Some three and a half years ago, I received my patriarchal blessing. (For those not familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this is a special blessing received which is given to provide guidance and direction throughout our mortal lives). Within this blessing, there was quite a bit of detail concerning the opportunity that I would have, if I desired it, to serve a full-time, proselyting mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From that time forward, I have always considered serving if I made it to the age of 21, (the age at which young women used to be able to serve), without getting married.

Not too long after that, I had the opportunity to participate in a youth activity called the mini- MTC (Missionary Training Center). Myself, along with a hundred, or so, other youth spent a weekend as if we were on our missions. We learned the gospel discussions which are taught, and we were even allowed to try our hand at preaching the gospel from door to door. It was a very challenging weekend, but it affirmed my desire to serve.

Over the years, I have had the desire to serve, but have been told by many that there is no way that I would make it to the required age without a shiny diamond ring on my finger. These comments have been difficult to hear, and often disheartening, but I never gave up my desire.

In the past year, I have encountered many difficulties. I have felt heart ache and heart break like never imaginable, but I have been positive because of my love for, and trust in Christ. Just over a month ago, I made the decision to be more consistent in my daily scripture study and prayer. I also determined I would attend the temple, (a sacred place of worship), on a weekly basis. As I have done so, I have felt more strongly that I should serve a mission.

I feel that I have been preparing for, and working towards this decision for many years. I feel that it is right for me to go now.  In addressing the church this morning President Thomas S. Monson firmly stated that we should not hesitate to answer a prompting. I am not, and will not, hesitate. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe it. I know it. And I live it.

Again, I am grateful for the love and support which I have felt. I pray that the Lord will be with me in my endeavors, and that each of you reading will feel of His love.

Danica