I got to go to Les Mis for the first time in February. It was beautifully done.
Me, Diana, and Lori
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Catch up on life
I can't write about everything because there are too many months to write about, but I thought I would post pictures from February until now. If you want details, ask me... I just graduated with my Master's Degree from Northwestern University! I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. So much has happened in the past while. Thankfully, pictures share more than words most of the time. I'll put some captions, but that's about all I will have time for.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
This past week
This last weekend was a treat to myself, even though it was also busy and crazy. The Illinois Music Teacher's Association had their yearly conference in Peoria. I haven't been to Peoria since I served my mission there. I called up a family that I worked with and I got to spend the night with them on Thursday night. Mike and Janelle and their kids Livia and Seth are doing so well and I loved being able to see them. Friday I spent the whole day at the conference, but Saturday I was able to contact Dorothy peer, a woman we had worked with at the local food bank. I went and helped give away food Saturday morning with Dorothy and talked with the elders that are severing in Peoria now. My mission was dissolved this last year and borders were realigned, so it was interesting to hear how things are functioning now.
The weekend got the better of me though. I had a headache worse than I have had in a very long time on Friday, and because I was not at home, I didn't have the right medicine. My body ended up crashing once I got back to Chicago, and I couldn't even stand up without falling over Monday morning, so I couldn't go to school, and slept the entire day. I went to classes on Tuesday, but didn't really participate, just listened. Halfway through the day Northwestern announced that because of the approaching blizzard all classes were cancelled after 5:00 P.M. It was already snowing by 2:00, but I had to stay for choir. Getting home at 5:00 was a little crazy. The wind was blowing everywhere, and taking the "L" home went a lot slower than it normally would. My roommates and I all got home safe, and we sat and watched the wind whip the snow everywhere from our windows. Lake Michigan had huge waves crashing up onto the shore line, and people and cars were stranded all over the city. We had 70 mph winds blowing and it was the first time in my life I have ever seen and heard it lightning and thunder during a snow storm. Northwestern closed school for Wednesday late Tuesday night. Pretty much everything shut down. We got 20 inches of snow that night, but the wind made it seem like much more because of the drifts. My car was completely buried, and then with the snowplows it was completely stuck. Thursday I tried to buy a snow shovel, but every store in the Lincoln Park area was sold out, so I bought one when I went up to Evanston for classes. It took me probably two hours to dig out my car. Many people in Chicago will put lawn chairs or other furniture in their parking spot once they have dug themselves out because they spent so much time clearing their parking space. Unfortunately I don't have any spare furniture to put in my parking space I had to dig out. The sun melted the snow on the south side of my car. Right after it snowed I couldn't see any of my car.
The weekend got the better of me though. I had a headache worse than I have had in a very long time on Friday, and because I was not at home, I didn't have the right medicine. My body ended up crashing once I got back to Chicago, and I couldn't even stand up without falling over Monday morning, so I couldn't go to school, and slept the entire day. I went to classes on Tuesday, but didn't really participate, just listened. Halfway through the day Northwestern announced that because of the approaching blizzard all classes were cancelled after 5:00 P.M. It was already snowing by 2:00, but I had to stay for choir. Getting home at 5:00 was a little crazy. The wind was blowing everywhere, and taking the "L" home went a lot slower than it normally would. My roommates and I all got home safe, and we sat and watched the wind whip the snow everywhere from our windows. Lake Michigan had huge waves crashing up onto the shore line, and people and cars were stranded all over the city. We had 70 mph winds blowing and it was the first time in my life I have ever seen and heard it lightning and thunder during a snow storm. Northwestern closed school for Wednesday late Tuesday night. Pretty much everything shut down. We got 20 inches of snow that night, but the wind made it seem like much more because of the drifts. My car was completely buried, and then with the snowplows it was completely stuck. Thursday I tried to buy a snow shovel, but every store in the Lincoln Park area was sold out, so I bought one when I went up to Evanston for classes. It took me probably two hours to dig out my car. Many people in Chicago will put lawn chairs or other furniture in their parking spot once they have dug themselves out because they spent so much time clearing their parking space. Unfortunately I don't have any spare furniture to put in my parking space I had to dig out. The sun melted the snow on the south side of my car. Right after it snowed I couldn't see any of my car.
January Catch-up
It has been a crazy month! I thought I couldn't get busier than I was last quarter, but I have had less time to get more things done this quarter. Somehow I survive though.
I started right back in school on January 3rd. I really love my classes, but they are taking so much time. I am taking a music and technology class, a interdisciplinary curriculum class, I'm mentoring/taking the undergraduate general music methods class, and I'm taking conducting lessons as well as continuing with Chapel Choir. It keeps me really busy, but I'm learning lots. Sometimes all I can say is "whew."
My second weekend back I took a road trip to Nashville, Tennessee to go to my friend Tessa's wedding. I drove to my brother's house in Carterville, Il on Friday, then got up early and drove the rest of the way to Nashville Saturday morning. It was so great to be able to be there with Tessa and Paul. Tessa was such a beautiful bride and I loved being able to also see Katie, Kate, and Melissa who had flown in for the wedding. It was such a long drive, that I had to leave before the reception to make it back to my brother, Whitney's house before it got too late. I was so happy to be able to go though.
My nieces showered me with affection, and luckily it was Eleanor's birthday while I was there. We had such a fun time playing college and dress-ups, and the girls got to see Star Wars for the first time ever. I love having Whitney's family close, even though it is still five hours away.
The next weekend I had to complete a project for school. My requirement was to go to any type of arts exhibit and experience one work without any knowledge of it, then find out about it and re-experience it. My friend Amanda had gone to the Jim Henson exhibit the weekend I was in Nashville, but she offered me a few free vouchers she had to go the next weekend. I took two friends and we went to explore "Jim Henson's Fantastic World." I was so glad I had to go for school otherwise I probably would have felt guilty going even though I will never have the chance like this to explore Chicago later. Somehow I made it all fit in. It was so much fun to go to the Museum of Science and Industry and see a few of the other exhibits besides the Henson exhibit.
This was the same weekend we had two general authorities come visit the young single adults in Chicago. It was a very packed weekend. Packed has been the story of my life though.
I started right back in school on January 3rd. I really love my classes, but they are taking so much time. I am taking a music and technology class, a interdisciplinary curriculum class, I'm mentoring/taking the undergraduate general music methods class, and I'm taking conducting lessons as well as continuing with Chapel Choir. It keeps me really busy, but I'm learning lots. Sometimes all I can say is "whew."
My second weekend back I took a road trip to Nashville, Tennessee to go to my friend Tessa's wedding. I drove to my brother's house in Carterville, Il on Friday, then got up early and drove the rest of the way to Nashville Saturday morning. It was so great to be able to be there with Tessa and Paul. Tessa was such a beautiful bride and I loved being able to also see Katie, Kate, and Melissa who had flown in for the wedding. It was such a long drive, that I had to leave before the reception to make it back to my brother, Whitney's house before it got too late. I was so happy to be able to go though.
My nieces showered me with affection, and luckily it was Eleanor's birthday while I was there. We had such a fun time playing college and dress-ups, and the girls got to see Star Wars for the first time ever. I love having Whitney's family close, even though it is still five hours away.
The next weekend I had to complete a project for school. My requirement was to go to any type of arts exhibit and experience one work without any knowledge of it, then find out about it and re-experience it. My friend Amanda had gone to the Jim Henson exhibit the weekend I was in Nashville, but she offered me a few free vouchers she had to go the next weekend. I took two friends and we went to explore "Jim Henson's Fantastic World." I was so glad I had to go for school otherwise I probably would have felt guilty going even though I will never have the chance like this to explore Chicago later. Somehow I made it all fit in. It was so much fun to go to the Museum of Science and Industry and see a few of the other exhibits besides the Henson exhibit.
This was the same weekend we had two general authorities come visit the young single adults in Chicago. It was a very packed weekend. Packed has been the story of my life though.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Back in Chicago
I flew back to Chicago this week. Because school doesn't start until Monday I got to take a little time to explore Chicago since I don't have very much time when I am actually in school. Lori, my roommate, had some friends visiting from Dallas, so we all explored Chicago together. We went on a Chicago architecture tour, up the Sears Tower, to the Chicago Art Institute, and to Chinatown and Greektown, and to see Lake Michigan. Lori's friends were really fun to spend time with, especially Alexia's nine-year-old son, Ethan. We spent two days going all over. I won't have another chance like this until after I finish my program in June.
Standing in the Sears Tower sky deck observatory 1,000 feet looking down. The view would be better if it weren't so cloudy. Oh well.
Chicago Chinatown
Lake Michigan and The Chicago skyline just a few blocks away from my apartment.
We also had a New Year's Eve Party here at our apartment. It ended up being up the party for all YSAs in the entire Chicagoland area. We had probably 60 or 70 people in our apartment. We could see the fireworks from our rooftop patio, which added additional space which was helpful since we had so many people here. It was very successfully advertised. I think I knew maybe 15 people out of all the people that came. It was a fun evening anyway.
Setting up for the party
Glasses for our midnight Martinelli's toast.
A few of the people at the party. It got much more crowded.
Back view of Chicago
View of Chicago from the roof deck
Fireworks at midnight. Welcome 2011!
Ethan got to stay up to midnight, but he got a little bored with all the adults, so I set up my computer so he could watch Kung Fu Panda.
Today, after cleaning up some, I went to the Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. It had been quite warm for the past few days, but today was bitterly cold. The lights were pretty, but I didn't stay outside very long because it was so cold.
I start school again on Monday. It has been a good break before I jump back in.
Standing in the Sears Tower sky deck observatory 1,000 feet looking down. The view would be better if it weren't so cloudy. Oh well.
Chicago Chinatown
Lake Michigan and The Chicago skyline just a few blocks away from my apartment.
We also had a New Year's Eve Party here at our apartment. It ended up being up the party for all YSAs in the entire Chicagoland area. We had probably 60 or 70 people in our apartment. We could see the fireworks from our rooftop patio, which added additional space which was helpful since we had so many people here. It was very successfully advertised. I think I knew maybe 15 people out of all the people that came. It was a fun evening anyway.
Setting up for the party
Glasses for our midnight Martinelli's toast.
A few of the people at the party. It got much more crowded.
Back view of Chicago
View of Chicago from the roof deck
Fireworks at midnight. Welcome 2011!
Ethan got to stay up to midnight, but he got a little bored with all the adults, so I set up my computer so he could watch Kung Fu Panda.
Today, after cleaning up some, I went to the Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. It had been quite warm for the past few days, but today was bitterly cold. The lights were pretty, but I didn't stay outside very long because it was so cold.
I start school again on Monday. It has been a good break before I jump back in.
Christmas Break in Utah
I got to go home to Utah for almost three weeks for Christmas Break. It was so great to spend time with my family and a few friends that I was able to see. It was a little more difficult to get around because I didn't have my car in Utah, but my sisters were wonderful and drove me or let me borrow their cars when I needed them. I got to go to Temple Square with some of my friends from my old ward. I spent some time with Lucie, which was wonderful.
I also got to go to my neighbor Hayley's wedding. She's like my little sister, and it was wonderful to be able to be in Utah for it. If it wasn't over the break I wouldn't have been able to be there.
Christmas Day was a crazy, wonderful day. I house jumped between all my sister's houses several time all day long. I felt very loved because everyone wanted me with them all day long.
I also got to go to my neighbor Hayley's wedding. She's like my little sister, and it was wonderful to be able to be in Utah for it. If it wasn't over the break I wouldn't have been able to be there.
Christmas Day was a crazy, wonderful day. I house jumped between all my sister's houses several time all day long. I felt very loved because everyone wanted me with them all day long.
Finals and my little break
After Thanksgiving I started right into finals. Actually, I spent a large part of my Thanksgiving break at my brother's working on final papers. I had three twenty page papers to finish in a week and a half.
It was very busy, however, I did get to take a little break one night when my friend Adam came to town for a business trip and I got to be his tour guide for one evening. We went to the German Christkindle market. I told Adam it was going to be cold, but he didn't believe me. We had to stop and buy a hat and gloves because it was so cold. We went to see the lights on the Magnificent Mile, and had deep dish pizza at Gino's East. We finished by going to the Hancock Tower to see the view and have cheesecake. (The Hancock Tower is almost as tall as the Sears Tower, and instead of paying $16 for a ticket to go up, you can go to the lounge in the top floor and get food and the view for less. Unfortunately for Adam, the best view from the tower is the window from the women's bathroom on the top floor.) It was nice to have one evening not thinking about school. I had to work very hard to make it possible though.
The Christmas Tree at the Daley Plaza where the Christkindle market was
Walking around Chicago you cross the Chicago River several times. The bridges are quite pretty.
This is where I took Adam for Chicago style, deep dish pizza--I ate a salad.
The view from the women's restroom-- I took some pictures for Adam since he couldn't go in.
As a reward for finishing finals I got to go to Wicked with some friends here in Chicago. It was wonderful!
It was very busy, however, I did get to take a little break one night when my friend Adam came to town for a business trip and I got to be his tour guide for one evening. We went to the German Christkindle market. I told Adam it was going to be cold, but he didn't believe me. We had to stop and buy a hat and gloves because it was so cold. We went to see the lights on the Magnificent Mile, and had deep dish pizza at Gino's East. We finished by going to the Hancock Tower to see the view and have cheesecake. (The Hancock Tower is almost as tall as the Sears Tower, and instead of paying $16 for a ticket to go up, you can go to the lounge in the top floor and get food and the view for less. Unfortunately for Adam, the best view from the tower is the window from the women's bathroom on the top floor.) It was nice to have one evening not thinking about school. I had to work very hard to make it possible though.
The Christmas Tree at the Daley Plaza where the Christkindle market was
Walking around Chicago you cross the Chicago River several times. The bridges are quite pretty.
This is where I took Adam for Chicago style, deep dish pizza--I ate a salad.
The view from the women's restroom-- I took some pictures for Adam since he couldn't go in.
As a reward for finishing finals I got to go to Wicked with some friends here in Chicago. It was wonderful!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving Dinner
Yesterday I drove to my brother's house so I could spend Thanksgiving with them. I walked in after driving five hours in rain, and the girls ran up and hugged me even before I was able to set any of my bags down. I got to play with them for a little bit, but I also have finals next week, so I am spending lots of time working on one of my three 20 page papers. However, besides just working, I have played with the girls. We all went to see Tangled today after we ate Thanksgiving. (The newest Disney movie about Rapunzel. It was really cute.) Then we decorated Whitney and Connie's Christmas tree. I love that many of my siblings have carried on the tradition started by my parents to add one ornament for each child every year. It makes opening up the ornaments so much fun. We finished off the evening eating pumpkin and apple pie, and reading Christmas stories. The girls are now all in bed, and I am going to be working on my paper for a while longer tonight.
Giving Thanks
I am thankful that I have wonderful parents, that have set an amazing example for me to follow.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have to be in school. It is an opportunity that not everyone gets, and not everyone appreciates.
I am thankful for the gifts of the spirit that Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I am even more thankful for the opportunity I have to use them, and the opportunity I have to seek additional gifts.
I am thankful for prayer. I don't know what I would do if I wasn't able to communicated with Heavenly Father on a frequent basis. I am thankful for the knowledge I have that he hears me, knows my heart, and answers me with answers that are even better than what I ask for.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have to learn from others, especially those that are different from me. I'm getting that quite a bit here in Chicago, and I'm coming to love more and to understand more.
I am thankful for the promptings of the Holy Ghost. These comfort, protect, guide, and especially help me to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. I'm thankful that you were examples of listening to and following the promptings of the spirit and taught me to follow the spirit while I was little.
I am thankful for the covenants I have made in the temple. I am thankful that the Chicago temple is close enough that I can attend the temple often. I am thankful for the peace that is found inside, for the joy that comes from serving, and for the ability I have to come a little closer to my Heavenly Father.
I am thankful for the knowledge I have that lets me see past the things of the world, and hold fast to the things of the gospel. Without that foundation, it would be easy to be enticed by the things of the world. I am thankful that I know I am on the right path, and I know how to return to the path when I falter.
I am thankful for my knowledge that I am a child of God. I love you both so much, and that helps me understand my relationship with my Heavenly Father so much more.
I am thankful for the scriptures, for the truths contained therein. I am thankful for the prophets through the ages that have taught us truth. I am thankful that the gospel was restored through the prophet, Joseph Smith, and that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet on the earth today.
I am thankful for my patriarchal blessing that promises me blessings beyond measure. I know as I live righteously, those promises will be fulfilled.
I am thankful for the many opportunities I have to invite others to come unto Christ. I am thankful that Heavenly Father allows me to do some of his work here on earth.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have to be a teacher, especially a teacher of children. I find such joy doing this. I miss it right now, but I know that I am where I am supposed to be.
I am so thankful for our family. I am thankful for my brothers and sisters and how they will drop whatever they are doing to help me when I need help. I wouldn't be able to do what I am doing without their help.
I am thankful for my nieces and and nephews. Right now I am at Whitney and Connie's house and Aralia, Adelyne, and Eleanor are so full of love.
I am thankful for my rainboots. Two days ago it rained hard all day, and there was standing water probably nine inches deep as I walked from the train back home. (The gutters were clogged with all the leaves). My feet stayed dry all day, and I could even splash in the puddles and not be worried.
I am thankful that I have a washer and dryer in my apartment. I don't know when I would find time to do laundry otherwise.
I am thankful that after I finish writing three 20 page papers, (in two weeks) I get to fly home to Utah to spend Christmas with our family there.
I'm thankful that my parents are serving a mission in the Philippines. What a great thing for our whole family.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have to be in school. It is an opportunity that not everyone gets, and not everyone appreciates.
I am thankful for the gifts of the spirit that Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I am even more thankful for the opportunity I have to use them, and the opportunity I have to seek additional gifts.
I am thankful for prayer. I don't know what I would do if I wasn't able to communicated with Heavenly Father on a frequent basis. I am thankful for the knowledge I have that he hears me, knows my heart, and answers me with answers that are even better than what I ask for.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have to learn from others, especially those that are different from me. I'm getting that quite a bit here in Chicago, and I'm coming to love more and to understand more.
I am thankful for the promptings of the Holy Ghost. These comfort, protect, guide, and especially help me to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. I'm thankful that you were examples of listening to and following the promptings of the spirit and taught me to follow the spirit while I was little.
I am thankful for the covenants I have made in the temple. I am thankful that the Chicago temple is close enough that I can attend the temple often. I am thankful for the peace that is found inside, for the joy that comes from serving, and for the ability I have to come a little closer to my Heavenly Father.
I am thankful for the knowledge I have that lets me see past the things of the world, and hold fast to the things of the gospel. Without that foundation, it would be easy to be enticed by the things of the world. I am thankful that I know I am on the right path, and I know how to return to the path when I falter.
I am thankful for my knowledge that I am a child of God. I love you both so much, and that helps me understand my relationship with my Heavenly Father so much more.
I am thankful for the scriptures, for the truths contained therein. I am thankful for the prophets through the ages that have taught us truth. I am thankful that the gospel was restored through the prophet, Joseph Smith, and that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet on the earth today.
I am thankful for my patriarchal blessing that promises me blessings beyond measure. I know as I live righteously, those promises will be fulfilled.
I am thankful for the many opportunities I have to invite others to come unto Christ. I am thankful that Heavenly Father allows me to do some of his work here on earth.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have to be a teacher, especially a teacher of children. I find such joy doing this. I miss it right now, but I know that I am where I am supposed to be.
I am so thankful for our family. I am thankful for my brothers and sisters and how they will drop whatever they are doing to help me when I need help. I wouldn't be able to do what I am doing without their help.
I am thankful for my nieces and and nephews. Right now I am at Whitney and Connie's house and Aralia, Adelyne, and Eleanor are so full of love.
I am thankful for my rainboots. Two days ago it rained hard all day, and there was standing water probably nine inches deep as I walked from the train back home. (The gutters were clogged with all the leaves). My feet stayed dry all day, and I could even splash in the puddles and not be worried.
I am thankful that I have a washer and dryer in my apartment. I don't know when I would find time to do laundry otherwise.
I am thankful that after I finish writing three 20 page papers, (in two weeks) I get to fly home to Utah to spend Christmas with our family there.
I'm thankful that my parents are serving a mission in the Philippines. What a great thing for our whole family.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The blessings of family
I just wanted to say how grateful this time getting my masters has made me for my family. They have been my constant support system from far away. I call my sisters all the time to edit my papers, for advice in research, all sorts of things. I called my brother when I had no idea how to do my research stats assignment. I honestly don't know how I would get through school with out them, and none of them are here with me. I have the best family ever.
This week I took a little break from school on Thursday night/Friday morning and went with Lori, my roommate, and several other people from our branch to see Harry Potter. (My roommate Elizabeth was supposed to go too, but she has been so sick all week that going for a midnight showing was not the best idea. The theater we went to is ingenious. We had reserved seats, just like if we were going to a Broadway show, so we didn't have to be there hours early to get good seats. I think it is so interesting that even though I re-read Harry Potter right before I moved to Chicago, and knew exactly what was going to happen, I still jumped in parts.
Today we had the missionaries over for dinner. I had invited my visiting teaching companion and one of the girls we visit teach over, which was good because you have to have at least three females to be able to feed the missionaries, and Elizabeth was still sick today.
The next two weeks are going to be crazy. I have three 20+ page papers due, and I am driving to my brother's this week for Thanksgiving. Somehow it will all get accomplished though. I just remember that Heavenly Father has it all in control.
This week I took a little break from school on Thursday night/Friday morning and went with Lori, my roommate, and several other people from our branch to see Harry Potter. (My roommate Elizabeth was supposed to go too, but she has been so sick all week that going for a midnight showing was not the best idea. The theater we went to is ingenious. We had reserved seats, just like if we were going to a Broadway show, so we didn't have to be there hours early to get good seats. I think it is so interesting that even though I re-read Harry Potter right before I moved to Chicago, and knew exactly what was going to happen, I still jumped in parts.
Today we had the missionaries over for dinner. I had invited my visiting teaching companion and one of the girls we visit teach over, which was good because you have to have at least three females to be able to feed the missionaries, and Elizabeth was still sick today.
The next two weeks are going to be crazy. I have three 20+ page papers due, and I am driving to my brother's this week for Thanksgiving. Somehow it will all get accomplished though. I just remember that Heavenly Father has it all in control.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Monteverdi'sVespers
Tonight I am performing Monteverdi's Vespers written in 1610 with Chapel Choir and the Baroque Music Ensemble. It's been a bigger time commitment than I expected,but a good experience too. This is a picture of the Alice Millar Chapel on Northwestern's campus where we performed tonight.
I've been super crazy with school. I only have two more weeks until Thanksgiving, then one week of school after that, and then the second week of December is finals. It's a big push to the end of this quarter.
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