Lauren's Happenings

Last week we decided to have a party to kick off the new school. Last semester we planned out a "Will Ferrell" where everyone dresses up as their fav Will Ferrell character. It fell through, so we just decided to use that theme.

It was a busy day! Party prep is always the worst, but the party always makes up for it!

1st: Costco run to get some food for the party. We may have even treated ourselves to some Costco pizza.

2nd: Trip to Best Buy and Walmart while Steph wrote her talk.

3rd: Got rid of some nasty boxes in our backyard.

4th: Trip to Ace Hardware store to buy some work gloves and our fave sodas.

5th: Pulled the huge weeds. We have neglected to tell our landlord, so we had to do it so people could mingle outside during the party.






6th: Shower.

7th: Trip to Goodwill to find costume.

8th: Safeway to get stuff for roommate Sunday dinner (it is my turn this week).

9th: Get ourselves ready, prep the food, finalize the playlist, and get some games ready.

I haven't been too good about blogging because my week has been rather slow. I only had class 3 times this week (8 including all my institute classes), and other than class, I didn't do much. I allowed myself to stay in bed til about 9 every morning. Then I would slowly get ready while catching up on some of my shows. Anyway here are some highlights when I actually left mi casa. 

It's that time of year again.

UA started school yesterday, but I don't technically start til tonight at 4. Although I did have an institute class yesterday. I also got asked to interpret another institute class which will be a great blessing. I can use all the practice I can get!


With a new school year starting, I have decided to set some goals. I had a lot of time to think while driving up from Mesa, so that's when these were all made.

1. Make my bed everyday. I think I made my bed a total of 2 times last year. It's kind of embarrassing. It's okay though, I am already off to a good start this semester! I have hopes that it will make me more productive too.

2. Go to all three hours of church. Last semester, we would often have to prep for linger longer or break the fast. Then in the summer I never went to all three because it wasn't my ward and I was always hungry. Heavenly Father has a sense of humor putting me in a RS calling. I guess that's one way to get me there every week.

3. Attend the temple once a month. I don't live within a 20 minute range of the temple, but this is still doable. I go home at least once a month. So if I really try, I can make it happen!

4. Gym 2 times a week. I am the worst at this. I'll randomly get motivated and workout for a week. Then I don't work out again until I don't like how I feel. So now I am keeping up with it and will maybe get some of my high school muscle back (and lose some fat). No I don't think I'm fat, I just like how I feel when I work out.

5. Eat at some Tucson Native places. I have been here for 2 years and I have only been to 3 Tucson restaurants. I plan to graduate soon, and I want to have the full Tucson experience. I already have a list going and I'm going to try to go to as many places as possible!

Those are my goals for now. Happy School Year.

Not only am I back from my trip but I am also back in the Dirty-T.

Thursday we traveled back to Mesa, arrived home to a delicious dinner (props to dad and the kids), got my school blessing, unpacked, repacked and then headed off to say goodbye to some friends.


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Friday I woke up at a decent hour and drove to Tucson. Not going to lie, I had a hard time. I did better than the year before- I didn't cry. Although every time a song came on that reminded me of summer, I had a longing to stay in Mesa.

I finally made it by 10:40 ish, unloaded my car, then I had to run off to a job training even though I have already been working there for a semester. Luckily my friend, Ellen (Deaf Studies friend) was there with me AND we got snacks. Oh and before I went to the training I stopped at the Institute to get a parking pass. I only saw the teachers, but I already felt back at home. They are all my parents away from home. LOVE THEM.


Around 3, Annabeth convinced me to go the UA kick off with her and Syd. First we stopped at the Institute and learned a little line dance to help Sister Stout teach it that night at the 70's dance.

The kick off was a mini carnival.

1)We got spray on tattoos
2)Mini pizza
3)Got coke shirts with coke and a picture
4)One of Syd's students even rode the mechanic bull
5) To top it off, it started pouring in the middle of the carnival.

Our last full day in New York!

Morgan and Payson went to the temple to do a session. My mom stayed with me so I didn't have to be alone. We finished up the last 2 floors at Forever 21, and then went to a "I Love NY" gift shop to get my siblings some souvenirs. Plus I bought myself another NY shirt.

Once we were done shopping, we caught a taxi and drove over to the Temple. We got there in perfect time and met up with the newlyweds.

We got so many recommendations telling us to go to Levain Bakery, so we decided we should hit it up since it was close. OH MY GOODNESS.

1) THE COOKIES WERE AMAZING. If you are ever in New York, go get yourself a cookie. Best 4 dollars you will ever spend. Seriously. They are thick and so worth it. Just do it.