Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Picture Time


On the plane, about 30 min from landing. The clouds were so cool!


First glimpse of German soil!


On the road from Munich to Garmisch.


The view out my bdroom window. Yes folks, I get to wake up to this every day!



Some more mountains by the Army post.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Day 1!

Okay, this will be brief as I am about to pass out. I got in on time and met up with the Missionary couple that I had been in contact with for the past few weeks. Then I found the Resort rep, met the other guys in my group, and headed out to Garmisch. I had a quick tour of the housing complex, met my roomie, and set up my stuff, then promptly fell asleep for two hours. My new roommate, Amy, woke me up and invited me to go to a Softball game with her and a few friends. Before the game began, Amy and I trudged through the torrential downpour to a Chinese restaurant, a I hadn't eaten since the plane that morning. After my first meal in Germany, I got to watch several people get very drunk, which was interesting, and now I'm going to bed. But before I do, I just want to say this. Lederhosen are hott. Peace out.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

And so it begins...

I leave tomorrow morning at 10:44 am, and arrive in Munich at 7:40 on Monday morning! Yay! I'll post more when I have gotten there!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Getting Ready for...LIFE!

Okay, well, so much has happened lately! On Thursday, July 23rd, I graduated from college. Yep, I did it! I never thought it would happen, but lo and behold, I have a Bachelor's Degree! And it only took me the four years that are usually allotted for that kind of thing. It still has to sink in that I will never have to go back to Idaho again! But I am very grateful for everything I got out of the wonderful years I spent in Rexburg. I have some of the most amazing friends that I will love for life, and I have life experiences that will help me be a better person. For that I am eternally grateful!

After graduation, my family and I drove down to Utah for a couple of family reunions. Saturday was the Poulton Reunion, for my Mother's Father's Mother's family. It is always a fun time, and I was happily accompanied by my very best friend Casey Van Wagenen. We then spent the rest of the afternoon shopping and watching our favorite chick flick. I am going to miss her so much this next year!

Sunday was the beginning of the Eddington/Smiley Reunion in Alpine, Ut. We spent Monday going to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house, and it was beautiful!



After that, we went to a famous Mexican joint in downtown Salt Lake called the Red Iguana.



My brother Westin had seen it on the Food network and wanted to go, so we checked it out. It was great food, and had a really laid back atmosphere. We had a great dinner, and headed back to Alpine for another reunion function that included some extended family on the Eddington side.

Tuesday was Lagoon day. it was so much fun! I haven't been in a while, so I had to catch up on all the newest attractions. I went on Wicked twice, and holy cow! It was exhilarating! It also gave me a headache. But hey, all in the name of a thrill! Haha. The day was amazing, racing down water slides that give you a killer wedgie, eating amusement park food, and roller coasters; who could ask for more?

Wednesday we all headed up to Mount Timp for a picnic and hike. I wasn't able to go on the hike to the caves, as I had promised Bethany, a very good friend of mine from American Fork, that I would go to Institute with her. We had a wonderful lesson, and then went back to my Aunt's home for a bonfire and S'mores.

Thursday was a day of goodbyes as I prepared to fly back home to Colorado for my final week in the states. My sister-in-law, Natalie, picked me and Jordan (my little brother) and took us back to her place to wait for Adam. Once he got there, we drove back home to the Springs.

I know I probably am loading this post with way too much, but hey, I may not get to it again for a while, so what the heck.

Friday was a down day after so much travel. Saturday rolled around, and we went to see G-Force in the theatre. I couldn't understand why my Dad wanted to see it, and after seeing it, I still can't. But at least now he doesn't either. :)

Sunday I attended the single's ward in town in which I have several aquaintances. It was fun to see all of them again, but I won't miss the single's ward here. I can't wait to meet all the singles in Gremany! My Uncle's parents are on their missin in Munich right now, and have been telling me all about the ward there. I am getting so anxious to get there already! After church I made a killer dinner using a recipe I learned at school. My family loved it, and I was happy they did! I guess I am always happy to please people with my talents!

Today my Mom and I did some shopping. I hate spending my parent's money, but they do have much mor of it than I do. I got some shoes, and a sweet bag for traveling. I am looking forward to using all of it in Germany!

Okay, that's it for now! Pretty boring stuff, I know. It should get more exciting in the near future!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

So, basically, my life rocks! I have been so blessed this week with so many good friends, good people, and amazing experiences! This past week I have crossed so many things off my bucket list (refer to second post). First, I went on a way fun date with a friend from work. He treated me to a wonderful dinner at a Gringos, the local Mexican restaurant, and then we saw a campus talent show. It was a blast!

Then last Monday night I was invited by a married friend, Rachel, and her husband to spent the night and all of Tuesday with them and a friend at a cabin in Island Park, Idaho. It's only an hour from Rexburg, but id infinitely more beautiful! We got there late on Monday night, watched a movie and had a slumber party in the living room. (For all of those thinking I am scandalous, I made sure we did everything by the Honor Code!) The next day we got up early and had an amazing pancake breakfast, and then went to ride ATVs, which I have really never done before! I even got to drive one, and caught some air going over a bump. That really caught Rachel by surprise! It was so fun! After we got back from four wheeling, we rafted down a part of the Moose River. We were all in a little raft with oars, and we just got to enjoy the beauty of Idaho! We were pretty much spent after that, so while the boys went to get the truck, Rachel and I improvised some lunch, and after lunch we all drank some hot chocolate and took a quick nap before heading home. Luckily, work was canceled (Rachel and I work together) so we got to take our time getting back.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to help open a restaurant for my Culinary Arts class. We had to plan the menu-including developing our own recipes-and do all of the pricing, ordering, and dining room design. After planning all of that, we also had to be the kitchen staff and front of house staff (waitstaff, host, etc). I was in charge of all main dish plating, as well as telling the cooks when to put certain things on the grill to cook, when to prepare items, and all that. It was very hectic, and I felt that I was in WAY over my head, but I loved it! It was a long day, but turned out very well. I also had the good fortune of having my recipe for a main dishes be selected for service, so I got very uplifting comments on my food. It was amazing!

But that was far from the end of what happened this week! On Thursday I had a final in y floral arranging class, and did very well on both the final exam and the practical exam. I now have a beautiful silk arrangement in my living room, and some skills I can use for the rest of my life. I have really enjoyed learning about flowers and the way they can me used to enhance a room or and outfit! I can now make beautiful corsages, vase arrangements, and table pieces.

Okay, finally we get to the weekend! Friday I had the pleasure of going on yet another date with a friend's roommate who I have been acquainted with a few times. We went to get some frozen yogurt, then went for a lovely walk that ended with some star-gazing in Porter Park. When the caretaker came to tell us he was going to turn on the sprinklers, we called it a night. It was so much fun!

On Saturday, I got to go to work in the morning, and see some of the coolest people for the last time. It was sad! I love the people I work with, and I have had such a great time getting to know all of them! Later that day, Zach, Rob (from Friday) Stacy, and random dude, and I went to the Civil Defense caves in Ashton to play games. We hiked all the way through the caves, then found a level place to play. Then we proceeded to ply glow-in-the-dark hide-and-go-seek. The way you play the game is simple; you get some dollar store glow sticks, cut them open, and fling them all over the cave and your clothing. Then you extinguish all lights and everyone hides. It's so tough! When everyone is bespeckled with glow, they blend in really well with the floor and walls! It was one of the best things I have ever done! We had so much fun, we were a little late getting home! And now I get to cap off the whole week with a perfect Sunday with curry for dinner, a party in the evening, Home teachers and Visiting Teaching. I am so blessed, as you can tell from all the fun I've had! And next week, I get to see my family, and Graduate from College! can life get any better that that?

Thursday, July 9, 2009

July the Fourth

This was such a fun day! It began with taking the Elderly residents of a nursing home in town to the local parade. That was fun, even though Rexburg's parade lasted for TWO hours!! It was very long, and I got a little sun for the first time this summer. I have been so occupied with graduating that the only time I spent outside is walking to classes and to work. But I did love the Giant Broulim's Cart. It was ginormous!


Broulims Cart


the High School Marching Band. This throws me back to freshman year in Alabama!

After the Parade, my roommates and I ate some lunch and then headed to Idaho Falls for some shopping and a barbecue at Bishop Bishop's home before heading to our spot to watch the fireworks. I got such a deal on new jeans that day! It was amazing!


The whole gang! There's Stacy, Zach, Charlotte, Angela, Bailey, and Amber.


Idaho Falls is supposed to have the best fireworks this side of the Mississippi!



So fun!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Things I Know

There are very few things that I actually know, without a doubt. Yes, I know many of you would describe me as an insufferable know-it-all, but unfortunately, I am very good at sounding knowledgeable. I really don't know very much at all. But what I do know, is that I am a Child of God. I know that he loves me, I know he answers my prayers. I know that my Redeemer died and rose again on the third day to atone for my sins, that I might have the chance to return to my Heavenly Father. I know God loves me, and I know he forgives me for my imperfections. I know that I love my family, and that they love me. I know that with and through my Brother, Jesus Christ, I can do anything and everything I put my mind to. The things I know may be few, but he fact that I know these things has carried me through my life, through my trials past, present, and future, and will be the rock of my salvation if I continue to be faithful and obedient.