2014, BABY.

Well, it sure has been a while, ain't it.

Don't worry, I'm still alive. I would like to point out, though, that I am now 18 1/2, which is a big deal. Sorry if you missed my dance party in my room that day. Everyone missed it, actually, because I only invited myself.

Anyway, let's get the real stuff!! I checked my Facebook the other day, and apparently I finished my first semester of college!! You see, I slept so much of Christmas Break, these details of my life escaped my little mind. The nice thing about college is you don't have to remember ANYTHING over Christmas Break. (I mean, I tried to remember how to play the violin and how to write my name, but that's about it.) All of my classes only last one semester and then they're DONE FOREVERRRRR. So basically my Christmas Break was spent emptying my brain of all this information and creating room to put a bunch more in this semester.

Now, I will say 5 highlights of my first semester at college. And then I will say 5 lowlights, just to balance things out a bit.

NUMBER ONE:

I learned how to ride elevators. One day, I was marching down the hallway on the way to the stairs, and I saw the elevator out of the corner of my eye. I thought, "I should ride that." It was the first time that I thought of this without forcing myself to think it. And then I thought, "Naw, tomorrow." But, I kept that little promise to myself! I rode it the next day TWO WHOLE TIMES. And the next day? 8 times. EIGHT. Now, I ride it every day :)

NUMBER TWO:

I soloed with the UTAH FREAKIN SYMPHONY! Which, I mean, for a little girl like me was a huge deal. I just walked out there in a bright red dress with two handsome boys and played my little heart out. And it was the very best 18 minutes of my entire little life. I really like my violin.

NUMBER THREE:

I read the whole Book of Mormon in 40 DAYS!!! I was terribly nervous that this goal of mine that I set on November 4th wouldn't actually happen, considering I've never read the thing in less than like a year and a half. But, real life says that I did it! I finished about an hour before my last final as a first semester college Freshman on December 14, 2013. My mind was in a good place and my time was prioritized especially a lot during those 40 days and that's what I attribute my being alive right now to. Otherwise, finals would have eaten me alive.

NUMBER FOUR:

I can, without paying extra money, eat M&M's at every meal if I so desire. They come in the Meal Plan. I think that's all that needs to be said.

NUMBER FIVE:

I've learned more in one semester of college than I have in my entire life, I think. I've learned how to do theory and how to sing DO RE MI style. I've learned how to deal with stupid wrists. I've learned how to read the Book of Mormon super duper quick. I've learned how to go to class even when I would rather sleep for about 46 hours. I've learned how to consistently be close to God. I've learned how to ride elevators, and love my mom even when she's 1,648 miles away, and even how to lower my bunk bed with a broken sledge hammer and no boys to help me. (Melissa and I are awesome.)

All in all, it was one heck of a semester.

Now, my lowlights.

NUMBER ONE:

I lost my favorite ring. Um, annoying.

NUMBER TWO:

I have to shower with shoes on every day. Gross.

NUMBER THREE:

I've lost my finger nail clippers twice now, which is stupid, because I always need to clip my finger nails. I'm on my third pair in this very moment.

NUMBER FOUR:

Laundry costs money. Real money.

NUMBER FIVE:

It's really cold today.

I think there was more good than bad, yeah? Here's to a new brand new semester. Starting in approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes. Night, y'all.

All my love,

Emily