Happiest Moment: Getting the job! 

Saddest Moment: The few moments when I've realized that my grandmother wasn't going to be with us much longer. 

TV: 

Overall Impression: Lots of ups and downs. Just like most months. So many good things happened this month, and also a lot of sad things. I'm excited to move on to a new month of experiences. 

Life is random. I can never predict what I'm going to be doing a day in advance, let alone a month, a year, a lifetime. 

Right now I am just trying to live one day at a time.

Today? It hasn't gone according to plan. But, I can't really complain. 

Yesterday I slept for 16.5 hours. Today I slept for four. I'm a little sleepy, but I think it's mostly because I'm doing tedious things. 

I had planned on sleeping much longer. A full 8 hours was the hope. Instead I opened my eyes at four in the morning and started my day. 

I started some laundry that has started piling up around my room. I decided that while I waited, I would get on my desktop computer and edit a few photos that I took. Without even opening Photoshop, I went to work trying to make it run better and faster. Now, 6 hours later, it is being upgrades to Windows 7. I've been procrastinating the change because I didn't want to move all of my junk and then reinstall my favorite programs. I know that it will make my computer run so much faster, so a little bit of extra effort is going to be worth it.

The plan for the rest of the day? Probably going to change as the day goes on. But for now:

Sounds like a full load. 

Ooh! Upgrade is completed! Thanks Blog for distracting me so nicely! 

By the way, here are four photos I'm looking forward to editing in crazy ways. Changing hair color, putting me in crazy places, anything that I can manage in Photoshop. So stay tuned. I'll post these four photos once they have been edited. 

If you have any ideas for edits, let me know. I'm always looking for great new ideas. (Also, I must love you guys if I let you see raw images of myself. Mwah!)

Happiest Moment: Kissing Tim for the first time. (And all the times after that.)

Saddest Moment: Breaking up with CJ. It hurt. A lot.

Books Read: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz (great book, terrible ending.)

Favorite Food: I don't know if it counts, but I've been in love with Chocolate Milk all month long. Love the stuff. 

I've officially been 21 for 4 days. It's been quite the roller coaster. 

Wednesday: I had the flu. It only lasted for the day, but I spent the day catching up on my TV shows, watching 2012 and starting Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I also received SO many birthday wishes and felt so very loved. So even though I felt nauseous all day, it was a really great birthday.

Thursday: I felt better, which was great. I finished my first book of the year (Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz) and it totally turned me off reading. The ending sucked and I was depressed for the rest of the evening. Had to stop myself from breaking into tears at the grocery store. (I get really into the books I read... when they end badly, I am devastated.) So to cheer myself up, I watched three awesome movies. Star Trek, Time Traveler's Wife, and The Blind Side. I felt much better by the time I went to bed.

Friday: My BFF Nashelle took me to lunch for my birthday and then bought me earrings afterward. The girl spoiled me with presents and I love them all. An adorable frame/candle set, a slipper foot massager, a skirt and a dress. Thanks so much Nashelle! Then 12 Steps which had such an amazing spirit. I love those meetings and I'm feeling so great right now!

Saturday: We had a Bridal Shower for a Relief Society activity. We have a few girls getting married this summer. It was lots of fun. Natalie and I went shopping after and I bought some pretty cute stuff. We went to Robin Hood later in the evening. It was... not my favorite. There were things I liked... but I didn't enjoy how much the storyline differed from traditional Robin Hood stories. Oh well. It was still great to hang out with her and get out of the house. 

Okay... so I failed miserably at Blog Everyday in April. Oh well. I tried.

Happiest Moment: Watching Empire Records with Natalie.

Saddest Moment: It was pretty crushing to get cast in the role I did. 

Favorite Food: Anything Mexican. I had such a craving for Mexican food this month. Mmm hmm! So good.

Overall: It was a roller coaster month. My heart was soaring at moment and broken at others. I've been stressed and relaxed and stressed again. I'm glad I'm past it. I'm glad I experienced it.

There are quite a few things that make me smile: 

I took my camera with me to FHE tonight, figuring that a good group of the people I mention regularly in this blog would be in attendance. I thought I'd help my readers put a name with a face.

Pete. Yup. That's him.

Natalie and Me. I love this girl. She's easily my best in town friend.

Brooke and me. I also love this girl. I can always count on her. ALWAYS makes me smile.

Mecailla and me. I met her through Brooke, and love her to death. 

Natalie, Jessica and me. We're very excited about something. Oh so cheesy.

"Da Moose, Da Moose!" AKA how Natalie says hi.

Happiest Moment: Watching Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. That show was hilarious. (Close second: Talking with CJ. If it wasn't so complicated, it would probably be number one.)

Saddest Moment: When they closed Annie's casket. That was heartbreaking.

Favorite Food: Salsa. 10 calorie goodness. Mmm. 

You know when you were little and you thought that when you grew up you would simply meet the perfect guy and live happily ever after? You'd have the perfect dream house, the perfect big backyard with a swing set (Because your parents never got you one), maybe even a perfect swimming pool. You'd have the kids that were perfect, just as you imagined yourself to be. (Looks, clothes and social hierarchy didn't matter when you were five.) You'd even have the little dog that was perfectly trained just as the dogs in the movies always were. Everything would be well... perfect.

I think I held on to this naive thought for most of my life. I definitely believe that love happens, and happiness, but it's not simply going to fall into your lap. Life isn't easy. It never will be. It took me a little bit too long to figure this out. 

I read my patriarchal blessing tonight. In simplified terms, it mentions that I will have a chance to attend the temple and marry a 'sweetheart of my own choosing.' I remember when I heard this for the first time at age 18; I felt elated, thrilled. Whomever I choose? Really? It's going to be that simple? 

But it isn't. At one point in my life, I thought I knew who I wanted. I wanted his love more than I'd ever wanted anything in my life. I didn't get it. It hurt. A lot. But now I realize that I hadn't chosen him. Not really. I remember in my prayers during that time in my life, I prayed to know whether he was the right choice. In my heart, I knew he wasn't. 

My blessing also cautioned me to 'choose carefully' for it would be the biggest, most important decision I would ever make. Dang it. It's become complicated again. I know this caution is one that I should pay attention to, and I will. I'm going to keep this thought in my prayers, and when the guy is right, I'm confident that I'll know. My heart will choose him completely. 

I just wish things were easier... but I suppose that will simply make it more amazing when I find it. And the vision of the perfect house, yard, dog is probably a long shot as well. (Not the kids. I don't care what anyone else will say, my kids will be my whole world. They will be perfect. I love them so much already.) The struggles I go through now will simply make me stronger once I've 'chosen my sweetheart' so that we can make it forever and eternity. I suppose waiting and strengthening myself until that moment will seem like so small an amount of time compared to forever.

I've been totally missing from my blog. For this I apologize. In fact... I've kind of been missing from life in general. Last week... Not a good week for me. I'll admit it.

But I'm back and I have LOTS of hilarious things to mention.

First things: West Side Story was AMAZING! My best friend Nashelle was Maria. The lead. Think 'Juliet' of the 'Romeo' persuasion. Yeah! Super big deal! I went down and spent a few days with her and saw the show twice. It was magical. Very well done! Nashelle was absolutely spectacular!

Unfortunately, somewhere during my stay I got really depressed. (This just happens. Chemical imbalance and all of that.) I drove home the following morning, and didn't emerge from my room for over a week. It was a little scary. 

BUT! I promised you funny! Here are a few of my favorite moments from the trip:

(While jamming out in Nashelle's car, I shook my head around like I was in a mosh pit, making my head hurt.)

Kate: Ow! I think I gave myself 'Shaken Katie Syndrome.'

(Nashelle jamming a straw in her lip and reacting to the 'SKS' comment with wide eyes.)

Kate: Oh! That's attractive!

Nashelle: *glares at me and looks in the mirror, her eyes going wider* 

(Lots of laughter ensued.)

(A friend of Nashelle's bit her arm, leaving teeth marks for hours afterward.)

Nashelle: It looks like a hickey!

Kate: That's NOT a hickey! You get a hickey when.... *pauses, feeling stupid*

Nashelle: *laughing* No, Katie, go on! How do you get a hickey?

Good times. 

I finally decided to get out of my room and go to FHE. It was a combined activity with both the wards in town. Which meant: lots of boys that I don't know and more importantly, THEY don't know what a spaz I can be. Unfortunately, this was ruined when my friend Natalie freaked out, pointing to my leg. "There's a SPIDER on you!" For some reason whenever this sentence is uttered, I always look down calmly, almost slow motion. Then my heart seizes and I flick it away, squealing a little bit. We both freak out, and run to the other side of the room. There went any semblance I had at being semi-cool around these new hotties. On the up side: they have all noticed me now. On the down side: Spring is approaching, and with it, The Spider Vendetta: Part Two 'Thissa time it'sa personal!'

The lesson was about dating. A lesson about dating at a Singles activity? No. Way. What kind of cliched madness is this? *said with mass amounts of sarcasm* This means an entire night filled with lectures and awkward silences from the attendants. Surprisingly though, it was a very fun night. They had the girls and the guys write questions about dating on color coordinated paper slips. Completely anonymous of course. The question was asked and the opposite sex answered. Hilariousness ensued. 

Of course, because I read Mormon Bachelor Pad, I felt the need to ask the question 'How do guys rate girls?" The answers were quite funny. 

Random-guy-I-never-caught-the-name-of: Well, there's two categories. "Eh." And "DAAANG!" 

The instructor: The way I see it, dating a girl is like looking to buy a car. Sure, you might want the really pretty looking one over there; but what you need to do is make sure the engine is working properly. 

(My attention faded out after that.)

My thoughts: He totally just said "Make sure she's not crazy!" That's kind of offensive! Haha!

The lesson ended, and they broke out the refreshments. Natalie jumps up and literally GROWLS in a deep voice: OH MY HECK CREAMIES! It was hilarious. 

After FHE I went to my friend, Brooke's house. Some great laughs there as well. Most of which included Brooke teasing me because I had watched 'Paranormal Activity' the other night. I started it with my sister and after we decided that we should turn it off because it was too scary, I went home and searched the synopsis; curious about how it ended. Well, the synopsis was intriguing and I ended up watching the rest alone. SCARY movie. Terrifying really. And I really hate that the girl's name is "Katie." 

Brooke took it upon herself to torment me by whispering "Kaaatieeeeee" over and over and over again throughout the night. I'm glad that Mecailla was there because she was there to help me gang up on Brooke.

Funny quote from the night:

(While Brooke talked about what she would do if she had a gun to her head.)

Brooke: I would say "Go ahead, shoot me." My confidence would shake them. "Yeah, that's right. I have the power of God on my side." *holds up her hand, pretending to hold something* "Don't make me pull out my quad!"

Happiest Moment: Hugging Nashelle after seeing her show for the first time. 

Saddest Moment: Was also actually during the trip. I had a meltdown that Friday night. I'm not exactly sure why, but I was very upset.

Singles Ward Family Home Evenings make me smile. I always get dressed up, because inevitably, there will be guys there. It's a great chance to meet people and just talk and laugh in a way that is difficult during the Sunday block schedule meetings. 

I put a little bit of effort into my appearance yesterday, but my whole heart wasn't into it like it usually is. I'm still fighting off the remnants of my cold, and I have a pinched nerve in my neck that makes it so I can't turn my head. I feel like Michael Keaton in Batman. I'm guessing the mask isn't nearly as painful as my pinched nerve. Maybe a bit more claustrophobic, but probably not painful. 

I showed up a little late and sat down by Natalie. I love this girl. Problem is, we should never sit by one another. I have a few people I should never sit by during could-be-edifying moments. Danielle, Pete, and Dale. Being reverent seems monumentally impossible when sitting next to these people. Though things can get very entertaining when the lesson drags on. 

A guy named Brad was giving the lesson. Brad's a nice guy and he has great arms... I'm just not attracted to him. I mentioned this to Natalie, who pulled out a piece of paper from her purse and wrote me a note. We spent the rest of the too-long-for-FHE lesson passing this little envelope back and forth, laughing at the crazy things we said. I won't share all of it with you, but here's one of my favorite parts!

Kate: I won't deny that once I'm married, I'll probably try to convince my hubby to wear some tight little tights and treat me like a damsel.

Natalie: Well, you definitely have the hair for it. 

Kate: I suppose it is the hair that will make it believable. Costumes won't matter for long.

Natalie: OH! You can be Ariel and he can be Eric!

Kate: "Honey, Ursula just made me human! Kiss me if you want to keep me!"

Natalie: At least you won't have the awkward 'Kiss the Girl' scene!

Kate: No, no! Definitely don't need any crabs!

Haha! Natalie, I love you so much! That was such a funny conversation.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have a cold. It's not a huge deal, and I've been managing. I'm very doped up on all sorts of meds that my spell checker does not recognize. Zicam, Cold-A-Tak, Vicks Vapor Spray, Cepacol throat lozenges. I still feel a little groggy, but all of this has allowed me to go about my daily life with minimal discomfort. I'm being very careful with my medication, don't worry.

Although, on Friday, when I realized I was getting sick, I wanted to do all that I could to get over it. I had plans for the weekend, for crying out loud! So I dug through our medicine cabinet, looking through the array of meds for something that could kick my cold out of my system before it really took hold. I took some vitamin C, and read a few labels. Cold-A-Tak promised to get rid of my cold three times faster. It had the potential of being a miracle! Take five times a day for the first two days. I did the math, figuring I'd be awake for about 15 hours. "Okay! I'll take a pill every three hours then!" It was about hour nine that I realized that they expected me to take them every five or so hours instead of every three. Whoops. But there weren't any noticeable repercussions. Maybe I'll die of cancer of the roof of the mouth or something years from now.

I was able to attend the highly decorated dance because I was so heavily drowned in drugs. It was a little silly. When I arrived everyone was positioned in a circle. I felt myself groan. It was a single mingle type of dance. All of the boys were in a circle with their backs to each other, a girl facing each guy. You do a couple step-togethers, a spin or two and then the girl moves to the next guy. It's like speed dating to country music. I hate these activities. I tried to duck out...but was caught. I suppose there were a couple of guys that were very cute that I probably wouldn't have danced with otherwise...

The dance was a bit of a dud. Nothing special. I had to keep dodging a guy that I didn't want to talk to all night to the point of leaving the dance early. It wasn't a huge loss. I wasn't doing much dancing either way. Though, I did have a good conversation about marriage with a friend who was also frustrated by the dullness of the dance.

Sarah: I think I'm going to start fasting to find an eternal companion.

Kate: I'll fast with you!

Sarah: Every fast Sunday?

Kate: Why stop there? Lets fast EVERY Sunday. OR, every day! We'll be very tuned in to the spirit AND we'll lose weight!

It's the perfect plan!

Today, I woke up with a closed throat. Oh dear. If you recall, I was supposed to be singing in the choir. So I spent two hours singing through the song, sucking on a cough drop, and trying to work out the lump in my throat. It worked to an extent and I felt comfortable singing. Though, I do admit, I have taken my voice for granted. Once you lose something (if even for a few hours) it's much more appreciated. The choir sounded lovely! 

It's been an interesting weekend. I'm really hoping that my cold goes away soon.

Also! Happy Valentines Day! I've been spending it watching romantic movies. My dad also made blueberry pancakes for dinner which were fabulous! It's been a good Single Awareness Day.

You know, I've been trying to find events in my life that are blog worthy for nearly a week. Everything I do just seems too simple or mundane to create an entire blog post, let alone anything witty. I'm at a loss. So, I'm simply going to give you snippets from my life this past week.

I decided to start a gratitude journal. Well...blog actually. I decided that I needed reminding that there were good things in my life even though sometimes it doesn't seem like it. It's really only for me, and the past three days have been pretty great because of it. You are all welcome to read it, and I also encourage you to do the same. (I have yet to make it adorable, don't judge me.)

As of this morning, I have officially lost 20 pounds in 2 months. It's incredible what eating right and using appropriate portion sizes can do! I'm living testament that it works and hopefully will continue working.

I got roped into singing in a musical number in Sacrament Meeting on Valentines Day. It's not just me. It's a whole choir number. It's not a permanent choir, but I think that we should make it permanent. It's been so much fun, although challenging. We have one week to learn this song that has tricky four part harmony and piano and violin accompaniments. It's a BEAUTIFUL song. (And there are REALLY cute guys in the choir. Mmm. Music and musically talented boys. The best of both worlds.)

Sunday was full of butterflies and smiles. I know I said I don't think I'm feeling anything special for Pete, but I've always enjoyed it when a guy winks at me. He did so multiple times throughout the three hours we were both in the church house. Maybe the butterflies in my stomach were really feelings of guilt. Here was this guy that really seems to like me (for once) and I'm just not sure I can feel the same way about him. I've tried to make myself feel better by telling myself that he simply had an eyelash in his eye... that seemed to only plague him when he caught my gaze. Yeah. That's plausible, isn't it? Or maybe he hates me so much he has developed some kind of nervous tick that makes his face light up when he sees me. Am I doomed to only like guys that don't return the favor?

I've decided to go stag to the Valentine's Dance this Saturday. Is that pathetic? I don't think so. From what I heard from the guys at choir practice last night, they are all going, but don't have dates. No wonder I never date. The guys around here don't even ask girls to a free Valentines Day event. For crying out loud...

It's completely bogus, but I've been reading my horoscope almost daily. I have the button bookmarked because it is a quick and fun thing to check if I have a spare minute. (I have lots of those.) The horoscope is rarely true. Half of the time it's so vague that I am left staring at the computer screen with a furrowed brow and a skeptical mind.

About ten posts ago I mentioned how I wanted to be more social. I would still like to be, it just doesn't seem like I'm making any efforts in that category. I haven't gone to church for two weeks. I realize that I was sick for one of them, and accidentally slept halfway through the other, but I'm feeling it taking it's toll on me. For a while, church was the only time I socialized with anyone and now I don't even have that. 

In thirteen days it will be Valentines Day. That all too famous if-you-have-someone-to-squeeze-it's-great-but-if-you-don't-you-are-miserable holiday. For me, it's always been the 'but-if-you-don't' part of that overly long hyphenated word. It's not usually as bad as that. I'm not miserable. The day comes and goes just about like any other. No plans and single. 

Tonight is Family Home Evening, and while I could have gotten ready and gone; instead I curled up in my lovesac with a quilt and watched the third Spider-Man. (Ever since I wrote the post about looking like Kirsten Dunst, I've been craving it. I had a marathon and watched all three.)

My point is, the thought of this horoscope is great and maybe it could happen. But not if I am here in my room sitting on my can, watching Peter Parker sweep his hair into his face and dance down the street like a total moron. (That scene makes me cringe in embarrassment for him.) So, starting tomorrow, I'm going to get my carcass out of my bedroom and do something. I'm not saying that by doing this, the horoscope will come true, but it's not going to hurt to stop watching Spider-Man alone in my bedroom. (I'm finished with the movies...so it's not a huge loss.) 

Before I unfortunately deleted my blog in December, it was tradition that at the end of each month, I would write a post about the happenings of my month. I didn't blog nearly as much as I do now, and it was my way of not feeling guilty about not posting regularly. But they served a purpose much more important than that. It was great to be able to read through a short post about my month if I had forgotten something down the road. They are the things about that old blog that I miss the most. So, I'm bringing them back. 

Happiest Moment: Arriving in Provo. 

Saddest Moment: "Katie, I have some bad news." Okay, so the moment got increasingly worse as the news was spilled, but we'll say the bad news was the saddest moment. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. B, and those that have been devastated by the whole thing.

Favorite Food: Spinach Wraps! Avocado, a little bit of fat free ranch, turkey, cheddar, baby spinach and good to go!

Overall: It was a good month. There were a lot of confusing, flustering and depressing things thrown in and a lot of the time I had a hard time focusing on the good. But after writing this post I realize that there was an abundance of good things to be found. It was a good first step into 2010, but I'm not sad that we'll be moving into February... 

It's been quite the week. I'm trying to come up with something witty to start this post with, but nothing is coming to me. I guess I'll just get into it.

On Tuesday I had a really good friend over to watch a movie. As we were going through the movie choices, she mentioned something about boys and instantly our focus switched. We didn't end up watching a movie. Instead we talked for five hours. Mostly about boys. She's going to try and set me up with a few people, including a guy from her mission that lives in Provo. (He thinks I'm cute.) She also has a few other friends that have seen my pictures via her facebook that want her to hook them up with me. I'm game. It was very much fun, and I just needed that girl's night.

The next night was institute. We had about eight quilts to tie, and I helped with one. About the time I needed a break, Pete showed up and I went over to try and teach him how to tie a quilt. He was hopeless and I ended up just finishing off his strand of yarn and talking to him for the rest of the night. He gave me a ride home and I got online. (Because that's what I do.)

Thursday was the day of my date with Pete. I woke up very excited, and couldn't wait for it to start. Somewhere during the time when I was getting ready, I got a phone call from my sister. She had seen on the news that one of my all time favorite teachers had been arrested for sexual misconduct with a student. I don't believe it's true. I've thought about it a lot, and I honestly don't believe it's true. I went onto the news web page and sure enough, there he was along with a brief story. They had a picture of his mugshot, and I kept thinking "This isn't the man I know. He's not smiling, his eyes are dull. This is not him." I credit this man to a large amount of my growth as a person. In an incredibly difficult time in my life when the world around me was threatening to bring me down, he was one who could make me feel like I was a wonderful person. That my life was worth something and that I had so much to give. This news absolutely devastated me.

I began to read some of the comments on this story, growing more and more depressed with each harsh and negative word. I needed to make one of my own. I put a lot of thought into it, and this is what I wrote:

"This man is one of my favorite people. I don't know whether the accusations against him are true or not, but I do know one thing; he does not deserve the hatred and insults he has been receiving in these comments. Do not judge a man that you do not know because of a story that we do not know the end of. That is all I have to say in the matter."

Needless to say, my desire to go on the date was pretty much non-existent after that. But I finished getting ready and went, burying the experience deep. I wanted to enjoy this date, despite the knowledge I now had.

Pete and I went to McDonald's and then to see Avatar. (Great movie!) We sat a little too close to the screen, and my head started to hurt halfway through the three hour movie. I very much enjoyed it, though.

There were a couple times I thought about reaching over and holding Pete's hand...but I realized that I really didn't want to. When the movie was over, my head hurt, and I just wanted to go home. I didn't have patience for that awkward "What now?" scene in the truck outside of my house, so I said:

"Can I have a hug?"

I reached across the seat, hugged him and got out of the car. It might be that I was just upset but I don't think I'm feeling anything special for Pete. I must have been really distracted or unimpressed enough that I didn't even think about the fact that his awesome arms were around me.

I didn't get a hair cut today. I knew I wouldn't have a car (my parents went out of town). I didn't plan that when I had made the appointment. I'll have to make a new one. I'll post before and after pictures.

It was a very busy week, and I'm glad it's coming to a close.

WARNING: Incredibly long post.

It's kind of surprising me how one conscious decision and some listening to the spirit has done for me in just two short days. A week ago, I would have sat at home with none of these experiences coming my way, and guaranteed a lot of sadness following it.

On Sunday, I was INCREDIBLY depressed. I cried quarts. With the help of a couple of friends, I changed the direction of my life. It was hard in the moment, but now I can feel how much that turn around has changed things. This change will make it so much easier to turn my back on those short comings.

Just after I did this, I emailed a bunch of friends. People that I wanted to hang out with and set up 'play dates.' I couldn't wait to get to church because it meant I would get out of my house. I couldn't wait to see people. I've realized that I spend WAY too much time online, and though talking to my online friends is great; I need some In Real Life (IRL) social contact.

Church was my first stop. You can read about the beginning of these exploits here.

It was 'Linger Longer*' after church and I was very excited. There are two different Singles Wards in my home town, and we combine for this activity once every month, rotating whose turn it is to prepare the activity. My ward's Linger Longers are INSANELY cool! Amazing food, decorations, different and fabulous things to drink. It's awesome. This week we were able to make our own grilled cheese sandwiches. (Tip: honey butter on a grilled cheese sandwich = fabulous!)

During this, I had the chance to flirt with two guys that I think are pretty cool. Pete and Devin. I had spent the last three hours of church with Pete since the Black Licorice Gum incident. I noticed that Devin was sitting alone, and because I kind of like him, too; I called over (totally out of character, I might add.) and invited him to sit with us. Another girl sat with us. Her name is Natalie, and she's about amazing. I quite love her to death. The fact that she's a fellow Friends addict instantly raised my appreciation for her. It was a great time. Flirting and laughter are bomb.

Yesterday, I went to lunch with a close friend of mine. She has been in town for nearly two months and I haven't spent any time with her, and I felt the need to remedy that. We went out to lunch and jammed on guitar. It was great to catch up with her, and I'm so glad we were able to make that happen.

My aunt and uncle are in town and the entire family went to my grandmother's house for soup and good company. I almost didn't go. I'm so VERY glad that I did. I was able to chat with two of my younger cousins. I love those girls! They are just cute, and so much fun to talk to. I'm very happy that I went and was able to spend time with family.

I did leave early. I had promised Natalie that I would come to the ward's Family Home Evening. You can read a bit about that event here. We played I've never, which is an incredibly fun game. The best is when you get targeted. There's no one to trade chairs with, as you are the only one who has done that thing. Someone tried to target me with "I've never made videos for YouTube." Half of the circle stood up, which surprised me.

After the game, we converged into the kitchen to munch on leftovers from Linger Longer the day before. Good chatting ensued. Including Pete asking me if I wanted to go on a date.

Pete: Have you seen the movie Avatar?

Kate: No, I haven't. I want to though.

Pete: I haven't seen it either. I want to.

...

Pete: We should go.

Kate: Yeah, I'd like that.

...

Kate: *after a long pause* When?

Pete: Oh! Umm...Thursday?

Kate: Sounds great!

I have so much more happening this week. I'll blog about it all, I'm sure. Movie night with a girl-friend tonight. Institute tomorrow. Date on Thursday. Haircut on Friday. It's going to be a good week. I'm determined to make it so.

The Singles Ward Family Home Evenings are just fun. I showed up late, missing the lesson, but was able to catch the activity. I walked into the room and everyone was sitting in a circle. Ah ha! "I've Never!" That was the game.

For those of you who have never played "I've Never," the rules are simple. There is one less chair than there are people. The extra person is 'it'. They stand in the middle and say something that they have never done. Those people in the circle that HAVE done that thing stand and swap chairs, leaving a new person standing in the middle. The game repeats over and over until you get bored. It's a great way to learn about people and their experiences.

So, I thought I'd go through the list of some of my "I've Nevers"

I've never been to New York.

I've never kissed a guy on New Year's Eve.

I've never had a broken bone.

I've never been snowmobiling.

I've never had the chicken pox.

I've never been on a cruise.

I've never had a bloody nose.

I HAVE however been asked out on a date for Thursday! YAY!