Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Learning is not THAT fun!

So I am learning something new about myself. I like to know things. I am not one who likes to be left out in the cold on great information. Otherwise it will just nag at me all day long. Have you heard the line: "Secrets, secrets are no fun. Secrets, secrets hurt someone"? Well, the real version is "secrets, secrets are no fun. Secrets, secrets are the best way to drive Emily insane." Ya, going insane like literally. Pray for me to survive. Thanks.

So this week I am also learning patience. There are so many great trips coming up that it is annoying to have to wait for them to come. I don't want to do school work when summer is here and there are fun things to do. But here is the kicker, I have too much homework to do to be able to go lounge in the sun, go to the lake, or do fun things that are associated with this great season of summer. Whoever came up with the idea that it is fun to go to school during the summer must have not been thinking straight because it is torture.

So I am taking a deep breath, and calming down. Relax. Now I am going to get back to studying.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Vegas with Michael Christopher

So for Memorial Day weekend Mike and I decided to head down to Las Vegas to get out of Rexburg. Mike wanted me to meet his family so this was the perfect time to go for a long weekend vacation. We studied like crazy on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday so we would not have too much homework to work on. Mike had a game on Tuesday and his team won. He played really well.

I wanted to leave for Provo as soon as my classes allowed but Mike decided to be strict and make me go to all my classes on Wednesday so we did not head out of town until 4:15. We stayed in Provo on Wednesday night with Whitney and David Crandall, who just got hitched a month ago. We were their first overnight guests since they moved into their apartment. We ate pizza and talked the night away. Their apartment was super cute and homey.

We met up with Brock Laney for breakfast the next morning at Kneaders. We have missed Brockley so much since he left us for Provo. Finally on the road, we made our way to Vegas. We got here and the first family member that I met was his oldest sister Sarah and her three boys. I was so nervous to meet his family that I didn't talk too much when I met Sarah. Mike was a little concerned by my silence but I really couldn't help it. When I am in an unknown situation I like to observe the things around me and then decide where I fit into the scenario. Mike's parents took us to Olive Garden for dinner where I had my fave chicken con broccoli for dinner. It was really sweet of his parents to take us out.

That night we hung out with his mom and his two sisters, Sarah and Erin, and his brother Dave and Dave's gf Shanna. We watched So You Think You Can Dance, and laid around talking and laughing. I really have loved getting to know his family. His siblings are hilarious and fun to be around.

The next day we lounged around and studied, well Mike studied. I got my hands on Catching Fire, the sequel to the Hunger Games. LOVED this book. Completely captivated. I just finished the book in three days, which is impressive considering all the things we have been up to. We met up with his sibs for Lunch at his sisters house. I had Cafe Rio for the first time EVER! It was so delish! I also met his friend Haley, who was very sweet and has a really pretty blue car.

That night we went to the Vegas temple which is gorgeous. Mike and I have been arguing about which temple is prettier, the Vegas or the Portland. I can't really argue about the inside beauty but I can see why  he loves the Vegas. It was so pretty with the palm trees, and flowers. I loved the outside a lot better than the Portland. But what was cool was that there was at least a dozen birds soaring around the spires of the temple catching bugs in the air.

Mike then proceeded to show me his old neighborhood that he grew up in which was only fair because he got to see where I grew up. I was completely exhausted by that point though and sleepily was excited to see everything.

Mike and I outside the Vegas temple.

The next day was Zoee's family birthday party. It was a circus theme complete with hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, and a magician. Mike was most excited about the magician. He has yet to figure out how the magician picked the card he was thinking of. One of Mike's cousins daughters Ellie really took a liking to me. She was cute. That was the night when I finally relaxed and started to talk more. His sister-in-law Stacey started asking questions and the rest followed suit with questions about food, kids, and growing up. It was way fun. 
Caylee and Ellie enjoying the cotton candy.

Mike and I at the party.

Later that night we headed to the Strip to see the sights. But we didn't stay long because it was so packed for Memorial Day weekend. We went and saw Dave at work along with Shanna. I got a kick out of the people watching. It is kinda hilarious how people walk around drunk thinking their cool or dressing immodestly and thinking their so hot. 
Mike and I in front of the Bellagio.
 We had fun and then left and decided we would be OK if we didn't go back for a long time. 

I almost forgot to document my history making trip to the famous In 'N Out. I have heard for a long time how amazing this place is and have been skeptical. Mike took me for my first time and it is true, it was delicious. Not nearly the nirvana that people make it sound out to be but definitely satisfying.


We were so excited for the yummy food.

Well for Sunday, Mike and I attended the family ward. The longest hour of the day was probably Relief Society because it was the longest that Mike and I had been apart other than going to bed at night. We were so use to being together all day long that it made that hour long, but the lesson was good and interesting. We went back to the house and had lunch with his family. Erin and Sarah's family came over and Dave and Shanna too. After everyone left we enjoyed quiet time, which means a really good nap. Gotta love Sunday afternoon naps.

That night was when the party started. Well at least all the siblings came over, except for Nate and Stacey, to play Settlers of Catan. Now I have played this game only once before and I hated it. I watched everyone play which I was totally fine with because of the last experience. We had yummy cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting which was delicious.While playing settlers I got to see a whole new side of Mike that I have never seen before. His competitiveness came out big time. Let's just say he had a hard time sitting down and was getting snappy. lol 

Unfortunately the trip went way too fast. Five days flew by and next thing I know we are back in Rexburg, which is trauma on some level. The car ride home went fast, we made pit stops at In 'N Out and Cafe Rio, and caravan-ed home with Heather. The trip was amazing. I loved meeting Mike's family, they were so welcoming and easy to be around. It was relaxing to be away from school and homework for the most part. Also I fell that much more in love with Mike; which, is always a benefit.

Now we are back in the swing of things or at least trying to be. School is overwhelming with midterms. All I want to do is be with Mike all the time but I have these annoying things called classes, work, and homework that demand my attention. Sometimes I wish I could just drop out and spend my time being in love but what can I do? Reality never goes away. : )