Miriam Anna Schenk

2010-03-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Family!

Today I put on my fake fingernails for the competition (Thursday-Saturday)...and I feel handicapped. It is difficult to type, write with a pen, put on clothes, do my hair and make-up, hold things, etc. BUT I love them @ the same time. I love getting ready for dancesport...and I love feeling all girly for a weekend.

Life has been a twister lately, or so it seems...my stress-levels have varied day to day and my moods have been swinging along. But Dancesport has finally arrived! And all the sweat, practice, headaches, body pains, etc...have been totally worth it. I am so happy that I get to compete this semester and I feel like I have improved immensely over the last 2 1/2 weeks. I don't feel as prepared as I usually do but given that I have only had my partners for 2 1/2 weeks...I think our progress has been worth it. Yesterday I rented the dresses that I will be wearing....don't worry I will take lots of pictures (or "make" lots of pictures, as I sometimes like to call it! =)) and post them on the famous FB.

The weather here has been as crazy as my life...sunshine followed by a blizzard of snow. But everyone is being very patient for the snow to say adieu for good...

I cannot wait for the summer to start...running around in shorts and T-shirts is the best!

I am also looking forward to my summer-job. We had our first training already and I feel very enthusiastic about the months of fun and hard work to come.

I am also preparing to run the Provo-half-marathon in May with Cailey. We have been hitting 10.7 miles almost every Saturday and have building our muscles. =)

Voice lessons are as great as ever! My teacher is adorable and so helpful in every way. She has taught me so many things, not just for voice but also for life. At the moment I am singing "Still Hurting" from the musical "The last 5 years" ( I have never heard of it before). It is a very emotional and pain-felt song, which will require me to let my emotional-guard down. That is one thing that I have been struggling with...sharing those personal feelings through music...

but I will keep on working on that!

I hope I didn't bore you...I am on my way to help build up for Dancesport @ the Marriott Center.

I love you all and am thinking of you a lot. Lots of hugs and kisses!

MJ =)

2010-01-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

Life is so good. All is well.

I am enjoying college life so much at the moment. I thoroughly enjoy going to all my classes every day and have been learning so much. I also came to the conclusion that I work very well under pressure and having a very tight schedule due to the 20 hours/ week I work. I love it! I get to practice singing (I am serious...just ask my co-workers haha) and dance while I am @ work!
Oh...funniest story. So...there are a lot of awesome people at work...including 2 middle-aged men who work in the wood shop. Their names are BOB and BILL. They are so much fun and always ask me how I am doing. It is great...especially when I am tired...they always cheer me up. Bob, in particular, is extremely hilarious and is just always seemingly happy. He joked around about that it was impossible that I was not married yet, or dating anyone. So he convinced this guy (my age) to ask me out. I am sure the guy -Colton- wanted to ask me out as well...Bob only encouraged him. And so now I have a date this week...haha I just thought the setting was so funny: Me sweeping the floor, like Cinderella while a guy, prince asks me out. I will let you know how it goes. =)

Dance is better than ever. Being on team is amazing...we are learning an American Foxtrot routine, which is a lot of fun and a little cheesy...but good. We are performing it in 2 weeks....It is amazing how time flies by. I am currently looking for an OPEN-Competition partner...which is hard to find...b/c I am so tall. But I will keep looking...otherwise I will be only competing in my class-events...which is okay but sad. I am usually used to competing OPEN as well. We will see what happens...

This Wednesday, there is a Fake-competition. All the BYU International Ballroom dance classes compete against each other. And even though the teachers tell us that it is not a big deal...that it just helps to prepare for the real competition in March --All the dancers take it very seriously. BYU is very competitive.
So...for that the teachers in our classes get to assign our partners for that. And I got one of the best dancers in my class. He is amazing as well as good-looking!! And I had the best day ever with him yesterday, practicing with him. It was fabulous. He complimented my great posture and ability to learn very quickly...adapting what he tells me to change. He also told me to be more confident in myself, which I tend to NOT do...because I feel like there are amazing dancers who have danced all their life.
But I guess I should have more faith in myself. I realized that I am very hard on myself and that I judge myself harder than anyone. I always want to do better and improve. And I will. =)

Sunday, so far has been good. Church was good, but despite me sleeping for 10 hours I am still feeling tired and exhausted. Probably because of my sleep deprivation all week. I will do better...hopefully. Let's say, I will try to the best of my ability.
Now to my final point of the day. I had my Media Music audition yesterday. I will not find out for 2-4 weeks though.
But I feel like it went really well. The 3 songs I recorded at the Leishman last saturday turned out really well (especially the song that I wrote in 4 hours---probably one of my best). So my portfolio looked very professional and ME. =)
(I added some pink here and there). I even put a label on the CD I handed in. And then my theory -score that I was so worried about...well...long story but I managed to get my score up 3 days before the audition! I took 2 times before that and those scores were lower than ever before. I am truly blessed.
And my live-audition yesterday went really well. I felt really confident and prepared. Of course there is always sth. that I think I could have done better...but I will not go into that right now. Now it is just a matter of waiting and believing. I give thankx....especially to my awesome Voice teacher who has helped me improve so much these past semesters. =)

I have to go take a nap but I will be back soon....
Love to everyone!
--MJ

I DID IT!!!! =)

2010-01-07T22:14:00.000-08:00

Today, Yesterday, the day before Yesterday, and the day before that have been the best ever. I feel like a new person, with my new hair color, new semester, new year, new classes, and amazing roommates and friends. I am so happy! =) *BIG SMILE*

So...there were 87 girls trying out tonight for 9 openings. To let you all know...there are 5 Ballroom teams:
Touring Team, Back-up touring team, Intermediate Team, and then 2 Beginning Teams. Whenever you try out you try out for the 2 Beginning Teams and then move up throughout being at BYU (when people graduate, and as you improve). So, I made it onto the 10 o'clock Beginning Team! I am soooooo happy, I can't even explain.

I love dancing...if you can't tell...and this semester has been so brilliant so far. I got into Gold 2 Standard. I was in Gold 1 Standard last semester. Once you get into Gold 2 level..there is a big jump of intensity and skill...The class is going to be extremely hard but I am excited to learn new things and become better and better...

I just wanted to let you all know that I am soooo happy and that I love you all. Have a wonderful evening. Good night ---Miriam

NEW YEAR 2010

2010-01-02T00:33:00.000-08:00

I know that I have been horrible updating my blog...well for a long long time. And now that this semester is over...I realized that it went by way to fast and that I failed to capture all the fun things that I did. So I made a goal to update my blog every sunday for this upcoming semester. I will write something (even if it is very short) every sunday...That way you will be able to catch a glimpse of my life.
I feel like this semester has been an eye-opener to what I want in life and I have learned so many different things. I know what I want in life...I have come to know myself so much better and I have grown older and wiser (jk haha). Well...I am very excited for this semester to take its toll on me...and surprise me in every way. I have a lot of goals that will keep me very busy on top of my regular class schedule. I have a music audition coming up in 4 weeks, a dance audition next week, and a lot of "stuff" in between. =)
I am so grateful to have this amazing life, with all the blessings that you could ever imagine. I have the best family and friends ever...who support me @ all times. I am looking forward to this NEW and fresh start.

Love to all, Miriam =) "BIG SMILE"

ps. I started being OFF-SUGAR again! Let me know if you want to join me. =)

pre-Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I did not do a good job keeping everyone informed about my life these last couple of months. It is no excuse to say that I was "too busy", but I have to apologize for not taking the time to post some inputs of my life -->even if they are short.

So I am now committed to keep you updated at all times...

One of the reasons why it is sometimes difficult to share details of my life, is that I do not like sharing bad news or the down sides of my daily tasks. But I have learned so much this semester...and because of those hard times I have appreciated the "ups" so much more.

I believe that consistency is a vital ingredient in being successful. This semester has helped me take a look at my life and my priorities.

As Thanksgiving is coming up, I am anxious to drive down to California with my best friends.

I just want tomorrow 2 o'Clock to be here already...but I have 2 days of school left.

Today I have my songwriting class:

We have to perform our own song (which we had to write this semester) and hope to be chosen to be in the showcase on December 4th. I really want to be part of it, however, yesterday I still didn't have someone to play the piano for me. But lovely Kenna met with me and she is now accompanying me today. She is amazing, especially jumping in so spontaneously. I love her!

And then Caye, who played a huge part in the song...is singing backup...

It was so much fun practicing yesterday...I am not as nervous anymore to get into the showcase. I will let you know how it went...

Friends are the best medicine...=)

Week 3 @ BYU

2009-09-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

"Everything will work out"

After a tough cut at the Ballroom auditions the first week of school, I was devastated. I could not believe that I did not make it again. Especially because I was expecting it. But thinking it through I realized that I had not danced for 4 months, which is a long time and that I was simply out of practice. And apparently there are some things I have to work on. With that in mind, I will try and improve as much as I can and try out again next semester. It does not really matter if I am on one of the teams now or in 4 months as long as I improve. I think that this experience will help me to improve even more so!

Yesterday, Monday, September 14th, was the last day to ADD and DROP classes. I still had to add my Contemporary voice lessons and switch a dance class section.

But I got it all done in time. =)

Last weekend was a lot of fun! On Friday Caye, Morgan, Kenzie, Lily, and I went to this amazing mansion-party! It was packed...I believe at some point during the evening there were 2000 people there. The mansion consisted of a pool + pool house, volleyball court, a soccer field, and a huge and beautifully decorated garden by itself. We got there early and could enjoy dancing and the food without to many people. Luckily we left just in time, before it got shut down because of the overflow of party guests.

But it was a blast and I ran into a guy from my ward, who is pretty good looking. Who would have thought...out of all the people.

After that the girl-crew went to get some slurpies (I got Trail mix, because I am off-sugar) at 7/11. I saw some more people that I know...dancers. That evening was seriously the night that I saw many people I know. It makes you feel more connected to the huge University with its 35.000 students!

The next day was a busy but fun fun day...Jakob's birthday! Rebekka and I decided to ride our bikes (the best investment ever!!) to the OREM mall...which seems quite a while away...but we managed to get there in 15-20 min....and we even went the wrong way. We did drive up a pretty steep hill...which can be proven by our now-very-muscular-legs. =)

We took Jakob shopping for some new shoes. He has good taste!!

Then we rushed to Jakob's soccer game located close to the mall. We cheered and took tons of Jakob-running-after-the-ball pictures...and enjoyed the warm summer sun staring down at us.

Jakob's team scored 2 goals in the first half. We then had to go...while Jakob finished his game and later got ready for his PROM-night.

Bekks and I spent a little while in the mall...I believe that the mall puts a spell on all the girls shopping at the mall that makes time pass by quickly...After 2 hours there we drove our bikes home in about 13 minutes. It was the best ride ever...because everything went downhill. haha

On our way home..Rebekka decided to get her hair cut...so we stopped at a Barber close to our apartment and chopped off all her hair. I think it looks really good and love how she can be so brave.

By the time we got home, I was exhausted and tired..after a quick lunch I dove into bed and fell asleep for 2 1/2 hours. When I woke up, Jonny called me because he and his "sisters" were in town. They stopped by before driving back home to Arizona. However, instead of a quick "hello-goodbye" act, we went out to dinner @ Macaroni Grill--> the best restaurant in town, in my opinion...and the fact that every prom student went there for dinner as well. The food was delicious! The only sad thing is that I cannot eat any bread anymore, because it contains GLUTEN. My diet cuts out on bread, wheat, and PASTA! But I ordered a wonderful Parmesan-Chicken-Salad..which was healthy and delicious.

After a good night out...my stress-factor of not doing homework cut in and I spent the rest of the night studying...

Sunday morning, I woke up with a smile on my face! I came to the conclusion that there is nothing better than college and that I was at the right place in my life. I slowly got ready for church. Everything got even better when my Dad called to say hello. The time-difference is a small barrier that sometimes prevents me from calling home...but I try and make it possible once a week. After a little chat (while putting on make-up at the same time), we headed up to the WILK...and enjoyed a wonderful sunday.

After an uplifting church day, we got home and talked some more with family in Austria and Alpine/ Utah. We had a funny conference call...=)

Later that afternoon, Rebekka and I, rode our bikes, once again, to Provo Canyon. An hour and a half later we arrived at what they call the "bridal veil falls". A beautiful waterfall and its gorgeous park. I got to know the family Jakob is staying with --the Leishman. We had some cake and root beer and enjoyed each others company.

Once we got home...I went to Brandon and Brittlyn's to celebrate Brandon's b-day with some cookies and cake (good thing I am off sugar!).

Then I stopped by Caye's and we chatted for a little while...

After this long long day I did not have to do much to fall asleep...sweet dreams awaited me, while I tried to block out all the homework that was drilling holes into my conscience.

After updating this blog I am committing myself to my books and homework...so goodbye for now...

MJ made both the STANDARD AND LATIN GOLD 1 class!! Yeah

2009-09-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day. Not only is the sun shining and the fresh breeze flowing but I made it into the Gold 1 classes. Especially with experiencing not making it last semester! There were so many girls trying out for Gold...and I made it into BOTH of the classes. I am still in awe.

Also, with having a hard time finding partners to practice and audition with --> I am really proud that I made it. I was nervous all day long and wanted all my other classes to be over with so I could go check the list that they posted at 3 pm today. I ran to the RB (Richards Building)...and checked the list...=)

I met bekks and Caye on campus and we all enjoyed the summer breeze...

I love you all and hope you had a wonderful day as well.

xoxo MJ

Try outs for Ballroom

2009-08-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today was a pretty stressful but exciting day. I woke up at 6.30 am, got ready and left to go to my first try out. I hadn't danced for 4 months and felt really out of shape. Seeing old partners and friends who had been taking dance lessons all summer and had improved a great deal, was a little intimidating. The only time I did practice was this past Saturday for 1 1/2 hours. Even though it doesn't seem like a long time, my feet testify otherwise. I have huge blisters all over my feet, which makes dancing a lot harder --but thankfully not unbearable.

After Latin try outs at 8 am I preceded to my Religion class. Professor Black is an amazingly talented teacher and very enthusiastic about what she teaches. Her lectures will be great to listen to. The class is about Joseph Smith's life and the historical background.

Then I went and practiced for my next try out-----> Standard Gold 1.

U had planned to dance with this one guy who ditched me 1 week ago, and then 2 other guys that bailed on me in the past 2 days. It has been quite frustrating and annoying finding another partner to audition with. But I was blessed and found a partner (a very good dancer) just in time. The try outs went well considering my lack of practice over the summer. Tomorrow the Dance Department will list the Names that made the class. I am pretty nervous but confident that the right thing will happen. I did my best and will try over and over again if I have to. I am grateful to be at BYU and for the Dance Program that it offers me. I forgot how much I love dancing and how happy it makes me. I feel free when I am on a stage dancing...

I will keep you posted on how I did....tomorrow at 3 pm. =)

Love, MJ

BYU Fall Semester 2009

2009-08-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

I am really looking forward to this semester. New Roommates, new classes, and a new year...make the best new semester ever! I cannot wait to get to know many different people and to grow academically and spiritually. Today was our first day at church. There are so many new people and pretty faces (haha =)). I arrived in Salt Lake on Friday and took the Express Shuttle to Provo. Caye picked me up with her new car and we went to get all my belongings from Brittlyn's (I didn't realize that I have a LOT of stuff up to that point). Then I spent to afternoon with Caye at her apartment. She decorated the apartment beautifully and did a really good paint job. We enjoyed the hot tub and refreshing pool after a long, hot day. Saturday morning Bekks and I went running around the temple. After a nice 45 min. run we unpacked the million bags full of clothing and shoes. =) Scheduling classes and figuring out my dance auditions took longer than expected. Bekks patiently waited for us to go to the bookstore to get our most important objects for school. The Bookstore changed their Bookstore system with the numbering of the different subjects to the authors names. Now it is a lot easier to find the books you are looking for. Too bad the book prices haven't changed.

I had quite some challenges with arranging spare time to practice dance....

DanceSport Winter 2009

2009-05-25T03:13:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I love dancing BALLROOM. It is truly a great passion of mine. I thoroughly get a thrill standing on the dance floor and performing. Looking at the pictures of me dancing got me very excited for fall semester just then. Whenever I listen to music I just have to dance or move along. It is a little hard doing that without a partner but the mirror has already become a good and close friend of mine. Practice makes perfect. And I am a perfectionist in many things (not my room at the moment =) haha)

Every one should have something in their life that fully fills the soul. Dance does that for me!

2009-04-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Winter Semester 2009 is slowly coming to an end. I have 22 days left before I go home to Austria. This semester has been crazy stressful and I learned many things...including what not to do. I felt a little overwhelmed with my tight schedule and working hours but I am almost there. Right now I enjoying conference and feel so blessed to get spiritually strengthened. I love hearing words from servants of the Lord and their unshakable testimonies. I have to go and study for my Living Prophets midterm...but I will be back later and tell you more about what has been going on in my life. I am sorry for not updating for so long. I got caught up in the stressful life of a sophomore college girl. =) Love you all, MJ

2009-02-08T16:41:00.000-08:00

Mr. SNOWMAN will be missed! Annie and I! and the beautiful landscape of Utah. =)

2009-02-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! This past weekend was a blast. Anna Richards, one of my roommates took us 7 girls up to her Cabin in Heber, Utah. It was so much fun. When we left Provo on Friday it was raining but as we arrived in Heber it was snowing. On our way to Heber we stopped to get some dinner @ Dairy Keen's (I can't remember if that was what the place was called.) They have amazing shakes and burgers. Once we made it through the snowy road (we had to push the car...) we safely arrived at the cabin. We got all our bags and snow gear into the warm little (it is actually pretty big..."little" just sounds cuter!! haha) cabin and got comfortable on the soft sofas. We lit a fire in the fireplace and talked and laughed. then we watched "Return to me". Anyone who has not seen that movie yet...put it on your list! We then played games and laughed even more...and finally fell asleep to the silent sound of the country...

I awoke to the delicious smell of bacon, waffles, eggs, and hash brown. We had a feast! After that enormous breakfast we got ready to go sledding. After sledding down the hill a couple of times we decided to build a snowman...we ended up creating 2 snow-statues or sculptures. It was so much fun working together and creating something.

Las Vegas with EMILY!!!

2009-01-19T00:35:00.001-08:00

My roommate Emily took me home with her to LAS VEGAS (b/c of the extended weekend!). The weather is amazing and the home-made food is even better. We went running, shopping, sight seeing, and played games. On sunday we took a nap under the warm sun in the garden and had a fabulous dinner with the whole family. I am so blessed to know Ems!! I love it here..=) Love, MJ

My new hairstyle (by Caye)

2009-01-19T00:29:00.000-08:00

Miss Caye is am amazing hairdresser!! She cut and colored my hair and I absolutely love it. =) I went to her apartment after work and could relax while she was working on my hair...Too bad there are no guys that I really care about (other than Mr. Ballroom guy --but he is too amazing...=) jk haha)...

Lindsey's birthday!!

2008-12-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

This was at 3 am on Lindsey's birthday. Emily and I were cutting out tons of hearts and wrote on them. We stuck them all over the apartment...and surprised her that morning. =)

The only tree in sight

2008-12-13T21:24:00.000-08:00

Lindsey and Miriam:

The only tree insight!

4 Corners

2008-12-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

On they way down to NM we stopped by the famous 4 CORNERS. The four states COLORADO, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona meet together...you can be in 4 places at once!!! =)

Thanksgiving in NEW MEXICO

2008-12-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving 2008 I accompanied Lindsey and her family to New Mexico. Lindsey's grandparents are serving a mission there and because Lindsey is most likely going to go on her mission in a couple of months, that was the last opportunity for her to see them. It was a 9 hour drive and that is how I caught up on my non-existing sleep. I had a crazy week the week of Thanksgiving: teachers assigning more and more homework, tons of projects that would be due right after Thanksgiving break, etc. I brought a lot of homework and actually got a lot done as well. Whenever we had a spare moment we would study or sleep. haha

The country site is very diverse from Austria, the land of the green, in that there are no real mountains and there are no trees or any sign of life. It is pretty much a dessert with a few random settlers in their small trailers. I cannot imagine living there because there seems to be no future. I just realized how blessed I am to live here in Provo, being able to go to college, and having a supportive family!!!

2008-11-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

My mom and dad and the most amazing parents and I just wanted to let everyone know how much I love them. They have helped me become who I am today and have made it possible for me to go to BYU. I feel so blessed every day that I spend here. I am learning so much at this university and am having a lot of fun. Life is beautiful, especially when I overcome hard trials...=) Thank you Mom and Dad for everything you do for me. I LOVE YOU!!!

SUMMER 2008

2008-11-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

Kenna and I had an amazing time driving up from California. The song "LOVE SONG" by Sara Bareilles is the summer song of 2008. Good memories...

SAMBA originated from BRAZIL

2008-11-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

2008-11-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

BYU DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIP 2008

2008-11-16T20:23:00.000-08:00

1st picture: Gabe, me and my SAMBA and RUMBA partner Alex.

2nd: EVAN, my Waltz and Tango partner.

Hello everyone.

This weekend was one of the best in my entire life...and that says a lot because I have a had pretty amazing weekends. I love dancing, as you all know and this weekend I had the opportunity to compete against all the other BYU students. I am currently taking three ballroom classes: 180 -social dancing beginning, 185 bronze level latin, and 284 silver level standard. I danced up in all three: 280 -swing, 285 -rumba, and 382 -tango. It was so much fun but very hectic as well. I have a tighter fitting dress for latin dances and a more flowy one for standard dances. And on top of that I had to change shoes. Wearing latin sandals or standard shoes makes a big difference...crazy I know. I didn't believe it at first but the latin sandals are open in the front, so you are practically touching the floor with your toes sometimes and that allows you to move faster and pass by your other foot without having this long shoe trying to get past.

Anyway, I got my workout for the weekend by running from one dance to the other, changing and trying to remember what dance was on next. It really helped that I didn't make it passed the 4th round dancing the CHACHA and the 1st round in the SWING. That way, I had more time to change. =)

On friday my only dance was SAMBA. Me and my partner ALEX (he is from Russia) could not believe it when we kept getting called back. It is funny how everyone stands around the various screens to see if their number is on their...

We made it into the semifinals!!! We were so happy and my teacher was really proud of us since we were dancing up a level. We ended up taking 3rd place!!! Whohoo.

Saturday was the stressful day. 4 different dances in a row and Tango added to that later in the afternoon. I placed 3rd in the Waltz and 2nd in the SAMBA. I even made it passed 2 rounds, dancing up to the gold level for standard. My teacher was very proud...which means a lot to me.

I loved this weekend more than anything...especially when the professionals (4th in the world) performed. The amateur levels are also amazing to watch...I took a couple of videos (not the best quality however).

I also know a lot of ballroom people now, which makes it so much more exciting when you know different people and always have someone to talk to. Guess who I spent some time with as well? You'll have to ask if you want to find out. =)

Love you all...till next time,

Sunday before church

2008-11-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

We had to take a picture of all 4 roommates together. No one had to leave early today to go to some meeting...=)

After church everyone is out for dinner so we hardly see each other on sundays. Today church was spiritually uplifting especially after a stressful week. The weather is not as great...very windy and cold. But sundays are awesome in general...even the bad weather can't change that! I do miss the family dinners at home in Austria and at the Gallachers in CA though. I love you and miss you all! Love, Miriam.

2008-11-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

Yes. This is me making everyone laugh by pretending to be Caesar. I love the Banana in my hand...it adds to the glory of Rome (which is aka Elite Apartment #2). Yes...no one got any sleep that night. =)

Conference weekend in Salt Lake City

2008-11-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

Conference weekend was amazing! I got to go home to Lindsey's home in Holiday, Salt Lake. We drove up to Salt Lake saturday morning and went to the afternoon session. We were a little late and had to run in the rain to get their in time. The conference center is huge and there were so many people there, including many good looking men. =) After conference I met Lindsey's family...we had a delicious dinner...homemade pizza. mmm....

My Roommates: Lindsey, Anna and Emily

2008-11-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

2008-11-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

This video shows the late/crazy nights in California and how much we love peanut butter. I love how Cailey and I are wearing winter hats even though we are not outside...haha =)

Gorgeous Fall Atmosphere

2008-11-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

I adore the fall setting. The trees are painted with various colors and add to a comfortable feeling when walking on campus. They make the days so much more enjoyable after an exhausting day of stress and school. I was walking home from campus the other day and just had to smile to myself...I am so blessed to be here at BYU and to have the possibility to learn something new everyday. I thoroughly enjoy every second here...

Halloween 2008

2008-11-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

My Halloween was a lot of fun despite my lack of costume. I decided to wear something I could dance in. I dressed up as a "Austrian-actress". I was wearing a red scarf around my shoulders, high-heels, long earrings,... When I attempted to create a movie-like hairdo I was lucky that it worked right away. I was impressed how little time it took for me to "dress-up".

Our ward had a party in the WLK (we call the Wilkinson Center the "WILK") on the 5th floor. I didn't even know they had a 5th floor. There was fun music to dance to while they had a vampire movie projected onto the wall. It was pretty hot on the dance floor but worth all the sweat...=)

I also got to dance the CHA-CHA with Mike. He is on one of the back-up ballroom teams. It was awesome. I just wish I was wearing my new LATIN-sandals (they are amazing. I would have never thought that they make such a big difference dancing. It is the best feeling ever...and you can move your feet so much faster and it simply looks good.).