The things that make life

* Early morning snuggles (both of us being conscious at the same time... imagine that)
* Creativity
* Dave Brubeck
* Spontaneous and flamboyant nail polish experiments
* Fifteen hours of documentary joy
* Learning to hate homework in my twenty-first year of formal education
* Milking fall for all it's worth
* Friendship
* Pizza
* Discovering new songs and only listening to them on Grooveshark
* Focusing on acquiring knowledge instead of completing a task list (thank you, Scott)

After six hours of studying and more to go...

This is how I feel.

Matisse

Henri Matisse is my favorite artist. He does some beautiful paintings, but I love his cut-outs best.

In recent news...

Photo Source

I made tie-dye cupcakes last night. The frosting did not turn out like whipped cream but instead a sloppy, separated mess that still tasted pretty good. Oh well.

Finals week in nursing school. 2 classes down, 3 to go. Granted, the 2 classes down are the easy ones. But still.

I just got Pinterest. I'm not sure how to add people or to be added... but figuring it out. Makes a good way to pass the time in Health Promotions... (after responding to all my blog comments, adding to my immensely long TBR list on GoodReads, and playing a few rapid-fire games of Solitaire).

This post is not Scott-approved, however...

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I am ready for fall.

Sweaters.

Actual night - not 6 pm night, but 8:30 pm night.

Wearing beanies.

Cider.

Pumpkin products. Everywhere. All day, every day.

This is possibly my last fall. Do you know how sad that is? Next year we could be ANYWHERE.

A Short and Sweet Guide to Bus Etiquette

I am quickly becoming one of the world's leading authorities on the UTA transportation system. I spend more time on it than normal people. I know pretty much every possible way to get from Salt Lake to Provo, and several other places besides. As I've developed this expertise, I have learned a few things that are are bus appropriate and a few things that are not. So, if you ever intend to ride UTA, I hope you choose to subscribe to these simple rules.

1. Do not cross the seat line. This is not a difficult concept. You have been allotted twelve inches of space to sit, and I have been allotted twelve inches of space. You are not allowed to encroach upon my twelve inches, leaving me with only eight inches. This includes your elbows and your bags.

2. If there are multiple seats open in the bus, do not sit next to a person with a very large bag. While they will probably be forced to put it in front of them at some point, leaving them with no leg room and forcing them to contort their body into all sorts of unimaginable positions in order to fit in the allotted twelve inches of space, it is nice to keep that seat open as long as possible. Go sit by the person who only has an ipod.

3. Do not fall asleep on another person, unless this person is your significant other.

4. Do not smoke on the bus.

5. Do bathe before you ride the bus. If you slept in and had to run for it and didn't have time to bathe, put on some cologne. Or deodorant. Or clean clothes.

6. It is appropriate to make polite conversation, but if you see your seat partner is studying, sleeping, or otherwise engaged, keep your remarks succinct.

7. If you are forced to stand on the bus, do not rest your elbow in the near vicinity of a seated person's head, as you will jiggle multiple times and give the seated person a minor concussion.

8. Do not board the bus until everyone else has exited the bus.

9. Greet the bus driver when you board. Thank the bus driver when you get off.

10. If circumstances require you to take a call, keep your voice soft. We don't all want to hear your conversation.

Any questions?

Temple in Versailles!

When I went to France three years ago, I had the opportunity to hear President Uchtdorf speak in a meetinghouse in Versailles about what the French members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints needed to do to receive the blessings of a temple in France. I had never been so close to a General Authority and the talk was a very special and sacred experience.

You can imagine why I was very excited to receive a text from Scott this morning saying that the Church is probably building a temple in France. The official statement is here.

Plan for the Rome, Italy temple

A temple is also being built in Rome, Italy - the first temple built in Italy, where Scott served his mission. Travel is a big goal and interest for Scott and I, and we have already planned on going to the Rome temple, although we haven't yet figured out exactly how or when we will have the opportunity to go. Now "my" country will have a temple as well, and I couldn't be more excited! The members in Versailles are such good people and welcomed us with open arms. Despite the language barrier, the Spirit was very strong in their ward and I had a lot of spiritual growth there. I am so excited for them - now they will have a temple in their backyard. I can't wait to see what it will look like! The Church is true! :-D