Wisdom teeth fun

I was a little worried that for some reason I wouldn't go all the way under. They told me they would gradually administer the drugs until I was "unaware" or something like that. So they had the IV in my hand and they started putting their masks and stuff on and I was super ticked that they were going to start while I wasn't all the way under. I was looking around the room waiting for something to happen and then...
...the nurse was standing me up and walking me across the hall. They laid me down on a bed with a blanket and I couldn't stop laughing. I was awake and aware of what was going on but couldn't make me eyes focus and kept laughing at everything that was going on. My dad was in the room and I knew that he felt bad and was trying not to laugh. I wanted to let him know that I thought it was really funny too but everytime I tried to start talking, it just came out as really loud laughter. I wanted him to take a video of it on his cell phone so I tried to point at it but when I would point I would start laughing really hard again. Michael shot this video in the car on the way home. My laughter was pretty calmed down but he still caught a part of it.

Trees, trees, trees!

And all was muddy and brown in Missouri. This would not do on Christmas Eve.

And so I set off on a mission to capture pictures of all of my mom's wonderful Christmas decorating.

In the front room by the piano stands this happy tree with lots of the family ornaments on it. I like the family traditions that last year after year.

The piano of course has the Christmas sheet music and decorations on top. I love the influence of music in my life; the way a good song can completely change my attitude. It makes the bad days happy and can make happy days live on forever.

The most beautifully decorated tree in our house stands in front of the window overlooking the beautiful Missouri landscape. I am always grateful for the beauty that surrounds me - this earth and this life.

This tree is bright and funky and different. It always makes me think of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." I'm grateful for the wonderful blessing of humor in my life. I should probably be serious more often than I am, but there is nothing quite like a good laugh.

This tree, decorated with western-type ornaments stands in my parents room. I am grateful for my parents beyond words. Their good influence and loving kindness has made me into the good person I am. My less positive characteristics are no fault of theirs, and stand as a witness of their undying patience for putting up with me for so long.

This one is in Michael's room (in front of his map plotting out world domination)

And this one is in Kaitie's room. My siblings are the best. What else can I say?

This little guy had the misfortune of ending up on my very cluttered dresser. Having a warm bed to sleep in every night is one of those blessings I'm never quite grateful enough for.

 

Of course there are Christmas presents. This year, for church, I got to kind of take charge of a Sub for Santa drive we did as a ward. Delivering the gifts to the families (with my lovely assistant Sarah) and seeing the gratitude of the mothers was one of the best moments of the entire semester.

This fella is the most real looking tree out of all of our fake trees. Let me reiterate how much I love nature, and throw in how much I love all of our animals. Sometimes I think I miss my dogs as much as my family while I am away for college...

When I started taking these pictures, I realized just how many trees my mom has around the house. Like this little chili tree.

This kind of odd little guy on my parent's dresser.

The hallway tree with little pink ornaments, but no lights.

And even the tree in the bathroom.

I won't take the time to post pictures of all the other beautiful arrangements my mom created, but I will leave you to enjoy your Christmas with one last picture of decorations. The picture that sums up the reason for all these trees, lights, and reflections of gratitude.

 

The beautiful Nativity scene: the truth that Jesus Christ was born of Mary and lived a perfect life so that we may all return to live in His presence someday. Through His perfect example, let's work towards peace on earth.

Merry Christmas!

(P.S. I stuck my camera out the door just after the clock turned from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, and was greeted by a beautiful fresh layer of Christmas snow! Epic win.)

"Did you just say "I have tourettes" ....?"

So after a finals week that was pretty successful and entertaining, I hopped on a plane and headed back to Missouri today!

Though I mention with bitterness that the RA made me cut down my Christmas tree...

The plane ride felt really long and it was kind of a small, uncomfortable plane. Also, I was patted down in the airport, because apparently I look pretty suspicious.

 Aww look at the cute little plane. Isn't the lack of personal space adorable?

Just a guy lurking in the shadows wearing a beanie and Star Trek shirt. Not a security threat.

It is so incredibly nice to be back here! The Midwest is definitely the place to be. The trees and the rolling plains of nothingness received me home with open arms. I spent quality time with my dogs (who I have missed incredibly) and then me and Michael turned on 101.1 The Fox in the Jeep and cruised around backroads to some most excellent tunes (Bohemian Rhapsody, Sweet Emotion, Dazed and Confused, etc.) The family time night ended (of course) with a hand of contract rummy and watching old episodes of LOST on DVD. Me and Michael ("Xavier") commenced to play the Wii, and I closed out the night by wrapping Christmas presents. I feel confident saying that I would be unable to make a career as a professional wrapper.

Though I could probably still be a rapper

This break is going to be amazing.

Free at last, free at last!

Finals are done. I think they were done pretty well, but I guess we will see if that was good enough when my final grades come out.

Дметри Менделеев был русским учёным, химиком и физиком. Он родился в 1834 году. Он был женат два раза и у него было пять детей. Когда ему было 35 лет, он открыл переодическая система элементов.

Yes, I had that all memorized but my professor went with a much easier oral question. Alas, I will forever know a little blurb about Mendelev. In Russian. In case I ever need it. Hmm. (Also, I learned to type pretty quickly in Russian after a semester of looking up translations online.) Who says you don't learn at school?
Probably my best academic semester at BYU.
And what's more? I'm getting on a plane back to Missouri tomorrow. Epic win.

"If you're going through hell, keep going."

The man quoted in my title and all my post it notes with finals junk...

Finals week is upon me, and it is...exciting? I have lots of studying to do, but the whole thing feels like an exciting challenge to see how good I can do. Someone tell me I'm crazy.

Who's excited?

Jon is.

My grandparents gave me a rice cooker for Christmas. I am now in the process of making rice, though I have no idea what I will eat with it.

Only dimly aware of a certain unease in the air...

I've heard that you can tell a lot about somebody by the condition of their desk.
Can you tell that finals are approaching?
Yet...notice that facebook is still open.