Changes

1. We're moving out of Provo at the end of the semester.

2. I've decided what I want to be when I grow up.

So, moving. There are several reasons for it. The biggest reason is that we think I'll be back on my feet sooner if I have my family around. I'm less prone to lethargy if other people are in the house and I'm expected to wear normal-people clothes, not pajamas. The other main reason is that we aren't entirely fond of Provo (aside from our friends, of course). Jordan will have to commute to work/school until he graduates in December, but after that, we are done with Utah Valley.

I want to work in book publishing when I grow up. I want to be involved in finding great novels and making them incredible. I want a job that will stretch my mind and that will allow me to use what I learned in school. I can't believe I never thought about a career in book publishing before. It makes perfect sense for me: it combines my love for reading, my passion for language, and my desire for continual learning. My hope is to feel good enough to do an internship by this time next year to gain experience and see first-hand what it's like to work in publishing.

Whatever the mess you are, you're mine, okay?

I think that over the past two weeks, I've had every minor illness that one can possibly contract without going to the hospital room or dying. That being said, what should've been the best first week of a semester, ever, has actually been the most difficult and frustrating. But I made it through, and I'm surprisingly still optimistic about this whole Winter '11 idea.

My classes (and schedule) are awesome. I'm only taking three, and they're all language-related. If you know me at all, you know that this makes for good times for me. Which reminds me--yesterday, someone asked me if understanding the English language well helps in learning other languages, and my answer was an emphatic no. Exhibit A: me; Exhibit B: the German language. I did think it was an interesting idea, though. What makes one good at languages? Some people pick them up so easily and it's almost a hobby for them to learn another language.

As for me, I'm sticking with my native tongue and trying my hand at Spanish again, since I have a little experience and am married to my own personal tutor.

I'm still optimistic about meeting all my students, even though my getting-stick-all-the-time escapades sometimes get in the way. I've been able to talk with about two or three of them so far, and it's been so interesting to hear about how they came to choose BYU and to observe the mannerisms that make them unique. I know that people like to stereotype and generalize about BYU students (not to mention members of the Church), but I've found that every time I'm willing to put forth the effort to get to know someone (anyone) better, I end up appreciating and liking them more. People are a lot smarter, kinder, and better than we give them credit for. I love my job so much because I get to discover just how incredible people are.

You put the keys in the car...and DRIVE!

You know what? 10 proof cough syrup is so NASTY, but it makes my sore throat feel so much better. I've decided that after this bottle is empty, by my own doing or Jordan's, I'll only ever take pills. It's so much less nasty.

Last night I made the mistake of checking my work email right before going to bed. There was an email from one of my students asking for help with her schedule, and I got so excited that it made sleeping very difficult. I wanted to help her right then, but I figured that sending at email at 12:45 a.m. probably wouldn't be very professional.

I really want to go back to work (and school). The past two weeks have been AWESEOM [sic, but I like how that typo turned out], but I do enjoy some structure and having things to do, other than boring stuff or watching Psych.

Oh, and happy new year. :F