Pathway

A few weeks after I turned 30, I was crying to Greg one night about how I'm 30 and haven't done much of anything with my life. He suggested looking into the Pathway program the church is running in partnership with BYU-Idaho. I had heard of it briefly when the pathway missionaries came to do a 5th Sunday lesson a while ago, but let's be honest, I have a hard time staying awake and paying attention during those meetings.

For the next few weeks I did a little research on what the Pathway program was and how it might be beneficial. I figured, if anything, it will give me something to do. So I signed up. It will only cost me a little over $200/semester this first year, then that same low price will carry over if I decide to continue through BYU-I. Not too shabby, right?

Some of the requirements for Pathway are to attend an institute class, take 1 online class per semester, and attend a weekly gathering with other Pathway students in my area to further discuss what we went over in our online classes. I was a little worried about that part, but it's actually turned out okay.

Institute started a couple of weeks before the actual Pathway class started as it is on the USU schedule. The Sunday before we were asked to meet with the Pathway Missionaries over my class, just as a quick get-to-know you. Greg and I headed over to the tabernacle where we met with Elder & Sister Nye. They are a sweet couple, and I'm excited to have them as our missionaries.

After meeting with them, Greg and I went up on campus where the Logan Institute building is, so we could get a feel of where to go. We get free parking in the terrace, so that's nice, except for the fact that parking terraces frighten me.I always feel like there is a murderer lurking in them.

The institute building is not only huge, but mega confusing. there are so many random floors, and different ways of getting to different sections of the building. I'm pretty sure I would still get lost if I weren't following people from institute to my gathering. It's so weird.

Greg has been going with me to my Thursday gatherings so that I don't have to try to mess with the tickets. It's been nice to have him go with me.

I am taking a Book of Mormon institute class this semester. It's been really good so far. We were originally supposed to have one teacher, then she got sick and was replaced temporarily by another guy who was absolutely awesome. Then they got a new teacher for my last class. He is supposed to be our regular teacher going forward. He's a younger guy, who is easy to get off topic, but is pretty good still. It will be interesting to go through the next few weeks with him. I really have enjoyed learning more about the Book of Mormon and getting different insights.

Right after institute I head to my Pathway Gathering. There are maybe 20 of us in the class. It's been an interesting experience, but i have really enjoyed it. Each week we have a new lesson for our online class, then when we go to the Gathering, there is a lead student who leads discussion on what we learned that week. We are usually broken up into groups where we can discuss different topics. Normally I would hate those things, but it's actually been really neat. My group has people from all over Cache Valley, Preston, and Tremonton, and we're all at different stages in our lives. It's been a great experience so far. I much prefer the gatherings to the online busy work.

 As I mentioned previously, each week there is a lead student to lead the discussion. We were all supposed to sign up for a week, and so I signed up...for the very first one. It was the week Greg was in Long Beach, so it was probably not the wisest of ideas, but it was good to get it over with. My topic was the BYU-I Learning Model and the Honor Code. There is a lesson schedule one can follow, which made it really nice. Teaching and being in front of people doesn't really intimidate me any more, so I think it surprised them how calm I was. It was a really great experience to listen as the other groups discussed the different steps of the Learning Model. We didn't get to the Honor Code part due to time constraints, but it's okay. It was really awesome.

It has been a really neat experience so far, and I'm looking forward to continuing with it and see what more I can learn.

For more information on what Pathway is, visit the church's website: https://pathway.lds.org/

August is Ending

So, I say this every month, but it's almost the end of the month all ready! Time is sure flying by, and you'd think with as many pictures I take, I'd have something super exciting to share, but, alas, I do not. I'll just walk through the last part of August.

One of the sweet girls in my ward, one of my young women, volleyball player, and friend was sealed for Time and All Eternity. I can't believe she is married. I've known her since we moved here, and being in young womens, I got the opportunity to spend time with her, and watch her grow up, spiritually, and physically. She has always had a strong testimony, but it still just makes me so happy to see her so happy, and to make such an important decision to be married in the temple. She lookked so beautiful and their happiness was just radiating! I love you Sarah!

Since my latest stupidity, Greg has decided that I need to start lifting weights and exercising. Do you want to know how I've felt about it? Well, I'll make a separate post about it, as it is one of my 28 by 29 goals.

The weather has been kind of strange this year. It luckily hasn't been super hot, but lately it's been storming, and has been a bit chilly. The mornings are the worst. Luckily I bought myself a new hair dryer that actually blows hot air. It's been very helpful.

Sometimes I joke about how awesome I am at my job, but in reality, I'm not really joking. I really am quite good at my job. I'm totally humble about it too. Since March, one of the other tellers and I were put in a group that helps with web apps (loans). We have been a bit bombarded, but honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. I absolutely love it. I love being able to help people and having them thank me. Sure it sucks letting people know they've been denied, but if you get one that was denied, and you can work out a way to help them out, it's pretty great. I wish I knew my actual numbers. I could tell you how much money I've done in loans this month due to this pretty sweet email I received from our corporate sales guy.

Greg and I were shopping one day, and I saw some fruit roll-ups, and decided to get them. I love fruit roll-ups. They remind me of Grandma. She always bought them, and we always ate them all. I was super excited to eat this, but was a bit bummed that they no longer do the cut out shapes. Lame!

It's been so beautiful when it storms! Don't tell anyone around here, but I'm kind of looking forward to winter and snow storms!

There was a day at work where there was a bit of negative energy floating around. I don't know if it's my medication, or I have just changed my attitude a lot, but it really gets to me, and makes me feel really sad and weird. So, I sent this picture to everyone. It was nice to hear some laughs.

Greg officially officially started school this week. Lucky him! It's been a pretty busy week for him, but he still enjoys his job.

I went to the dentist for the first time in 10 years! My bishop is a dentist, and since he knows about my condition and lack of being able to open my month, he was very willing to help me out. He was great, and said that I had great teeth, and they weren't too bad for not having been to a dentist in so long. I did however, have a couple of small cavities that I had to go back for. He put me on laughing gas. and at first I didn't notice any difference, but after a while, I started thinking about it, and nearly busted up laughing. I seriously had to try not to smile. It was pretty funny. Thats when I knew it was working. He numbed me up, and was able to get it filled pretty quick. My face was numb for quite a while after. It's a strange feeling. It really has been forever. I have to go back in about a week and half to get the other one done on the other side. Awesome! My right side is completely numb in this pic.

Work....SIGH....We have the best Wednesday morning meetings. It wouldn't be so awesome without me and Danny getting into it about different things. I actually raised my voice a few times, but they were about legitimate issues, so I don't feel TOO bad.

My friend Lindsay has started selling LuLaroe skirts, and she did a party out in Hyrum. My mom, Lindsay's mom and I went out there. I haven't seen Linds since December, and she has since moved to Arizona, so it was really great to see her. There were a few other Cokeville people there, and it was really great seeing them too. If you are looking for super cute skirts, contact Linds. She's got them!

And lastly, I did some last minute visiting teaching. I am so terrible at it. I don't know why I have such a hard time doing it. I love the sisters I visit, and my partner is awesome. I just need to do it. I bought them some treats at the pharmacy when I was picking up meds. That's how you know you're a true spoonie!

Not too much else has been happening. Well, in real life. There is a lot going on in my head, but I have to be a bit emotional in order for me to get my thoughts and feelings out. Right now, I feel like I'm on top of the world. Thank you Zoloft (and no, that isn't a God that I worship!)