Ok the truth is that I'm sick of logging into another account to edit the www.drew-n-lydia.blogspot.com blog. And it's not really a family blog since I'm the only one who ever puts anything on it and the only people that actually sometimes read it are family. Actually, my family never even looks at it--they don't know how. So I'm going to continue my blog here, not that anybody cares :)
Word to the wise: when you're apartment hunting and you read all those bad reviews about landlords and management, and you say to yourself "bah they're just exaggerating", and "besides the only vocal people are complainers", and "I'm sure it's not that bad overall and besides the rent is so cheap," just STOP. Don't trust yourself when you start rationalizing. It really is as bad as they say. Heritage court: nice apartment, incompetent management, a dinosaur of a repairman (not the T-rex sort; bless his soul, he should have retired a decade ago) and then there's the air conditioning unit dripping water onto you during your sleep one happy morning and oh yes, the random changing of a water tank that didn't need changing in the first place and the subsequent lack of hot water in the later morning and must I mention the flooding of half our bedroom, and it's still advancing as I speak?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Small changes
It's funny how when we're little, we have very specific expectations: "when I'm 21 I'll be old," "when I get married I'll be a responsible grown-up."
But really, change is so gradual that it creeps up behind you and all of a sudden you realize you've changed--or that you're really still the same.
We've been engaged for about 5 months now, and I realized the other day how much we'd both changed in just these 5 small months.
I also noticed that my engagement ring has now left its mark in the form of a tan line; that made me inexplicably happy!
I had my interview with the Bishop for my permanent temple recommend... soon I will get to go to the temple and be taught.... and be sealed to Andrew for time and all eternity! I'm so grateful for how the Lord lets us progress step by step until being able to move on to higher degrees of knowledge; although I admit that I do not feel like the wise woman I thought I'd be at this moment in my life.
And all of a sudden, we are 11 days away from being married.... and it feels like the most normal thing in the world! And at the same time, the most exciting thing :)
But really, change is so gradual that it creeps up behind you and all of a sudden you realize you've changed--or that you're really still the same.
We've been engaged for about 5 months now, and I realized the other day how much we'd both changed in just these 5 small months.
I also noticed that my engagement ring has now left its mark in the form of a tan line; that made me inexplicably happy!
I had my interview with the Bishop for my permanent temple recommend... soon I will get to go to the temple and be taught.... and be sealed to Andrew for time and all eternity! I'm so grateful for how the Lord lets us progress step by step until being able to move on to higher degrees of knowledge; although I admit that I do not feel like the wise woman I thought I'd be at this moment in my life.
And all of a sudden, we are 11 days away from being married.... and it feels like the most normal thing in the world! And at the same time, the most exciting thing :)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Funny little story....
While I certainly wouldn't go so far as to say that Obama is a socialist (believe me, I've seen real socialism; I come from France), this is an amusing anecdote on the economics of socialism...
An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had
never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class.
That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one
would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class
on Obama's plan".
All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade
so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.
After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.
The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied
little were happy.
As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had
studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a
free ride too so they studied little. The second test average was a D!
No one was happy.
When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.
The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all
resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.
All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that
socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great,
the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the
reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.
An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had
never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class.
That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one
would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class
on Obama's plan".
All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade
so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.
After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.
The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied
little were happy.
As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had
studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a
free ride too so they studied little. The second test average was a D!
No one was happy.
When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.
The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all
resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.
All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that
socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great,
the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the
reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Don't hate on Provo
So many times, I hear people here at BYU bash other students because they are such "typical" BYU students. They say that Provo is a bubble and that people here are so ignorant about the real world, that this community we live in is so artificial. These people strive to go to the "real world" and be with "normal people."
Well I have a news flash: the real world ain't pretty and "normal people" are nowhere as cool as they think they are. Provo may not be a party place, but I've had more fun (in a more wholesome way, too) here with my friends than I ever had before at "real" parties back in France. I am so grateful to live here at this moment in my life where I can make friends who have the same beliefs as me and who help me to become better. Here in "the bubble" I have met outstanding minds and kindred spirits who have helped me stretch and become a bigger person. I have had more intellectual conversations with brilliant people, have been challenged by classmates who were my equals, and have made life-long friendships.
It is here in "happy valley" that I have met the man that I plan on spending the rest of eternity with, here that we developed a relationship in a healthy and uplifting environment.
It is here at BYU that I had the opportunity to see a prophet and shake an apostle's hand, here that I have learned from brilliant professors who have expanded my vision and inspired me to work harder. Here, in this wonderful university, I can study the fascinating field of Broadcast journalism in a program which, by the way, is one of the best in the nation.
Here, I get to be a part of the outstanding BYU Ballroom Dance Company, a performing group that brings fun as well as the spirit to audiences around the world. Provo is the only place in the world where ballroom dance can be practiced in a healthy environment.
Here, I have received precious professional experience by working in an excellent translation company that spans the globe, and I am still polishing my resume surrounded by wonderful coworkers. I get to go study on a beautifully landscaped campus nestled at the foot of majestic mountains, and I can study religion in the same classroom as I study biology in.
What is wrong with an environment where it is safe to go on long walks at night, where there are whole stakes of young adults who are seeking and preparing for marriage, that most sacred of covenants? What is wrong with a place where instead of going to nightclubs single adults meet to go serve or sing hymns? What is wrong with a place that has been so good to me?
Provo is my home for now, and I love it with all my heart. Not everyone here is perfect, and that is a fact no matter where you go, but I am determined to always defend it as one of the most wonderful places on earth.
Well I have a news flash: the real world ain't pretty and "normal people" are nowhere as cool as they think they are. Provo may not be a party place, but I've had more fun (in a more wholesome way, too) here with my friends than I ever had before at "real" parties back in France. I am so grateful to live here at this moment in my life where I can make friends who have the same beliefs as me and who help me to become better. Here in "the bubble" I have met outstanding minds and kindred spirits who have helped me stretch and become a bigger person. I have had more intellectual conversations with brilliant people, have been challenged by classmates who were my equals, and have made life-long friendships.
It is here in "happy valley" that I have met the man that I plan on spending the rest of eternity with, here that we developed a relationship in a healthy and uplifting environment.
It is here at BYU that I had the opportunity to see a prophet and shake an apostle's hand, here that I have learned from brilliant professors who have expanded my vision and inspired me to work harder. Here, in this wonderful university, I can study the fascinating field of Broadcast journalism in a program which, by the way, is one of the best in the nation.
Here, I get to be a part of the outstanding BYU Ballroom Dance Company, a performing group that brings fun as well as the spirit to audiences around the world. Provo is the only place in the world where ballroom dance can be practiced in a healthy environment.
Here, I have received precious professional experience by working in an excellent translation company that spans the globe, and I am still polishing my resume surrounded by wonderful coworkers. I get to go study on a beautifully landscaped campus nestled at the foot of majestic mountains, and I can study religion in the same classroom as I study biology in.
What is wrong with an environment where it is safe to go on long walks at night, where there are whole stakes of young adults who are seeking and preparing for marriage, that most sacred of covenants? What is wrong with a place where instead of going to nightclubs single adults meet to go serve or sing hymns? What is wrong with a place that has been so good to me?
Provo is my home for now, and I love it with all my heart. Not everyone here is perfect, and that is a fact no matter where you go, but I am determined to always defend it as one of the most wonderful places on earth.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Countdown
It's been a while since I've written-- I've learned that being engaged keeps you quite busy!
But Andrew has proven himself to be quite the patient, talent and diverse man (that I already knew he was :) -- he stamped and addressed envelopes, found a perfect apartment, gave me a blessing when needed, and so much more! I know you shouldn't really believe in soulmates, but if I had to pick a kindred spirit I know who it would be... :)
I was able to go to the temple with a friend today, and it was so nice because I haven't had many occasions to go lately.
Bit by bit things are falling into place, and we are now at the 23-day mark!! Unbelievable...
But I couldn't be happier about the direction my life is taking-- if all goes well and I am accepted into the Broadcast journalism program, I will be starting my official major (it lasts two years)! All I have to do now is finish up that bothersome independent study class (note to all: independent study is only worth it if you come equipped with oodles of discipline).
I've officially been working at MultiLing for a year now, and I've progressed so much within the company; it's funny to have a real job with other grown-ups (I'm the youngest person there! although there are some other students and recent grads), because when you're young you think "when I'm a grown-up I'll be so much wiser and smarter and responsible..." but I certainly don't feel like I'm any of those! This probably goes back to that "when you are called you are qualified" thing... it seems like life just thrusts responsibility upon you and what you do with it makes you the person you become...
Back to MultiLing though: I'm supposed to ask for a raise since I've been with the company for a year now, but I have no idea how to go about it! Any suggestions?
I've also discovered what it's like to have good friends. I've had many friends throughout life, but only since coming to college and living with people (apart from my closest childhood friends) have I really seen what being a good friend means. I guess living with people either makes or breaks friendship :) I'm glad to be developing friendships that will last a lifetime, and I hope to make many new friends in the future.
I was reading about the story of Cain this morning (many people, including Andrew, have told me that the Pearl of Great Price and especially the book of Moses are good reading to prepare for the temple) and I realized something--the Lord really does have mercy on us, even when we are horrible awful terrible people. Cain killed his brother and rebelled against God, and when God cursed him Cain was afraid, and said that people would seek to kill him (Moses 5:35-40)-- and yet, Heavenly Father promised him that whoever killed him would be punished "seven-fold," and gave him protection in the form of a mark.
He still loved his wayward child enough to give him that one assurance... despite the fact that he was the first murderer of this earth. If God can decide to show that much compassion to someone who doesn't even come close to deserving it, how much more should we be careful in our dealings with others... There's food for thought!
But Andrew has proven himself to be quite the patient, talent and diverse man (that I already knew he was :) -- he stamped and addressed envelopes, found a perfect apartment, gave me a blessing when needed, and so much more! I know you shouldn't really believe in soulmates, but if I had to pick a kindred spirit I know who it would be... :)
I was able to go to the temple with a friend today, and it was so nice because I haven't had many occasions to go lately.
Bit by bit things are falling into place, and we are now at the 23-day mark!! Unbelievable...
But I couldn't be happier about the direction my life is taking-- if all goes well and I am accepted into the Broadcast journalism program, I will be starting my official major (it lasts two years)! All I have to do now is finish up that bothersome independent study class (note to all: independent study is only worth it if you come equipped with oodles of discipline).
I've officially been working at MultiLing for a year now, and I've progressed so much within the company; it's funny to have a real job with other grown-ups (I'm the youngest person there! although there are some other students and recent grads), because when you're young you think "when I'm a grown-up I'll be so much wiser and smarter and responsible..." but I certainly don't feel like I'm any of those! This probably goes back to that "when you are called you are qualified" thing... it seems like life just thrusts responsibility upon you and what you do with it makes you the person you become...
Back to MultiLing though: I'm supposed to ask for a raise since I've been with the company for a year now, but I have no idea how to go about it! Any suggestions?
I've also discovered what it's like to have good friends. I've had many friends throughout life, but only since coming to college and living with people (apart from my closest childhood friends) have I really seen what being a good friend means. I guess living with people either makes or breaks friendship :) I'm glad to be developing friendships that will last a lifetime, and I hope to make many new friends in the future.
I was reading about the story of Cain this morning (many people, including Andrew, have told me that the Pearl of Great Price and especially the book of Moses are good reading to prepare for the temple) and I realized something--the Lord really does have mercy on us, even when we are horrible awful terrible people. Cain killed his brother and rebelled against God, and when God cursed him Cain was afraid, and said that people would seek to kill him (Moses 5:35-40)-- and yet, Heavenly Father promised him that whoever killed him would be punished "seven-fold," and gave him protection in the form of a mark.
He still loved his wayward child enough to give him that one assurance... despite the fact that he was the first murderer of this earth. If God can decide to show that much compassion to someone who doesn't even come close to deserving it, how much more should we be careful in our dealings with others... There's food for thought!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Recent happy events
::Ahem::
your attention please:
It would appear that Andrew and Lydia are engaged :)
For those who would like more info (and understand french) go here
your attention please:
It would appear that Andrew and Lydia are engaged :)
For those who would like more info (and understand french) go here
Monday, February 2, 2009
finding new things
Sometimes you forget to look outside of your daily routine. For example, who knew that we had a real live train station (by the way, train station in Finnish is "juna-asema") here in our town of Provo?!
Andrew, excited about the upcoming trip to Nauvoo which would quite possibly be on a train, and being himself, looked up the local train station. And so Saturday, which was great for more than one reason, ended up being quite the day of discoveries.
Apart from the amazing steeple-esque thingy on top and the lovely benches, we also discovered some fascinating reading material (which, if you can't see in the photo, is some Jehovah's Witnesses literature...). Because it's wrong to litter (in more sense than one...) we promptly did a little clean-up. Oops!
It reminds me of France...
Andrew, excited about the upcoming trip to Nauvoo which would quite possibly be on a train, and being himself, looked up the local train station. And so Saturday, which was great for more than one reason, ended up being quite the day of discoveries.
Apart from the amazing steeple-esque thingy on top and the lovely benches, we also discovered some fascinating reading material (which, if you can't see in the photo, is some Jehovah's Witnesses literature...). Because it's wrong to litter (in more sense than one...) we promptly did a little clean-up. Oops!
It reminds me of France...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Life is good...
When you make new friends on your way home from work... this little fellow came right up to me and we conversed for a little while. (it also could've helped that I had baklava in a paper bag and shared the spoils of war)
When there are people willing to protect you from the big bad campus rapists and make sure you always get home safely...
When there are brilliant people around you...
When you get to see old roommates and they're all moving on with their lives!
When you have fantastic sisters like mine that are super cool and get the same hoodie as you !
And of course, it helps to have a nice boy around.... :)
When there are people willing to protect you from the big bad campus rapists and make sure you always get home safely...
When there are brilliant people around you...
When you get to see old roommates and they're all moving on with their lives!
When you have fantastic sisters like mine that are super cool and get the same hoodie as you !
And of course, it helps to have a nice boy around.... :)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Dance
I love dance. I love to watch it, I love to learn about it, I love to do it, I love to talk about it... I love dance. But there are some times that I lose sight of that because of everything else.
I love having the opportunity to dance at BYU for the Ballroom dance company, and putting on a show, whether in a competition or on stage, is one of the best feelings in the world. I can't wait for Ballroom Dance in Concert where people will actually pay to come see me dance! (okay, I have to not kid myself, they're coming for the tour team, but still...) I get to be a part of something so much bigger than my petty life, and it's also just plain fun.
But sometimes, when you have to wake up before the sun rises to go practice, or when you're going over and over and over the same steps and can't see any improvement, or when some people are rude and make you feel worthless, or when you watch a video of your dancing and realize there's still so much work to be done, it can be discouraging.
Those are the times when I just have to kick myself and refuse to quit. And then, I go around a bend and break through and things get better, and I'm progressing again! I think it's a lot like life: there are hard times where you just have to pull through by remembering the good times, and then before you realize it, the good times are back again!!
I love having the opportunity to dance at BYU for the Ballroom dance company, and putting on a show, whether in a competition or on stage, is one of the best feelings in the world. I can't wait for Ballroom Dance in Concert where people will actually pay to come see me dance! (okay, I have to not kid myself, they're coming for the tour team, but still...) I get to be a part of something so much bigger than my petty life, and it's also just plain fun.
But sometimes, when you have to wake up before the sun rises to go practice, or when you're going over and over and over the same steps and can't see any improvement, or when some people are rude and make you feel worthless, or when you watch a video of your dancing and realize there's still so much work to be done, it can be discouraging.
Those are the times when I just have to kick myself and refuse to quit. And then, I go around a bend and break through and things get better, and I'm progressing again! I think it's a lot like life: there are hard times where you just have to pull through by remembering the good times, and then before you realize it, the good times are back again!!
When it gets cold and grey...
There are still things to celebrate even when it gets cold and icky outside, and the sun sets earlier. For example, this winter sunset.
And this is what I get to see outside my window at work:
So winter's not all that bad sometimes :)
And this is what I get to see outside my window at work:
So winter's not all that bad sometimes :)
Family
Charles (my uncle) came to visit last week, and gave a speech to the MPA (Masters of Public Administration) students at BYU. It's always a blessing to be with people who love you unconditionally and have known you all your life--that's one thing that makes family so great; and I just like my uncle :)I realized one thing however: it's weird to mix worlds! For example, having my sister at BYU for the first time was a bit confusing because in my carefully organised world, Amelia belongs in France with the rest of my family! And it was the same with Charles: going around campus with him pointing out his favorite places and telling stories was great though-- in a way, I'm living a lot of the experiences he did!
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