In Constant Flux

Why the title, you ask? Well, it's because this year I made out like a bandit and it was totally unexpected. It wasn't just in the temporal gift section either. Of course I got some great things like a new sleeping bag from my awesome in laws, a book I'm very excited to read from Jory, some Chacos from Aim, and a fun game called Killer Bunnies, among some other great stuff. I really just feel good about the weekend I had. It was very relaxing, away from stresses of school and work and just good times with my new family. One of my favorite moments of the weekend was while I was simply sitting and reading. Of course, I wasn't terribly focused on my book. There was so much going on that I would just look around and mentally take part in everyone else's doings. Lydia and Steve were working diligently on a large, motorized knex lawnmower, Erin was bouncing all over from sitting at the computer to writing in her notebook to joining in on conversations to playing the piano. Jory, Aimee and Shanna were engaged in a conversation that bounced around almost as much as Erin, but was generally focused on books and literary things. I just sat and observed. It was great. Everyone was beautifully happy and comfortable.


It is always interesting for me to stay with the Hemmelgarns because I get to see the way they do things. As I child, for example, I had very different interests and hobbies than they do. I was always outside playing basketball or climbing in the tree house or just getting into trouble. The
Hemmelgarns on the other hand have very different hobbies. I watched as Lydia and Erin, instead of going outside and wreaking havoc everywhere like me, sat at the computer, or a notebook and wrote stories. Just for fun. I don't think I ever would have even thought of doing that as I child. I think it is absolutely wonderful. While I played simply to play, they play and explore and learn in one fell swoop. Their love for all things literature is very inspiring to me. There is no limit to what one can learn from books.

School is finally out for Christmas break and boy am I glad. It's nice to just finally have a little breather before jumping right back into it again. I have still been busy, don't get me wrong. I come to the lab in the morning and stay here until three when I go to work until 11 and then go home and go to bed just to get up in the morning and start over. Today, however, is a bit different. Jory, Aimee, and I will be taking another trek up to the Idaho to have some quality family togetherness time. While I am super excited to spend Christmas in Idaho, it will be a bit strange. This will be the first year (besides my mission) that I don't spend Christmas with my family. I guess that is part of growing up and getting married and all that jazz, but it is still a bit hard. I truly am super excited to spend Christmas in Idaho. I can't wait to see Lydia and Erin open their presents. After all, they are my family too, and I seriously love every single one of them. It will just be a little different.

Merry Christmas.

I've been on campus since 6:45 a.m. today. It's now 5:16 p.m. today. I have been studying chemistry since 8:30 a.m. today with only a little break to get a burger with Aim. My brain is tired, my body is tired. Who invented finals? I understand the idea of it, but holy cow, its a bit overwhelming.