Crazy Social Week

I got off work early today.

It's been a CRAZY week!!  First week of school, so the Bookstore was insane, and remember how I said I was going to be more social?  Well, I had the great blessing of being so this week...

...Like every night.

Don't get me wrong, it's been GREAT and I've thoroughly enjoyed it!!  It's just been kind of crazy with it being all at once and during the busiest time of year at work.  *sigh*


Sunday
I had the impression to go to Ward Prayer that night.  As the afternoon went on, I brushed the impression off, only to get a call from the Bishop asking if I was attending (impression #2), and then to have my Home Teacher tell me a friend (and recent convert) was directing the meeting (impression #3).  After they left, I knew I had to attend.  Three impressions is kind of a major hint that I need to act.

So I went to Ward Prayer (the first time in a LONG time).

And I saw an old acquaintance I hadn't seen in years!  He's in town visiting for a week and I was surprised to see him there.

Funny story, there was a "linger longer" (or "Dessert n' Flirt") after the prayer at a member's home.  Well, this acquaintance of mine planned everything out so I ended up driving him to the party while I attended, despite not planning to go (he was sneaky about it, let me tell you!  I don't think he realizes exactly what I know he did that night... Of course, I figured it out thanks to his brother ^-^).  Anyway, the linger longer was way fun and I got to socialize with a lot of people I haven't really had a chance to talk to in a while.

Sunday night was a great night!!


Monday
Had to work at 7:00 AM until 4 PM.

I went to Institute and had the impression that the Spirit was going to be different in this last than the previous ones I had had from the same instructor... I didn't know why until Wednesday (keep reading).

I attended FHE at the Single's Ward (also a first in a LONG time).  It was a small group of four people... yeah, you heard me: FOUR people turned out.  It was interesting, and since I had put in a full day at work, I went home an hour later and straight to bed... I was asleep by 7:30 PM.


Tuesday
Again, another EARLY morning for work (7:00 - 4:00)

There was a birthday party for Brian (the acquaintance visiting) and Andrew (the newest member to the Ward--who directed the Ward prayer on Sunday).  I thought it would be fun to go, seeing as I'm attempting to be more social and it's always good to get to know new people!  Not to mention to simply support both of them!  Since I kind of knew Brian from years ago, and I now knew Andrew from teaching him in the Ward, being in attendance at the party simply felt "right."

Long story short, the party was great (a good turn-out with excellent food and conversation) and it was rather fun to see the brothers interact.  I'll be honest here, I haven't really met very many twins in my life, and it was neat to be a part of that party on Tuesday, especially as it was an important birthday (the big "21").  It was just fun to watch both of them...

I think part of my fascination is because first of all, siblings in general boggle my mind.  I grew up (and still am) an only child.  I have never had the "wonderful" experience of siblings, so I can't relate to those of you who have close relationships with your brothers/sisters.  I don't know what it's like to have a best friend within the family that's around your age and can relate to you and your circumstances at home.  That was one thing that's been hard on me during the last several years with Mom.  It was hard to relate to others (or have others relate to me).  ANYWAY, I find siblings, especially if they're closer in age, fascinating.  And make them twins, and it's even more intriguing!  There's just a special connection with twins.  I don't know if Brian and Andrew have a special connection like this, but I assume so--based on what I've witnessed.  We haven't really discussed it or anything, so who knows!  But I do look forward to getting to know BOTH of them better!!

Their parents are GREAT!  Their mother is one of the sweetest women I've EVER had the opportunity to meet!!  She was so nice and so sweet!  I didn't get to interact too much with their father (despite him eating next to me--he was a bit distracted talking to the Bishop).  But he seemed like a very pleasant guy.

Oh!  I also found out I should listen to my impressions when signing up for Institute.  Originally I registered for an 11:30 class with my favorite instructor, but later changed it to 12:30 in favor of work.  Well, Tuesday night I found out Andrew and a couple other friends were in the 11:30 class I had originally signed-up for!!

As my friend and I were leaving, Brian ended up getting my number out of me (lol!).

My friend also pointed out, as we arrived home, that she found it interesting how I was perfectly comfortable sitting at one end of the table next to Andrew and his father, or going inside to hear Brian play his bass, while she preferred being around the girls.  This was an interesting insight for me.  I know I've always been more comfortable around guys for some reason.  Depending on the day, I'd prefer hanging out with the guys over going shopping with the girls.  I don't know why this is, but let's just hope I have more sons when I have kids after I'm married!  I don't think I'd know what to do if I had girls...

Anyway, later that night I also had my friend Hannah come over to my house.  She's been having a rough time lately and it was nice to have her over and enjoy a glass of milk and simply talk for about an hour.  She's amazing and her strength blows my mind.  I'm so blessed to be able to call her my friend!!  (Hannah, if you're reading this, I'm thinking about you and hope things are going alright!!)


Wednesday
Last day I had to work at 7:00 AM!!  Working another full day.  But luckily, I talked to my boss and she was able to adjust the permanent schedule so I could attend the 11:30 Institute class with my friends!!  YAY!!  I found the Spirit to be different in the 11:30 class, which I liked.  I think it might have something to do with when I'm in a class with friends, and I have the opportunity to hear their testimony, it's a stronger confirmation to me because I KNOW them.  For me, the Spirit is simply different when I hear a stranger bear their testimony (yes, it often still is very touching, but I feel something different when it's someone I personally know).  So I'm way excited to be able to attend this class with friends!

I also received a text from Brian asking me to hang-out that night.  We went to a restaurant and ate dinner (breakfast), followed by attempting to go to a guitar store (but it was closed) so we came back to my place and played video games.

It was a rather enlightening experience, but quite fun!  I enjoyed getting know Brian better, especially since neither of us really know the other very well.  It's too bad he leaves town again so soon...


Thursday
I put in another huge day at work (but I was able to sleep-in an extra hour!!), and at 3:30 (towards the end of a long and stressful day) I had to manually swipe 101 gift cards through the register... twice!!  Half of which I had to do a THIRD time!!  THAT'S LIKE 250 CARD SWIPES!!!!!  It, along with the crazy full day at work, had exhausted me and I came home feeling like I had the Flu!!  I supposed this is what I get when I try to do something every night of the week and still work 35 hours...

I had planned to meet up with a dear friend of mine who was currently in town (she's doing graduate school out of the state) and she's been out of the country this summer studying abroad!  I really wanted to see her, but after I got off work, I quickly realized just how tired I was and I didn't think: 1) I would be able to make it, and 2) she would even enjoy my company if I was so tired.  So we have postponed until next weekend!  Thank heavens!  She's so amazing!! ^-^

Needless to say, I went to bed early this night (as in 9:00 PM early).


Friday
I was lucky enough to get off work a half-hour sooner than planned (10:30 AM) and so I've had the entire day to myself so far!!

Brian texted about 3:30 asking if I was home.  He stopped by (on his way out of town) to give me a movie we'd discussed on Wednesday....

What do you think it means when a guy buys you anime?  (lol!!)

I also had a call from my grandmother about attending a baby shower for one of my cousins tomorrow!!  So, I'll be headed out of town at 9 AM and who knows when I'll be coming back (probably afternoonish).

And TONIGHT,  I'm excited because there is the Institute Opening Social (there will be lots of food, people, and entertainment), so it will be a BLAST!  And the best part?  I get to meet my favorite instructor's wife!!  I know, that sounds really weird, but you have to understand that this same instructor (of Institute) changed my life last year and he was willing/able to come to Mom's viewing!!  He has been a tremendous support through this trial and I'm very grateful to him!  So I look forward to having the chance to meet his dear sweet wife who he is married to eternally!!
So, this is my week so far...  And with any luck, I'll get a call tonight or tomorrow asking me to teach on Sunday... lol!!!  The way this week has gone, it wouldn't surprise me!!

Well, off to party for a few hours!!!