Sunday, April 12, 2009

Just a Few Things

Here’s what has been going on in my life...

School: I finished finals with less than a bang in most classes. More like a poof.

That’s all I’ll say about grades.

I usually complain my fair share about finals. Cry and stress with everyone else. But, truthfully, I kind of like them. Or, I should say, have a love/hate relationship with them. I find it oddly thrilling to be extremely stressed. That feeling where I am wondering if I can get it all done, staying up endless hours to finish, debating on a shower or writing a great final paragraph, showing up to class with only seconds to spare, my hair a bit flat from the day before, the paper in my hands still warm from the printer and still smelling of ink. Yeah, I kinda like that.

But I always rejoice when it’s over.

And it’s over.

Changes: Love them and hate them.

I got accepted to BYU-Hawaii and BYU-Provo. I sent in my transcripts last summer as more of a “lets just see if I get in” kind of deal. I’m genuinely debating them out now, though. I’ve made lots of pros and cons lists and still can’t make a decision. Which is funny, because not too long ago I was telling a friend that I am really good at making big decisions—I normally just go with the one I want, having the understanding the Lord will stop me if I’m wrong. But right now I have no idea which one I want and I’m not in the mindset to make a “learning decision” (aka mistake).

Also I start classes for Europe this week. Our group has about a week and a half of on-campus classes before we fly from Salt Lake to London on the 27th. I am taking Art 202, Renaissance to Modern Art; Art 395, Religious Symbolism in Art; and a self directed Humanities course in which I’ve chosen to study Michelangelo…which leads to our next topic.

Books: What I am reading

I put all other books on hold and started The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone yesterday. I’m already hooked.

Social Life: Ummm…

I believe in being discreet.

Music: My favorites right now.

Nothing too new or exciting, but I like ‘em.

(I couldn't find a few and all of the links are pretty lame and unofficial videos...but the songs are never lame)

Band of Horses: “The First Song” (for some reason I always want to call them "White Horses")
Amos Lee: “Black River,” “Night Train,” and "Shout Out Loud"
Bonnie “Prince” Billy: “The Way”
Arcade Fire: “Rebellion (Lies)”
Chris and Thomas: “Horse in the Sky”
Bon Iver: “Blindsided”
Adele: “Best for Last”
Explosions in the Sky: "So Long Lonesome"


…and that pretty much sums it up.

8 comments:

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

Happy Easter, Ande! I missed you today.

I loved listening to your music selections--so you--so varied and random.

I had a few poof semesters myself.

I love you.

Rebecca said...

Are you going on the same trip as Michelle?! Sweeeeet. So I imagine since you enjoy this "finals week", you view something like this: pump up the volume to "Eye of the Tiger" and correlate it with clips of yourself running around crazy, and running across the finish line with a fluffy pillow and mommy with arms wide open waiting for you. SHyeah, who wouldn't like it? (uh, except me)

Unknown said...

Hawaii Hawaii Hawaii. I recommend Hawaii to everyone. I will upload my pictures from Hawaii just to convince you. You could never make a better choice. You can breathe in Hawaii, you can think in Hawaii, going to Hawaii was one of the best decisions I ever made.
What more can I say? Hawaii will change your entire perspective on life. Hawaii will change your life. I want to go back to Hawaii. Hawaii. Hawaii. Hawaii. (I'm chanting it as though it'll hypnotize you.)

Julie said...

You're coming to London?!!! Can you keep coming and see us in Norway? We would love to see you! You will love London. We were just there a couple of weeks ago and it's in all it's spring glory! Have a great time!

Tyson Pyle said...

Ande,
Start studying and quit spending all your time shopping in Idaho Falls.
Tyson

Cali said...

I think a "poof" semester sounds better than a "bang." "Bangs" sound dangerous. "Poofs" sound safe. I want to hear about Miche. I think I'll read the book too, then we can talk about it together.
I love you Ande Jane Payne... even if you were the favored daughter that got a middle name.

Kyle said...

Ooh I love Band of Horses. Well done. Our Swords has always been my favorite.

Anonymous said...

Your school dilema reminds me of Rachel's school dilema. She's wondering-- should I go where it's more fun? or should I go where it's more affordable? Both great life experiences. Both will give her the same earning power upon graduation. Some decisions just come at higher long-term costs. Her question boils down to....how long do I want to HAVE TO work when I'm done to pay it off-- assuming someday I might actually marry and have a family...... I've probably just complicated this whole decision for you, haven't I? Well, what are aunts for? I know-- get scholarships and then who cares? Have a ball.

Aunt Lynn