long-awaited weekend

This weekend could not have come soon enough. Long work week. Tired most of the time. Carsick on the bus. But now I'm home through Monday!

Today started off wonderfully. I woke up around 8:30 to sunshine streaming through my windows and a delightful breeze blowing in. So wonderful. Mom sent Moosey in to get me up a bit later, and Mom, Grandpa, and I hit Costco. [Yes, we were a bit insane for going to Costco on Saturday. The samples are always best on Saturday, though.]

The employees had a fundraising goal for a local hospital and were all dressed up in 80's rocker outfits. At first we thought that the outfits were to promote Lady Gaga's new album. I support the fundraising efforts much more than the Gaga initiative. To further promote their goal, the workers taped fellow employee Stan high up on a pole and declared that they wouldn't cut him down until their reached their goal. When Mom told our checker that she hoped Stan had used the bathroom before they taped him up, the checker said that"knowing Stan, he probably didn't." I really hope they hit their goal soon. 

Costco trip bonus: I called Charlotte and we chatted while I wandered the aisles scouting out samples and potential purchases. I LOVE Charlotte!

After Costco we hit up O'Toole's Nursery and picked up flowers to fill out our front garden. O'Toole's is officially the best place to spend a late Saturday morning. Below is some select photo documentation from our excursion.

And now Mom and I are DPAD (Drinking Pepsi All Day) and hunkering down in the basement for sewing, ironing, and probably some knitting.

I love this weekend.

Bonus news: Jordin and I both got accepted into the accounting master's program! Two years from now, we will be tax masters! I'm really excited.

exemplary

Dear reader: Please forgive me for making you look at burnt cupcakes for almost a full month. Behold, a new post:

I started work at the oil company two weeks ago. Though I am in summer mode, Denver weather hasn't caught the trend and I fell victim. I rushed out of the house my second day of work with only an umbrella, no jacket. I thought that would be enough. Then the snow started. Then my bus didn't come.

I was really cold.

I had yet to see my bus start down the hill.

I didn't have a coat.

I wanted to cry.

I prayed for patience.

I called my Mom.

Mom was still in bed, and Dad had taken the good car to seminary with John, but she got up and drove to my stop in the beater minivan we're borrowing from friends. I was helpless because I couldn't leave the stop and risk missing the bus when it eventually came, so she brought me a long wool coat. The remaining ten minutes I waited in the wet, heavy snow at the bus stop weren't bad because I had a warm coat and a Mom who loves me.

My Mom's Christlike behavior reminds of Christ's love for and service towards us. I was stupid to not take a coat, but Mom got out of bed at 6:10 and came anyway. We make mistakes and Christ still comes to our aid. I am grateful for people in my life who exemplify the Savior's love in such tangible ways.

pick a caption

:: I shouldn't bake a midnight
:: Treat recipe bake times with skepticism
:: I used the last of my peanut butter, milk, and eggs for these?

spring break

BYU does not schedule a spring break into its academic year, but many students schedule one in anyway. I joined these individuals last month and flew home for Mom's birthday. 

Linda J picked me up from the airport since Mom was at work and dropped off at home with the the beautiful birthday cake she made for Mom.

Three layers of delicious German Chocolate cake and filling. Instead of waiting for her actual birthday the next day, we each enjoyed a slice on Friday afternoon after our Sam's Club run. Over the course of the weekend, I ate five pieces.

By the time Mom and I polished off the last bit on Sunday afternoon, we ate it right off the dish, no plates necessary. 



Saturday was the main event, Mom's 48th. In true Wood/Petersen fashion, we celebrated with a shopping day. We hit up TJMaxx Homegoods, Nordstrom Rack, JCPenny, Macy's, Anne Taylor Loft, and The Gap. We were a little disappointed with our first couple stops, but managed to secure some exciting purchases. Aside from shopping money, Mom opened some fun gifts throughout the day.

Charlotte and Josh sent Mom a package containing several of Mom's favorite Penzey's products, including their incredible vanilla extract.

Charlotte also sent Mom a cute cowl she knitted. It's such a beautiful color and excellently crafted.

I wrapped up my cleaning clothes, representative of the Mopping Monday I had planned for Monday before I left.

Dad supplied the biggest surprise of all by getting Mom a tv for the master bedroom!

I missed some class and had to play academic catch-up, but being home for a long weekend was so rejuvenating. Being home gives me time to self-evaluate and self-evaluate how I'm doing. It's easier to remember who I am when I'm with my family than when I'm caught up in school.

I'm so grateful that I was able to be home to celebrate with Mom. She is the most beautiful woman I know. Being her daughter is a one of the greatest blessings in my life.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love going home. I love walking into the kitchen through the garage when the house is quiet. I love walking back to my room and sighing with pleasure as I look at my big comfy bed with freshly laundered sheets. (Almost every time I go home, Mom washes my sheets and irons the pillowcases. This time, she even made a down comforter into the bed so that I could sleep with the window open! Heaven.)

I love Moosey's excited greetings. I love hanging my clothes back in my closet. I love that Sarah, John, and I are developing friendships. I love that I can return home and feel like I haven't left. The kids are usually taller each time I go back, but not much else changes. We talk in stupid voices and make stupid faces and drink Pepsi. I love Wood-hood.

Sarah's alter-ego, "Krystal with a 'K'". We see her around frequently.

weight

I just clicked this icon.

Doing so submitted my application for the MAcc (masters of accountancy) program. I'm only 20. How did this happen? This feels weighty. I'm making decisions about real people things I want to do when I graduate. It's exciting. But weighty. 

Also, I haven't blogged in a month. My absence is explained by the weighty button and all that's behind it. Weeks and weeks of cases, assignments, projects, and exams. Nights and nights of textbooks and computer screens. Days and days of malnutrition. Dark circles under my eyes. Pepsi in my fridge. 

Accounting Junior Core. 

Almost over. 

One week from now.

{More thoughts on this to come}