The Writing Center

Excuses

2011-08-17T18:52:00.002-07:00

My dear Uncle Stan passed away a few months ago, and I loved him. I really did. I know it wouldn’t seem like I did since I lived only 30 minutes away from him for almost three years, yet I probably only saw him three times in those three years. A lot of times I would make an excuse not to go visit when they would have family functions. Lance doesn’t always like coming with me to such events, so I

Cephalopods FTW

2011-08-17T16:32:00.004-07:00

We had Stake Conference this weekend, and for a split second during last night’s meeting, I felt like I was back in the Acequia II ward sitting next to my dad. I smelled a cherry Halls cough drop. That’s what Dad smells like nearly every Sunday at church. It always happens the same way. First Dad clears his throat—a very distinct throat clearing that always reminds me that

I once was blind, but now I see

2009-10-24T07:42:00.004-07:00

I remember one seminar where Sis. Morgan was either running late for seminar or was busy with something else (most likely tweaking a PowerPoint post), so she had Kaitlin go outside with a trash bag and collect a bunch of the leaves that had fallen on the ground outside and bring them into seminar. Each one of us had to pull one out of the bag and spend at least 15 minutes describing that one

Breakfast with Peter Pan

2009-10-22T14:55:00.001-07:00

Today, I made my breakfast into a face. With my fork, I cut both my eggs into eyes. A piece of bacon was broken in half for the eyebrows, and three more strips were lined up into a smile. When I sat back to admire, I realized that my breakfast face needed teeth. I split the three bacon strips in half and then arranged them into top and bottom lips, filling in the teeth with my toast that had been

whew

2009-10-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

You can all breathe a sigh of relief. I just got back from the doctor's office. I have to have some tissue removed, but it's benign. Of course I will continue with my yearly exams and monthly self exams, but for now I am in the clear. I also have to start having mammograms when I'm 30 instead of 40 as a precautionary measure. Thank you for your prayers and kind words on my behalf. I

Across the Universe

2009-10-17T04:01:00.000-07:00

It can be terrifying that life is constant change and loss. In fact, besides the church being true, loss is the one constant I can count on. When I lost my twin sister to suicide, I had never been alone before. I lost my best friend and my identity in one quick minute, which left me wandering around bumping into doors and falling into holes as life took a surprise detour. Next, Losing Jason’s

Nobody doesn't like Sara Lee

2009-10-12T19:35:00.006-07:00

I hate to be a blog-hog, since this makes three posts in a row that are mine, but I figure those of you who weren’t at the WC party this weekend might want to know what I shared with those in attendance. I’ve been keeping it a secret for a while, but I’m ready to share it with you. Even for those at the party, I’m not usually such a blubbering, trembling mess, so I’ll give you some of the

Happy Halloween (a bit early)

2009-10-06T18:44:00.002-07:00

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Pictures from Provo

2009-09-26T14:45:00.004-07:00

Bridal Veil Falls A tribute to those who couldn't come to the party These are life size statues. That's how much I care about you. If these pictures make them seem smaller, it must be a trick of the light. weird. This is Anonymous. He/she is holding a gun as if to say, "Don't come any closer--you might find out who I am." The others wanted to try some voo doo on these statues, but

short vent

2009-09-24T10:43:00.002-07:00

Grades are my golden god.I hate that I care. I hate that I base my faith in myself on numbers which should mean little. It’s a heavy weight and a narcotic, and I am addicted. I can last a while “not caring.” But I go back every time.

Letter from Skyler

2009-09-21T14:37:00.005-07:00

I like this e-mail. He's right; I'm posting it. Ta Dah . . . Sis. Morgan, Hey there. I just wanted to say hi and check how everything was going. I miss Rexburg. It's a little lonely here, but I'm pretty sure this is where I need to be. I actually listened to some of your advice, and I prayed about about where I should be. Ever since then, I just feel right about coming back in January. I like

air in taiwan

2009-09-11T13:48:00.002-07:00

The air this morning smells like incense. Outside... inside... everywhere. I got up a little earlier than usual this morning (yes, 8am is now earlier than usual. We don't go to bed until 1 or 2 since we work until 9pm or so) to go practice capoiera with my roomate at the university track and field. When I got back I was feeling feisty, so I took on some sit-ups. It was only then that I realized

First Day of School

2009-09-07T16:22:00.004-07:00

My first day teaching 10th grade is tomorrow. Sister Morgan, every time I look at my bulletin board, you'll give me strength. Thanks. You probably have no idea how grateful so many people are for you and your influence. I pray often for gratitude that I had the Writing Center cocoon in my life. Miss you. Jami

Provo Party

2009-09-04T14:36:00.001-07:00

The polls are in: Saturday, September 26 is the day (sorry Leanna). 12 noon is the time. Bridal Veil Falls Park in Provo Canyon is the place. I'll provide hot dogs/buns, marshmallows, paper plates/cups/napkins, and plastic utensils. It's up to you to bring the rest: condiments, chips, side-dishes, beverages, whatever you want to bring.

WC Party--Provo style

2009-08-31T14:37:00.001-07:00

I'd like to plan Writing Center reunion for those of us who live in the Provo area (spouses and children invited, of course). I think it would be fun to roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire in the canyon. The date I have in mind is September 12 starting around 4 or 5ish so those with children aren't out too late. All in favor? Leave a comment or email me (sararachels@gmail.com).

Too Alone?

2009-08-27T10:47:00.006-07:00

Lately, I enjoy my own company more than I enjoy other peoples’. I like being on my own.Less than a week ago, I moved into my own apartment. For the first time, I don’t have roommates. And I like that.I’m pretty self-sufficient. I take care of my car with little help from others (I don’t mind paying someone to change my oil once in a while). I manage my own finances. I pay my own bills. I have my

Writing Center Alumni

2009-08-20T01:29:00.005-07:00

This is post number 400 of the blog. I thought I would share that little tidbit with you all.I've been looking for housing for a while. There are places I liked, places I didn't like, but nothing has really felt right--certainly nothing like the Abode House, Chandler, Dan, Nathan, Eric, Oliver, and Skyler--until today. I drove to the Rentmaster office late in the afternoon to apply for an

Spider Webs and Sticks

2009-08-17T18:25:00.001-07:00

I walked along the edge of the hospital. The thickness of the bushes along the side made them impenetrable. The thin threads of the spider wove up and down the “No Parking” signs that press up against the bushes. As I passed them, all I could think was that I wished I had a stick to break them all down. All those good for nothing webs. Beautiful as they may be, I wish I could wrap my stick

Suggestions needed

2009-08-09T18:31:00.003-07:00

It's August again. And you know what that means: school starts in two weeks. I went to my new classroom last week and set everything up. Last year I had the smallest classroom in the school. This year, I have the biggest. I'll be teaching Broadcasting/Journalism and Honors (and Regular) Modern Lit this year, so I get the largest classroom with all the expensive equipment. All I have to do now is

Falling in Love Is Like Being Converted

2009-08-05T20:45:00.002-07:00

Jana owned three Chihuahuas. She dreamed of breeding dogs and training them to compete. Elder Johns and I would go to her house every other day to sit and teach her from the Book of Mormon. Elder Kent and I continued to visit her frequently to teach her to pray. After three months of invitations we convinced her to come to church with her family.I was transferred shortly after. More than a

Dandelion Wine

2009-07-31T16:11:00.002-07:00

Skyler, you're lucky I don't delete this post. It's funny and interesting, but never and I mean never post "to lighten the mood of the blog.” If you sweep enough stuff under the table, you can’t eat at that table after awhile. This blog is a place where anyone can discuss anything (thus I'm letting your post stand), where we are NOT afraid to say the truth or hear it. Matt's fine. We're all fine.

The Abode House

2009-07-31T13:26:00.003-07:00

So, maybe to lighten the mood of the blog, I've decided to share with everyone the 25 mottos of the Abode House. They are, in no particular order, as follows:1. The Abode House: Making mottos since before you were born.2. Strictly business.3. Let's build some pain bombs.4. What have you done for the Abode House today?5. I live in the Abode House--I do what I want.6.The Abode House motto is to

The Intellect is a lonely hunter.

2009-07-30T23:36:00.006-07:00

Oh no, another Anonymous, whine, I'm still reeling from havin' Mr. Rogers on this website, and did Matt just call me "Sharon" (below) instead of Sister Morgan? Or was he talking about someone else?I gotta agree 100% with Chan below in his response to Matt. Julie's right, and I'm right, and Chan's right. Ah, says Fiddler on the Roof, but we can't ALL be right. Yep. Yep. We are. Your post is filled

Fred Rogers, fighter planes, and especially for youth Tacoma 2009.

2009-07-30T00:10:00.008-07:00

I’m in Tacoma, Washington as an EFY counselor and just writing down some thoughts at the end of another day.I think about this afternoon when the entire group of youths and adults sit in the middle of a grassy field while the sun sets over the pine trees. A hush sweeps over the group and the sky begins to roar; 420 teenagers (ages 14-18) and 30 adults stop laughing and talking and shouting to

Seminar

2009-07-23T15:43:00.003-07:00

I was going through my old WC journal, and I found this quotation I scribbled down during seminar a few years back. I do believe she was referring to when we take over a session and bulldoze the patron. I could be wrong.Sis. Morgan: I can't do anything to stop you. I wish I could put in a lever that would drop you straight to hell, but I can't.I love you Sis. Morgan.

Brad just found out...

2009-07-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

that he's older than Wheel of Fortune. What a day.

I miss Katie.

2009-07-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

Every time I see the new Zen garden sitting on the front desk, I miss Katie Hammar. The clean white sand and the scarred, dull-glossy black stones remind me of the sea shells she brought in a few times before she left. I remember running my fingertips along the clean edges of the smooth shells and poking the pads of my fingers on the points of the poky shells. I think of her quiet excitement of

Homemade Adventure

2009-07-01T08:45:00.004-07:00

I've always wanted to go white water rafting. At church in it was a strictly-for-boys activity though, and we girls had to settle for canoeing in the mucky, shallow, still water of the Kansas River. The older I get, the less adventurous I get, so I've worried I might never take the opportunity to dare the rapids. Yesterday, I fulfilled my dream on a small scale: We floated the canal in homemade

"You're Just Another Part of Me"

2009-06-28T07:12:00.003-07:00

I personally don’t believe that Michael Jackson is dead. I think he faked his death to run from his $400 million debt. The rest of the world is in mourning; Youtube and Facebook are knee-deep in a MJ tributes. I think his life is best summed up in the paragraph from the AP:“He was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation, known for his backward-gliding moonwalk, his feverish,

You could be with me wasting your time.

2009-06-19T01:03:00.003-07:00

Sitting in mission prep last Sunday, I realized something: the only thing I’m really good at—not just talented or gifted, but actually good at—is knowing the gospel and the ordinances of salvation. I don’t dare say I’m good at living the gospel because I am so flawed, but I do know how to anoint and give a blessing and baptize for the dead. I’ve learned the temple endowment (though I haven’t

Blogs

2009-06-16T20:47:00.001-07:00

I love the WC blog. It’s how I wish my blog was, but it isn’t. Have you ever noticed how much blogs and high school class reunions have in common? (I’ve never been to a high school class reunion: I’ve just heard stories.) Everyone says that the 10-year class reunion is the very worst. Everyone comes back, and while puffing their chests and lifting their noses, they reveal

Her Morning Elegance

2009-06-15T06:18:00.001-07:00

Vending Machines

2009-06-12T12:57:00.001-07:00

The vending machine in Rigby Hall is a filthy liar.I swear it hates me. It always taunts me.I've been having a hard time eating regularly lately. Some weeks I'm consistent about getting breakfast. Other weeks I'm good at getting lunch. Dinner is always haphazard--6,7, 10, 11? I do the bare minimum to stay alive, so when I get hungry at work in Rigby Hall, I wander to the vending machines to get

"Balla" Wife

2009-06-08T18:50:00.001-07:00

I'm no Michael Jordan--well, not in theory, but maybe in practice--and neither is Marisa. But man did we have an intense game of basketball last night on our 1' by 1' basketball hoop!Marisa put up a good fight. In fact, probably too much. She threw me into the dresser drawer one time--rude! And threw some cheap shots. But I let her get away with it. The initial rules were fist one to seven, win

update

2009-06-08T06:58:00.018-07:00

Last night I spent a few hours reading old posts from this blog. It was kind of fun to read the first post, and so on. The real origins are on blackboard, though. I wish I could read those posts, too. Reminiscing was nice for me. I liked hearing all your voices again.Anyhow, I decided to give you all an update. Some of you I haven't seen in over a year, some I saw last week, some of you I haven't

[Title] by [Your Name Here]

2009-06-05T14:24:00.002-07:00

We're writers. Sometimes we write because we like it, other times because we hate it but can't NOT write. It's a passion, a release, a journey, a constant discovery. We write because it teaches us about ourselves, and about the world, and lets us show the masses something about ourselves that we never could otherwise, and possibly about themselves, as well.But aside from those lofty reasons, I

Maryland Highways and PB&J

2009-06-02T06:31:00.005-07:00

I drive a lot. Fifty minutes to work. Thirty minutes to the gym. Thirty minutes to institute. Twenty minutes to church. Thirty-five minutes to hang out with people from the stake. I drive a lot.Saturday night was no exception.I became unengaged about six weeks ago, and since then I have been trying my best to be a productive Young Single Adult by dating. It is much easier now than before

Zombies.

2009-05-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

"Pride and Prejudice, huh?" The librarian ran the spine of the red book against the metal de-magnetizer."Yeah, I'm reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and want to be able to fully appreciate it, so I'm reading this first.""Zombies? I haven't heard of it.""Yeah, it just came out a month ago." I smiled at him. He placidly glanced at his computer screen then handed me the book back."Huh. Enjoy

Breathing

2009-05-11T17:40:00.004-07:00

I work in the medical library at nights. Sometimes the stillness is so complete that I have to stand up and look around to see if there are people at tables or computers. My gaze usually lands on one or two students with an expression of numbness as they stare unflinchingly at the computer screen. Poor souls.There's an occasional warbley-whap of a book page being turned and the continual hum of