Starting it off right.

We did it! Opening weekend is out of the way! But I do kinda feel like a traveling circus. Anyway, I honestly didn't think we'd make it two weeks ago...but, miracles happen, and the shows were FANTASTIC! Oh, I had so much fun. Really, they were such good shows. I'm so proud of our team.

This was on the way there--there's no way Megan and I had that much energy on the bus ride home. 

Megs and JBrom so happy we finally get to perform instead of rehearse!

Funniest game ever: noise cancelling headphones with blasting music...someone asks them a question and they respond based on what they think the question was. 10x more hilarious with MDT majors. (Music Dance Theatre)

When we got off the bus, we (literally) ran into the High School to do a workshop with the kids, then (literally) ran to mic check and get ready for the show!

Yeah...it definitely doesn't look like this at the end of the show. This picture shows the costumes for about five performers. We have twenty. So you can imagine when we run off stage, as we are catapulting costumes off our bodies, someone else is throwing on more costumes as we run on stage to look like that didn't happen. Then we're supposed to dance and sing like we aren't out of breath or something. Ha.

The only break I get during the show is during the guys' number...eight straight minutes of The Beatles! Just enough time to cool down before going back on stage for the rest of the show.

Me, Randy, Megs and Eliza stayed at the beautiful (very beautiful) home of King and Diane Hussein and had the opportunity to give a singing devotional for the Sunday School portion of church the next day!

All Young Ambassadors aside, this was my favorite picture from the week. Definitely. So jealous they were all hanging out without me in sunny Florida while I was freezing at a cool -9 degrees!

(I never thought I'd be that girl, but whatever, I don't even care anymore. HOLY COW MY BOYFRIEND IS A BABE! Oh wow. Sheesh. Whoo.)

Anyway, back to YA's. No more shows until after Christmas. But then it will really pick up! 10-day tour to Northern California, and then shows almost every weekend until we leave to Nauvoo! 

I AM HAVING SO MUCH FUN. Pinch me.

Senioritis is real.

This is definitely the longest I've gone...without writing here or in my journal! What in the world? I've relied on pictures and quick notes I jot down in my trusty app that will help me remember times or things people say that impact me. I'm used to writing down everything, so I hope I don't regret the time I haven't had to just...write.

As for a little update on my life, well--I am in the midst of midterms and...just about everything else. I had to let my job go for the rest of the semester because I just wasn't getting everything done. I've now got a perfect amount of time to get just a little ahead in my last year of schooling to keep myself sane. Side note: I try to get everything done before 9 pm because I have a very important FaceTime call until I go to bed. Also, (since I didn't grow up in the dance studio) I've had to spend a lot of extra time on my own learning choreography for--what, about 18 songs?--that need to be performance worthy in four weeks! We take fun breaks to make sure we don't go completely insane:

This is what we look like when Randy tells us to belt singing harmony
and do five chaines at the same time. Just kidding. It's only two. 

So with the rest of my time (hah) I actually go to class! But since I'm a senior, they aren't the normal classes. I'm producing the 12 o'clock noon news on Tuesday and Fridays for...dun dun dun...the number one rated student newscast in the Nation! It's my capstone at BYU, and it's always an adventure. 

Fridays is CoogTube...women tell all! No, I'm not a feminist.

It was cute that one time that I thought I had time to be in the BYU Republicans club. Although I haven't been to a real meeting yet, I've spent a few breaks in between classes helping out at the booth! So that counts, kinda? I think I'll have more time Winter semester. Cross your fingers.

This was a lot more awkward for the people walking by.

Last but not least, I definitely have time for some post-mission fun. The NYRM camaraderie is real and we'll almost drop anything we can to be with each other, even if it is just for a few minutes. I've found myself day dreaming lately of how I was in the beautiful fall colored leaves last year in New York, almost done with my service, which gave me a confidence about saying whatever I wanted, when I wanted. (Appropriately, of course.) Missionaries will know that once you've been out for so long, you just say anything. That hasn't changed, really. Anyway, I just love my NYRMies.

My nephew and brother with our gang symbol for the "Celestial District."

Well, I think that's about it. Our first performance is next week at Homecoming Spectacular! I can't even wait. Finally, all of this rehearsal will pay off. It's hard to perform in front of a huge mirror looking at yourself doing everything wrong! It will be fantastic to perform in front of an audience. Changes everything. Which reminds me...

ONE WEEK UNTIL MY MAN COMES. No, I'm not excited.  Just kidding! 

And like I said...Senior-itis is real, people. 

Cradle of the Restoration.

Return of the Jedi. Stepping into your old mission field after having the name tag off for quite some time feels like you're getting some sort of special powers back. The weirdest thing though was driving across the border from Pennsylvania to New York on my six month anniversary of being an official RM...and realizing I wasn't a missionary. It felt like I was driving into the city on The Truman Show with outside knowledge now! This time, I wasn't Sister Hawkes anymore. (Well...to most people.) I was Monica--the version who I wanted to be at this time. In fact, I think I'm even better than I ever hoped I would be. 

Bringing friends to a place I am (let's be honest) obsessed with is something I will put into continual practice. We stayed with the Jacobson's that first and foremost made our trip just plain fun. Inside jokes aren't just for teenagers. But then, we all got into the spiritual part of the weekend, which resulted in me learning more than I ever thought I would. That's how I know I'm choosing my friends correctly...my absolute favorite thing to do is sit in on a discussion on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Plan for me. That's all we did all weekend. It was amazing.

Anyway, we started off Friday morning at the Book of Mormon Publication Site and got an absolutely incredible tour from Sister Noble. Since I didn't mention to anyone I was coming, it was the reunion of a lifetime for the both of us. She gave us a fantastic tour to start off our weekend, and set the tone for the rest of our trip! 

And walked around the town...

And saw the highlight of the trip...the Joseph Smith Farm and Sacred Grove. Sister Jeanfreau taught me so much being there again, now having the experiences of post-mission life and relating them to what I taught as a missionary. My mind continually tends to be blown on what's in store for me if I continue on this path.

Saturday, we headed over to the Hill Cumorah. We read Mormon chapter six and the appropriate verses in JS History to really internalize what we were seeing. It was the boys' first time ever to this place, so we had to!

The lovely Sister Allred took us to her home in Mendon, where the prophet Brigham Young lived and got baptized. I had never been there before!

On the way home, we drove through Gettysburg...why not stop and take a look? We got a little American history in there with us!

And the last but not least to our final stop...the Washington, D.C. temple. 

Those special powers really work when you give your all for 18-24 months. Monica 2.0 is a lot stronger.

23 years young.

In Provo years, I'm 30. But to the rest of the world, I'm just 23!

This whole weekend was celebratory...really, because any excuse we can find to celebrate, I'm totally there.  Linda's birthday was on Monday, so we made a week out of it. On her birthday, this was the message I received:

And then on my birthday...

Now, you understand. It was just a great week. I think I'll just continue to let pictures tell the story.

That was for the night of the 14th. As for the 15th...

Little Bobby's baptism--how wonderful it is to have family close by.

Yeah, we can't believe we live here, either.

Southern Hospitality.

If you ever want to relax, head on down to North Carolina. 

I did not even touch this picture with any editing tools. AND IT'S FEBRUARY! However, the beach was not the best part. The best part was just hanging out with Ma and Pa Z-i-n-e (translation: the Strouds) and having them show me everything in the smallest town in the United States. I loved every second of it, obviously because I was with them, but because being with each other reminded us all of the mission. It was a perfect weekend to get away from the commotion of the Nation's Capitol.

I asked Ma and Pa to see their high school yearbook back to when they first started dating...make sure you read the caption...

And look at them now!

Yeah...everyone wants what they have. I guess you can say I learn more from them just by where they are now. And you sisters (you know who you are) if you don't go and visit them, you're missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. I mean, c'mon!  That, and I am a completely devoted UNC fan as of now.

Now, back to public transportation and not-homemade BBQ sauce.

Sailing to Philadelphia.

The theme for 2014 is spontaneity. I think so far I have done a pretty good job. Especially on this last escapade to Philly. Sunday night, a bunch of us found out we could get a car for the day under twenty bucks, so we made a quick, easy decision. We visited Independence Hall where the Declaration magic happened, the houses of Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin, and of course ate a Philly Cheese Steak. Again, I'll let pictures tell the story.

And don't worry--we found the missionaries. Twice. This one, on the steps of Rocky!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

Still my sisteren in The Lord.

You know what's really great? My job. I think I keep saying that, at least I have been for the past five years. 
(Mission included.) I concluded that again today when Fui Vakapuna told me the story of when he gave his teammate Tim Tebow the first discussion last year. Apparently it almost got into a bible bash...I was hoping he would have gotten baptized so I could have a chance with him. 

Anyway, not important. My job is cool because last night I got to take Alison to our department Christmas party! We won the drawing contest...because we put a name tag on our snowman. I shoulda gotten a picture...oh well. But we did take this picture right before we walked into the party:

However, the best part of the day was right before this, when we got to see our fellow NYRMies come down the escalator at Salt Lake International Airport. Missionary moments right and left while we were waiting for them; I totally should have hung out at the airport as a missionary. We got a lady crying when she saw an Elder come down and hug his mom for the first time in two years. Seed PLANTED! Anyway, here is the picture(s):

I'm now old news. :) But it really was fantastic to surprise these sisters and to reminisce from six weeks ago when I was feeling every emotion in the book. Looking at this photo, the only thing I can think about is this one time in the Book of Mormon, 

"Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God." -Alma 17: 2-3

Wednesday is the day!

It's about time! I enter the MTC on the 16th. Finally. I also just got my MTC address e-mailed to me today. I posted both MTC and Mission, plus e-mail on here. In case anyone wants to write me. (hint hint)


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It is pretty surreal knowing I have only a few days left here at home. Then I have a year and a half of growing up to do. I've learned a lot about myself since I got my call six weeks ago. As much as I think I'm ready, it's going to hit me like a brick sooner or later. Hopefully sooner rather than later so I can get a move-on.


I've loved these past few weeks spending so much time with my friends and family. I have realized more and more that the Lord puts exactly who you need in your life. That's selfish of me to say that--I wish I could say that I've touched more lives than have touched mine. I am blessed to say that I have THE best cousins, friends, roommates, aunts, uncles...etc, that are the ones truly helping me on my mission. Without their support, I would not be packing up my life and leaving everything I love here, to find the capacity to love even more in New York.


I probably shouldn't be writing this...I should be writing my farewell talk that I have to give Sunday. It starts at 9 a.m. at the church across the street from my house, with lunch right after sacrament meeting in my yard. Everyone is invited! 

T minus 10 days.

At this point I'm just trying to squeeze in lots of memory-making adventures with all of my favorite people. 

Brooke came to visit me before our excursions...she's going to Wales! And Avengers is awesome. See it.

Then I took her on a tour of Centerville, and hit the weights! I'm still really sore...and I shouldn't be...

After Spencer's graduation party, we made a very last minute decision, but for $12.50, it was a great last minute decision.
Even though we lost. It was still fun. Happy Graduation Spence!

We went with the lovely Greg and Sara! 

Me, Grandma and my mom about to go in the Salt Lake Temple.

My anxiousness didn't help when I read this letter from Sister Jones that said I would be training the Hill Cumorah cast with her and our other greenie Sister Adams. Apparently there are six sisters that are in charge of that--three that have been there the year before, and three that are just coming into the mission. I even went to Temple Square with Sister Butters to visit Sister Willis after her return from Rochester! It was so great to finally meet her since I've heard so much. How do I already know and love this many sisters from my mission? Luck. Pure luck. They aren't only awesome, they're extraordinary women and I can't believe I'm associated with them.


Words cannot describe how excited I am. I literally can't sit still while thinking about New York and training 400+ volunteers to help us out on pageant nights. With only a week and a half left, I feel SO lazy not having my missionary tag on yet. I'm out of school with no job, just hanging out with friends. It's a great life, but I need to get a move-on! 


Oh, and wish my dad a happy 50th birthday today...he's half a century old! Happy Birthday, Dad!

Long gone and moved on.

...from Provo that is. I officially moved back home! I love being at BYU--I'll miss my job and my friends, but 3 years in The Bubble can definitely take a toll. 

My best friend Spence came to help me...so we decided to make a really fun day out of it. 

First, we went to go visit my other best friend Brooke on her graduation day. She's all grown up and gone from college! Now she's off to Wales for a bit for a study abroad...I mean play abroad...so jealous. Love this girl. Congrats!

 Then we had to take a field trip to the library for his first time EVER at the HBLL. So proud. (I guess that was one more time on campus. Oh well.)

Then it was my turn for firsts...IKEA! He had a brilliant idea to hang out for a bit in this magnificent place. We discovered couches, showed me his favorite lamp shades (real estate people...) and only ended up buying a cereal container. However, it was worth just soaking up the experience. 

After those escapades, and yes while all of my belongings are still in the car, we crashed a wedding and went to an art exhibit in downtown Salt Lake. I'd say it was a very successful day...and it even was dark enough when we got home to try out my new Star Walk app! I felt like Aristotle checking out Saturn, Mars, Venus, and even the ISS! Best $2.99 I've ever spent. 

Fantastic weekend. Now, off to California bright and early. Yeah, I should be sleeping. But I can't. Because the beach is waiting!

p.s. 24 days.

Thought.

You know that feeling when something cool happens to you? 
And the first person you want to tell is your best friend? And they get way more excited than you ever did to begin with? 

I love that.

Lucky...pt 2.

And last but definitely not least:

How did I get so lucky to get these guys as my best friends? These people are amazing. 

Now for the picture-tribute to each of them. 

Rebecca. My long lost twin. I could not have more in common with one person.
(Sorry future husband.)

Brooke. Soul sisters. Same job, same mind. Same everything!

Melissa. My best friend from the dawn of time. (2nd grade=dawn of time.)

Laura. That one time we starred in HSM together. Did I just admit that? Haven't been separated since. Even with her marriage to the lovely Brian Messer. Who also should be in the tribute but there is no picture to display.

Spence...where do I even start? This picture embodies our friendship. Couldn't make it through life without this guy.

Lige. Couldn't have made it through high school and college without this one. Possibly the most fun person to write letters to. And the one with the biggest heart.

JORDAN. My long lost brother. Best friends since the 9th grade. Currently serving in Chile...we'll miss each other by 2 months. I thought about postponing just to see him. (True story.)

Samuel. Best friends since the 9th grade. My long lost brother/future husband/except he's distantly related to me so that would never work. (Sadly.) I also miss him by 3 months. (Sadly.)

What a group! Couldn't have hand-picked them better myself. You guys are awesome.