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. 

Dream Big.

You know that song by Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band? 

Seriously, when that song came out, I was what...in 7th grade or something? I l-i-t-e-r-a-l-l-y would sing my guts out to that song in my studio pretending I was in Young Ambassadors. 

And guess what. Ten years later...

I MADE IT!

...and my life is the craziest it's ever been.

Along with balancing my last year at BYU (including my broadcast producing capstone...takes up a heck-a-lot more time than I thought) a boyfriend and work, the BYU Young Ambassadors team has been the main focus of my year. Don't worry, we have about five weeks to learn our stuff for Homecoming Spectacular and our main show. This year, our show is called, "Heartsongs: Melodies of Love." You guessed it, it's all about love! It's a perfect date to bring your significant other to, or if you don't have one, they probably will become yours since you brought them to such a fantastic event. Just sayin'.

I just want to take a second and tell you how incredibly amazed I am at the talent that is in this group. How did I get in here?! Not only can they sing, they can dance...and do it at the SAME TIME. When you think about it, it really blows my mind. It is hard, guys. Ha.

I'm sure you want to see all of our hard work in action, right?

Buy tickets at www.byutickets.com! October 16th and 17th at the Marriott Center.

See you there!

Beach Babe

No, not me...him. Have you seen him?

Everyone says people who love in Florida are always on vacation. Well...I've discovered for myself that is true. Even though we still had to work sometimes, it was always a party! Kasey and I had so much fun going on millions of dates and discovering the state in the process. While we were alligator hunting on Friday, I kept telling him Florida looks like the Garden of Eden. Lush trees everywhere, moss hanging off of palm trees? I'll take it. But do you see anything to the left of me?

Motorcycle rides, playing with nephews, swimming...mostly swimming...took up the whole week. It was a blast. I could not have planned a better week.

Tarpon Springs, FL: Sponge capitol of the world!

Clearwater Beach in St. Petersburg: Best beach town in Florida!

My only regret...not enough pictures. Yep, we had a great time.

#HawkesFamily

It's been three years since I've gone to a family reunion. Growing up used to being with family more than anyone else...I felt like I was 12 again this weekend! I can't believe I'm actually a college-kid going to one of these things. I didn't feel like one, and I'm sure I didn't act like one either. It was a great second vacation of the summer.

The Blaine and Bonnie Hawkes family has a bunch of land with a few cabins just outside Rexburg, a.k.a The Place. It is one of my places of peace up there with my own home and of course, The Lord's Home. That was the whole idea behind it anyway, so my grandparents have done a wonderful job. As we all know pictures say way more than I could...so here we go.

No swimsuit yet.

That's right, it's true. The last time I wore a swimsuit was in May of 2012. It's definitely June 2014. I haven't had time, okay? It's not like I don't love it. But there is not a good place to go that doesn't cost money, and isn't making me trip over inner tubes every five feet. In Florida, yes (which is where I will be in 17 days...and no I'm not counting) but here--not a chance. I'd rather be in the mountains.

I have been absolutely horrible at this blog lately. I like to use it so I can write, and to keep even more of a journal than I do already. I have this thing about documenting everything--I know my kids will thank me someday for that. Anyway, just a few things I've been up to in the past two months...so I'll update you with pictures. I've done pretty much everything except for the traditional summer activity.

Working. I work from 7:30 to 6 everyday. Yes, that's with two jobs...but it's a huge break after being a missionary! And I've got great jobs. BYUtv is so much fun, and now I'm a leasing agent for an apartment complex in Orem.

My best friends...the sisters from the NYRM. Everyone was right, it is the biggest sisterhood I've ever come across. I love that I always feel like a missionary around these girls and we all support each other in everything. Even intramural games!

Dating this guy...we have been on some fun adventures! I showed him my mission, he showed me his...who knew Kamas had the best hamburgers in the world?

Oh yeah--and Jackson Hole was fun, too! Kasey's one of the greatest guys I've ever met. I'm really lucky.

I think I'm with my cousins more than my roommates. I just can't get enough of this girl! Plus, Mary and Felicia are more like my sisters than cousins. 

And thank goodness (for my own selfish reasons) of Tarzan being almost, I get Rebecca back! She rocked it on stage. I was so proud of her. 

That's my summer in a nutshell. However, my summer just keeps on getting better. Okay, everything in life does. But I really can't wait for school to start in the Fall, to get underway with classes, but mostly Young Ambassadors. I am really excited to be a missionary again, and this time I get to sing and dance. If you're reading this, you better come to one of our shows! 

2014 has proved to be the best year of my life so far, oh wait, maybe because my lucky number is 14! I already knew that it would be good before it even started. That's how it always works.

Now, which swimsuit to wear?