Two of a kind.

I was driving to Institute when I passed Mason's house and saw him leaving his house, and so he just jumped in the car with me. We would normally ride together each time, but he has a class right after and I don't so we like to have our own cars. He decided to go with me anyway and I drove him to his next class :)

Then my dad and I picked up some Subway and took it to my mom's work. We all ate together in the parking lot in my dad's truck :)

I went home and got some stuff done. Then I went back to my mom's work to get some new scriptures. And now I'm at work.

Meet me outside.

Mason picked me up and took me to church with him and a friend Bobby.

Church was nice. I love sitting by Mason.

We went to my parents' house for dinner. It was so yummy. We helped clean up and then left so Mason could drop me off and go to his meeting. I worked on a paper and did some stuff. Later, Mason texted me to meet him outside so we met up to kiss one more time. He walked me back home and we cuddled on the couch. He kissed me goodnight and left.

Oh, and here are a couple pics from Friday night :)

Wedding Playlist.

Today I went to the DI with my mom and Kirsten and the kids to look for... stuff. Duh. Then we went to Carl's Jr. for lunch.

Kirsten took the kids home, then just my mom and I went to Target. I got some new clothes that I can wear for my new job! Yay! I'm super excited for a new experience. It'll be hard and time consuming but I need it.

I then went to Mason's house and helped him make flash cards so he can study for a test. Then we both left for work.

I'm trying to make a really good music playlist for my wedding reception. I think I struck gold on Spotify. It's going to be awesome!

Kitchen table.

This morning, I went with my mom and sister to check out a venue to see if we might want to use it for my wedding reception.

I then went to campus to surprise Mason on his way to class.

Then, I finished applying for graduation with an advisor.

I went to Costco with my mom, Kirsten, and her kids. We found stuff for my wedding yay!

Then, Mason and I drove to Enterprise to buy a kitchen table and chairs from someone. Kirsten found it on St. George Yard Sale I think. $125 and it's good quality! So exciting :)

We dropped off the table at my parents' house. It'll stay in their garage until Mason and I are married and have our own place.

Mason and I went to Samurai 21 for dinner. Then, drove to my apartment. Melinda and Alex were there and invited us to go to the sand dunes in Snow Canyon with them and Blair (girl).

We were there for a couple hours taking sweet pics that I will upload later hopefullies.

Why I'm confident.

My first date with Mason was July 9th. We officially became a couple soon after that.

That means that it hasn't even been three months since our very first date and we are already engaged. And we are getting married in just three and a half more months.

I used to think people like this were crazy. Well... not always. I tried to understand that every relationship is different, and who is to judge someone else's relationship? But still. Never pictured it happening to me this way.

I could go on and on about this topic. I don't feel like I need to explain myself in such a way to justify why I'm marrying someone I haven't known very long. I am completely secure with my decision. I know it's the right one. It's just the way people look at me when I tell them how long it's been. Like they have any idea what mine and Mason's relationship is made of.

My main point is this: it's not about how long you've known someone. It's about how ready each of you is to completely commit yourself to another person and to their happiness. There are people who have been married much quicker than Mason and I who have had long, successful relationships. And there are people who have dated for years before getting married, only for it to end in divorce. I don't see any rules or patterns anywhere for this. Because, again, no relationship is the same.

I know my marriage is going to work. I think this way not because I know Mason's favorite ice cream flavor (I don't). I think that way because I know he's quick to forgive and so am I. It's not because I know every single one of his high school stories (I don't). It's because I know that he has learned from past relationships and from his mission how to let go of pride and be sensible and put someone's feelings first, and to admit when he's wrong (although I'm often the wrong one). It's not because I know what kind of struggles and difficulties he's dealt with in the past (I do). It's because I know who he is right now and what he has learned because of them. It's because I know how willing he is to make me feel beautiful and loved every day. I know that he expects marriage to be something to work for and that there will be struggles. But he is willing to go through anything with and for me.

And, of course, I am also willing and ready to humble myself and to do everything I can to love him and make him happy every day for the rest of his life and on.

Miserable.

So today I have felt pretty miserable health-wise.

I went to Institute with Mason and it was a really good lesson.

I then met my family at Chuck-a-rama for lunch. Kirsten, my mom, and I all went around town planning wedding stuff after that. Fun but stressful. I know it's more stressful for them than it is for me.

Then I had to go to work. Ugh. Miserable. I left an hour and a half early and went to my parent's house so I could have chicken noodle soup.

Then I came back home and picked up my room and then I walked to Mason's. Except he was already outside long boarding so we met in the street and talked on the curb. 

We said our goodnights.

Common Cold.

Yesterday I got off work a couple hours early so I could come home and rest. Then, at seven, I met at the church for FHE. Mason came too. Then we went home.


Today I went back to the bridal store with my mom and Kirsten to exchange my dress... yep. I'm spoiled. But I'm also very grateful. And I am completely happy with my dress now.

I then had classes. After my second one, I took a test. It took me 11 minutes. I hate sitting there for too long.

I went home, and Mason brought me a chicken pot pie. He's so cute. He sat with me while I ate it and crammed to read a chapter before my Biology Lab. He left, I went to lab. It was a really long one.

Then Mason came over again and we called the travel agent to switch around our cruise since we switched our wedding date. It was originally December 28 but now it's a week later, January 4. It just works better for his sister in California, and also our honeymoon and stuff will be lots cheaper.

I started getting sick though. Sneezing and stuffiness.

Melinda and I went to Walmart and I bought some pens. Then we went to Del Taco for taco Tuesday and McDonald's for drinks.

I then stayed up til 3 something finishing my book for Mason.

I finally took some Nyquil and passed out.

Doctor.

I went to Institute with Mason this morning and we announced to the class that we're engaged. They were excited for us :)

Then, I picked up some Jimmy John's for Mason and I while he hurried to his next class, and I brought it to him. We ate together in the hallway before he went back inside.

And then I went to the doctor. And I'm still sparing the details but I am fine, I'm not dying or anything haha. I picked up a prescription from Walgreen's and hopefully I feel better in a few days.

I went home, and Mason came over to talk for a bit before I had to come to work. I hope this shift goes by fast cause I'm a little miserable sitting here. I just don't feel well. Blah.

Singing and speaking.

Last night when Mason got off work, we started watching the movie Monster In Law together. Hehehe.

This morning I woke up feeling awful though and so I made plans to go to the doctor if it got worse, I'll spare you the details.

I went to Mason's for breakfast and we had french toast. Then we headed over to go to my parents' ward. My parents and Tasha spoke in their Sacrament meeting, and Kirsten and Ben sang with me as their accompanist. During the middle of the song, all the pages fell off the piano and I freaked out a little inside. Luckily, I was able to pick up the page that Ben was currently singing and continue without missing too many notes, and my dad was sitting right in front of the piano and he noticed so he came and picked up the pages and sat by me for the remainder of the song :)

Then, we went to mine and Mason's ward. He and the other members of the Elder's Quorum Presidency spoke. I sang "His Hands" before Mason got up last, and Ben accompanied me. It was a nice church day!

We hung around a bit and talked to some of our other engaged friends and then we went home to take a nap at Mason's. We woke up and ate dinner with his dad, and then we went to his friend Zack's house for a bit. After that, we went to visit his sister Maricel and show her my ring and stuff.

Then, Mason dropped me off at my apartment and said goodnight.

Wedding dress.

I have been so anxious to go wedding dress shopping but I didn't want to go until I had a ring on my finger. So I wake up this morning to some texts from my mom and Kirsten saying we should go and so of course I said yes. I feel bad cause I told Melinda she could come when I went, but she went to Salt Lake last night. That's what she gets for going the night of my engagement! Haha. I feel bad though.

I stopped at Mason's to say hello on my way to my parents' house.

My mom, Kirsten, and I went to Lauren James Bridal and found a dress! I'm so excited. It's not how I pictured it, but it's unique and looks good on me, and I love it. I got a veil too. Yay!

We stopped at my mom's work at Deseret Book so I could show my ring to all her coworkers. This is so fun!

The three of us then went to Cafe Rio for lunch. Then we stopped by my house to get sheet music, and on our way back home we stopped at Mason's so I could give him another hug and kiss :)

Then I took a nap. As soon as Parker woke up, I practiced with Ben and Kirsten.

Then I saw Mason one more time before we both had to come to work.

I got one more hour left. Then another hour before Mason gets off and we get to hang out :)

Tomorrow is going to be awesome.

Engaged!!

I was super lazy for the first half today. I saw Mason before his class. Then, I kind of did some laundry and cleaned my room but didn't do too much. Around three I went to practice the piano for Sunday.

We had a double date planned with my sister and her husband for five. Then, around four, she texted me and said she would have to cancel because she didn't feel well. She is pregnant after all. I was bummed but at the same time I thought it meant Mason would have more time to catch up on his studies.

This was our texting conversation

"I just woke up from my nap. Crap I need to hurry if I'm going to make five."
"Take your time. The date is off."
"What do you mean? What's wrong?"
"Kirsten doesn't feel well."
"Oh crap did I get her sick too!?"
"She's pregnant."
"I know I was sort of kidding."
"Haha oh."
"So what are your plans now?"
"I don't have any until 8:30. Sorry."
"Why are you sorry? Did you want me to just see you at Jazzy's?"
"Yeah sure."

So you can tell I was bummed about the date being canceled and being a little butt about it. But Mason called me and said we can't just cancel date night! So he asked what I wanted to do and I said I had no idea, but we should at least go eat cause I was planning on that and I was hungry. So he came to pick me up and said he'd ordered take out from Olive Garden and so we went to pick it up. He asked me if I felt like taking his inflatable boat out to go fishing and it sounded fun but I didn't think we had time to go all the way out and back before I had to be to Jazzy's for sound check. But he said to go to my parent's house to get some fishing poles while he went to get  his boat from his friend.

But, unfortunately, his friend hadn't repaired the whole he had torn in it yet. So I got the fishing poles and went back to Mason's but we decided not to go fishing. We finally sat down and ate our Olive Garden in his dining room. His mom came up to him and reminded him that he better finish his quiz and then I was like wait, you told me you finished your quiz before our date, did you lie to me? And he looked like a dear caught in the headlights and I said "why did you lie to me about that? You could've finished it." You know, cause we could've started our date a little later. Anyway. I was stressed. And then his dad brought him the mail and Mason opened an envelope and I saw "Fred Meyer" on one of the papers before he could put it back away.

I was thinking... okay... there's no way he's proposing tonight. First of all, the ring won't be ready til next week. And second, he wouldn't say let's go fishing and then just change his mind. And this just isn't making any sense. We only had an hour before I had to be at Jazzy's so Mason said let's just go on a bike ride. We stopped at Maverik to get gas and some water bottles and then we started driving toward the Arizona strip.

We were just talking having a great time, cruising down the road, when out of nowhere he pulls out the ring in the box and holds it in front of me. I did not see that coming. He said, "Ashlee Woolsey, will you marry me?" I was like "seriously? Is this for real?" cause I felt like it was going to be another prank (he's been trying to trick me lately so that he can surprise me) but obviously it wasn't because there was the ring right in front of me. I was just so shocked. He said "Yep this time it's for real." And so I said yes, and he took the ring and put it on my finger. We got to the Arizona strip and he stopped the bike so he could get off and get on one knee and ask me again. And it was perfect :)

Poor Mason. He wanted to take me out on a lake and propose there but all these things went wrong that weren't his fault. And he almost postponed popping the question but he decided to just do it. And I'm so glad I don't have to wait anymore :)

I'm engaged!!!!! I honestly can't believe it. I can't believe I found him. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. And the best part? He feels like the luckiest guy in the world. And that's how it's supposed to be :)

Anyway. I then called my mom to tell her. Cause Mason had told my family that he was canceling for tonight due to everything going wrong, and hadn't told them he had changed his mind again. I would've gone straight to my parents' house but I had to be at Jazzy's. And honestly I did not want to be there and I hated playing. It was stupid because the headliner quit last second so they started the show a half hour later, and if I had known I didn't have to be there til 9:30, I'm sure I would've gone to my parents' right away. Oh well. It was fun announcing to the crowd that I'd just gotten engaged within the hour, and then someone from Dixie Sun News interviewed Mason and I for a second :)

And after that we saw his parents and my parents. And then we went to his house to watch a movie. And then goodnight :)

I love my ring sooo much.

And my FIANCE! 

That's all.

Today I went to class and then I hung out with Mason and then I went to work.

And then I hung out with Mason again.

For realsies.

I saw Mason this morning for a little bit when he got off work and before his class.

I went to my class and as soon as that was over, Mason picked me up. We went back to the ring store to make sure it was the ring I wanted, and then he signed the papers and the lady said it would be sized and ready next Thursday.

Then, we went to Jimmy John's because we had a little extra time. After that, we went to my apartment and cuddled for a minute. Then Mason got his motorcycle and took me to work :) and after work he also picked me up.  My family invited us over for Hawaiian haystacks so we went there and ate. We had strawberry shortcake for dessert mmmm.

We went home.

:)

I love how he can never keep his eyes open for a picture hahaha.  

Bad day turned beautiful.

I showed the route to Kenna one last time, so she'll officially take over tomorrow. I'm so glad to be done with it. I don't know how anyone can get up that early every day, first of all. Second of all, I would go mad if I had to drive around that much in the exact same pattern every single day for too long. I get sick of it after just a few days.

I came home and set my alarm so I could sleep for an hour and wake up with plenty of time to get ready for Institute. But, I fell back asleep after it went off. I somehow managed to wake up a little over ten minutes before my class was supposed to start and I was super flustered getting out of bed. I was even more confused when I realized Mason hadn't called me, and he calls me every single day when he gets off work. I called him and he didn't answer. And then I got to Institute and he wasn't there. So, like the paranoid person that I am, I left and went to his house to make sure he was okay. He opened the door and I found out, of course, he had fallen asleep. Hahaha.

I started writing this post on Wednesday and now it's Saturday and I can't remember why I titled it "bad day turned beautiful." I mean, every day is great because of Mason and stuff but I can't remember exactly why... hmmm. Oh well! On to the next day's post. Haha.

Oh and I love the internet.

And I don't post many selfies lately so here.

Vague for reasons.

Yesterday for FHE the guys made dinner for the girls because we won a competition (which was totally unfair but whatever). I got off work early to go help Mason and a couple guys finish pulling some pork and stuff, then we headed to the church pavillion to eat.

And afterward, Mason and I hung out for a minute but said goodnight.


Today I showed Kenna the paper route again. After that, I went to the police station to get my fingerprints done for my new job.

I went to class. When I got home, Mason came over less than two minutes later. We hung out for a while until he had to go study and I had to study.

I went to Biology and then home. Mason came over again and we planned some stuff.

:)

Quick kisses.

This morning on the route, Tony had a girl ride along with me so she can learn and take over the route. She was nice so it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be to drive around with a stranger for an hour and a half.

I came home and took a nap. Then I got up, showered, and called the temple. Yep.

I met Mason at Institute. He went to class, and I started to drive home. I called my mom and found out she was at Ross with Kirsten and Connor and that they were going to be meeting my dad soon for lunch, so I started to drive the other way around the school. I got to the light on the north end of campus when I saw Mason crossing the street in front of me. I yelled his name out the window and he looked confused for a second but he laughed and ran to my car to give me a kiss through the window. Cutie.

I went to Ross with my mom and Kirsten and Connor for a bit, then we met my dad at Subway.

Mason said he woke up with a sore throat this morning, so I went to Harmon's and got him some orange juice. I told him I was dropping something off, so I set it down on his front doorstep and started walking away when he ran outside and gave me another quick kiss.

Not much later, as I was leaving again for work, Mason called me and told me that his request for time off at work had been approved.... for a certain week coming up in a few months.... and as I drove past his house on my way to work, he came outside and again, gave me a quick kiss.

And I can't stop smiling.

Mason sent me this snapchat during Institute while I was sitting right next to him. Hahaha.

Everything will all work out.

It was a wonderful day.

Mason and I talked to our bishop about our plans and asked for advice. It was a really nice meeting.

And then church was awesome. Mason drew a comic during the first hour, of he and Melinda as stick figures, and he cutting off her head like a ninja and then blowing her up. I wish I had taken a picture. Melinda wasn't happy haha.

After church, Mason and I went to visit his grandma, his dad's mother. She's a sweet lady and she was asking about our relationship and giving us advice. I really, really appreciate helpful advice. Not the negative kind. The positive kind. The kind that comes with love and excitement, not from judging (like a lot of people who think we're crazy. But that's okay).

Then, we went to my parents' for dinner like usual. After that we took all of the groceries we got the night before to Tyler's and Cody's houses so it'd be ready to start cooking tomorrow.

We went to my apartment. Melinda and her friend Charmane (?) were watching the last of the Twilight series, and Mason said he'd never seen it and so we laid down to watch it with them. We both fell asleep about halfway through though. Then he went home :)

Melinda insisted on taking a picture since we were "matching" (this is from Saturday night).

Awkward encounters.

Last night, Mason and I ended up staying up late talking in my room, and then fell asleep. So he stayed until I got up for my paper route at 5:00 a.m.

After my route, I came home and slept for about 45 minutes. Then, I went across town to pick up my check for playing on Thursday. Then I went to Chick-fil-A for free breakfast... and it did not make me feel healthy at all.

I then went to the church because it's our ward's turn to clean this month and I haven't ever done it. I didn't know if Mason would show or not because I knew he needed to study. I was the first one there, and the second person there was his ex, who is a really nice girl but it's still an awkward situation just because. She acted perfectly normal and nice to me, and that was good. And then Mason showed up and she was still normal but I just feel so bad because I know what it's like to be in her shoes. Anyway.

I went home and stayed in my bed and slept forever. I feel so lazy but I justified it because I didn't get hardly any sleep last night. I'll get more sleep tonight.

I'm at work listening to this cool band I've never heard til today. Sleigh Bells. I feel like I've heard the name mentioned by people or somewhere on the internet, but I've never actually listened. It's good, interesting stuff. I dig.

My babe is the best.

Maturity comes when you stop making excuses and start making changes.

Temple picnic.

I cleaned the kitchen, bathroom, and my room today. Next on my list is to go through all my clothes and shoes again and get rid of stuff. I'm going to try to sell things on Craigslist if I can. I want to save up as much money as possible in the next coming months and on.

At six, I picked up Mason. It was my turn to plan our date night. And actually, I got all the ideas from my mom, so, thanks mom. We went to Subway and got sandwiches. The first thing the worker said when we walked in was "You guys look so happy" and it made Mason's day. And mine :) We took our sandwiches to the temple and laid out a blanket on the grass. We were there for quite a while eating and talking.

We then got some ice cream cones at Arctic Circle on my way to my parent's house, where we watched The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I tried watching that movie soon after it came out on DVD but I was at Kelsey's house in Provo and we got distracted when my friend Shad had come over. And then I tried watching it again a while later at my house with some guy but I fell asleep. And then a couple months ago I actually read the book, so I wanted to really watch it. We finished it and I loved it. I think they did a really good job with the movie.

We also chatted with my parents and Kirsten and Ben a bit. Fun things are happening :)

Then we went back to my house to cuddle.

Rejuvenated.

I don't want to leave the day with my last post. Why?

Because I feel 100% better about everything right now. Because I have faith. FAITH. Faith is happiness. That is what I have come to learn through my life. I have figured that out through experience and people teaching me, and I have come to truly know it for myself.

And right now my mind is clear of doubts and confusion. Life is crystal clear, and the future is bright.

Also, I have some pictures I forgot about.

This is my "before" picture. I took one a while ago, but I deleted it, and so this is actually more of an "in between" picture, but still. I am working to improve!

And this is last night at the Lamp Fest.

Discombobulated.

Last night at the Lamp Fest was really fun. Afterward, Mason and I went to my family's house and ate home made chicken noodles. Then we said goodnight.

Today has been kinda blah. I know this gloomy weather is really affecting my mood. I hate it. I hated the paper route this morning. Going to visit my mom was nice. But coming home, I hated my room and the mess and everything. I hated going to class.

But at least seeing Mason is always a good part of my day.

I don't know if I'm even excited for the concert tonight, though, because I'm just not in a good mood.


Sometimes you can’t explain what you see in a person. It’s just the way they take you to a place where no one else can.

My mood:

mewithoutYou.

This morning when I was done with the paper route, my parents invited me to breakfast. They were 

supposed to head up to Salt Lake, but they turned around because the rain was so bad and they had started

hydroplaning. So, we met at Denny's with Desi too and had a good time.

I went home and got ready, and then went to Institute with Mason. I came home and took a little nap. I was woken up by a flood alert on my phone. Good thing too, cause my alarm didn't wake me up! Mason came over on his way to the gym and we just spent about 15 minutes together before I had to rush to work.

I'm getting off work early to go do a sound check for the concert at the college. It was supposed to be outside but it's been too rainy so they moved it outside. I doubt anyone will come cause not everyone will realize it's been moved or where, and no one wants to come to an outdoor concert in the rain. Oh well. We'll see how it goes.

Anyway, I feel like a loser right now. Kind of. I realize that lately I've kind of been listening to the same songs over and over. I think it's because ever since my birthday when my iPod crashed and erased everything, it still struggles and I can't upload any more songs to it. So, I have a limited number of songs there. And so today I'm on Spotify and decided to listen to some mewithoutYou, because I'd seen a post by them on Facebook earlier. They used to be one of my top favorite bands. I still really love their music. Anyway, I went to their Spotify page and realized they came out with an album last year... that I had no idea about. LAST YEAR. 2012!! The last album I knew about was the previous one that came out in 2009. Man. Seriously, a whole year and I had no idea. I wonder how many other albums are out there that I have been missing out on. Sheesh! I need me some music. And concerts. Let's go.

Cuddle cuddle cuddle.

I was at work Monday night when my mom texted me and told me that Mason and Melinda were at her house! Mason had kept helping Melinda with her photography, and had called my mom for help with something, and she'd invited them over for dinner. So, I took an early out and raced home. But Melinda had to go to class. So my mom took her, and I stayed and ate with Mason. Then we went to FHE. Then home.

Today I had a good day. Mason came over after work and cuddled with me. Then he went to class, and I went to the Subway then to the school to get ready for my class. And then classes. And in between classes I came home and ate the rest of my Subway and finished some homework.

After my Biology lab, I went to the gym. Then later Mason picked me up and we got a pizza from Little Caeser's. He called his sister and she invited us to her house, so we went and visited she and her husband. It was nice. I really like them.

We went back to my apartment and cuddled a little more before he went home to bed.

Cannonball.

Mason came over super early this morning. Since he usually gets up really early, but today he didn't have to work, he instead came over and cuddled with me all morning. We went to McDonald's to get breakfast, then went to Institute together.

He went to class and I went to the Student Government office to get fliers but they didn't have any yet. Don't let me forget to go tomorrow.

Then I went to get a Dr. Pepper, then visited my mom at work for a bit.

I went home and helped Melinda take some pictures for an assignment in her photography class. Shortly after, Mason came over cause he was done with classes. Melinda asked him if he would jump in the pool so she could take more pictures (she needed pictures of moving water in some way). He gladly did it for her, and also picked me up and jumped in the pool with me. In my clothes. So then I had to hurry and shower and come to work with wet hair. Hahaha.

Electrocuted.

Tony had me do half of another route today, so I did two and a half. I didn't get done until a lot later than normal, especially since there are more papers on Sunday and they are huge, but it was okay. I went home and got to sleep of course.

I went to church with my roommates. It wasn't the same without Mason there to hold my hand but of course it was still great. The funniest thing happened during Sacrament meeting. We were singing the opening hymn, and just as we were starting the last verse, a voice came over the speakers. It was a guy in the other chapel welcoming his ward to church. The organist stopped and looked around, and everyone kinda giggled and watched the bishopric frantically try to figure out how to turn off the speakers. A good minute went by when the chorister awkwardly started us again, and the organist started playing, and we finished the last verse. Everyone was laughing because of the last part I think, and it was soooo funny.

After church, Melinda and I went to my family's for dinner. We had yummy chicken and potatoes. I love family dinners! We also stayed and watched the CES fireside given by Elder Nelson.

We went home, and Melinda was helping me change the lightbulb on my lamp. Normally, it isn't too hard to change a lightbulb, but we couldn't figure out how to take off the lampshade to even access the lightbulb... it was complicated. We finally did it though, and Melinda was fidgeting with something when suddenly she screamed and jumped back and said "I just got electrocuted!" She freaked and ran out of my room because she was so scared. I would be too! I almost killed my roommate! Anyway, we had taken my lamp apart and it was unnecessary, and I think I broke it. Ha...

Well, I got ready for bed and waited for Mason to come home. He and his dad got back around midnight, so I walked to his house and stayed for about 20 minutes and then said goodnight.

Mason and his niece. Perfection.

Way of Life.

After the paper route, I went to my parents' house, and my dad made us fried eggs and toast. Thanks, daddy :) I then went home to take a little nap.

I had to watch one of the DOCUTAH films for my Humanities class, and I chose one called "Way of Life." It's about a guy named Michael Daube who finds a painting in a dumpster, sells it for $18,000, then uses the money to build a hospital in India. He goes on to develop and staff it, and do other good things in other places. I really enjoyed it, and got to meet the director.

I went home. Amanda called me on her way to the BYU game and told me there was a huge storm starting. Sucks. It also rained a bunch here but it didn't flood nearly as bad. Rainy nights just make me want to cuddle forever! Oh, but Mason is in California with his family because his first niece is getting blessed tomorrow.

I went to work. Then after, I talked on the phone with Mason. And later in my room I talked with Melinda and Emily and then went to bed.

Okay is this not the cutest thing ever?

..

Grafton.

Getting up at 5:00 a.m. is really getting to me. At least I get to take naps. So, after my nap I went to the school to catch the end of the open mic in the student center living room. I didn't bring my guitar cause I wasn't planning on playing. But Carlos, the student body president, is one of my friends and he asked me if I wanted to borrow his guitar and go last. So I did! It was fun and people were really nice. When I was done, I sat down and then the Dean of students came and sat by me and started telling me how good he thought I was, and then went on to tell me how I should run for Miss Dixie. Hmmmm. Why not? I think I might, just for fun :)

I called my mom and she told me to meet she and dad at Ernie's again. We sat inside at a table and talked for a while and it was nice.

Then I went to UPS and shipped two of my books to Amazon that I don't need anymore. A little after four, I met my mom and Tasha at this place so Tasha could try on Homecoming dresses for next week. It was fun, I tried one on for fun too. I told Mason about it later and showed him the picture and he says I should rent it and he'll wear a tux and we'll go to a fancy restaurant in Vegas or something :) that would be fun.

After six, Mason picked me up and we went to the mall. And guess why we went to the mall? So we could go ring shopping. Yep. That really happened. I found a ring I love and so did Mason. I think he actually tried on more rings than me, haha. He's so cute. He told me he's going to wear his CTR ring on his left hand after we get engaged, until he gets his wedding ring, so that he looks "off the market" too. We were leaving the mall when we ran into the bishop's wife and she was so giddy about the fact that we were looking at rings. This is so fun!!

We then went to Outback Steakhouse. We had to wait a while to get seated, so we looked around the factory outlets. Dinner was so good. I ordered my favorite meal that I always get there: steak, coconut shrimp, garlic mashed potatoes, and sweet potato fries. Heaven on a plate. I could eat it every day.

After dinner we went home and got ready. We and Melinda, Emily, and Rylan all drove to Grafton! We had been planning on it for about a week so I'm glad we actually went. I had never been so I was really excited to get scared. When we got there, there were other cars, which made us nervous because people can be scary. But it turned out there were just a few people doing star photography. And... it kind of made it less scary. Except for toward the end when Mason and I hopped a fence and walked into a dark scary house alone with no lights. Eek.

It was fun. We all went home and Mason stayed with me for about an hour before going home.

Loved this dress.

Some of my very favorite people in the world. 

Sorry Melinda haha. 

This isn't the house that I said was scary but this is the only one we took pictures by. 

Couch.

I stayed in bed for the longest time after doing the paper route. Mason Skyped me when he got off work and showed me a couch he wanted to buy. He was going to be late for class and wouldn't have time to come see me, so I surprised him by driving to the school and walking with him to his class.

I went to my class and then Mason picked me up and we went to Costco together. He bought the couch, and we loaded it in his truck! Then we went to Domino's to pick up a pizza, and took it to my house to eat it before I had to run to work.

After work, I stopped by Ancestor Square to check out the concert and see what I'll be up for next week. I'm excited. Josh was there and we chatted, and I also met Gordon finally. I saw my aunt Michelle and uncle Jon there as they were leaving their anniversary dinner.

Then I went to the chapel because Mason asked me to come watch him and the Elder's Quorum play basketball. I like that he wants me to be around for things like that.

When they were done playing, we went back to my apartment for a while and then Mason went home.

The sunrise was really pretty :) 

Passion.

I did the paper route for Tony again this morning. When I was done, I stopped at my parents' house and my mom made me some scrambled eggs. Thanks, mom :) This time, instead of going to the gym, I went home and took a nap. I was so tired.

I woke up in time to get ready for Institute with Mason. He gave the thought for the devotional and I fell in love with him all over again, just like every day. Cheese please.

He let me ride on his motorcycle with him across campus, and I walked with him to his class, then walked back across campus to my car. Haha.

I then took some Ibuprofen to Deseret Book for Melinda. She works with my mom now! My mom was there too so I got to see them both.

Then I went home and took another nap... haha I feel so lame saying that but no regrets.

Earlier in Institute, Mason said he had a cookie for me that he would give me after class. He called me before my second nap and said he forgot to gave it to me. He had class til 3:50 and I had work at 4:00 so he said he would try to bring it by on my break. Then, I got to work and clocked in and sat down and got a call.

I looked at my phone and he had texted me, and I realized he was here to give me my cookie. He was trying to surprise me but he had waited where he could see all the doors EXCEPT the one I actually come through. Hahahaha. And just my luck, the call I was on was 9 minutes and 30 seconds long, and the soonest you can hand off a call is 10 minutes. So I had to sit, anxiously captioning the slowest automated call ever, while Mason waited in the hallway. What a cutie. Trying to surprise me and stuff :)

“Passion has little to do with euphoria and everything to do with patience. It is not about feeling good. It is about endurance. Like patience, passion comes from the same Latin root: pati. It does not mean to flow with exuberance. It means to suffer.”
— Mark Z. Danielewski, House of Leaves

Cookie dough brownies.

Tony, the guy who occasionally asks me to sub a paper route, asked me to fill in temporarily because a bunch of carriers quit. So, this morning I woke up at 5:00 a.m. to deliver papers. The only bad part about it was the rain, because instead of simply tying rubberbands around each paper, I had to stuff them each in individual plastic bags. It really wasn't that bad though and I actually enjoyed the mixture of rain and sunlight. And it's always enjoyable to watch the sunrise.

I then went to the gym and had a good workout. I went home and showered, and then Mason came over to say hi on his way home from work.

Then, I met my family at Ernie's for drinks and lunch.

I went to the school to officially add my humanities class, and then went to my classes.

After class, I went to Smith's with Carissa so I could buy a couple ingredients for a new recipe I wanted to try on Pinterest. We went home and I made chocolate chip cookie dough brownies. As I was baking, Mason came over and attempted to work on a little homework. We ended up talking and cuddling of course. We also had some girl talk with Melinda. Haha.

Mason left so he could actually study, and I was able to do my homework too. Then I went to bed :)

Emerald Pools.

I got up this morning and made sandwiches for Mason and I, then I went to Harmon's to buy water bottles and granola bars. I went to McDonald's and picked up some breakfast (Mason's request) and then he came and picked me up.

And we went to Zion! It was lovely. We were maybe going to do Angel's landing, but we didn't have enough time because I had to be at work later. We hiked the Emerald Pools trail and that was fun enough for me. When we got to the upper pool, we ate our sandwiches and then splashed water all over each other to cool down.

Then, we went home! I went to work, Mason went home to study. And now I'm in bed... kinda early. For me.

Cutie eating his sandwich.

Emerald pools!

I love Zion. It's so beautiful.

A guy's thought process. "Hmmm... I could climb this." 

"Now what?" hahaha. 

I'm not as cool. 

Mason thought he was hilarious for taking a picture of us and pretending to sleep. 

Dating the Elder's Quorum President.

Mason picked me up on his motorcycle this morning. That's right. We went to church on a bike, me wearing a dress. It was awesome haha. I got a new calling as Relief Society chorister.

After church (which was amazing), we drove home to change and then went straight to my parents' house for dinner. I love having Mason over for family meals. We didn't stay long but it was really nice.

We went back to my apartment and attempted to watch Saturday's Warrior because I grew up with it but Mason had never seen it. We made it about halfway before I could tell he was struggling to keep his eyes open. I turned it off and then we cuddled until he went home.


I remember the first few times I saw or talked to Mason. I heard him bear his testimony at church and just thought he was the most amazing guy. I even mentioned to my roommates (long before actually hanging out with Mason): "I would totally marry that guy." That little comment was based on first impressions of course, mostly off of his spiritual strength in the gospel.

I'm not going to take this time to tell our whole story (which isn't very long yet) but I just wanted to say a bit about what it's like dating the Elder's Quorum President. I know he's not like the bishop or prophet or anything, and any EQ Pres is just a normal guy, but it really has changed my life. At first I thought he was too good for me and I was nervous to be around him. That quickly changed as I realized how down to earth he was. I still think he is the most incredible man ever, otherwise I wouldn't be so in love with him.

It's just amazing to be with someone who can be so real and so wonderful. I can't believe how quickly my view on love changed, or rather, became what it used to be before being hurt by multiple people. I am extremely grateful for all the disappointments, frustrations, betrayals, deceit, and heartbreak I had to go through, because I know that I will forever notice and appreciate all the big and little things that Mason does for me, and everything he is as a man. He truly is a man of God. Perfectly imperfect. Funny, smart, ambitious, understanding, patient, thoughtful, kind, compassionate, loving, willing, selfless, sexy, and strong.