Onward, ever onward...

This first day of school was so much better than last year's. I saw people I knew all over the place, and it felt like a big reunion. But I get to keep seeing them all year! It's a party. I feel all settled, established, surrounded by great people, and just feel a lot more like I belong. It's really nice. So, freshman and transfer students...just stick with it, make friends, and next year will rock for you. =)

Rock-climbing in the Dark

Went rock-climbing tonight with some friends. By the time it was my turn, it was pretty dark. And just like the time the orchestra stand lights lost power during our outdoor performance of Pirates of Penzance, things went better. I climbed faster and more confidently when I had to feel for holds instead of looking for (and thinking about) them. We played more unitedly and musically and precisely when we could barely read our sheet music. There are many things more powerful, useful, and important than sight.

Lonely Yet Triumphant Independence

Good day today! God answered my morning prayer throughout the day. =) I woke up, ran around the block, showered, read scriptures, got on the bus, bought 2 muffins and 2 giant cookies for 50 cents apiece, walked to the temple while talking to God, did Initiatory in the temple despite a long wait, took bus route 5, bought really good socks at Sports Authority and only had to pay a third of the price, walked to the DI and bought two pairs of shorts, a pair of brown pants, a pair of brown shoes, a new shirt, Harry Potter 1 on tape casette, a puzzle, and a bike helmet. Those all came to $28. Then rode the bus home. Met my roommate Rachel. Spent the rest of the evening cleaning the kitchen.

It was a good feeling today, being so independent, and productive. It was lonely, but not unbearably so. And I got to spend a lot of time with God today, and that was very good for my soul. =)

And I found a ride to the 10K in Garland! Definitely an answer to prayer. Mariska is going to run it with me. =D I'm excited about that. Gotta go to bed now though so I can actually run the race tomorrow. It'll be the farthest I've ever run at one time. My goal is to do it in under one hour. Pray for me!

Spiritual & Singing

Went to my last D&C class of the summer, and my first Institute Choir rehearsal. Both were good, but especially choir. I really like the songs we're doing. Bro. Salmund complimented me on singing with my eyes. =) I asked him about Latter-Day Voices auditions and he said he would love to have me audition, and seemed really excited. =) I figure that since I'm looking for spiritual singing men, the Institute Choir and Latter-Day Voices would be good places to run into them. =)

Didn't run tonight because it was too dark after Institute. I plan on trying in the morning before going to the temple. Tomorrow just may be a really good day. =)

I was happy today. I felt like I was closer to the Lord than I have been in a while. I think going to the temple yesterday really helped! So glad it's close by, and open.