At Home for the Weekend! We have some darn cute poopies

So I had the best drive home to Washington yesterday. Somewhere around Boise I passed out and slept the last 4 hours straight, and woke up right when we were driving into town. I then proceeded to spend all Valentine's Day cuddling our six a-DORBS 3-week-old foster puppies and could not have been any happier! We have a foster dog named Sadie who we decided to foster while we attempted to convince our mom to adopt her. A few days later (after I came back to school) they took her to the vet and found out she was pregnant. Five weeks later, here we are. So my mother, who was stressed about having one dog around, now had to take care of one dog and six puppies. But they're all doing well, very healthy, cute and happy.

This week I was talking to someone in my ward who works closely with the basketball team who told me that one of the players was getting some criticism for swearing during a game and being what some would a consider a poor role model. She seemed to want to defend the player, however in my opinion it seems like a natural consequence for his behavior. IT may be a difficult lesson to learn, but it is one I am working on as well, that people are constantly watching and affected by the actions and personal decisions that I make in my life. I believe this applies to communication because business includes so much interaction, and usually teamwork. The actions someone takes, even in our class as part of a group presentation, comments in class, etc., affect both those on their team as well as the mood and attitude of the entire classroom. Having a good attitude is a constant project. I think reading the material, making constructive comments, and being enthusiastic in group projects would all help me maintain a positive attitude about this class and be a good example for others as well.

Date and Dance and Puppies!!

This week was our stake Valentine's dance and I just want to say I LOVE good clean dances. So this week my roommate and I were planning a double date, the only catch was that everyone I asked already had plans. So I was going around the Valentine's dance talking to the guys I knew and trying to find a date. Let me just say although it was last-minute I actually really enjoyed having a reason to try and talk to all these different guys. And even though I got rejected, overcoming the challenge of putting myself out there to ask people on a date was actually rather exhilarating. I'm just saying that in any aspect of the world taking a risk and putting yourself out there can really benefit you in the long run. Every guy I asked who was busy told me he would totally go on a date with me another time. So I have a date tonight, and potential dates with at least three other guys in the future! In other news at my home in Washington we have a foster dog who just had puppies, and the puppies are just starting to open their eyes. I'll share the whole story on that later, but they are SO cute! Well, time to go on my date! Enjoy watching the Olympics!

It's Groundhog Day!! Earlier there was Dodgeball

For Groundhog Day every year my parents would have us celebrate by watching the movie with Bill Murray and having eggs and sausage ("ground hog" - my dad's touch) for breakfast. If you haven't seen the movie I highly recommend it. Sometimes we just order pizza (with sausage haha).

This week we have been focusing a lot on grammar since we have an intensive grammar exam that we have to take this weekend. In order to be more fully prepared I am waiting to take it on Monday. I have learned that not only does proper grammar distinguish you but it also helps make your communication more clear.

Another thing on nonverbal communication. Today we had stake dodge ball. I love dodge ball but I am not very athletic, so I usually feel like I'm automatically profiled as a poor player based completely on my appearance and perceived coordination. However, at least in dodge ball I have my moments of glory where I can dodge and get the occasional good throw, and today I enjoyed many good games where I contributed to my teams success. I was satisfied to earn their respect and to even have someone on the opposing team express his surprise at how well I ended up performing. I was grateful for the chance to try something new and get some exercise and have some fun. The thing is, you can be completely wrong about someone at first glance. For all the importance of making a good first impression, you might just have to wait to see someone's true colors. I think it's the difference of the beginning, raw materials, and the finished or completed result. Someone could have raw talent or passion that at the moment is unrefined. Additionally, where in one area a person might be weak, they could in another area be a great strength and contribution to the group. I'm not saying I am in any way any better at dodge ball than I was before, but I do feel a little more confidence that I can maybe not be the best, but go have fun and contribute to others having fun and have an enjoyable morning. I really think it's one of life's challenges to see in others what they can become, and see beyond what might be perceived weaknesses in the current moment.