Stowaway

So, I've been working non-stop on a magazine called Stowaway for my Elang 430 class (the capstone editing course). As a class, we are actually creating a magazine and doing EVERYTHING to make it look just like a magazine you'd buy in stores, including writing the articles, editing, designing the pages, finding companies to advertise, setting up interviews, etc. Stowaway is a travel magazine for young adults between the ages of 18-30, although the articles are really applicable to anyone who travels.

Well, our magazine is due to press tomorrow! So, being one of the senior designers on the staff, guess how I spent my weekend? Yep--in the Humanities Computer Lab on campus finishing the designs for numerous articles. I literally was in the lab for 8 hours on Saturday, which wasn't too fun, but worth it. I've even had dreams for the past few nights about the magazine--that's how much Stowaway is on the brain. Wow.

On the bright side, we're almost done and I think the final product will look amazing! If you're interested in seeing the first issue of Stowaway created by a previous class, you can go to http://zines.byu.edu/. (This is a picture of the original Stowaway magazine. Ours is going to look pretty different.) Our magazine will be available to look at or buy online in a few months. I'll keep you posted.

Anyway, I've learned a lot from being apart of the staff and creating a magazine. The most important thing I've learned is that I NEVER want to have a career in magazines. The constant challenge to meet tight deadlines and the stress of it all would kill me! But I have enjoyed designing for the magazine, which I definitely like better than editing...man, it's going to be tough finding a job in a few months! =)

The Bookworm

I just discovered this painting called "The Bookworm" by Carl Spitzweg (1890) and absolutely LOVE it. Wouldn't it be amazing to have a private library like this someday? It actually reminds me of the library in Beauty and the Beast (that's my favorite part of the movie!). Someday I'll have a room dedicated to my hundreds of books! =)

Going Forward with Faith

"And I was led by the spirit, not knowing before hand the things which I should do.
Nevertheless, I went forth."
1 Nephi 4:6&7

The Life of a Bride's Maid

On a happier note, I've been able to help Laura and Dave with some wedding planning. It's hard to believe that they're getting married in a little over 2 months (actually, 66 days, as I am often reminded on Laura's daily count down=)). So far, I've helped Laura with the wedding dress shopping, the cake shopping, and some other random details.

On February 13th, we went to a bridal show held at Provo High School. It was a lot of fun to go from booth to booth and get free stuff, eat amazing food samples, and come up with some fun ideas for Laura's reception (and possibly my own reception someday). My favorite idea: Cold Stone Creamery catering! This isn't an option for Laura at this point, but I'm looking into the future =). Laura and I also got our hair done by students at a local hair school. I don't think I've seen my hair so curly since prom in high school, and I've never seen it so curly and so short. It was fun feeling like Annie or Shirley Temple for the night, although I really stood out at the BYU basketball game that evening. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment:

Amazing crepes...

...and toppings!

For my dream reception... =)


My curly hair! I've never seen someone use so much hairspray before...

Laura's beautiful curls

The results!

Laura ended up putting her hair back for the basketball game, so only I looked a little out of place. Oh well--it's not every day you get someone to do your hair for free! I wanted to show it off =)

Yesterday, Laura, Dave, Dave's mom, and I went cake shopping and got to try about a dozen samples of wedding cake. I have to admit, the experience was fun, but it also confirmed to me how much I don't like cake. Honestly, my future husband can pick out whatever kind of cake he wants because I probably won't eat any of it except what he shoves into my mouth =).

The samples were adorable! I had to take a picture.

The bride and groom enjoying all the cake. Despite the variety of flavors, they didn't take too long to decide which kinds they wanted. I was very impressed =)

Taking a break

It's Saturday night, I've been working on homework for the past 5 hours, and I'm not even close to getting caught up. I'm a little overwhelmed with school right now. Each class seems to be demanding more time than I can give! I'm sure most of you know the feeling--not fun. Honestly, I would really like to curl up with a favorite book right now and put all my cares and worries aside. Wouldn't that be nice? Of course, to make that kind of "sacrifice" now would only mean to make even greater sacrifices later, such as no sleep on Monday.

I guess I'd better get back to work.

Graduation

Despite my excitement to get out of Provo, I'm starting to feel the uneasiness of graduation. After 5 long years of college, I'm ready to move on...but to what? Yes, I'll have a minor in editing, but I've come to the conclusion that editing really isn't my passion. Yes, I really want to be a children's writer, but I still need to get a "real" job in the mean time.

Honestly, I feel pretty lost when I think about what comes after graduation. I knew I'd come to this point in my life someday, but it always felt so far away. Of course, I also had a much different idea in mind when I thought of life after graduation. As of right now, I'm planning on moving back to Oregon and living with my parents until I find a job and make enough money to support myself. No, this isn't ideal, but it's really one of my only options. The only reason I'd really want to stay in Utah is for the social atmosphere, but I can't afford it right now. But no matter where I'm at, trying to find a job will be a nightmare, not only because of the current economy, but because I don't even know where to look.

Rick Walton, who has become my adviser in many ways, suggests I just find a job that will pay the bills but will let me focus on my writing. This is a good suggestion, but I really want to use my college degree at the same time. Were 5 long years really for nothing? He also reminded me that in choosing a job after graduation, I'm not choosing my life-long career. Phew! That's good news. Now, if I could just remember this when I start freaking out about the future...

Here are my goals for the future:
Become a published writer
Get married
Become a mom

So, I guess I'll do whatever it takes to reach my goals! It's going to be frightening and unnerving for awhile, I know, but I also know things will work out. Heavenly Father has never let me down before--He's always there, leading me along. I just need to take those first few steps into the dark and then the light will come. This, of course, is not an easy task, but I know I can do it. It was frightening moving away from home to go to college, but I made it. Now I'm taking another step in life, and I know I'll make it as well.

Things to remember:
1. Keep an eternal perspective--things WILL work out for the best in the end
2. Find joy along the journey--yes, it's scary, but if I continue to look for the good, I'll find happy times as well.
3. Keep working towards goals--I will get where I want to be eventually.
4. Count blessings daily--Recognizing Heavenly Father's hand in my life is essential to being happy. I have so much to be grateful for.

Happy Valentine's Day!

"Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I love you all!