Counting Down the Days...

Dear Reader,

As I sit here in my almost bare room, I am starting to reflect upon the past year. Or, actually, the past 10 months. I cannot believe that it has already been 10 months since I moved out to Utah. Since I started my big adventure in Utah. It is weird to think that it is somehow coming to an end.
I am moving home for 4 months (at the least), because I need to work, buy a car, and figure out my future. I know that the future will bring me back out to Utah, but who and what will be in my future is the question right now. I'm hoping that I will have a good enough paying job, where it will make more of my dreams and goals possible, but I honestly have know idea what the future has in store for me.
This will not be my last post in Utah (before I leave), but while I'm thinking about it, I'd like to highlight some of my best times I've had in Utah so far, and I want to thank the people who have made this adventure especially amazing!

I guess I will try and go chronologically...

• EFY 2008 was pretty much AMAZING. I learned so much about myself, Christ, and about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When I started as a counselor, I hadn't even been a member of the church for a year yet, but I grew leaps and bounds throughout the summer. I also got to teach the youth of the church, watch their testimonies grow, and bond with them like I had never expected.
• My 3 weeks off during the summer were an experience all in themselves. I had 3 weeks in July off of EFY, and I was pretty much a bum. I learned who my friends were, and I learned who I could depend on. I want to thank those people who housed me those weeks, you ladies are seriously ANGELS and some of you have become my best friends.
• Moving into my apartment. As I drove up to my apartment, I kind of had a "oh crap!" moment, wondering what I was getting myself into. But, with my cousin there with me and my friends supporting me, I made it. I have had my moments with some of my roommates, where I want to tear my hair out or shoot them in the face. And then, I've had moments where I have laughed so hard with them, I almost peed my pants!
• This brings me to one of the people that I am so priviledged to call my friend, my roommate Melissa. She is amazing and has been such a blessing to me. I feel sometimes like I don't deserve a friend like her, but she has been there for me during the hard times these past 8 months, and for the times where I am crazy and we're having so much fun together. I am going to miss her so much over the next 4 months.
• Amanda Hawkes is one of the most amazing women that I know. She has become one of my best friends. When I'm having a bad day, I can call her up and I know that she has an ear to listen (no matter how busy or crappy her day is going). If I hadn't moved to Utah, I don't think that I ever would have actually met her (even though we knew each other before I moved here). We have had some crazy times together, and I am so grateful for her friendship.
• The Carrie Underwood concert was pretty much HILARIOUS. I think mainly because we didn't actually go to the concert. Amanda is friends with one of the guys in Carrie Underwood's band, and it was his birthday, so we went to the 'E' Center just to meet up with him after the concert and wish him a happy birthday. Probably one of the funniest things ever. And, let me tell you, my hands were FROZEN by the end of the night. Thank goodness it hadn't started snowing yet, because I would've been a Terri-cicle.
• Road trips home with David were pretty much awesome. You're probably thinking, why? Being stuck in a car for 10 hours with a guy (who is not your boyfriend) cannot be fun. But, let me tell you, David and I had some interesting conversations, plus getting to sing car-karaoke with one of your "big brothers" is always fun!
• Late night talks with Melissa. We spent many nights, up late, together. Whether she was writing a paper, I couldn't sleep, or we both were just up, we had fun and bonded a lot. We went on MANY slurpee runs on those nights, and I've learned not to go to the 7-Eleven on State St. anymore (because they don't have banana slurpees).
• Lindsay Neeley is one of the best people that I know. She is so wise and inciteful. She was not a "new" friend when I moved out here, but we did become much closer. I'm so excited for her upcoming adventure, and I know that things will work out for the best.
• Eric and Aaron. You may be wondering why they are in a pair, and I think that's because that's how I've always talked about them to my roommates, friends, family, etc. They are my new "big brothers". They are always willing to listen when I am having an emotional break down, and they have been there for me many, many times. And, I don't think that they complain too much when I have left over lasagna, enchiladas, tatertot casserole, or any other kind of food that I've made!
• Eric Simons (Bearic). What would I do without him? He has been my true friend since EFY. Grant it, he did like me for most of the summer, I am so grateful for his friendship. He is always there for me, and I am and will always be there for him. Whenever he needs some advice on girls, or whatever, he can come to me, and he knows that he will get an honest answer. It's kind of sad, I am BRUTALLY honest with him sometimes, but I think it's something that he has learned to expect from me.

OK, so I'm sure that I have missed some people and TONS of events... but it is getting late, and for once I am actually tired. I will continue to do my little "thanks" and shout outs in another post, at a later time. I love you all!

Love,
Terri Ann