First Pictures

Do you see the nametag...it is craziness.



Ba ha ha... me as a missionary in front of the Provo Temple.
Possibly the only day I have had time to do my hair.



Breaking News

I just heard from Melissa.  Her visa came today, and she will be leaving for the Madrid MTC tuesday morning! Horray!

September 9, 2010

Goodness it sounds like it has been a crazy week for everyone!


I honestly don't know if I have that much to write about because everyday is pretty much like the next. We got our first 'real' investigator this week. All of the teachers have profiles of people they taught or family members so that we can have a real teaching experience. Our first investigator is 'Sarah' aka Hermana Barker. She is going to be pretty tough to teach because Hna. Barker was once Baptist. Seriously Baptist...like engaged to a Baptist pastor serious. So she knows all the hard questions to ask and she will play it tough. But it should be good because we definitely need some practice. It is hard teaching lessons to other missionaries because they don't always take it seriously. I know I don't.

Our Visas for sure didn't come, so we will probably be here for a couple extra weeks. It shouldn't be too bad. I love my companions so at least I get a couple extra weeks with them.

We are no longer the youngest hermanas in our zone. We just got 4 new hermanas yesterday. It is always nice because hermanas are always in short supply. I don't know them very well but they seem like a lot of fun.

Okay so this is like the lamest email but I don't have much to say! I am enjoying the MTC. Trying to work hard. Spanish is still difficult but I am trying hard. Hopefully my Spanish brain and my English brain will connect soon!

Love you a million Spainsh words!

Love- Melissa the Beautiful!

September 2, 2010

Hola!

This may be the extent of my Spanish words...just kidding I know how to say I am a missionary and that I love Jesus. What else could there be? I honestly can't believe that I have already been here for two weeks. The days go by super super slow but then it feels like the weeks just fly by. I got word that I will not be leaving the MTC next week. Visas are slow right now so most likely I will be here the full 9 weeks. I was a little sad about that but I have really started to love my zone and district, so in a way I am glad I am not leaving.

So just a couple of fun things about the MTC. I pretty much adore my chair. We sit in a classroom all day, which would be terrible except that I have the most amazing chair. It reclines and is super comfy. I really want to take it with me when I leave. I might even write an ode to it. I consider my chair an MTC blessing.

And then there is the free box. I cannot even explain how awesome the free box. Pretty much hermanas when they are leaving put anything they can't fit in their suitcases, in the free box. I found a brand new pair of American Eagle jeans...in the free box! And they were just my size. Another MTC miracle. Sometimes there is even delicious food. Wonder of Wonders Miracle of Miracles...name that.

Okay so I pretty much love my district...8 little Elders, beautiful boys. Sometimes I get a little annoyed because they are so crazy but they have amazing testimonies. Mostly I just want to bottle their enthusiasm because they already love being on a mission. I need to work on that!

One of my companions, Hermana S, has broncitis(?). So we actually got to escape the MTC on Saturday and journey to the outside world! And by that I mean the BYU Health Center and Rite Aid...so nothing too exciting. It did feel a little weird to be in the outside world. Everyone one is jealous cause usually you don't get to leave unless you are super sick. Hna. S is getting better. The majority of the week we spent up in our rooms, while she slept. It kind of stunk to miss class, but what can you do.

I am not going to lie, being here at the MTC is hard. It is easy to get discouraged with the language. Then there are just these moments of pure joy, when I get to share my testimony about the Savior or hearing someone talk about the changes that have come in there life because of the gospel, and it all feels worth it.

I love you a million pairs of perfect fitting jeans from the free box.

-Melissa the Beautiful

August 26, 2010

I have been here for over a week which is just craziness. It feels like forever but in a good way! My companions are pretty awesome. We are all pretty different but we get along well. A lot of time we just end up laughing about things and have to be like 'focus!' and get back to work. Hermana P has the best facial expressions and knows tons about Spanish, so I am already relying on her. Hermana S knows a line from every movie and is very outgoing...which helps me, since I am not!


Most of the day we spend in the classroom...pretty much on our own. We wake up have personal study for an hour, then head to breakfast. I feel pretty healthy here because all I eat is fruit and salad. Plus drink lots of water! Mostly because all the other meals are heavy on the meat. But pretty much everybody thinks I am this super healthy girl. I have got them all fooled. Though on Wednesday and Sunday they have Ice Cream...Cocunut Joy...Just skip all those fun and games and head straight for the Ice Cream!

We have two teachers during the day. Hermano Milne and Hermano Ruseke. Hno. Milne is the same age as me...which is hilarious. He is really knowledgable about the gospel, so I feel like I am learning a lot form him. It is pretty humorous because he is always making these sound effects...makes him seem my age. But he knows how to teach with the spirit. Hno Ruseke is much more serious...He kind of reminds me of a Jedi master. He also knows the gospel like the back of his hand and has been working us hard to learn the doctrines.

There are 8 Elders in my district. They are all going to Honduras...they are pretty funny and are starting to warm up to us. Apparently they are scared of girls...but it is all good because we force them to sit by us at lunch!

I am doing pretty good here. Every hour I feel like I am feeling a different emotion but I always go back to being happy. Elder holland came and spoke to us on tuesday about working hard and not wasting a minute, so I am trying to embrace this opportunity and sieze it. I miss you all and think about you all the time! I love you a million bowls of cocunut joy!

Love- Hermana Roberts the Beautiful

First Letters

We received two letters from Hermana Roberts yesterday.  The second one repeats some of the first one, so I will edit a bit.  (the second is a form letter the branch presidency had them fill out.)

August 18, 2010
Dear Family,
Ha ha, they say I need to tell you that I am A-okay.  Which I am.  It was rough the first five minutes but I am good!  I have two companions-Hermana P and Hermana S.  We are lucky and have three!  H. P is from Arizona and H S. is from American Fork.  The first day has been totally different then I expected, but better not scary.

I actually saw a couple of people I know.  I saw Kiera M. and talked with her.  I caught a glimpse of Ryan C and a girl I know from school.  I wasn't expecting to see anyone I knew the first day!

Things are a little crazy, but not as bad as I was expecting.  Though I kind of feel like all we do is sit in the classroom and eat...I think they are trying to make us gain a million pounds before we leave...but I am determined that won't happen!

I miss you all and can't wait to hear from you!

Melissa the Beautiful

August 19, 2010
This is again a note to say I have survived the first 24 hours.  I didn't fall out of my bunk bed, choke on a piece of chicken, or injure myself on the exercise machine.  So it is all good.  I am expecting many letters.  I miss you all.

Melissa the Beautiful

P.S. I eat salad and fruit -so healthy!

In Which Hilarity Ensues And I Pack For My Mission

I have been looking for a sweatshirt to take on my mission. Unfortunately, the girls section of most stores are filled with sweatshirts that have sparkles or the word 'Peace'. So I ventured to the boys section for a wider selection. It was there that I spotted it...the perfect sweatshirt. Light blue with flower designs on the front. Nothing too crazy.

It wasn't until I got home that Emily pointed out this

The pretty flowers and birds formed a skull!

In other news, I leave for the MTC tomorrow. Barcelona baby...by way of Provo. My mom will be posting my emails on my blog, so anyone who is interested can see what I am doing. I put my email and address on the sidebar for those who want it! See you all in 18 months!

I'M Moving Out

This is what my room looks like.

Bare. Messy. Sad.

Finding a cute durable suitcase is harder than it seems.

I have more cardigans and scarfs then shirts. I can't help it. I love cardigans.

I may have cried when I packed away my books. I am just really attached to them.

I also have an obsessive amount to Sharpies. The better to write cute letters with.

I have watched the first three Seasons of Bones while packing my room. And I even got rid of stuff.

Kimber told me she would be sad when I left but she wouldn't cry. Keep a stiff upper lip.

This Is The Final Countdown

Only 23 days till I leave for the MTC.

I am set to go. I have every color imaginable in my favorite pen.

I Drove All Night

I went to California to visit this lovely lady. And I had a blast. The beach, sleeping in, Eclipse, friendship bracelets, delicious food, 'I remember you', San Francisco, rollerblading, mission advice, Celine, late nights, RACHEL.

Make Me Some Ugly Hair

Fireworks. Cousins. Awesomeness.

Most of these pictures were taken by Scarlett. Which would explain why they are so cool.

Looks Like the Love child of Zac Efron and Jesse McCartney

Do I love JB? Yes. Which is one of the reasons I am glad Emily is coming home this weekend. Then I will have someone to listen to Justin Bieber with. And I know she will love this video. Plus it is a Remix...with Usher. bahaha.

I'll Be Up Up And Away

The parentals are out and about this weekend, so I am in charge of keeping the children entertained. Which is no easy feat. That is why I bribe them with snow cones and Justin Bieber aka Baby baby.

It seems to be working.

I wish. I wish, I wish

This art exhibit, 'A Day Like Any Other' at the New Museum, looks absolutely awesome. Wishes, written by previous participants, have been printed on ribbons. People that view the exhibit can take a ribbon and replace it with their own wish, written on a piece of paper. You can read more about it here. The thought of carrying around another person's wish is kind of amazing.

picture from the New York Times

Just Raising Her Right

Dreams Really Do Come True

Remember when I asked Garth Brooks to come out of retirement?

Well, he listened. And he is playing a concert. Where, you may ask?

Idaho. IDAHO.

My dreams are being realized. This could be the best Summer.

Bits and Pieces

I leave for the MTC in 72 days.

Friday night I stayed up until 4 reading. Ahh it is like High School all over again.

I need a bubble for around my scooter because it will NOT STOP RAINING. Come Sunshine!

I want to go on a roadtrip.

I ate the most delicious snow cone on Saturday. Raspberry cheesecake with ice cream in the bottom. Pure Heaven.

Rachel. California. Four weeks.

I want to see this and this. Leo. Zac. Indeed.

If You Get Murdered I'll Avenge Your Death

Last Summer, I hit a cat while riding my scooter.

Last week, while riding my scooter, I saw four cats sitting, staring at me from the middle of the road.

Last night, I had a dream that a cat was attacking my foot.

I think they are out to Avenge their friend.

Sweeter Than Candy

Kimber, Me and Devin...with a balloon

Kimber to Me- 'You are candy and I'm gonna eat you up!'

So What If It Came Out Last Year. It Is My Favorite Movie Of This Year

I have watched The Young Victoria like 5 times in the last four days. And had the soundtrack on repeat. Obsessive much? But it is good. So good. So good.

May May May

Can I say how glad I am it is May? Well, I am. Why? There are a couple reasons. A visit from my lovely Rachel, Devin coming home(!), visits from Emily, birthdays and hopefully, hopefully some good summer weather.

Yes!!

Working For The Weekend

It is only Tuesday and I am ready for it to be Friday.

Conversation I had today with a Customer

CC: I need to use your bathroom.
Me: I'm sorry. We don't have a public restroom but you can go next door or to the Library.
CC: I will pee my pants if you don't let me use the restroom.
Me: Sorry I still can't let you use it. Health Code Violation.
CC: I need six loaves of light wheat and I would like slice of bread.

A couple minutes pass. He pays for his stuff. We begin again.

CC: I have to use you restroom. You don't understand. I HAVE to. I will pee on your floor.
Me: Honestly I can't let you. As I said there is a restroom next door.
CC: Did you hear me I will PEE on your floor.
Me:(In my head) Awesome. I hope you do. It will be a lot more embarrassing for you.

Working. So awesome.

On a side note, another customer thought I was on drugs. Even when I insisted I don't do drugs, they were convinced I did. 'Why won't you tell me what drugs you are on?'. Sigh. Work. It's my favorite.

People Keep Asking, Asking Me Questions

I have been asked if I have started learning Spanish. Does listening to Enrique Iglesias album Quizas count? He is from Spain.


P.S. If you want to test your knowledge about Spain, take this quiz! I didn't do so hot.

Usually I Am The One Leaving, Not The One Left Behind

I took Emily to school today. Which is exciting for her, but a little sad for me.

I mean, when I do the spider scream, who will know to coming running with the vacuum?

Ly-Ly, I hope you have the best time at school. Just know that when you come home for the weekend, you will have to make up for all the hours lost entertaining me. Cause I really need my entertainment.

Waste of Time

Dear Federal Government,

Thanks for the 5 bucks. Hope it didn't put too much of a dent in your wallet!

Sincerely,
Melissa

P.S. Good thing I e-filed. I would have felt bad about killing trees for that amount.

Where I Admit I Am Completely Heartless And Have No Soul

I have a history of laughing during the sad parts of movies. It annoys quite a few people but I can't help it. I mean I laughed when Maude died(sorry Em). Heartless.

Which leads me to wonder why I thought I would be able to take The Last Song seriously. Which I couldn't. Two things made this movie utterly hilarious. 1. Miley Cyrus and 2. Liam Hemsworth's clothes.

Every time she cried, I laughed. Plus she talks like she has something in her mouth.

Since I couldn't find a photograph of his best outfit, I recreated it. Honestly, I should have been an artist.

I mean for goodness sake the guy was wearing the deepest v-neck I had ever seen. I laughed for a while over that one. All while the girls behind me cried. Soulless. Heartless.

If you are in the mood for a laugh, you should see this.

Teen romance+Death+Nicholas Sparks=Hilarity

This Is No Joke

It came!

Spain Barcelona

August 18th

Matchy-Matchy Twins

Sometimes when I see that Emily is wearing her gray pants, I go and put on my gray pants. Just so I can match her.

Fun Fact #1

Richard, from Lost, does not in fact wear eyeliner. He has naturally dark eyelashes, which caused him to be teased as a child.

Just in case you were wondering.

I was.

Welcome Spring!

On Saturday(the first day of Spring!), we spent some time in the sunshine. Soccer, sidewalk chalk, badminton and sunburns!

I wrote some song lyrics on the sidewalk. Then Sarah copied it, with her own personal touches. bahaha.

Mine

Sarah's

Seriously that girl kills me.

Zoo-we Mama

2 Months, 60 Days, 1450 hours and 87032 minutes

Honestly Honestly

This is amazing. Can you image how Awesome it would be to get this postcard in the mail? Super Awesome!

And the Oscar Goes To

As I have said, I have been having some bizarre dreams lately.

Like Robert Pattinson winning an Oscar for Twilight. He cried. And cried some more. I guess he was just happy. And surprised. As he should have been.

Sorry R.Pattz. Maybe next time. Or never

Dressed Up In Ribbons and Pearls

I made a dress!

disregard the dirty bathroom

I Like You...Even Though You Are Mad

1- I have been feeling really happy this week. Which is a nice change.

2- Dentist tomorrow. If I was really productive I could finish my mission papers in the next three weeks!

3-I started cleaning my closet. Why can't I seem to throw anything away?

4- Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging is a hilarious movie. I can't stop laughing about it. As is the book. I love British teen humor.

5- This cute guy has come into Great Harvest twice this week. Maybe I should give him a free cookie...

6-My birthday was awesome.

7- I have a crush on the Canadian ice dancer Scott Moir. I just can't help it.

8- I have been listening to a lot of Celine.

End.

Gonna Party Like It's Your Birthday

Taking My Narcissism To New Levels

On Saturday, I am throwing myself a birthday party. An 80s-tastic dance party.

What essential 80s songs must I play?

May I Admire You?

I went a little crazy with the origami hearts. Like 5 + hours of crazy.

Watch out family, friends, and secret crushes...a whole lot of love is coming your way.

My Eyebrows Point Towards Heaven

This week on facebook, people have been changing their profile pictures to the celebrity they most look like. So, in the spirit of fun, Emily and I decided to see which celebrities we most resembled. While Emily got such gems as Fergie and Renee Zellweger, my top matches were all men. According to myheritage.com, I look most like

Jesse McCartney

A young Donny Osmond

And Tom Cruise

Is it the eyebrows?

Emily: This just means that you could snag the likes of Nicole Kidman. In male form.

Always aim high.

Crest Is Best

The other night, I had a dream that I was in Fred Meyer's looking for toothpaste. All the aisles were disorganized and not in their right place. I was kept searching and searching for the toothpaste aisle but could not find it.

Finally, I came to what I thought was the toothpaste aisle. Much to my horror the only toothpaste was COLGATE. Rows and rows of Colgate. My mom and Emily tried to convince me that I should just get Colgate but I knew I had to get Crest. I was getting so frustrated that they did not realize that Crest was the superior brand.

The next day I went to Fred Meyer's.

I bought Crest.

Crest Is Best.

Have You Heard What They're Saying In the Streets?

When people ask me what I am doing with my life, I like to answer 'living in my parent's basement.' Which is pretty much true. I am living in the basement. It is a sweet set-up. A bed, free food and internet.

But I have decided to go on a mission. Surprise!

Where do you think I will go?

*I will be turning my papers in in March. I want to be home when Devin gets back.

What I Really Need Is One of Those Light Lamps Or A Trip to Greece

Greece

I have been whining about winter. About the cold and lack of sunlight. All I want to do is sleep. Hibernation sounds like a good time. Eat lots of food, sleep for a couple months, come out skinny. I like it!

But, in an effort to try to enjoy winter, I made a list about things that are good this winter.

#1- My boots. I wear them everyday and they keep my feet toasty warm.

#2- 30 Degree Weather. That is tropical for Idaho winters.

#3- My electric blanket. It gets my bed all comfy for me.

#4- K'naan. My new favorite rapper. Bang Bang

#5- The Olympics. Starting soon!

Who's That Girl

I mean, obviously I should be a model.

P.S. You should check out Emily's Poll. You won't regret it.

Luckily No One Broke a Leg

I Love NPR As Much As I Love Snow Cones, Which Is Saying Something Cause I Love Snow Cones

I love NPR. If NPR was a person, I would leave love notes on its doorstep and hide in the bushes while it read them.

And now NPR's Song of the Day. Be.Still.My.Heart. I am in Love.

Such Is Life

Me, Ashley and Meg the last week of sophomore year

One of the best things about 2010 is that Ashley comes home from her mission in February.
Ohmygoodness I can hardly wait.