Well, I'd write about April, but I'd better finish March first, eh? Life has gotten happier. Rachel Morrell has gotten home, safe and sound :) Spring break was awesome! (Although I had to work quite a bit of it). I went to the Festival of Colors again! This time, I found the meaning of it. There are two stories behind it.
First, (and mind you, I'm doing this from memory, so if I'm wrong here or there, feel free to correct me), it is called the Holi Festival. Holi after a witch named Holika, who was finally executed in the Spring. They had tried to execute her multiple times before because of her witchcraft, but when they went to burn her at the stake, she cast a spell that killed a child in place of her. Many children had been killed in the attempts to kill her. One day, she was at the stake again, and the child she had picked as her sacrifice was a very devout child. He always repeated the names of the Gods, over and over. Hari Krishna Rama. Because of his devotion, the Gods spared him, and Holika was finally burned.
Second, and this is the reason for the chalk throwing, is that Rama would come every year to bring spring to the world. When he did this, it was said to look like he brought up brightly colored chalk from the ground, and as it settled, spring arrived. Thus, the brightly colored chalk being thrown up by all those who attend this festival. Pretty cool, huh? Another fun tidbit, the LDS church funded some of the building of the Hari Krishna Temple (or so I've heard).
I saw a chiropractor for the first time in my life. My back is doing so much better while I'm at work. It is so nice to be able to lift and transfer people without killing myself! Why didn't I do this before??? He just cracks it, then hooks me up to some electric shock therapy and a massage table, and I'm good to go! Woot!
That was all at the end of March. Lets see...I forgot to mention that Monica, Steph, and I went up to Steph's family's cabin. Woo! It was super fun! It was so snowy, good thing we took my car (it has 4 wheel drive, and is bigger than Monica's or Steph's). We had our girl talk, then watched Oscar. It's become a roommate classic. Hehehe. The next morning we played games galore! Then we packed up, and headed off to the Logan temple (we met up with our ward there). It was my first time in the Logan one. The baptistery was small, but it was wonderful to be there still. SO FUN!
General conference was on the 31st and the 1st. I loved Elder Uctdorf's talk... "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you." Also, apply the following to any sin, temptation, or thought: "Stop it!" So simple, so meaningful! Elder Holland gave an amazing talk about accepting the atonement, and not waiting to do so. I need to be better in my life. This was the inspiration to get me started on the right track. Wish me luck on this new journey :)
After the Sunday session was over, my brother and his family picked me up to go down to alpine to celebrate some birthdays! Jessica drove, she's doing very well (she has her permit right now). It was so nice to see them all, and my dog! Jessica (Williams) came with Aiden, and Elise came with Tayven.
Easter Sunday came, I had to work. The Saturday night before I was working too, but guess what? My mom and dad brought Danni Girl up to see me!!! They got to tour my work place a bit, and I got to see them and Danni. I was so happy! Danni was bouncing all over the place as soon as she saw me coming down the stairs. It was the perfect Easter treat. Mom might come up and take me out to dinner on Wednesday this week too, so that will be nice. Maybe she'll bring the doggie again? ;) I do hope so though.
Well right now I'm studying for finals. I can't believe they're already here! I'm waiting to hear back about if I got into a nursing program or not. I was rejected by Weber (expected, but if I have to reapply, I'll have an extra point on my application, so it was the smart move to make), I was also rejected by DATC (neither expected or unexpected, I wasn't sure of my chances there, I do know it's competitive), and OWATC is the last one I'm waiting to hear from. I was supposed to hear already, so I'm getting antsy. I'm not sad about not making it in (well, I am) but I know that if I don't, there's a reason. There are people I'm supposed to meet and help. Plus, this was my first time applying to any nursing program, and basically no one makes it in the first time. So I'm not worried. I'm also preparing for the Spring show my Institute choir puts on :) It's gonna be awesome!
I'll let you know how everything turns out. Life is looking good. Pray for me!
Mary
