BBQs, Games, and Hiking

25 May - 31 May 2020

Wow, I can't believe the month of May has already passed by so quickly! I think it is because in my mind, the world is kind of on pause right now, so I guess I didn't expect time to actually move forward. But I'm glad life is carrying on despite the pandemic because I was able to have a fun social week! With more restrictions being lifted, there are a lot more gatherings and activities to attend.

Monday
I had early morning custodial off due to Memorial Day, so that was a great start to my day! I got work finished up early on in the day so that I could hang out with Whitney. We went shopping and got some chocolate to make peanut butter balls (yum) at my place. We had a bit of chocolate and dipped potato chips in it, making chocolate chips! They were absolutely delicious. In the middle of our fun, I got to go and rescue my roommate who was stranded at Smiths because apparently the bus wasn't running due to the holiday. Then Whitney invited me to a BBQ her roommates were having to celebrate memorial day. We ate hot dogs and then played soccer afterwards (and I was actually pretty alright).

Tuesday
I went to work at the SFH, then went to help out with the Nixon family (which is always super fun). I also put in some time calling people for work (which isn't always super fun).

Wednesday
My morning went by as normal, up until I got in my car to drive over to film Eliza for my YouTube channel. My car battery was dead. Luckily, Eliza came and picked me up and brought me over to her house. She bore her testimony in French and then answered a bunch more random questions that I threw at her. After getting dropped off at home, I was able to borrow some jumper cables from McCall (what a blessed soul) and go to Sam's Club for a replacement. Only... they did the test and it said my battery was good. I even stayed for them to do the hour long test! So something drained my batter (and I promise it wasn't me leaving the headlights on!!!) but now we're all fixed up and good! I also got invited to a game night that Eliza was having Thursday night.

Thursday
Today was quite the day. I didn't even have time to go shopping because it was so busy! I enjoyed work in the morning. I stayed later than usual helping with the Nixon family, but guess what? The oldest daughter told me I'm her favorite babysitter, so I'm feeling very proud :). I worked a bunch (I had lots of back to back to back one-on-one appointments for my TA job). That evening, I drove to Lindon to attend a BBQ with Whitney. We ate some burgers and hot dogs, then played some volleyball, which I actually did very poorly at... After a sad match in which we miserably lost, I drove over to Eliza's house for the game night. I was only there for a little bit, but it was super fun! There were a couple people there that I recognized, plus some good food to snack on.

Friday
Today was also quite hectic, but that was only because of the time it took to record my song "Know My Will" in the BYU media center. First off, I realized I forgot to bring my sheet music seconds after walking all the way over there and reserving the room. So I had to quickly walk home to get it. Then it took a while to familiarize myself with how everything worked (fortunately one of the student workers showed me around). Then it took a long while to actually play and record the piano part perfectly. So then three hours later, it's 1pm and I haven't eaten lunch, but I still need to record the singing part. Only my voice was not in too good of shape, but oh well. Then another two and a half hours later and I finally got it how I wanted, saved it, and was able to leave. But in that time, my phone had died, my camera battery had died (so I had to check one out from the library), and my stomach was very angry with me. But hey, it'll be worth it in the end, right? I was so exhausted when I got home that I just had to take a nap. Then I ate dinner and got ready to hike the Y. I was a bit nervous at first to meet up with a guy I met on mutual to go hiking, but it turned out to be really fun! I had a great time and hope things continue to go well. Afterwards, I went over to Whitney's house to deliver her birthday present. She loved it! I got her some snacks, but I also made her seven guitar picks (yes, I made them :) I used cards and a CD) and I made her a stand to put them in. I thought it kind of looked ghetto, but she really liked it and was so touched. Bonus points to me for being an awesome friend ;). Here is an awkward picture of me sitting on the Y (my mom thought the white cement was snow):

Saturday

I had a presidency meeting in the morning, and after that I got to film McCall bearing her testimony and answering the questions I had Eliza answer. I'm so excited for the future videos that are going to come out!! I also spent a bit of time beginning to edit together my song recording and then went with Whitney and her roommate Lacee shopping at Winco. Then I had to call double the amount of people than usual, since I ran out of time yesterday to work as a research assistant. But I got it all done and was ready to party it up in Lehi at Whitney's birthday party (aka shindig, as she called it). I helped make the drink (which didn't quite turn out as planned, but oh well) and we played games downstairs, danced, and then watched Emperor's New Groove on a giant projector. I left partway through so I would get home at 11pm so I wouldn't be too tired on Sunday. Also, my new roommate Susan moved in today!

Sunday
We got to partake of the sacrament this morning! I am grateful for the opportunity to remember my Savior and receive forgiveness of my sins. Afterwards, we attended Zoom church (hopefully our last one!!!!) and my only regret was not speaking up to testify of The Book of Mormon. I truly know that it is the word of God and that power flows into my life as I read from its pages. I have felt it. I have felt strengthened to resist evil. I have made better decisions when I read from its pages with real intent. Just like the prophet as promised us. That afternoon, I worked on editing the video part of my song, which required me to go down to the church to film some more scenes at the piano and then I went and filmed in nature for filler parts (when I didn't have a good video of my singing or playing a specific part). Three-ish hours later, I finished and uploaded it onto my Facebook, then onto my personal YouTube channel. Already I have had a lot of good feedback and know it has touched others. I don't quite think I will realize the good I have done, but I am grateful for my Savior and Father in Heaven. They inspire me to keep doing good even when I don't know why or what the outcome will be. I love this gospel.

Much love,
Emily Burnham

Burning an Organ

18 May - 24 May

Hey y'all! This week has actually flown by pretty quickly. It was a pretty lit one ;)

Instead of giving you the usual day-to-day run down of things, I'm going to just give you the highlights. (That's what you're most interested in anyway, right?) Besides, nobody wants to hear about the hours I spent vacuuming, taking out trash, calling people, conducting research, and who knows what else that I did for work ;)

On Tuesday, I was able to babysit the Nixon kids and help them with school work. Some days can be a little crazy, but I really enjoy being with the kids. Plus, I get to revive my hair-styling skills!

I spent many hours this week on a piano at the church... and it was great! I am so close to finalizing the piano part of my song. Honestly, I'm just trying to get good at singing and playing it at the same time.

Also, I downloaded the mutual app and have been chatting with a guy this week. Well how else are you supposed to meet any guys during a global pandemic when you're in lock down? Yup, an online dating app. We are most likely going to do something this week, so stay tuned! I'm super excited :)

I went to a bonfire Saturday night. The main source of fuel? A baby organ. No worries, it was broken beyond repair and so old! It was a sight to behold as the flames demolished it! I took my best friend Whitney with me, and we had an enjoyable time, even though we both were stuck there way later than we would have liked (it's no bueno when the people you carpool with are total night owls and so you don't get home until 12:30am). Yeah. But oh well, apparently socializing is important, so... ;)

Sunday
My roommate sung a musical number for our ward devotional this morning with her ukulele and it was very cute. I am so grateful for the Spirit of God, for the individual guidance He gives me. I am grateful for the hope and joy that makes sacrifice worth it. I am grateful for the covenants I made at baptism and the help I receive in keeping them. I am also so grateful for the Savior. Because of Him, our past mistakes, no matter how foolish, are covered. He extends mercy and helps rectify the mistakes we make that we cannot fix alone. I love Him.

Much love,
Emily Burnham

Hike of Death

11 May - 17 May 2020

Hello my friends! I survived another week of the Covid Pandemic! I've been trying to have fun despite my goals of working a lot of hours and studying for the GRE every day. Work hasn't been as boring as I thought. I'm just listening to audio-books during my early morning custodial shift. Twice a week, I get to help home school some cute kiddos. Then I get to call and email loads of strangers to participate in our research survey, but I haven't run into anyone super mean yet, so that's good! I think I am going to do just fine on the GRE. But yeah, I won't bore you with the details of each day, because they are mostly the same (work, study, work, avoid working or studying, etc) but I did have one funny moment I wanted to share from helping the Nixons this week.

On Thursday, the eight-year-old boy asked me, "Why aren't you married yet?" I responded, "Are you trying to set me up with someone?" He said, "No, I don't know anyone." I replied, "Me neither." Then he said... "It's probably because you're so tall!" After which the six-year-old pipped in, "But at least she's really fun!" So there you go, folks. A six and eight-year-old summed up my dating life :)

I got to go back on Friday to babysit for them because their parents took an anniversary trip. I brought my camera and filmed each kid saying why they love their parents so I can make a cute video for them.

On Saturday, instead of doing some research for work, I went on a hike with some friends from the ward. The view was good, I guess... I was too busy watching my feet to make sure I didn't trip or slip to my death, so I didn't really see the view until we got to the rock and took a break. Guys, hiking uphill on a narrow and slippery path for 40ish minutes makes me feel very out of shape, haha. But I survived! And it was fun to get pictures with the beautiful background. I also made myself a delicious dinner of gluten-free, dairy-free lasagna :). And it was actually very good.

Sunday
I was missing my family this weekend, so I decided to come late to ward council and video chat with my family during Come, Follow Me. I was so gad that I did. My family members each acted out different parts of the scripture story from this week's lesson (Mosiah 18-24) and it was really funny! I got a good screen-shot of my grandpa acting out one of the wars. It made me feel so good to get to share that experience with my family and feel more bonded to them. I went to the church to continue working on my song and have it pretty much completed! I played it for Whitney after we had a mini CFM session and she almost cried. She was so impressed and inspired. I can't wait to actually record it and get to post it because I really hope it can touch many lives and help others.

I know that Jesus is the Christ. He loves me. He loves you.

Much love,

Emily Burnham

May the Fourth, Sinco de Mayo, Mother's Day

4 May - 10 May 2020

Monday
I woke up bright and early (6am, maybe even a bit before) to start off my last full day of being home. I went out to the orchard to pick a bunch of limes to bring home with me on the plane. I also spent three hours working on rearranging the stepping stones in front of my grandpa's house. I felt bad because the first time I did them on Thursday, they didn't turn out quite right, and I felt bad. So I made sure to fix them up REAL nice before he got home from the cabin. He didn't notice right away, but when he finally did, he said they were great. We had smoked pizzas for dinner (I'd begged my mom if we could do them one last time before I went home) and they were delicious! I ate pretty much all of my two pizzas except for one slice. After dinner, we took Sean out to the orchard to get pictures of him in his cap and gown. We got some funny ones of him with a chicken on his cap!

Tuesday
I woke up early again, even though I'd gone to bed super late the night before, to start packing things up. I had a RS presidency meeting that morning, and afterwards, all I really had time for was to eat breakfast. I got through the airport just fine, even though I still didn't have my driver's licence. The plane ride was uneventful, though the last segment of flying was pretty rough on my poor stomach. I definitely got motion sick during landing, so that was the longest 15 minutes of my life. Fortunately, I did not throw-up, so all was good. McCall picked me up from the airport, and I agreed to sing the song I had written for the devotional our ward was having over Zoom on Sunday. The idea had come to me during our planning meeting and I decided to act upon it. I got home, unpacked, met my new roommates. They are very different, but I like both of them.

Wednesday
My counselling appointment this morning did not feel very productive, but we did decide to get me signed up for group therapy starting next week, so that was very scary. But if felt like the right thing to do. I am so grateful for these experiences I am getting because one day I will be on the other side of things as a therapist and want to be able to put myself in my client's shoes. I sent out emails to people for work, and I attended my research zoom meeting.

Thursday
I went over to the Nixon's to help with home schooling/piano/watching the kids. I was there for about three hours, and I did so many different random things. I helped Cole with piano and homeschooling work. I watched the two littlest while they finished their baths, then I helped them get dressed. I then took them to a part with the family dog and ran around for an hour with them. Then I listened to the oldest practice piano. It was good though! I need all the work I can get, and this beats out early morning custodial!

Friday
I started back at work today in the Smith Field House doing early morning custodial... but I think I'll only need to go in three times a week from now on with the other jobs I have. I've also been very good about exercising, studying for the GRE, and working on the story I'm writing for my little sister. I've felt so accomplished by consistently doing these things every day, because it takes discipline and focus. I could just as easily do nothing all day or waste my time, but it feels good to be productive.

Saturday
I spent a couple of hours in the church this morning practicing and then filming myself singing my song that I would then share for the Sunday Devotional over Zoom. On my way out of the church, my friend Whitney spotted me (since she lives across from the church) and I went over for a couple of minutes. I went home and forced myself to work on studying for the GRE before it was time to leave for the bonfire that Whitney had invited me to. It wasn't the most organized event because half of us were lost for most of the night and it took a minute to find a opening to use a campfire. Then we didn't have any kindling and the people with matches were still lost, but fortunately I knew the people using the fire next to us so we were able to borrow their lighters. Eventually the fire was up and going, and a ton more guys showed up, including one who gave me the nickname "Marshmallow Girl" because he gave me his marshmallow soon after he arrived before he knew my name and decided to just refer to me as that for the whole night.

Sunday
Well, even though I woke up feel groggy, tired, and kind of sick, the devotional went well. The technology all worked so everyone was able to hear the song I shared, and I went through my parts of the lesson with ease. I did not feel at my best, but I was grateful that others were able to feel the Spirit and be uplifted by the message we gave. Afterwards, I went to go and film two guys share their testimonies in Albanian and Romanian. Then I went by the church to continue working on the piano accompaniment for my song, which I decided to call Know My Will. I talked with my mom today and she really loved the card I made for her. I am grateful for mothers, specifically my mother for teaching me Christ-like attributes by her example.

I know that Jesus Christ suffered for me. He bore my pains, my weaknesses, my sins, and my sorrows so that He could redeem and save me. He accepts me with open arms even after I wander away. He forgives and loves perfectly.

Much love,
Emily Burnham

Everything is More Fun in a Massage Chair

27 April - 3 May 2020

As I've had to work this week or do things on my computer, I realized that it is so much more fun when you are sitting in my dad's massage chair! You get a relaxing massage while forced to do not so fun work. And yes, I am sitting in the massage chair as I type out this week's post!

I love Wednesdays here at home because they are pizza nights! And we don't make just any pizza... they are smoked in the smoker outside and only take about 4 minutes to cook! They are absolutely delicious, and my mom makes one amazing gluten-free crust. Sean came for dinner, but unfortunately we were unable to get family pictures because no one was ready in time.

Sister Hughes, Brynn, and Ben showed up with homemade lemonade and toilet paper for me! I sure love that family so so much and am grateful for their friendship. It made my whole day!
Thursday evening, Kayla and James came over for dinner. Little Jed is so cute and grown up! We had a delicious feast, and it was good to catch up with my cousin. I can't believe she is going to have another little baby soon!

On Friday, Lucy, Valerie, Mom, and I left for the Cabin. Grandpa Jim was already up there. It was good to get away from the world and be out in nature with fresh air and no WiFi or data service (because then I was able to realize that I was starting to become addicted to my phone/the internet). We played lots of games, like Spike Ball and Mexican Train, and went on a walk to see some bears... not live ones of course! I even rode the motorized unicycle over the cattle-guard.

 

Saturday. We drove back from the cabin and made it home around 2pm. Right before we got home, we made a quick trip to Quick Trip to get some frozen hot chocolate, but I wanted the frozen horchata instead because it was much sweeter :). That afternoon, I started emailing people for my job, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! I got almost half way done in just over an hour. I am also realizing that I'm rather on the slow side when I work because I like to be meticulous. I also decided to film the KitKat video for my YouTube channel. Oh dear. It is helping some people. I have heard back from a couple people, and I know it's a good thing I'm doing, but it's a lot of work for what little outreach it seems to have. But it is kind of fun, so I think I'll keep it up.

Sunday was really good. I was having a hard time focusing while reading my scriptures. This has happened to me all throughout the past month with my schedule being totally turned around. I was pretty frustrated and sad because I did not feel as close to God or the Spirit as I wanted, and I was afraid of letting Him down by my neglect and laziness. Then I recalled that I had felt the Spirit yesterday as I filmed the video for my YouTube channel, and it hit me that the Spirit always testifies of truth, and I was blessed to feel that even when I felt unworthy. We are always worthy to testify of Jesus Christ, and when we do so, we can feel the Spirit and be forgiven. I made a goal this week to take as many opportunities as I can to testify of Jesus Christ. That way I can not only be more focused on Christ, but also feel the Spirit more. We had a great Come, Follow Me lesson. Since it was fast Sunday, we all took the opportunity to bear our testimonies. It was sweet to get to hear from each member of my family. I felt such love and appreciation for each of them. I also filmed Aaron's homecoming talk this afternoon!

I have a wonderful family. We are far from perfect, but when it comes own to it, we love each other and are loyal to each other. I know Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father have been by my side throughout my life, loving me despite my inadequacies, strengthening me in my weakness, comforting me in my darkest moments, speaking through me to testify to others, and teaching me what I need to know and do to progress.They love perfectly, and they are perfectly patient.

Much love,
Emily Burnham