My Own "Tale of Two Cities"

Wow!  What a whirlwind of a month December has been!  Christmas is less than a week away and I feel like I've just barely been able to start enjoying the season.  It's hard to believe that after 6 years - yes, that's right - six years, I have finally completed my education at Brigham Young University.  My visiting teacher told me yesterday that she thinks Art History is an "elegant" major.  Haha!  I laughed out loud when she said that.  Elegant?  I've never heard it characterized in such a manner, but I'll vouch for that.  Anyway, I survived the week and couldn't be happier now that it's all over - that includes finals, the GRE, organizing grad school applications (another post entirely...don't worry, it'll come later), finishing up work at the Gap at University Mall, and moving home to good 'ole Bountiful.

I'm a little sad to be leaving Provo, but that's mostly because of the people.  There are some incredible people there that I will really miss seeing on a regular basis (regular being every week at church for some, and once every month for others).  Other than the people, it's the opportunities that I will miss now that I'm no longer a student.  I'm not sure how I managed to have so many amazing experiences jam-packed into those six years, including two years on the Spring Performing Arts Company, two study abroad programs to Vienna and Jerusalem, a mission to Texas, opening a flower business, discovering the joys of painting, etc. etc. etc. but somehow I did - and I've loved every minute of it.  I truly can look back and say that I have no regrets.  Amazing.

So, the tale of Provo has come to an end, and a new tale in Bountiful is beginning to take shape.  I'll let the pictures do the talking to explain why I'm so excited to be living in my hometown once again:

I get to read WHATEVER I want, WHENEVER I want!!!!  No more textbooks taking up all my time!  I'm way more excited about this than I probably should be, but I can't help it.  I can read for pleasure instead of reading for a grade, and it's definitely less expensive.  First book on my list...."Expecting Adam" by Martha Beck.  Though, I should probably finish "John Adams" before starting a different book.  I haven't managed to read a little bit at a time from many books like some people I know...

I get to volunteer to my little heart's content at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.  Probably a good idea to figure out if museum work is really what I love and want to do full-time, eh?  I thought so too.

Alta is much closer to Bountiful than Provo.  Thank heavens for that.  I am SOOOOO excited to go skiing!!!  Sadly, my dad just busted his knee and is out for three months - the whole ski season practically - so, if you're up for a day of skiing, let me know.  =)

Ummm....this one is pretty self-explanatory.  Steve, occasionally referred to as my "weekend boyfriend" can now become my weekday AND weekend boyfriend.  Lucky me!!!  Though, I have to admit, I'll kinda miss the title, "girl from Provo."  =) 

And there you have it, my very own tale of two cities.  Provo has been great, and I'm sure Bountiful will be even greater.  Stay tuned for upcoming adventures....life is sure to get even more crazy and exciting as time goes on!