“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”

This week was tough, I'm not going to lie. Heading back to school was super hard. I didn't make it to all my classes, but I did make it to 7/12.. That's progress for sure. I wish I could have gone to more, but I'm trying, so that's really all I can do. Problem is, I'm not struggling making up the material, I'm struggling making up the written homework. Online homework I am able to get 60% of the time, but written homework takes so much longer. Especially since I have to do it left handed, and I am most definitely right handed. If anyone has any tips... please help me!

So besides drowning in school... I had a rather excellent weekend!

Thursday I went on a date with a boy in my ward Tyler. He is from Cottonwood Heights (salt lake area). We went to subzero! (His first time.) And we just sat there, ate our delicious ice cream, and talked. It wasn't a super intense date, but I had a really great time, seriously! He's an amazing guy.

Friday I went on a date with Michael Slawson, who was willing to go with me, so I could double with Emily the Asian, and her new boy toy Brayden. We went to California Pizza Kitchen (where I used the gift card my gracious mother gave me)! We had a great time, lots of delicious food, Italian sodas, and laughter.

Kenny and Natalie

Then afterwards, we went to Spark Restaurant Lounge for drinks where we met up with Natalie and Kenny, and Christine and Bryan. We mostly all got the double berry martini which is to die for:) Except Em/Brayden who got a Shirley Temple. We loved that cotton candy on top. Brayden, Em and I shared each other's drinks. I had a great time, and since I had a gift card for Spark too, I paid for Bryan/Christine's, and Natalie/Kenny's drinks. I was so gracious that they came with. It was like my people meeting my "family".. haha.

Saturday I played Settlers with a few friends in the ward: Moises, Spencer, and, Natalie L. I almost won, and then out of no where Moi was like BAM, and won the game.

Saturday night I went to a benefit concert for Clark Kimble who was diagnosed with a fulminant hepatic failure, a life-threatening liver disease, at Muse Music Cafe. Four different groups performed. First, Ask for the Future. They were the only band I had never heard before, and they unfortunately had one of their band members pass away the night before. But they were incredible. I loved their sound, their music. After which was a band I love, Double or Nothing. My friend Nate Smeding is the drummer, and man oh man, he is incredible. Then followed Nate Baldwin and The Sound. Lastly, was j.wride. And you all know how much I love j.wride. They were amazing as always, but this time had a little bit different of a sound. Garrett was back! And he played the electric guitar, and Court Eccles (from Springfield, VA) joined the band and now plays the bass. Court is seriously amazing. His talent is far more experienced than anyone else I know. As Jesse said, "No human should be able to do that".

Double or Nothing
(Nate is in the back.)

Me, Nate, Melissa

Jesse, Court, Me

Jesse, Court, Me

(j.wride)
Garrett, Austin, Court, Jesse

I was able to talk to some amazing people last night. Melissa Barnes met me there and hung out with me:) I also was able to talk to one of Jesse's best friends Brittney who is actually in Jon(my cousin)'s ward. She is a pretty great girl, and we have a lot in common. I met this guy named Ben, who actually worked at the cafe. And he was hilarious. I think I talked to him for 2 hours.. I was a fan. I also met a kid named Travis, who is in the band Empirates, and he played some for us, and he has got some talent! Later on, I met Ben's cousin Parker, who Melissa actually knew from freshman year, and beyond. Pretty much the night wasn't anything that special, but ended up one of the most amazing nights. I just had such an amazing time.

So thanks to all those who made this week possible. And thank you to all those who have driven me around because I still can't drive myself, lol. Seriously, thanks!

Anyways- that's all from this teenage drama queen. More confessions to come.

- J