another beginning

In so many ways, I feel like I am getting a new, fresh start at life right now.  It's a new year, a new semester, a new climate(why hello, Siberia), new clothes(yay for Christmas! thanks mom and dad!) and a new diet(not that kind of diet).  On the other hand, however, everything seems the same, same apartment, same school, same job, and same stresses.  As school began last week, I couldn't help but remember what and where I was last Winter Semester.

Studying in London was one of the biggest decisions I've ever made in my life and I will never be the same person.  I learned so much while in Europe, but not necessarily in the classroom or the museums, but about me.  I was forced to decide who I am.  One of the last days in London, I promised myself a couple of things: 1. I would have no regrets.  I would not regret going and I would not regret doing/not doing anything.
2. I would move on and continue living.  I went to London and loved it, but I would not spend time living in the past.  I am so happy I made these promises.  Over the past few days, I have decided that I want to make these promises to myself about every day.  I want to continue to learn about who I am and grow into the person I want to be, but I can't do that if I have regrets or live in the past.

Also, you all probably thought I had forgotten about informing you of things that I like about BYU, but I have not.  The following are things that I like about BYU:
1. I like that I go to the same school as my brother and sister-in-law.  I am so happy that I get to see Nick and Amanda on campus, especially this year since they are moving this summer.
2. I am thankful that we can pray at the beginning of class.  Although prayers don't begin every class, it is still such a unique opportunity.
3. I love the clock tower that chimes each hour and lets me know how late I am for work.
4. I love that campus helps me stay in shape.  Okay, so this is a love/hate relationship, but I love that campus is big. (I can avoid people)
5. I love that CES Firesides are usually broadcast from the Marriott Center.  As well as Regional Conference.  Sunday was especially fun because President Uchtdorf talked to us for just a minute before the broadcast.  Just. to. us.

Last but not least, I am being totally serious when I say you HAVE to read this blog.  I have linked to it before, and those who followed my command thanked me later because it is the funniest blog I have ever read.

life as of late

This is my last week in London.  I leave in approximately 3 days and 23 hours.  So sad, yet so exciting.  Last week was a rough one, and this week is going to be surprisingly worse.  Finals are rough and I've only taken one-the two hardest ones are still coming(one tomorrow, one on Thursday).  The following pictures are just a bunch of randoms from the past week. Ah!  I'm gonna miss this city!

Annie and me in front of 27 palace court London, England.

Last week, before it got cold, Caity and I went to see parliament and big ben at night!  It was beautiful!!

We went to the London Temple!!!!  So fun and an amazing experience!

There were like 100 of these eggs hidden around London for the past month.  Luckily, at the end of last week they brought them all to Covent Garden and we got to see them all up close!  THey were all unique and hand painted/created.

Caity left the room to do some homework the other night, so of course the only thing we could do was put her bed off the floor.

Finally, Drawsomething is the coolest/worst app for the iphone/ipod touch EVER.  So fun, but SO addictive.  Ah!  The following are some of my favorites from the last couple of days:

Coming soon!

Paris part two, Denmark(great grandpa Freddy) lake district, life at the centre, Sunday

I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted! Things are changing. In 19 days I will be back in Utah-but my adventures aren't over yet!

Picture=shutout to any Kellis girls or others reading my blog who LOVE pie. Enjoyed in Ambleside, England.

market day

Every Saturday I have to decide whether or not to sleep in to catch up on some much needed zzz's or to get up and go explore.  Last week was a mixture of both.   I slept in and then went to changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace at 11:30.

There were SO MANY people!  Because it's not the tourist season, they only do the big changing ceremony every other day:(

After changing of the guards, we headed to Borough Market in Southwark!!  The market is only food, and most of it looks AMAZING, but there are some things that look a little out there.

(Gluten Free shout out to all you celiacs out there!)

This past week we spent in PARIS, FRANCE.  Posts to come soon.  My last midterm is on Tuesday, and it is looking to be a rough one.  Our professor enjoys reminding us that the first word in Study Abroad is Study, so we shouldn't complain about a test that keeps us in the centre studying for a day and a half and then takes over 2 hours to complete.  Wish me luck.

weekend trip to Wales

Last week we took an overnight trip to Wales!!  Here are some pics from the trip!

STOURHEAD GARDENS

Probably one of my favorite places in England.

Pride and Prejudice anyone?

BATH, ENGLAND: romans and fudge

CARDIFF, WALES: Museum of Natural History?(we just walked around the gardens)

AVEBURY: prehistoric site. Similar to Stonehenge, but not.

CHAWTON: Home of Jane Austen

Jane Austen's brother's' house

Shoutout to my momma and aunties-quilt made my Jane Austen

Headstones for Jane Austen's mother and sister

Three of the girls from primary and then some of the youth in my ward

I can't believe the semester is already half way over!!  I'm still loving everything!

overnighter: Stratford and Oxford

This week we took our very first overnight trip to Stratford Upon Avon(the birthplace of none other than the William Shakespeare) as well as Oxford.

Shakespeare memorial. Yes, the man part is made from wax.  It's cool, just go with it.

The following are pictures at Oxford.  If you don't recognize them, we may or may not be friends anymore.

(Think Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire-Professor Moody turns Draco Malfoy into a Ferret)

The BYU London Centre is located across the street from Kensington Palace Gardens.  Perfect for walking and jogging, and as you may notice in some of the pictures, walking your dog.