Music

Today I had the opportunity to go to an assisted living facility to sing hymns. I went with some other people from church and residents of the assisted-living community joined us. It was a wonderful experience. I loved being able to gather with others to praise God through song. The residents of the community absolutely loved to sing and praise God, but I couldn't help but notice that most of them were no longer able to read the words printed in the hymnals. I realized that while I love the hymns, I don't know all of the words to a single hymn. For that reason, I think I should memorize all of the versus to some of my favorite hymns. I think I will start with "I Believe in Christ," "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," and "I Need Thee Every Hour."

Thermostats

I live in a rather old house, which automatically means utilities are going to cost more. I am under the impression that paying to heat a house higher than 62 degrees just isn't worth it. I would keep it at 58, but I know that some of my skinnier roommates might freeze to death if that were the case. Well, since turning on the heat last week, we have all been saying that we need to meet sometime to determine an appropriate temperature level.

Today is the day. After my roommate woke up cold and then turned the thermostat up, I mentioned that we really needed to get together and discuss things. The only issue is, I don't want it to turn into an argument. I already know that we will end up paying a lot to heat our house (and through its poor insulation, the surrounding outside), and I don't want to pay to keep the house at 70.

So, I guess I will just have to wait and see what happens. I am hoping we can end up at 62, but I am willing to compromise up to 65, if I have to.

Calm and peaceful

There is something so relaxing about getting up in the morning with plenty of time to get ready. This morning I went to the temple to start off my day. It is such an amazing feeling to be awake and alert and simply intent on sitting and thinking. I feel like I learn best in the morning. My focus is more on target, and I am not yet bogged down by all the things I need to do the next day. So, while I stay up to finish things I did not get done earlier, I should just get up early. Early to bed, early to wise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. I am pretty sure that is how that proverb goes. Well, it is true. I am much more productive in the morning, and I love the opportunity I have to attend the temple in the morning. It gives the rest of my day meaning, and it brightens my entire week.

My "Date" with Harold

I have once again realized the beauty of the Harold B. Lee Library. My home away from home away from home really does have appeal. I find the chairs incredibly comfortable, and I can find places to study where no one could ever find me. In case having no cell phone reception isn't enough, I can hide away in some carrel in the corner of the fifth floor or a table on the first floor. I am always so surprised when I come back to the library how enticing it really is. You would think by now I would recognize its worth and embrace the motivation I get once I step inside. Not to mention the smell of the books. I have always been a sucker for the smell of the books, either in the library or a bookstore. Even though I might not even look at any library books while inside, the fact that they are there is enchanting. So, while my home is where my family is, followed by where my food and clothes and bed are, the place where I study and probably do the best thinking is my third home. My hide-away from the world. The library.

Back in Provo

School started two weeks ago. Already I feel like I am super behind. It is always hard to find the balance between school and friends. It is weird to think that only a month ago I was in Paris, and before that, in London. Time has the uncanny nature of slipping past me. I have never fully understood how time can both speed up and slow down, depending on circumstances and upcoming events. The hours before an exam fly by, while the hours before a big event seem to drag and almost go backwards.

To the Tower

Today I went to the Tower of London. It was incredible, but not what I expected. I am not sure why, but I always thought of the tower as of a really, really tall tower. And that was all. Period. While, there is a lot more to the Tower of London than I thought. I got to tour the White Tower and see the crown jewels. I also went to several of the other towers and just looked around. By far my favorite part was sitting on the "royal throne." In the royal chamber (or bedroom or something like that), they showed us where they used the bathroom, and we were each allowed a turn to take a picture. If the internet will let me, I will add it to this post. (It is too slow. I will work on it later.)
Yesterday I walked around Big Ben and West Minster Abbey and across the Thames. I also found a few places that I might be going back to: just quaint little gardens and some interesting looking shopping areas.
On Wednesday I went to the British Museum. I was with some other people from the program, and we got lost on the way there. We asked for directions a total of three times. The first two times, the people sent us further and further away. Once I actually knew where we were going, it made me laugh. I saw a few of the rooms. It was very interesting and I am glad I can go back again and again.
Tuesday evening I met up with Rachel and her mom before she left London. It was good to see her again and she took me to see Big Ben, so I would officially feel as though I were in London.
So that is my short and sweet summary. Post comments and questions if you have any.

One Sleepless Night

My London adventure began in Provo. I got a ride in the morning from Provo to Salt Lake. I flew through Dallas and from Dallas to Heathrow. I didn't sleep at all during the nine hour flight. I was sitting next to a very nice woman named Robin. She had been to several countries, but never the UK. We stuck together in the airport and helped each other find the trains.
I managed to find the ticket office at the underground train station. I transferred twice and only had to climb a total of three flights and then two flights down. Needless to say, it was very interesting, and a great work out to carry a fifty pound bag up and down stairs.
It only took me about two hours from getting off the plane to getting to the center. That is all I have to say for now. I will try to update more later.