Love and Haircuts

Some more pictures:

So during finals week this past semester I was really stressed out. I had work, tests, papers, life, mission, packing, plans, etc etc etc to worry about and I was going extremely crazy. One particular day I was really bummed out because I spent hours working on a paper that I had procrastinated (mostly because there were so many other things to get done!) and it was day before a day with no classes, so I should have been having fun. But instead I was working late. I got home and found this on my door:

I had been heart-attacked with loving support from my dear friends and former roommates, Melissa and Crystal. I was so happy. These girls are awesome. Everyone has been showing so much support and love to me. It means a lot that my family and friends, even those from high school, are so supportive of my decision to serve a mission. It makes going on a mission so much easier and doable because I know I have support at home. Sometimes, I feel like people are stroking my ego when they tell me I'll be a great missionary, and I secretly don't believe them. (I have a hard time with speaking, and as many of you know, this makes missionary work quite challenging.) But I trust that the Lord qualifies those whom He calls, and I am willing to do my part and work on my weaknesses.


Also, I got a haircut today. I cut it because I hate it when it touches my shoulders and rolls up into my neck. I had it cut a little bit shorter than I normally like it so that I wouldn't have to get it cut for a while. Just in case. Here are some pics:

Okay, time for a cute cat picture: Lily in the pants drawer

Open Farewell Letter

Dearest friends and associates:

Well, as many of you know, I am going to be a missionary in the Washington Kennewick Mission! I am reporting to the MTC on January 23, which is next Wednesday. I am so excited and happy to have the opportunity to serve the Lord as a missionary. You have all been so supportive of my decision to serve and very helpful as I have prepared for my mission, and I appreciate everything.

Whilst I am away, my dear sister, Laura, will manage my facebook account and will periodically check my email. My contact information is posted on facebook under the “about me” section. If you feel so inclined, I will appreciate any letters and will do my best to respond. My blog (sarsaparillan.blogspot.com) has been redesigned to provide updates on my mission for my friends and fans. My wonderful mother will post my letters and emails on my blog for your perusal.

Well, I suppose that is it! I will be back in July 2009 and ready to party. Until then, I wish you the best of luck with all of your endeavors.

Love,

Sister Smith

More Shopping

Here is some more shopping that I've gotten done! There are other unphotographed clothes, and I think I am pretty much done with shopping now. (Maybe I'll add them? I don't know; I feel a little silly.) There are a few more misc things that I need to get done...which is good, because I am very bored.

These were from Walmart. Thanks to Cassie for the tip! I found a lot of good things there. They had a good selection in blouses too, but they didn't really fit me very well. It is hard to find a brand that fits my body! I think the brands that fits me the best is apostrophe from Sears and White Stag from Walmart (blue shirt pictured). Also, yay for sweater vests! There were some good ones at Walmart (George brand). They were on sale, too. Not as cheap as the Missionary Mall (weird!) but still a pretty good deal.

White shirt and Missionary Mall sweater vests. I love the white shirt. Maybe I should get more short sleeves...

Tired after a long day of shopping...