Graduation

Last week Jon and I walked in our graduation ceremonies. 

WHOO-WHO! We made it!

Actually, it's kinda' anti-climatic for me. The last time I took what I consider to be a "real" class at BYU was about a year-and-a-half ago; it's just taken me until now to get the diploma because I had to finish my internship. But after a full year of being on the other side of the desk, it was a little strange being the student again. Luckily, I didn't have to take any tests or write any papers. I was fortunate enough, however, to get to sit through several BYU devotional-esc speeches during the ceremonies. 

Listening to these speeches reminded me of all the other talks and speeches I listened to during my time at the Y. When I was in college it was always wonderful, amid the craziness of classes and working part-time and homework and life, to take some time to be reminded of the bigger picture by attending the weekly devotionals. 

President Worthen speaking at graduation. His speech was my favorite!

And that's what the speeches given at graduation did for me too! They reminded me that education is the means, not the end. The means to work hard. The means to create. The means to self-discover. The means to serve. The means to become more like our Heavenly Father. The means to happiness. 

Overall, the ceremonies were pretty good. Having worked for two-and-a-half years in an advisement center while at BYU, I've sat through my fair share of graduations because running them was part of my job! For that reason, I made sure that when Jon and I were choosing when to walk for graduation, that we chose August. It's about half as long as the April graduation and there's only so many times that you can hear "Pomp and Circumstance" before you go a bit senile. 

The guy totally said my name wrong, though. "Lindzzaa Maureen Self..." he read, and I almost did a double take at the guy. Who misreads "Lindsey"? And I made sure to write it in really nice letters. Five minutes later, another "Lindsey" walked across the stage, and he read her name right, so I'm sure it was just a stumble on words. 

My mom took pictures of the screen when Jon and I received our diploma cases (they send the real thing in the mail). It was cool because one of Jon's favorite professors, Dr. Eide, handed them to us!

The best part of the whole dealio, however, was the time with family. Both Jon's and my family came into town for the event. Thursday morning before the ceremony we hiked Battle Creek Falls in Layton with my family, and that evening both families went to Jon's aunt and uncle's place for dinner. Friday after our ceremony in the morning, we went with Jon's family to Chuck O' Rama for lunch, hung out with them for a bit, and then that evening both families' went to my aunt and uncle's place for dinner. Good thing we have aunts and uncles in town! 

Battle Creek Falls:

The dinner at my Aunt Martha's house:

Cousins Nick and Michael

The Self gang!

Kate with Jordan photobombing in the background

At Graduation:

Family is what it's all about, and I was glad I could share the day with them. I was especially glad that my mom was there. Even though the whole finishing college thing seemed a little out of place, when I hugged my mom all the memories I had of calling her and talking to her on that campus when I was stressed or lonely or happy or bored or upset and every other thing in between came back to me for a moment, and suddenly, it didn't feel like it was just me graduating any more. Instead, it almost felt like it was me and everyone who helped me make it--my mom in particular--that was graduating that day. And then as I looked heavenward and thought of all the divine help I'd received as well, my heart swell with gratitude. What a tender reminder that no accomplishment is every achieved alone. 

Letters

Dear Holly, I loved getting my daily dose of you via phone on Monday. You have such a beautiful smile! 

Dear Ryan and Shalyse, Thank you for the WONDERFUL dinner on Tuesday evening! I loved catching up with you! Good luck with getting things moving forward towards your move to St. Louis over the next several months, and thank you for the books!

Dear Kathleena, Even though it was quick, I was glad I got to see you Tuesday night. Thanks for always being a listening ear; you have been one of my saving graces this semester. I hope to see you before you leave for your trip in a week and a half, and then I'll see you when you get back and we're in the same ward!

Dear Sarah, The chat with you on Wednesday night was wonderful. I'm always amazed by how we often seem to be at the same place in life. I love you! 

Dear Teaching Lit Class, Thanks for the discussion yesterday. I'm still trying to figure out what sort of books I want to read and what kind of books to have on the shelves in my classroom. Leading everything back to having the Holy Ghost and letting him be our guide, like you guys pointed out in class, I think is a key to finding the answer.

Dear Nate, Dinner and seeing "Pride and Prejudice" performed in the HFAC with you last night was so fun! And we were so cool that we even coordinated wearing "Run Against Caner" bracelets! Thanks for the splendid evening.

Dear Today's Lesson Plan, It's the last time I'm going to be in the schools for my practicum class. Next time I'm teaching in a classroom I'll be the real teacher. Hope you go well today and that my staying up until 1am to get your gone was not in vain!

Dear Weekend, I love the idea of all you hold, waiting before me. Homework, teaching, going to the temple, watching the Women's Broadcast, break the fast, my last fast Sunday in the BYU YSA 41st ward, and who knows what else! I'm excited to get things done! 

On Writing an Analysis Paper

This image is in no way reflective of my current emotional state. Especially in regards to my adolescent lit paper.

Dear Emily, It was such a pleasant surprise to find myself exercising next to you this morning amid the fragrant smell of sweaty men and old rubber. I'm so glad that you're also committed to being determined to be responsible and follow through on goals even when it means leaving your adolescent lit paper sitting at home unfinished. Keeping goals, even at the sacrifice of a paper, is such a noble attribute, don't you think?

Dear Leg Of Mine, Please stop doing the whole "I'm-shaking-right-now-because-you're-freaking-out-about-life" thing. It makes me anxious. And slightly concerned for my well-being (Oh no--maybe I'm having a seizure! Maybe I'm going into shock! I clearly cannot work on my adolescent lit paper right now--I could be dying!). Chill.

Dear Roommates, You are some of my favoritest people to talk to. We haven't done so in a long. Time. (Like four days?) I think we need to remedy this dilemma. Tonight. (I mean, talking to you is obviously a lot more important/interesting/entertaining than writing my paper for adolescent lit, right?)

Dear American Literature Homework, Teaching Writing Paper (That's Due in a Month), D&C Test, and 420 Reading Journal, I'm so grateful for the opportunity which you present me with: widened horizons, an enlightened mind, the chance to become a better human being--these are all fantastic! My only regret is that attending to you will keep me from writing my adolescent lit paper that's due tomorrow. The once-in-a-lifetime chance you offer me, though, makes it worth it.

Dear Adolescent Lit Paper, It appears that, contrary to previous responsibly-and-in-my-right-mind-made plans, I may not find the time to spend with you tonight. Please, do not weep for me. Just know that the tears which stain my pillow on this night will be for you. Perhaps I can make amends with you tomorrow (or next week or year or century).

Dear Leg, No--really.

Five Reasons Why My Weekend Was Great

1. I got to watch Pride and Prejudice with Emily, Amelia, and Sarah. I love Jane Austen's ability to make a room full of girls all gasp and laugh and smile at the same times. The movie was wonderful (as it is every year when I watch it for my birthday) and FINALLY having a girls night after not having one for FOREVER was even greater.

2. I went to my old boss--Fred's--house with my old coworker--Charles--to help Fred shovel snow, repair blinds, and fix some lights. Fred is really old, retired, and can't do much now, so it was good to know we were able to help him. After we fixed up stuff, we played a card game called Five Crowns and had treats with his wife--Diane--and his granddaughter--Amber. It was a wonderful splendid morning and I can't wait to go again.

3. I got to talk to my Aunt Janet on the phone for over half-an-hour. I love talking with people, but when it's my family I love it even more. The two of us are going to start writing letters to each other! I better start on one soon...

4. For homework, I've been reading fun teenage literature for my adolescent literature class. It helps me remember that I actually do enjoy reading! I was having so much fun with it all on Saturday night that it made me laugh, and I haven't laughed in a long time.

5. I went to church on Sunday and officially decided that our ward in awesome. People were talking and reaching out to one another and no one sat alone. The girls in the Relief Society ward right now are remarkably valiant and I'm grateful I get to associate with them!

A Busy Week!

Media in the contemporary classroom: Read 30 pages, looks at 2 websites, blog about it, and work on your picture project

D&C: Read 4 chapters, read the corresponding manual readings, read 2 articles, and take the online quiz

Adolescent literature: Read 3 articles, start reading one of the 30 books you have to read this semester, and sketch and layout of the house you grew-up in

Teaching Writing: Write a follow-up to the assignment we did in class, write a reflection on the whole assignment, and read a article so dense Einstein couldn't understand it

American Literature: Read 45 boring pages about early American explorers

All classes: Review the syllabus online and come to class with questions

Work: 20 hours a week

All of that, and it's only the first week. Why did I think this semester was going to be easier than the last?

Letters

Dear Charles, Thanks for lunch yesterday! It was good to catch up and to be with a good friend.

Dear John Wilcock, Thanks again so super much for inviting me to go to pie night with you last night! Even though you and I had to leave before our pie arived, I enjoyed the study break and being able to be with you guys. And the text you sent me this morning wishing me a good day was the BEST! Seriously--it made me feel so much calmer and confident in myself. Thank you for being in tune with the Spirit so that you could know that I needed to get your text. You're awesome.

Dear Shakespeare Paper, You're one of the worst I've ever written in college, but at least you're over with. Phew!

Dear Roommates, Gift exchange tonight was lots of fun. I love you guys!

Dear Aunt Janet, You are officially my favorite Aunt named Janet in the WHOLE WORLD! I love you so, so, so much and feel so blessed to have you in my life! Love you TONS!

Dear Emily, I'm glad we got to go get ice cream tonight. It made me happy on the inside.

Dear Amelia, This maple bar/ cinnamon bread you made is. A. Maze. Ing. It's seriously some of the best you've ever made!

Dear Christmas, YEA!!!!!!!!!!

Dear World, Life is great. Case closed.

Letters

Dear Cleaning Checks, To quote what the lady who came to do cleaning checks today wrote on our paper, "Wonderful job! Thank you so much for all of your hard work. Your place was perfect! Keep up the good work--we appreciate you! :) Merry Christmas!" In other words, WE OWNED YOU!

Dear S106, You no longer hold the title for having the cleanest apartment. Sorry.

Dear Random Christmas Carolers on Campus, Your music brightened my day and made me feel so happy and loved by my Heavenly Father. It was a tender mercy. Thank you for sharing your talents.

Dear Steve, I thoroughly enjoyed going to dinner at Zuppas with you. You are such an amazing person and so fun to talk to and be around. Good luck with your last final, enjoy your Christmas break, and I'll see you next semester!

Dear World Religions Final, Well, that went interesting, didn't it?

Dear Shakespeare Paper, After putting you down for almost five full days, you aren't as bad as I remember you being. This is very good! I'm actually excited to get around to writing you now!

Dear All-Time Favorite Not-Church Song in the Whole World, You rock the top of my iTunes charts with 633 plays and make me happy every single time I listen to you. So when Pandora played you today, of course I couldn't help but feel happy.

Dear Anna, I can't believe that today was the last time I am going to see you in a whole year and a half! Thanks for taking time out of your busy finals schedule so that we could grab lunch at the MOA and say goodbye. Thank you even more fore being one of my bestest friends ever. I'm so glad that we had ASL together last winter and then got to be Visiting Teaching companions in the Spring and Temple-going companions this semester. I admire and look up to you so much and feel so genuinely cared about and loved by you. You have already worked miracles for the Lord in my life; I'm excited to see the miracles you work in the lives of those in the Dominican Republic. Expect lots of letters! I love you SOOOO much!!!!!  P.S. I'm seriously getting the "I miss Anna" feeling in my gut right now.

Awesome in a Nutshell

Why the past few days have been AWESOME (in a nutshell):

1. For FHE we carved pumpkins and baked pumpkin seeds. Super fun.
2. Yesterday, on my way to Shakespeare I ran into Emily Christensen. We got to talk. She's amazing. Then, after work, I got to go over to her apartment and we talked about life while she made chile.
3. Last night, our Relief Society had an activity called "How to Simplify and Satisfy Your Semester". So many girls came, and the girls who shared their talents are seriously skilled. Now I know how to cook delicious chicken, stay healthy, do my hair pretty, and make yummy tortillas.
4. After the Relief Society activity I came home and Ryan's parents were there! We got to hang out with them and just talk for over an hour. They are such good people. Of course, what else would you have expected from Ryan's parents?
5. Today, Emily Christensen came into my office while I was at work to talk to me for two seconds. Smiley face: check.
6. Today Kyle Wilson and Sarah and Amelia and Lauren and Rachel and Emily and I chilled in the apartment and did homework. Chinese and Shakespeare and Music Composition and American Heritage and Theater and Violin all in the same apartment. We're pretty awesome.
7. I got to go to weightlifting today with Emily (like I do every Monday and Wednesday night). We decided we're going to chill this weekend, so of course this weekend is going to be the best.
8. Today for my Shakespeare class, I read a letter writen by Keats. He pretty much quoted scripture. I love finding gospel truths in the things I am learning!

Relationship Withdrawls

Good Old Harold B. Lee...the library

Dear Harold, I know it's only been a week since we broke up, but--oh, Harold! I can't do it! I can't stand being away from you! Life has less color when you're not in it. I lay in my bed every night, unable to sleep, trying to relive in my mind all the good times we've had together while my heart bleeds. And during the day I wander around aimlessly, trying to find purpose in my existence. I'm tempted to curl-up into a self-absorbed ball for four months straight and do nothing until my werewolf friend comes around. What's the point of existing when you're not in my life? I know we talked about taking a break, but could we please reconsider? I promise I won't whine about having to go all the way up to campus every time I want to see you and that I'll follow every rule you set. The late nights with you will make it worth it. You're the only boyfriend I've ever had, and I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend the rest of my semester with. Take me back?

Letters

Dear Morgan, Thanks for stopping by and for giving me a hug the other day. I'm so glad that first block is over so that we can FINALLY do something fun together!

Dear Anna, Going to the temple with you and grabbing a cupcake afterward at Coca Bean Cafe on Friday and then going grocery shopping with you on Saturday was super fun! I'm excited to have fun with you again tonight. Besties for life.

Dear Second Block,What is this? Time to sleep? Time to talk to other human beings? Time to have fun? Time to do homework? And to exercise? And think? And eat? And laugh? And breathe? And sleep in? And clean the apartment? And to work on stuff for Relief Society?

I almost don't know what to do with myself. Almost.

Dear Emily, Studying with you in the library this past Saturday was one of the highlights of my semester. I'm glad that we're sisters and that we live together and that we will live together forever. Turkey five!

Emily and I laughed so hard when we saw this picture....Dad ALWAYS has his eyes closed in pictures!

Dear Dad, The other day I ate the leftover Mexican food that you bought us on Saturday night when you stopped by because you were driving home from Arizona. It was really good food, but the best part about it was being reminded of you. I love you so much and think that you're the best dad Heavenly Father could have ever given me. Actually, I don't think that; I know it.

Mormon Girl With Straight Hair Who Carries a Stack of Books

For my multicultural education class, we have to create a cultural diorama of ourselves by picking three artifacts that we think represent us socially, culturally, and ethnically. To present these three items, I thought I would write about them on my blog (I know you're all so excited to read my homework!) Without further ado, here's about the Mormon girl with straight hair who carries a stack of books.

Artifact #1: A Book of Mormon

I know--how cliche of me to choose a Book of Mormon for one of my artifacts when I'm doing this project for a class at BYU. Pretty much everyone in the class could use this one. But even though it may be a pretty obvious artifact, I think it is so at the core of who I am and what I do that I had to include it. Being a member of the church is more than a set a beliefs; it's a lifestyle. It affects what I eat, what I do in my free time, how I dress, and what I invest my energy in. It even helped me determine what to name this blog. Looking specifically at my Book of Mormon, I read this artifact every single day. Not only does is affect what I do with my time, but it affects what I think throughout the day. Being a member of the church has, at times of my life, made it harder to not judge people who lives lifestyles that are against what I am taught as a member to believe. At the same time, though, truly understanding the Book of Mormon has helped me have the motivation to try to love all people, even when I don't love the things they do or believe.

Artifact #2: My Straightener
This is a picture of my straightener. I use it almost every. Single. Day. I chose this artifact as a representation of feeling pressured into looking pretty. Messages in the media have taught me to believe that people will respect me more when I go to the effort to do stuff to my hair and put makeup on every day. So, instead of spending 10 minutes getting ready in the morning, I take 30. On days when I don't take this time, I don't only look different, I feel different. I feel gross and unattractive and like everyone's staring at me. Even though the difference is probably, for the most part, in my head, it still affects the way I behave. I'm less likely to raise my hand and say something in class. I'm more conscious when I draw attention to myself. I feel pathetic saying it, but I'm afraid it's become a part of who I am: I'm the girl who needs my hair to be straight.

Artifact #3: A Stack of Books
Ask anyone who's seen me withing the past several months they will most assuredly confirm that I probably had a book in hand. I'm a student. Reading and studying and schooling is what I do. This affects me socially a great deal. For one thing, I'm fairly poor. This effects my housing, what I eat, and what I do in my free time because I don't have money for extravagance  Instead of going to Olive Garden for fun, I go to Wendy's. Instead of living in a house, I live in a crammed 6 girl apartment. When I get free time, I go to the library and study (I spend so much time there that my roommates refer to Harold as my boyfriend!) In addition to being a student, once I graduate, I'm going to be an English teacher. In this profession, stacks of books are as common as popcorn in a movie theater. In essence, books will always be a part of who I am and what I do, and this will affect the lifestyle I lead.

Letters

Dear Lauren, WAY TO GO!!! Good job getting fifth place in the dance competition today by doing your awesome tango! I admire you so much for doing the things you are passionate about. You are amazing.

Dear Sarah, I have been waiting ALL WEEK to go and get ice cream with you today! It was perfect. It was just what I needed. It was so good to do nothing but just sit and talk to you. Especially the "you" part. You amaze and inspire me in so many ways. Thanks for your example and friendship.

Dear World Religions Test, That was fun, wasn't it? I'm pretty sure that I'd never even seen at least a fourth of the words on the page. Lucky for me, the test wasn't in the testing center and wasn't multiple choice, so I still get to forget it and still feel good about myself until the scores get posted. Perfect.

Dear Eric, I'm so glad that you came over to make cookies with me tonight. Thanks for the cookie making and the Piano Guys video watching/listen and the talking and the translating my letter and the playing Banana Grams and the even more talking. The cookies we made were amazing. Magic, you could say (or rather, did say). You are such a good, understanding, caring, spiritual, fun, awesome friend. I'm excited to get to listen to General Conference with you on Saturday morning up in the mountains!

I think someone was just trying to remind him of home...

Dear Jeremy, Thanks for stopping by tonight to help us eat our cookies. I'm so glad that your dance number in today's dance competition was 667--our apartment number. Some things are just meant to be. Our FHE family is one of those things. Also, I admire you so much for being willing to help so many people when they struggle with their homework. Your dedication to service is just so super awesome. Air five, brother! Good night (This time, not in sign language)!

Dear Lori, Thank you so much for buying us pizza to eat today at work. You are one of the best bosses ever!

Letters

Emily and I at Evidance

 

Dear Emily, I loved being able to go to the Evidance performance last Saturday. Spending weekends with you is the best. I also love having weight-lifting class with you twice a week. Not only do I get to get super strong, but I get to spend time with you. Good luck with school this week! You can do it!

Dear Lauren, You can do it. All of it. End of story.

Dear Gideon, WELCOME HOME!!!! Has it really been two years?! Good job for serving faithfully. It's so good to have you back.

Dear School Week, Please, have a little mercy. Don't kill me.

Dear School Week, Please keep pushing me hard so that I become even more super awesome and learn so many super awesome things!

Dear Self, Think you might be feeling a little conflicted about the school week?

Dear Hymn Book, I really like studying a song from you every night before I read my scriptures. You bring so much comfort and enthusiasm and love to my study. Thank you.

Dear Me, Heavenly Father knows how crazy your life is because He's the one who has given you so many things to get done each day. The responsibilities you have come from Him. Why? He trusts that you can do it. He knows that you can do it. Conclusion? You can most definitely do it.

Letters

We took this picture the last day of finals when we went up into the canyon to have foil dinners and to celebrate John's birthday

Dear FHE Family, You. Are. The. Best. I have never associated with a group of people as fantastically fun, righteous, and trustworthy as you guys. Our next FHE group has BIG shoes to fill.

Dear Ryan, Chris, and Kap, Thanks for "tucking me in" when I was laying on your living room floor and for then reading me "Oh the Place You Will Go" for a bedtime story. You guys will be awesome dads someday.

Dear Morgan, Thanks for your stroke of genius in planning the ultimate Frisbee game. Best idea EVER!

The first few players...many more people came to join us later!

Dear Frisbee Playing Buddies, You were all amazing. And my body is super sore/exhausted/tired/dead. I haven't had this much fun the in the longest time. I'm excited for the Spring and Summer so that we can play even MORE!

Dear Finals, It's been fun. Almost goodbye.

Letters

Some of the Ward before heading off to the activity!

Dear Ward, Thanks for the awesome closing social last night! Good food + good company ALWAYS = a good time!

Dear AnnaLisa, You are one of the sweetest, most thoughtful and loyal friends I have ever had. Good luck on your finals this week--you can do it!

Dear Finals, You are going to be AWESOME! I can't wait to show off my stuff to you!

Dear Ryan Porritt, Thanks for always asking and listening and talking. I feel like I can talk to you about anything. Thanks for being there.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for all the blessings you poor into my life. I'm sorry for not being as diligent lately as I should be. Starting tonight, that's going to change!

Goals, Motivations, and Aspirations

"While understanding the “what” and the “how” of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the “why.” When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet."   -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not", 2011 Relief Society Broadcast

Why I Do What I Do:

• So I can help others return to Heavenly Father
• So I can return to Heavenly Father
• So I can one day be happily married and raise righteous children
• So I can become a better person
• So I can learn
• So I can uplift others
• So I can be eternally happy
• So I can one day be like God
• So I can show Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that I love and care for Them and am grateful for all they do for me
• So I can go to the temple
• So I can have the Spirit's comfort and direction in my life

Desires I Have

• To love God and feel His love for me in return so that I can share His love with others
• To serve, uplift, and inspire people
• To be happy here and now
• To get married
• To have children
• To know, understand, and love the scriptures
• To graduate from BYU with an English teaching major
• To love, respect, and care for my body
• To love going to the temple
• To love, support, and help my parents and sisters
• To feel confident that I'm living the life God wants me to
• To return to live with my Heavenly Father for forever
• To have a firm relationship with my Heavenly Father and Savior here and now

My "To Be" List

• A good daughter
• A good wife
• A good mother and grandmother
• An avid scriptorian
• A helper
• A happy person
• A missionary
• A friend
• A disciple of Christ
• A humble person
• Someone who develops her talents
• Someone who loves being a girl and understands why that make me special
• Someone who knows the Lord and talks with Him multiple times a day
• Someone who wisely makes her own decisions and confirms them with the Lord 
• A person who understands the divinity which God has given me 

Letters

Dear Holly Engh, This is what your facebook status said today: "In the event of an apocalypse (zombie or otherwise) you will find me at a mormon's house. Those people know how to prepare." Thanks for making my day.


Dear Marriage Prep Class, You're my favorite class. Thanks.


Dear Random Running Guy Wearing Vibram Running Shoes, Thanks for complementing me on my awesome Vibram Running shoes. You were so super excited about it and it made me laugh. I like yours too.


Dear Michael, Thanks for going out of your way to come talk to us outsiders in 667. The psychology behind attraction is an interesting topic. You were bad at remembering the details behind it all, but it was still really interesting.


Dear Papers, I'm trying to like you right now. Let's not make our relationships harder than they need to be, okay?

Letters

My Roommate, Amelia, made this MabLib on Saturday Night when we were  being goofy

Dear Roommates and Friends, Watching "The King's Speech" (edited version, of course), playing games with you, and having pillow fights, all while laying (or jumping) on the mattresses on the floor of our living room was just what I needed Saturday night. I hope you'll forgive me for my silliness!

Dear Stake Conference, Thanks for the spiritual boost (and the laughs)! It's especially fun hearing stories from President Monson about the President Monson (his dad). Nice to know that he's 'normal'.

Dear Ryan Porritt, Thanks for the AWESOME planetarium show that you did for us Sunday night!

Dear Ward Family, I'm liking this Mafia thing. And talking thing. And hanging out thing. Let's keep it up?

We changed S106's "Daniel Fridge Collage" slightly Sunday night

Deal Daniel Bodily, The girls from S102 and I thought we'd take down the 5,729+ pictures of you on your apartment's fridge and replace them with pictures of us. Whatcha' think?

Dear Eng 292, I love the class. I don't love the textbook. People frequently ask me if I'm trying to work on strengthening my biceps. I reply by saying, "No, I'm just lucky enough to get to carry around a five ton book all day everywhere I go three days a week." As much as I appreciate the conversation starter, I'd rather live without it.

Dear Meisha Slight, I agree--we should sit by each other in the library. My table's always open!