Elder Ostvig

(One of the Mission Pictures that didn't quite work out.)

This post is about Clark Ostvig, because I am grateful that he is on his mission. I am especially grateful today. Even though that's only because today I really miss him.
Last December, a year ago, he came over and we finished his mission papers. I took a picture for him to mail to the prophet. He mussed up his hair and we had to do it over and again. Then he told me his password, so later I could go online and load the picture to the church website for him. Who did your mission papers, Clark?
He's been gone nine months. and still I pick up my phone every once and awhile to call him and see if he wants to hang out. I usually remember right before I press the green little call button.
I went on his facebook secretly several times after that, just because it was fun to know I could. I knew his password. But a few months ago I tried to get on and it wouldn't let me. His password had been changed.
Needless to say, in my next letter I told him I needed his facebook password.

I get about a letter a week from Clark, and they're always filled with the same old things, "I love the work, I love the people, I love my companions, yada yada yada." I've heard it all.
He's planning on asking for an extension when the time comes because he loves serving, and he loves the gospel so much. In nearly every letter he says "I love being a missionary so much, Beck. I will never stop being a missionary. I don't need to be on a mission to teach the gospel."

Over the months I have gotten a few pictures. Now that I have his facebook password, I put them on the internet so everyone can have pictures of Elder Ostvig. He's such a good example.
Here's the link to the PICTURES.
I only have a few, but I like them.

(Elder Ostvig and the Elvis impersonater that lived below him)

When I was gospel doctrine teacher over the summer I read a few things to my class from Clark's letters, just because they were so sweet, and girls in the class who had brothers or boyfriends on missions would cry.
The entire Thanksgiving Break I thought about Clark, because last year over Thanksgiving we went to Vegas. Just the two of us, and a huge stinking busful of people. When my cousins went to a movie this year I thought about going to see Dan in Real Life in a Casino a few blocks from Clark's sister's house. Everything reminded me that a year has gone by since my first Thanksgiving away from home. But it wasn't that bad, because I had a piece of home with me.

(This is us on the bus to Nevada. Sadly, this is one of the better pictures from the trip.)

I've known Clark since I was a little girl. I have a very distinct memory of whispering to my mother (as probably a nine year old) that I had a crush on Clark Ostvig.
"Well, he's a good boy, and very cute," said my mom approvingly.
Mary teased me about it all day, and when we went to church she taunted me, promising she would tell.
I can't remember if she did or not. But I do remember being plenty mad.
Anyway, this was pretty scatter-brained, but looking at all Clark's pictures today, and reading his last letter made me a little sad.
But after that, it made me happy. Because I know he's having the time of his life, and blessing so many people. I love missionaries and am so proud and so happy when boys I know serve missions. Keep up the good work, and take care. Love Becky

Thanksgiving

Every year in my journal I make a long list of everything in the world I could possibly be grateful for. It starts with the normal things, like "My mom" and ends with bizarre things like "Sand" or "Hairbrushes" with "Indoor Plumbing" somewhere in the middle.
But here, this is what is most important to me.

Family
I have the most amazing family. We love to laugh, and spend time together. Everyone is so smart, and talented, and frankly, attractive.

My parents work so hard to give me everything. It says in my patriarchal blessing that they pray for me nightly, and while that might not seem big --whose Mormon parents don't?-- I know that I am blessed to have parents in my life that care and think of me always.

Mary is so freaking awesome. I miss her all the time when I'm away and love to steal a few minutes with her on the phone. She has always been unnervingly good at anything she puts her mind to, and now she's a senior in high school, graduating a year early, and already has a million fans at a high school she's been going to for three months! I can't wait to have her out here with me next year.

Jack is just like me. In a good way, of course. How funny can an 11 year old be? He's so clever and smart, he reads all the time, and has written more books than anyone I know, including myself. Anything he tries, he succeeds at, his most recent amazing accomplishment being the cello! I love to call and talk to him on the phone and every time I do I get so swept into the conversation I forget what's going on. Last time I burned all the food I was cooking and had to hang up when the smoke alarm went off.

And Kathryn. OH MAN. I am so grateful that she is in our family. She is the smartest --and definitely cutest-- 3 year old on the planet. The last time I called home I talked to her for 5 minutes before she said, "Oh, Hey. Dad wants you," I waited for a few seconds and then she said in a deep voice, "Ahem. Oh, Hello Becky. This is your Dad, Chris. How are you?"

Now, don't think that that I only love my immediate family, because I have wonderful cousins and grandparents and aunts and uncles.

We have so much fun together. So, so much fun.

Just to make things easier for you.

FYI:
This is all I want for Christmas.


An External Hard drive


Earrings, simple gold earrings.

Rain Gear. Be it boots, an umbrella, or a coat.

Done.
If you wondering, this is as much for me, as for you, since every time anyone asks me what I want I panic and forget.
I'm as likely to accidentally tell you I want blankets, as a trip to London and hardly likely at all to remember to say I want a trench coat.

home again, home again

Down the Rabbit Hole

Today my beautiful roommates and I were very vain.
I thought, maybe I'll just put up one of each of us, and well... the vanity continues, you get more than 3 pictures. If it makes you feel better, we took about 400.
Wearing this dress, I felt a little like Alice in Wonderland.

thursdays

I think every day is Thursday.
Every morning I wake up and think to myself "I can't believe it is already Thursday."
Mondays are the worst, because I think "At least the week is almost over," but the week hasn't even begun.
Thursdays are the second worst. Because usually by the time it's actually Thursday, I'm so confused and tired, and then I have to work and go to my least favorite class.
Today is Tuesday. It is not Thursday, even though I've been thinking it was Thursday all day, and will probably think that later. So tell me, if I have the same classes on Tuesday and Thursday and today is Tuesday, but I thought it was Thursday, how did I get confused enough to end up at school an hour early?
Something is wrong here.

a few things

first:
“Last night I had a dream that I was at prom in the mall and my date was Sully from Monsters Inc, but he had painted himself purple, and was wearing a striped t-shirt. He wasn’t even wearing pants, and I was super upset, because”

“Becky, how many times do I have to tell you that your dreams are stupid and boring and no one wants to hear them?”

“Mom, that’s mean, I’m trying to tell you about my life.”

“Blah Blah Blah, don’t you ever read the comments I write on your blog? Your dreams are possibly stupidest thing ever.”

second:
I was thinking last week about trying to major in art of some sort, or maybe philosophy.
But I decided I was happy having both majors in one.
Major: English
Emphasis: Writing
Can’t I be an artist and philosopher at the same time?
I am pleased to say, that I absolutely can.

third:
things that bum me out:
- I can't register for classes yet
- I'm not going to London
- Lauren is NOT coming for Thanksgiving
- I have nowhere to live come winter semester
- my fingers hurt
- I'm out of food
- I have yet to get a letter this month from someone beside Clark
- I can't find (and consequently woo) a young man that I am interested in
- I don't speak any languages besides English and I'm having trouble with that one
- Harry Potter didn't come out today like it was supposed to, but comes out NEXT JULY. (see the freaking awesome trailer that will make you pee your pants below)

fourth:
things that are totally rad:
- I need only take the classes I please (and Physical Science) next semester
- Lana and Hilary are going to buy me gifts from my favorite city on the planet besides Buffalo
- Lana IS coming for Thanksgiving (I leave IN ONE WEEK!)
- I've sold my Glenwood Contract and never have to live here again
- I bought a guitar and am learning, slowly
- I ate a whole bowl of frosting today
- I got a letter from Elder Ostvig today, my third this month? or fourth... but who's counting?
- I started watching Gossip Girls today. It's all the drama I need in my life.
- I'm taking French 101 next semester
- Lauren and I went online to buy Twilight at midnight tickets (SOLD OUT ALREADY?) and got tickets for friday afternoon. Talk about 5 dollar matinee, I'm dressing as a vampire, even though I'm going the day AFTER it opens.

Whad up?

fifth:
I freaking love my roommates.

Today Lauren looked up at me suddenly:
"Becky, have you ever had deep fried pickles?"
"Like... covered in batter?"
"Yeah. They're weird..."

Hilary and Jonny left to hike the Y. Lana did not go. Paige said:
"Why didn't you go? Didn't want to make it a three some? I would have gone."

Then we were watching the Count of Monte Cristo, when Lana wanders into the living room. "Hey, you guys, can you pause that quick?"
we do so.
"So I was just in my room... thinking about JFK and stuff... and I made up a new motto for our apartment. Ask not what your roommates can do for you, but... you know, what you can do for your roommates. I wrote it on this paper. I'm going to hang it on the wall. Can you see it if I put it here?"

just until july

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

i've watched it maybe 7 or 8 times.

Well, I'm out 500 dollars (at least)

and I'm feeling a little heart broken.
But here's the deal. I'm not going to London next semester, I'm staying here in Provo, Utah, of all places.
I've wanted to go to London my whole life, but I guess now just isn't the time. Too bad Hilary and Lana will be sending home their pictures of London to me, because I'll be sad, but I'm very happy for them to be able to have that opportunity.
That's what my last post was about, if you were wondering. It took a while for me to get the message, but now that I have, I know that it's right. So, I guess, I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places.

Behold your king, before him lowly bend.

I've been listening to Christmas music for a month. You cannot stop me. The only reason I don't listen to it year round is because the world objects. Christmas music is the most wonderful music. It makes sad people happy. It makes me happy.

Today at work I had a complete breakdown. I have been waiting for a spiritual confirmation of some sort, and when it finally came, it wasn't what I wanted. I know I'm being selfish, but I didn't want to be feeling what I was feeling. I went and cried in the condiments freezer with Lana. Then I left work early. I didn't know what to do.
I still don't.

but these words came to my mind and lent me comfort like nothing else could. No hugs, not even my reading the scriptures, but a hymn.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

I am still upset. I still can't stop crying, but I felt like the advice the Lord was pushing out to me was to fall on my knees. I knelt in prayer and poured my soul out and only then did I feel some sort of comfort. I love the gospel. I love the Lord.
I am so grateful for all that I have, and all that I know, and that I can come unto the Lord and he can take me into his arms.

Prop 8

This is almost more than I can handle. Our church leaders admonished those of our faith who are from California to vote Yes on Prop 8. I felt unsure about this decision, I do believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, however, I didn't know if I was comfortable with the church telling us how to vote. I know, however, that our church is led by God and if we are asked to do something, it is for a reason. So I supported my church leaders.
Well, we won.
and 48% of California is unhappy.
I've read a lot of articles on the topic this morning. Here are some things I've seen.
The LDS Temple in Los Angeles was under siege yesterday by 2,000 protesters angry over the Church's role in passing Proposition 8, forcing the temporary closure of the temple. According to reports, a gay activist called the temple saying they would be protesting outside the temple permanently until there is gay marriage. Signs were hung from the fence around the temple and protesters screamed in anger, snarled afternoon rush-hour traffic and said, "This isn't going to stop us...If we do this we have a chance." "We're going to fight it until the world changes," protesters claimed.
"Shame on you," chanted the protesters. Outside the temple, grafitti was scrawled on the walls and signs hung, "Go back to Utah," and "Go to hell Mormons." Their signs said, "No on H8."
Protesters promised to go after the Church's tax-exempt status and harass Mormons who had donated to the cause, listed on a website Mormonsfor8.com. The promise was to make the Mormons pay for their role in the passage of Prop 8.
Homosexual blogs have been boiling with threats toward Christians. Burn their [blank] churches to the ground, and then tax the charred timbers," wrote "World O Jeff" on a blog. On another website "Tread" wrote, "I hope the No on 8 people have a long list and long knives." On another website, a contributor wrote, "Can someone in CA please go burn down the Mormon temples there, PLEASE. I mean seriously. DO IT." On another website "scottinsf" wrote, "Trust me. I've got a big list of names of mormons and catholics that were big supporters of Prop 8. ... As far as mormons and catholics ... I warn them to watch their backs."

In the Bureau command post there was a large screen television displaying scenes from the protest outside the Los Angeles temple. Imagine my surprise, when angry protestors began rushing the closed temple gates, and I heard an officer in the command post say, “I hope they burn that place to the ground.” Imagine my even stronger surprise when another officer replied, “They better hope they don't get through the gates, because the Mormons have an army in a bunker under the temple that will come out and kill them all.”

A commercial opposing Proposition 8 also drew criticism. In it, two actors portraying Mormon missionaries forced their way into the well-kept home of a married lesbian couple.

"Hi, we're here from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," one says.

"We're here to take away your rights," says his partner.

The missionaries then rip the wedding rings from the women's fingers and ransack their house until they find the women's marriage license, which they destroy.

"Hey, we have rights," one of the women says.

"Not if we can help it," answers the missionary.

The ad was produced by an independent group not affiliated with the official No-on-8 campaign and was shown on MSNBC and Comedy Central, according to Rick Jacobs of the Courage Campaign, a progressive political group.
"I am appalled at the level of Mormon-bashing that went on during the Proposition 8 campaign and continues to this day," he said. "If this activity were directed against any other church, if someone put up a website that targeted Jews or Catholics in a similar fashion for the mere act of participating in a political campaign, it would be widely and rightfully condemned."

i'm so sorry, but i'm a bit obsessed!

i'm on a little bit of a spree. I'm sorry I keep posting, I just have so many things to say and this blog is really my journal of sorts. I think if the things I want to say aren't written down, they'll just be forgotten.


They just had a BABY! His name is Archie.
How lovely!

the internet is crazed. for example, everytime I go on facebook (now a rare occasion) i spend fifteen minutes untagging myself from all photos, since many people have recently pointed out that there are over 1000 photos on that website alone labeled "Becky Froelich."
Worrisome.
Anyone can know exactly who I am.
Yet at the same time, the internet allows you to be exactly who you want to be.
Today google said this to me:
Choose an identity?
I can be anyone in the world, just by typing in a different username.

Look at my teeth. don't be grossed out.


my wisdom teeth (as seen here) have pushed very far out, and are making my teeth crooked, but i'm too poor to get them pulled.
bah.