on a lighter note...

I really love living in Utah.
I really love autumn.
I really love that it is November.
I really love that Thanksgiving is soooon!
And I really love the people who are coming into town
for Thanksgiving!
Oh, happy day!

Why the W.R.I?

You want in on this week's happenings?
Join the facebook group "Save BYU's Women's Research Institute!"

Because women have voices, too.

I have many flaws, and they have generously been coming to view over the last couple of months during my "Marriage & Family Studies" courses. Let me tell you. It's not very fun coming to terms with all of the things you did wrong in a relationship immediately after it ends, but it's worth it. I feel so blessed to have been able to learn from the research of others on how successful families and relationships function, and I am very excited to continue my studies in this area.

(Side note: I am giving a talk about strengthening families this Sunday at church-- so come! Another side note: I'm writing a critical thinking paper on establishing routines to strengthen family life. Cool!)


I love this University, and I love the opportunities that I've had to study religion, theatre, and family while here so far, but I am quite upset at the news that the Women's Research Institute is being closed. A lot of this was kept quiet, and it was really only revealed last week (with only an e-mail to break the news to the employees of the Institute, and this done only, I believe, a day before the public announcement). True, research will continue, merely dispersed among the individual colleges, but surely we will feel a loss. For one, the research will no longer be connected as it is now. Departments will not have a chance to mingle and influence one another. "Women's Studies" will not be concentrated as it is now, and I believe this will weaken the work in this area on our campus.

Tonight I have heard the passion in the voices of individuals who had been given chances to participate in research with assistance from the Institute. They mourn for this loss. As one who is just now entering into this area of study, I can't help but mourn, too.

Research is important to the development and improvement of our own society, as well as to communities around the world. We need to gain knowledge, and we need to spread awareness of the things we learn. The Women's Research Institute plays a huge role in accomplishing these tasks.

For more information on this issue, see this article,

and if you'd like to become involved further, check out
the group "Save BYU's Women's Reseach Institute!" on facebook.

a conversation in my house today:

Allison: I saw Stephanie Nielson at the mall today! She was walking into Shade while I was walking out, and I just kind of did a quick little smile then kept walking, and then it finally connected and I could stop twitching my face and smiling and giggling!

Debbie: It's probably like when I saw Kirby Heyborne at the bookstore once. Imaging what we'd act like if we saw real celebrities.

Oh, hey there Alice!

At the ward Halloween party!
Thank you Aunt Mary for making my
Alice in Wonderland costume!
I love it! Hurray!