Life in a Nut Shell

So the past three weeks have been a little crazy.

Week of Thanksgiving: I was able to go home on Tuesday, not Wednesday like I had planned! I was really happy! I went to the Ashland Christmas parade to watch my little brother Stephen and little sister Rebecca perform in the marching band of my Alma Mater. That is weird to think of! Any way, I had fun seeing my family on my mom's side, especially my mom's sisters! Even if it is said that Catholics and Mormons don't get along well I sure do have a blast with them!! I also got to see a few of my friends, namely Erika, Jay, Katie, Sarah, Caleb, and Karen. Church on Sunday was full of people asking me about college and how long was I staying at home. Sadly, I could only stay till Sunday evening.

Week after: Recoup from Thanksgiving. I was busy with Orchestra rehearsals through the week for the concert on Friday. Both of my parents got to come to watch me perform as well as baby brother Nathan. We also went shopping for sweaters and boots. I had fun, the boys not so much. That evening (Saturday) was the Winer Formal. I went in my Jr prom dress. I was so suprised that I fit better in someplaces better than when I was in high school, someplaces not so much. I still had a fun night with friends and food. It was catered by a semi local hotel.

This week: I have been going crazy trying to do the last of assignments, rehearsing for the play next semester, preparing for finals, and getting ready for Christmas.

I was happy to listen to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. President Monson was my favorite that night, followed by President Uchtdorf.

That is my update for SVU life. Now how about those at home or any other family?

I Got A Picture With Dr. Stephen R. Covey!!!

On Wednesday, Novemember 18, 2009, Dr Stephen R. Covey came to SVU! He talked how to better ourselves. It was awsome! It was humbling in many ways, which I can't name off the top of my head. I learned that he has 51 grandkids! That is amazing!!



The stress is sometimes overbearing. I almost had a breakdown but I have amazing teachers and friends who support and love me.

I had also found out that I had made it into the play next semester! The play is Rhinoceros, a 1950's France where everyone turns into a rhinoceros!!! I can't wait!

Concert band had a concert Friday. Everyone loved it. I felt otherwise.

Otherwise, it's been good. I love you all and can't wait to see some of you during Thanksgiving!!!

I NEED to learn time management, thank goodness for Stephen Covey!!

I believe I have dug my grave. The end of this semester is drawing to a close and the paper work is piling up, the stress is rising, and Thanksgiving is coming!!! Basketball season has open with a bang, men winning all their games, tonight's score 96-30!! Which means pep band again. Concert band has a concert this Friday, orchestra the weekend after Thanksgiving Break, a formal dance that Saturday, finals soon after, along with other assignments due by the last day of the class!!

On a slightly different note, I auditioned for a comedic play called Rhinoceros. It is set in 1950 France, but it goes crazy!! Since I play an instrument, the director said that I was in the band for the musical, possibly getting some lines and get to help with set changes and whatnot. So... I'm in!!!! My first collge level acting experiance outside of my acting class!!! Amazing! And not only do I get to act but perform with my piccolo as well!! Aaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!

Otherwise, nothing new. I love you all lots and can't wait to see you all soon!!

Things are Getting a Little CRAZY Around Here...

This past weekend I had the opportunity to usher at the school production of She Loves Me. It is really good! The set is a turning set! The front of the shop the story is based in is on one side, turn, and the inside of the shop and a back room are in view! It looks AMAZING!!! I'll try to get pictures of it this weekend, I get to usher again this weekend too. The movie You Got Mail is based on this musical! I think they did a nice modern twist on the musical for the movie.

Monday: Well, what else is there to that. I have adapted Garfield to this day, "I hate Mondays." The best part was FHE. Everyone shared a spiritual thought and everyone had a different topic! It was really cool.

Tuesday: Went to College comp and talked Walden. Blech. Practiced a scene for acting from The Glass Menagerie, hung out with a friend on the bench outside of the library for a couple of hours, a playing test in concert band. Yup. Tuesday.

Wednesday: Great institute. Acting class I actually learned acting! Normally when we do questions for a chapter, he just lectures. But today, he had my partner and I perform a couple of lines of the scene we are doing. He helped me understand how to emotionally connect to my character and how to better communicate to others, objects, and my self! It was SO AMAZING!!! Everything just clicked in that moment. Wow.

Western lit, I have ANOTHER MID- TERM!!!! This is on Monday!! Aaaaa!!! Biology, we are learning about bacteria. Fun... (this is sarcasm if you can't figure that out). I went around campus trying to have freshmen sign a petition to encourage facilty to use MySVU, the online gradebook for the school. We want to know our grades so we can figure out how we need to improve.

I visited my RS president, she had surgury on her left ACL this weekend so I went to cheer her up.

I also went to the first pep band "banquet." We ate at Original Italian in BV and had ice cream at Alexander's! It was fun!!! And I got REALLY full I don't think I can eat tomorrow. Or I'll just be sick.

That's what's new in BV! I love you all and can't wait to see some of you during Thanksgiving!!

P.S. Papi and Mom, Brinnica says we will leave here at 6:30 or 7 am now! They have eye appointments at 3 pm so they need to be there earlier! So... I'll be home 10:30- 11:30 am wednesday morning, I think. Yay!!!!

Halloween, College Style

Just so everyone knows, Haloween here is not like Athens, OH halloween. I wish I had more time, a license, and a car to prepare for Halloween. I went as an elf, again. It was the only costume I had here and I had no creativity attacks for costume ideas. My friends, on the other hand were creative. My favorite was the portable water fountain!! One of my friends came to the ward halloween party with dollar earrings. She was... a Buck- an- ear! That was very creative! Alex was Danny from Greese, except that he looked like Clark in Smallville when he has the red Kryptonite ring! I told him this and he said that worked too.

This past week was also my first Relief Society Activity Meeting (Enrichment). I had to teach to set the example for the committee. The lesson was on journals. I had them make Journal Boxes. These are like Journal Jars but 2"x 2" boxes. They all turned out really cute! I had recieved so many compliments it was weird. I had been stressing myself out over this activity all week!

Our ward also went on a nature hike in the woods behind the Lofts, otherwise the girls' dorm. The trail led to the soccer/ football field. It was so beautiful out. I was happy to observe the creation that God made for all of us.

I have a request for all who read this blog. PLEASE PRAY FOR MY FRIEND! Her name is Ally Walker. She went to visit her family in California this past week, her brother? came home from his mission. She texted one of her other friends here and said she might not come back soon because she got sick with Swine Flu. Not a joke! I just think she needs some support and we can do that through prayer, so please pray for Ally.

I will get to come home for Thanksgiving, but I won't be there until Wednesday afternoon. I'm riding with a friend from Portsmouth and her brother. I will make sure I get out of the house and visit everyone!

That's whats new in BV!

BV Update

Last week was fun and crazy! Mom, Brandon, and Nathan came for a visit! while on this visit, I had to perform in an orchestra concert, Pep Rally, and the Homecoming football game. The concert went well, pep rally was fun and so was the game! The team had their first victory last Saturday! Church on Sunday for Nathan was long since the singles' ward has no Primary. The best part was going to Wal- Mart, shopping, and hang out at the hotel.

This week was very different. Classes have been going well, mostly. I dread reading The Aeneid and Frankenstein. But there is a funny story with the last book. In my writing class the professor had us read it out loud like a role play. I volenteered to read and I was assigned the monster. Alex started laughing at me! I turned, told him to stop, and the professor told him to read as Frankenstein! I was slightly embarressed! Alex then teased me all through lunch.

I also have to deal with writing essays, church callings, and making sure I actually enjoy life! So much work! For more just give me a call or TEXT!!! I can do that now!

Stuck in a Small Town, Again

Buena Vista is great, beautiful mountains, nice people, great church set up. But when the school doesn't do anything, like have a football game, there is nothing to do. What makes it worse is that I don't have a car, lisence, or friends that aren't out of town to get ME out of town! I've needed to get shopping done, not only the Wal- Mart kind, and I can't find anyone willing to take me.

In other news, Alex and I have officially stated that we are better off as friends. I was a little saddened by this at first but over the week I have felt more confident in our decision.

I also have taken on me to be the Vice President in my Institute class. I really don't know what I was thinking that day. Maybe the Holy Ghost was guiding me. Today I gave my first 10 minute talk. It was on the importance of modern- day prophets, but I had to mainly focus on President Monson's talk "What Have You Done for Someone Today?" It took me all after noon to write that talk on Saterday, mainly because I slept 'till 10. I also conducted the meeting in Relief Society today. Very different than Young Womens.

I also have started an account on Family Search.org! So if anyone has information on Kouns or Welch Geneology please send me something! I want to learn about my family.

Starting on this past Friday was the beginning of Fall Break! I only have until Tuesday! So you can call me, email me, talk to me any time on Monday. Tuesday, I'll be in D.C. in the temple working on the grounds.

I love you all and grateful for you! I can't wait to see you all again, either during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or somewhere in the near future! Lots of love from VA!!!

Let the Good Times Roll!

This past week was actually uneventful. Alex had to miss Smallville because of an away football game. But General Conference was AMAZING! My favorites were Elder Bednar, Elder Anderson, and Presidencies. I'm sorry I can't choose just one!

I have also realized that I have been at college for 1 month! Wow how time flies when you're having fun!

Family Home Evening (FHE) was a BLAST!! We had a paint fight! Just look at the pictures...

What's New in BV?

Here is the latest update from Buena Vista.

We had Stake Conference. I had to help Alex stay awake for the speakers. He said jokingly that we shouldn't sit near each other because I keep him up while he tries to nap. I just told him that I was concerned for his spiritual well- being.

Classes are going well, mainly. I'm trying to keep up with Biology but I just don't get it! I ask the professor and my tutor to help me understand, but it still goes over my head. Acting 1 is fun but a lot more work than I thought. We had to learn how to properly use our voices and it's hard to change the habits you have always grown up with! Music classes are going pretty well, still ajusting to the sharps instead of flats and tons of 2/4 or cut time. Classics of West lit is my favorite class so far! Tons of reading, but he explains the story with so much common sense! Unlike a certain English teacher in the past. Composition is alright. I'm learning how to write arugmentive papers. It is agrivating only because that seems to be the only papers we'll write.

On another note, Alex and I have gone on not one but TWO dates!!! The first date was set up by the school. We watched Finding Neverland with most of the other bought couples. Afterwards, we ate at Jonzzey's, a campus owned restraunt. We had fun just talking and debating dialects. He actually came late because of madatory study hall for football, so he asked if we could do something that Friday. I said yes. He took me to Alexander's Ice Cream Emporium. We played Pool, ate ice cream, talked, walked, sang, and watched Smallville. He told me I was a pretty girl and he was suprised that no one outside of my family never told me that! He is so sweet! He reminds me of my dad in so many ways.

I sat throught a wet and cold football game. We lost by a touchdown and a kick. The final score, 21- 28! We were tied most of the game, but they killed us in the last 5 minutes. I felt bad for our boys. Alex didn't play because he got his cast off on Wednesday and his wrist is still sensitive.

That is my update here at school. No new pictures yet. Sorry. I will post some as soon as I do. Lots of love from VA!!!

I got a date with Superman!

I couldn't wait until Sunday. Wednesday night there was a date auction with a hero vs. villian theme. My friend was in it dressed as Superman. He was near the end of the line, which was cutting it close to football team curfew. As soon as he was on the block the battle began. I won, buying him for $40! I was so happy to know that we would go out together. He now will have payed back from not going to Alexander's with me! Since this was a school activity, they will set up the date. As far as I know, we will go with everyone who participated in the auction to a movie and a picinic meal. I don't know the details but I'll let you know!

And as an extra: Please mail me! It makes me happy to know you took the time to send me something. My address is Lofts 209 B, One University Hill Dr, Buena Vista, VA 24416. or give me a call after 6pm. or email me at Jenwlch90@aol.com or jennifer.welch@students.svu.edu. I love you all and can't wait to be with you!

Friends

So, some of you have heard of a couple of my friends while I'm here. Well here is their Blog Premier!!

This is Sara Chapman. She is a junior but my age and the secretary of the Relief Society in my new ward.

These are Ally Walker and Tori Sanders. Ally is Sara's roommate. She is very relaxed, but will worry about details of things. Tori is my roommate. She is not a phantom. She is a ball of energy and you never know what she will do.

This is my closest guy friend here. We met during orientation. His name is Alex Torres, or Alexander Antar Torres II. He is very funny, smart, and has a superman complex. As you see here, he is wearing glasses, his Clark Kent look. Almost every other day he wears jeans and a tee- shirt, talking classes, Superman, church, and football. Yes he is a football player. And I pray for the game that the knights win to see him be extreamly excited over his favorite game. The later is his Superman side. He is so kind and down- to- earth and loves to have a good time.

I love to hang with my friends when I finish my studies. Here is what the week was like for me.

Monday was a drag because it was Labor Day and we were in school.

Tuesday was stressful from a presentation due the next day.

Wednesday was relief because the presentation was delayed till Friday and was finally playing rhythms and notes right in Orchestra!

Thursday was very stressful on many levels. And I went to Wal- Mart!

Friday was a great end. The presentation was delayed again, teachers seemed kinder than usual, and watched UP! It was so cute!

Saterday was RS service project in Buena Vista. Cleaning libraries, flower beds, and parks. Then a dance at Alexander's Ice Cream Emporium, not crowded but fun.

Sunday. Wow. I was called and set a part as the 2nd councelor of the RS! And had training from the stake RS leaders, and listened to Sister Elaine Dolton on the CES Fireside. So amazing. It's like Youth Conference but better!

That is my week! Keep me posted on all of you! I love and miss you all and can't wait to be with you all again!

What Can I Say?

Well, week 1 is done. This weekend was pretty fun and crazy.

On Friday, I went to see the school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was hilarious!! After that the school was hosting a dance, and keeping with a reputation, I went. The music was a lot harder to dance to.

Saterday was interesting. I spent a good deal of it doing homework. I adventured to the local town down the hill. It is a good quiet town, but can easily get lost in. I was trying to find the Family Dollar and I went around town trying to find this place. I walked all of it too! I finally found it and bought some needed supplies and walked back up the hill. That hill is hard if you are carrying 3 bags of food, cleaning supplies, and other items! But I survived. And I found out that our favorite ice cream joint is reopening!! Next weekend they are opening to the public and hosting a dance of their own!!! I'm so excited!!

Sunday, AKA today, I went to church fasting and on time! I also was the first of the congregation to share their testimony. I watched the new Bewitched movie with Nichole Kidman and Will Farrell and many episodes of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. I went to a fireside, a gathering to learn spiritual matters, but this was a get to know your bishop and wife. They are fun. I had scripture reading with girls on my floor and tried finding out about people at home. Luckily, Papi called and I got plenty of info off of him.

I love you all and hope to see you soon!! And here are some more pictures of college.

Life is a roller coaster

So here is the latest news on the block.

I didn't make flute choir, but I was able to join Pep Band and Concert Band. Professor Del Vecchio is a funny, kind man from New Jersey, and isn't a member of the church. Dr. Taylor is also kind and fatherly, but I had a hard time in orchestra getting use to the sound of string instruments and playing with sharps instead of flats. And a broken flute. A couple of the keys don't work but I will be trying to get it fixed. For now, I will use my mom's flute which was shipped to me in 2 days!! I'm not use to that kind of response in mail!!

English is a different story. I like Dr. Cluff as well, but I have a presentation due next Wednesday on Greek Music. I fear that I don't have enough time to prepare everything. He is willing to help as much as he can to help me succed.

Acting is fun and easy at this point. College Composition is full of persuation essays, arguments, and debates. Biology is also easy, but sometimes is hard to understand the professor with her heavy Indian accent. And those are the classes.

I have attended two sporting events since arriving here, football and soccer. I believe our team has great talent but since it was the first game, they had the jitters and lost. The soccer team is now 1- 1 in their season. They won their first match away against a Division 3 school of which I don't have a name. The second game was at home on the new field. I actually know a couple of the guys on the team so I came to encourage them to play their best. I found out that a councelor of the bishopric of my new ward is on the team!! I think he is the oldest on the team too. But he performed as well as the other players. The match was against Bridgewater College, and lost. President Rodney K. Smith came to the game as well. He was wearing green low top Chuck Taylor's!!!!!!!! It was so cool to the president of the university wear chucks I thought I was going to scream, but I took a picture instead.

That is what's new at SVU. I love you all and can't wait to hear or see you soon!!

The First Day of School

Well, I started my first day of college today at Southern Virginia University. I began my day in Institute Book of Mormon with Elder and Sister Cochran. They are so much fun! I then went to Acting 1 with Proffesor Robert Stoddard. I will get a lot of physical exercise in that class as well as going up and down a STEEP hill. After that I went to Classics of Western Literature with Dr. Cluff. He too is an interesting character. I have a two and a half hours for lunch then to orchestra and Biology.

On another note, I love my roommate!! She and I just click. We both love Smallville and many other things. Many good times are bound to come out of this friendship. So there is my fisrt day.