I'm Still Here-Barely!

Hello everyone in blogland. It's been awhile, so I just wanted to assure everyone that I am still alive! It's been an insane couple of months, and I just haven't made the time to post on this little (at least in number of posts) blog of mine. So, while I'm waiting for paint to dry, I thought I'd send this little shout out to the internet. In chronological order, here are some things of import that have happened in the last few months.
#1. In a bold move frought with irony and some ubsurd sense of humor, Heavenly Father and my Bishop extended a new calling to me in the beginning of December. My Bishop pulled me aside during our Ward Christmas Party and called me to be a Relief Society President. Naturally, my first response was, "Are you sure?!" Which was followed closely by tears. I accepted, and have ever since felt behind and inadiquate. It took me completely by surprise, and I am still surprised that this happened. I really try to do my best, but most of the time I feel like I'm not doing enough. Oh, well. I'm still trying! I found my 2nd councelor and secretary right away, but no matter how hard I prayed, I couldn't find my 1st councelor. Then, a few weeks ago, a new Russian girl moved into our ward, and I knew that she was my counselor. Lesson #1 of this calling: Things happen in the Lord's time! Lesson #2: Trust the Lord.
Event #2: Finals. Ugh, even the word makes me cringe. I'm amazed I passed anything this semester, what with the worry and stress about RS President that I recieved the week before finals happened! I managed to pull an A, one A-, and 2 B+s. Not the best grades, but I'll take them! I think there were a few blessings pulled down for me to even get these grades. :)
Event #3. Christmas with the Family. This was so great! It was awesome to have everyone together, and great to have little kids around at Christmastime. The house got a little crowded at times, and I had to pull some little hermity moves in order to think, but all in all, it was great. I love Christmas!
Event #4-School started. BYU starts earlier than most, so on Jan. 4th, I had to go right back into the daily school/work grind. I found it funny that I got the calling to be RS President this semester, which is going to be my most difficult semester in years. I was trying to decrease my work hours this semester because I really need to get good grades in these classes, and then this happened. Oh, the irony!
Event #5-My ceiling fell in. I don't know who's seen what on Facebook, but last Wednesday (Jan. 13) I discovered a bulge in my bedroom ceiling. Upon investigation, water started streaming into my room at the same rate you'd pour water from a pitcher. This all started happening at 11 o'clock pm. When the Home Teachers came over, they started poking around and the ceiling fell down. No joke-the drywall was so completely saturated that it just fell in. I live right below the basement, and the kitchen sink had apparently been leaking for about a month right onto my ceiling. Ten days later, I'm still living on the hide-a-bed in the living room while my ceiling is repaired. I should be able to move back in tonight, much to my relief. It's no fun having no privacy!
Event #6-My brother announces bad news. Right in the middle of all this mess with my room, stress from my calling, and tons of homework from school, my little brother calls and tells me he can't go on a mission anymore. I don't think I've cried that hard in years, at least since Grandma Whipple died. It's been a hard adjustment, but mainly because I'm so worried about him. I hope he doesn't allow this to ruin his life, and I hope he still knows I love him, no matter what.

So, that's my life for now. Filled with lots of stress and love, heartaches and joy. Isn't it always? ;)