10. I LOVE to dance. Love, love, love it. Why? Dance has a strong connection to the soul. It's a physical activity, but it's so closely intertwined with your soul and your deepest feelings. I love ballet, ballroom (the cha cha is lots of fun, swing, too- I want to learn more!), and jazz...I've done some of everything, but more ballet than anything else. I also love to get down with my friends. In high school, my friends and I would just turn on the music and dance all the time. My sister is my favorite person to dance with- we know a lot of the same moves (especially to *NSYNC songs =)).
11. I enjoy skiing. I enjoy running a lot, too...but my knees started hurting me, so I don't think I can run anymore. Sadness! =( I have beautiful memories of running in gorgeous Taiwan with my friend Tammy. It's because of her that I learned to love to run! And I used to hate running with a passion! It goes to show that just because you don't enjoy something, it doesn't mean you can't learn to love it!
12. If I could participate in any Olympic event, it would have to be figure skating. It's a sport AND an art.
13. One of my favorite things to do is teach in church. I love preparing for lessons because I gain so much in the process. I love this quote by Dieter F. Uchtdorf- it describes perfectly why I love to teach: "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul...we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before."
14. Building on that quote, one of the most satisfying experiences at BYU was writing a paper on "Au Bonheur des dames", a French novel by Emile Zola. In English, it's called "The Ladies' Paradise." It takes place in Paris. Did you know that the concept of the department store originated in Paris? "Au Bonheur des dames" is a fictional story, but it's based on that time period. It is the story of Denise Baudu, who works in one of these original department stores. The first time I read the book, I read it in English, at the same time I was discovering the beauty of shopping in Paris (while on Study Abroad). It was fascinating to think about the development of shopping as we know it today, and all the tactics that they use to lure us in... The second time I read this book was back at BYU in a French literature class. I chose to write a research paper demonstrating that "Au Bonheur des dames" is a social commentary on creating order and eliminating disorder in modern society. It was a fascinating process to research, analyze, and then organize my thoughts. My paper was 14 pages ALL in French and I just felt so accomplished when I handed it in. My teacher (who I admired a lot) had a lot of positive feedback for me, which made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Again, it was that process of creation which was so very satisfying.
15. I LOVE snow and I love central NY- the two go together. I grew up in a town called Baldwinsville, which happens to be part of the metropolitan area that receives the most snow in all of the United States! I'm not surprised. I loved growing up there. Where we lived, there was just such a great community atmosphere. I loved my school and my friends. It was amazing to grow up an hour away from Palmyra. NY is just gorgeous...it's so green and in the fall, the leaves are to die for! Plus, there are just so many cool historical places to go see in the East.
16. When I lived in Taiwan (January-June 2008), a scooter was my main form of transportation. =) My friend Tammy and I bought one together (they're not all that expensive- and the gas is cheap, too!), and then we sold it back before we left. We learned to drive Taiwanese-style. For example, when you make a left turn, you just have to hurry and go for it before the oncoming traffic makes it into the intersection. =) It's quite the adventure! How I miss those scooter-riding days. But one thing I don't miss all that much is helmet hair. =)
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