Missioning (or going on a mission as most would call it) requires a very strict wardrobe. No patterns, no embellishments, no shiny buttons, no black dresses, no pants... the skirts are to a certain length as well as the coat. Everything is so specific, which will be nice once I am out, but now means that I get to do what I hate most: shopping.
Shopping means making decisions that really don't matter. I will not die if I wear a red shirt rather than a blue one. Shopping means long hours acting as Barbie as my sisters or mother make me try on outfit after outfit after outfit. I think that if I were Superman shopping would be my kryptonite.
I have two skirts and five shirts and one blazer... only four shirts, two skirts, two blazers, hose, sweaters, ... I'm going to stop now before I get discouraged.
Shopping reminds me of my friend Katie, something she mentioned to me when she moved into my neighborhood. She mentioned that she was church shopping. Imagine people shopping for a church, trying on a congregation trying to find the place where they belong. If I think skirt finding is difficult... Imagine trying to find a religion without any clue as to what to look for. At least my shopping has a (admittedly a rather extensive) list
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Sister Pielstick and the Letter From the Mission President
I got a letter from the Mission president: President Holmes. (I wonder if there is a relation to the literary Sherlock.)
It was a nice letter asking me to continue reading my scriptures and how much he was looking forward to having me in the mission. It was nice... except for one minor request. I need to get a long wool winter coat before I get to the MTC. While I am in Florida, in the middle of one of the hottest Summers I've had in a long while. It's going to take a miracle. Although it was from the mission President... therefore they have an odd predilection for happening.
In my mission interview my stake president he mentioned a fun story about his mission president who told his mission that they could have a baptism a week. Needless to say, no one believed him. The last month before he left his mission he got a greenie who wanted to try the mission president's promise. They worked their hardest and managed to have a baptism every week, sometimes even baptizing entire families... needless to say if the mission president says it is possible, then it is possible, albeit not probable.
I suppose if I can ace an Astronomy test and My stake president can have a baptism every week, then I can find a Suitable Jacket before I leave for Utah.
It was a nice letter asking me to continue reading my scriptures and how much he was looking forward to having me in the mission. It was nice... except for one minor request. I need to get a long wool winter coat before I get to the MTC. While I am in Florida, in the middle of one of the hottest Summers I've had in a long while. It's going to take a miracle. Although it was from the mission President... therefore they have an odd predilection for happening.
In my mission interview my stake president he mentioned a fun story about his mission president who told his mission that they could have a baptism a week. Needless to say, no one believed him. The last month before he left his mission he got a greenie who wanted to try the mission president's promise. They worked their hardest and managed to have a baptism every week, sometimes even baptizing entire families... needless to say if the mission president says it is possible, then it is possible, albeit not probable.
I suppose if I can ace an Astronomy test and My stake president can have a baptism every week, then I can find a Suitable Jacket before I leave for Utah.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sister Pielstick vs Disney
I love disney World. I practically grew up there. When my parents said that I was going to Disney for a week I was ecstatic. However this time at Disney I made an alarming discovery... I am apparently allergic to Florida. I was walking around all day and when I got home I found this horrendous rash on my legs (first swimming pools, now this? :( ) I suppose this is a good thing as I am going to Utah, which is the climate least related to Florida's humidity and heat.
It's funny how something so small like itching your ankle can bring on such a strong reaction. I suppose it is a little like sin, sometimes it seems small, but it can have far reaching and painful consequences. It also gives you a chance to change... my grandmother and mother suggested that I start using lotion again (a practice not usually required by Floridian Climate). Guess what? The rash left.
Did I ever mention how much I love my family?
Not only is my Grandmother and mother awesome, my grandfather is too. You see he loves rollercoasters... considering he was a navy fighter pilot and nothing a roler coaster can throw at him is too intense. We went on my favorite ride at least three times: Expedition Everest. I forgot how much fun it was to belt out Primary songs while everyone else is screaming their heads off.
It's funny how something so small like itching your ankle can bring on such a strong reaction. I suppose it is a little like sin, sometimes it seems small, but it can have far reaching and painful consequences. It also gives you a chance to change... my grandmother and mother suggested that I start using lotion again (a practice not usually required by Floridian Climate). Guess what? The rash left.
Did I ever mention how much I love my family?
Not only is my Grandmother and mother awesome, my grandfather is too. You see he loves rollercoasters... considering he was a navy fighter pilot and nothing a roler coaster can throw at him is too intense. We went on my favorite ride at least three times: Expedition Everest. I forgot how much fun it was to belt out Primary songs while everyone else is screaming their heads off.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sister Pielstick vs Orlando Ward
Going to church at a new building is always an interesting experience. There are different people, a different group of Hymns preferred by the ward organist (Everyone seems to love "I KNow My Redeemer Lives" But sometimes you get the odd "The Wintry Day, Descending to it's Close" or "If you Could Hie to Kolob" and then you just hum along), and then people who remind you of people in your ward at home. However, you still feel welcome there... I have been to many different cathedrals and church buildings from various denominations and none feel as welcoming as a nice LDS Building. I have a theory that it is because the Spirit can reside there and the spirit has a reassuring tenancy to fill up even the largest and loneliest of spaces.
As I was sitting there in the Chapel I was looking at a mother with her family that resembled a woman that had worked at the girls camp kitchens(where I helped because I woke up too early for my camp moms). She had the same golden brown hair, the same nose, and carried herself the same way. It wasn't until she squealed and all but tackled my mother that I realized that she was the woman I thought she looked like.
It was fun to see her again, she went on a mission to Hong Kong a while back and she was one of the woman who cemented the idea of going on a mission in my head. She introduced me to all of her ward sisters and for the first time in my life I felt like a living rockstar... who knew people were so excited for Temple Square sister missionaries? I got no less than five women who told me that their friends started taking the discussions because of their visit to Temple Square. One was from Germany... That made my day.
As I was sitting there in the Chapel I was looking at a mother with her family that resembled a woman that had worked at the girls camp kitchens(where I helped because I woke up too early for my camp moms). She had the same golden brown hair, the same nose, and carried herself the same way. It wasn't until she squealed and all but tackled my mother that I realized that she was the woman I thought she looked like.
It was fun to see her again, she went on a mission to Hong Kong a while back and she was one of the woman who cemented the idea of going on a mission in my head. She introduced me to all of her ward sisters and for the first time in my life I felt like a living rockstar... who knew people were so excited for Temple Square sister missionaries? I got no less than five women who told me that their friends started taking the discussions because of their visit to Temple Square. One was from Germany... That made my day.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Sister Pielstick and the Wedding reception
Finals week is over. I've been homeless and sick for the last few days, but all is well now. My books are in route to Florida as we speak and I am about to go to my friends Sam's reception. (grammatically awkward, but both the bride and groom are named 'Sam' so I had to :)) I am looking forward to it, not only because I get to see my favorite freshman friend get hitched, but because I get to see my best friend for the last time before I go on my mission.
Am I sad? Absolutely. Have I been drowning my sadness in a Dr. Who marathon? Yup. But between the time traveling and the buffering I have been thinking. I am glad that I am following the Lord's plan for me... even if I can't see the results right away. I feel like I am standing at the base of a cloud covered mountain that I am supposed to climb and all I see is the few steps in front of me. I have a map, but it is writing itself as I travel along the path so that I can only see what turn I need to make next. For some reason I'm supposed to navigate this section without human companionship, I just hope I get to meet up with them someday in the future.
I'm also really excited to see my friend Sam before I leave on my mission. I was afraid that I wouldn't get to see her before I left.
Am I sad? Absolutely. Have I been drowning my sadness in a Dr. Who marathon? Yup. But between the time traveling and the buffering I have been thinking. I am glad that I am following the Lord's plan for me... even if I can't see the results right away. I feel like I am standing at the base of a cloud covered mountain that I am supposed to climb and all I see is the few steps in front of me. I have a map, but it is writing itself as I travel along the path so that I can only see what turn I need to make next. For some reason I'm supposed to navigate this section without human companionship, I just hope I get to meet up with them someday in the future.
I'm also really excited to see my friend Sam before I leave on my mission. I was afraid that I wouldn't get to see her before I left.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sister Pielstick VS the STUFF
I've moved out of my apartment today. It's funny how much baggage one person can have. Imagine having five years worth. I moved out my stuff, my sister's stuff, and an assortment of JUNK from about 5 solid years of roommates living in this apartment. We had a TV that no one claimed as well as: a journal whose last entry was sometime in 2008 (with NO full names), 14 assorted pots and pans, a bag of frozen lima beans, a block of ice covered peas that actually had expired, an entire cabinet of plates, cups, and assorted tupperware. That was only in the kitchen, I had so much stuff around the apartment that I thought I wouldn't be finished before the cleaning checks happened.
This reminds me of the Atonement, Jesus Christ didn't just have to deal with the baggage of his own things (sinwise he packed incredibly light) he had the entire world's baggage of pain and suffering on top of his own suffering. I definitely do not envy his experience, but I am very grateful for it. Hopefully I have a light bit of baggage when I get to the MTC.
This reminds me of the Atonement, Jesus Christ didn't just have to deal with the baggage of his own things (sinwise he packed incredibly light) he had the entire world's baggage of pain and suffering on top of his own suffering. I definitely do not envy his experience, but I am very grateful for it. Hopefully I have a light bit of baggage when I get to the MTC.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Sister Pielstick Vs the finals of DOOM
Call me strange, but I've always enjoyed finals week. I finally have time to read a book for fun (what? I like reading my textbooks, and I never have time to do so. I collect them from my favorite classes.) I love learning and going through my notes for the semester make me feel like I've actually accomplished something. I also like running through my journals of the semester as well... a lot has happened.
However, this finals week was different. First problem? I have three scheduled finals on the first day of finals... and unfortunately there are no easy classes in the lineup: try astrophysics, bacterial pathogenesis, AND Organic Chemistry lab. I am going to be fried this exam week, no joking. Fried cranium with a side of no sleep.
I promise myself that I will never take 15 credits of science classes AND date someone AND help orchestrate a Malaria fundraiser AND audit physics classes just for fun all in the same semester. (Like a kamakazi like myself is EVER going to take that advise, it would be a nice dream though...) If I manage to keep my scholarship after this semester I will be eternally grateful (ok, more like fiscally grateful, but you know what I mean)
Wish me luck.
However, this finals week was different. First problem? I have three scheduled finals on the first day of finals... and unfortunately there are no easy classes in the lineup: try astrophysics, bacterial pathogenesis, AND Organic Chemistry lab. I am going to be fried this exam week, no joking. Fried cranium with a side of no sleep.
I promise myself that I will never take 15 credits of science classes AND date someone AND help orchestrate a Malaria fundraiser AND audit physics classes just for fun all in the same semester. (Like a kamakazi like myself is EVER going to take that advise, it would be a nice dream though...) If I manage to keep my scholarship after this semester I will be eternally grateful (ok, more like fiscally grateful, but you know what I mean)
Wish me luck.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
