The past week has been the most stressful one for me since I have returned back to school. It was the start of the dreaded midterms here at BYU and I had two tests (one in my health 310-chronic disease class, and another in my doctrine and covenants class) After procrastinating for a few days, I finally buckled down and studied for the exams. They went surprisingly well and I am relieved that half of my midterms are now over My anxiety is gone... for now. Most of that anxiety came from my other health class, where I was assigned to write a 15 page research paper on any infectious disease. We were only given about ten days notice, thus I spent many hours in the library researching the twelve different sources that I needed to fulfill this requirement. I started out writing on e.coli, but changed to HIV because of the abundant information that the World Health Department and Center for Disease Control and Prevention had readily available on their websites. I finally finished about a half hour before it was due, and since then my mind has been a lot more clear and open! The rest of the week went surprisingly well. I am still working at the MTC five days a week. It has a lot of benefits, but the employment is very monotonous at times. If it weren't for the constant association that I have with the Elders and Sisters, then I don't think I could get through the day (just being a cashier). Though bore-some and monotonous at times, I enjoy those I work with and am grateful that I have part-time employment. The rest of the weekend consisted of me sitting in front of the television with my notepad and pen taking notes of general conference. I have been really looking forward to the inspired words of our church leaders and I was amazed as each of them spoke of the things that the members of the church need to do better. Some of my favorite highlights included Sister Allred's talk on missionary work on Saturday morning. She explained how the gospel of Jesus Christ became the compelling force in her life and has led her to know the missionary work is vital and is the lifeblood of the church. It brought back lots of feelings from my mission. Another one was Elder Oaks' words on the Sabbath Day. I have a quote in my scripture that says, "our observance of the Sabbath Day reflects our degree of understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Chris in our lives." He used part of that quote and I was so grateful for that. It is something that so many do not understand and take so lightly. President Uchtdorf's talk on standing close together during Priesthood was amazing and it made me realize that all our service and sacrifice is regarded by the Lord, whether it is publicly or privately acknowledged. President Eyring and Sister Dalton's talks this morning reminded me of the importance of unity and virtue to influence those around us. Every talk was amazing, but Elder Holland's hit home with me. He has always been my favorite speaker and I listen in awe as he describes in such detail the different doctrines of the gospel. I was looking forward to his talk and when he spoke, my senses were awoken and I was able to see how important help from God is (whether in the form of angelic ministers or charitable servants). Each of us are in need of heavenly comfort and his words reminded me of my parents and the dozens of manifestations of love that they administer every day/week. I was grateful to be reminded of everything they do for me! Conference was a highlight and I hope it was for each of you as well. Sunday, Kimbre and I were able to go to the morning session with Heidi and Mike. The pictures below are from our seats! Sorry for the long post, but it has been a while. Now it's time to buckle down and start the week over. Hope everyone has a good one!