. . . living with strangers

Today I was randomly thinking about my freshman year roommate Lindsey Blaser. She had a birthday a few days ago on August 2nd. (Happy Birthday Linds!) And when I was thinking about her, I started remembering all of the things she taught me. It's so neat to think about how each of my ten roommates (well, technically nine because Madi was my roommate twice) taught me so much. So I decided to blog a little tribute to my past dorm and apartment buddies.

Freshman Year: 
Heritage Halls (Freshman Dorms)
Wells Hall, Apt. 153

Lindsey Blaser: Thanks to Lindsey, my hair is far less frizzy. She introduced me to Paul Mitchel's Super Skinny Serum. Her hair was always so gorgeous and shiny and smooth. So, after some silent coveting, I begged to know her secret! And like the doll-face she is, she told me.

Emily Russavage: Emily taught me that chocolate cures the world's woes--especially when it's in mousse form. This little chef literally stored giant bags of chocolate chips under her bed just in case she needed to whip something up for a sad neighbor (or roommate).

Chanele Solorio: Now Chanele was an expert giggler. She always laughed at everything--even at herself. She taught me not to take myself too seriously. She also loved service. She volunteered at the MTC every week, and she went to the Provo Temple every week. Amazing, right?

Rachel Shimizu: Rachel made killer Beef & Broccoli and Fried Rice with help from her Japanese roots. She taught me that authenticity matters and that there's a difference between Beef & Broccoli and just some broccoli and beef.

Madison (Smith) Welch: Everything in life is about delivery. Say things with a nice tone, and life just works out easier. Also, just be considerate. Don't take advantage of people. Be nice. Serve. Don't let people get you down. Stand up for your friends. Be a best friend.

Rachel, Me, Emily, Chanele, Lindsey, and Madi

Sophomore Year:
Liberty Square (Sophomore-ville)
Lexington, Apt. 13

Marinne Parker: Gumballs can be an adorable decoration. Did you know? Marinne did. She also knew that bright colored pillows would make our living room more liveable.

Kymberly Stone: You don't need to spend a lot of money in order to have a great time. That was Kym's philosophy. She made delicious dinners without breaking the bank.

Leigh Blair: Humility. Leigh was the queen of humility. Nobody would ever know just how incredibly talented she was--until they saw her play any sport on this planet. She would probably be a Quidditch master.

Jessica Read: Jess was the most determined person. She was going to serve a mission, and nobody was going to get in her way! She didn't care what obstacles were ahead, nobody would tell her what to do. She'll enter the MTC on October 19th on her way to the California, San Diego, Mission--Spanish speaking.

Madison (Smith) Welch: NEVER take Art History when you're planning a wedding. I can't believe Madi handled all of the stress of Art History, the Daily Universe, and her upcoming marriage. She taught me to take a breath, take a break, and take a trip to Maverick for some much needed FroYo.

Leigh, Jess, Marinne, Kym, Me, and Madi

Living with strangers seemed scary at first, but it turned out to be the best choice for me these past two years. Those girls were all so great, and I got a lot of good recipes from them haha!