The mystery of the missing birthday cards (aka SOMEONE STOLE MY BIRTHDAY CARDS!)

I've checked the mail every single day for 2 weeks. I get home from school/work, drop off my backpack, grab the mail key, and skip to the mailbox. I then throw away the junk mail and slump back home, because every day I become a little more convinced that the postman stole my birthday cards.

It has been confirmed that Grandma and Joe & Kori mailed me birthday cards over 2 weeks ago, but the cards never reached my mailbox. Wedding announcements have arrived from across the country with no problem during this time, but birthday cards must be my mailman's favorite. Here is what I would like to tell my dear mailman:

Dear Sir/Madam, 

I am fairly certain you are in possession of my birthday cards. Maybe it is your birthday, too. In that case, happy birthday! I hope you received many birthday cards from your family/friends, as I can tell that you really love cards. You may keep my birthday cards, but I would much appreciate a photo copy of the notes written inside, and, if there were adorable pictures of my nephews included, I would really like to have those as well. If you are using the money found in the cards to feed your babies, escape an abusive situation, or some other worthy cause, be my guest. However, if the money was used to feed an addiction, I am not okay with that and request to be paid back.

Sincerely,

Lisa

On a brighter note, only one week until I get to attend the World Congress of Families!!!

Elder Beck

Once upon a time when I was a missionary, I met a boy named Kory. Now, it's Kory's turn to be a missionary in South Africa! I am sososo excited for Kory. He is going to be the BEST missionary. He's only been a member of the Church for a short time, but he is way more prepared than I was when I left for my mission. Kory goes out teaching with the missionaries in Eugene all the time, and he has a solid testimony. The best birthday present I received this year was being able to go to the temple with Kory for his very first time. It was the best.

It's my party, I'll smash cake if I want to.

I'm not quite sure how you're supposed to react when your friends throw you a surprise 23rd birthday party, but I decided to revert back to "what would 1 year old Lisa do?" See this beautiful cake?

I decided the best way to eat it would be not by the slice, but by the handful.

Definitely the right decision.

The Roommates.

I was talking to this cute boy the other day (he's my favorite),

and I explained to him why college is the coolest (partially convincing myself, because midterms always make me question if college is really worth it). I told him that college is great because you get to live with your friends. And, if you're really lucky, you might even have friends that you super enjoy living with. That's me. I am very blesssed in the friendship department. My roommates are my best friends, and they are the COOLEST.

1) They are hilarious. Living with them is the best ab workout .

2) They are good listeners, and they care about the non-interesting things that you still want to tell someone even though you know it's boring.

3) They are SO good at words of affirmation. Seriously, if you need to feel good about yourself just come on over. You'll never go a day without someone telling you you're beautiful and wonderful. It's the best.

4) They will usually go along with my random requests for piggy back rides, a definite perk in any relationship.

5) They're good little chefs, and they like to share.

6) They are are well-dressed, and they like to share.

7) I often catch them studying their scriptures. It makes me very happy.

8) They don't get mad when I let my other friends live on the couch.

9) They love fiercely.

10) They embrace vulnerability.