Recent Obsessions

Something that I have found to occupy some of my free time here has been The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. These books have become extremely popular at BYU-I (especially among English majors) and my mom convinced me to read them. Anything she suggests I read because she always steers me in a good direction. Mom sent me with books one and two to read over here. It took me two days to read them both (haha). Needless to say I was hooked after the first few chapters! These books are AMAZING! I love them - the story is so gripping and the main character is so lovable (which I find to be a big contrast with the Twilight series haha).
After I finished the first 2 books, I was DYING to get my hands on the newly released 3rd book! I tried calling every book store in the UB area, then I buckled and ordered the ebook. After complications with payment methods outside of the U.S., help from my aunt, and buying a power cord for LJ's computer I was finally able to get ahold of book 3...Mockingjay!!!
I really want to start a discussion board or something to see what other people thought of the book. I was a little disappointed! Things happened so fast - too fast for me! Characters killed with little explanation or emotion from the main character, love triangles coming to a swift close when one character was about to SLAUGHTER the other - not a lot of explanation or talk of healing there, main characters leaving the picture for good......the book ended exactly how I hoped it would but I didn't get to experience all the happiness and love that I was waiting for over the past two books!! Anyways, I am obsessed right now and dying for someone to discuss it with me! I loved the book but I have to admit it was my least favorite of the 3! I want to hear YOUR thoughts! Please comment :)

Mongolia...a new chapter

A few months ago LJ decided to apply for an internship in Mongolia and I, being quiet innocent, encouraged him! He found an internship with an international bank in the capital of Mongolia - Ulaanbaatar. All the arrangements seemed to fall into place. The church asked me if I could help out in the mission home (which I was extatic about) and we were able to find rather inexpensive flights. We had a hard time getting LJ's visa - in fact it didn't arrive until 6 hours before our flight left but we made it here!
We landed in Ulaanbaatar on September 1st. It was a pretty big culture shock. The way these people drive is insane! No lanes, no blinkers, no speed limits, no lights - NO NOTHING!!! I think I almost died 23 times after leaving the airport. It's amazing that they don't hit eachother! We wanted to shower and turned the water on - no hot water! I had to heat water on the stove to wash my hair. We went grocery shopping and didn't get any groceries...apparently LJ never bought food when he was here - that would explain why he was so skinny! I am loving the mission home! I have only been here for a few hours and I haven't done much of anything but the people are so wonderful and the Spirit is very strong.
LJ is going to enjoy his job. He will be working on a project for the bank and will be working very closely with a member of the church named A.K. I can tell that he likes being back. His mission was such an important time of his life. He learned so much and became the man he is today in this city. We have already seen a lot of people he knows and all the missionaries know him as a "legend." Everyone always says "You're NIELSEN?!?!?!?!" My husband is famous!
I am trying to learn some Mongolian words and phrases. It's a lot easier than learning in American because I'm submursed in the language here. I like it! I have already learned a lot and I'm sure being around the elders will help me learn more. The mission president, President Mecham, made the goal to learn the language - that is a lofty goal!
I'm sure I will have great stories to come. As for now I am still in shock! I have eaten new foods, almost died 50 times, and showered with freezing cold water but things will get more exciting!