One Wild Birthday

This Year Takes the Cake!

Well, I'm 19 now.

Sunday, February 26th was my birthday. I've never treated birthdays like a huge deal, except for when I tease my family that it's "all about me" on my birthday, much to my father's chagrin. Either way, when people ask what I want I usually have no idea. They then proceed to tell me they're getting me a present, to which I inform them that no, no they will not be getting me a present for I do not need one. And usually they don't, and I am content. But this year, Mackenzie decided to do the wildest birthday surprise I've ever seen...

Phase 1:

Friday night I got home from work and there was a letter sitting on the table for me. I looked at who it was from and to my surprise, it was from Mackenzie! She does not write letters. Ever. When I asked if she would write me while I'm on my mission, she didn't even sugarcoat it. "Nope, I don't write letters." And that's the end of that. So seeing a letter from her was shocking, it didn't even really hit me for a while either! But the letter said to meet at her dorm at 11 am where the adventures would begin. And boy did they...

Phase 2:

I got to her dorm around 11:15 (she was very upset at me) and I payed the price for it. There was a letter in a bag with her digital camera. The letter said:

To start the day off you are going on a photo scavenger hunt. You should find my camera with this piece of paper so grab that and get ready!Your instructions are as follows: You are to take this camera, do not break it darling, and get a picture of yourself with all of the following objects or places. Later you will find out the significance of each location and/or object. If a photo cannot be taken then you will have to call and beg for forgiveness, counting on my mercy to save you. Once all eighteen of the photos are taken you are to call and receive further instruction.A photo of you–1. In front of Stover Hall2. With Jenny, Alli, or any of your FHE sisters (in the event that none are available, any member of your old ward will do)3. Standing on the stairs by May hall (yes, those stairs) in a crouching cat pose4. On the Bell Tower, looking dramatically out across the landscape5. Sitting on the bench at the bottom of the Bell Tower stairs with a cheesy grin on your face6. Hugging a lamp post of your choice7. At a table in the food court of the Wilk, preferably against a wall8. Leaning seductively over a pool table in the Wilk9. Glaring at the camera in the bowling alley, just look pissed.10. By the Jamba Juice in the Wilk11. On the steps of the ESC12. The stairs by Rape Hill13. The duck pond at the bottom of Rape Hill14. With Jimmer. Whether this be a poster, picture, or the actual being15. In Legends Grill, staring at the logos16. Either at the entrance to the Smith Fieldhouse gym or just outside the Smith Fieldhouse17. Sitting in a seat in the large auditorium of the JSB, or, if occupied, any classroom of any building.18. In a car, preferably your own or one that you did not break into
This photo scavenger hunt must be completed by noon in order to receive further instruction via phone call.[Helpful Hints] You might want to attack people milling about the photo site and ask them to take the picture for you. Also, if you notice, they are mostly grouped into similar areas. There should not be much driving involved if you look closely at the list and strategize which areas you can park and tackle and then re-locate to tackle the next set.

So since I only had 45 minutes due to my tardiness, off I ran to the different areas to begin my challenge.

Stover Hall:

With Krista (who was in my ward since none of my FHE sisters or Alli OR Jenny were home):

On the stairs by May Hall attempting to crouch like a cat?...I don't know:

Looking Dramatically over campus from the Bell Tower:

The Stairs by the Bell Tower making my cheesy grin:

Hugging a Lamp Post:

In the Wilk:

On a Pool Table:

Angry in the Bowling Alley:

At Jamba Juice:

The Steps of the Science Center:

The Stairs by Rape Hill:

With Jimmer!

The Smith Fieldhouse:

Legends Grill looking at Logos:

And in the JSB Auditorium:

Each place had special significance because we had little moments and memories at each one. I know, presh. Took me about an hour to finish but once I did I got a message to go to the library, second floor, room 2725. By then I was exhausted from running to all corners of campus, but I ran to the library and in the room was Phase 3.

Phase 3:

Phase 3 consisted of a note explaining each place for the pictures even though I already knew (I have my smart moments) and another note telling me I had a half an hour to finish the puzzle sitting on the end of the chair. The puzzle was huge! Hand made from 9 pieces of paper cut into 56 shapes. It took me about a half an hour to finish and in walked Mackenzie. I gave her a big hug and told her thank you, no one had ever done anything like that for me and it really meant a lot that she would go through all that trouble for me! She then took me to Los Hermanos for lunch, I absolutely love that place!!

After that we went to her dorm for about an hour then met up with her friend for a "double exposure couples project ghost cemetery photo shoot". Mackenzie thought I was going to absolutely hate it but I ended up having more fun than she did! Although by the end I was ready to be done with it and she was completely checked out and annoyed. 

After that we went and did baptisms at the temple! I had never baptized anyone so I was pretty nervous about that. There are different types of ways to baptize someone such as the dunker or the drowner. A dunker plunges them in with a big splash and makes a wet mess, whereas a drowner gently dips them in and pulls them up slowly, not caring for the fact that they might not be getting enough air. So I was a little nervous about doing that, but after I did it once, I felt fine. I was overcome by the spirit while I was there and it got me even more excited to go on my mission. Hopefully I'll be spending a lot of time in those baptism waters!

We then went back to her dorm for a delicious fried chicken dinner! Her roomate Kila and her boyfriend Erik were over for a while and we talked to them. Then we just spent the evening together talking to each other and having a good time. All in all, it was the best birthday present I've ever received. So this is to you Mackenzie! Thanks for the wildest and most fun birthday!!

AMS