Thursday, December 31, 2009

Insights from Televison

I've recently gotten in to Grey's Anatomy. It's so great! Surprisingly, the show has a lot of insight to offer. Every episode has a line or statement that really grabs me. Here are a few...

"Mistakes are painful, but they're the only way to find out who you really are."

"For a kiss to be really good, you want it to mean something. You want it to be with someone you can't get out of your head, so that when your lips finally touch, you feel it everywhere. A kiss so hot and deep you never want to come up for air."

"At the end of the day faith is a funny thing. It turns up when you don't really expect it. It's like one day you realize that the fairy tale may be slightly different than you dreamed. The castle, well, it may not be a castle. And it's not so important happy ever after, just that its happy right now. See once in a while, once in a blue moon, people will surprise you , and once in a while people may even take your breath away."

"Pain, you just have to ride it out, hope it goes away on its own, hope the wound that caused it heals. There are no solutions, no easy answers, you just breathe deep and wait for it to subside. Most of the time pain can be managed but sometimes the pain gets you where you least expect it. Hits way below the belt and doesn't let up. Pain, you just have to fight through, because the truth is you can't outrun it and life always makes more."

**And my personal favorite...
"You can waste your life drawing lines, or you can live your life crossing them... Here's what I know, if you're willing to take the chance, the view from the other side is spectacular. Even the biggest failure, making even the most intractable mistake sure beats the hell out of never trying."

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A Decade

My guess is a lot of people are going to write about this at some point this week.

The 2000s are over. Over. Gone.

The days of American Idol, YouTube, iPods and Facebook.

We had Olympics in Sydney, Salt Lake, Athens, Turin and Beijing.

We lost stars like Steve Irwin, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson.

The things we all remember... September 11, the space shuttle Columbia, Hurricane Katrina, the election of our first African-American president, the swine flu and all the fuss about global warming.

A lot has happened in the last 10 years.

These were the years I remember. These were the most influential years of my life. These were the years of my childhood. These years made me the person I am today.

What do the next 10 hold?

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Butterflies

Kayde was right. Now that I'm home and have all this time, I'm blogging a lot more.

I love the feeling of a new crush. The new butterflies that set in. The anxiousness, the nerves, the wondering. Will it go anywhere? (like it so rarely does) Is he thinking and feeling the same things?

It's been a long time since I've felt this way. I like it.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Little Things

Here are a few things I want to talk about, but things that don't warrant a whole post just for them. They're more like tidbit blog posts.

-I HATE when people only seem to talk to you if they have something to whine or complain about. I don't mind a little venting (clearly) every once in awhile, but please people, have a positive conversation every once in awhile!

-I'm slightly annoyed at Facebook and some of the things that come with the new privacy settings. I used to leave open the chat windows of people I'd be having an ongoing conversation with or the windows of people I just enjoyed talking to. That way I would know when they were online or not, it made it much easier. But now, any time you close Facebook, it closes those windows. Even worse, a lot of times it closes those windows when you refresh the page, whether they're online or not!

-I have a new love of Grey's Anatomy. Anyone own the seasons? Because I can't really find them online... A few episodes are on Youtube, but most the other websites require you to sign up for something or another, or register, or whatever. I don't want to give them all that info when I'm sure I can find it elsewhere. I finally found a website that has them all, however, you can only watch 72 minutes at a time unless you sign up.

-I miss basketball. There's a tournament going on in Logan right now and I'm missing it. I don't miss games. This is so hard for me! Luckily, almost all our games are shown online now, but it's not the same. My family looks at me funny when I sing and cheer right along with everyone.

-I love Christmas cookies.

-Boys are frustrating.

-I wish I could just have it all figured out. I feel like there's a lot ahead of me this coming year with one best friend getting married and the other best friend leaving the country for a whole semester... I feel like there's a reason they're both going to be semi-gone and I want to know why. I just want to have my life laid out for me and know what's coming and how to handle it.

-I hate money. It's so hard to be surviving on my own. Life is expensive. School costs too much and so does living. Can't it all be free?

-I'm slightly sick and I hate it. It's just a cold/cough/whatever that I deal with every year, usually multiple times, but right now it's just annoying. It's my break. I want to be perky and healthy and having fun.

-I realized most of these sound a little complain-y, but oh well. Sometimes we all just a need a little time to vent right? :) Thanks for listening.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Songs With a Story

I have a love/hate relationship with a few songs. They are songs I love, but they bring back so many memories. For the most part they are good memories, but ones that are hard to deal with at certain times. Most of my really good friends are a year older than me, and most of them are guys. Due to those factors, most of them are out on missions right now. I miss them like crazy, and a lot of these memory-filled songs are memories of them.
Whenever I hear Here (In Your Arms) I think of Jeff and Zeb. We went to the midnight showing of Spiderman 3 and when we were driving home at 3 a.m., we rocked out to this song. Windows down, music and air blasting to keep us awake, we drove down Ina. We were the only ones on the road and managed to hit every red light. Finally, we got home, went to bed, and the three of us drove to seminary just two and a half hours later.
One Year, Six Months reminds me of the same group of guys. They are all very talented when it comes to music. They can all sing and play guitar. This was one of their favorites and we would all sing it all the time.
Last year, when Just Dance came out, Erin and I had this thing that whenever we heard it, no matter where we were, we had to do just that, dance. Whoever heard it had to text the other and let them know at which point that person had to dance as well. No matter where we were, we danced.
The song Breakeven will now always remind me of Tate. He introduced me to the band, but he has been so much more than that for me. He graduated this semester but luckily (for me anyway, I know he wants a real job and to move on) he's sticking around Logan for awhile :)
My junior year of choir (or maybe it was senior year... I can never keep them straight) we sang Billy Joel's And So It Goes. We rocked it, don't even worry. Since then, I've been in love with that song, and every time I hear it, I think of choir and how much I love and miss it.
I love Aggie basketball. We know this already. At the start of each second half, we jam out to Ozzy's Crazy Train. I can't hear this without thinking of basketball. A couple of weeks before the season started, I was in the library and it came up on my iPod. I grinned and I knew my feet were tapping in rhythm. The people around me were giving me funny looks, but I didn't care.
For A-Team, we have our intro video that plays at the beginning of SOAR days. Such Great Heights was one of the songs that played on the video of A-Team, Never Back Down '09. From here on out, I will think of the fabulousness (I may or may not have just made up that word on the spot) of the summer of 2009. The friends/family I made, the good times I had...
Those are just a few of the memories I have of certain songs and the way they have affected me. I know there are more. What are some of yours?

Monday, December 14, 2009

home!

why I love being at home...
-yummy home-cooked meals
-the smell of desert rain
-getting the mail with my puppy
-reuniting
-In 'N Out, Eegee's, Nico's, Target
-2nd grade Christmas concerts
-the Continental Ranch ward
-Diet Coke runs with my madre
-Christmas cookies
-my bed
-playing (and dominating) Mario Kart
-wearing flip-flops, basketball shorts and short sleeves
-runs in the desert
-my chair
-playing the piano
-late night chats with the little bro
-warm weather

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Over and Over...

I love when I find that song that just sticks with me.
The lyrics, the melody...
I fall in love.
I love to put it on repeat. I listen to it over and over and over again.
I memorize the words.
I sing out loud, not a care in the world.
My newest obsession?
The Script. They're Irish. Enough Said.
I'm in love with Breakeven.
Thank you Tate for introducing me and being the cause of my new addiction.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

I'm making friends with the gym again.
I went tonight for the first time in a really long time and it was incredible. I'm in pain, and I will probably be really angry at Lee in the morning, but right now I am LOVING the feeling!
I'm going to keep running and stuff over the break and then next semester I plan to go to the gym at least three times a week. It's right here, it's free, I don't know why I haven't been going more.
I forget how much I love the post-workout feeling.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

This is a picture of the weather where I am right now. It's freakin' cold!

This is a picture of the weather where I will be next week. Warm!! (haha note the irony that Tucson has the "Winter Storm Warning")



Thursday, December 3, 2009

Dream Come True

I hate BYU. We all know this.
Last night, BYU returned to the Spectrum for the first time since 2005.
It was a beautiful night.
After all of the drama last year, it was great to see them in Stew's house.
It was an incredible game.
After waiting for 27 hours, we got in.
The student sections all filled up within 15 minutes.
We won.
71-61.
My favorite part was this.



I've waited for the day that I could yell that at them.
The game was great. The fans were great. The signs they made were great.









And these are the people I am proud to be a part of.



I LOVE THE AGGIES!!!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Sometimes I Wonder...

This is where I used to live.
Layton, Utah.
I lived in this house for 11 years of my life.
These were the years I remember.

Then we moved here.
Tucson, Arizona.
Moving turned my world upside down. I was sure my life was over.
I had what I thought was the perfect life. I had my friends, my school, everything.

As time went on though, I found my place. My heart changed.

Now this is my home.
Logan, Utah.
I often wonder what would have happened if I never moved.
Who would I be today? Where would I be?
I would never have had the same opportunities that I got to experience.
I wouldn't know myself as well as I do.
I wouldn't be the same person I am today.
The things I've been through/learned/experienced have changed me.
They have taught me.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Words That Speak

Every once in awhile I'll come across a song with lyrics that really seem to understand me. Usually it's songs I've recently discovered, but every year around this time, Donny Osmond's "The Kid in Me" reminds me of everything I love and how much I never want to grow up.
Today I ran all over Logan because I wanted a Christmas coloring book. I was not going to give up until I found one! I ended up at Walgreen's and found not just one, but FOUR coloring books for only 50 cents each!! Mickey Mouse, Sesame Street, Peanuts and CARS!! I'm set!
Everything about the Christmas season gets me excited. I love twinkling Christmas lights and happy Christmas music. (Yes, I listen to it before Thanksgiving) I love the spirit and service of the season. I love the food and the family. I love finally being able to go home for awhile. I love snow. I love Christmas cookies.
I love the sights, the smells, the sounds and the tastes of the holiday season.
It's funny how Christmas brings out the kid in me.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Bragging Moment

So this week I started writing for The Statesman, our campus newspaper.
I got my first assignment on Tuesday to cover the speech to be given Thursday by the Rwandan Ambassador.
I was told it would run on Friday. (That's today.)
I went to the speech, loved it, wrote what I felt like was a great story.
This morning, I look at a copy of the paper, and there, on the front page, above the fold, is my story. MY STORY! This was my very first one and I was definitely not expecting that!! Needless to say, I freaked out a little bit.
So here you go, for those of you who are not at Utah State, here's the online version of our paper if you're interested in reading it.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

No Title Necessary

Today was just a good day! Here's why:
*got to sleep in because it was Friday
*picked up my sideline pass for the football game tomorrow
*only went to one class
*SAA scholarship luncheon
*Statesman (our school paper) "interview" (I'm now writing for the school paper!)
*button making with Lee Cannon
*found out I got and 87% on a test I most definitely did not feel ready for
*rolling with the Spectrum on Wheels
*beating Weber State 66-60 for the first real game of the season
*dance party in the Weber State parking lot
*finding things to make fun of Jenni about
*meeting fellow (attractive male) Aggies at Wendy's
*toll roads, "cities," Reese's Pieces
*laughing hysterically the whole way back to Logan
*having a great night with my Aggies and three of the greatest girls ever!!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Good Day :)

More than anything else, I hate being not good at something. I can handle mediocre on occasion, but being below that is not ok with me.
More than that though, I love being good at something, especially if someone notices it and tells me.
Today in my newswriting class we were working on a story. My professor was standing behind me, reading over my shoulder.
I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around to him. He says "you're really good at this, you know that?" No, I didn't know that. I knew I love it, but I had my doubts at my talent of it.
At the end of class, he told me I should look into working for The Statesman, our campus newspaper.
Thank you, Jay Wamsley, for making my day. Thank you for the confidence you gave me. Thank you for giving me another assurance that I'm finally doing what I need to be doing.

Monday, November 9, 2009

'tis the season

yes, it's here. Christmas is coming... and that means







Friday, November 6, 2009

movies...

I see movies to escape reality.
That's why I'm not so sure if I liked this movie or not.
I want to see happily ever after.
Even if I know it's not like that in real life.
That's why I enjoy movies.
That's why I'm not sure if I liked (500)Days of Summer...

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween...

I don't like Halloween. Is that weird? I try to get into it every year, but I just can't... I hate spending money on costumes. (I haven't dressed up since I was 12.) I don't love massive huge dance parties with no room to breathe and hundreds of bodies pressed up and sweating against you which is what I feel like the Howl is... I think it's an overrated holiday, (don't even get me started on Valentine's Day. haha) Am I the only one who feels this way?? Sometimes I feel like I am...

Monday, October 26, 2009

It's HERE!!!

We've been waiting since March... After 7 long months... it's AGGIE BASKETBALL SEASON!! The Blue & White scrimmage game is this Wednesday with our first exhibition game on Friday! I. Can't. Wait. I can't wait for the sights, the sounds, the smells... I can't wait for the waiting all day, the new friends, noise. I can't wait for the squeak of the shoes on the court, the pounding on the chairs druing "Crazy Train," the echoing of crazy Aggie fans yelling and chanting 'til their voices are gone. I can't wait for another great season in the Spectrum. I can't wait for a trip to Reno.

I can't wait for this.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

One Year Older

And wiser too? We'll see I guess...
What will this year bring? Is 20 really that different than being 19?

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

9 Days





9 Days... and then we'll be back in our 2nd home of the Spectrum... I can already hear it, see it, smell it... I cannot wait!!

So I have this bat...

I never really have good luck with boys. A lot of it is my fault I think. I'm not very forward. I have a hard time letting them know how I feel. I hate being straight forward about it. I'm not one to go up and say "yeah, I like you."
My best friend on the other hand has had a lot more experience and she's a lot less subtle. I've learned a lot from her and I'm learning more every day. Luckily I have her to turn to when I'm totally confused. Like right now.
For the second time this school year I pretty much straight up told a guy that I liked him. That is so not me.
I turned to her and said "now what?"
"Well," she said, "the ball's in his court. Now you just have to wait for him to throw it back. You're standing at home plate, ready for the pitch."
Thanks girl. You're the best. I like the way you put it.
So I have this bat...

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

One Year Later

One year ago today- ok, yesterday- I gave in. I became a blogger. I feel like a lot has happened in the last year. I think I'm a very different person. I've grown a lot and discovered a lot about myself. In the last year I have...
*changed my major. twice.
*become more open minded.
*made some amazing friends who have changed my life.
*had incredible experiences.
*fallen in love with The Office.
*become a sports fan.
*fallen and un-fallen for many boys.
*continued to work my way up in leadership roles.
*become a die-hard Aggie.
*set goals, forgotten about goals, reached goals.
*decided where I want to go with my life.
*discovered myself.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Feels So Good!

When I came to Utah State, I thought I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I got here and quickly learned that I had absolutely no idea!

My first semester here I was majoring in elementary education. I love kids, so I thought to myself, 'Hey, why not be a teacher? Sure! Why not?' Guess what? I hated it!

About three-quarters of the way through that semester I got out of that. I switched to exercise science. I'm not huge into working out or anything, but it was health related and would be good for my newest plan, becoming a physician's assistant. I started in the classes, anatomy, sport psychology, etc. and it didn't take long to realize that wasn't where I really wanted to be either. I liked the things I was learning, but I didn't LOVE it. There was no passion in what I was doing. To me, that's the most important thing.

From there, I really struggled. I had zero idea where I wanted to go with my life. And then I realized something. If it's about doing the things you love, why wasn't I? The things I love most are people. I love being with them and I love being involved. I love the involvement and leadership side of my college experience. Well guess what? You can do it as your job! There are two incredible women who work with us as student leaders. They get paid to do the fun part of college forever! I realized that that was what I wanted, no, what I needed to do. I had never felt so good about any decision! Without any hesitation I changed my major, once again, to public relations.

I am now SO happy! Every time I'm in one of my JCOM classes, I feel so good! Even if it's a boring day, I still love it! The things I'm learning are great, my professors rock, and I'm just enjoying it. Life is so good right now :)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Things Making My Day

I woke up yesterday morning to a heavy, cold drizzle. I thought to myself, "lovely... it's going to be a great day..." And guess what? It was!
-I had a test (that's not why it's so great, don't worry, I'm not that crazy) and I feel really good about it! It was an essay test which I hate, but one of the two questions to choose from was one I knew really well and had been hoping would be on it!
-The weather! Weird, I know, but it's really fall now! And I LOVE fall! In honor of the day, we went and bought donuts, cinnamon apple bread, cider and hot chocolate then we took it to a couple of the houses of guys we're really good friends with as a 'happy fall' surprise. They loved it!! We loved making their days :)
-Yesterday was one of those rare 'oh man, we have nowhere to be' nights. You bet we took advantage of that! We went shopping, got some sweet jackets and fabulous knee socks, then hit up Cafe Rio, took our friend to dinner during his work break. Then we did our fall treats and topped off the night with country dancing! We agreed it was the best night of September.
-Along with the weather thing, it got us really excited for the football game tomorrow. We play BYU in Provo. Pretty much anyone you talk to will say that BYU's going to kick our trash, but we feel like they have another thing coming. They're really not as good as people give them credit for, and we've come a long way. I mean last year, we were the first team to score against them and we did it twice. We're a very different team now and I can't wait for tomorrow!
-Keeping with the sports theme, yesterday marked the exact one month until BASKETBALL SEASON!!! Hooray! We can't wait.
-We decorated our apartment yesterday! We've finally gotten all our Aggie pride stuff up; posters, Mardis Gras beads in school colors, pennants, etc. Also up is our quote wall. Finally. We say a lot of funny things and have been forgetting about them. Now we can keep up. We put up fall decorations too! Leaves on the wall and tables, candles, all that good stuff. We feel really good about it.
-I fell in love with a new band. Rogue Wave. If you've seen 'Love Happens,' (which everyone needs to see) they're in there. I saw the movie, bought the soundtrack, and now I'm addicted. They even already have their own station on my Pandora. That's how great they are. I don't make stations for just anyone.

"I love us!"

I know I've mentioned some of the adventures of my best friend Erin and I, but I've never really gone in to a lot of detail...

We love wearing our cowboy hats.

We love Walmart adventures.
(this is the Christmas room!)

We love our Aggies!

From crazy adventures, to late night delirium, there's never a dull moment with us two! We crack ourselves up. We love us!!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Week of Coming Home

This week is Homecoming here at Utah State. This is one of my favorite weeks of the entire year. I think it's a great reminder of why we all love it here so much. Why do I love Utah State? Well, let me tell you.
I love the school pride. As they say, "Once an Aggie, always an Aggie." It's something that never leaves you. In good times and in bad, past and present students will always stand for their Aggies.
I love the location. Cache Valley. You can't beat it. It's beautiful. All the time. I love all four seasons, the canyon and our proximity to it. I love the view of the valley from campus. I love Aggie athletics. End of story.
I love the friendliness. It's so easy to meet new people. I meet someone new nearly every day. Even if you don't know someone, they'll still say hi. It's fabulous.
I love the campus. It's beautiful! I love that people just sit around on their computers, on the phone, or just sitting in the shade on the quad. Being on campus all day is not a bad thing! I love to just sit on the patio of the TSC and watch people. I love how close everything is, and I love all the diversity.
I love the ease of getting involved. No matter what you want to do, you can do it. The 3rd floor of the TSC is my second home. The people I have there are my family. I love it.
Now, everyone knows how much I love Utah State, so this hardly does it justice, but these are just a few of the reasons why. Why do you love it? (Either Utah State, or your own school)

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Highlights of the Week

So I don't have long, but here are the highlights of my week.

Monday- FHE! I hadn't been in quite awhile, always had a bunch of stuff going on, but I finally got to go. It was pretty low-key, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows, played kickball, played on the swings, all sorts of good stuff!

Tuesday- I just love Tuesdays! Tuesday nights are my big busy night. I come home for an hour or so after classes and work, and then it's back up to campus for meetings. I'm in meetings from 6 to 10, and I love it! I love being involved and all the people I get to be with for those hours. It's so great!

Wednesday- KEITH URBAN! 'Nuff said there :)

Thursday- I got ahold of season 5 of The Office :) I just got in to the show this summer, so have been trying frantically to get caught up. Season 6 starts on Thursday! I'm on the last disc of season 5, so I should be done tonight and set for Thursday!

Friday- Spaghetti Night! I owed two of my friends dinner, and our new friend 'Brad Pillow' came along. We took him on a photo adventure to the mall... Never a dull moment when Faf, Jake, and Sean are around!

Saturday- Peach Days! I love Peach Days. I've been going pretty much every year of my entire life. I love Brigham City and I love it. All of it. We did all the typical Peach Days stuff and then went and watched our friend Erik play softball. He did great! After that, we went and raided my grandpa's garden for peaches and grapes. The best ever!

Sunday- I love Sundays. Today was great! I was at the church for like 7 hours, but it was awesome! After church we ran home for 45 minutes to eat, but then we had to go back for an Activities Committee meeting, then the CES Fireside, and then ward prayer. The fireside was awesome! If you didn't get to see it, you should watch it online when it comes out. Sister Dalton's incredible. I loved that we got to listen to her because now that we're not in YW anymore, we hardly ever get to hear her! It was so great!! (oh, and the start of the NFL season was great today too! Bummer for my Cardinals, but way to go Cowboys!)

So that's my week... and there's tons to look forward to this week. We decided last night that we're going to go to the Brad Paisley concert on Saturday! Also, just FYI there's only 47 days until basketball starts :)

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Butterfly Fly Away

I don't know who out there has seen 'Hannah Montana: The Movie,' but if you haven't, I think you should. I just watched it (again, Erin and I saw it the night it came out) and remembered how much I love it. I mean, the beginning is a little cheesy, but don't give up on it. Give it half an hour or so and you'll be fine.
I love the relationship that Miley has with her dad. (In the show and movie it's her real dad, aka Billy Ray Cyrus) In her crazy 'best of both worlds' life, he's always there. In the movie she writes a song about their relationship after everything else is falling apart; boys, her Hannah life, etc. It's called Butterfly Fly Away. Here are the lyrics. And then I'll tell you why I love it :)

You tucked me in, turned out the light
Kept me safe and sound at night
Little girls depend on things like that

Brushed my teeth and combed my hair
Had to drive me everywhere
You were always there when I looked back

You had to do it all alone
Make a living, make a home
Must have been as hard as it could be

And when I couldn't sleep at night
Scared things wouldn't turn out right
You would hold my hand and sing to me

Caterpillar in the tree
How you wonder who you'll be
Can't go far but you can always dream

Wish you may and wish you might
Don't you worry, hold on tight
I promise you there will come a day
Butterfly fly away

Butterfly fly away, butterfly fly away
Flap your wings now you can't stay
Take those dreams and make them all come true

Butterfly fly away, butterfly fly away
We've been waiting for this day
All along and knowing just what to do
Butterfly, butterfly, butterfly, butterfly fly away

Butterfly fly away
Butterfly fly away

Now, this part of the movie is one of the times I may or may not get a little teary eyed and choked up. This reminds me so much of me and my dad. I mean, he didn't raise me on his own or anything, but he's just always been there. Like the first stanza, he was always there to tuck me in at night. Even when I got older, he would still come in and that was our time to catch up and just chat for a few minutes. I loved it! Even now, hardly a day goes by that we don't talk on the phone. He's always behind me in my goals and my dreams. He has full confidence in me. He's always there. Every concert, every soccer game (even the away ones), I always have his support. I am so lucky to have the relationship with him that I do. It's so hard to see my friends going through things and not having that relationship. I mean, sure, we have our days. Arguments, disagreements, etc. everyone has that, but I'm so lucky, and am reminded of how lucky I am so often!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Aggie Athletics

Fall is officially here. Football season has started. Last night we played the University of Utah in Salt Lake. We didn't win, but we're showing MAJOR improvement! Last year when we played them, they killed us 58-10. Last night the final score was 35-17. We had the first points (a field goal in the first few minutes)and then later, we had a 96 yard touchdown!!! It was BEAUTIFUL!!! I was one of the lucky ones to actually be at the game and I loved it. I had so much fun! My throat isn't used to games, so it's a bit sore this morning, but that's ok. In honor of athletics off and running, here's my top five (I didn't have time to think of 10) favorite things about Aggie athletics.

5. New friends! We're all so mashed together, everyone trying to get as close as they can so you can't help but meet new people! You automatically bond over your shared love of the Aggies.
4. The atmosphere. No matter what kind of game it is, I just love it. For football I love the lights, the faint scent of fall, the setting sun behind the stadium. I love the noise, the food, the people. Being in the Sprectrum during basketball season is an experience in itself. It's a bit of heaven on Earth.
3. Losing control. I seem to be a totally different person when I'm at a game. I go crazy. Yes, I'm one of those front row crazy kind of people. I feel right at home though so it's a good different.
2. Winning (or not). Winning is always great, and we get lucky with basketball that that happens a lot, but even if we don't, I love seeing us try! Our football team is already showing major improvement and I can't wait to see what else we've got ahead.
1. School spirit. I love the Aggies. I love how much everyone else loves the Aggies. No matter what we support them! It doesn't matter if we're winning or losing, if we do something well or not, we're there. We're loud, we're excited. We sing our fight songs, and come up with some fabulous chants. I love it. There is not another school out there with as much spirit and support as we have. I love the Aggies!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

So Many Thoughts

I'm so tired... I really shouldn't be blogging right now. It honestly feels like it's at least 3 am, but no, it's only midnight.
The last two days (well really, if you count retreat, it's been four) have been spent as a facilitator at my school's Aggie BLUE (Building Leaders for University Excellence)conference. Last year I attended as a participant, but this go around had such a different impact on me! I feel like I need to get these feelings and such out now while they're still fresh in my mind :)
Aggie BLUE is such an incredible experience. I thought I loved it last year but this year I got so much more out of it. Being the one to direct conversation and point out the leadership qualities in the activities we did made it so much more real to me.
One of my favorite parts of the conference this year was when Larry Gelwix, the coach of the Highland Rugby team (made famous by the fabulous moive Forever Strong), spoke to us. He spoke for an hour but then the Q&A time turned in to another half hour. He gave us his 6 Keys to Success. For him it's how they are such a successful rugby team. (Since they started 34 years ago, they have gone 392-9!) However, we don't play rugby. We are leaders at our university and so he related the steps to us.
1. Lead horizontally
2. Don't play with snakes
3. See the finished product
4. Focus on the final score
5. Get out of the boat and drive the wagon
6. NO REGRETS
Now, to those of you who weren't there, some of those may seem odd. I'm don't have the energy to really explain those in depth, but if you want to know more let me know. A few other very impactful things that he said:
"It doesn't matter WHO scores, what matters is that WE score."
"Practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent."
"Don't eat the pizza first, and sweep the floor."
"Go do something differently!"
This man is incredible. If you ever have the chance to hear him speak, make sure you take that opportunity.
Another part of the conference that I really love is one of the last things we do. We all stand in a circle around the ampitheatre in the canyon. It's a beautiful location and we're surrounded by those we've become close to over the last two days. We go around the circle and everyone takes a turn saying "This year, I will..." and fills in the blank with something they plan to do this year. Whether it's to better themselves, better others, or make them a better leader, each person's response varies. This year I committed to take chances. And that my friends, is exactly what I'm going to do. I'm going to put myself out there even more. I'm going to continue to discover myself. I'm going to run for office. I'm not going to have any regrets.
It's amazing to me how much I've grown in the last year. I look back to this time last year when I was a participant at Aggie BLUE. That was where I met many of the people I work with and spend a lot of time with; some of my best friends. It was where the fire inside me was lit. It was the point where my life as I know it now began. I love the person I am today. I love where I am at in my life and I know I can only progress from here. I love the faith and confidence that those I work with have in me. The greatest feeling is knowing that you're doing well at something and I feel like that's where I'm at right now. I was worried going into this week that I was going to have a hard time initiating conversation and asking questions about the activities we were doing. I didn't know if I'd do very well in sharing experiences and thoughts that I have. However, things went so differently than that! I'd be sitting there as a discussion was going on thinking frantically on what I'd say next when all of sudden, before I knew it, I was talking. Things were coming out of my mouth that I hadn't even thought of. I was making a point and the students in my group were hearing it and taking it to heart.
I am so incredibly excited. The fire inside me is burning stronger than ever before. I can't wait to see what this year has to hold. I can't wait to see where I'll be at this point next year. Taking chances, no regrets. That's what this next year is all about.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

A Lifestyle Choice

We all hear the classic one-liners on optimisim...
"Look at the glass half-full"
"Look on the bright side"
"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"
Things like that.
However, how many of us really take them to heart?
This last week, so many people how commented on the optimism that my best friend Erin and I have on life. Why are we so happy? Why do we laugh so much? How can we always be having fun? Those are the questions we've been asked, and really, it's a lifestyle choice. Marjorie Pay Hinckley said
"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."
There's a comedian/magician named Tim Gabrielson. He performed at our school last year (and he's coming again next week!) and he said some things that I let truly imapct my life.
"When something happens, you can either react or respond."
Abraham Lincoln said
"In the end, it isn't the number of years in your life that matter, it's about the amount of life in your years."
I didn't necessarily love the movie Rumor Has It, but it had a great quote:
"Life SHOULD be nuts! Otherwise it's just a bunch of Thursdays strung together."
I love 30 Rock. Kenneth is my favorite. He said:
"I believe life is for the living, I believe in taking risks, and also biting off more than you can chew."
James Dean:
"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today."
And finally, President Gordon B. Hinckley:
"In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."
It's all so true! Why waste our time being miserable? Have fun, laugh a little, live it up.
*p.s I'll post all about my Baltimore/D.C trip next time... oh, and college football and how excited I am...

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Oquirrh Mountain Temple!

Today a few of my friends and I had the opportunity to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house and oh man... it was so great! We took a non-member friend with us which definitely added to the experience. I love the temple. A whole lot. The Spirit there is so strong and incredible! I love the peacefulness (is that a word?) and purity of the building. It was so cool to get to go to all the rooms. I loved the Sealing Room. A lot. I can't wait to be there again some day. I only wish we'd gotten more time there and in the Celestial Room. It's the last week of the open house so it was really crowded and therefore kind of rushed. Overall though it was an incredible experience and I'm so glad I got to go!






Sunday, July 26, 2009

I Love the Gospel!

Church today was EXACTLY what I needed! I love days like this. I'd had an... interesting... night last night. I came home feeling not so great about some things, realizing I'd maybe made some not so great choices. I didn't sleep well at all and seriously considered not going to church so that I could maybe get some sleep. I eventually dragged myself out of bed, got ready and went, and I'm so glad that I did. I feel like Heavenly Father knew exactly what I needed to hear today. Everything from the talks in Sacrament Meeting, the hymns we sang, and the lessons in Sunday School and Relief Society were PERFECT. I feel so much better now. I'm grateful for the power of forgivness and repentance and that through our savior Jesus Christ, we can be made whole again.
As I'm reading through this I'm realizing that it makes it sound like something horrible happened, when really it wasn't. It was just overall something I kind of regret. At the same time though, I'm grateful for the experience. I definitely learned a lot from it and I can see how to make my life better because of it.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

My Wonderful Life

So I've decided that I really love my life! All the time! I have such a good time with everything, I'm excited about what's coming, and it just makes me really happy. Choosing to do A-Team was the greatest thing I could have done. Logan in the summer is fantastic, and as much as I love summer, I'm very much looking forward to this next year both academically and socially/involvement wise. I think I'm going to grow and learn a lot about myself. I'm really climbing the ladders of the things I'm involved in. I can't wait to see who and where I'll be at this time next year.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Never Back Down '09

So we have a recurring phrase among the A-Team. It comes from Jo. Anytime something great happens, when a team whens a game, etc. he/we yell "never back down '09!" Now, I always knew he had gotten it from the movie Never Back Down, but I never TRULY understood. Tonight we watched Never Back Down. And holy cow... such a good movie! Not gonna lie, it's intesne. There's a lot of fighting (as that's what it's about) which means some blood and stuff, but it's still so great! I love sports movies, so this one is added to my list. *p.s, Forever Strong is also fantastic, I actually probably like that one better...* so many movies out there, I love it :)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Summer Lovin'



I love summer. A lot. There's nothing I love more. I love the break from school, I love the sun, I love the fun. This is the first summer in awhile that I haven't been working like crazy. I love it! I love everything. When I say everything, I mean it: Summerfest, hanging at the pool, raspberry shakes from Bear Lake, tan lines, wearing shorts, late nights, hot sun, popsicles/snow cones, I don't even mind the occasional sunburn! Life doesn't get any better than this!



Now I just need this kind of summer lovin'! :) haha

Monday, July 13, 2009

100 Things

So my friend Kelsey did this and I thought it was a good idea so I decided to do it too. It's surprisingly easy! It went really quick and there are way more that could be on here!

I now present to you in the order in which they come to my mind, 100 things I love.
1. friends.
2. making new friends.
3. my family.
4. the gospel.
5. music.
6. flying in airplanes.
7. sappy romantic movies.
8. cowboys and rodeos.
9. texting.
10. driving stick shift.
11. the a-team.
12. snow.
13. summer.
14. the beach.
15. flirting.
16. diet coke.
17. aggie basketball.
18. arizona summers.
19. in 'n out burger.
20. fireworks.
21. barbecues.
22. my grandpa's house.
23. boys speaking foreign languages.
24. long talks.
25. a good cry.
26. dancing.
27. dr. pepper.
28. concerts.
29. listening to the same song over and over.
30. thunderstorms.
31. the first snow.
32. fall leaves.
33. the office.
34. tummi yummi's.
35. midnight movies.
36. swinging.
37. coloring.
38. playing the piano.
39. listening to people play the piano.
40. people watching.
41. airports.
42. skylines.
43. historical sites.
44. new clothes.
45. shoe shopping.
46. singing.
47. performing.
48. laughing until I cry.
49. daisies.
50. meg ryan/tom hanks movies.
51. the pool.
52. blogging.
53. holding hands.
54. planning things.
55. letters from missionaries.
56. being busy.
57. true aggie nights.
58. baseball games.
59. being spontaneous.
60. birthdays.
61. christmas music.
62. my beagle.
63. songs i relate to.
64. finding new songs/bands to love.
65. monsoon storms.
66. warm fuzzy blankets.
67. soft beds.
68. sunday naps. (and naps in general)
69. running.
70. cereal.
71. fruit cups.
72. fresh fruit.
73. utah state university.
74. sunshine.
75. long showers.
76. sleeping in.
77. working.
78. college.
79. sonic drinks.
80. ice cold water.
81. ballroom dancing.
82. card games.
83. aggie basketball (yes, i put it twice, but i love it just that much)
84. big purses.
85. catching snowflakes.
86. puddle jumping.
87. movies.
88. sports.
89. logan canyon.
90. bear lake.
91. eegee's.
92. love stories.
93. dressing up.
94. flannel sheets.
95. shaved legs.
96. painted toenailsl.
97. books.
98. clean laundry.
99. listening to music really loudly.
100. costa vida

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Good News Minute

So I only have a couple minutes, but here's the updates on things that have happened that I've forgotten to share :)

*I got a job! I'm now working at Foot Locker! Hooray for discounts! :)
* I changed my major. I am now a Journalism & Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations with a minor yet to be decided but likely Management and Human Resources. (In short, I'm a PR major. haha)
*I'm going to Bear Lake today! Hooray! I'm going for our Student Alumni Association executive board retreat. Yay for 3 days of fun in the sun!
* After Bear Lake, I'm heading straight down to Layton. My friend Liz's brother just got home from his mission yesterday so we're going down to see him.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

A Favorite Place

This is a place filled with memories. A place where every sight, every smell, brings memories flooding back. A place I can call home, a place I know I can always go. This place is my grandpa's house. I love going here. I can honestly say it's one of my very favorite places to be. I've loved it ever since I was a little girl and I love being back in Utah where I can again go there all the time. Last night I went there for the 4th of July. We used to go to celebrate all the time when I was younger, but I hadn't been since we moved to Arizona. Nothing has changed. Grandpa made his fantastic hamburgers, then an hour later went and got me a shake from Peach City. As the time for fireworks neared, he broke out the popcorn maker. We went out back and sat on the deck like we used to do every year. After watching tv and playing Dr. Mario, I went to bed in the same bed I've slept in for years. Out of all the beds in the house, that fold-out couch is my bed of choice. Not so much for the comfort, but for the memories. I love that basement. I used to love going into the 'fruit room.' There were always ice cream sandwiches in the deep freezer. Even now, I always have to stop in there, just for old times sake. I love that house!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Current Thoughts

So this isn't necessarily venting, it's not ranting, but I just have a bunch of random thoughts that I feel I need to get out. So enjoy it, or not, I don't really care :)

*Weddings...
I'm starting to feel old. Within the last month or so I've had 3 good friends who are my age get married. It's so crazy! I mean, with all of them, I know they're happy. I know they've made a good choice in their men. I'm happy for them, I really am. But for me, I don't understand getting married so early! So much of the college experience is being free and single. Getting married young is definitely not for me. I love them all though and am SO happy for them! 

*My Future...
I think I have a plan. I know what I want to do with my life, for now anyway. I've been thinking about it a lot and then the other day my mom said something that made me REALLY think. She said "they should pay you for all these people you're getting to come to Utah State!" After that, I thought... huh, I could do that! I very well could get paid for doing such things. It's called working at a university! I don't know why I didn't think of it before. I love the college life. I am passionate about Utah State and want to help others feel the same way! I've decided to pursue a master's in Higher Education Administration! I don't know what to do as my undergrad degree, but I'm working on that. I've contacted people from some of the universities with that graduate degree and asked their opinion, but from what I'm sensing, it doesn't really matter. One guy just told me to do something I'm passionate about. That's been a big thought for me lately. Passion. I've decided it isn't really about the money, I just want to do something I love. I've seen too many people who are in their careers because of the money or because they feel they have to be, but they don't love what they do. I'm currently an Exercise Science major, but I think I'm losing the passion for that. So I have a lot of thinking to do. I need a major. I'm thinking maybe PR or something like that. That's something that would come in handy in administration. We'll see. I'll keep you posted.

*Jobs...
I finally have one! Well actually, I have 4... I'm on the A-Team, you all know that, but that's only 13 days throughout the summer. That definitely wasn't going to be enough. Then I got a job at Hamilton's working with their catering. I was really excited about it, but it turned out to be not what I wanted it to be. I knew scheduling was going to be pretty crazy, but it was worse than I thought. I've worked all of 6 times since the last week of April. I picked up a paycheck (my last...) and since I started, I've made a grand total of $298! Pathetic. Since early May I've been looking for an additional job. At that point it was to go along with Hamilton's, but as time went on it became a quest for something to replace it. Amidst my job hunt, I got an email from my supervisor at my on campus job. She asked if I wanted to come back for half of Thursdays and all of Fridays during the month of July! She said "if it helps, we'll bump your pay up to $9/hr" I was already going to say yes, but the raise made it even better. At that point, that was the biggest blessing! I'm running out of money so I was super excited. And then... about a week ago I had an interview at Foot Locker. It went really well and then I got a second interview followed by a job offer! So I started there on Tuesday, and I think I'm really going to like it! It's a very different type of job for me, I've never done retail before. It's going to be a lot of fun though I think. Cute boys, good discounts, what else do you need? Today I went in and I quit at Hamilton's. I was so scared because I haven't quit a job since my sophomore year of high school. It went fairly well though and I feel like I was very... diplomatic... about it. 

So anyway, I realize now how novel-ish this post is. I get kind of carried away I guess. It's good to get all this written out though! Have a fantastic 4th! I know I can't wait! It's my favorite day of the year :) And can I just tell you how excited I am that I get fireworks 3 times this month? THREE times! I can't wait. The end. 

Monday, June 29, 2009

New Favorite!

So my friend Greg has fantastic taste in music and he's gotten me addicted to this guy. Jamie Cullum. One of my new favorites for sure! My favorite song so far is called Photograph. It's so great! I love the chorus. "When I look back on my ordinary, ordinary life, I see so much magic though I missed it at the time." So true! There are so many little things that happen in our lives that maybe we take for granted or that we don't see as blessings in our lives. But when we look back on it, we can learn from our experiences.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Photo Shoot!

So at our school, all the ambassadors get these fun trading cards with their picture, their contact info, and just fun facts about them. So this year, we fought hard and got them for A-Team too! We all went in to the Admissions office for a photo shoot. They spent about 10 minutes on each person. They chose the picture to put on the card and then gave us some of the rest of them! So here are a few of my favorites for your viewing pleasure. If you want to see more, they're up on my Facebook. Enjoy!











Thursday, June 4, 2009

The Office

I'll keep this short. I finally gave in. I'm now an Office fan. I just finished season 2 and I'm in love. It's funny. I love Pam & Jim. The end.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Grateful for the Things I Know

Today I went to a funeral. It wasn't for a man I knew well, but for my uncle's (my mom's sister's husband) father. I haven't been to many funerals in my life, but this one was a different experience. Ya know, I'm not big on funerals, they're hard for me. Often times they just make me not want to grow up so I'll never have to deal with losing a parent, a spouse, etc. This funeral though, was a different experience for me. Like I said, I didn't really know Ray, but I did get to see my cousins that I haven't seen in YEARS! (like really, I hadn't seen my cousin Adam since my grandma's funeral... I was 11) This was also the first funeral I remember going to that was not an LDS service. The past couple of days have made me truly understand and appreciate the things that I have been taught for my entire life. I am so grateful for the plan of salvation and knowing that our families can be together forever. I love that for members of the LDS church, funerals are sad, but we know it's not the end. That was a good thing with this one, they believe that there is life after death and that they will be together again, but not in a spirit paradise or anything. I learned a lot today! It was a really great experience that's for sure! I love the Gospel and am so glad to have it in my life.

Friday, May 22, 2009

New Friends, New Fun

Once upon a time, we decided to make cookies. There was something on the bottom of the oven from the girls who lived here before that was burning off so we opened the door. Next thing we know, our apartment was full of boys! They'd smelled the cookies and wanted some! So we thought that was kind of odd, but oh well. We let them have some (they were kind of burnt and they still ate them! After the cookies, we were all friends! We went with them that night to watch The Office, and now we've been fairly inseparable! We've hung out nearly every night... everything from barbecues to Yoga X, camping to midnight movies in the high school auditorium (no worries with that one, Greg's one of the head janitors and got permission). We've even had the cops called on us a couple of times! (dumb neighbors is all... we were just watching American Idol! haha) So anyway, here are pictures of the boys. They're all so great! They're fun, entertaining, and all around good boys! :) All these pictures show them in funny situations, but that's just how they are!

Mike Barlow

Nate Needham

Andrew Porter

Greg Cox, Scott Needham, and Neal Ackerman

Thomas Burmingham

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Time Sure Flies...

So today marks my one year anniversary of graduating from high school... Last night as graduation at MHS would have been starting, it hit me. It's crazy! This year went SO fast! I'm closer to 20 than I am to 19. I'm realizing how fast I'm growing up and how quick life goes. I mean, my first year of college is over. My brother has his license and is asking me for date ideas. My sister is done with elementary school. Time sure flies when you're having fun.

Monday, May 11, 2009

As of Late...

So it's been a pretty crazy couple of weeks! I...
*finished my first year of college (crazy, I know!)
*spent 5 days with my grandparents
*moved into a new apartment
*started a new job
*have met tons of new people (including cute boys :D)
*got sunburned on the Quad
*spent Mother's Day back at the grandparent's
*have had a ton of fun!
Basically, I love summer. That's all there is to it. I love not really having anywhere to be and just doing my own thing. Our A-Team stuff starts up this week with packet stuffing tomorrow and our retreat to Bear Lake this weekend. I could not be more excited for summer. I'll miss the AZ heat but will be able to laugh when everyone thinks the 90 degrees is hot :) There are all sorts of fun things ahead so I'll be sure to keep you posted!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Winding Down...

So I'm sitting here doing my very last load of laundry in the good ol' Lundstrom building. The whole idea that this week is it has been lurking in the back of my mind for awhile, but this is really it! It's here. I have 2 finals left and then I am officially done with my first year of college... It's such a weird thought! I swear the year just started. I remember being so anxious and ready for college to start. And now, it's over. 1/4 of the way done with college. Crazy!! However, I am SO ready for summer! 3 more days. 3 more tests. And then it will be HERE! I'm staying in Logan this summer with my best friend Erin and we can't wait! We have all sorts of great summery plans :)
I'm going to be involved with the A-Team so we do what we call SOAR which is just basically new student orientation and I'm so excited! We've been working together for awhile and I can't wait. We're all already really good friends and I know summer will just bring us closer!
So in case you haven't guessed yet, I love summer. Every day I get more and more excited. I love the smells, the sights, the fun. I will miss the heat and monsoons of AZ, but I think it will be good either way :)

Monday, April 20, 2009

The Last Week or So....

So this week has been officially insane. There are two groups I'm really involved in on campus, Student Alumni Association and the Traditions Committee. Well both of these groups had our biggest activities of the year this week! For SAA it was A-Day (which is actually a week long) and for Traditions we had the Robins Awards and the Blue Carpet Ball. I was crazy busy and crazy stressed, but it was well worth it, it was so fun and everything went really well!









Street painting! Such fun :)



Best friends! We love SAA!








The beautiful Robins Awards!






Our fantastic committe



To add to the amazingness (yes, that's now a word) of the week, one of my lifelong dreams was fulfilled! Jon Schmidt came to perform at the Blue Carpet Ball. (no, that's not the dream, I'd seen him multiple times before) So Erin and I went in to our 'green room' for the night where our pizza and everything was. We're at the table and we look over in the corner and who's there? Jon Schmidt. That's right. He shared our green room, ate the cold pizza, and all that good stuff. So we sit down and he just starts talking! We sat, ate pizza and talked to Jon Schmidt for like 15 minutes! No joke those were probably some of the best 15 minutes of my life. We talked mostly about music and piano, but it was fantastic. If you don't realize the amazingness of this man, go here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3d6SFcDys. This is his newest song, Taylor Swift's "Love Story" combined with Coldplay's "Viva La Vida." It's incredible! This man is the one who kept me playing the piano. I truly truly admire him and am so greatful for my experience Saturday night!


Friday, April 10, 2009

Friday Night Fun

So it's true. I went to see the new Hannah Montana movie tonight. It was amazing. That's all there is to it. The funniest thing was that the number of college girls there was equal to the number of younger/pre-teen girls! It was so great! We had a blast, loved the movie, and bought the soundtrack. (only $11.99 on iTunes!) Not gonna lie, I'll see it again, I'll probably buy it. It has everything! Humor, romance, music, cowboys, EVERYTHING! Go see it, you won't regret it.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Fun at the Park!

Spring is here! This was the first weekend in who knows how long that has been warm and nice and sunny so we took advantage of it! Sarah, Ashley and I went on a little adventure to Willow Park. We had so much fun swinging, looking at animals, and just laughing. I actually learned a few things from this outing. 1) there are albino porcupines! and 2) you know you've lived in Arizona long enough when the sound of excited coyotes no longer scares you. It was great to see Sarah and Ashley's reactions to them. We had a blast tonight and I hope we take advantage of the beautiful Cache Valley weather more often :D


Yay for swings!


These ducks are my new best friends. They were so funny! Who knew ducks could be funny!?

Love these girls!!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

GOIN' DANCIN'!!!


So just when you thought you'd heard all there was to hear about Aggie basketball... we win the WAC Tournament!!! That's right! Last night we beat Nevada 72-62 to clinch the title! Earlier in the week we beat Fresno State and New Mexico State (that games we won 71-70 in the final seconds!!) Here are some pictures of the week's events, but since I wasn't there I found them on various Facebook profiles. Thanks to whoever I borrowed them from!!