Saturday, December 31, 2011

Here we Go

Tonight.
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter
Than the sun



Tonight. 
Or 2012.
It's all the same. 

This is a big year. 
You know, minor things like graduating from college. 
This is the year I grow up
This is MY year. 

I don't do resolutions.
They're often forced, then just forgotten about. 
My sweet friend Stephanie calls it her to-do list
and that's exactly how I think of it. 

PHYSICAL
I know it's cliche to strive to lose weight at the beginning of the year.
Mine is different though. 
I'm not going to set a number on it.
Not on the pounds lost or the sizes dropped. 
It's all about the health factor.
I just want to feel healthy.
I want to feel pretty. 
I want to feel confident.
All the time. 

SPIRITUAL
Lately I have been really terrible at staying consistent in my personal prayer and scripture study. 
It's one of those things that I know is necessary. 
I know my life goes a lot more smoothly when I do these things. 
I need to be better about making it a priority to go to Institute. 
I will pay my tithing when I get paid.
That way I won't forget about it and will stay on top of it. 

EMOTIONAL
Like I said, this is a big year.
There are a lot of changes coming up.
I don't like change. 
Especially big ones. 
Any time I think about it all, I get terrified.
I stress out . I think of all the things that could go wrong. 
I just need to remember that it will all be alright. 
Everything that needs to will work out.


"Seize the day boys. Make your lives extraordinary." 

The world is on my side
I have no reason to run 

(thank you Fun. for the lyrics)

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Hey husband of mine, whoever and wherever you are,

Ready for what I decided today?

It doesn't matter what your job is, how messy it may be, or how physical it is.

You will wear your wedding ring at all times. Even if we have to buy you a cheap-o one that we don't care gets scratched. You need something.

I'm just protecting you. You know, from girls like me.

Here's how we females work.
We see an attractive man.
Step one? Do a quick glance for a ring check.
Step two, assuming of course that the magic finger is empty, turn in the charm.

When someone isn't wearing a ring, it's instinctive to assume they are single. Or at least not in a permanent relationship.
At that point, they're fair game.

Sometimes, you find yourself in a situation where you think an attractive man you are about to spend a significant amount of time with (say, your friendly neighborhood tow truck driver) is single. He isn't wearing a ring, why think otherwise?
So you spend 40 minutes chatting, flirting a bit, making comments to make sure he knows you're single.
Then comes the phone call.
That's right, from his wife.
Talking about their children.

Obviously at this point, I tone it down. Talk less. Adjust my tone and body language.
Fifteen minutes later he says "You doing alright? You got quiet there."
"Oh yeah, I'm fine," I reply.

Just have no reason to be so chatty anymore.

Moral of the story?
You'll wear a ring. All the time.
I don't want to share you with girls like me.

Love, your protective and cautious, eventual wife.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

What it Means

Yes, I should be writing a paper right now, not a blog.
But I have bigger things than intercultural communication on my mind.


In the time I have been associated with our football team, I have never seen these boys this happy. The smiles on their face are infectious and excited. They have put in so many years of work and are so proud to see their goals achieved.  
Maybe it's silly, but this, of all videos that have been posted these last couple of weeks, made me cry.
It's a little thing called Aggie Pride. 

It has been 14 years since Utah State football has made it to a bowl game. 
14 years.
To finally be in this situation, with a bowl game just a few days away, Aggie Nation has come together like I've never seen. 
It's magic, really. 


Here's the thing about Aggie Pride. 
It's real.
It's deep.
It's beautiful.
It's something that is there, no matter what. 
Whether we're winning or losing, no matter what season it is, Aggie Pride is there. 

It is in the unison of "I Believe."
It is in the spirit of the Fight Song. 
In the silly, yet traditional actions of the Scotsman.
It is a coach who gets the team's logo tattooed on his shoulder.


It is the power behind which we bond together.
The way we show our love and dedication for our school. 

After 14 years, the hard work has paid off.
Our boys are going bowling.
We couldn't be more proud. 
We couldn't be more excited. 
(in my case, I couldn't be more upset to be missing it.)

To be an Aggie is an incredible experience.
It's something that is with you forever, no matter where you end up in life. 
To be an Aggie is more than just an education. 
It is what makes us who we are. 


Good luck this weekend, boys. 
Make the Aggies proud.