First Times

I love doing something for the first time. There is something amazing about trying something new. You gain a new memory, a new experience.

So I realize I have lived in Logan for almost five years. At Utah State University there are several traditions that the students love to do. We have "True Aggie Night" where you kiss on the "A" by Old Main. You can become an "Ultimate Aggie" by riding the bull in front of the Spectrum naked. Of course you have the sporting events along with our awesome fans. Then there is sledding down Old Main Hill. The hill is pretty steep with trees dotting the hill. There are always several injuries every year; anything from cuts, to broken bones, and even a few deaths. Yikes! Whenever there is snow you can always find people on the hill. However, I had never sled down Old Main Hill until last Saturday. (I know, it's pretty sad, but now I can say I've done it.)

The experience was incredible. We hiked up the hill in our snow gear then I watched Dan sled down the hill. He seemed to zip down the hill, almost reaching the road then throwing his hands up in the air to give a loud whoop! I nervously looked at Chris. He told me to get going. I sat down in the faded red sled, anticipating my descent. I tilted forward, tucked my legs onto the sled, then pushed off. I was racing down the hill. The wind and snow stung my face. I hit a little jump which sent my sled spinning. For a second I was frantic. I tried to steer, but I really didn't know how. After going in circles a couple of times I just let myself coast the rest of the way, going backwards. I didn't make it nearly as far as Dan, but I was beaming. My cheeks felt warm inspite of the cold and adrenaline bubbled inside me. We kept sledding. Most of the time I went down in circles, not really straight. I almost ran into a tree as I was headed down backwards. One time I was doing really well, at least I was going forward. I went over a big jump - I got enough air to lift me out of the sled - but when I came down I landed hard on my tailbone. I groaned and quickly bailed. I sent myself rolling then I lay in the snow, completely sprawled out. After a few moments I staggered to my feet, a little sore.

The rest of the trip was a lot of fun. Our last run Dan and I went down together. This time I was in front. We actually went straight! At this point the snow had picked up again. Tiny snowflakes pelted my face as we raced downwards. I couldn't hardly open my eyes! We managed to make it all the way to the road. Snowflakes still clung to my eyelashes and my face was wet. We laughed. It was an incredible time. I managed to not injure myself too bad. Haha.

Now I have one thing checked off my list of things to do, but I still need some more ideas. Does anyone know of any good winter activities or things you have to do at USU?

Growing Up

Have you ever looked back on your life and realized how fast everything has gone? When you are little you can't wait to be a teenager. When you are in high school you want out. College is stressful and fun, but expensive so you just want to graduate and get a job to make some money. Then you get a full time job and realize you just wish you could play all the time. (At least that's what I've heard.) Everything has hit me full force this week. I graduated last Saturday at it was amazing. I felt so good. The experience felt so surreal until I stepped onto the floor of the Spectrum. That's when all of the emotions hit me. I was finally graduating. I was done... Then I looked around and saw my family waving excitedly at me. The experience was overwhelming. I was so happy and relieved and sad, all at once. I choked up a little, but I refused to actually cry. (I don't like crying in front of people.) The ceremony was awesome. Our speakers talked about memories at Utah State and remembering the good times because someday we would miss our times there. So true. I wish I could remember all of the dumb stuff that I've done. True Aggie Night, playing on the Quad, making-out in random buildings...Haha! There are things I never got to do like sled down Old Main Hill. I still have the rest of the year to do everything I want to. I can't believe how fast everything has gone. I'm done. It's a really weird feeling.

If graduating wasn't crazy enough I jumped right into a job. It's nothing permanent yet. I'm teaching at Skyview High. I'm filling in for their band director who is resigning due to a high risk pregnancy. Man, it has been a crazy week. I had a concert last night and we have pep band tomorrow night. Talk about getting thrown into the fire. You want to know what I miss the most? Having someone to talk to all the time. At Logan High Dan was always there for me. I really miss our conversations. I miss the kids back at Logan, although the kids at Skyview are great and I know they appreciate having me there. I didn't realize how spoiled I was at Logan High. Dan has everything that I want. The equipment, the resources, the knowledge, an amazing music library. You name it and Dan's got it. :) It is really nice to be so close. I still talk to Dan all the time. (Like every day.) It's really different to be grown up, to have to face the world at full force. Teaching is the easiest part of my day. Everything else is the hard part. I'm learning a lot and I'm really glad the week is almost over. I need some time to get my feet back under me. I know I'm getting attached though. Today I couldn't even imagine leaving Skyview and not coming back. It'll take time, but it is my program now.

It's time to grow up.

My Thoroughbred

Now I have been riding for a full five weeks. I love every minute I get to spend with the horses. There is something entirely relaxing when I am around them. I know it may sound crazy, but they have taught me so much. This is the happiest I have been in a long time. I don't feel lonely anymore and I have so much confidence! I have always been a perfectionist and usually I take a lot of things personally when they aren't intended to be at all. However, I now know imperfections are not a bad thing. I understand myself more fully and I accept me for who I am.



Now, I think it is time to introduce my horse, Tulsa:





Although I do not own her I love her as if she was my own horse. She is a purebred Thoroughbred and such a sweetheart! She is 21 years old. Unfortunately she has not grown a close bond with anyone. A girl in 4-H bought her when she was young, but Tulsa made riding so easy and this girl wanted a horse with more problems. Now I am working on building up her trust. At first I was just another person but now she comes to me when I bring her grain. She knows who I am. I like to lean up against her when I bring her grain. Her chestnut coat is so warm and soft...She is always there for me and I love her so much.

This week I have started cantering and boy does Tulsa like to run! She is a Thoroughbred though. I can't help but laugh when we canter. Her ears perk up and she lifts her head and chest to pick up her stride. I think we would both run all day if we could. Haha! Also this week I started to jump. It was during my lessons and I was riding Smokey. There is a lot more to jumping than I originally thought, although I know if I was on Tulsa she would make jumping feel so easy. It really sucks that the weather is turning off cold. I am learning so much and most of our riding will be put on hold once it gets cold. I am going to ride as much as I can this winter, but I know I will go through withdrawals. Right now I need to figure out a way to stay in the valley. I would miss Tulsa too much if I left. :)

That's the update on life!

Update On Life

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted anything! Life has been pretty busy, but I am really enjoying things. Right now I am student teaching at Logan High. I am teaching two classes - Symphonic Band and Intermediate Percussion - while I help out with Wind Band, Advanced Percussion, and Jazz Band. Then on Tuesdays and Thursdays we go to the Mount Logan Middle School and help with sectionals. Teaching has been great. It's everything I have been working for. My cooperating teacher, Dan Stowell, is great. He is a pretty easy-going guy who will listen to what I have to say. He's always laughing or making-fun of me in some way, but he has really gotten me to loosen up. He's just the medicine I need.

As of last week I have become involved with horses. Linda - Dan's wife - loves to ride. After we went to the Lipizzaner show I really, really wanted to take riding lessons. We talked it over and agreed that if I helped with 4-H she would cut down the cost of lessons. I eagerly agreed. Last Monday was my first lesson. Even though I have ridden Western before English is very different. We started with the basics. I learned about the saddle and how to mount. Linda lunged me in a circle while we practiced balancing and how to hold myself. The feeling was amazing! Linda said I was a natural and I would just fly through the basics. I hope so! We did some trotting. I learned how to post, about diagonals, and how to change diagonals. I left the lesson feeling so elated! Now I have been helping with 4-H and I love every minute I spend with the horses and the girls. On Friday Dan made us dinner while we discussed Portfolios. As we were sitting around the table I took a few seconds just to watch everyone. At that moment I realized I was where I needed to be. They all felt like my own family away from home. Working with horses is exactly what I needed in my life. I can't wait until lessons tomorrow, but it should go by fast. :)

Out of Control

Okay, I know I usually use this blog to write about the happy times in my life, but not tonight. I feel like I am a fairly optimistic person. I try to be happy all the time and make the most out of life. I love scout camp because I feel like I can be little girl most of the time. I get so excited about everything. Even stupid things, like cutting myself woodcarving, I like to go around showing everyone. I don't like to be sad. I don't like causing drama or asking for help, but the truth is I couldn't handle anything without my friends. There are very few people I trust with the details of my life. Not because they are bad people, only because I don't like burdening people with my problems and because I don't like to complain. But I'm not perfect. I am constantly asking for advice and I always go to the same people. I feel like I am constantly whining to them, but all I really want is comfort. It is definitely exhausting to put on a chipper front all day while having something eating you from the inside.

This summer has been so dramatic for me. As much as I love camp I long to be in Logan and I can't stop thinking about my life there. I've tried. As for life at camp...I feel like my life is out of control. I end up hurting people I care about because I handle a situation wrong. For example, at the beginning of camp I got frustrated with one of my best friends in Logan because he hadn't called like he promised. It was all so stupid, but now I wonder if he just thinks of me as needy or annoying. The optimistic side of me says it is all in the past, but I'm too scared to talk to him about it. Then I found out one guy at camp was lying to me about almost everything and supposedly he really liked me. So when he got, um, upset at one of our best staff members I let everything out. I realize now I did not hold the conversation well. I have no desire to be around him at all because I don't like being frustrated, but I still feel like I should have handled things better.

Now, as of last night, my best friend at camp has left. He went home for the rest of summer and it is because of me. All summer long he has tried to get things to happen between us. He came up just for me. And we've had a good time. I've learned the guitar. He gave me one of his. He's reading the scriptures and praying, but still nothing is going to work out. He finally realized everything after this last weekend and finally I just got frustrated with one stupid thing. I was suppose to clean our lighthouse at camp, as punishment for going inside when I knew I wasn't suppose to. Well, this guy, being a great guy, does it for me. You have to understand, this place is filthy with spiderwebs and bird poop all over the place. (BTW I hate spiders.) When I see him next, instead of being grateful, but I really am grateful. I didn't want to do it! It just triggered frustration. You see, he likes to be helpful and it is not like I don't appreciate help it is just I like to do my job. Maybe I am one of the few people who likes to be independent when it comes to work. I dunno. But he is constantly asking to do everything. I tell him I just want to do my job, but if I ever leave and come back either he is doing it or it is already done. I like experiences. I like being able to say, "I did this!" It makes me feel accomplished. Then I can go around, giddy as ever, and brag about some little thing. So, I basically thanked him for cleaning up my mess, but told him I wanted him to stop doing my job. I wanted to be independent. I didn't realize how harsh I was being, until later. Then I was going to apologize and the camp director told me he was gone. No goodbye, nothing. He just couldn't handle the situation anymore so he left. He's been threatening to do it for weeks, and somehow I've managed to get him to stay. I knew it was going to happen, but it all happened so fast!

So now I feel lost. Out of control. I don't want to complain, but I really really want to talk to my best friend in Logan about everything. I need his comfort, nothing else will be good enough. I want a lot of things right now and I am trying to be patient. I know I shouldn't worry, but the point is I do. I don't know if I can ever get over that. If I am confident about where my life is going then I can be patient, however, right now, I care too much about what this guy thinks of me. I just want him to understand me and I want to tell him that. Right now I am too worried about screwing my life up again. Usually I don't just sit back and wait, though. I like to take action. I like doing something about my problems.

Mostly this post was for me, hoping it will change something. More than likely it won't and I will lose my patience and do something stupid. Thanks for listening though. Whoever does read this.

Adventures in Oregon

Day One – Saturday

Alli and I were both eager to get on the road. Once I got back from Commencement we took off. It was basically a straight shot from I-84 in Tremonton to Portland. From Portland Alli had directions to get to Salem. Surprisingly the trip went by fast. We talked a lot, reminiscing a little. We tried to listen to the CDs we burned, however, we only had five songs on one CD. Then we tried to listen through my iPod, each of us taking an earbud… Yeah, that didn’t work either. So then we talked some more. After a while I started reading Twilight to Alli. I love reading out loud. It’s so much fun to do the different voice inflections and act the part. Haha. Maybe I’m just weird. Once I started reading the time seemed to fly by. Before long we were driving along the Columbia River. Wow, it was a really pretty sight. On our side the mountains were green and covered in lots of small foliage – like bushes and ferns. On the opposite side of the river everything was dry and brown. (It’s only obvious which side got more sun.)


At this point Alli was playing tag with a red Toyota Tacoma truck. And the driver was really cute too. He would smile and wave at us as we stayed even with each other for a while. Then one of us would speed ahead and pull in front of the other. This continued for a couple of hours. He wrote his number down on a piece of paper and held it up to the window. Giggling to ourselves I put the number in Alli’s phone and we started texting. His name was Brian. After texting for a while he asked if we wanted to stop at get icecream. We debated for a moment and decided between the two of us we could easily take him down if he tried anything. (We could have been very wrong.) Luckily he was a really nice guy and he bought the ice cream for us. We talked for a little bit and then Alli and I were back on the road again.

Finally, after Alli was in hysterics from excitement, we reached Salem. We crossed the bridge of the Wilamutte (SP?) River into West Salem. It was dark so I couldn’t see all of the multi-colored houses. We reached Alli’s house and we hurried inside. Her whole family was ecstatic to see us. I met everyone. They were all so friendly! I loved them immediately. Eventually everyone said their goodnights and we headed to bed.


Day Two – Sunday

We woke up early for church. In the morning everything looked a lot different. There were trees everywhere! And the houses, oh boy were they colorful! I think I saw every color of the rainbow. Pink, lavender, bright blue, yellows, browns, even a bright, lime green house. It was really eye-opening.

Church was uneventful. It’s nice to know that wherever I go the same principles are taught. Afterwards it was such a beautiful day that we laid a blanket out on the lawn and talked with her family. Before too long I was asleep. I was tired from the previous day’s journey. I hadn’t fallen asleep in the car once – which is very impressive for me since I always fall asleep when I’m in a vehicle.

Later than evening I went with her family to a park. The parks in Oregon are gorgeous! Not only do they have the standard playground for kids, but there are trails to take through the trees. I ran around with Scooter, the dog. (Ok, so I admit, dogs are cool. I really want one, but mostly so he can go running with me. Then maybe I can go running at night…But I won’t hold my breath.) After a short walk through the trees everything opened up into a breath-taking meadow. Marie, Alli’s sister, said it reminded her of the Bella and Edward’s meadow in Twilight. We laughed and ran around, blowing dandelion seeds in the wind. Eventually we made our way up to a hug tree. Marie was up the tree in a heartbeat and Tyler, the brother, shortly behind her. Well, me, I don’t know, maybe I just like to get in on all the action, but I really wanted to climb the tree too. So I tried, and failed. Haha. I wrapped my arms around a low branch and tried to wrap my legs around the same branch. I succeeded at that, but then all I could do was hang. I didn’t have the strength to pull myself up! Next I tried to pull myself up onto a lower branch, but with all of my weight it was barely off the ground and I still could pull myself up to the stronger part of the branch. After watching me struggle for a bit, Alli’s dad finally gave me a leg up. I scrambled up onto the branch. I made it! I was pretty elated, until I looked down. It really wasn’t too high up, but it was high enough that I didn’t want to move. Regardless, I did, a little. I wasn’t up too long before I was ready to get down. Somehow I managed to swing around the tree and drop gracefully to the ground. We continued through the park, admiring the flowering trees and the blackberry bushes, although there were no blackberries, then we headed home.


Day Three – Monday

Alli and I woke up surprisingly early. (7:30am) However, it was 8:30 back in Utah. Once Briggs – Alli’s two-year-old brother – woke up we all got ready then headed out to Silver Falls State Park.

The park was classified as a rainforest, although not a tropical one. We drove down and parked. I stepped out of the car and I stared in wonder. It was like stepping into the Night World. (Sorry to any of you who don’t know what that means.) Lush green grass covered the ground. Trees sprang from the ground and blocked the sky, allowing patches of sunlight to stream through their branches. Ferns and other foliage covered whatever was left. And moss covered everything! It hung from the trees like droopy sponges, reminding me of the trees from a Dr. Seuss book. We walked down to the edge of a path. The sight before my eyes was even more beautiful than the green canopy around me. The smooth flowing water of the river broke and fell gracefully from the dark cliffs into a glorious waterfall, landing in a shallow pool before continuing on its way. The water didn’t touch the rocky cliffs, leaving shallow caves to walk behind. Once we were closer to the falls we were surrounded by a thin layer of mist. It was cooler in the shade behind the waterfall. The light water droplets felt good on my face. I had an overwhelming desire to jump from the top to the pool below. If only the pool had been deeper…

The rest of the park was just like that. There were several trails that would take you to the different falls. I would have loved to explore more, but everyone was hungry and it’s a little different when you have a two-year-old with you. I did get a chance to close my eyes and enjoy the sun though. Mmm, I love the sun.

Later in the afternoon the whole family and I went to the coast, oh and Scooter too. It was low tide and the waves crashed into the sandy beach. Scooter, Marie, and I ran down to the water. Marie didn’t hesitate before jumping into the icy liquid. I was more wary. After a moment of deliberation I decided to keep out of the water, although I did walk along the shore, looking for any odd treasures. The beach was strewn with lots of broken shells and sand dollars. Marie and I went exploring along the rocks. Most of the rocks were covered in small holes and long, thick pieces of seaweed. We found several crab remains. Mostly just claws and pieces of the shell, although we did find an actual crab – it was dead. There were lots of dead, pink crestations. No one could figure out what it was, but I took some pictures to see if I could identify it later.


Dinner was good. We had a bonfire and roasted hotdogs with s’mores to top it off. The fire felt nice against the chilly breeze. Eventually Alli and I ran out to the water. This time we did get our toes wet and the water really was like ice. We jumped a couple of waves and ran back out, laughing and screaming the whole time. By the time our feet were numb we headed back to the fire.

Before we left we watched the sun set. It was beautiful. The rays were hues of pink and orange as they spread across the sky and mixed with the clouds. We cleaned up then, pouring sand over our fire pit, then headed back to the car.


Day Four – Tuesday

Alli and I spent the day in Salem. Alli gave me a tour of her town, showing me the high school and several parks. We went shopping at the mall – it was a lot bigger than Logan’s. Then we went to the capital building, much to Alli’s horror. Haha, not really, but she did make fun of me. I guess my behavior was hilarious. I was like a giddy school girl. But I was so excited! I’ve been in the capital buildings of Utah, Idaho, Montana, and now Oregon! Woot! We went inside and there was no one around. I explored a little bit while Alli waited for me. I went up a staircase. Eventually I found myself in one of the council rooms, up near the stand even. There were more stairs, but I decided to go back to Alli.

Once we were back outside we walked around on the grounds. The trees were in bloom with huge flowers. Some looked like tulips others looked similar to wild roses, but they were growing on the branches! As we walked around we told each other our confessions about a lot of things. (Sorry, I’m not going to post what those confessions were.)

We headed to Riverfront Park next to the Wilamutte River. It had a cute dock where people could fish. Again, it was a huge park. There was even a carousel inside a little building! It was a gorgeous view. The riverbanks were covered in trees. Fish jumped to catch the bugs. Birds darted in and out of the trees. We even saw a blue jay.

Later that night Alli and I played Curses with Jeff and Garrett. Holy crow! (Alli, that’s for you.) It was hilarious! By the end of each game we each had six or seven curses. One game Jeff couldn’t bend his elbows and he had to pretend to play a guitar while he talked. Alli had to talk like a military sergeant, while giving herself bunny ears. Garrett couldn’t take his hands away from his chest. I had to speak like a ventriloquist, while swatting away invisible bugs and pretend like I was in an earthquake. And that was just the beginning of things. It was pretty entertaining.


Day Five – Wednesday

We basically just stuck around town. It was nice to just relax. I really liked being with Alli’s family. They were so friendly and accepting. Too be honest it made me think of my own family. I found myself really missing them and longing to be home. For some reason I felt like I hadn’t said a proper goodbye to Logan. Alli and I talked a lot. We also started reading New Moon.


Day Six – Thursday

After a late night of reading, Alli and I still woke up fairly early to head out to Portland with her mom and Briggs. We went to Washington Square Mall. Wow, was it huge! I don’t even know how to describe it. Maybe twice the size of the Cache Valley Mall on one level, but this mall was two levels. It was crazy. I won’t go into any details, seeing how no one really wants to know how long we browsed through the clothes and trying them on…

On the way back to Salem we stopped at the Portland Temple. It was well hidden with all of the trees and foliage, a very secluded place for being in the busy city. The grounds were covered in tulips the size of my hand. The spires were tall and the temple itself looked like it was made of marble – I don’t know if it was marble. It was a really peaceful place though.


Day Seven – Friday

Alli and I headed back to the coast, this time with a new book, Eclipse, in tow. We stopped at Lincoln City. Well, right after we got out of the car Alli just looked at me. Then I realized what she had done. She locked the keys in the car. All we could do was look at each other and laugh. She called AAA. Then we waited. We went into a couple of shops nearby and finally ended up sitting on the hood of her car. We talked about what he would drive. Would it be a van? A truck? Then, what would he look like? I suggested an attractive young man, but Alli was more realistic and said a middle-aged man with a family. Needless to say, Alli was right. It didn’t take more than a half hour for him to come and then it took a couple of minutes – literally – to open the door. Once we had the keys we locked the doors again and headed for the shops. They were quaint little stores. Most of them sold little trinkets and seashells. Some smelled really strange. The first couple smelled too sweet, almost as if there was incense burning, or if someone had been smoking something.

We continued up the road, stopping at a popular beach. There were a bunch of seagulls all over the parking lot. If I was a cat I definitely would have attacked them. :) The beach was too crowded for our little picnic so we continued up the road. We found a cute, more secluded beach. We spread out our blanket on the sand. There was a light breeze that was a little chilly, but the skies were clear. After enjoying our lunch we read Eclipse some more. The combination of the sun and the waves crashing in the background almost put me to sleep. It felt so nice to relax. We explored a little bit, climbing up some sandy cliffs. After getting sandy we headed back to Salem.


Day Eight – Saturday

My last day in Oregon Alli’s dad took her, Tyler, Tyler’s friend, and me four-wheeling. I was excited. I had never been four-wheeling before and I was sure it was going to be an adventure. We drove up into the mountains. After driving for about 45 minutes we reached the staging area. Everyone helped get the four-wheelers ready. Finally everything was ready.

I eyed the machine a little apprehensively. It seemed bigger than I expected. A little nervously I mounted the vehicle. I learned the basic mechanics of things then started it to life. It seemed more like a beast. It snarled under me, daring me to urge it forward. Everyone else had mounted the creatures and we racing in circles around the clearing. Determined not to ruin anyone’s fun I pressed the gas. The beast roared to life, taking me forward. I struggled to control its sense of direction. The creature was swerving all over the place. Quickly, I learned to keep my arms steady. We headed out on the trails. I learned if I was going uphill more power was better and if I was going downhill I could basically ride the breaks down.

The trees raced by us, my beast constantly growling. Occasionally we traveled on narrow trails, branches and ferns brushing past me. The creature I rode loved going over the terrain. We traveled over rocks of all shapes and sizes, tree roots and fallen logs. It was thrilling. A few times the beast seemed to get frustrated with my efforts. He tried to buck me off once. I almost went sailing over his green body, but thankfully my thighs only hit hard against the handle bars. Twice he succeeded in rolling on his side. The first time I landed roughly in the dirt, but I pushed him back to his feet and remounted. The second time we were coming down a rocky ridge. I landed hard on my right shoulder, my left leg nailing its body really hard. I could only lay there, dazed for a moment. I seemed to hurt all over. But again, I got back on and we continued through the forests.

It was a great trip and by the end the beast trusted me completely. After riding for four hours through the rain (more of a mist really), and wind we were all pretty cold. We loaded the creatures back into the trailer. I felt so exhausted. Let’s just say I hurt all over! But it is a great feeling.


So those were my adventures in Oregon. It was an awesome trip and I’m really glad Alli let me come spend a week with her family. And that was just my first week of the summer! There are definitely more adventures to come. Next stop is Florida and the Bahamas! Woot! :D

Spring Cleaning

So cleaning at the end of the year has got to be the worst part about living in an apartment. You would think after four years it would get easier, but it really doesn't. I've spent all day packing and loading my car. Then I cleaned what I could of my room. At least my roommate has to do the rest. Hehe. So now I just have to help clean the kitchen! Woot!

It is always interesting to find all of the random stuff I have in my room. I accumulate so much of the course of nine months. This year, however, I've been smart and started taking stuff home back in March. (It only took me four years to figure out.) But I've started to realize that I own a lot of stuff that I never use. My goal until I go to scout camp is to go through everything at my parents' house. Of course I will only actually be home for three of the next six weeks. However, it will keep me busy.

The thing I tend to do towards the end of the year is remember all of my good times. It's like experiencing everything over again. It's amazing how much will change in the course of a year and boy have I learned a lot this year! I've met so many people and also realized who people really were - for the good and the bad. Next year I will be student teaching. I won't hardly be on campus. Talk about crazy! I'm sure I will post all of my amazing stories from teaching high school, though. Like today! The student teacher at Logan High - her name is Jerusha. Well, she found a stray cat and brought it to school! O.O So all of the kids wanted to love the cat. They tried to come up with a million different names while trying to find it a good home. They asked Mr. Stowell if it could be the band cat, but he said, "No!" Haha. I wish I could have seen his face. :)

(For all of you voting on my poll, let's just say, "Cat's are better than dogs!")

So that is my random story of the day. Cats at Logan High. At least it was really friendly. Just wait until you hear the stories from scout camp! Wow, those kids are crazy!

The Color Pink

So my whole career as the USU's band office manager has been amazing. I've learned so much as I've worked for Dr. Rohrer. I've learned everything from repetoire to politics. Not only that, but I have met so many awesome people! I've gotten to know several band directors in Utah and a couple of band directors at universities. Working in the band office has been a great experience and I'm really going to miss working there in a couple of weeks. But I know it is time to move on. :)

Well, as the manager I make a lot of copies, whether it's assignments, handouts, music, you name it. Several times I have to make colored copies, but I can never do anything in the color pink. EVER. Dr. Rohrer seriously hates the color. So if I'm doing anything for the bands, or for him, that color is out of the question. Everytime I get to make a colored copy of my choice I always ask to do pink. Haha. Dr. Rohrer just laughs. So today he asks me to copy a flag handbook for class tomorrow and the cover is supposed to be a color. As always, I say, "Any color but pink, right?"

But this time he said, "Actually, it originally came in pink, so why don't you just do it in pink."

Wow! I was so amazed! I was like, "Really?"

He said, "This better have made your day." Of course he was smiling. :)

Man did it ever make my day! And boy are they pink. It's pretty awesome. I can't wait to see his face tomorrow. :D So now I feel like my goal has been accomplished. I can now leave the band office in peace knowing I did get to copy one thing for Dr. Rohrer in pink. *Sighes*

My First Blog!

Hello everyone!

I finally decided to join the world of blogging. It's kind of exciting. I guess it is a good way to inform the world of my life. Although, I don't know if the world is really ready to handle me. Lol. Guess we'll find out.

More to come later. Right now I need to do some homework. :)

PS The quote I used for the title of my blog I heard from my good friend. I thought it just fit, me being as optimistic as I am. ^^