Bad Day

Today was honestly the worst day I have had in so long! First off I have been alone in my apartment since Friday. It is Spring Break for USU so all of my roommates left. I figured no big deal, right? I would just be alone for a few days, but I would be working and getting stuff done. Wrong! I have slowly been going insane on these long, lonely days. So today I woke up to get ready for school. I was teaching down at Mountain Crest for a high school science class today. I got ready and attempted to do my hair. That was the first thing that went wrong. I just got my hair cut and I am experimenting with a new style that I love, but of course my hair wouldn't cooperate. I gave up quickly because I didn't have time to try anything new anyway. Then I tried to get something together for lunch and honestly, nothing sounded appealing. I knew if I didn't take something I would regret it so I suffered for a hot pocket. At 7a.m. I walked out the door into a white blizzard. I knew it had been snowing from last night so I looked anxiously at my car. Yeah, a foot of snow was covering it! Gah! I thought, alright, it's alright, I don't have to be at school until 7:47a.m. (Who puts that for a starting time?) Well, there I am wading through a foot of snow on the ground and I am in heels. It took me ten minutes to clear off my car. Finally I make it out of my parking lot. Well, I knew I needed to get out to Hyrum the quickest way possible and me, being not very bright this morning, decided to drive down a steep hill. I almost killed myself! I couldn't control my car and I couldn't brake. Thankfully I did manage to stay fairly straight, although I did run the stop sign. No damage done. Thank goodness! I was a little shaken up. I took the rest of the drive slow. I didn't make it out to Mountain Crest and park until 8a.m. So I am late, but I figured it was to be expected. Teaching was easy. No lesson plan had been left for me so my classes watched a movie about killer whales. The movie was really good the first time I watched it, but I had to watch it three times. I finished one book and started another, but I was going crazy. I longed to have a conversation with someone, or at least sleep. Oh well. I survived the day. When I walked out to my car again I discovered another foot of snow had deposited itself on my vehicle. At this point all I wanted to do was go home and get warm, even if I wasn't going to be around anyone. I spent another ten minutes sweeping my car clean then another ten as I waited for anyone to let me out of the parking lot. No one would let me in! I was so frustrated. Finally, I made it home. The rest of the day hasn't been too bad. I did get my hair to cooperate with me. At least tomorrow and Wednesday won't be so bad. On a positive note I got my temple recommend renewed yesterday. I am way excited! I hope I can go to the temple on Wednesday! Woot! That's the update. I leave for my cruise on Friday so no one will here from me until I get back. Don't worry, I'll post lots of pictures. :D 'Till then!

Rascal Flatts in Concert!

The event of the week was my first concert EVER! Of course I have always gone to band and orchestra concerts, but never a rock concert - even though Rascal Flatts is a country band. The concert was amazing though! My friend Jessica and I got tickets and after having dinner at Apollo Burger we headed to the Energy Solutions Arena on Trax. We were pretty excited. It didn't take long to reach our destination. We stepped off the light-rail into an atmosphere of excitement. People were milling around outside, taking pictures or trying to get into the building. A radio station was broadcasting outside and some girls were attempting to sing-along with a Rascal Flatts - they didn't sound so great... Jessica and I hurried inside where they scanned our tickets. It didn't take us long to find our seats - Section 21, Row 20, Seats 7 & 8. Not too bad. I was hoping for the floor, but oh well. Then we decided to wander around. I was ecstatic, I really wanted some souvenoir to remember the concert by. Of course the line for merchandise was long, but we decided it would be better to buy something before the concert rather than afterwards. Everything was so expensive though! I wanted a sweatshirt, but it was $50. Instead I got a strawhat. It looks really cute though.

By the time we made it back to our seats Jessica Simpson had already started her opening act. To my surprise she was really good. She had a great voice and I wouldn't mind having some of her music. I think country suits her well. I couldn't believe how loud the band was, though. I couldn't really make out the lyrics to some of the songs, but it could be because I didn't know the songs. Regardless, it was a good opening. It was really weird seeing a celebrity live. :)

Once Jessica Simpson was done performing the stage crew came out to get ready for RASCAL FLATTS! The stage was set up with the band at the back and then platforms all around the floor. Techies came out and climbed up and down from the lights to the stage on long rope ladders. It looked pretty cool, although I would probably be terrified. It took the crew about 15 minutes to get everything set up. Jessica and I just goofed around with our cameras. I was giddy with excitement.

Finally everthing went dark and an image of huge redwood trees showed on the screens in the back. After waiting for a while - in all reality it was probably only 30 seconds - I started getting anxious. I looked all around the arena, trying to figure out when everything was going to start when a shooting star started falling on the screen. I was so fascinated as it came closer and closer, until suddenly it exploded on stage! I must have jumped a mile high. Then everything was revealed and there was Rascal Flatts!

It was so amazing! Everyone started screaming and cheering and singing all at once. I was surprised how good they sounded. Seriously, they sounded just like their albums. The guitar riffs and drumset were ridiculously good. They even had someone playing the electric violin. I sang along to almost everything, although there were a few songs I didn't know that well. :) The sound balance seemed a lot better for Rascal Flatts, even though everything was still so loud! Again, the concert was awesome. They did a little improv thing in the middle, while things were getting set up, about girls walking around in mini skirts and high heels. And they gave the advice to not get offended if you choose to wear that get-up because every male is going to look at you. It was pretty funny.

I noticed they were always changing guitars. They were all so gorgeous. I remember one was an electric guitar in brilliant blue with a silver pick guard. Another was warm yellow and red. But enough about the guitars. At the end Rascal Flatts said thank you to everyone and introduced those playing in their band. A lot of people must have thought the concert was over because people started heading out. Jessica and I stuck around. I didn't know if anything else was going to happen. Everyone was cheering as loud as they could. Then, all of a sudden, the lights on the stage came back on and Rascal Flatts were back out singing! Confetti exploded from the stage and balloons fell from the ceiling. Everyone started screaming again. After a couple more songs they said goodnight.

Jessica and I had so much fun at the concert. She told me she didn't know if it was more fun to watch the concert or to watch me. Haha. It was worth every penny and I recommend them to anyone. They are so great! "Good night, y'all!"

Resolutions and Love?

Alright, so I'm not really in love. I'm not even dating anyone, but I figured it would be a good title for New Year's and Valentine's Day. :) Let's start with New Year's. I made one resolution and I've thought about others, although I haven't come up with anything. Anyway, my resolution is to run a marathon! I'm so excited! I officially registered for the Salt Lake City Marathon on April 18th. I've been running consistently since the beginning of the year. I found a 16 week training plan about 4 weeks ago. It's got me training pretty hard, right now I am on week 8. Half way there! Sometimes it is hard to get out and go running, especially if it is poor weather and I'm forced to run on a treadmill. :P However, my muscles are growing stronger and stronger. Starting next week I won't run anything less than 5 miles. I never run more than two days in a row and my long runs are always Saturday, to help prep me for the big day. It is so amazing to run. Some days I feel like I could go on running forever.

Now for Valentine's Day. Mostly I just hung out with my roommate Megan. The night before we decided to go on a crazy "roadtrip" starting in Logan and making our way North. We always took the back roads and at first we really didn't know what we were doing, but slowly our trip had a purpose. If we ever saw something interesting - like an old car, or a bell - we would park then jump out of the car and take some pictures. Then we would always take a picture by the "Welcome to (insert random town here)" signs. It was awesome! I'll post pics soon. :) We ended up in Trenton and Clifton, even all the way up to Swan Lake and Downey! So crazy! Some towns didn't have a sign, but we tried to take a picture to remember the town by. All-in-all we spent over three hours driving around. I can't wait to do it again!

Right now my day consists of me subbing somewhere in Cache Valley. I'll sub K-12 and let me tell you, some of those kids are crazy! I always learn something. I'm definitely learning where my boundaries are and how I want to handle my own classroom. It's a pretty relaxing job. More than half the time I get paid to read a book. I usually end up finishing a book a day. It's great! This week I have been subbing for a 7th grade science class, but they already have a student teacher so I really don't have to do ANYTHING. It's actually kind of nice. I don't feel too unproductive cause I am making money. Today I found myself longing for my own classroom though. Hopefully that happens soon. :)

Well, that's my life for the moment. I have made a goal to post something weekly so it won't be so long inbetween posts again. Later!

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. :)