Okay, so some updates.
1. My beloved Bronco is pretty much toast. The transmission is just about to go, and when it goes, that's the end. I've already spent a lot of time crying over it. Right now I'm driving what I not-so-affectionately refer to as 'the Death Trap,' which was generously lent to me by my grandparents. It's a tiny little piece of crap truck that I don't really fit in (neither does Chris); it's loud, has the worst windshield wipers on the face of the earth, and let's not even mention the brakes that squeak so loud that people five blocks away know when I'm home. Sigh. My parents decided I should get a 'new' car, and that process has been EXTREMELY stressful and frustrating, and has been put off a lot by another lovely development in my life, which brings us to...
2. My mom has cancer. I don't remember the whole scientific-y name for it, but it's a rare subcategory of non-Hodgkins lymphoma that is (thank the Lord) extremely treatable, dare we say "curable." She has a pretty big tumor in her chest that has the consistency of cotton candy and it's growing pretty rapidly, so the doctors think that chemo will be very effective. (That's something I learned - chemo affects the fastest-growing cells in the body, which is why you lose your hair.) I'm hoping so, because she's suffering a lot. The tumor has paralyzed one of her vocal chords which has made it so her throat can't close, which means she coughs a lot because of the mucous running down her trachea. It's awful. She also has to sleep with oxygen because her left lung is at about 50% capacity and she's short of breath a lot. She also can't really eat much because of the vocal chord thing (plus the tumor is pushing on her throat too) so she's always hungry. Plus she itches, all the time, which is just kind of like adding insult to injury. It's really frustrating for me because it's not something I can go beat up for messing with my mom. But she's the strongest woman I know and she'll beat this thing right outta the ballpark.
3. Not that it was going to happen anytime soon, but now this means that for sure there will be no wedding in 2012. My mom said we can't get married until she has hair, which I'm completely okay with. My mother's streak of vanity runs in me as well, and I know that she would hate being bald in her baby girl's wedding pictures - and I wouldn't exactly be the biggest fan of it either. Short hair, I can handle. It can be like, "Oh, look at how great my mom looks after kicking cancer's ass!" rather than, "Well here's my mom in the middle of chemo, something we don't really like remembering." Okay, okay, so I'm sure that by reading that you're assuming that things are going really well with Chris, and you are 100% right. He is so fantastic and wonderful and I just... mmm! I love him! We spent the weekend with my family at the cabin and it was super fun. He even won major points with my mom when he took care of my little nephew Jason (and even got him to stop crying/put him back to sleep- IT'S THE WARM HANDS). I'll admit it, watching him fawn over a baby was super adorable. Babies really aren't my thing, so it's good to know that he likes them enough to handle them when I go completely crazy and can't stand them anymore. In, you know, like, ten years. (When I off-handedly mentioned that, my mom said, "Really, you think it'll be that long?" Yes, mother, I don't want children in med school. And besides, that means you'll get a bigger time span with babies to squeeze!)
4. I think I decided to go back to school for sure. I don't know. There's just... ugh. I just. I hate college. But part of me knows I should just suck it up and do it.
5. I still need a vacation, even though I haven't really done much in the past... three months... Sigh.
I'm so stressed out that my period is late again, which is stressing me out even more. (Not that I have any reason to stress over that, I just don't like it when my body isn't doing what it's supposed to. Which is actually does a lot...)
Showing posts with label BYU. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BYU. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Novel.
[Warning: slightly depressing novel of a post.]
You know those times when there's a truth that you're fully aware of, and acknowledge publicly... and then someone else acknowledges it publicly and it's like they punched you in the stomach?
... yeah.
I'm aware I'm not that great at Quidditch. Really. I'm aware. It's not a big deal.
But you don't have to shove it in my face. Really. You don't.
I know I shouldn't let other people's opinions/thoughts/feelings/words/actions get in the way of me enjoying my life. But, unfortunately for me, I tend to get offended a little more easily than I'd like. I take things personally. Little things, even offhand comments, get under my skin and eat away at me for days.
It. Drives. Me. In. Sane. (Yes, I know that's only one word.)
I have the potential to be an awesome Quidditch player. I have the bone structure to be hella fast. I have a super accurate arm, and I can throw DAMN hard when I'm "on."
But you know what?
I'M LAZY.
It's so bad. It drives me crazy. It drove my coaches crazy, in high school and in what I call 'pre-college.'
I know that fulfilling my potential is going to be hard. And, unfortunately for me, I don't like doing hard things. I don't like working out. I hate working out. Gross.
You wanna know how much Chris works out?
Never.
I'm jealous.
Now, granted, I do have a couple of things that he doesn't. I'm faster than he is. (No, really, I am. Even in Toms.) I could probably juke the kid straight out of his shoes if I tried.
BUT FOR SOME REASON,
there's this mental block.
I can't take a hit.
If my ankle starts to roll, I immediately scale it back.
I can never seem to give it 100%.
Now this... this is not because I'm lazy.
Many times Chris and I have talked about how my inability to 'play with reckless abandon' boils down to injury. He has never suffered a major injury. He ended his collegiate athletic career by choice. Mine was ended for me, when my hamstring nearly snapped in half.
You didn't know that, did you?
July 17, 2008. Probably the worst day of my entire life.
It was the last day of BYU track camp. I had been working pretty closely all week with 'Coach Z' and the head coach, Mark Robison, on my possible future high jumping for BYU T&F. We were having a mock meet that day, and it was my goal to jump 5'2". If I could get this, then over the next 10 months I'd work with my own track coach and the coaches at BYU to try and get second at the State meet in May, (there was this girl named Lauren who set the state record for high jumping... at the Region meet my junior year - her freshman year - she jumped 5'10". To think I could beat her was laughable. I mean, one of the main points of a goal is that is be reasonable, right?) and then I'd get "officially" offered a spot on the team.
I'd been jumping like a champ all week, especially considering how I hadn't worked out a lick since State. I was so stoked to show my stuff.
I opted to start at 4'6". It was the highest I'd ever started at, but I was feeling pretty confident.
My first attempt... something went wrong. My leg did not work the way it was supposed to, and I didn't even clear the bar. I lay on the mat for a second, pissed. I had NEVER not cleared my starting height on the first attempt. Then I realized that my leg sort of... twinged... kind of painfully. My heart sank into my stomach. 'Crap,' I thought. 'I know that feeling.' But I hopped off the mat and walked as normally as I could back to where the other jumpers were.
My second attempt was even worse, and as I lay on the mat that time, I knew something was definitely wrong with my leg. This time I got off the mat more quickly, because I was super pissed now. Mostly, I think, because I could almost feel my dreams slipping through my fingers, and there was nothing I could do.
Coach Z came up to me. She saw me grimace as I got off the mat and walked back to the other jumpers, this time with a noticeable limp. "Are you okay?" she asked. She had this fantastic Brazilian accent, and it was tinged with genuine concern. "I don't know what's wrong. I'm better than this," I said, fighting to keep my temper in check. 'Stay classy,' I kept thinking to myself. "Do you want to go to the trainer?" "No, I'm okay, let me take my last attempt, I should be fine."
I wasn't. My third attempt was the ugliest. I wish I could say that you could hear an audible snap from my poor hamstring as it gave way (mostly), but you couldn't. You could just hear my body crashing through the bar and my whimper of pain as I lay on the mat, unwilling to move both out of pain and shame. I rolled to the side, sat up, and slid to the ground to discover that my left leg refused to hold my weight. I closed my eyes as they welled up with tears, partly out of pain but mostly out of disappointment. My college track career was over before it had even started.
I literally hopped to the trainer's cart and said quietly, "Um, something's wrong with my leg." The trainer asked questions and with gentle hands examined my leg. "Well," she finally said, "it looks like you've torn or at the very least badly pulled your hamstring." I closed my eyes as fresh tears came. 'Be strong, Jen. Be classy,' I willed myself. "I can wrap it for you to keep it mostly immobile, but you'll need to go see a specialist as soon as you can so they can do some more diagnostics." I nodded, eyes still closed, biting my lip, and she quickly wrapped my leg. When she finished she said, "sit here for a minute, I need to go grab you some paperwork." I did as asked without a word, and sat, sipping on some water, and trying (at that point, mostly successfully) to stem the flow of tears. Then I heard that voice I knew so well. "Well, what is wrong with you?" Coach Z asked. My face contorted into an ugly frown as I tried not to cry again. "My hamstring," I choked, "is torn." Coach Z's face was unchanged. "Well that's okay, you will get better, and you will come jump for me!" "But it's my jumping leg..." "So? It will heal!" I looked up at her, admiring her for her optimism, but I could see in her eyes that she knew what I knew - it was over.
Then Coach Robison came over. He put his hand on my shoulder, which he had done a lot. I adored Coach Robison. My eyes welled up again. "So, what's up?" he asked. "It's over," I said, trying not to blubber like an idiot. "My hamstring is torn." He frowned. "Ah, Jen, I'm so sorry. It's not over though. You can recover, and we'll still be happy to have you. If it takes longer to rehab, you're welcome to walk on. "
'You're welcome to walk on.' I knew he said those words to comfort me, but to me it just felt like death.
And, in a way, it was. State track the following year was a joke. After ten months of rehab, several months of the hardest work I've ever done, and the worst track season I've ever encountered, I didn't even qualify for the meet. I came as close as I possibly could have. I took fifth at Region, the top four automatically went to State. I jumped 4'10", the qualifying height was 5'. My team was thrilled that my fifth-place finish bumped our team to second place at Region; to me, it just felt like my life was mocking me.
Since then, I have to say I pretty much just quit. What was the point in working my butt off for my dreams if my hamstring was just going to tear at a crucial moment? They say 'no pain, no gain,' but I had plenty of pain, and jack squat to show for it.
So now, there's Quidditch. I love it, almost more than I loved track. It's exhilarating, fun, exciting, and probably one of the best things to happen in my life.
But I can't "leave it all on the pitch." I can't sink into that low position and run into that 200 pound guy running towards me with the Quaffle. What if I break a collarbone? What if I twist an ankle? What if I get knocked out when I get slammed to the ground? I am so utterly terrified of a repeat of what I called "The Great Hamstring Disaster" that I can't bring myself to be reckless.
I often think that if I were at my physical 'peak,' I would be a lot less afraid of getting hurt. I'm not alone in thinking this. But I don't know if I can get there.
Sometimes, I wish I could just take my brain, and shut it off. Well, the thinking part. The doing part, the reacting part, the 'catch the Quaffle when it's three inches from your face without even looking at it' part... those parts can stay.
For now, I just have to keep on keepin' on... and pretend like I don't care that I'm not the best girl chaser in the West.
You know those times when there's a truth that you're fully aware of, and acknowledge publicly... and then someone else acknowledges it publicly and it's like they punched you in the stomach?
... yeah.
I'm aware I'm not that great at Quidditch. Really. I'm aware. It's not a big deal.
But you don't have to shove it in my face. Really. You don't.
I know I shouldn't let other people's opinions/thoughts/feelings/words/actions get in the way of me enjoying my life. But, unfortunately for me, I tend to get offended a little more easily than I'd like. I take things personally. Little things, even offhand comments, get under my skin and eat away at me for days.
It. Drives. Me. In. Sane. (Yes, I know that's only one word.)
I have the potential to be an awesome Quidditch player. I have the bone structure to be hella fast. I have a super accurate arm, and I can throw DAMN hard when I'm "on."
But you know what?
I'M LAZY.
It's so bad. It drives me crazy. It drove my coaches crazy, in high school and in what I call 'pre-college.'
I know that fulfilling my potential is going to be hard. And, unfortunately for me, I don't like doing hard things. I don't like working out. I hate working out. Gross.
You wanna know how much Chris works out?
Never.
I'm jealous.
Now, granted, I do have a couple of things that he doesn't. I'm faster than he is. (No, really, I am. Even in Toms.) I could probably juke the kid straight out of his shoes if I tried.
BUT FOR SOME REASON,
there's this mental block.
I can't take a hit.
If my ankle starts to roll, I immediately scale it back.
I can never seem to give it 100%.
Now this... this is not because I'm lazy.
Many times Chris and I have talked about how my inability to 'play with reckless abandon' boils down to injury. He has never suffered a major injury. He ended his collegiate athletic career by choice. Mine was ended for me, when my hamstring nearly snapped in half.
You didn't know that, did you?
July 17, 2008. Probably the worst day of my entire life.
It was the last day of BYU track camp. I had been working pretty closely all week with 'Coach Z' and the head coach, Mark Robison, on my possible future high jumping for BYU T&F. We were having a mock meet that day, and it was my goal to jump 5'2". If I could get this, then over the next 10 months I'd work with my own track coach and the coaches at BYU to try and get second at the State meet in May, (there was this girl named Lauren who set the state record for high jumping... at the Region meet my junior year - her freshman year - she jumped 5'10". To think I could beat her was laughable. I mean, one of the main points of a goal is that is be reasonable, right?) and then I'd get "officially" offered a spot on the team.
I'd been jumping like a champ all week, especially considering how I hadn't worked out a lick since State. I was so stoked to show my stuff.
I opted to start at 4'6". It was the highest I'd ever started at, but I was feeling pretty confident.
My first attempt... something went wrong. My leg did not work the way it was supposed to, and I didn't even clear the bar. I lay on the mat for a second, pissed. I had NEVER not cleared my starting height on the first attempt. Then I realized that my leg sort of... twinged... kind of painfully. My heart sank into my stomach. 'Crap,' I thought. 'I know that feeling.' But I hopped off the mat and walked as normally as I could back to where the other jumpers were.
My second attempt was even worse, and as I lay on the mat that time, I knew something was definitely wrong with my leg. This time I got off the mat more quickly, because I was super pissed now. Mostly, I think, because I could almost feel my dreams slipping through my fingers, and there was nothing I could do.
Coach Z came up to me. She saw me grimace as I got off the mat and walked back to the other jumpers, this time with a noticeable limp. "Are you okay?" she asked. She had this fantastic Brazilian accent, and it was tinged with genuine concern. "I don't know what's wrong. I'm better than this," I said, fighting to keep my temper in check. 'Stay classy,' I kept thinking to myself. "Do you want to go to the trainer?" "No, I'm okay, let me take my last attempt, I should be fine."
I wasn't. My third attempt was the ugliest. I wish I could say that you could hear an audible snap from my poor hamstring as it gave way (mostly), but you couldn't. You could just hear my body crashing through the bar and my whimper of pain as I lay on the mat, unwilling to move both out of pain and shame. I rolled to the side, sat up, and slid to the ground to discover that my left leg refused to hold my weight. I closed my eyes as they welled up with tears, partly out of pain but mostly out of disappointment. My college track career was over before it had even started.
I literally hopped to the trainer's cart and said quietly, "Um, something's wrong with my leg." The trainer asked questions and with gentle hands examined my leg. "Well," she finally said, "it looks like you've torn or at the very least badly pulled your hamstring." I closed my eyes as fresh tears came. 'Be strong, Jen. Be classy,' I willed myself. "I can wrap it for you to keep it mostly immobile, but you'll need to go see a specialist as soon as you can so they can do some more diagnostics." I nodded, eyes still closed, biting my lip, and she quickly wrapped my leg. When she finished she said, "sit here for a minute, I need to go grab you some paperwork." I did as asked without a word, and sat, sipping on some water, and trying (at that point, mostly successfully) to stem the flow of tears. Then I heard that voice I knew so well. "Well, what is wrong with you?" Coach Z asked. My face contorted into an ugly frown as I tried not to cry again. "My hamstring," I choked, "is torn." Coach Z's face was unchanged. "Well that's okay, you will get better, and you will come jump for me!" "But it's my jumping leg..." "So? It will heal!" I looked up at her, admiring her for her optimism, but I could see in her eyes that she knew what I knew - it was over.
Then Coach Robison came over. He put his hand on my shoulder, which he had done a lot. I adored Coach Robison. My eyes welled up again. "So, what's up?" he asked. "It's over," I said, trying not to blubber like an idiot. "My hamstring is torn." He frowned. "Ah, Jen, I'm so sorry. It's not over though. You can recover, and we'll still be happy to have you. If it takes longer to rehab, you're welcome to walk on. "
'You're welcome to walk on.' I knew he said those words to comfort me, but to me it just felt like death.
And, in a way, it was. State track the following year was a joke. After ten months of rehab, several months of the hardest work I've ever done, and the worst track season I've ever encountered, I didn't even qualify for the meet. I came as close as I possibly could have. I took fifth at Region, the top four automatically went to State. I jumped 4'10", the qualifying height was 5'. My team was thrilled that my fifth-place finish bumped our team to second place at Region; to me, it just felt like my life was mocking me.
Since then, I have to say I pretty much just quit. What was the point in working my butt off for my dreams if my hamstring was just going to tear at a crucial moment? They say 'no pain, no gain,' but I had plenty of pain, and jack squat to show for it.
So now, there's Quidditch. I love it, almost more than I loved track. It's exhilarating, fun, exciting, and probably one of the best things to happen in my life.
But I can't "leave it all on the pitch." I can't sink into that low position and run into that 200 pound guy running towards me with the Quaffle. What if I break a collarbone? What if I twist an ankle? What if I get knocked out when I get slammed to the ground? I am so utterly terrified of a repeat of what I called "The Great Hamstring Disaster" that I can't bring myself to be reckless.
I often think that if I were at my physical 'peak,' I would be a lot less afraid of getting hurt. I'm not alone in thinking this. But I don't know if I can get there.
Sometimes, I wish I could just take my brain, and shut it off. Well, the thinking part. The doing part, the reacting part, the 'catch the Quaffle when it's three inches from your face without even looking at it' part... those parts can stay.
For now, I just have to keep on keepin' on... and pretend like I don't care that I'm not the best girl chaser in the West.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Quidditch.
So today my mom asked me how the Snow Cup went, and I told her it was legitimately the best weekend of my life. Why? Okay, I'll tell you.
1. Finally getting to meet some of the greatest people I have EVER known in my entire life. Seriously, the morning of, running up to everyone and hugging them? BEST. THING. EVER. (Zach wins though, seriously. I said his name and we legitimately ran and jumped into each others' arms and stayed there for at least a full minute. I love him SO MUCH.)
2. Winning our first-ever Quidditch match. Seriously. I'm not sure I've ever been so thrilled in my entire life.
3. Crash course in goal reffing fifteen seconds before the match started.
4. Picking Kevin (SupaKev) up at the airport.
5. Talking about Quiddich ALL DAY LONG. And all night long.
6. Not gonna lie, meeting Alex Benepe was awesome.
7. Watching my team have the time of their lives. I was worried half of them would quit. Now I legitimately can't wait for Western Cup with them. And everyone else. WESTERN CUP.
8. Putting up a couple of really great hits on some UNC chasers. Man those felt good. (Nothing personal guys.)
9. Scoring my first-ever goal against Auxkas. I felt like such a beast.
10. (Sorry guys, mush time.) Watching my ridiculously sexy boyfriend play Quidditch. YUM.
11. Being so sore that moving was a long and arduous process for the next two days, and being completely happy about it.
12. Spending a good chunk of time and money on those legit brooms, and hearing people talk about how awesome they were.
14. Wearing my muddy jersey to school on Monday and getting the weirdest looks ever.
15. Reading the article about us in our school paper. We're so cool.
16. Having Zach tell me I'm actually good at Quidditch. And believing him.
17. Lillian.
18. TRADING CARDS.
19. Yelling myself completely hoarse being that obnoxiously passionate captain on the sidelines.
20. QUIDDITCH. QUIDDITCH. QUIDDITCH.
1. Finally getting to meet some of the greatest people I have EVER known in my entire life. Seriously, the morning of, running up to everyone and hugging them? BEST. THING. EVER. (Zach wins though, seriously. I said his name and we legitimately ran and jumped into each others' arms and stayed there for at least a full minute. I love him SO MUCH.)
2. Winning our first-ever Quidditch match. Seriously. I'm not sure I've ever been so thrilled in my entire life.
3. Crash course in goal reffing fifteen seconds before the match started.
4. Picking Kevin (SupaKev) up at the airport.
5. Talking about Quiddich ALL DAY LONG. And all night long.
6. Not gonna lie, meeting Alex Benepe was awesome.
7. Watching my team have the time of their lives. I was worried half of them would quit. Now I legitimately can't wait for Western Cup with them. And everyone else. WESTERN CUP.
8. Putting up a couple of really great hits on some UNC chasers. Man those felt good. (Nothing personal guys.)
9. Scoring my first-ever goal against Auxkas. I felt like such a beast.
10. (Sorry guys, mush time.) Watching my ridiculously sexy boyfriend play Quidditch. YUM.
11. Being so sore that moving was a long and arduous process for the next two days, and being completely happy about it.
12. Spending a good chunk of time and money on those legit brooms, and hearing people talk about how awesome they were.
14. Wearing my muddy jersey to school on Monday and getting the weirdest looks ever.
15. Reading the article about us in our school paper. We're so cool.
16. Having Zach tell me I'm actually good at Quidditch. And believing him.
17. Lillian.
18. TRADING CARDS.
19. Yelling myself completely hoarse being that obnoxiously passionate captain on the sidelines.
20. QUIDDITCH. QUIDDITCH. QUIDDITCH.
(This worked better on Facebook when I could tag everyone I love SO DEARLY.)
Anyway, to sum up the Snow Cup, we won our first game, and our last game, both against UNC (they went 0-5, poor guys). The Crimson Fliers won the whole thing, with good reason. They are incredible. If you want to watch some good Quidditch, watch the Fliers. They play a very beautiful Quidditch match. Watching Chris play Quidditch turns me on more than looking at pictures of him play baseball. GOSSSSSHHH he is so hot.
But yeah. My team actually did incredibly well. I'm so proud of them/us, and so many people told me how impressed they were by us, both on and off the field. That is always so nice to hear, especially as a captain.
One more little gooey-ness before I head to bed. This weekend just showed me even more clearly why I love Chris SO MUCH. Yeah, yeah, he's good at Quidditch and he's extremely good looking and such, but he's also way smart, super dedicated, and so, so classy. He would ceaselessly give credit to his team, and most of his hard work (especially on the brooms) went completely unnoticed and he didn't even care. I would say that I'm sorry ladies, because I am a little sorry that you are all missing out, but seriously I'm not all that sorry, he is so wonderful and I feel so lucky. I am still a little mystified as to why on earth he's dating me... But I guess I DO look pretty hot in my Quidditch uniform... ;)
And one last thing... Chris texted me "Wanngoballwime?" 25 minutes before the dance started... OBVIOUSLY I said yes. Silly, silly, adorable boy. (He looked so freaking handsome. It was not fair.)
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving.
I'm exhausted. Part of this is because I was 'Skyping' Chris until like 1 am (my time, I'm not a very nice girlfriend) and then woke up at like 9 for family breakfast. Plus I ate tons of turkey. Not really helpful.
Today was great though. Skyrim, college football, beach, body boarding (caught some SICK waves), hot tub, beach football, and lots of delicious food. Mmmmmm.
So, it's a little cliche, but here's a list of things I'm grateful for, the important stuff at the top but not in any particular order.
I am grateful for Chris. Not only does he make me happy, but he makes me feel important/wanted/needed/desirable. He has restored my faith in finding a guy as diverse as I am. Even when he posts things on Facebook that make me mildly unhappy, I'm still pretty crazy about him. I'm thankful that he cares enough about me to help me work through my insecurities and get to a place where I can accept compliments and believe him when he tells me he loves me. (He hasn't yet, and it'll be awhile. That's fine. But it's probably going to happen eventually.) I'm grateful that I found him, and most especially grateful that he cares about me as much as I care about him.
I am (obviously) grateful for my family. Even when they drive me crazy, I still love them. I've interacted with enough people in the universe to be very glad that I have as good of a family dynamic as I do. I love them, they love me, and even when tempers run high, things never go terribly awry.
I am grateful for my unendingly forgiving parents. I know I stress them out, and yet they still love me without pause.
I am grateful for my (admittedly very few) true and lasting friends. Scooley, Bruce, Christel...
I am grateful for my wonderful roommates.
I'm definitely grateful for all of my friends, old and new. I could list them, but that would seem... lame.
I'm grateful for my coworkers and classmates, who make my days brighter.
I'm grateful for the technology that allows me to communicate with the people I love even when I can't be with them. Texting, Gchat, Facebook.
I'm grateful that I've been provided with a car that allows me to go wherever I want to go, whenever I want - yes, most specifically Salt Lake, but also my work.
I'm super grateful that I have a (mostly) perfect body. I may not take the best care of it, but it does pretty much everything I ask of it, and most of that it does very well. Harder, better, faster, stronger - that will come with time.
I'm grateful for Hannah's mission. If she hadn't gone, I never would've met Chris, and even if I had somehow, he probably would've been married to her. I owe her the best guy I've ever dated.
I'm grateful for my passion. Without it, I never would've made it to where I am.
I'm grateful for the Gospel, the Church, and BYU. I don't think I need to go into any sort of detail on this.
I'm grateful that I've never had the misfortune of getting rejected from a job that I truly, legitimately wanted. I've always had wonderful employers, and they have always been gracious enough to give me jobs when I wanted them. Jim, Gardner, Jerry - thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will love you men forever.
I'm grateful for snow. It makes me happy, and has provided me with what I hope will be a fantastic job, as well as a lifelong passion.
I'm grateful to live in Utah. Some people don't much care for the state, but I am deeply in love with it. It is truly a playground!
I'm grateful for music. How boring life would be without it! Music says what I need when words escape me.
I'm grateful for perspective.
I'm super grateful to you, the readers of my blog! Even though this blog is pretty much completely for myself, I love knowing that you enjoy it.
I'm grateful that today isn't the only day I can express gratitude for all that I've been blessed with, because one day is not enough!
So, in the spirit of this lovely day, what are YOU grateful for?
Today was great though. Skyrim, college football, beach, body boarding (caught some SICK waves), hot tub, beach football, and lots of delicious food. Mmmmmm.
So, it's a little cliche, but here's a list of things I'm grateful for, the important stuff at the top but not in any particular order.
I am grateful for Chris. Not only does he make me happy, but he makes me feel important/wanted/needed/desirable. He has restored my faith in finding a guy as diverse as I am. Even when he posts things on Facebook that make me mildly unhappy, I'm still pretty crazy about him. I'm thankful that he cares enough about me to help me work through my insecurities and get to a place where I can accept compliments and believe him when he tells me he loves me. (He hasn't yet, and it'll be awhile. That's fine. But it's probably going to happen eventually.) I'm grateful that I found him, and most especially grateful that he cares about me as much as I care about him.
I am (obviously) grateful for my family. Even when they drive me crazy, I still love them. I've interacted with enough people in the universe to be very glad that I have as good of a family dynamic as I do. I love them, they love me, and even when tempers run high, things never go terribly awry.
I am grateful for my unendingly forgiving parents. I know I stress them out, and yet they still love me without pause.
I am grateful for my (admittedly very few) true and lasting friends. Scooley, Bruce, Christel...
I am grateful for my wonderful roommates.
I'm definitely grateful for all of my friends, old and new. I could list them, but that would seem... lame.
I'm grateful for my coworkers and classmates, who make my days brighter.
I'm grateful for the technology that allows me to communicate with the people I love even when I can't be with them. Texting, Gchat, Facebook.
I'm grateful that I've been provided with a car that allows me to go wherever I want to go, whenever I want - yes, most specifically Salt Lake, but also my work.
I'm super grateful that I have a (mostly) perfect body. I may not take the best care of it, but it does pretty much everything I ask of it, and most of that it does very well. Harder, better, faster, stronger - that will come with time.
I'm grateful for Hannah's mission. If she hadn't gone, I never would've met Chris, and even if I had somehow, he probably would've been married to her. I owe her the best guy I've ever dated.
I'm grateful for my passion. Without it, I never would've made it to where I am.
I'm grateful for the Gospel, the Church, and BYU. I don't think I need to go into any sort of detail on this.
I'm grateful that I've never had the misfortune of getting rejected from a job that I truly, legitimately wanted. I've always had wonderful employers, and they have always been gracious enough to give me jobs when I wanted them. Jim, Gardner, Jerry - thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will love you men forever.
I'm grateful for snow. It makes me happy, and has provided me with what I hope will be a fantastic job, as well as a lifelong passion.
I'm grateful to live in Utah. Some people don't much care for the state, but I am deeply in love with it. It is truly a playground!
I'm grateful for music. How boring life would be without it! Music says what I need when words escape me.
I'm grateful for perspective.
I'm super grateful to you, the readers of my blog! Even though this blog is pretty much completely for myself, I love knowing that you enjoy it.
I'm grateful that today isn't the only day I can express gratitude for all that I've been blessed with, because one day is not enough!
So, in the spirit of this lovely day, what are YOU grateful for?
Monday, November 21, 2011
Recap.
Okay, so guess what I did yesterday?? I won't tell you though. But guess anyway. so a guy named jingle heimer schmidt came to my work today and made me laugh so hard I almost kicked a stool over which almost hit him and caused a gigantic raucous with my co-worker I call morten butkis. But really, I am so cool I dont know what to do with myself. any ideas? maybe I should move to china. Anyway, back to reality, my long lost friend gina seymour chinamen came over and ate at my apt. It was so fun to catch up and remember the good old times at our old all boy boarding school. good times. I want to buy a bike but I only have about 750 euros, which we know means somewhere in the neighborhood of 2 dollars and 75 cents. i have no sense. I'm all out. Got a concussion last night, don't know why. but I do know I am cooler than the other side of the pillow. I think I want to kiss jingle heimer schmidt, but for some reason I only see him when I sing a special song. That song is a secret but guess what it is anyway and i still won't tell you. I am in love with ********. decifer that and you will know whom I love. I must go to the bathroom right now...excuse me. anyone have a match I can borrow?
.... Wait.... That was definitely one of my coworkers... Thanks a lot Chance.
And now I don't even remember what this post was really about. If you got to read it before Chance deleted it (jerk!), lucky you.
Basically, whole weekend with Chris, skiing at Brighton was great, I got the job (woot!), but lost my iTouch (sad day, I'm so bummed). BYU football did great, and Chris did great cheering for them. Baby steps. ;)
Ugh, Chance, I'm going to KILL YOU. I had so much in that post.
.... Wait.... That was definitely one of my coworkers... Thanks a lot Chance.
And now I don't even remember what this post was really about. If you got to read it before Chance deleted it (jerk!), lucky you.
Basically, whole weekend with Chris, skiing at Brighton was great, I got the job (woot!), but lost my iTouch (sad day, I'm so bummed). BYU football did great, and Chris did great cheering for them. Baby steps. ;)
Ugh, Chance, I'm going to KILL YOU. I had so much in that post.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Short.
I honestly don't have that much to say, because I'm a) exhausted, b) way too excited for this weekend, (skiing + Quidditch + Chris + BYU football... yeah, I don't have to explain ANYTHING to you) and c) about to go play Skyrim. Even though I am, yes, super exhausted. Skyrim > sleep.
An Eddie Bauer catalog came in the mail today. Man, if I could just dress like I walked out of that thing... or L.L. Bean... or Patagonia... or all of the above...
*** I had to give a little update... On the IQA Western Region's Facebook, Bear Train posted something about being mad that there weren't any pictures of them from the World Cup on the official website. I ended up commenting... pictures ended up getting found... And then Willis (the Fliers's keeper) said "Just go to the link I posted, and click on the picture twice. You might be interested in this one, in particular:
"
An Eddie Bauer catalog came in the mail today. Man, if I could just dress like I walked out of that thing... or L.L. Bean... or Patagonia... or all of the above...
*** I had to give a little update... On the IQA Western Region's Facebook, Bear Train posted something about being mad that there weren't any pictures of them from the World Cup on the official website. I ended up commenting... pictures ended up getting found... And then Willis (the Fliers's keeper) said "Just go to the link I posted, and click on the picture twice. You might be interested in this one, in particular:
"
Let's just say, I blushed SO VIOLENTLY that I'm sweating...
But what can I say? He's like... the hottest thing on the planet... Seriously...
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
100!
A hundred posts! Crazy-ness. I never thought I'd ever stick to something so well.
Another good title for this post would have been 'Airport' but seriously, the 100th blog post is something to be celebrated, at least in my case.
So, THE AIRPORT! First of all, the BYU basketball game was amazing. I sat by myself (if you know who I am, and read this blog, and go to BYU basketball games, please tell me- sitting alone happens a lot and I am not a fan) but had a great time anyway. We creamed, which was great, but we definitely weren't at the top of our game. It's okay, we didn't need to be, I'm not really that disappointed. One thing that I WAS disappointed in was the complete desertion of the Marriott Center! Seriously, only half of the seats were filled! This is the MARRIOTT CENTER, people! The fifth hardest arena to play in, in college basketball, in the country! I was extremely saddened by the lack of support for our Cougars. In the Jimmer era that would've been completely unheard of, and that was only last season! Ridiculous.
Anyway, after the game, I made a quick exit out of Provo (seriously, it was SO slick, I was amazed) and headed to the airport. I was so excited, my heart felt like it was in my throat. Blasted my Skrillex to distract myself, and that kind of worked... except that Skrillex is a mutual favorite artist, but seriously, no amount of distraction was going to work.
Finally got to the airport at 10:30. Early. Typical "I am my father's daughter" moment. Thankfully though, my iPod was fully charged, so I took full advantage of my Kindle app, and then ended up reading all of the Priesthood session talks. Go iPod. There were a couple of families there waiting for missionaries to come home, and it brought back so many great memories. I chatted with one of the elders's mom, she was so cute and excited, and I just kept telling her how wonderful of a feeling it is when you see them/hug them/take care of them again. Obviously I've never been a mother, but I know how my mom felt, and how I felt. It really is one of the best feelings in the world. I mean, I was super excited to see Chris after five days, but two years? Total trump. :) When the elders arrived, I couldn't help but sit and watch them with a big grin on my face. One of them had a little sister who was the same age I was when my brothers were coming home, and I was admittedly totally filled with love for these complete strangers. After they all left, I probably had another half hour or so to wait until Chris's flight landed. More conference talks, hurray! When it got to about ten minutes before their flights was supposed to land, I kept looking at that stupid board that just kept saying 'On Time' but never 'Arrived.' Oh my excruciating. Especially when it was fifteen minutes past when their flight was supposed to have landed...
But then I looked up and saw familiar faces. People I had never met, but would know anywhere. The MUSS shirts kind of gave them away, but honestly, I would've known the Crimson Fliers anywhere. My heart skipped about six beats before restarting at an extremely heightened rate. I stood up and started walking towards the hallway they were coming out of, and then I saw him. Yeah, my heart did a combination of swan-dive, stopping, and frenzied beating. Goodness, he was/is so ridiculously handsome. And when he looked up and saw me? The expression on his face said more than any words ever will.
I had to restrain myself from being the obnoxious squealing run-and-jump-into-his-arms girl. I wanted to do that. But I knew he wouldn't particularly appreciate that, and I didn't want to act like a 12-year-old in front of his entire team, especially after he had apparently been 'bragging' about me all weekend. (A boyfriend who likes to brag about me? And does? Often? Seriously, WHO IS THIS GUY?) So instead I just stood there grinning at him as he walked straight up to me and wrapped me in his arms. Oh, there are no words for how great that was.
THIS IS CRAZY! I have never experienced twitterpation on this level. Ever. Even one of my oldest friends, Bruce, was telling me tonight that he's never seen me like this. And he's been there through ALL of my boyfriends.
Anyway, we walked over to baggage claim, where the point was reiterated to me how much better 'arm around' is than hand holding. And the fact that Brady thinks the same thing? I don't think I have to tell you how I feel about that. I finally met the team, which made me happy, because I've been feeling like I know them for weeks now. Sly and Schau, two of the girls on the team, are super awesome. I feel like we're going to be friends. But the whole time, Brady kept his arm around me. Again, I don't think I have to tell you how I feel about that. Just standing there, waiting for his stuff, with our arms around each other, and my head on his shoulder... Overwhelming happiness, on a level I haven't ever felt before. A mixture of contentment, and giddiness, and twitterpation... Ladies and gentleman, I MIGHT be on my way to falling in love with this boy. Might.
All of their stuff finally arrived, they had a team cheer, some trash talk was exchanged, (the co-captain of BYU Quidditch is dating one of their starting chasers, how could it not?!) and we finally headed home. Chris miraculously got work off, so we figured we'd take advantage of that and chat for a bit. And we MEANT a bit. Yeah, that didn't really work. Call us crazy, but we seriously talked until the sun came up without even realizing it, until the sun actually started coming up. It was the kind of conversation where we just kept talking and talking and completely lost track of time. You might not think that's possible, and if I hadn't experienced it myself, I wouldn't either. But he gave me a play-by-play of the whole weekend, including the games they played in as well as the games they watched, including both of the Middlebury debacles. It was crazy! I've talked for hours on the phone and such before, and had conversations that lasted most of the night on the phone before, or such things with girls, but not anything like that. We just talked and talked and talked, and it didn't even feel like that long until we looked out the window and the sun was definitely rising. Ha. I had been planning on being home before one... yeah right...
Since we both had school, pretty much the only option was to go get food before I needed to head back to Provo. Ah that drive was difficult! And now I'm freaking exhausted from not sleeping at all, but it was so worth it. And I get to see him again on Friday! So excited. I'm staying at a friend's in Salt Lake so I don't have to get up at the butt crack of dawn to make it to Brighton on time for my ski tryout for Sundance! And then after that, Chris and I are going to go down to Provo for BYU Quidditch practice and the football game. And this time, I have things planned for his visit. I'm so excited, it is kind of ridiculous.
Oh, I am in trouble.
Another good title for this post would have been 'Airport' but seriously, the 100th blog post is something to be celebrated, at least in my case.
So, THE AIRPORT! First of all, the BYU basketball game was amazing. I sat by myself (if you know who I am, and read this blog, and go to BYU basketball games, please tell me- sitting alone happens a lot and I am not a fan) but had a great time anyway. We creamed, which was great, but we definitely weren't at the top of our game. It's okay, we didn't need to be, I'm not really that disappointed. One thing that I WAS disappointed in was the complete desertion of the Marriott Center! Seriously, only half of the seats were filled! This is the MARRIOTT CENTER, people! The fifth hardest arena to play in, in college basketball, in the country! I was extremely saddened by the lack of support for our Cougars. In the Jimmer era that would've been completely unheard of, and that was only last season! Ridiculous.
Anyway, after the game, I made a quick exit out of Provo (seriously, it was SO slick, I was amazed) and headed to the airport. I was so excited, my heart felt like it was in my throat. Blasted my Skrillex to distract myself, and that kind of worked... except that Skrillex is a mutual favorite artist, but seriously, no amount of distraction was going to work.
Finally got to the airport at 10:30. Early. Typical "I am my father's daughter" moment. Thankfully though, my iPod was fully charged, so I took full advantage of my Kindle app, and then ended up reading all of the Priesthood session talks. Go iPod. There were a couple of families there waiting for missionaries to come home, and it brought back so many great memories. I chatted with one of the elders's mom, she was so cute and excited, and I just kept telling her how wonderful of a feeling it is when you see them/hug them/take care of them again. Obviously I've never been a mother, but I know how my mom felt, and how I felt. It really is one of the best feelings in the world. I mean, I was super excited to see Chris after five days, but two years? Total trump. :) When the elders arrived, I couldn't help but sit and watch them with a big grin on my face. One of them had a little sister who was the same age I was when my brothers were coming home, and I was admittedly totally filled with love for these complete strangers. After they all left, I probably had another half hour or so to wait until Chris's flight landed. More conference talks, hurray! When it got to about ten minutes before their flights was supposed to land, I kept looking at that stupid board that just kept saying 'On Time' but never 'Arrived.' Oh my excruciating. Especially when it was fifteen minutes past when their flight was supposed to have landed...
But then I looked up and saw familiar faces. People I had never met, but would know anywhere. The MUSS shirts kind of gave them away, but honestly, I would've known the Crimson Fliers anywhere. My heart skipped about six beats before restarting at an extremely heightened rate. I stood up and started walking towards the hallway they were coming out of, and then I saw him. Yeah, my heart did a combination of swan-dive, stopping, and frenzied beating. Goodness, he was/is so ridiculously handsome. And when he looked up and saw me? The expression on his face said more than any words ever will.
I had to restrain myself from being the obnoxious squealing run-and-jump-into-his-arms girl. I wanted to do that. But I knew he wouldn't particularly appreciate that, and I didn't want to act like a 12-year-old in front of his entire team, especially after he had apparently been 'bragging' about me all weekend. (A boyfriend who likes to brag about me? And does? Often? Seriously, WHO IS THIS GUY?) So instead I just stood there grinning at him as he walked straight up to me and wrapped me in his arms. Oh, there are no words for how great that was.
THIS IS CRAZY! I have never experienced twitterpation on this level. Ever. Even one of my oldest friends, Bruce, was telling me tonight that he's never seen me like this. And he's been there through ALL of my boyfriends.
Anyway, we walked over to baggage claim, where the point was reiterated to me how much better 'arm around' is than hand holding. And the fact that Brady thinks the same thing? I don't think I have to tell you how I feel about that. I finally met the team, which made me happy, because I've been feeling like I know them for weeks now. Sly and Schau, two of the girls on the team, are super awesome. I feel like we're going to be friends. But the whole time, Brady kept his arm around me. Again, I don't think I have to tell you how I feel about that. Just standing there, waiting for his stuff, with our arms around each other, and my head on his shoulder... Overwhelming happiness, on a level I haven't ever felt before. A mixture of contentment, and giddiness, and twitterpation... Ladies and gentleman, I MIGHT be on my way to falling in love with this boy. Might.
All of their stuff finally arrived, they had a team cheer, some trash talk was exchanged, (the co-captain of BYU Quidditch is dating one of their starting chasers, how could it not?!) and we finally headed home. Chris miraculously got work off, so we figured we'd take advantage of that and chat for a bit. And we MEANT a bit. Yeah, that didn't really work. Call us crazy, but we seriously talked until the sun came up without even realizing it, until the sun actually started coming up. It was the kind of conversation where we just kept talking and talking and completely lost track of time. You might not think that's possible, and if I hadn't experienced it myself, I wouldn't either. But he gave me a play-by-play of the whole weekend, including the games they played in as well as the games they watched, including both of the Middlebury debacles. It was crazy! I've talked for hours on the phone and such before, and had conversations that lasted most of the night on the phone before, or such things with girls, but not anything like that. We just talked and talked and talked, and it didn't even feel like that long until we looked out the window and the sun was definitely rising. Ha. I had been planning on being home before one... yeah right...
Since we both had school, pretty much the only option was to go get food before I needed to head back to Provo. Ah that drive was difficult! And now I'm freaking exhausted from not sleeping at all, but it was so worth it. And I get to see him again on Friday! So excited. I'm staying at a friend's in Salt Lake so I don't have to get up at the butt crack of dawn to make it to Brighton on time for my ski tryout for Sundance! And then after that, Chris and I are going to go down to Provo for BYU Quidditch practice and the football game. And this time, I have things planned for his visit. I'm so excited, it is kind of ridiculous.
Oh, I am in trouble.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Beliefs.
So, I know you're all desperately waiting for a Skyrim post, but I've only played 12 hours of it (I know, what is WRONG with me?!) and I want to do it proper justice, so y'all will just have to wait. I'm actually pretty proud of myself for not giving my life completely to Skyrim, although I will admit that has way more to do with the Quidditch World Cup and Chris than it does with school.
Speaking of Chris... 26 hours until I see him again!!! Ahhhhhh I'm so excited. I'm picking him up from the airport (that had actually been the original plan, Thursday just got added on because we were dying to see each other and I'M SO GLAD WE ADDED IT!) and I'm just too dang excited to contain myself. Chris after 5 days + BYU basketball after 8 months = super fab day.
Finally went grocery shopping today. I have this pathological hatred of grocery shopping alone. I don't really understand it, it's completely illogical, but when I go to the grocery store alone, I immediately become super irritated and cranky. Stupid. Add one person into the mix though, and I'm perfectly complacent. It's so odd. But I've been eeking out an existence on... nothing... for days now, so it was good to have an actual dinner again tonight that didn't come from O&W's. I had salad, mmmmmmm so delicious.
Today Chris was like, "Man, I really wish you were here. We're just wandering around New York and I miss you like crazy." For one, awwww, for two, ME TOO. I would love to go to New York with the guy I love (not saying I love Chris! Yet...) and just walk around, holding hands, talking and taking in the sights and sounds of the big city. So next year, World Cup, it's finally going to happen. I've already started saving. Not a whole lot yet though, I need to pay off my tuition stuff first.
"I thought you were going on a mission." I've heard that a couple of times lately, mostly in response to my talking about my plans with regard to Quidditch. I haven't decided. I have been thinking A LOT about some valid points that my mother has brought up, and admittedly Chris's arrival in my life has a small part to play as well. Not that I'm saying I'm going to marry Chris instead of going on a mission, but if I go on a mission, he's not going to 'wait.' Which is fine, I wouldn't blame him. But if we dated up until I left, and then he married somebody else while I was gone...? That would be really difficult for me. I'm not even saying I've thought about marrying him, but it's something I could see developing eventually. And let's be honest, you and I both know that I prefer marriage (or even just committed relationship!) to 18 months of not even TOUCHING guys.
Plus, some of the returned missionary girls I know are uptight and hyper-righteous. The idea of me being that person scares me. There's nothing wrong with being hyper-righteous! I've just never been that girl, and I don't really want to be. The holier-than-thou mentality really bothers me. I've always been laid back when it comes to Church, in the sense that I haven't ever been the type to shove my religion down other people's throats. Growing up from pre-school to fourth grade my best friend was DEVOUT Catholic. In retrospect it wasn't really that long, but we were INSEPARABLE. We did everything together, and we played together probably every day. We kind of drifted apart when she started getting more into soccer and such (she ended up played at Louisiana Tech for a while, it was a huge part of her life) but those years were crucial for my development as a 'cool Mormon'. Honestly, whenever my non-member friends would say that to me, I would swell with this immeasurable pride. To this day I still strive to be a 'cool Mormon', even though it's admittedly a lot tougher since I go to freakin' BYU and I'm constantly surrounded by them.
I realize the Gospel is a big deal, and not something to be taken lightly. I don't take it lightly! I just feel like living the Gospel in the way that seems to be interpreted by some RMs as the 'right' way isn't necessarily correct, and it's certainly not my way. I want there to be an obvious difference between me and your average Christmas-Mass-attending-Jill, but I don't want it to be obnoxiously apparent to everyone on the planet that I'm LDS. Call it the glow, call it having the light of Christ in your eyes, whatever. I want there to be that difference, but not something that is overbearingly blatant. My degree from BYU is one thing that I hope will help set me apart as a Latter-Day Saint, but mostly I will end up living my religion quietly. To me, truly living the Gospel isn't being judgmental or putting myself above others because they don't share my views. One of my greatest and truest friends, Timber, is atheist. He knows my personal views and values, and respects me for sticking to them. But I've been to parties with him where people have been drinking, and people have even told him that I 'seemed really cool, she's actually Mormon?' I would wager that pretty much my only complaint about this wonderful state we live in is the mentality of Utah Mormons. Granted, not all Mormons who live in/are from Utah are Utah Mormons, but you know the mentality. And it bothers me.
Oh well, it's not really my problem anyway. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I haven't decided either way on the mission yet, but serving a mission might not be the best way for me to share what I believe. I'll keep you posted.
Speaking of Chris... 26 hours until I see him again!!! Ahhhhhh I'm so excited. I'm picking him up from the airport (that had actually been the original plan, Thursday just got added on because we were dying to see each other and I'M SO GLAD WE ADDED IT!) and I'm just too dang excited to contain myself. Chris after 5 days + BYU basketball after 8 months = super fab day.
Finally went grocery shopping today. I have this pathological hatred of grocery shopping alone. I don't really understand it, it's completely illogical, but when I go to the grocery store alone, I immediately become super irritated and cranky. Stupid. Add one person into the mix though, and I'm perfectly complacent. It's so odd. But I've been eeking out an existence on... nothing... for days now, so it was good to have an actual dinner again tonight that didn't come from O&W's. I had salad, mmmmmmm so delicious.
Today Chris was like, "Man, I really wish you were here. We're just wandering around New York and I miss you like crazy." For one, awwww, for two, ME TOO. I would love to go to New York with the guy I love (not saying I love Chris! Yet...) and just walk around, holding hands, talking and taking in the sights and sounds of the big city. So next year, World Cup, it's finally going to happen. I've already started saving. Not a whole lot yet though, I need to pay off my tuition stuff first.
"I thought you were going on a mission." I've heard that a couple of times lately, mostly in response to my talking about my plans with regard to Quidditch. I haven't decided. I have been thinking A LOT about some valid points that my mother has brought up, and admittedly Chris's arrival in my life has a small part to play as well. Not that I'm saying I'm going to marry Chris instead of going on a mission, but if I go on a mission, he's not going to 'wait.' Which is fine, I wouldn't blame him. But if we dated up until I left, and then he married somebody else while I was gone...? That would be really difficult for me. I'm not even saying I've thought about marrying him, but it's something I could see developing eventually. And let's be honest, you and I both know that I prefer marriage (or even just committed relationship!) to 18 months of not even TOUCHING guys.
Plus, some of the returned missionary girls I know are uptight and hyper-righteous. The idea of me being that person scares me. There's nothing wrong with being hyper-righteous! I've just never been that girl, and I don't really want to be. The holier-than-thou mentality really bothers me. I've always been laid back when it comes to Church, in the sense that I haven't ever been the type to shove my religion down other people's throats. Growing up from pre-school to fourth grade my best friend was DEVOUT Catholic. In retrospect it wasn't really that long, but we were INSEPARABLE. We did everything together, and we played together probably every day. We kind of drifted apart when she started getting more into soccer and such (she ended up played at Louisiana Tech for a while, it was a huge part of her life) but those years were crucial for my development as a 'cool Mormon'. Honestly, whenever my non-member friends would say that to me, I would swell with this immeasurable pride. To this day I still strive to be a 'cool Mormon', even though it's admittedly a lot tougher since I go to freakin' BYU and I'm constantly surrounded by them.
I realize the Gospel is a big deal, and not something to be taken lightly. I don't take it lightly! I just feel like living the Gospel in the way that seems to be interpreted by some RMs as the 'right' way isn't necessarily correct, and it's certainly not my way. I want there to be an obvious difference between me and your average Christmas-Mass-attending-Jill, but I don't want it to be obnoxiously apparent to everyone on the planet that I'm LDS. Call it the glow, call it having the light of Christ in your eyes, whatever. I want there to be that difference, but not something that is overbearingly blatant. My degree from BYU is one thing that I hope will help set me apart as a Latter-Day Saint, but mostly I will end up living my religion quietly. To me, truly living the Gospel isn't being judgmental or putting myself above others because they don't share my views. One of my greatest and truest friends, Timber, is atheist. He knows my personal views and values, and respects me for sticking to them. But I've been to parties with him where people have been drinking, and people have even told him that I 'seemed really cool, she's actually Mormon?' I would wager that pretty much my only complaint about this wonderful state we live in is the mentality of Utah Mormons. Granted, not all Mormons who live in/are from Utah are Utah Mormons, but you know the mentality. And it bothers me.
Oh well, it's not really my problem anyway. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I haven't decided either way on the mission yet, but serving a mission might not be the best way for me to share what I believe. I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Ten.
1. Utah lost to Kansas, but only just. The Fliers's seeker caught the snitch RIGHT as Kansas scored a goal. So lame.
2. I didn't get to watch it, because they suddenly didn't have enough bandwidth to stream games. I'm irritated. Not only did I not get to watch Chris play, but I didn't get to watch Quidditch, period. I had to watch a bunch of dots randomly appear on the pitch marking where shots were made.
3. Bear Train's shoulder was dislocated (he's a chaser) in the Kansas game, and the keeper got red carded. Freaking ridiculous.
4. First legitimate phone conversation with Chris, 1 hour 42 minutes. I'm proud of him, if you've read his blog you'll know he's not much of a phone talker.
5. Quidditch practice for BYU was awesome, I was seeker until I had to go to work, but sprinting full out for like ten minutes in the cold took its toll on me and I had the most ridiculous exercise-induced asthma on the planet for the next couple hours. I was coughing like crazy and I almost blacked out a couple of times. I'll probably play keeper next week, and start getting into a training regimen. If it keeps coming back, looks like it's an inhaler for me. (Weird concept...)
6. Work was boring. 'Watched' Utah's second match against Hofstra, (again on the lame dot system, but I guess it was better than nothing) which they won, and looked at options for our future uniforms, which is pretty much it. Talked to a random attractive stranger who came in to get a Clif Bar about Quidditch, and he actually thought it was cool. He didn't look at me like, "What is wrong with you, psycho?"
7. Home from work, 'watched' Utah's last match of the day against Vermont, (they won that one too) then got bundled for the Idaho game.
8. Froze my fanny off at the Idaho game. Okay actually not my fanny, just my toes. Ugh I have terrible circulation, I hate it.
9. Caught up on Community because my roommates were watching Friends and I didn't want to be like, "Hey, you, I'm going to play Skyrim now. Go away." I love Community.
10. Missed out on 'skyping' (I use gchat video) Chris AGAIN, because he fell asleep AGAIN. It's okay, I know the Kansas game was rough on him and it sounded like he didn't make it back to his hotel until super late, seriously like 11:40 their time, and their last match ended at 7:20 (their time). But I feel like I'm somewhat justified in being bummed, because he keeps saying "we'll do it at [this time]" and then that time comes and he's nowhere to be found. I'm not saying he's a terrible boyfriend or that I'm not crazy about him anymore, I'm just not crazy about getting ditched. He's not doing it on purpose though. These things do happen.
As a parting gift, my design for our future uniforms. Yum.
2. I didn't get to watch it, because they suddenly didn't have enough bandwidth to stream games. I'm irritated. Not only did I not get to watch Chris play, but I didn't get to watch Quidditch, period. I had to watch a bunch of dots randomly appear on the pitch marking where shots were made.
3. Bear Train's shoulder was dislocated (he's a chaser) in the Kansas game, and the keeper got red carded. Freaking ridiculous.
4. First legitimate phone conversation with Chris, 1 hour 42 minutes. I'm proud of him, if you've read his blog you'll know he's not much of a phone talker.
5. Quidditch practice for BYU was awesome, I was seeker until I had to go to work, but sprinting full out for like ten minutes in the cold took its toll on me and I had the most ridiculous exercise-induced asthma on the planet for the next couple hours. I was coughing like crazy and I almost blacked out a couple of times. I'll probably play keeper next week, and start getting into a training regimen. If it keeps coming back, looks like it's an inhaler for me. (Weird concept...)
6. Work was boring. 'Watched' Utah's second match against Hofstra, (again on the lame dot system, but I guess it was better than nothing) which they won, and looked at options for our future uniforms, which is pretty much it. Talked to a random attractive stranger who came in to get a Clif Bar about Quidditch, and he actually thought it was cool. He didn't look at me like, "What is wrong with you, psycho?"
7. Home from work, 'watched' Utah's last match of the day against Vermont, (they won that one too) then got bundled for the Idaho game.
8. Froze my fanny off at the Idaho game. Okay actually not my fanny, just my toes. Ugh I have terrible circulation, I hate it.
9. Caught up on Community because my roommates were watching Friends and I didn't want to be like, "Hey, you, I'm going to play Skyrim now. Go away." I love Community.
10. Missed out on 'skyping' (I use gchat video) Chris AGAIN, because he fell asleep AGAIN. It's okay, I know the Kansas game was rough on him and it sounded like he didn't make it back to his hotel until super late, seriously like 11:40 their time, and their last match ended at 7:20 (their time). But I feel like I'm somewhat justified in being bummed, because he keeps saying "we'll do it at [this time]" and then that time comes and he's nowhere to be found. I'm not saying he's a terrible boyfriend or that I'm not crazy about him anymore, I'm just not crazy about getting ditched. He's not doing it on purpose though. These things do happen.
As a parting gift, my design for our future uniforms. Yum.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Fliers.
Chris plays Quidditch. I know I've already mentioned how incredibly hot I find this, but I'll say it again. IT IS SO INCREDIBLY HOT.
Anyway, this Saturday his team is playing the University of Kansas (they're ranked number 2 in the WORLD) at the World Cup in NYC and the game is being streamed live! So I thought it would be cool to reserve a classroom and project it on the wall and all that. After *cough* telling the Dean's Office I needed the room for a club meeting *cough* I got the room, and made an event, and invited the whole team and such. (Wanna come? Come! https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=248262195230681) I honestly didn't think it was that big of a deal, I just thought it would be cool to watch it on a projector in a place with really nice internet that isn't going to crap out on me!
Apparently though, it IS that big of a deal.
"It's incredible. And I'm sure the rest of the team will appreciate it too! I don't know anyone who would've done this, whether they liked me or not! That's the most sensational thing anyone has ever done for me!"
Oh. Okay. Well... okay. I admittedly did it because I want to be there and can't, so this is the next best thing... But I definitely was not expecting this kind of a reaction. It's nice though. :)
Anyway, this Saturday his team is playing the University of Kansas (they're ranked number 2 in the WORLD) at the World Cup in NYC and the game is being streamed live! So I thought it would be cool to reserve a classroom and project it on the wall and all that. After *cough* telling the Dean's Office I needed the room for a club meeting *cough* I got the room, and made an event, and invited the whole team and such. (Wanna come? Come! https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=248262195230681) I honestly didn't think it was that big of a deal, I just thought it would be cool to watch it on a projector in a place with really nice internet that isn't going to crap out on me!
Apparently though, it IS that big of a deal.
"It's incredible. And I'm sure the rest of the team will appreciate it too! I don't know anyone who would've done this, whether they liked me or not! That's the most sensational thing anyone has ever done for me!"
Oh. Okay. Well... okay. I admittedly did it because I want to be there and can't, so this is the next best thing... But I definitely was not expecting this kind of a reaction. It's nice though. :)
Honestly though, there really aren't any words to convey how bad I want to be there. I found a round-trip flight from Friday afternoon to Monday morning for $489. It is literally PAINFUL not to just do it. But we all know I'm not that great with my money. I'm way too impulsive. The fact that I even LOOKED at flights says that. But I want to be there so bad. And not just for Chris and The Fliers. I want to be there just to be there. The feel of it is going to be incredible. So many kindred spirits! So much passion! So much... awesomeness! I'm dead serious, BYU is GOING to the next one.
I'm so hyper right now. This is like... probably one of the best feelings ever.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Relief.
Remember how AFC wasn't interested? Well.... he is.
Remember how Fuji was interested? Well... he isn't.
Things are looking like they might keep working themselves out.
[Side note: Blogging on my old computer while I get music off of it. Man it struggles. But... it looks so tiny! What a difference two inches makes.]
Obviously, I don't know where things are going at this point. I know where I hope they're going...
Today was lovely. Perfect weather for an almost perfect game. I do so very much love it when my Cougs win, especially at the hands of my boy Riley. (We went to high school together, we're from the same home stake, and his mom taught me ballet for eight years. I think that qualifies me to call him 'my boy.')
I need to momentarily discuss my frustration with Heaps. He is so concerned with HIMSELF. It's all about him. Which is why he tends to freeze up in a game, because he's so afraid of getting injured. After my parents left I was talking to one of the season ticket holders who sits by us, I don't know his name, but we've chatted before. He coached high school football for thirty years in North Sanpete, so when he says that Jake Heaps is not a team player, I think I'm fully justified in agreeing with him. It's true though. He sits by himself on the sidelines. He doesn't interact all that much with his teammates. Just watch him. And when does he start choking? When he's inside the twenty, and the coverage on him gets WAY tighter. Tight coverage = higher chance of injury. Do the math. He's so focused on his 'NFL career' that he doesn't even realize he's pretty much putting the nails in that coffin with every interception he throws (they are COMMON). He's one of the LEAST mentally tough athletes I have ever seen in my entire life. And in my 20.5 years, I have seen a LOT of athletes, both mentally tough and mentally weak. Jake Heaps takes the cake for the latter. Sorry Jake, but you have got to get your head in the game.
Anyway, moment over. Last night I went on a date with Fuji. It was SO FUN! We went to this place called Star Command at this elementary school in Pleasant Grove. Essentially it was Star Trek LARPing. Seriously. You know me, and how I feel about anything role play. So freaking amazing. I got to be the Captain (I mixed genres and named myself Captain Reynolds :) ) and it was so fun, but honestly kind of tough. I keep thinking of all of the things I could've done differently to perhaps make the mission successful.
All in all, one of the more fun dates I've ever been on. Knowing that I wasn't going to have to tell Fuji I didn't see us going anywhere (because he beat me to it, what a relief) made it more relaxed. That was nice.
Anyway, AFC and I are watching another martial arts movie (okay, some of them are QUALITY, and the martial arts are freakin sick) tonight so I should probably go shower or something... lol.
Remember how Fuji was interested? Well... he isn't.
Things are looking like they might keep working themselves out.
[Side note: Blogging on my old computer while I get music off of it. Man it struggles. But... it looks so tiny! What a difference two inches makes.]
Obviously, I don't know where things are going at this point. I know where I hope they're going...
Today was lovely. Perfect weather for an almost perfect game. I do so very much love it when my Cougs win, especially at the hands of my boy Riley. (We went to high school together, we're from the same home stake, and his mom taught me ballet for eight years. I think that qualifies me to call him 'my boy.')
I need to momentarily discuss my frustration with Heaps. He is so concerned with HIMSELF. It's all about him. Which is why he tends to freeze up in a game, because he's so afraid of getting injured. After my parents left I was talking to one of the season ticket holders who sits by us, I don't know his name, but we've chatted before. He coached high school football for thirty years in North Sanpete, so when he says that Jake Heaps is not a team player, I think I'm fully justified in agreeing with him. It's true though. He sits by himself on the sidelines. He doesn't interact all that much with his teammates. Just watch him. And when does he start choking? When he's inside the twenty, and the coverage on him gets WAY tighter. Tight coverage = higher chance of injury. Do the math. He's so focused on his 'NFL career' that he doesn't even realize he's pretty much putting the nails in that coffin with every interception he throws (they are COMMON). He's one of the LEAST mentally tough athletes I have ever seen in my entire life. And in my 20.5 years, I have seen a LOT of athletes, both mentally tough and mentally weak. Jake Heaps takes the cake for the latter. Sorry Jake, but you have got to get your head in the game.
Anyway, moment over. Last night I went on a date with Fuji. It was SO FUN! We went to this place called Star Command at this elementary school in Pleasant Grove. Essentially it was Star Trek LARPing. Seriously. You know me, and how I feel about anything role play. So freaking amazing. I got to be the Captain (I mixed genres and named myself Captain Reynolds :) ) and it was so fun, but honestly kind of tough. I keep thinking of all of the things I could've done differently to perhaps make the mission successful.
All in all, one of the more fun dates I've ever been on. Knowing that I wasn't going to have to tell Fuji I didn't see us going anywhere (because he beat me to it, what a relief) made it more relaxed. That was nice.
Anyway, AFC and I are watching another martial arts movie (okay, some of them are QUALITY, and the martial arts are freakin sick) tonight so I should probably go shower or something... lol.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Winning.
Okay, I admit it. I really like beating the Aggies.
There, I said it. Moving on.
So, I realized today (I know, a little late) that my computer won't be able to handle Skyrim. Craaaaaaaaaaaap. I'm kind of freaking out.
If you don't know me, then... yeah. But if you do, you understand that Skyrim is a BIG DEAL. Like, super huge.
Right now, I kid you not, I am looking at new computers.
There, I said it. Moving on.
So, I realized today (I know, a little late) that my computer won't be able to handle Skyrim. Craaaaaaaaaaaap. I'm kind of freaking out.
If you don't know me, then... yeah. But if you do, you understand that Skyrim is a BIG DEAL. Like, super huge.
Right now, I kid you not, I am looking at new computers.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Boise.
Where's a map?
So, I'm going to Boise with Bre. She needed someone to come with her, and I wanted to go see Brandon, so it worked out nicely. And I have to say, even though it has been made very clear to me that nothing is going to happen, I am absurdly excited to see that boy! I mean, come on, he is my best friend after all. Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know.
Also, I'm sorry I've been AWOL for a while. I've been working a lot and moving and running around like a chicken with its head cut off. But for the most part, I've been feeling pretty good.
Great news though! (I'm pretty sure.) I'm still on probation, which means I get to stay at Aspen Grove for the summer, AND stay at BYU in the fall!!!! Unless I end up deciding to go to South Africa for a horse internship... but I suppose we'll have to see. The craziest thing is, my mom is actually like, supporting the idea. It's kind of weird. But anyway, here's the link. http://wildcoasthorsebackadventures.yolasite.com/volunteer-program.php
I NEED TO SLEEP! So, good night world.
So, I'm going to Boise with Bre. She needed someone to come with her, and I wanted to go see Brandon, so it worked out nicely. And I have to say, even though it has been made very clear to me that nothing is going to happen, I am absurdly excited to see that boy! I mean, come on, he is my best friend after all. Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know.
Also, I'm sorry I've been AWOL for a while. I've been working a lot and moving and running around like a chicken with its head cut off. But for the most part, I've been feeling pretty good.
Great news though! (I'm pretty sure.) I'm still on probation, which means I get to stay at Aspen Grove for the summer, AND stay at BYU in the fall!!!! Unless I end up deciding to go to South Africa for a horse internship... but I suppose we'll have to see. The craziest thing is, my mom is actually like, supporting the idea. It's kind of weird. But anyway, here's the link. http://wildcoasthorsebackadventures.yolasite.com/volunteer-program.php
I NEED TO SLEEP! So, good night world.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Registration.
So, today (or rather, yesterday, since it's technically Tuesday now) I registered for fall semester. I'm only taking 12 credits but it felt like a ridiculous amount of work to register for them. I'm taking Dance 280 (yay! I love social dance!), both of the ISYS classes (bleckkkkkkk), Doctrine and Covenants, a Rec Management class that I can't remember the name of, and a careers class. At least, I think that's all of them. Overall it really doesn't seem like too hard of a semester but I've got to be honest, this whole not going to school thing is really floating my boat. Granted, in the real world I can't just go to the barn and play instead of working or going to school or whatever, but I would be perfectly happy to clean tack or shovel crap or whatever as a job. Professional groom? My parents might think that's a lame loser job, but I think it sounds freaking awesome. Especially because I could be good at it. I feel like horses tend to be drawn to me. That could just be desperately wishful thinking, but part of why I spend so much time at the barn is that I want to get horses. Sometimes I feel like I'm on top of things and sometimes I feel like a total idiot. Generally whenever Rachel is around I feel like a total idiot, but it's not her fault. Compared to her, I am a total idiot. I'm getting there though. Thanks to people like Sally (LOVE HER!) and the internet, and of course, the horses, I'm getting the hang of things. Slowly but surely. We'll get there, maybe by the time I die.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Mad.
Just, mad.
I HATE YOU FLORIDA GATORS!
You beat up my Jimmer.
Although, it was due to our weakness that I have been complaining about ALL SEASON LONG that we let so many of their shots get in - our defense needs an overhaul, desperately. Especially if we're going to maintain any semblance of greatness now that Jimmer is gone. ~sniff~ We never stick to our guys, and somehow always end up in a giant blue or white blob right under the basket, as the three Mr. Completely Unguarded over there just shot goes sailing through the hoop completely uncontested...
Sigh.
Rebounds and tight defense, I've been saying it all season. Get it under control Cougs. I'll be watching you next season. Let's hope Steve-o gets some more PT, seeing as how he's the best rebounder on the team...
Do you think I should write Dave Rose a letter?
I HATE YOU FLORIDA GATORS!
You beat up my Jimmer.
Although, it was due to our weakness that I have been complaining about ALL SEASON LONG that we let so many of their shots get in - our defense needs an overhaul, desperately. Especially if we're going to maintain any semblance of greatness now that Jimmer is gone. ~sniff~ We never stick to our guys, and somehow always end up in a giant blue or white blob right under the basket, as the three Mr. Completely Unguarded over there just shot goes sailing through the hoop completely uncontested...
Sigh.
Rebounds and tight defense, I've been saying it all season. Get it under control Cougs. I'll be watching you next season. Let's hope Steve-o gets some more PT, seeing as how he's the best rebounder on the team...
Do you think I should write Dave Rose a letter?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Madness!
So, it's March. One of my favorite months of the whole year. And, as with every year, there are always upsets. For example.
#1 Pitt losing to #8 Butler in the second round. Whoda thunk? That automatically takes my sister-in-law Olivia out of the running for the grand prize, because she picked Pitt to win it all. Ouch.
#12 Richmond and #13 Morehead St. battling it out in the second round. WTF? A twelve and thirteen seed? How did that happen? (That counts for two upsets.)
Other than that, not a whole lot going on. #11 VCU beat #6 Georgetown, but that was to be expected - the Hoyas always choke in the tourney. And I mean always. Last year I had them in my final four - huge mistake. (They lost in the first round, as usual.) The year before that I had them in my sweet sixteen. (They lost in the first round, as usual.) Finally I figured it out this year and I was glad I did. Although I just can't let go of those stupid Commodores. I had them in the sweet sixteen this year. Dumb move. Oh well.
My brother (who I momentarily claimed was no longer my kin) picked BYU to lose in the first round to #14 seed Wofford. YEAH RIGHT. Even I have faith in my Jimmer. Well-placed faith, since they're in the sweet sixteen for the first time in what feels like ages. I'm hoping it's not too well-placed though, because I have them in my final four. (I can't not, they're my Cougs!) If they make it, which I think they legitimately do have a shot at, even without Davies, I will be one happy woman. Even just to make it to the final four is huge! Heck, being in the sweet sixteen is pretty great too. Having Pitt out of the way will make things... a little easier, but I have a feeling that the Butler Bulldogs are out for BLOOD. Then again, so are we. Too long we've been pushed aside and ignored for being in the lamest conference ever. Too long we've been treated like less because we're a religious school and we have an Honor Code. Too long we haven't triumphed where we should have.
ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY COUGARS!
I'm stoked.
#1 Pitt losing to #8 Butler in the second round. Whoda thunk? That automatically takes my sister-in-law Olivia out of the running for the grand prize, because she picked Pitt to win it all. Ouch.
#12 Richmond and #13 Morehead St. battling it out in the second round. WTF? A twelve and thirteen seed? How did that happen? (That counts for two upsets.)
Other than that, not a whole lot going on. #11 VCU beat #6 Georgetown, but that was to be expected - the Hoyas always choke in the tourney. And I mean always. Last year I had them in my final four - huge mistake. (They lost in the first round, as usual.) The year before that I had them in my sweet sixteen. (They lost in the first round, as usual.) Finally I figured it out this year and I was glad I did. Although I just can't let go of those stupid Commodores. I had them in the sweet sixteen this year. Dumb move. Oh well.
My brother (who I momentarily claimed was no longer my kin) picked BYU to lose in the first round to #14 seed Wofford. YEAH RIGHT. Even I have faith in my Jimmer. Well-placed faith, since they're in the sweet sixteen for the first time in what feels like ages. I'm hoping it's not too well-placed though, because I have them in my final four. (I can't not, they're my Cougs!) If they make it, which I think they legitimately do have a shot at, even without Davies, I will be one happy woman. Even just to make it to the final four is huge! Heck, being in the sweet sixteen is pretty great too. Having Pitt out of the way will make things... a little easier, but I have a feeling that the Butler Bulldogs are out for BLOOD. Then again, so are we. Too long we've been pushed aside and ignored for being in the lamest conference ever. Too long we've been treated like less because we're a religious school and we have an Honor Code. Too long we haven't triumphed where we should have.
ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY COUGARS!
I'm stoked.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Jimmer.
Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past few months, chances are you've probably heard of a guy named Jimmer Fredette. If you've heard of him, you've probably heard that he's one of the greatest college basketball players in the country right now, and one of the best in BYU history. The kid is crazy. Crazy awesome. He lights up the scoreboard and the crowd every time he plays. And even though he'll never read it, I have a few things I want to say to this soon-to-be legend.
Dear Jimmer,
I love you.
You've only met me once, and I'm sure you don't even know my name.
But that's okay.
Since your arrival at BYU four fateful years ago, I have always known you were different. Originally I just thought you had a super cool name, but the more I watched you play, the more I realized you're unlike anything I've ever seen in my almost 20 years of watching college basketball.
BYU has a history of turning out stars. I mean, hello, Danny Ainge. But even those who don't go on to have storied NBA careers were stars in their time at BYU. Rafael Araujo... Lee Cummard... Trent Plaisted... Okay I will admit these are the only ones I remember. But you and I both know there are more. The Marriott Center is sacred, in a way.
But you? I have never seen anything like you. You are at a different level. Your way of putting up shots that look impossible but somehow get nothing but net. The way you somehow magically dance around your guards and leave them in a daze of "What just happened?"
I'll tell you what just happened. They just got Jimmer'd.
Of course, like all great athletes, you have your fair share of hatred. 99% of the time those haters are just insanely jealous that you don't play for their school, or idiots who think that what conference you play in matters. Need I remind you which conference won the 2011 Rose Bowl?
Anyway, I don't really want to focus on that. I want to focus on how you have made going to BYU worth every penny of tuition I pay.
No, seriously. I have only missed two home games in my entire time as a BYU student. Granted, that's mostly because I am obsessed with BYU athletics to the point that it could be considered extremely irrational, but I will unashamedly admit that watching THE Jimmer make some magic is a huge highlight. Using the word 'magic' may sound corny, but I'm serious - that's the only word I can come up with.
Magic.
And I just have to say, I think everyone needs a little magic in their lives.
Days when all I can think about is money, grades, and getting out of bed in the morning somehow turn into some of the most memorable days of my life. For two short hours every game day, I am completely captivated, and that is something difficult to achieve. So thank you for that.
I don't know where you'll end up. I don't know if you'll go on to be a rockstar (athletically speaking... or maybe not?) or if the doubters are right and all this hype is for nothing. But Jimmer, I have faith in you. I believe in you. I have been waiting so long for something this good to happen to BYU. Just keep believing in yourself, and remember that you have a whole lot of people whose names you also don't know who completely adore you. We can't wait to watch you and this incredible team show the world what we're made of here at BYU. Just don't forget about us.
Good luck, my friend.
Dear Jimmer,
I love you.
You've only met me once, and I'm sure you don't even know my name.
But that's okay.
Since your arrival at BYU four fateful years ago, I have always known you were different. Originally I just thought you had a super cool name, but the more I watched you play, the more I realized you're unlike anything I've ever seen in my almost 20 years of watching college basketball.
BYU has a history of turning out stars. I mean, hello, Danny Ainge. But even those who don't go on to have storied NBA careers were stars in their time at BYU. Rafael Araujo... Lee Cummard... Trent Plaisted... Okay I will admit these are the only ones I remember. But you and I both know there are more. The Marriott Center is sacred, in a way.
But you? I have never seen anything like you. You are at a different level. Your way of putting up shots that look impossible but somehow get nothing but net. The way you somehow magically dance around your guards and leave them in a daze of "What just happened?"
I'll tell you what just happened. They just got Jimmer'd.
Of course, like all great athletes, you have your fair share of hatred. 99% of the time those haters are just insanely jealous that you don't play for their school, or idiots who think that what conference you play in matters. Need I remind you which conference won the 2011 Rose Bowl?
Anyway, I don't really want to focus on that. I want to focus on how you have made going to BYU worth every penny of tuition I pay.
No, seriously. I have only missed two home games in my entire time as a BYU student. Granted, that's mostly because I am obsessed with BYU athletics to the point that it could be considered extremely irrational, but I will unashamedly admit that watching THE Jimmer make some magic is a huge highlight. Using the word 'magic' may sound corny, but I'm serious - that's the only word I can come up with.
Magic.
And I just have to say, I think everyone needs a little magic in their lives.
Days when all I can think about is money, grades, and getting out of bed in the morning somehow turn into some of the most memorable days of my life. For two short hours every game day, I am completely captivated, and that is something difficult to achieve. So thank you for that.
I don't know where you'll end up. I don't know if you'll go on to be a rockstar (athletically speaking... or maybe not?) or if the doubters are right and all this hype is for nothing. But Jimmer, I have faith in you. I believe in you. I have been waiting so long for something this good to happen to BYU. Just keep believing in yourself, and remember that you have a whole lot of people whose names you also don't know who completely adore you. We can't wait to watch you and this incredible team show the world what we're made of here at BYU. Just don't forget about us.
Good luck, my friend.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
DANCE!
[Safety Dance, Glee Version]
I freaking love this song, for the record.
And I love being a Ballroom Minor!!! It's basically the greatest thing in the world. Okay, maybe not the GREATEST, but one thing you should've figured out about me by now is that I like to hyperbolize. (Is that a word?) Anyway, I finally got into my International Bronze class, and it's completely different than any ballroom class I've ever been in. We're learning a ROUTINE. Weird. But I guess it makes sense. It's not 'social' dance. It's ballroom. No matter, I still love it. It's just strange to learn a dance without a partner! That's one of my favorite parts of ballroom, for obvious reasons. ;) But anyway, my dream of being on the team still stands! Something probably about as realistic as being on the track team, but ballroom is something a lot easier for me than track I suppose. It comes naturally to me to dance. I guess that's what I get for starting ballet at three. :)
Anyway, I'm still looking for a job, but I'm really liking my classes so far.
Today our forum speaker was Condoleezza Rice. Yes, the former Secretary of State. Yeah, I know! It was so cool. Jordan scored us seats on the SECOND ROW, so I was like twenty yards away from one of my honest to goodness heroes. It was AWESOME. She gave an incredible address about education. She is so amazing. I seriously could not believe I was honestly listening to Condie Rice. I felt like I was at a rock concert or something.
"As educated people, it is our responsibility to be optimistic." -Condoleezza Rice
I have something to confess. I like a 'smart people' class. A LOT. It requires work. But I like it. (Sign of the apocalypse, I know!) I enjoy the readings we have to do (which there are admittedly a lot of) and I enjoy the discussions we have. I seriously love that class. It's PWS 375, Environmental Policies and Laws. It's required for my major, and I felt like taking at least one somewhat challenging class. And it has turned out to be so interesting. Definitely my favorite academic class. Obviously my favorite class is skiing (der der der) but that barely counts as a class. I have so much to learn and improve on! I'm pretty stoked to be a better skier. I'm already noticing little differences. I can't wait to go to class again next week!
Overall, I really like my classes, and my professors. My Book of Mormon professor talks about missionary work ALL THE TIME, and I love it so much. She is great. I really like her. My French teacher is actually really cute, and single, and turning out to be a great teacher. We don't speak any English, which is crazy, but so effective. I like it a lot. My RMYL 189 professor is a baller, and we're going on a field trip to CALIFORNIA at the end of February. And, yes, we're going to DISNEYLAND. I am so freaking excited. It seems unreal to me! My ballroom teacher is gorgeous, and I think once things get a little more under control I'll love that class. I missed the first two days though so I'm just playing catch up, which is more intense than I would've expected! And Neil, my ski instructor professor, is just great. I think that might be it... Other than Dr. Aanderund, who seems cool, but I love his class and the readings he assigns so I guess that means I automatically love him!
Anyway, life is going good other than my nagging stress about money and my constant inability to get out of bed in the morning. I'm working on both though.
On a side note, most of the people I work with at ChaCha are complete morons. Just thought you should know.
I freaking love this song, for the record.
And I love being a Ballroom Minor!!! It's basically the greatest thing in the world. Okay, maybe not the GREATEST, but one thing you should've figured out about me by now is that I like to hyperbolize. (Is that a word?) Anyway, I finally got into my International Bronze class, and it's completely different than any ballroom class I've ever been in. We're learning a ROUTINE. Weird. But I guess it makes sense. It's not 'social' dance. It's ballroom. No matter, I still love it. It's just strange to learn a dance without a partner! That's one of my favorite parts of ballroom, for obvious reasons. ;) But anyway, my dream of being on the team still stands! Something probably about as realistic as being on the track team, but ballroom is something a lot easier for me than track I suppose. It comes naturally to me to dance. I guess that's what I get for starting ballet at three. :)
Anyway, I'm still looking for a job, but I'm really liking my classes so far.
Today our forum speaker was Condoleezza Rice. Yes, the former Secretary of State. Yeah, I know! It was so cool. Jordan scored us seats on the SECOND ROW, so I was like twenty yards away from one of my honest to goodness heroes. It was AWESOME. She gave an incredible address about education. She is so amazing. I seriously could not believe I was honestly listening to Condie Rice. I felt like I was at a rock concert or something.
"As educated people, it is our responsibility to be optimistic." -Condoleezza Rice
I have something to confess. I like a 'smart people' class. A LOT. It requires work. But I like it. (Sign of the apocalypse, I know!) I enjoy the readings we have to do (which there are admittedly a lot of) and I enjoy the discussions we have. I seriously love that class. It's PWS 375, Environmental Policies and Laws. It's required for my major, and I felt like taking at least one somewhat challenging class. And it has turned out to be so interesting. Definitely my favorite academic class. Obviously my favorite class is skiing (der der der) but that barely counts as a class. I have so much to learn and improve on! I'm pretty stoked to be a better skier. I'm already noticing little differences. I can't wait to go to class again next week!
Overall, I really like my classes, and my professors. My Book of Mormon professor talks about missionary work ALL THE TIME, and I love it so much. She is great. I really like her. My French teacher is actually really cute, and single, and turning out to be a great teacher. We don't speak any English, which is crazy, but so effective. I like it a lot. My RMYL 189 professor is a baller, and we're going on a field trip to CALIFORNIA at the end of February. And, yes, we're going to DISNEYLAND. I am so freaking excited. It seems unreal to me! My ballroom teacher is gorgeous, and I think once things get a little more under control I'll love that class. I missed the first two days though so I'm just playing catch up, which is more intense than I would've expected! And Neil, my ski instructor professor, is just great. I think that might be it... Other than Dr. Aanderund, who seems cool, but I love his class and the readings he assigns so I guess that means I automatically love him!
Anyway, life is going good other than my nagging stress about money and my constant inability to get out of bed in the morning. I'm working on both though.
On a side note, most of the people I work with at ChaCha are complete morons. Just thought you should know.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Me.
Once upon a time, there was a college student. She wanted to say clever and brilliant things on her blog, but when the time arrived, no words came to her. So she blabbered on with no point until she figured no one was reading anymore, and then she crawled in a hole and died of shame. The end.
Just kidding. I'm not planning on crawling in any holes anytime soon. And I'm definitely not planning on dying of shame.
So anyway, I'm Jen. I live to be outside. I ski, rock climb, surf, canyoneer, hike, backpack, and ballroom dance. Wait, one of those was out of place. Ah yes, ballroom dancing. I love it, but I generally don't do it outside. I'm constantly looking to expand my outdoor sports repertoire, and hopefully will learn to ice climb this winter, and mountain bike next summer.
Other than outdoor sports, I love regular sports. Most especially football and basketball, of the college variety. December and March are the best months of the year, hands down. I am a diehard BYU fan, and I will fight [watch], day or night, rain or snow. I have been known to wait for three+ hours in under 30 degree temperatures just to get good seats for a basketball game. Yeah. I know.
Just so you get an idea of where this comes from, both of my parents graduated from BYU, as did both of my brothers. Both of my sisters-in-law attended BYU, and at least one grandparent from each side of my family has graduated from BYU. Most of my aunts and uncles either attended or graduated from BYU, and the same is true of most of my cousins. It's kind of a family legacy, what can I say? I've had at least one piece of BYU clothing for my entire life. I bleed Cougar blue, straight up. In fact, BYU (Provo) is the only school I applied to, so thankfully I got in! ;) I love BYU so very much and I'm stoked to have a diploma from Brigham Young University in a few years to hang on my wall. Or maybe just carry around with me everywhere. That might be a teensy bit pretentious though... so I think I'll steer clear.
I am probably the most bluntly honest person you will ever meet. Okay, maybe not always blunt, but always honest. Beating around the bush is my number one pet peeve. If you don't know how I feel about you, you haven't asked. But by all means, please ask. I will tell you. I try my best to always be tactful, but lying is something I very rarely do unless I have a good reason to.
I love animals, most especially horses. The current love of my life is a 17-hand dark bay Warmblood gelding named Showtime. He's such a goof. Sometimes he can be a little twit, but he's five, so I'll cut him a break. He's absolutely gorgeous though, my goodness. And riding him is glorious, when we work together. He has the most beautiful gaits. Ah! I love him. He's the sweetest.
I also love fruit. And talking. And dating. And movies. And music. And my car.
I really love to start blogs. Please forgive me if I neglect this one. But I promise I will try not to. :)
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