tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23458243206871785602024-03-05T13:10:52.519-08:00Taking Life 8 Seconds At A Time...roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-60216208394686667032010-07-18T21:23:00.001-07:002010-07-18T21:59:28.231-07:00My Summer & Mein Schatz (My Treasure)<div align="center">Howdy Y'all! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Well this summer sure has flown by. I can't believe that July is already coming to a close pretty soon. I feel like it was just the beginning of month not to long ago. Though there is that saying out there which states that "Time flies when you're having fun!". Boy, am I learning the truth to that. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Compared to last summer this one rocks! I'm still working constantly and haven't had a break, til now because I'm sick, but it's nothing compared to last year. Last year I worked every morning at the dog kennel Monday thru Saturday til about 10-11am, then once 1pm came around it was back to work for a shift til about 7-8pm at Client Focus. I rarely had time to spend with my friends and family let alone myself. The extra pay was great, but looking at the summer it really wasn't worth it. Now I work every morning at the dog kennel and then pull a couple double shifts here and there, but mostly after 10am the rest of the day is free to me. I love it. Granted normally I fall back asleep pretty hard 'til noon, but hey. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Due to the fact that I'm not working as much, I've gotten the chance to spend time with my friends and family more. My best friends Dan and Jill moved back up to the valley, well 45 min away but its better than an hour and a half to two hours, and I've gotten the chance to see them here and there. Whether it's to help get them settled, taking Jill out to lunch, game night, etc., it's just been so great having them so close. It's going to be really hard to go back to Flagstaff and be the one that's so far away. It's also great to come home and actually see my family. I can actually sit down and have dinners with them again and play games. I miss that a lot when I'm away at school. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Another thing that has made my summer special from the past few is "mein schatz" aka "my treasure" translated from German. I've been together with Justin now almost two months. I know that's not very long, but the time we've spent together as been amazing. I really can't say enough good things about him. No one has made me feel like I'm special and amazing just the way I am in so long. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495468715279993138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYU6QG2-rDD_OUpD-zdRzoMXz8tCVu1l-abLProFePi82Vgj11bfvT72lvNhBHxsDNA165_T7aYhvS1k7w4y9U4_4I5hAvHjnzKlstTQ66n9PZZypMTxN8wXlbVCKynS8Y_V8lCIklIln/s320/Justin+and+Me+003.jpg" /></div><div align="center">We've done so many fun and special things together this summer. To list a few: Ice skating (my first time ever & loved it), Bowling, Trips to Sportsman's and Bass Pro (very us), Dancing under the stars in the desert, picnic at Fountain Hills, Justin made me dinner & gave me a surprise necklace, Baptisms at the Temple, Institute together, and many more. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">To add on to this list will be going to Escalante, UT this weekend. I'm so excited and have been looking forward to this all summer. We'll be leaving Thursday and going up to spend time with his extended family and celebrating the 24th of July. By talking to Justin it already sounds like him and his family have lots of plans for me. One of the big ones is the Rodeo on Saturday. :) Everyone knows that I'm a sucker for rodeos. Not only will I get to go and see it, but I will also get the chance to be in it. I'm so excited!! Justin and I have been talking about this trip for the past month and can't wait to go. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I wish this summer could last forever so I wouldn't have to go to school and leave him. I'm scared to see what the school semester might bring, but I hope that things will continue to go well and grow between him and I. I guess only time will tell. Having him in my life has been a blessing for sure and I just hope in some way I've been able to be someone special for him like he is for me. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Ich Liebe Mein Schatz! </div><div align="center">(I love my treasure!) </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495468720509902594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Dg9diowiKmwfm3tooOG_VyTFp0XRxNvdE3ggsbVQ6cxPOEr5q2_aeK_OnPziYFWngHY2rLHN01Ov-fxru8z2UFTyS0ZUPL_eiQ5bm8bXVBZBB7C2CzZ3suWDVEGprUvpwN-Hb5DVgeGc/s320/Justin+and+Me+007.jpg" /></div><div align="center">Well it's late, I'm sick, and should really get to bed if I'm going to try and get rid of this before I leave Thursday. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Keep Hanging On, and more will come after UT! Wish me Luck! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /> </div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-30713013763081891552010-06-08T23:48:00.000-07:002010-06-09T00:10:54.406-07:00My Country Boy<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO8v1MhH_niQnJ-3Cod4liG5o5-PsPhjgfxhszqI0c0yCQhfAiWsb6HObPQso3hpOS770F5OCzm2LlwhdsEJoHsO9W-E2p_VWodklpVmOmdx26SWSPcVL6OX7d5dk3rbkQo1cwlG8jiRR/s1600/Justin_&_Marie%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480662460975743922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO8v1MhH_niQnJ-3Cod4liG5o5-PsPhjgfxhszqI0c0yCQhfAiWsb6HObPQso3hpOS770F5OCzm2LlwhdsEJoHsO9W-E2p_VWodklpVmOmdx26SWSPcVL6OX7d5dk3rbkQo1cwlG8jiRR/s320/Justin_&_Marie%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a> Howdy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ya'll</span>!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Well if any of you read my last post you know there's a boy in my life right now. He's not a boy, but a true gentleman. Yes that is him pictured above. Please ignore what I look like, I look awful and ugly, but he looks good cause heck he's just good looking to begin with. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">His name is Justin, and he's the country boy type I've always wanted to find. A gentleman but has that rugged side to him as well. He loves to hunt and fish, he doesn't mind that I'm into the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">PBR</span> or rodeo- <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">infact</span> he likes it as well (maybe not as much as I do, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">haha</span>), he's hardworking, big family guy, and total sweetheart. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Tonight I got a surprise phone call from him and was invited to spend the evening with his family. His Mom was yelling in the background "I'm having Marie withdraws!". I really like his family. They make me feel very welcomed into their home and we get along great. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">When I met up with him, his Mom, and younger brother we decided to go see "Prince of Persia", which actually wasn't that bad. For not knowing what it was about, I really liked it and thought the ending was well done. Plus kudos to Jake for doing all his own stunts because- Wow!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My favorite part though...being held in Justin's arms and holding his hand. He actually surprised me with putting his arm around me while being there with his Mom and brother but I'm so glad he did. I love being held by him. Things just feel right and that nothing could go wrong. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Afterwards he rode home with me in Buck, and then we got to spend some time with his Mom and visited. The really cute part was when I got to see pictures of Justin when he was little. :) I would of never thought he would let me see, but he didn't mind sharing. Only bad thing is now it's my turn. :S </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The worst part though about being together is it's always so hard to say good-bye. He works very early in the morning, earlier than my 6am shift, so we can never really be together that late except on Fridays or Saturdays. I didn't want to leave tonight. I wanted to stay there in his arms and just forget about work. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I don't know what I did to deserve being with someone like him, but man do I feel special. He treats me so well, and I feel like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Im</span> the luckiest girl when I'm with him. I've only been gone a couple hours and I already miss him. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I feel truly blessed to have met him, and I hope and pray that things will continue to go well. </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-81580373205044942932010-05-30T20:06:00.000-07:002010-05-30T20:42:23.399-07:00<div align="center"> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477265540767885826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjAtL2swztfZf-Kih8viW0_O0RwqrAGFf2XqRNTy0txn637gzuGVKi5YY6c5ipofVjbSXqn4zrCrIZyw4ybuaLrREJZAPEyPDSENCZJsdOazUf8lK3kCLsyVPdV1MGF0K3oZO3LjiXIpC/s320/JeffsGrad+060.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">Howdy everyone! I know, it's amazing that I'm actually updating. During the school season, if that's what you would call it, things are crazy anymore the closer I get to graduation so I fail at updating. I'm sorry. Hopefully this will make it up to you. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I finished this past semester by passing all my classes- yes even O-Chem (with a B, if I might so add) and raising my GPA by .01. Yes! Haha. It was a difficult semester but I have a feeling next semester will be worse. Though there is a bright side- it should be my last semester. It's taken me forever but I'm finally about to finish school. I can't believe it. I feel kinda left behind because I've had friends finish school and some even get two degrees before me and I'm still trailing along. It's okay though. The end is in sight. I just have to complete my capstone which will be Animal Physiology (w/ its 3 hour lab) and Bio Chem then that diploma will be mine. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">As for this summer I'm back home and will be in the valley til the end of August. I'm working at the dog kennel again for a summer job, which although it doesn't pay much I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be there. It's better than nothing. I thought about having a second job but I decided I wanted a real summer this time. I want to spend time with my family and friends. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Speaking of family, my little bro Jeff graduated this past Thursday! CRAZY! I'm so proud of him. He was so happy that night and it was good to see him and all his friends make it to that special night. As for his future plans, he wants to be Army Strong. I have mix feelings, just cause I don't want to get that dreaded phone call one day. But I know that no one has more heart and knowledge about serving than him. If I was in compact I would want him on my side. I support him all the way in whatever he does. -I'm trying to get him to go running with me. Haha.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477269218042510626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXtx_nw0rX5hfvtDwLvPqYha8bdS28Uly6l5fUi_L0r67eGj5Z6bcSpVXVaPMOzz-0PA3d78t3SKDdU7SQJM7WYqQKBLtq3PwSxH2FjBONOSg_65qdBDeJXd2XpuI0IFpRekZ-1Q_KLcY/s320/JeffsGrad+024.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">There really isn't anything else to update on except one thing. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I've been blessed and lucky to have met one of the sweetest guys I've ever known. I don't know what I have done to know someone like him, but I feel very special. It's funny because everything that happened kinda came out of no where. We knew each other before but never really talked much and hung out. He came home this march from his mission and we started talking here and there and things just blossomed. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">We're both kinda new to the whole relationship/dating scene but I like how things are going. I've never been treated so well before. For example, when I'm in his presence I'm not allowed to touch any doors, even if I'm the one driving he has to open my car door. When I'm holding his hand and being held in his arms I feel like everything is okay and nothing can go wrong. I love it.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I just hope and pray that he feels the same way about me. I'm scared that maybe he'll figure out that I'm really not that special and amazing, and there's someone else out there better for him. Cause I feel like I don't deserve him. Like I said, I feel so blessed and lucky. I guess we'll see what happens. I'm keeping my fingers crossed they continue to go well because...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I have never been this happy, and that's the truth. :) </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-70547759701996448912009-12-05T00:41:00.000-08:002009-12-05T20:12:32.737-08:00The Perfect Man...<div align="center">Has anyone ever wondered if the "perfect man" is out there? I'm serious. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I know that there has only been one perfect being on earth and he was a man. But are there any out there that come close? </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Most of my friends are married, so I know they found the "perfect man". I look at them and always wondered how did they know their husband was the "perfect man". Did they come up with a list of requirements and he met all of them? Or did he take them by surprise and was nothing like who they thought they would marry? </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I've always been told that you meet that special someone when you aren't looking. Which I do believe, it's just hard for me to do. I feel this pressure that I should find this "perfect man" and be with him right now, and I'm not. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">For example, I was at an Enrichment night and asked if there were any guys I had an interest in. Naturally there is, but he and I have spoken a whole 2 minutes. He came over to give me a blessing one time, and of course I was in my pjs, hair not done and up in a messy pony tail, and no make up. I doubt he even remembers my name. I see him at church every Sunday and around the apartment complex sometimes and wonder what it would be like to go on a date with him.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I'm one of those that doesn't make the first move, and very shy when it comes to talking to someone I have an interest in. I guess to me I always felt like the guy should ask the girl on a date not how it is today where the girl does. It's not our and shouldn't be our responsibility. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So tell me, how did you find your "perfect man" or if you haven't what do you consider the "perfect man"? </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">As for myself, this is what I see my "perfect man" to be: </div><div align="center">-Priesthood Holder and strong in his faith.</div><div align="center">-Loves his family.</div><div align="center">-Temple worthy.</div><div align="center">-Loves me for who I am and what I stand for. </div><div align="center">-Loyal</div><div align="center">-Good Listener</div><div align="center">-My Best Friend</div><div align="center">-Always be there for me, no matter what.</div><div align="center">-No matter where he is in the world, he would much rather be with me. </div><div align="center">-Has a sense of humor or at least can make me laugh and smile when I'm down.</div><div align="center">-Doesn't mind me being a hypochondriac/worry wart about everything, but plays along with it.</div><div align="center">-Doesn't mind listening to me talk about the PBR and at least be willing to go to events and rodeos.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">If any of you know this person who doesn't mind a country girl, let me know or work your magic.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">At times like this I like to blast Michael Buble's song "Haven't Met You Yet", and it helps to give me hope that my "perfect man" is out there right now thinking about me and wondering when he'll meet his "perfect woman".</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I don't really know if anyone reads this, but if you have any input you are willing to share, I'm all ears.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Right now the "perfect man" is just a picture on my wall but hopefully he'll be real someday soon. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Keep hanging on, because I know I'm not ready to let go yet. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-67695355349665445562009-11-30T11:14:00.000-08:002009-11-30T11:28:46.927-08:00Thanksgiving<div align="center"> Howdy!<br /></div><div align="center">Well this Thanksgiving Break was very busy, but amazing! I had a great time with family and catching up with friends. :) </div><div align="center"><br />Here is my family on Thanksgiving. I made them take a picture because we haven't had a family photo together for a while. It took sometime to get a good picture b/c Mom either closed her eyes or Jeff and Dad wouldn't smile. </div><div align="center"><br />I love my family- they are a great blessing in my life. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409980259057213858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNavDqJRQ-td1FFE5kE5o0W1e71Nge07GbjkV8Pdh4wp3hAdYvObCtr1NideZ17gMlSD9_I-2IiCInQCt9kxztw_XUZXsttUYgec-y8UppkYmAmCT7R4OMwD6QyPYV03SLVWtcDyEq_MYD/s320/Thanksgiving09+007B.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409980265712183938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj0hwcWr0tnKhUaqkxSz-ChjMXTUd38AUV1M5xxINuaSgda7VOyKteq3q8G81caIClBu3BX2Prls6l2vq4Mvs-hX6fM9wKoCAzi48dOqmvC2Xp5SJhj_A3IdYEFB3iHpyXoCYbmjxSV0h/s320/Thanksgiving09+009B.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Friday I got to go Black Friday Shopping for the second year with Jill! It was a fun adventure because this year we went shopping down in Tucson. I got lots of good stuff, mostly from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kohls</span>. I would have pictures but its all kinda down in the valley. Although here is a picture of me in my new hat (I'm a hat girl. :) ) and Jill looking at the ads. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409980246890415746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoZoVqHxqLhGLx-9wzQ281ImPNM_Lu0Hrjxcc1WlRNsNNsH-y1p_qhoCciH-h5Fd6IbKxnWcJZ-HeKEU7W9_QJh-hrKtlZCP_IiG9MJvF6fS8lM03TZBfe4-mMVsTsc22NeZL9kjX33HK/s320/PHO181+008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409980241871795618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASnzxUjgQ574vZ-LmVQzk1xUYH0QXauvQsQaz6dlxV_dh6KTbyfvpbPFGfQp7E0KB4_v5lVaTV_5wrmWFaGQSgnYW4f0uGZj0llhscWBM4NJVSpo3vTPHMqSq9qEi8Sk-FF8oeJjT052z/s320/PHO181+013.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I got lots of new clothes- exciting news was none of them were XL, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">yay</span>!! :) I also was able to get some cute stuff for my Christmas collection. I decided after seeing Jill's amazing Christmas collections that I was going to start my own. I have started collecting western ornaments for a western tree in my future apartment/house (when I'm on my own) and western <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Santas</span>. I got the cutest Cowboy Santa at Hobby Lobby. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Yay</span>!<br /><br />Saturday I was able to get some new jeans- 3 in total with 2 being Wranglers totaling a whole $27 bucks! Heck ya! Then I took photos for my photography <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">portfolio</span> and hung out with my buddies Cole and Cameron. It was a blast. </p><p align="center">Sunday I finally got to relax and enjoy watching the movie "Fred Claus" with my family. </p><p align="center">This weekend went way too fast, but I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">technically</span> only have like six days of actual classes left so I'll be home soon, and this time for a month. :) </p><p align="center">Sorry for the short update, but I got get going on studies and my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">portfolio</span>. </p><p align="center">Keep Hanging On! </p>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-14806183487076475642009-11-13T23:19:00.000-08:002009-11-13T23:58:51.847-08:00Hobbies (Crafts) and Update<div align="center"> Howdy Folks! </div><div align="center"><br />Well for this blog post I wanted to share a quick update and also my latest hobbies/crafty/artistic side. :)<br /><br />Things are going better each day since surgery. Today marks two weeks since the surgery. Tuesday I was finally able to take off the bandages. They are healing well except the one where my Jackson Pratt Drain was. There's still a hole and it hurts. Also my skin is very ripped up and irritated from the tape of the bandages. Hopefully it will be back to normal soon. Here's a picture of after I took off the bandages (it's not gross): </div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403857110020078514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OMSo4cu6lIZ7nBOu5V_mZcTR3l9K0OJYL3OrZ0LlALVO0JHf_xwllRDVAZUGzj2xO9-J2FKJenFUJhRAiWIJcKG7m3SXnxMhfcE9qVNDu-3kZSKbP1TkN-qtji3iVllr_R48uMCHKt6I/s320/GallbladderBandages+008.jpg" border="0" /> As you can see nothing too bad. I doubt I'll even be able to tell I have scars.<br /></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center">Now for better things to talk about!!!<br /><br />Ever since I was little I always liked doing art and craft projects. I remember I was enrolled in an after school craft class in elementary. Well in junior high and high school I really wasn't able to be as crafty because of being busy with sports or marching band. </p><div align="center">My main two hobbies are: Photography and Scrapbooking. Well after today I was able to add a third! I now know how to Cross Stitch! Yes I know it's not hard, but still. Today I was telling my roomie that I was sick of watching movies and wanted to do something. I still have to take it easy so I can't hike, work out, etc like I want so I'm kinda limited on activities. I told her I wish I had my scrapbook stuff b/c I could of finished so many pages. Well she came out and showed me her talent of cross stitching/embroidery. She said it was very easy, fun, and best of all-cheap! So the two of us went to Joann's and picked me up a couple patterns. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I decided that since I already made a calendar for each of my parents with my photo work (more about that in a bit) that I would cross stitch a towel/table cloth type thing for my grandma. Tonight I was able to finish the first corner. I worked on it from 4:30 this afternoon to about 11:30pm. -Yeah, I know I don't have a life. Here's what the first corner looks like: </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403859607665816962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj925Sc-hYGKWxIw2wcJjGWbQquXYL2-tszIivMx8sNhCwr6dFKjCLks1VKWfqus07GMJYz-t3Dd3vUAYdfkq7YYfkgvqBLd_BmRw_994eo_xnB4frvCakpcCH9Dwp145-gmCcLn4cB3RpT/s320/CrossStitch+001.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">You can't really tell from the picture but its a raccoon- he's gray and black with blue eyes. :)<br /><br />Personally, I think he turned out pretty cute. </p><p align="center">Now as for my other two hobbies, this past year I've really been able to work on them and get better. Over the summer is when I really worked on my scrapbooking. I discovered new ways to make the pages more exciting by using ribbon, cut outs, jewels and other things. Before I just used stickers and the pictures. I think my pages are now more fun to look at. My biggest project is my PBR Scrapbook. Here are a few pages from it:<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403861550186124994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiW81Z_3sshGkCBswXFh6tfyI5LUITeK54eJTYtH__N3p48Dg2QRGewYcObMO5U_TyGkLd6Lun0RexFoJD4Q3UYqKFpYMqSyAtBt7TmJuYPHEy6p6ZizG1l3oSmqsH5o-fjinRPGWX-9Y/s320/22Birfday+006.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403861568833172562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoPYhqPkP2_ZvrQyBxz20QaKWY7laA3XdsENs8uMsahCijrAH5qe-TJD3U7fE_G6vJzmWc4dtsWeRQV9hCy9CbfRY4dhezMDCjO7Qhwlf-uMFesNznR9bGmqkQvmsGjv9XWHSBYN1Vlct/s320/22Birfday+009.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403861561833866738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBROUiP5dDPGCeHloaEntRJXWsYPTCKwOgHeHWaL1n0u-GsiQRBKDz-wT7JGkdAQumj4VRUuZTr_SA00U13MeJplBXntIYJahXbTvH4uULaEAHppH3EAeR3bxP6-aM3TTvhXyZeOe7T-WJ/s320/22Birfday+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403861558982042690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-ghqmPvjsYTI-GXqkS7Y-A_ocKqRWDOjtofTjm2knNOn2VNx0iCLP0_4MfpLRCrT1vkwGGyyos4BCSv-cIGVvsVzlJudbOwB-7ttN3YwUG0lS6w2YmQwHMGVJcPU8H8CmP3-Crhvgj2L/s320/22Birfday+004.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">As for my Photography, I've improved immensely I think. I owe that to my photography class and photography professor. This semester I decided to have a fun class and I always love taking pictures so I figured photography was the way to go. I love this class! I have learned so much to improve my photography. I've discovered that my strongest point is scenics. Here are some of my favorites that I took this semester: </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403864016999394786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEnuvqkiWG1ThAN5IhfpmFXm83EVUPxB1rWjYZa1jKVdd1GfHd0LZwYbNs6qd-yEcV0QuVSXlivFD_9ANdmAWL-ARXeHGzC7eIecKNVltE4L5jjsOzlS5_GhbyeA8_hq8RfVuF6j6PxVb/s320/PHO181Scenic+013.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403864023165748082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IjrswZxxz9_l76JiEDpvYa7X6hDps1pfcfLqx_qq7-ucSLN3leqzoOMnA6myhW1yq4Ec8hKTDFgd4BUapGjss2meE59trWbpBYAw14JcwIXrcj7SuYqs6tnBEBvgSmdKANe2plsXo2nv/s320/PHO181Scenic+094.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403864029760782098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgbo-RdnQ7PW_meugaO_q7QVNf4f0VDVOExIUPNtISasvIL25LvKDyKpvu_QXJiBuc3XZjTLFyGA1MCCnIzHWgdcCAz8bRAcgj6ariSjVneBtE_o2Gzo2nIM_H_VOR-XireMq0e89DtVx/s320/11-7-09+034.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403864035684858114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV6v-BMyIm1Vksgra2vgZNn34MgzAuNF47Noq3HHe4XB9VV-02PA5plBJiT2FriUtYMG-vuUWee11ngI33_HSnR3HFRBKOjM-wi7gCNFTDGWwAQXPX66t1A6cZZhBcIk2JqbOxVnb2Cl_/s320/LibertyWildlife+105.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403864044277301026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynHzHsOZwe_Tb9BJBXK__ExDY2VYV0EXuYJBIcj8GTEFQI2pMqOXZrdWiFJ5rYSzOQEqkZZ_6rZZ7fku4Mlac5aosebwPnudUaqqA2X8x9pLUiQYCVv15z__F7tirxqay0zBk5yzHRjvt/s320/Barktober+174.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">I can't wait for the Winter Break so I can go shopping at Hobby Lobby and get more stuff to expand my hobbies. I want a relaxing break where I can just enjoy myself and what I like to do, and scrapbooking, photography, and cross stitching will be included in that. </p><p align="center">I wonder what else I can learn to do?!</p><p align="center">I hope you enjoyed this post- it was a little different for a change. :) </p><p align="center">Keep Holding On!<br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-51929395506080605382009-11-08T21:18:00.001-08:002009-11-08T21:49:24.143-08:00Sorry For The Hold Up!<div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Howdy Folks!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Sorry for the hold up, and not updating for a very, very, long time! Then again, I don't think anyone really reads this. But oh well. </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Quick Update: </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">This past summer I was busy working two jobs. In the mornings from about 6am til about 11:30 am I worked at the Holiday Hound House (Dog Kennel). I love that place. There's just something about dogs that can really make your day. The best day was when we had a family of 10, yes I said 10, Mastiffs!!! Omg, I was in love!! My other job was back at Client Focus from 1pm til 7pm. It was really long, tiring, and back with a boss that seemed to hate my guts. Though I did get to meet some neat new people that made me stay sane. </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I'm back at NAU. I swear, will I ever graduate? Actually...if everything plays out right, meaning I pass all my classes and get the classes I need, I should graduate a year from this Dec! Woohoo!! Yes I know I am way beyond all my friends, but slow and steady still wins the race. Plus with the economy right now, I'm not in the biggest rush. Plus, I'll still have another year til I'll probably have a job at a Zoo. I wanted to get my certification as a Vet Asst. after graduation. I found an amazing program that I can do from home and they set you up with a job right afterwards. I figured this will add an extra twist to my resume. </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Just recently I had to have my first ever surgery and it was to get my gallbladder removed. For the past months have had the worst attacks late at night. I would wake up with my chest hurting so it was hard to breath, my back and shoulders killed, and my stomach felt like it was expanding and going to explode! At first we thought it was because of a medication that I was switched on, but then it happened again one night after I got my old meds back. Two nights later I went to the ER because I still hurt from the recent attack. </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The Flagstaff hospital really is amazing. I went into the ER at about 10:30pm and was in a room at 11pm. I had great nurses and the ER doctor was nice. We took an ultra sound and we saw a couple stones. The following day I was set up for a more detailed ultra sound to look at my gallbladder and then a meeting with the surgeon on Tuesday. </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">My Dad came up Monday night so he could go with me to meet the surgeon. My surgeon was Dr. Huang and he was really nice! He seemed very experience and was really great about answering all my questions. He said it was best to get my gallbladder out because I'm young and healthy. We met with his nurse Tony and my surgery was set up for that Friday! </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Thursday night my Mom came up so she could be here with me and take care of me afterwards. The surgery was out patient so I was able to be home Friday afternoon. Surprisingly, I was actually pretty calm the night before and the morning of the surgery. And this is ME we are talking about!! Of course that all changed once we got to the hospital. But I had amazing nurses that helped to prep me and then Dr. Huang, the anesthesiologist, and head nurse that were going to be in the OR came to see me and told me everything that would happen and answered questions. </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">My surgery was right on time at 11:30am, all I remember was going in, getting on the table and then they put a mask on me and I heard "We'll see you after the surgery.." and then next thing I know I was waking up to hearing "You're in recovery." "Marie this Dr. Huang, your surgery was a success and I gave your mom some stones." - I asked him if I could keep a couple of them. Haha. </span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401975387473022178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoofp7v8VjFGQ3sjnDU1JKdq8Ar27cjrOkkcn0WNhvttanIqiegWSn7wfdl6BhvOwgLBdkmXaPVkULl8u6GTUlHAZeRnpbGVt0rNiABHe05yqJI-Cn4L02W2PvOAd-d4FzllQbwyYiIPrS/s320/GallBladderSurgery+001.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Some of my stones- this is only 1/20th of what was inside me!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I guess I was out by 12:30pm which was really quick. The recovery nurses were great specially nice I was in a lot more pain then I expected to be in. I did good and I was out of the hospital at about 2:30-3pm. </span></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Last weekend it was all just laying down, trying to walk and then a little more distance each day, and emptying my Jackson Pratt Drain. Yeah I had a drain in me that collected fluids that I had to monitor. I had it removed this past Tuesday and I will say right now I do not recommend nor do I ever want to go through that again. My body when into immediate shock. There was like 2 feet of tubing inside of me and when he was pulling it out I swear it felt like all my organs were moving. I wasn't laying down, but sitting up and had no meds to num it. </span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401975395179416850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-yxDOg9RBkJSJS1v_n8DcZCYFmcGa_sKW_MJQpmCrbMYyRPxr-yePZgAVDXOtXqYuXsnRD5uSBHiZwvOpmYyqCbdsX9OBbSdQbWLpZ51ER9rhWSFzyJqJbiBkrin4WAUVJe8yarqtDOE/s320/GallBladderSurgery+005.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My bandages and Jackson Pratt Drain<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I've been doing well. I kinda did too much this week and my body wasn't scared to tell me. I never knew that it would take so much time and it would hurt so much. But I'm getting better each day. I'm so grateful for everyone that helped me through this and who continue to help support me through this. Tuesday I get to take my bandages off which will be nice cause the tape is driving me nuts. </span></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Other then that not much else is going on with me. Just recovering. Oh and Kody Lostroh won the PBR 2009 World Champ!!! I'm so happy and proud of him!! He's amazing and totally deserved it this year. :) </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401975401749579714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhOmuCzJrHDO4SksCCDfGDa_pA65jnj-Fok2rEi7bK-yaYNXcjavc1A_vug1giJgRd0KsHT9RDGSfOCpck8WtieEku1Sqh2XNTt41GXa4FjyvIQxzIenwrBsOzB5XuaufUx_TkX6xKM-Z/s320/PBR08+146.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Kody and I in 2008. He was so nice that he hopped the fence so I could get a picture with him!</span> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thanks for reading, and keep holding on!<br /></span><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-78094572577343592562009-04-29T22:50:00.000-07:002009-04-29T23:41:00.010-07:00Diabetes Free!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87KVmpMe2fVffVdJhiYBuqgrNBuIKcdFbThhWlsKJxk_Tx8oocCFglB7gZHe9LMIvKJJ_FVhCEwVJcGs9R5jqpDApgDNiEk_ibj9ZPtgwHIYFeVvzMEPqEtPGKGwEDaNw6Jwru3kiY2GR/s1600-h/Camo+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330370489523154098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87KVmpMe2fVffVdJhiYBuqgrNBuIKcdFbThhWlsKJxk_Tx8oocCFglB7gZHe9LMIvKJJ_FVhCEwVJcGs9R5jqpDApgDNiEk_ibj9ZPtgwHIYFeVvzMEPqEtPGKGwEDaNw6Jwru3kiY2GR/s320/Camo+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Howdy Folks! </div><br /><div align="center">I got the best news today when I went to see the Doc for my monthly appointment! I am now diabetes risk free! She was like "Congrats, you have saved yourself from diabetes!". Oh man, it was so nice to hear her say that. Now of course, I need to make sure I continue to lose weight and keep it off but still- YAY! :)<br /></div><br /><div align="center">Also after my first month of the new diet change, exercise, and meds I lost a total of 8lbs. My Doc was thrilled and was so stoked. Well today I went in kinda fearing the Doc. I haven't been as on course with my diet as I should of been and I personally thought I either gained or stayed the same weight- 194lbs. Well I got on the scale and I didn't see what it said before I had to go in the room. </div><br /><div align="center">When I got in there I was with my usual nurse Patty, and she was asking me how things where going with my meds. I told her I still get the side affects now and then, but it's not too bad and it's bearable. She then took my blood pressure and she was like "Nice improvement!". I think she said it was like 107/60, but don't take me up on that. When she was done she was on her way to tell the Doc was here. </div><br /><div align="center">My Doc comes in and she goes "I hear you are doing amazing! Patty ratted you out. You're the talk of the office. Let's show you here." She started the comp. with all my info that was plugged in and she goes "OH MY GOSH! You lost 12lbs since last we saw you." I was like "What?! Are you serious?!" I was in complete shock but yet so proud of myself!! She then went on to say "The end of Feb. you were 202. Now end of April you are 182! You have lost 20lbs! We have found your magic formula." </div><br /><div align="center">I still can't believe I've lost 20lbs! I was talking to my friend Cole about it and he goes "You must be smoking hot now!" Which isn't true. Haha. I told him that I can tell I lost the weight in my face and arms, but I still got the tummy. My Doc said though that will be the hardest to get to go down, and the last to go. </div><br /><div align="center">I still got 32lbs to go before I reach my goal weight of 150lbs. That's where I would ideally like to be, and the Doc thinks that's perfect for my body structure. We don't want me to have chicken legs and waist and then big boobs- that would look funny. Haha. I still kinda want to get below 150 but we'll see how things go. Also, I have to get blood work done again Friday, which Im nervous about but I can do it! <div align="center"></div></div><div align="center">So there you go! Yay me!! :D </div><br /><div align="center">Now I'm just wrapping up school, and trying to get settled into my own apartment with my old roommate Steph. I'm stressing about my Physics and Stats classes, but I'm hoping I can pull this off. Any extra prayers of good luck my way would be awesome! </div><br /><div align="center">It's been an interesting month, I'm going to say that. Though I know what my focus is now. And it's not anyone else anymore, but it's me! Working on losing weight and staying healthy, work on graduating here in a bit, and starting my path of working towards going through the Temple! :) </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Well I'm off to bed! </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Keep Hanging On...</div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-19998707222478741392009-03-29T17:39:00.000-07:002009-03-29T17:55:43.933-07:00Quick Update!! :)<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S703hjmLJZq_SpIwwWTjFH8iIqrOuZFJUn4qaYt4iMN5cns5CecnSHm4Q2Dig-8bVPLCxJbXAEUkqujg7X5DGA-ihp-P8hZLrclhUtViEQ-N_onYW_DU9fYjiJxwaN8Yz4XZTEjijLQI/s1600-h/RT+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318774401071447074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S703hjmLJZq_SpIwwWTjFH8iIqrOuZFJUn4qaYt4iMN5cns5CecnSHm4Q2Dig-8bVPLCxJbXAEUkqujg7X5DGA-ihp-P8hZLrclhUtViEQ-N_onYW_DU9fYjiJxwaN8Yz4XZTEjijLQI/s320/RT+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> Howdy from Flagstaff!! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Well here's a quick update before my big road trip! Yay! I'm going to go to General Conference with Dan and Jill for my first time ever! I've been dying to go to Conference ever since I got baptized, but never had the chance. Now I get to! YAY!! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I had my Docs appointment this past Wednesday, and she was very impressed! Turns out on their scale I've only lost 8lbs...which is probably really 9-10 cause I still had my layers of clothes on (its been cold) and other things. She was so proud and impressed with my weight loss. I got a "You Go Girl!" at the end of my appointment. Haha. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">At this appointment we also established a weight goal. I asked her if there was a certain weight I should be shooting for, and she asked me what I thought. I said I would at least like to get down to 150lbs. She said that sounds good to her. I will never be able to be 100lbs (not that I wanted to be that small) but I can at least get smaller. It will probably take me a good year to get to 150lbs- I hope, but that is my goal and I want to do it. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Ever since I've felt like I've had more energy, and just feel healthier. Heck, a guy even sat by me today in Sunday School (wearing boots and wranglers- yeah I was a fan) and talked with me. It made me feel self-confident and pretty. I know that sounds so stupid, but for a guy to sit by me and talk to me, that does a lot. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Only down side to all this, is I will always have the risk factor of diabetes. I might not have it now, but if I don't follow this new life change I will. Which means in the long run I have to keep this diet my entire life. I'm kinda bummed. I mean what cowboy doesn't eat mashed potatoes with his steak? Or all the good country cooking that really I can't have now. I'm going to be a pretty pathetic cowgirl. Though my doctor rensured me I can cheat every once in awhile- just as long as its not more then eating correctly. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Today in Fast and Testimony Meeting a girl got up and said "Heavenly Father doesn't give us trials that we can't over come." I have to remember that Heavenly Father gave this to me for a purpose, and He's right there with me to help. He wouldn't give this to me if He knew I wasn't going to be able to handle it. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Let's see, that's pretty much all I got. Right now I need to focus on the school work for the week and try to run a few errands before Utah! When I return I'm sure I'll post bunch of pictures and stories. Wish us safety, luck, and for a good time! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Keep Holding On! </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-91063314956453235522009-03-23T23:34:00.000-07:002009-03-24T00:11:49.824-07:00You Get What You Give<div align="center">Howdy Folks! Let's give ya a 8 second ride, shall we? </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I just returned from Spring Break to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NAU</span> last night, and man I did not want to go back. Don't get me wrong, I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NAU</span> but I just want to be done. It was so nice having a week long break from classes and stress. This Spring Break was different compared to the last couple. Normally on Spring Break I go on a trip with Dan, Jill, Alan, and Jared somewhere but Alan is busy and well Jared is gone. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Haha</span>. I did however go down to Tucson for the second half of Spring Break and spent time with Dan and Jill. The rest of Spring Break I relaxed and spent time with my family and Huey. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Last time I wrote I was talking about my sudden life change. Well it'll be a month from this coming Wednesday that I got the news from the Doctor. In fact, I'm going back in for a follow up this Wednesday. This month has not been easy, that is for sure. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I have my ups and downs with this. I have my good days where I don't mind veggies and I say "Bring them on!!", but then I also have my bad days where veggies and lean meats do not sound good at all. Instead I want a 12 oz. steak with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mash potatoes</span>!! I never really thought I ate a lot of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">carbs</span> before, or well at least more then what you should until now when I can't have them. Okay well I can have them, but tiny amounts and none of the white stuff. Spring Break was a good week, cause my Mom cooked stuff we normally have, but I made sure not to get the rice, potatoes, rolls, etc and load up on the veggies. Though towards the end I wasn't so good. I gained a couple pounds back, but only like 2 or 3. Not too bad. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">One up side about this, I figured out that I really like to work out. Again I have my bad days where I'm busy with school or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Im</span> sore and tired not wanting to do anything- but then I regret it later. While I'm here at school I've been taking a dance-work out class called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Zumba</span>. I highly suggest it to anyone if it's offered to you! I also found out tonight, cause <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Zumba</span> was wicked crowed that I like the work-out bikes. I did 12.5 miles tonight in a half hour, not too bad for my first time. My goal was 10 miles. During the break I would take hour long walks, and loved it. I would either have my Mom with me, or listened to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ipod</span>. Even though I was working out in a way, I was relaxed and was able to think about different things. I love the way I feel after working out, and I'm excited that I'm loving it. Reminds me of when I use to play sports! Oh, I miss it! This is going to make losing the weight somewhat easier. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Before I left for the break I had lost up to 13.5lbs! Granted I have gained some back, but still. I'm very proud of myself. I do have my days where I look in the mirror and just feel so fat or that I'm gaining and get so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">frustrated</span>. But I have to remember that you want to lose weight slowly, and I think 13lbs is pretty amazing for me. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I'm very nervous for my Dr. appointment Wednesday. When she asked about my medical history before, I totally forgot that my Grandpa who passed had diabetes, and apparently I have two Aunts on that side who also suffer from diabetes. When I was with the Dr. last she said if I gained 50lbs more, I would be classified for Type-II Diabetes. I'm scared now that after I tell her about my family, she's going to be like "Oh, you have diabetes!". I know the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">meds</span> I'm on now are for those who have Type-II Diabetes, and I hope that by being on that and losing the weight I won't have them. But we'll see. I'm scared to see what she's going to say. I hope she's impressed and says I'm doing things right. I have lots of questions for her, and one is being do I have to do this for the rest of my life. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">exercising</span> no problem, but the diet change...I'm a little nervous I can't do it.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I guess I'm just going to have to wait to see what she says, and see what happens. I have a new motto about this and that is "You Get What You Give". If I give the effort to do this to succeed, then I can do it! Though if I fall or don't try, then well it's back to where I started. My family has been very supportive, and so has Jill. -But I bet I'm driving them all crazy. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So I never took like a before picture of this, but here's a picture of me before and then as of right now. Well at least my face. I notice for sure I have lost weight when I look at my face. </div><br /><div align="center">What do you think?</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316648211316078402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_yIyxqrcAaViYGXZUmG6vrpNCm8nYHZ0lF1fKjjRxjaJ9OBT4sA1iCZZ0yL76dKmoSnjGGQlCKia0135gtj-k9WObiwZ9Ar1ymayMkcPfZjuLwNtE43BhYX7qeLd6-Jeyyb1RBgr2ooS/s400/3.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-82734772279121639752009-03-02T21:05:00.000-08:002009-03-02T21:29:53.432-08:00Life Changes<div align="center">Howdy Y'all! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I hope all is going well with everyone! Things have been very busy and stressful for myself. School is crazy insane. I think I get on top of things, but then do bad on a quiz or lab in Chemistry. I hate it! All I want to do is pass and get closer to graduating. I'm worried about Physics, Genetics, and Chemistry. I hope I can pull this semester off. :S</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I've also had some life changing things happen as well. I have decided along with my friend Jill, that I want to lose like 50lbs (she wants to lose like 30lbs or something). I want to be able to fit in those cute cowgirl wranglers and get those cowboy's attention. Lately I've been going to the doctor to talk about a few things.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Well after a doctors appointment after another each week and a blood test (4 vials worth...oh man I almost passed out on the nurse that morning, luckily she caught me) I've recently been diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome and PCOS. They aren't serious serious, but they are not fun and need to get under control. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">What does this mean? Well... first off my body isn't using insulin correctly. It produces insulin but my cells reject it and the other energy from the food I eat. So that extra digested food goes to my waste, and results in fat build up. So my cells are starving, which results to my brain telling me to eat more. Due to this it's making me a "Carbohydrate addict". I need to cut down on my amount of Carbs. Right now I can't have rice, pasta, bread, and the worse one-potatoes!!! I can't live without my potatoes. Luckily I can still have these by very rarely and in small amounts. My diet has now changed to lean meats and veggies! It hasn't been easy one bit. I'm starting to eat more veggies that I never knew I liked, but it seems like a lot of stuff I know how to make or whatever has carbs. If any of you know great recipes for chicken and veggies, or have any suggestion I would love to hear them. Along with the diet change, I'm taking a medicine to help disguise the insulin so my cells will take in the food and energy they need which should result in me being more energetic and not as hungry. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The PCOS means that I'm producing an egg every month, but my body isn't releasing it. So it gets stuck and hard resulting in larger ovaries than usual. My female hormones also are at different levels, which they should be the same. For this one I need to lose weight (which my diet change should help) and I'm on the wonderful pill! The down side to this one is that it means complications when it comes to having kids later. I'm really bummed, but the Dr. said I'm young and there is a lot that can help me to try and have kids. She was telling me about a pill that actually has a high rate of twins- oh boy! I might be carrying twins later! Haha. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My Dr. said it's good that we're catching it when I'm so young, which means I can help keep it under control. It's not curable, but she says I have a mild case and we can easily do things about it. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">So now my life is about exercise and diet- which really I guess is how every one's should be. This hasn't been as easy as I thought. In fact I'm frustrated with it. I was doing so well at first, but now I'm still at a consistent 8lbs lost. I want to lose more though. Like today I just looked at the mirror and felt fat. Ugh. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I know I can do this, it's just going to take time to get the results I want. :S </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-2764248120715562622009-02-02T22:40:00.000-08:002009-02-21T23:23:14.925-08:00I'm Back! 8 Second Update...<div align="center">Howdy Y'all! I know it's been awhile since my last post- sorry! Things just get so busy when you start school again. You ready for an update on me?? Strap on your spurs, grab on tight, throw your hand in the air and give a nod cause here we go!!<br /><br /></div><div align="center">Last time I was on here it was Thanksgiving, well that was long gone so I'm not going to really talk about that. Haha. I had a great Thanksgiving though with my family and got to spend some time with my best friends Dan and Jill. Jill and I went shopping for my very first Black Friday. It was intense, but a total blast. We'll probably go again next year. :) </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Christmas was great! It wasn't a big Christmas for the Dillon Family, but that really didn't matter. All that mattered was we were all there and could celebrate it together. I love Christmas. It's the one day where my whole family is just in the best of mood- specially my Dad. I always look forward to Christmas cause I know my Dad will be in all smiles and shows his love more then he does any other day of the year. This year I got the biggest surprise and probably best present. New Boots!!! That's right, brand new Cowboy Boots! Oh, I love them to death! My Mom picked them out and I think she did awesome!! What do you think? (Forgive the basketball shorts, but hey its my pjs.)</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298460217099810658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIa2W-w3wXPPn5T1mZQy9Fk7fW9M5GQKURqe_pBl1yeRqE8VflH0630wTiK9CD1vFqsMYzVym6kxUFL_vNQyRJQ-BK3DYbN6wnq-1c2iSs1nBtWhpxayRnqX738fU1x07mqKdMegUh_I9/s320/Christmas08+033.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298460213921487954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQSZfkvhNv7xbW1Qoz2tSkv-VHgXkJgdAh36yZmiN3qmkrSxdJbVESWBNRiKRVfWiITpExLx4aUwjFloZExUBgWrDkgZ3vGwBS-GFrF-6AtpHT9LMV7cuEdhvCR6B0jG3a7ViL6fH93JU/s320/Christmas08+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The rest of Christmas Break I got to go to my best friend Jill's Graduation, spend time with her and Danny, be with my family, and work at the dog kennel. I love the dog kennel I worked with. It helped me to see what kind of dogs I want for the near future. My heart is pretty set on a Boxer when I move out and get my own place. If not, it will for sure be a big dog. I'm also leaning towards a Great Dane or Mastiff.- Like I said, big dogs! :)<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OEzATo3HbvKXokmjIUMihpmTrBN2FDIziaa-uXNbjqQjVSJLIzqxSbUTx_YJBkl1YNWpTHUQTbvOv3ce1HVxTaCGGxG-yKwCcYLwPUqALN69_6h3FhkN7CYDzrOcugPNp3IKb5R-4XJP/s1600-h/JillsGraduationUofA+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298460221404748802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OEzATo3HbvKXokmjIUMihpmTrBN2FDIziaa-uXNbjqQjVSJLIzqxSbUTx_YJBkl1YNWpTHUQTbvOv3ce1HVxTaCGGxG-yKwCcYLwPUqALN69_6h3FhkN7CYDzrOcugPNp3IKb5R-4XJP/s320/JillsGraduationUofA+042.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">School started back up in mid January, and believe me it's not a easy semester. I finally have started my Junior year here at NAU and sadly the courses are only going to get harder. Right now I'm taking Genetics, Stats, 3 hour Chem 151 Lab, Physics 111 with a 3 hours lab as well, Az Forest and Wildlife (probably my easiest and most relaxing), and then doing research for my Animal Behavior professor. I'm currently working on analyzing the difference between aggressive and non-aggressive vocalizations in dogs. I'm pretty stoked. Right now I've been reading past journals and experiments. Hopefully I can start my actual research soon. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">NAU really hasn't changed, except for the fact that we got another snow day! ROCK ON! I guess I should state that it is very, very, very rare for NAU to have snow days. The Elementary and Jr. and High Schools get them all the time but not us. My first semester up here we got one, and then again this semester. It was the first time NAU history they had to close the school for two years straight due to snow. This time we got a huge storm. We got 2 feet of snow in just one night- it was awesome! Here's what it looked like. Pretty eh? </div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305510610417154818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBahaCmBSeWZioFD1s4cIWsuBYfJ5ut77eHson3Zmj7tXEiHQn5wLTfHURXFcMFatupeI2xspOdphzwBx5vD63EjaQ2g9N6PKeeqmh3nlxZEJP_kTfBwDYhUTRqMQDYza8PdkvkJ3wwwt/s320/Snow+020.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305510614906869762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0A8my74qi4XsyvxE9-Euuc9d6Li6e94rf9KKihV80uHzD9l8S3cvuE881aQxxpRihb2IybtuRAVqgo4YDqGYabwtH9iZqrPXElMZPTD7JjXguAE8IjqPTcNur_iUBVr5ERk_HGhyphenhyphenMXih/s320/Snow+025.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305510616073248370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0rV68YrOX2SiK0SDVcx7-DbeEQ1gyqCh1pXcRmTwshfRjaxiSY4MUtEMjZTH0HSoRUammZ9j6erNO_LkvWkTwTH8PrF0rjSO71QdadiQXTN_lQHqizZ6ycHhzpXC0zIX_JtI5-z6HAhc/s320/Snow+023.jpg" border="0" /></p><div align="center">I have discovered something really cool though up here at NAU. There is work-out/ dance class that is offered here at our Rec-Center called Zumba! It is so much fun, and thanks to it I have already lost 8lbs! I go every Monday, Wednesday, Friday if I can. It's a great work-out, I'm learning lots of fun dance moves, and the music is pretty cool. It's not country, but if it gets me into those cute Wrangler Jeans- I'm all in! </div><div align="center"><br />Some other things to add that really don't have to do with school, but are my part of life are the following...</div><br /><div align="center">My good friend Jared Bienz left for his mission to Tampa, FL for two years a little over a week ago. I'm very excited for him and think this will be such a great experience for him. I did get a letter from him yesterday and he seems to be doing well. I look forward to the changes in him as he grows in our Heavenly Father's work. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298460229707700226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReweKSu6pwljiH4p85-YA2FymtO72hf53Zk6psJ_Fszwd5zusQ3HVRf7SDwhHL_Uu3PP6dJy6qaKmN9TiAUYp4O5GnhfuvA7YFkmUhQLzPRNodCGaimFpZP6Nr1ImtrHIhyT2B8K-_qYq/s320/12_12+028.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center">I'm currently working on trying to get an AZ Game and Fish internship over the summer. I think it would be a great opportunity for me, but it seems pretty tough to get in. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping something will be offered to me. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">There is some sad news though. This weekend, more like tomorrow, the PBR will be in town at Glendale. Unfortunately due to school I won't be able to make it. It starts at 6pm Sunday night and won't be over till late, so I'm pretty upset that I don't get to go. I was doing so good the past two years about going but not this year. I'm glad they decided to come back to AZ but totally bummed it was in Feb and not in the summer like usual. Maybe I can make an event in TX this summer- that would be pretty sweet! So yeah, best of luck my boys!!! Go get 'em and show 'em what you're made of!!! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Anyways, that's about it for me. There's other things, but I'm probably the only one that finds it funny or entertaining. Haha. I'm looking forward to Spring Break so I can have a break from school, but I'm so ready for this semester to be over. Ugh.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Oh well. I just have to Cowgirl Up, and hang out tight! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">That's all for now...keep holding on!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-69258920365087300282008-11-30T22:24:00.000-08:002008-11-30T22:30:04.515-08:00Coming Soon- Thanksgiving<div align="center">I would love to write a Thanksgiving post right now, but I really need to head to bed. I have a busy day tomorrow and week. I had an amazing Thanksgiving, and I'm so grateful for my family and friends. Heavenly Father truly blessed me this weekend, and I love Him so much. Hope you all had a good one. I'll be updating soon.<br /></div><div align="center">Love ya! </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274704921380054946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehFukdseUM0Xs7DR8s2mpKWC1eblyu93908z9T6dB3bnz-6cvXt64yfrQyT5gez9ZA8hrO9-YAo79eNJDB_CTj2BmPO9pV2bZ5X0ZrZsSPQTrcfwqYvZeqAk_w2z20j-pQYEoRPeA0pPp/s320/Thanksgiving08+014.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274704936690070482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIZkmdwsvD6mbCobh4D83-FJhNFtmwjiaUJmhr1ZNXbU_pdQ7DPDwKqe7XS7l91zObjEybF12iT5nt0zk7OCRAUjnJ3HkviNOeCLc8yBBzwh01kGJ1ENKUSBayPAyYfybTKu_bj6c3bSU/s320/Thanksgiving08+028.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274704926071237634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqBXmihyphenhyphenH3uj5GH6qVck5d8J2n6zqD1VKlG4IB1du8qyDqhsJRuwX3O-XuWkDEwR_BYSGUNInPSHZ6Goj-XKrD4BtwybkiXS7IPx9XX7o9cfcAnwmA1QTNB9Yah_0nq-sduCZagA6tbgy/s320/Thanksgiving08+029.jpg" border="0" />roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-39271027200975845912008-11-23T17:33:00.000-08:002008-11-23T21:51:21.818-08:00Just My Dog<div align="center">So this weekend while working on my bug collection for Entomology I was watching Grey's Anatomy Season 2. In this season there is a point where Meredith buys/rescues a dog from the pound named Doc. Sadly he only loved Meredith, and she had to give the dog to someone else- who was that someone? McDreamy of course! Anyways, in the episode I was watching Doc had bone cancer and cancer reached his brain. You then see Meredith and Derek putting Doc down. OMG- I forgot all about that part and I was in tears!! I couldn't help but think of my boy. My Baby Huey, who is no longer a Baby but getting up there in age. I miss him tonz right now and just want to go home and see my boy. I found this poem online and it's perfect describing him. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />JUST MY DOG</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272034280872200130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvHs5uJC3qOGW5wTED0y6W2zuJbD-hLiFRPC1vtsEbqjVadZhP5Y9jRE7y7aQVYr-QB9Jv2hmmjf_LL3SAfkjXNaEi5MP0H0S2Dh6o6u3WUNIORDnPpa6UJQYuVZcrm2PA8oqOrDwAZsp/s320/Homecoming08+037.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;<br />my other ears that hear above the winds. </div><div align="center">He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272034289149640146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-jUDq5VeZN65Ne_-wfvAwRbn_ciXTz6U2b2nE2TCc4T-WnHrvkdhst1eaOrjMczUDmN2ewT_a3ujXVVszFEJnps6Y3LkYhTWNIwtHKwKZ-YXEY7Ye1Lf8JBLEu9BwFwO7CjW2qLEDbuL/s320/SL_TaylorRodeo+073.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">He has told me a thousand times over that<br />I am his reason for being: by the way he </div><div align="center">rests against my leg; by the way he thumps</div><div align="center">his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he</div><div align="center">shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.</div><div align="center">(I think it makes him sick with worry when heis not along to care for me.)</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272034270642275938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabqxQ98EU8Xgm6t0uJ84c4f8MgCLY8zRvN5VOnoF-eilTJa4pe8MiNSexsi0P5F4rIm48DSJosFwdABEP89oaXMz16BwmEXsKy9bavQqx48CrZzktgxsGWGjQKQwxvchWjM6M1wjSxXkc/s320/Homecoming08+033.jpg" border="0" /><br />When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.<br />When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.</div><div align="center"><div align="center">When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.</div><div align="center">When I am a fool, he ignores it.</div><div align="center">When I succeed, he brags.</div></span>Witout him, I am only another man. With him, <div align="center">I am all-powerful.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272034283696261906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVB3NqobtlSfJfSQzEM_V-nhVEGhqrQHa17BuGumdQMbkUHGqNPJCZslNJ1l0pAl4oKL0is1d9X_dwnkQWuYJozkmhyWG_XgMCZ2G1Y7nwwMjfXB1uNoqejFKQd9vWCK54fWmH98x2KEMs/s320/Hehe+Antler+Boy.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">He is loyalty itself.</div><div align="center">He has taught me the meaning of devotion.</div><div align="center">With him, I know a secret comfort and a </div><div align="center">private peace. He has brought me understanding</div><div align="center">where before I was ignorant.</div><div align="center">His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.</div><div align="center">His presence by my side is protection against</div><div align="center">my fears of dark and unknown things.</div><div align="center">He has promised to wait for me...</div></span>henever...wherever--in case I need him. </div><div align="center">And I expect I will--as I always have.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272036244138479218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkAf-gnDYVJUoWAQCL1XEj8QzrzOP02O494ODsGOWs2FVB52-N8NW96YGIHdJr3-QGk7gwNrU9N-83sndI3ZqmBupm6vNnpeA2-LKp2G8hOHamXUDBsUBqsjblDFf2Gq6xsdPP0at7TGl/s320/Weekend+Home+018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">He is just my dog.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272036239206739298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqiP1LjnUwrsxvb2KvoGdAEaXNWVyaYi-DUk2Ss_M0cKH2DvHz_uXrjJnSTrZvacvXMBOaBSAv_YcPZv_dPQHEWX9Wif9AXAN4JvHih67A-Wk2hYNhq7_LtEnv9yctQ64cPYjvhO9Wa9g/s320/Weekend+Home+005.jpg" border="0" /><br />--- Gene Hill ---roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-53403931070850835372008-11-17T21:32:00.001-08:002008-11-17T21:53:58.192-08:00Cowboy For Christmas<div align="center">Yes I know Thanksgiving hasn't even come yet but hear me out!<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Every year on my Mom's side we draw names for Christmas, that way everyone at least gets something. It's usually suppose to be a secret, but with this family it doesn't last long till you find out who has you. This year my Grandma got me, and she always does a really good job! Anyways, I was talking to my Mom last week and she said she needed a Christmas List from me so she can give ideas to my Grandma. </div><div align="center"><br />Well the past couple nights I have stayed up to think up a list. Needless to say my interests are pretty pricey. Who would of thought to live the Western Lifestyle it would be pretty pricey. So on my list I have some items from the PBR, new Cowboy Boots, my traditional Stud N Spurs calendar (until I get married), basically anything western/cowboy/cowgirl-ish along with some books and movies as well. I saved the best for last though. At the bottom of my list said:</div><br /><div align="center">Reese Cates </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269871285529530866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4CjSWsxowWAbXQNU0woZbhPsZDUi0ETQ_vPltxvu18sR1M1a_jLOvdcAFrDQQqKdJ4kCvb0dv1xg2Dhf8goTHkvzbL_HBDc3q2zVIv2nWK-KPDfray6hNs6V499xDP4qgzfGvT9gnv6T/s320/2008-10-24-ReeseCatesHeadShot6.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Now, if you have been following at all or seen the pictures I post of him (if not, there is one right on the side) you know who he is. If not, he's a PBR rider who actually just won the 2008 Daisy Rookie of the Year! GO REESE! Anyways, Reese is one of the sweetest guys I've seen/meet on the PBR Tour. I pretty much love his guts after reading his blog posts on pbrnow.com and meeting him in person. He made my whole day when I asked for his picture and he came around the tables to where I was and put his hand on my back (yeah I was a little excited). Yeah, I want him for Christmas, naturally. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Well I sent my list off in a email to my Mom last night, and after getting home from classes today I got a reply back. Basically my Mom thinks I'm kidding. If you know me at all...I'm totally not kidding here. I would love to find Reese sitting on the couch where my presents from Santa go. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">If not Reese, I will settle for another cowboy! If any of you run into one for sale while you go out shopping on Black Friday or any Christmas shopping you know where to send him!! </div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-65370655482959358292008-11-13T22:35:00.000-08:002008-11-13T22:47:51.815-08:00Family Pics<div align="center">Everyone is use to the usual family portraits and all that jazz. Well, my family doesn't stay up to date on family portraits. In fact, both my parents have a picture of the three kiddos (Theresa, Jeff, and I) that was taken back probably when I was still in Junior High. Needless to say, we have changed a bit.<br /><br />The three of us got together this past Sunday, and had our pictures taken for our parents. It's their big Christmas present from the kids. Here are 4 photos out of 63 we took. I don't have them all because I need to get the picture CD from Theresa, but I made her email me some. </div><div align="center"><br />Meet the Dillon Children! </div><div align="center"><br />You have Theresa, who is the oldest and shortest (you'll see) at 23- very girly girl, myself Marie, who is in the middle and tallest at 21- cowgirl, and then my brother Jeff, who is the youngest getting to my height at the wonderful age of 16- and well he's Jeff!</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268400356289290802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hn4o15olXyh5MQDkiEAJ7Tf3hFl9usIZWjlhhZLWViu68xf8bDrocsJS1RS2W-CrwFr61MiRN5XWbfom8F4_jbg636HZt5_xLs2LKTMWahdNMKKXsMFu_MhS1CEKPy1iRQydCbSHSSt9/s400/New+Image.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268400346517831602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8a-4O-weEsV4WCJY4Mz1OWsD-Dj4nXccyN9qRrr8PNFrPGthaiRjnpVnCvbX9kW9KSoRJceDWFQTL5RiXKXzw2qZUxpNSVsMP1wmezFcKmEkkxjfxYFxDHeuN6_wL4zdw_KKBWf1Sh07/s400/Christmas_photos_018%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268400347387530962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBJHDRm_5fyyPPUD7OGp99h4ZeWLxpEahK1dz5FG0wT0LTT09a0i33wuIG6_RdAbUI_m-ml854JxBUJWDWboA0q9yF-ma3E-Pr9LuQJF8crzzw_9HG_ipw42B0T4huMcREBoseunvQKpQ/s400/Christmas_photos_036%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268400342721172450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1V46fw4f2UNjo_nkFZisPhip3qApJqBggQKDNKVIDZCAnPSrf9zP4QQi7_lkiuIy2ve3hrjzFSVNsA4gWrqZNTfSlHX3BPyuVBBJDUxuKqzdNP5NcDyNyHmooezUgnvclIt_wqSZsU5j/s400/Christmas_photos_006%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-37148184263931775942008-11-11T22:04:00.000-08:002008-11-11T22:51:01.234-08:00Car Accident<div align="center"> This weekend was eventful for sure, but didn't go as planned. The original plan was to leave Flagstaff at around noon Friday, Staci and Drew's wedding that night, Saturday go to the Zoo, and Sunday spend time with family. Well, most of that changed...<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Friday Karisa and I didn't leave the apartment till about the usual time around 1pm. Which was fine, no biggie. Jamie was doing Karisa's make-up to practice for her wedding, and then she did my hair for the wedding I had that evening. I looked so pretty and felt like a princess! I kinda looked like Auroa from Sleeping Beatuy, or Snow White. You kinda had to see it. Anyways, Karisa and I were headed down the usual way and the trip was going really fast. I was telling her my long story about a certain friend so time passed quickly while we were enjoying each other's company. We get into the Phoenix area, on the I-17 still and right across from Sky Harbor Airport when it happened. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">All I remember was talking to Karisa when the black car in front of us stopped suddenly. As a natural reaction I yelled "KARISA!!" cause she was driving, and she slammed on her brakes. Unfortunately, they didn't work quick enough or not at all and we slammed into the car in front us going probably about 45-50mph still. I just remember yelling her name, turning my head, then I blacked out and came to conciseness sitting in a car filled with toxic smoke from the airbags going off. My first instinct was to get out cause the smoke was horrible and I couldn't breath, so I went to open my door but of course I was opening it into another lane were traffic was going so I was stuck inside. I was coughing and told Karisa I couldn't breath, so she got out and I had to work my way out the drivers side. When I got out I began to cough, and my chest was killing me to the point where I was having a hard time breathing. Karisa's hand and face was burned by the airbag hitting her but other than that she seemed okay. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The car in front us turned out to be an undercover cop with his trainee on duty. Luckily they got out and they said they were fine, the girl's (passenger) neck hurt some but otherwise they were fine. Then the witness was actually an EMT on his day off, who was on his motorcycle. He was very nice and was making sure Karisa and I were okay. He told us to sit down, checked our pulses real quick, and then was trying to make conversation with us to make sure we were alright. The cop then took things from there calling other officers, firetruck, and ambulance. We drew a crowd that was for sure. We had six cop cars easily, the firetruck, and ambulance. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I have to say though, with all the attention no one would really talk to us. They wouldn't tell us what was going on, etc. They kept talking to the undercover cop. Luckily, this other undercover cop lady who came to the scene stuck around with us to make sure we were okay. She asked if she needed to get us anything, wanted to know if we were told anything, etc. She was the one that actually told us we hit an undercover cop- we originally thought he was just off for the day. The firemen that also were at the scene, weren't that nice either. Yes, a couple were hot, but the guy that talked to us was pretty rude. Karisa was doing fine, but I was having a hard time breathing and my chest killed. All he did was ask my age, asked if I had heart problems, and then was like "You are 21, you will survive" and then walked away. Kinda pissed me off. He didn't bother to check me out like take a pulse and different things. They didn't make sure I was okay until I finally complained to the officer that I was hurting and I wanted to make sure I didn't need to go to the hospital. Unlike the undercover cops we hit, they tested them with everything, and even took them to the hospital even though they said they were okay. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">After the cops were all done with things Karisa and I were told we could go home. Karisa in the end was just burned on her hand pretty bad and little on her face. I on the other hand have burns on my arm and head, seat belt burn on my neck/chest, and my chest is all kind of colors from bruises. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I would of taken pictures but we were both in shock and that was the last thing on my mind. Though here's an idea of what Karisa's car looked like, but the front was still more damaged then this one I found. Plus, I can't really take pictures of my injuries for reasons. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267659311803467842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQgk6UsYX9GO-vGC4K9Psnb-Tqz5QQOyOhR2EZRFwoEjLZiECBdVNQcOq5uUh_pXb8r4IwEhbaytSIVLaoVCy8iJRyBBM4Dwlo0Byo4Iz7EzGsKOF8ZQBIAun8JFmww7hyGtbjb9GvsUl/s320/car-accident.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">After the accident which occurred at around 3pm, I didn't get home until 5pm and Staci and Drew's reception started at 6. I had to take a quick shower to get the toxins off, and then run to their reception. I think I was still in shock/slight concussion because I was acting a little different than usual. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Saturday, I didn't end up going to the Zoo because I was having hard time breathing and was hurting bad in my chest area. So needless to say Saturday and Sunday I didn't really do much yet I was still kinda busy running little errands here and there. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Even though I got hurt, and still hurt pretty bad, I'm glad I was with Karisa. I couldn't imagine what would of happen if I wasn't there with her. We both said that we're no longer allowed to travel together anymore because something always happens (first time her tire blew, then the accident, and on the way up my Dad's truck overheated so we had to turn around and switch cars before heading back up again), but we both know we're going to travel together more anyways. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I'm so glad that Heavenly Father has blessed me by protecting me and Karisa. I know we are pain, but things could of been much worse and I know he was protecting us. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-61560272259804229232008-11-05T16:23:00.000-08:002008-11-05T17:13:11.603-08:00Fun Filled Weekend!<div align="center"> Howdy!! Well it's been a couple weeks since I last posted, so how about an update! This past weekend I had the opportunity to go home since my roomie Karisa was going down and I didn't want her to go by herself. The weekend was lots of fun and something I needed. -A Break! All the fun began Friday...<br /><br />I got home about 4 o'clock and right before my Mom arrived. Once my Mom got home we decided to go grab something to eat (b/c I hadn't eaten all day) before going to the Mt. View football game. I talked her into going to Sonic because I haven't had it in forever, and it was SO good. :) We had a good time at Sonic sharing funny stories and laughing at each other. Afterwards we still had an hour till the game started so we went to her classroom to get some things for Theresa's photo shoot (she won a Halloween costume contest) and a couple other things. Needless to say, I found my costume when we went. I was in a hyper/silly mood and my Mom has this thing for her students when teaching about the body. Basically it's mini blow up body parts, so for the brain you were this head band with the brain on it, then there was like a thing you put over your shirt that had the rest of the body parts. It was pretty much AMAZING and screamed "MARIE". Sadly, I forget to get a picture of it. I do on my phone, so if you see me ask to see it! After we were doing being goofy at her classroom we went to visit my Grandparents for a little and then off to the game. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The football game was good, yet kinda boring. Mt. View was creaming Red Mt. so my Mom and I decided to leave at the beginning of the the fourth quarter. Though I did see a family friend at the game and had a blast catching up with her. She was telling me about this cool country-line-dancing bar up here at NAU that Karisa and I are going to check out (for dancing, not drinking). After the game I got to hang out with my best friends Dan and Jill! :) The three of us went to Applebee's (and yes I was still in full costume, it rocked) and it was like old times. We had fun sharing updates about each other, telling family stories, and of course the usual funny and unforgettable moments. I heart those two! </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265342103046596082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldNhLGm51JLIiUhh3g0-COBt76MlssBrYJH2673Sdlkr88x5_zQeqn6eCXPIg4b1M7jQHLkd6VPz84gDcnpSkEmf7GXyuJWVSqQEngRjIdIw6GZ8mOnY_tPgJyjRq1psy4SrEA61Ou5E-/s320/DSC_0011%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Saturday morning my Mom woke me up and asked what I wanted for breakfast, so I had my favorite Chocolate Chip Pancakes! YUMMY!! When we were done I got in the shower, dressed for the day and we went to Bed Bath & Beyond. We got me an electric blanket and wedding gifts for friends. It was pretty funny when the lady there thought it was my wedding and wondered why I was registering a week before. Haha. That afternoon I got to go with Dan's sister Lacey, Jill, and Sis. Bienz to get Lacey's ears periced. It was exciting and reminded me of when I got mine done...except I was a Junior in High school and didn't get the whole lunch and thing with it. Haha. Afterwards I played a couple games of wiffleball with the boys, and went home for dinner. Mom made homemade Chinese food. It was awesome! At around 9:30 I went back over to the Bienz to play games the rest of the night.<br /><br />Sunday was an interesting day. Haha, I was suppose to go to the Zoo but that didn't work out. Well more like my Mom thought it was too crowded and turned around. Then we were going to go somewhere else but it was closed. Needless to say I missed Stake Conference just to ride around and end up going home to play cards. Though, I can't complain too much I got to spend time with my family. </p><p align="center">This weekend was lots of fun, and I'm so glad I got to go home. I honestly didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay home and continue having fun with my family, and hanging out with my best friends. Im so glad I have friends like Dan and Jill in my life. I don't know what I would do without them. They're amazing, and I always have fun with them- plus they don't mind my randomness. Haha. Before I came up Jill gave me the coolest present ever!!! It's this awesome sports bag that the PBR and NRL riders use!! It has a special place just for your boots, plus huge to fit the other gear and things in. I LOVE IT!!! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265342112521701570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OA4ak4wPLGYS-4zSiPpButF7Ya7DX_vOqeFYSXmH-0iIa2EYSyk5js8nwx7UO1knZoln00shICKNIqH8UnYhlAsT2aq9dJmHfNy4M8FMhBumSl1ZX2wQRCkp9BHpxlVOn34CcovG4iYW/s320/ra+015.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Now for an update on this week so far. It's been a stressful and tiring week, that's for sure. I have this research paper due in Entomology Friday and it's driving me crazy! It's based off our collections from a field trip we did and needless to say our TA sucked at explaining it. No one really knows what they are doing, which makes this paper hard. We got a good portion or well the hard part done last night and now it's all up to me to finish it. Woohoo!! I get to explain our results and all...yeah...fun. I also had a PreCal test today which was awful. I had no idea what to do and there were problems we never did before in class, it was annoying. Though, there is some good news! For example, I started a new class! That's right, I started a new class all about these little guys..</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265342128479776978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDuMV_hGo7HO-2_lPMGMQyNg1aCl1uUDihdqgu348uCkB55Yhr2M51nNg0_WLZT0hIL78pmtJ-fgnX2j24I5W3sEAoO8DlILW438GTsHgZ78PcBuiqWGpuEb3KELEAJ1Y2G6wFXmbokuW/s320/Prairie_dog_.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265342120571079826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWZsx50YWZN8fwGjfootROfjCR58aGsP5gp6dzNji-yayuoe5FXoYB5FPsiozdB0HdHanN83GbSLM8BZnorBX7yb3E529tAtmEtMxOzr4zPGFAv8Sj6Aczn8Iun3KNUiqLX65m1JtTbOn/s320/prairie-dog-01.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Aren't they cute!?! Oh man, I already like this class. It's with my professor I had for Animal Behaviors and I loved him! We watched a movie which was an introduction to the 5 week course, and man it was a tear jerker. These creatures really mean no harm, and actually really important to the environment. Though they are almost extinct, and people continue to hunt and kill them...yeah that wasn't fun to watch. Yes it's true, they do explode when you shoot them. I saw it myself like 20 times.<br /><br />I also got to have dinner last night with my cousin Scott before getting together for Entomology paper. It was lots of fun and I had a really good French Dip! Im really glad I have Scott up here because he can help me escape from the apartment and have fun. He showed me what my cousins Brad and Greg were for Halloween and I have to share! Haha. They are awesome!!! Needless to say they won best couple that night. I also got to see a picture of Madison (Brad's little girl), and she makes the cutest devil!! What do you think? </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265342126733716690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EkCVDa2wf6P-jnp-t6KmO84WS8oCZNCLwIisqN7eAA9bDFp99kIGooMtXYOQX9VGbNrz6cnDLKa4y70EAXKhnH5St0MZIVTRDB3HfU1nNV1Luw5vl6W6GcQWHlOoTe7hDodPPGLnJpmQ/s320/BradGreg.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265342993396647266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJs5py_9VF3Tmw8tRIXC4LMQvBVkd_GBBSVnPSLOLDFoyZkdNKv2jB0snJl0WQCMIyIcu36a8gcmxDNqBlCLXaqNZ2wDjvg0cUjj5NDPMAt4IF7AtO1AR3X9FMWvZVbiBqrsVDymbHCgb/s320/DevilMaddi.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Before I go, I almost forgot to add that on Monday I had the chance to go to my Bishop's house with Karisa to watch the new Emma Smith Story movie. Oh man, it was SO amazing and a tear jerker as well. I can't imagine what all she went through, along with her and Joseph as a couple/family. I just hope and wish one day I can find a man just like Joseph and we can have a relationship like him and Emma did. </p><p align="center">ALSO- WOW ALMOST COMPLETELY FORGOT!!! The PBR World Finals have been exciting!! I'm so bummed and mad I don't get to be there, but hopefully I can watch the last round on TV this Sunday. I have to say, Im so proud and happy for Reese Cates!! He's in 6th place right now (awesome for a rookie), and tied for 2nd place in Round 3 with Justin McBride with a 90.5 ride. GO REESE!! </p><p align="center">Alright, now Im going! Haha. Keep Hanging On!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-78118336068226436362008-10-26T11:42:00.001-07:002008-10-26T21:42:39.136-07:00N...A...U...NAU!!<div align="center">This weekend was probably one of the best weekends I've ever had at NAU! All the fun began on Friday around 6pm. :)<br /><br /></div><div align="center">Friday night Steph and I both didn't have plans, so we decided to hang out and watch a movie. My roomie Karisa joined us as well. The three of us walked over to Hastings and rented "Iron Man" and "What Happens In Vegas". Steph and I then grabbed dinner at Carls Jr., and we all went back to the apartment to watch "Iron Man". After the movie was over I convinced Steph to sleep over, and the three of us (Karisa, Steph, and Me)decided to make sugar cookies! Haha. That was lots of fun. We had fun deciding what some of the cookie cutters where since we had no idea what they were suppose to be. Haha. After cookies we watched Grey's Anatomy.- I got Karisa hooked on it now. Hehe, go me! It was around 1 o'clock then and we decided we needed sleep for the day ahead of us. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Saturday was a school spirited fun filled day! This weekend was NAU's Homecoming- which meant a parade, football game and dance! Steph and I decided to attend two out of the three. At around 10:30 Steph, her roomie Courtney and I went to the bookstore so I could buy my first NAU shirt (finally!) to wear to the game, and afterwards we headed downtown to the parade! OMG, the parade was hilarious!! All the floats were made by the dorms, fraternities, sororities, and students. Basically, they were really corny but it was funny. They also had some pretty sweet old cars in it as well- it reminded me of CARS. This one guy loved how Courtney and I got so excited that his Cougar's head lights would appear and disappear that he told us "Check out the tail lights as I drive by". Haha. His head lights moved as well. Needless to say Courtney and I are entertained by the littlest things. When the parade was over (it was short, lasted only 30 minutes) I suggested we all grab a pizza! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The three of us then were walking back and grabbed some pizza from this really small but amazing pizza joint. We shared a medium pepperoni pizza and cheesy garlic bread. It was SO good!! After lunch the three of us walked back to the apartments, and then Steph and I were headed to get her a NAU shirt and off to the football game! </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261686966983762322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtY7Caz_XQ-yZ7zwhwu94xeCG_QOsY99Il_9SwAecJmVA6KRL6wiPM0BVRrhLQjiYv7pYL76039M_nqKkQnjXJcFmmfHWZFp2dSIEkgltywI0cggMocE1hO-lhVymNaZJRbCc0eUKdBuj/s320/NAUFtBallGame+006.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I was so stoked to go to the game, because I was finally going to my university's own athletic event. I wanted to go last year to the basketball games, but my roomies weren't into sports and I don't like going to games by myself. Those of you that know me, I love going to sporting events no matter if they are professional, school, church, or even just some friends getting together to play. I love sports, and after almost two whole semesters at NAU I finally got to go to one! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261686972979069394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQ0kOQPBPZnc988bQJufe_y44pmF52fCqyVXphDi2xAu2Yf6SZU17PePZXgBRybBM_Pe-jhShH-UT7tn3nlFfAAyYLX7mZ5smtDv8pf4mUsveFdXnXJQTay8lkc439JRxbbMDhWWJzheK/s320/NAUFtBallGame+015.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">This weeks game was huge! We were playing Weber State, and we were tied with them for first place in the Big Sky Confernce. Whomever won this game was then determined as number 1. There was a huge crowd because of this. It was great!!<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261686995863510770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEqfQlUDq87nlr-8zvSoZLu6HJMB8Wf7lOpJ4xEp7KCnZtUfXKrWvw_NtWSUKsxDGM3W1U1EZrkPDy8vV0S9rJ9q8jnovvSOjMJH_tskawXLElrNsEaJ2cL6QNhItrDmkHLCbE9LnawcN/s320/NAUFtBallGame+039.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Steph and I sat in the Student Section, and that really is the place to sit. Sure you have some of your drunks and wierdos but it's so much fun. Everyone gets into the game and you all work together to cheer on the team. I had a blast standing up pretty much the whole time, and cheering on our boys! They played really hard, but sadly they were beaten. BUT, before all those start to bash my school I need to explain a few things.<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261688207426659730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeE1IBj1aGxV09Bs1pAZ5jXsLJd0mIv6HSys6Koj2cIkIIpzZ5ZuzGwPP-d9PIRdq0UYNgg40zFzgRLDdbNI_pwDdxtLJu43Y9gGaqOIr0iYcxK8JMafmJ316yKNKhsveon97OtH4G3EB/s320/NAUFtBallGame+050.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Yes, we lost 14-42 but it would of been a much closer game if it weren't for two things. One- Weber State plays dirty. It reminded me when we (Mt. View) would play Hamilton. It wasn't until the thrid quarter that they finally called an unsportsmen-like conduct on them (which should of happened like 10 more times). Their guys would insist on continuing to fight and rip the ball out of our guy's hands when he was already down and the whistle blew for end of play. The Refs would seriously contiune blowing the whistle in Webers face but they still fought it grab the ball. Or their defense would not get off our players, and would rip at them. Yeah, they were redicilous! Two- the Refs were worse than those in the NBA (that says a lot!). For example, we were about to score a touch down, well deserved, but totally made a bogous call and gave the ball to Weber. Or this other time our guy was already down with the ball, end of play right...yeah Weber stole the ball and started running with it- they called it interception! Yeah...don't get me started. >:( </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261688194628433154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJABx7uDDa1Yehu4Nl2wdEGSqrNQ1iF-zVxwl0miQPTBVR2PsXQKvf8h9nc7xixwLR3quSWmJ_Wgi780r6891aM40pb-zaXz9I-iQAKeW8_O5Ld19XDO5uvXjFhRrTQrfNy7Cjv9Rrwdr/s320/NAUFtBallGame+049.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Even though we lost, the game was a total blast and I'm proud to be a LumberJack! GO JACKS!! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261688193500469842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQL3UDvFSA62d0iqZ2TA1qmVMBY6hFXZzMN0GKCwmnTcLw39RBGaonSVdG8ik6JLHLjz-eQ1fNpca4ZzrJIUf64noYMUs9wYdeEW8B5H27IXvNUugPMtiTLeMe55Pe37K2xQPIHY5ckLB/s320/NAUFtBallGame+024.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261686983117584354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwFFryV1cwAQPqIbLBhzl3s0jYsP1RuKOd-q9_MEpdehzTFK4H5rsWGMKPN6qSi5a3UPI_xE5iMqiW1RWBWMLmiSI1AYCuMB0GNlKqd6kR-9IShn8FCrg7UXT157euOEl_5tbckrWX4FQ/s320/NAUFtBallGame+028.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">When the game was over I spent the rest of the night with Karisa and her fiance Ivan. They are so cute and lots of fun! :) Then today, I had church and took engagement pictures for the happy couple. </p><p align="center">This weekend was another one out the few that made me glad I'm here at NAU. I felt like an actual college student, and had a blast! :) </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261687004321133634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXYEVI7_slSnuLl43INxU6YiTwhHosEopDSJPPkWfLiOoP_pUtlKhm6VORtDojFos-EKbOSLla_BUDuCQXJQbKBfgs54INto-8L7-5UieO0OxingtfyixKD7KypDGz_9AaPDX8CrNyJWT/s320/NAUFtBallGame+042.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Alright, that's all for now, keep hanging on!!!<br /></p>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-33387001239761995782008-10-21T22:52:00.000-07:002008-10-21T23:31:33.534-07:00Best Day And Worse DayEver had one of those days where something really great happens, and you're just on a mega high until all of a sudden something happens and it turns into the worse day? Yep. That was today. Okay, really it wasn't the worse day I've ever had but I mean it was a day where I was hit with news I wasn't prepared for. Let me share. <div><br /><div>When I woke up this morning I was not looking forward to Entomology at all. Today was the day we got our 16 page exam back. This exam wasn't just 16 pages of multiple choice, but rather the first 2 pages like that and then the rest essay style questions, along with filling out a blank cladogram of the evolution of the 31 orders. Needless to say it was long and very complex. It was one of the very few test where I felt so drained afterwards that I wanted to pass out. </div><br /><div>I was worry free a little bit before coming because Neil (my professor) said if we get an email over the weekend then that's bad. Basically, you bombed and you needed to have a meeting with him to figure out how to pass. The whole weekend I was checking my student email about every 2 hours and no email. I figured "Okay, this is good!" </div><br /><div>When class started Neil explained he did have our exams but he decided not to email anyone, so if we bombed we had to email him. Yeah my worry free feeling went away right away. Then he posted every one's scores on the projector (just our scores, not names with them) and I noticed there was a good amount of A's, some B's, C's, but also D's and F's. I was getting more nervous. He began passing back the test and I was one of the last ones to get mine. My classmates I studied with got theirs and had a 106% and a 111%. I felt the pressure. He then handed me mine.</div><br /><div>I turned the pages and was trying to see where I lost points, but really trying to get to the final score. I saw a 11 and was like "OH CRAP" but it quickly turned into a 111.4%!!!! HOORAY!! I was so stoked and couldn't help but be so happy, and I was the third highest in the class. My professor said not to get too cocky, cause if you did then you do poorly next test. I figured "Heck, I'll celebrate today, but serious again tomorrow!". I was so happy that I called my Mom, Dad, Jill, and wrote Dan. Haha. I then texted Steph and said we needed to go out to celebrate. We decided to do lunch when she got out of class at 2. </div><br /><div>Well it was around 1 so I had a good hour to kill. I then watched Extreme Home Makeover online, and still had a good 20 minutes to spare. I then decided to go check the PBR official website for updates and things since the World Finals are coming up. That was when my day went from a super high to a major low. </div><br /><div>The first thing I saw was "Two Time World Champ Announces Retirement" with a picture of Justin McBride. I was shocked!! My first reaction was to yell "WHAT!!!!!" out loud. I then tried to clam down and said to myself "It's okay, maybe he's announcing it now and then this coming up 2009 season is his last." I then read the article and saw that I was wrong. Two weekends from this weekend he is riding his last event ever. This World Finals is his last. I was so upset. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259860510409712642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyp6orEHPJIo6POLmbDHfbHH20wmVATlPZGqBIVQgi2_2BjUUgLDvqN5yfxcQTqG2YSg_DXavJ5RZp30VNwyXM4G9Yyjux85xMVbwLVxfbEq4vjBwp68bWuk6IKzRoY48kz4Fg3er3sj8/s320/Justin_McBride_2005_PBR.jpg" border="0" />Justin has been my favorite rider and my dream was to see him ride/meet him in person. Last year I missed that chance cause he got injured the first night and my Mom and I went the second night. Then this year he got stepped on by the jaw the event before coming here and stayed home that event. And of course Im not rich and can't go to Vegas in two weeks. I missed my chance meeting and seeing one of my heroes. I also can't see his last ride because we don't have television up here. It hurts. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259860169127634994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa0HXWfkJ8qvicemcRkwkJej5RuFmf2-xDSHxCD0LMLRgVmEwxE3EG29ZTfCDZXV53jq2rgXMv31HDesP39I1fitMwAiKTWjTpMiQK9tXi7irloAV44hRrivnFud1KiFu-bxAJhncXxO1/s400/177-05-226.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I might be really upset but I'm happy for him. He is retiring at the top of his game, and I know he really wants to be with his family and move on. Hopefully he'll still be around at some events to visit or commentate, and I know he said he's going to explore the music business further. Plus, it's not like he was my only favorite. There are still so many other riders that I follow/cheer for, and love. I have a couple eyes on some of them and can't wait to see how their future in this sport continues (ie Reese Cates, Kolt Donaldson, etc.). </div><br /><div>The PBR and so many are going to miss him but I wish him the best of luck! Justin, you're amazing!!! </div><br /><div>After discovering the news I went out to lunch and she helped cheer me back up. Haha. That was my day...how was yours? Haha. </div><br /><div>Keep Holding On!!! </div></div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-89421021826814414392008-10-20T23:55:00.000-07:002008-10-21T00:03:39.093-07:00I'm an ADULT aren't I!?!?!You know, I love my parents very much. They are the world to me, and I have some of the best parents out there. They make sure I have the things I need, a good life, and love me. But sometimes I feel like I'm still 3 yrs. okay maybe 13 yrs. old.<br /><br />I just turned 21 this past August, and according to our government/country I'm a legal adult. ADULT! Then why on earth, do I get treated like a little kid all the time!!! I admit sometimes it's needed, but honestly others it's not.<br /><br />Instead of still asking for permission all the time, I wish I could just be like "Hey, okay I wanted to let you guys know..." but no. I still have to ask for permission whenever I want to go do something. It got better and I can be like "I'm going to go hang with (so and so)" but that was because I told them last <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">minute</span> and they couldn't be like "No".<br /><br />I'm on my own in a way...let me go a little bit. Let me go have fun with friends that you love and know that I'm in good hands.<br /><br />Maybe I should of got engaged! No, that would be the wrong reason to. I know my parents are just thinking what's best for me, but sometimes I wish they would kinda let go some more. We'll see what happens. Fingers crossed that they will think about the things I said. :Sroadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-59104844200767705422008-10-17T23:29:00.000-07:002008-10-18T00:12:06.749-07:00Elder Larsen<div align="center">So today seemed like any other Friday. Well okay, some things were different. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">For example, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">totally</span> didn't go to my first class at 9:10. No, instead I decided to sleep in because I woke up feeling lousy. -Maybe it's cause I stayed up a little late reading New Moon. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Haha</span>. I also had a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">weird</span> dream where I was married and pregnant...yet I have no idea who my husband was (he was hot though, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">haha</span>). Twilight Series Update: I'm on the second book New Moon, which I stopped reading for a while because I was so upset after reading Chapter 3. But, school has slowed down a bit and I figured, everyone said it gets better so I better keep chugging along.<br />Instead of going to class at 9:10, I woke up at 10:30 and got ready to go to my last class of the day, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PreCal</span>. Yeah, sick. I hate math, but it's only cause I don't understand it. When I understand it and it's easy to me, then yeah it's kinda fun but when I don't follow and have no idea what's up then it sucks. Today was one of those "What?!" "Wait...how is that?!" days. Yeah, not fun. I came home all upset and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">frustrated</span>.<br /><br />After feeling stressed I decided I needed to go to happy land and watch Grey's Anatomy. Since we don't have cable or any kind of television here I can't watch it on Thursdays (it drives me nuts- I mean this is my show! Besides the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">PBR</span>), and I normally watch it Fridays when I get home from math on my computer. I love this season so far. I love the stories they have told and where they are going. This weeks episode was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hilarious</span>! Oh my gosh, I don't even know where to begin. Once I was done with Grey's I decided to watch The Office- I'm trying to get all caught up. Sadly, I thought this weeks episode was weak compared to last weeks.<br /><br />Once I was done escaping to TV land, I decided "Hey, lets take a nap", yeah...that didn't happen. Instead I was just relaxing, called some friends, and then my Mom. Later I had a friend come over to help me with math, which now I understand one section but of course I have no clue about 4 other sections.<br /><br />Then tonight, I brought up the idea to the apartment to take our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">roomie</span> Karisa out to dinner to celebrate her getting married. I love Karisa, she is a total sweet heart and I'm so excited for her. Her and I get a long really well because we are both country girls. :) We decided to take her to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Chilis</span> since she's never been. It was lots of fun and she had a good time, which was the plan since she's getting a little stressed out over everything.<br /><br />Once returning home I decided to go check the mail, which basically I'm the only one that does. Normally all my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">roomies</span> get mail and of course nothing for me. Kinda sucks. Well tonight was a different story. Inside the mailbox single <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">piece</span> of mail. It was a letter, and I figured it was for one of my other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">roomies</span> until I saw "Marie Dillon". I looked to see who it was from and I flipped out! I finally got to hear from my good buddy Dane Larsen, or well I should say Elder Larsen.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258381263396659810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREW1g_QToS9CdJ6383dybrRt1JhWZM6vW82HZ-QLgedsAclGb_kSuR9Xj8Ru9ieArySVik05qQ52KeR3Cd7GbX8SHIDKGZH-rau3_4b-dV9BMnDoHyaEfItcNAb5HzY7nCq67M2Gq_EnK/s320/DaneandTommy.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I met Dane at Mt. View in Marching Band and we became Drum Major Companions my senior year along with my buddy James <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">McMullan</span>. I can't tell you how much I love these boys. They were my boys, and I had some of the best times with them. They didn't mind my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">corkyness</span> and randomness, actually I bet they thought I was ill if I wasn't random every day. One of my favorite things about Dane was he use to die laughing at my impressions. Honestly, I suck at them but he use to find them so funny and I loved to make him laugh in the mornings.</p><p align="center">Anyways, I got a letter from Dane tonight and I was super excited. I wrote him once before last semester in April, but I wasn't sure if he ever got it or if when my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">roomies</span> forgot to check our mail in the summer (which of course got put on hold and then everything returned to sender) if he wrote and it got sent back. Before he left he asked if I would write him through out the mission and I agreed of course (meaning friend writing to another), yet I've been a horrible person and have only written him twice. I know, I'm a horrible friend. Okay, back to the letter. </p><p align="center">Dane is doing great! I'm so happy for him. He loves his area and in fact he's been in the same area his whole mission (which I believe he's been out 15 months now) but watch now that I say that he will get <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">transferred</span>. Reading his letter made me miss him so much. He would make comments about my bugs for Entomology and told me a story that would fall under the "classic" and "amazing" <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">category</span> in my books. I got so excited that I heard from him that I called my Mom, and then Dan and Jill. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Haha</span>. </p><p align="center">Reading his letter reminded me of the many good times we had and made me miss him so much more. I can't wait till he gets home, and I hope we can hang out more then we did before he left. Though of course, I am at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">NAU</span> so it will be hard. Dan is amazing, just like so many of my other friends. </p><p align="center">It's moments like tonight when I get a letter, phone call, email, or something from a good friend that makes me smile. It makes me feel special and reminds me that I'm loved and have touched others. I love my friends; they mean the world to me and I don't know where I would be without them. Thanks you guys!! </p><p align="center">Well, this post is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">buttload</span> longer than I thought it would be. I hope I didn't bore you, then again I don't know who all reads this. Hope you all have an amazing weekend! Mine will be filled with homework, cleaning, New Moon, and sleep. Hooray! </p><p align="center">Keep Hanging On...OH and PS the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">PBR</span> World Finals are less than 15 days away. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">CrAzY</span>!!! </p>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-68031466975732690342008-10-12T17:49:00.000-07:002008-10-12T17:58:38.960-07:00Let's Move Out...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx0jtOvj6QvHLcJ1p2xk5vvvqVK6HexID_r7x7rjLqfTFti-rMK9SWzC8If36wnK6XE0Ij1JvXFxN6vpedLYt1f_80u3UCouFXbJXY3Ls6t4CYAizLHjILRuGFLaGHw5mgwXHnPu15PLk/s1600-h/gl-_JKL7972%2520cowboy%2520and%2520horse%2520by%2520JL.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256434425428053778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx0jtOvj6QvHLcJ1p2xk5vvvqVK6HexID_r7x7rjLqfTFti-rMK9SWzC8If36wnK6XE0Ij1JvXFxN6vpedLYt1f_80u3UCouFXbJXY3Ls6t4CYAizLHjILRuGFLaGHw5mgwXHnPu15PLk/s320/gl-_JKL7972%2520cowboy%2520and%2520horse%2520by%2520JL.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">I can't wait for the day when I hear someone say this to me: </div><div align="center">"Nobody in the world makes me laugh the way you do. You're my best friend. I just want to be with you." </div><div align="center">Granted, I stole that from one of my favorite movies but it's something I can't wait to hear being said to me from someone I find so special and dear. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Yes, I've had one of the sweetest guys I have ever met come into my life but it's best that we are just friends. We still adore one another a bunch, and we're eachother's person but just not the right person.<br /><div align="center"> </div></div><div align="center">I don't reget a thing, it was a great learning experince for me and now it's time to continue that journey. Conitune on my path and in hopes to find that right one. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Wyaitt is an amazing guy, and will always be a good friend to me. Heck, we're even going to spend the weekend together riding and all that jazz for his birthday. So things are good. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Don't get me wrong, I'm still a total sucker for cowboys and always will. I hope that I will still find my cowboy. :) </div>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-64606679714817499482008-10-07T22:33:00.000-07:002008-10-07T22:42:14.816-07:00My Boy is All Grown Up!My baby boy is all grown up!! I'm such a proud Mama!! My baby boy Hunter hatched from his little pupa casing and is now an adult beetle. Hooray! :)<br /><div></div><br /><div>Hunter is very spunky and full of engery! He was having fun crawling around while Mom was changing the other siblings, and found out either she threw away the other pupa case...or it died (fingers crossed its the second one). </div><br /><div></div><div>Hopefully he'll be able to have some older siblings soon!! I love when these guys are beetles. They are so much fun!! Hunter was having fun crawling on Mom, and he's Aunts were taking his first pictures. </div><br /><div align="center">Look at my handsome boy! </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254653537760369122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfDe7riYVnbCHptQEL3JAmLNyVPfonR8g3NQmoMdcceZLSapQ_zIHLh8m7uczPAhKNjd-eqtDk4XPfCpaIS_eT-4LSDS5bJ4BYIQJ35xQU5QmSxUDSRR1CWDtiM8i3kY5xOHmgfLpiKUA/s400/Hunter+005.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254653537817412514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5szh6nbswuwTu_B7YrSOs-Jx1euVTzk1XoEjt-vliEYwO5cWmTfFbIFL3VoY7d_GwNxENAY8TuVJJnE75Jvuw7XoO_LaUDxeyA7ayOt0bG2FDteGrC0TQyOr2RL8xe8iR9ilT2t6rrGs/s400/Hunter+006.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Please ignore how awful I look. I'm trying to recover from a cold. Okay well, I would love to update more but I have to go do some Math HW (well try), study some more for my wicked Entomology test coming up, and then sleep...maybe. </p><p> </p><p> </p>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345824320687178560.post-90516789966942744982008-09-28T23:40:00.000-07:002008-09-29T00:33:01.064-07:00I Heart Disney!<div align="center">So, I've been a huge Disney kick lately!! I've been brushing up on some of the old Disney Classics. I remember when I was little they seemed really long, yet when I watch them on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">youtube</span> its so short!<br /><div align="center"><br /><div align="center">I love Disney! Walt Disney was a genius and wonderful man!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Im</span> so glad that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Disney</span> continues to grow and bring smiles from children to adults! Though, I have to say, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Disney</span> movies today are really good but they just don't have that classic old Disney touch. I don't know though, maybe that's just me. </div><br /><div align="center">Any-who, I thought I would post some fun pictures from a couple of my many favorites and list why I as a kid loved it so much!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251335355890558530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UHzpSzCtfaJLa3DC56L3c0231y-8FkyBiJid6vWPGnWGGLHQ8vD0T6UvIeTG_U7qVmK3DGRXfv4f50sr8IxJAs5-QL7SfrZVtu3TI5AJDMKnVsSxDmyTUQuk2DMOghb8Fn0n6CYHg4-1/s320/ds_101_dalmatians_lithograph.jpg" border="0" />101 Dalmatians: By far number one favorite! I've always wanted a dalmatian ever since I saw this movie as a little kid. I loved Lucky, Patch, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rolly</span> when I was little. I remember <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">every time</span> my Aunt Susie would babysit me and my sister while my parents were at Suns game I begged her to let us watch 101 while "going" to sleep. Now a days when I watch it just makes me smile and I love how they make the owners look like the dogs- its so true though! Next time you're out, look at the dog and the owner bet you they look a like in some way! </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251335348603712402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73Jg2DaHRnIbxKUCxkyxsdP3Qi88zQO9J4ChSHjtGJJiyOMgL7EHmmv84uvMwE-guAqRiQHa7KzrGdf6vCuKVHcZpFolxtYutfJdpUyyw7_hZ3weZg8W9gF0twli6kE3pNq_pLtYJd2DD/s320/51Q0R48W6PL__SL500_AA240_.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">The Lion King: Who didn't love this movie?! It's one of the few that my Dad took me to when I was little and I remember hearing him laugh out loud as well. When I was small my cousin, sister, and I would act out the movie and of course I always called being <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">simba</span>...even if he was a boy. Hopefully one day I'll get to work the the real stars of this movie. :) </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251341355172329346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8_HsIcAEGLb_lQC-LPkcBDC6aqCKX2PTJxrLy8HOVpK9ldjoS4aPwhzIIbq6LNMV4kWecuep5dvOOQkq-Wr4KV3nk0sJV2lQXmXOiIe1j4BKKIJipQasust7AmQIVvS7puHu3Uqp-eIW/s320/beauty_and_beast800x600.jpg" border="0" />Beauty and the Beast: Another top favorite!! I loved the idea of objects being alive. I use to wonder what it would be like if the things in my house were alive and could talk to me. Plus, Belle is amazing. She's my favorite Disney Princess. When I was little I had the coolest Beauty and the Beast coloring book, which was and still probably my favorite. I have it still... somewhere.<br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251335347640950418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlS4BNiQq9M1eixb5UtFhm2ENL9lPfpQ3APWlJiCWjjwW_e74XBFq4Xn2MxxIqUNvgyBnCJ3RybKoBZeKaVTzAyLdfXP_bL3Ov_Rkq_gQjTeE5cgxkbbQLIi6KMw3fpNFV21RWK27QJssu/s320/300px-Robinhoodstill.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /><p align="center">Robin Hood: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Yay</span>!! Okay, this is just one of the cutest Disney ever did. Took a classic fairytale and made it fun and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">lovable</span>. My favorite character by far is the little girl rabbit you see pictured. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">OMG</span>! "Yeah, mind yo manners!". SO CUTE!!<br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251335351148469090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXlEdQgtSLVmXmNBw1wbRTaCwLPmIp6p4dZlPDyF-g8q5eGAI1w8SDXpRswiXnFRFl3Yy7GmmaJDy1ZpZql7bRHxTu_qweICu0_1Zx8zRIJg60_B0FrlsO3PFgs_6aRgyoG4hJlsPmKRy/s320/180px-Marypcover.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Mary Poppins: I always wished, and still do, that I can snap and my room would clean up on its own. When I was little my favorite part was this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">scene</span> where they jumped into the chalk drawing! Even today I have a new love for it because of a fun inside joke with my best friend Dan! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251335348773282338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildZslfG7wB0YAIqD_4WRrZyGRqsCyqygYR65pEynqqO4LMCFeKSRHkal3wmf8biQLDajVQEJ74hikoJhWuAb9ergwv2rtyIivyp_cp38t1mmwUbBA4cfOdHkUYUm_-ZfQtUUENR6SWWio/s320/5Aristocats06.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Arstiocats</span>: I'm not a cat person at all, but I loved this movie. I love the little kittens, and heck yes my name was the little girl kitten! Granted, she was kinda snotty but still. I love the beginning where they are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">pratcing</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">piano</span> and painting. My brother used to love this movie because of the dogs, and seriously would wet his pants from laughing so hard at them. Till this day, I don't know what was so funny like he did. </p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251339070451487026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2T-Lc9vPcc4jZoZQp3yLrQIrY_gok_N0JlMwUjqU3D3vI3UiQk6t7ImlkuCbJzJnvv3hwYYIldnAM83_-9gfPHdMX2CN1LbCcuwtvGun1rUBpIIvlbqVQl0IPRp80u3xNZPTpN28j_il/s320/LadyTramp04.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><br /><p align="center">Lady and the Tramp: With this one, I never liked the main character as much as I loved the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">neighborhood</span> dogs, and Tramp! Plus, how cute are the puppies at the end?! </p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251339065430344706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHZixodsVT0uhbzrvTCG4V5SVtbBcgwBjwh2UdIEisppuSHfEWnq4w7XKHtz3OLCJYZCZK9iyUUhl38NqSqzwofcw89G30GKhN31YghhZ1Nl9BCCoRDT-MYZEe5_FJmkSyBKh6tT7bcF6/s320/disney-fond-ecran-bambi7.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Bambi: Oh the wonderful movie that gave us the word '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Twitterpaited</span>!" The movie is really cute, and I love when they were little. Best scene: "Say bird!" "Say bird!" "BIRD!!!" 'Bird, bird, bird, bird!" </p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251339071124954882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnqu4Vb1mKjDLuVRE8PTDGNN_X_IhGh-AbX2OSauz9bozuBu0ttIpSxYc3a_zSwMP3EQAPIEjwLgZdbNKkaDzbxru-ekVOaPp_zNbnhBN9XeEAVtMrhQTjFIwInYQjMnocp0HDrFkMMvm/s320/mermaid2.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">The Little Mermaid: What girl did not love this movie?! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Im</span> still jealous that she got to marry Prince Eric..he's HOT! Seriously, I think he's the best looking prince out of all them. I love this scene. I wouldn't mind if it happened to me...(someone tell <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Wyaitt</span>!). </p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251339074783517362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A0mrzuzrku1Z8V5Dmn0slGMrzzrnF4yOa6DbwtwDMmkoDt5A_L1bdeIFe9NXbcvGE4ThfGM3WohyphenhyphenBKVGGt8Y0aLXnFSt6A0W6vgr9lJJeI3aonfJ7HjilxF5EHY6-5q73vEPwbHyYffl/s320/photo_2.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Dumbo: Honestly, I haven't seen this one is so long but it's on my list of next to watch! When I was little elephants use to be my favorite animal. I blame this guy- how adorable is he?! Plus he could fly...I want a flying elephant!! </p><p align="center">Like I said, those are only a few out of my many favorites!! Not only am I on a Disney movie kick but I've been dying to go back to Disneyland. I haven't been since 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">th</span> grade, and back then they were just, just starting the building of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">California</span> Adventure Park. I was suppose to go last Oct. but never did. </p><p align="center">Anyone want to go on a Road Trip?! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Im</span> all in!! </p><p align="center">Alright, it's late and I have class in like 7 hours. Crap! Keep hanging on! </p><br /><p></p>roadtriphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14165551492773414642noreply@blogger.com0