It's a Miracle!

I had an MRI done on Saturday. Very scary since I had no idea what was going to happen. I had to keep doing it over and over because my leg would twitch and move. Then I went to the doctor again today...

GOOD NEWS!

It's only a sprain, so no real damage! Just have to stretch it and build up strength again! I don't even need a brace! I'm planning to be back on the snow soon! YAY!

Late Christmas

Merry Late Christmas to everyone! I had a small Christmas with the family...not much of the extended out of towners here though (actually none) - aka Sam, Tiff, Gregg, Grady, Taylor, Brooklyn (who I've yet to even meet!), Jodi and Jake. Man I freakin miss everyone at this time of year!

For Christmas I got:
Tickets and travel to the Sugar Bowl!
Softball glove
Hoodie
Jewelry
Boots
Clothes
and a few other small things

Canting

These are the Ride NRc bindings. The NRc, the Ride CAD and all of the new Burton ESTs have an adjustable footbed. It allows you to adjust the footbed lean in or out to reduce pressure and stress on your ankles and knees. Especially helpful for those with wide, ducked stances so that you get a more natural feel when riding.

Some downs: foot is higher off of board so maybe less control? will it really work enough to aid in prevention? or is it more for comfort?

Knee Facts

Some facts I've found:

• Knee injuries are a common occurrence among snowboarders. (Despite what most of the internet says)
  
• 25% of all rider injuries involve the knee.
• Almost 75% of all snowboard injuries occur on the lead leg.
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries occur most frequently in duck stance snowboarders because the inner angle of the bindings place a tremendous amount of stress on the inside portion of the knee.

I ride in a ducked stance, 15+/15-, and my knee is my lead knee. I'm doing some research on whether my ducked stance and stance width have any effect on the many knee problems I'm facing now. And if I maybe should consider altering it a bit to help.

Knee Update

I went to my Orthopedic doctor today to check on my knee. I thought he would just drain it like the last time. Instead, he told me that it looks like a MCL sprain or tear and maybe some rubbing on the meniscus. I go in for an MRI on Saturday and then another appointment next Tuesday to figure it all out.

MCLs do heal on their own most of the time. So if it's not serious, I won't need surgery. And I could be back up in a couple of weeks. The doctor pretty much said this but I was also reaffirmed by some of my coworkers tonight.

We shall see. I'm hoping for very short time...there's so much snow falling!

Mom is going to kill me...

Ripped my knee out of place again. Tripped over a log buried in the deep pow and was sent flying as my knee was pulled the wrong way. No phone service, yelled for help, sled on my board over to the main run, found someone there, and was pulled down the mountain by ski patrol after over an hour of sitting in the 7 degree temps. My knee will be ok in a week or so...probably will get it drained on Monday. And be riding after Christmas again.

Aside from that...awesome day in the freshies on Thursday! Got some first tracks on Great Western's first operating day. Deep and steep turns....mmmmmmm.

MUST BE BETTER FOR MILLY'S OPENING!

Living the Dream

Need I say more?

Well, maybe a pow slash pic would better describe my life.
I'll get that done.

Snow snow snow!

Craig and I went snowboarding today! The canyon was closed to 4x4 and chains only. Instead of hitchhiking, Craig decided to just buy chains. We made it up safely and were riding by noon-ish. Best pow turns of the year!!! So delicious.

Phone update:
Found my phone the next morning a half block away, laying with the leaves over the storm drain. After a wet, cold night it obviously was not working. The sim card was ok (thank you t-mobile) and since my contract ended a month ago, I went in for an upgrade and renewal. So my new phone only cost me $15 after my rebate.

No phone...

I don't have a phone currently. I lost it in a gutter of rushing water. I stepped out of a car and heard a kerplunk. It was long gone in the madness. Awesome. 5 phones this year now.

Finals

For how tough and exhausting this semester's classes have been...finals are super easy. I haven't stressed over it once. I'm 2 down as of today. And the next will finish tomorrow, then a super easy math final on Monday. So close to freedom! Love it!

Snow has finally come as well! Can't wait to be riding everyday before work!!! Ah the life!

Snow Dance

It's December 1st and it feels like fall still. I didn't even have to wear a real jacket today. Time to break out my snow dancing skills.

Click here for the video. I'm sick of hearing it now, as I'm sure you are too!

Hitler is a BYU fan

Seriously, this should win an Oscar:

Hitler reacts to BYU loss - Click here

Go Utes!

Mmmm...Turnovers

Perfection

Perfection = 12-0

Utah 48, BYU 24

BCS HERE WE COME!

Anyone want to donate $$$ to send me to the bowl game my senior year? :)

Game Day!

THE Game is tomorrow. Bring it!

Rivalry Week: Day 4

The MUSS rocks! Check out this Salt Lake Tribune article:

Who let the MUSS out?

Utah - 5,000+ mass of swarming/out of control student section
BYU - 700-1,500 student section (who don't even sit together)

Utah wins hands down.

Rivalry Week: Day 3

Someone didn't take their normal pills today:

Rivalry Week: Day 2

Look for this sign on Saturday, front row of the MUSS.

My roommate, Mal, actually found this Zoob players blog today. He's going to use that axe on his wife when he sees this at the game hahahaha.

Unsent

1. Put your iPod (or iTunes) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Words of Love – The Beatles (always)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Hydroponic - 311 (a plant grown without soil...interesting)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Send Me an Angel – The Scorpions (please do...I'm only getting weirdos)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Life Goes On - Tupac (keep living)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Piggies – The Beatles (hate the piggies, not be like them)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Highest Trails Above - Ramones (as in snowboarding on high mountain trails?)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Speak to Me/Breathe – Pink Floyd (peace....ahhhh)

WHAT IS 2+2?
Banana – M.I.A. (duh)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND(S)?
Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat – Dr.Dre (?)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Cliché Guevera – Against Me! (He's a marxist guy....?)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
See You Soon - Coldplay (you know it)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Passerby - Mattafix (a traveler :)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Alone in a Crowd – Catch 22 (how romantic)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
We Are Nowhere and It’s Now – Bright Eyes (?)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
No Feelings- Sex Pistols (interesting choice of words...maybe I'm speechless)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Lincoln Highway Dub - Sublime (pretty song...no words needed)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Anarchy in the U.K. – Sex Pistols (I love spreading the anarchy haha)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Breakfast at Timpani’s – Relient K (Go there everyday...shhh)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Don’t Pass Me By – The Beatles (yea don't leave me, k)

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Miss Libertine – Hudson River School (maybe)

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Achilles Last Stand – Led Zeppelin (like a hero, but my weakest aspect will be my end)

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Rebel Music (3 O’Clock Roadblock) – Bob Marley & The Wailers (don't know)

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Anything – Jay Z (right on)

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Comfortably Numb – Pink Floyd (or how I feel when I cry)

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Tonight, I’ll Be Staying Here With You – Bob Dylan & The Rolling Thunder (Can I marry Bob D.?)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
For You – Bright Eyes (you do?)

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Eclipse – Pink Floyd (not until an eclipse haha)

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Little Wing – Jimi Hendrix (puzzled)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Strawberry Fields - The Beatles (definitely)

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Unsent – Alanis Morissette (weird...because I wasn't going to post this but had to since it was going to be unsent!)

Rivalry Week: Day 1

Top 10 reasons I go to the U:

1. Red looks good on me.
2. Close to better and many more ski resorts.
3. Free speech, diversity and individual thinking.
4. Louie Sakoda.
5. Molca Salsa.
6. The Utah Man song (much better than a hymn). Ki Yi!
7. The MUSS.
8. Not having to wear "Quest for Perfection" or "Fully Invested" shirts. (barf)
9. Hanging out with unshaved heathens. (Are girls required to shave their legs down south?...)
10. Being 11-0 and #7 in the country.

Opening Day 11/12

Brighton Opening Day 2008!

STOKED!

Back From San Diego...11-0

Playing in the freezing Pacific. Surfing there was soooo cold. I prefer Hawaii any day.

Group shot. Me, Vi, Mal, Alexa and Emily. Cute!

A 63-14 win and happy to be 11 - 0! Here kitty, kitties...

Blackout Game

Not so fast TCU...

We're...

The black uniforms were hot! And the stadium looked incredible covered in black! Great idea and props to the players!

I LOVE MY UTES!

Procrastinating...

7 things i can do:

1- Multi-task...like having 3 different kind of chat windows open and chatting with multiple people in each. "Hey I'm working!"
2- Snowboard everyday
3- Surf an actual wave. Riding down it!
4- Make someone smile even when they're having a bad day.
5- Spend all my money on snowboard gear.
6- Sleep all day.
7- Get homework done the night before.

7 things i can't do

1- Crochet beanies...I want to learn.
2- Miss a night of sleep.
3- Hate snow.
4- Give up my IPod.
5- Miss a meal.
6- Play drums...terrible rhythm.
7- Ski.

7 things i always say

1- "No worries"
2- "Peace"
3- "Wh-at!"
4- "Go Utes!"
5- "For reals"
6- "Nice."
7- "Right on."

7 things i always eat

1- rice
2- noodles
3- granola bars
4- pickles
5- Mal's icing
6- apples and peanut butter
7- Any food that someone cooks me :)

Halloween!

Yes this was my costume! Amazing, huh? Baby Trigg (aka Maverick) ditched the sling after this though and decided to be tied onto the automatic weapon. She wanted to go Dem hunting too! I consistently did the Sarah Palin impressions throughout the night...making sure I winked in every picture haha. And saying "you betcha" and "maverick" way too much. Haha enjoy!

I have another picture of me and my friend, Shonti, who to both our surprise was Palin as well! What would the world really be like with 2 of them! Yikes! Check back for that as soon as I download pics from my own camera!

Too Much....

I'm getting frustrated and overwhelmed with homework lately. School is creeping to a close in about 6 weeks. Thus comes all the pressures of massive amounts of work. And me going insane. If you don't see/hear/smell me for awhile, now you know. Wish me luck. I shouldn't even be posting this....I have a whole painting to start now.....and it's due tomorrow. Don't worry though I saved the funner homework for last! (gotta get the more brain numbing things out of the way) *sigh*

I Voted!

Have you???

100 More Things

So here’s a list of 100 things. All the things I’ve done are bold and red. Copy this list on your own blog and come clean on everything you’ve done. Do it. You know you want to.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (lived there too :)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight (I've slept on the beach too!)
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person (well...kinda)
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating but not the same animal.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (lots of pro snowboarders)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100.Visited Italy

A Message To Sarah Palin...

From the Young Girls of America


Just something to think about.

All I have to say is....

BYU LOST!!!!!!! 32-7 TO TCU!!!!!!!!



"It was a humbling experience for us," BYU receiver Austin Collie said, "and they played an amazing football game."

I think it was a little more than just humbling Collie! I can think of a better word. How about Humiliating?

The "Quest for Perfection" is over.

"Overrated!!! Overrated!!! Overrated!!!"

GO UTES!

Looking forward to Nov. 22 more than ever!

I came...I saw...I conquered

I am...awesome!
I think...I have way too much homework for my fall break.
I want...to be snowboarding! And for school to be over.
I have...the best friends and family.
I miss...surfing and Hawaii...really, really bad.
I fear...that my knee will never be better. I'm scared to ride on it again.
I feel...overwhelmed with school.
I hear...The Beatles playing.
I smell...normal air, no fancy smells for me.
I crave...more frosting that is sitting on the counter. Must. Control. Urges.
I cry...rarely these days. Except when my knee popped out Saturday.
I search...for the best pow and waves.
I wonder...what I'll be doing after next May.
I regret...nothing. I've learned and moved on from my mistakes.
I wish...that it was snowing.
I love...being in the mountains and on the beach.
I care...about all my family and friends.
I always...speak my mind.
I worry...about having money sometimes. But I know I'll get by.
I am not...a pessimist.
I remember...learning to snowboard and how determined and into it I was from the start.
I believe...I'm a good person.
I sing...when I'm by myself. Especially in the shower or car.
I don't always...trust boys. It takes a good one to win me over these days.
I argue...occasionally...just for the thrill of it.
I write...a lot of papers. I do a lot of lists too Rita!
I lose...motivation.
I listen...a lot of different types of music.
I can usually be found...with a board or book in hand.
I need...a break from life again. This is hard.
I forget...how lucky I am sometimes.
I am happy...99.9% of the time. I dare you to prove me wrong! :)

I Love Your Blog Award

I was awarded an 'I Love Your Blog Award' from Rita, who I knew from church in Layton. She has an awesome blog about her cute kids and how she runs marathons. Pretty much an idol for me. Love her! So now I must pass this on to 4 more people! In no particular order:

1. An Inconvenient Truth
Mal is my new roommate! Love reading her blog about football and such. She's awesome! Good cook and can make some bombs cakes! We both love the U and football and met from being on the Muss Football Board together. Couldn't ask for a better friend! :) ...and roommate.

2. A Good Reed
Hart, you may be the funniest blogger I've ever known. I love all the creative, ridiculous posts. Can you please just move to Utah for good? And I'm soooooo jealous of Barry (and Craig too) for getting to live it up snowboarding in Chile all summer. Definitely something I want to do in the near future! It looks like a blast! Will one of you guys please be my tour guide/travel companion? I swear I can go days without showering if needed.

3. Jake and Bre
I'm usually anti-love story blog. But since Bre is one of my bestest friends ever I will make the exception. :) She's just started her 'happily ever after' and I'm way happy for her! She was one of the best roomies I ever had (other than Mal and Hannah). And Jake is seriously way lucky to get her as a permanent roommate.

4. It's a Good Life
And I have to put in Brooke's blog. I like reading about her life now. So different from when we used to hang out in Alabama way back in the day. Still reminds me of the South though! And her little boy is super cute. Wish we could see each other more! :)


If you are one of the aforementioned winners of my affection and admiration, here are your instructions:
1. Post the "I Love Your Blog Award" blue ribbon.
2. Add a link to the person who recommened you, and say something nice about them.
3. Name four fellow bloggers for this award.
4. Add links to the recipients.
5. Let the people that you name know.

It's kind of like a chain letter but in a non-you-will-have-bad-luck-and-die sort of way. :D Enjoy.

Election 2008

E-day is coming! This is a huge year as I'm sure you all know. I'm a big Obama supporter. We really do need a change in this country and I want him to be the one to bring it. A new, fresh attitude is exactly what we could use.

I won't get too deep into the politics and issues of it, so as to bore you all. But I'll let you know what I think about them personally. More just skimming the top...


Barack Obama lived in Hawaii and knows how to surf, which I think to be pretty cool. He's hip but knowledgeable. I also love his family and his wife seems awesome. He's a minority in this country and cares about the middle class, which I think will provide lots of change to us. I love that when Obama is asked a question he has a direct answer. There is no sugar coating or beating around the bush. He straight up lays the plan out with point A, B, and C. He just seems like an all-around awesome guy that could build a better foundation for future leaders and all Americans. I think he made an excellent choice for VP. Biden is smart and has experience. I have nothing bad to say at all.

On the other hand:

John McCain is ancient. He doesn't seem to have a clue on how to better our country for younger generations. He's stuck on either retelling stories about when dinosaurs roamed the earth or bashing Obama for not having enough experience. Yet he picks one of the most inexperienced government official (if you can even call her that) as a running mate. Sarah Palin is a disgust to see on a debate. It's like watching a college graduate and a 1st grader in a spelling bee. She plays her woman/mom card but she's a disaster herself! Don't tell me you know how run a country when you can't even control you're own family. Please go back to Alaska. If McCain is elected and dies in office...this goon called Palin will get the head chair with access to the war buttons. Think about that! And she has the nerve to diss on Obama!

Watch this clip of SNL making fun of Palin and then the real Palin interview at the end:
Palin on SNL and Katie Couric Interview

I'M REGISTERED TO VOTE. ARE YOU?

Wow! It's been awhile!

I've been soooooo busy! School is kicking my butt and I feel like I'm way behind.

And today for no reason...I slept through a very important class! AGH! Really, I was super prepared. Had my notes all ready for questions during our class interview that was supposed to be today. Was in bed by midnight and had 3 alarms set. 3! No worries since I haven't slept through a class yet. No! I wake up at 11:30, realize that I slept through my entire class...which we had an interview...that we have to write an article on. AWESOME! So now I've devised several options to get this straightened out. Hopefully, this Nazi teacher doesn't already hate me and think I'm a complete slacker.

I also moved into a new house last week. My who-I-thought-was-semi-nice-roommate decided she wasn't so nice and kicked me out. For no reason! She gave me to the end of October but there is NO way I was going to put up with that for another month. Luckily, one of my bestest friends, Mallory, decided she wanted to move out of her parents like a week before. We found an awesome place luckily! And now we're enjoying life!

In good news: There is snow on the mountains! I'm working from home finally! Fall Break is next week! The Utes are 6-0! And I've met a super cute boy!

Bouldering in LCC with the Backcountry peeps.

This one was so hard!

Autumn

I'm 22 and an Aunt now!

This is Marli.

My sister, Hope, had her on Monday, Sept. 15 in Mobile, Alabama. 2 more days and we could have shared a birthday! So close though! :)

My birthday was fun....well more busy. I had school from 8:30 to 2. Then I had to go straight from there to West Valley for work because I was getting my new computer to work from HOME! I was there until 8:30 p.m. and was told I could leave early...since it was my birthday! Other than busy, it was fun and I got to hang out with some friends after since I got off early!

FOOTBALL MUSS

I'm 3 people up and right of the yellow shirt on the first row! But I later moved to the front :)

Look how red the MUSS section is! Awesome! (P.S. This was the first year we've sold out of MUSS tickets! 5000 members! And they added 300 more walk-ins now!)

I Miss Hawaii....bad.

It's been awhile since I posted so I'll give you the new low-downs:

School is going ok. Class everyday is insane but everything is going smoothly so far...what is it week 4 or 5? I take the bus to class and love it. So convenient! I never thought I was very good at drawing but my Design teacher raves about all my stuff....makes me feel good haha! And I'm actually doing my math homework and understanding stats...and I do my homework even though we don't turn it in....wow you say....yea me too!

Work is great! I've always love backcountry but I seriously do so much more now! I'm going to be doing clinics and fun stuff and getting paid for it! Radness! I work 4 days a week so that and school keep me uber busy.

Utah Football is #20 in the nation and 3-0. So excited for the rest of the season! LOVE MY UTES!

Went camping for the first time since I've been home! The stars were awesome and the company even better! Next trip though=no forest service campsites. They made me turn off music even when it was super quiet. And I don't like camping with so many other people around or with bathrooms. I like to rough it I guess.

I'm moved into my new house! My room is super cute and I love it! I only have one other roommate but it pretty much seems like I have the place to myself. I definitely don't miss sharing a huge house with a bunch of crazy girls. I'll try to post some pics soon.

That also brings me to the fact that I still can't get my wireless to work at home so I have to plug in when I need internet. I also haven't had a camera until just recently. It broke the day I left Hawaii and we had to send it in to get fixed. Got it back now! So happy!

It's my birthday on Wednesday too! 22! Getting on the older side of things now...kinda crazy. My parents got me a HUGE suitcase which I'm very very excited to use on some awesome trips! I also got an underarmour shirt and a biking tank and a cute Utah headband from my grandparents! Can't wait to use all my new stuff! Oh and I got steak for dinner on Sunday...very happy!

I'm excited for snowboarding...turned in my paperwork for my Brighton season pass today!

But surfing and Hawaii still can't get out of my head. Whenever I think of snowboarding, I miss surfing more than I'm excited to ride. It's kind of weird. But I really do miss this summer so much. I miss it more than I imagined. I'm obviously a little attached after such a short time. I guess its because of all the awesome people I met and all the great experiences I had. I miss surfing and the beach, bike rides, teaching Nani and Koa, living with Sam, hanging out with Matt and Danny, eating sushi and just enjoying the simple things in life. I loved it all! I'm really set on going back unless something this winter convinces me otherwise...perhaps New Zealand. But I still don't think anything can compare.


And Wainani, Nani and Koa! If you see this, I miss you guys a lot! And Nani and Koa, I'm going to have some pictures to show you soon! I'll send them to your email too!

Started school...

Yep! Bummer. I have a feeling I'm pretty much going to die this semester. Every class is super intense and I'm going to be working on a lot of stuff for homework.

My Design class seems alright though. The teacher seems nice and all. I'm not sure how I'll do on the drawing part of things. I used to be into drawing but now I usually stick to photography. Maybe all my visual design classes will contribute and make this not so hard.

My Visual Editing class is probably the one I'm most excited for! First of all I have one of my favorite people in the Comm dept. as my professor. And he said today that we will leave the class with the knowledge and skills to do this kind of work at a 'real' job. Basically we'll be designing layouts...including posters, magazines, flyers, advertisements, etc. Stoked on that!

And last but not least for today's schedule: Math. I didn't have high hopes to begin with but now I feel I'm doomed. My teacher is asian and has a very bad accent. Combine that with him talking about statistics and its twice the foreign language to me. I'm looking to transfer to a different class....one that has a professor I can understand. I'll see on Wednesday.

Only one class tomorrow...probably my most intense of all: Intermediate Reporting. Wish me luck.

Work, work, work!

Yea, there's an exclamation mark at the end of that! I love my new job! I'm working at Backcountry.com again but this time I'm a LiveChat Gearhead! I get to chat online with people all day and talk about gear! Yea be jealous haha! I've been training this week, and I start next week. Then after a month I'll go remote....which means I get to work from home!!!! SICK! I talked to customers for the first time today and loved it! It was like talking to my friends about what snowboarding gear they should get! I also decided that I HAVE to keep track of funny stuff people say (we did it at Fro-Yo and it was so funny to read through).

So.....Quote(s) of the Day:

"I'm a backcountry.com virgin."

"You're a LEGEND!"

Oh and if you like gear, reading blogs and laughing...check this one out: The Goat

Olympic Swimming!

I've been watching the Olympic swimming religiously. Like...I've had to see every final...especially if it includes Michael Phelps! And because of that I've definitely witnessed history. Tonight I watched Phelps get his 7th gold in these games to tie Spitz and tomorrow it's pretty likely he'll get his 8th. This last one came down to a hundredth of a second! He was behind in the 100 fly until like the last 10 meters and while the guy in front kicked to the wall, Phelps took one last stroke and beat him! It was amazing! Seriously, he beat him by .01....WOW! (No wonder our swim coaches always said to finish into the wall and not glide in haha!) I was in a little panic because it was so close...I've been rooting for Phelps since 2004 when he had his first shot at the record. I'm so glad he's gotten this far! Can't wait to see the 8th gold race!
And of course Dara Torres! She's 41, the oldest swimmer and she just won her heat of the semi-finals in the 50 free. Can't wait for that final either! I hope she shows those doubters what's up! Age doesn't matter...at least in the pool. (Gymnastics may be another story...but wowzers to Shawn and Nastia!)

Oh and to all my swimmer girls....remember when we got to see Phelps in person? Ahhh...we're so rad! Hahaha little girls today would kill to be us!

Hiking The Subway

Jodi, Jake and I hiked The Subway in Zion's yesterday. Took a little over 8 hours but it was awesome. Today my legs are super sore, stairs hurt and I don't want to move. Here's some pics I stole from Jodi since my camera died on my last day in Hawaii. *Disregard the date haha.

The beginning.

We found our way following the "Zen Rocks" as I dubbed them.

So little.

The first pool of freezing water we had to swim through. It was a little stagnant and stinky.

Jake setting up our first waterfall rappel.

Basking in the sun...trying to get warm.

Not even halfway.

Inside The Subway. Named so because of how the rock is shaped...like a subway tunnel.

Our last rappel where the rope was too short. Had a little panic attack at the end...while gripping a wet rope.

Jodi's waterfall slide.

Cute.

We came from way back in that valley...like around several curves and a few miles back. You can't even see where our half point is probably.

Then for the last leg of the hike...we had to climb UP from the river...way down there.

3's Tag

3 Joys

1. Being outdoors doing something, anything: surfing, hiking, snowboarding, camping, etc.
2. Hanging with my friends and family. Always fun.
3. Having my life organized and looking forward to doing the goals I have. (And by life I mean school, work, a house...you know the things that need to be organized.)

3 Fears

1. Failing...at anything.
2. Committing to the wrong thing.
3. Snakes! Egh!

3 Goals

1. Graduate.
2. Work at a magazine.
3. Snowboard in a foreign country: New Zealand, Chile, Japan.

3 Current Obsessions/Collections

1. Surfing.
2. My collection of bad luck.
3. The Olympics...swimming mainly...Michael Phelps specifically.

3 Random Surprising Facts about Me

1. I eat everything...except mayo, sour cream, cottage cheese and other weird tasting white, creamy foods that I can't think of right now.
2. I don't want to grow up.
3. I could live without tv....except during the olympic swimming.

Tag 3 people:

1. Brooke
2. Bre
3. Tiff

Back Home

Soooooooo.......I'm home now. Had a long night in the Seattle airport...like 10 hours. But I kept myself occupied by reading Twilight. (yea I know I'm behind haha) Then I passed out as soon as I got on the plane to Salt Lake...I don't even remember taking off haha.

Well, things are going great so far. I have a house to move into on September 1st! It's near 3300 South and 2700 East. Great spot for me! Right on a bus line to the U and still close to the mountains and snowboarding! And it's close to Molca Salsa...only my favorite place to eat EVER! The girl I'll be living with is really cool and she snowboards too! I'm super excited for that!

AND if that wasn't good enough...I got a call from backcountry.com today and I have an interview tomorrow for the gearhead postion I've wanted forever! I even think it's the online chat one...which means after a month of working in Park City, I would be able to work from home!!!!! I'll let you know what happens!!!

Bye Hawaii

I can't believe I leave today. My suitcase is sitting next to me...mostly packed. I didn't even start until this morning. This summer flew by and I've had so much fun, indescribable amounts. I honestly don't even want to leave. And I've already cried about it a few times haha. I surfed for the last time (at least for now) yesterday and watched my last Hawaii sunset (at least for now) from my board. I caught a few more waves after it set and paddled back in, taking everything in for the last time...and yea I cried a little then too. I'm going to miss this place soooooooo much. And I'm always going to look back on this summer as the most memorable yet.

I'll be home tomorrow. Hope you guys are ready to see me!

3 DAYS....

I'm going to miss:

Surfing. I've fallen in love with a new sport. It's so relaxing and mellow...really changes your life. I look at the ocean and waves totally different now. I only have 2 more days to surf...maybe 3 if I go out for an early morning sesh on Monday. I wish I had a picture of me surfing but then again it doesn't really matter cuz it's all up in my head...best place to be.

I'm excited for:

Some hiking and camping in Utah! I love being in the mountains. It's much cooler than the valley, and it's gorgeous. Lake Blanche, Brighton and the Living Room are some of my favorite hiking spots. I need to go on a couple camping trips too...that's for sure on the list. Oh and I need to go rock climbing too...man, lots of mountain stuff. Anyone want to come?

5, 4...

I'm going to miss:

The island life. Relaxing and taking life slower. Riding bikes to the beach and enjoying sunsets. Not worrying but being really happy with everything. Surfing and lounging in the sun. Best summer ever...hands down.

I'm excited for:

Some end of summer concerts. Especially the outdoor ones. Good way to wind down the summer and get back to the real world.