Sunday, September 14, 2008
baby brother.
On November 19th, Scott's going to be preparing to leave for Calgary, Canada for two years. I'm going to miss him terribly, but I'm so proud of him.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
school days.
There was a point on Wednesday when I feared for my sanity this semester. I was on the treadmill going over my daily schedule, mapping out showering, school, studying, gym time, piano practice, etc. and the more I thought, the more that tight feeling in my chest increased. But then I realized that as long as I can keep my energy up, the rest of the stuff should fall right into place. I may be taking 9 classes and 17 credits, but the studying component is pretty basic.
Therefore, I introduce you to my Philosophy professor, K. Carter Codell, a man that reminds me of a turtle. When describing himself, he uses some interesting...humor...And I quote (from the syllabus), "I grew up in Salt Lake City and attended East High before Disney came there to film High School Musical (It's East High Leopards, by the way, not Wildcats). ...I met my wife, Barbara (we met at church--she was a professor, had a cool car and a parking sticker so it was love at first sight). We have 2 sons-each son makes more money than I do, but I'm smarter and better looking. It remains only to say that if you invite my wife and me for dinner, we will definitely accept."
As an explanation of the grading process he says, "Total percentage usually determines grades, but we (the TA's and I, as a team) reserve the right either to raise grades whenever we feel like it either because hard luck or inequities in the grading system make us feel sorry for you, or as random acts of kindness, or to lower grades as retribution for what we judge to be violations of the honor code. Is this fair? Maybe not. But we do it anyway because it's fun and it makes us feel powerful!"
He also uses the phrase "skanky attire" in talking about what clothing is allowed and what clothing isn't.
It's going to be a good semester :D
Therefore, I introduce you to my Philosophy professor, K. Carter Codell, a man that reminds me of a turtle. When describing himself, he uses some interesting...humor...And I quote (from the syllabus), "I grew up in Salt Lake City and attended East High before Disney came there to film High School Musical (It's East High Leopards, by the way, not Wildcats). ...I met my wife, Barbara (we met at church--she was a professor, had a cool car and a parking sticker so it was love at first sight). We have 2 sons-each son makes more money than I do, but I'm smarter and better looking. It remains only to say that if you invite my wife and me for dinner, we will definitely accept."
As an explanation of the grading process he says, "Total percentage usually determines grades, but we (the TA's and I, as a team) reserve the right either to raise grades whenever we feel like it either because hard luck or inequities in the grading system make us feel sorry for you, or as random acts of kindness, or to lower grades as retribution for what we judge to be violations of the honor code. Is this fair? Maybe not. But we do it anyway because it's fun and it makes us feel powerful!"
He also uses the phrase "skanky attire" in talking about what clothing is allowed and what clothing isn't.
It's going to be a good semester :D
Saturday, September 6, 2008
last weekend.
In what has been a fairly uneventful summer, last weekend was definitely a highlight and a great way to end the summer.
It's always fun to reconnect with friends that you haven't seen for a while, and yet another perk of the new digs is that I'm really close to one of my good friends from high school/freshman year.
Early Saturday morning, after 3 hours of sleep, I hurried over to the Tanner's at about 7:30, ready for an awesome day of boating. Last year I got to go to Lake Powell with them which was one of the most fun vacations I've ever had, and unfortunately this year's Lake Powell trip was the weekend before Miss Utah and I had to miss it. I'm so glad that they invited me to go along with them yesterday! The Tanner family has been so sweet to me, not only have they let me crash at their place when I've been homeless, but I get to go along with them to family excursions and for a day I get to be a Tanner :)
Matt kept unbuttoning his shirt all the way down past his chest...hence the nickname Fabio. Minus the chest hair.
I don't care what anybody said, that water was FREEZING and you did NOT get warmer the longer you were in there.
This may or may not be Leslie and it may or may not be my favorite wakeboarding photo of all time. [she's gonna kill me for this]
Whitney's awesome and didn't even complain about the water at all.
Melissa's pretty dang good
This isn't where it occurred, but poor Melissa ended up flying off the tube later in the day and finished up with a concussion.
My first time wakeboarding was last year at Lake Powell with the Tanner's, this was my second.
Proof that I might be able to do some sporty things.
Tubing with Wayne is always a life and death experience.
Then it was to the BYU game in the extreme heat. I'm currently watching the game against WA, and we had better get it together for the second half. As Drew says, I have no faith.
I don't deal well with heat and sweat.
Behold, the strained ankle, yet again. It held up well through ballroom auditions all week, thankfully.
It's always fun to reconnect with friends that you haven't seen for a while, and yet another perk of the new digs is that I'm really close to one of my good friends from high school/freshman year.
Early Saturday morning, after 3 hours of sleep, I hurried over to the Tanner's at about 7:30, ready for an awesome day of boating. Last year I got to go to Lake Powell with them which was one of the most fun vacations I've ever had, and unfortunately this year's Lake Powell trip was the weekend before Miss Utah and I had to miss it. I'm so glad that they invited me to go along with them yesterday! The Tanner family has been so sweet to me, not only have they let me crash at their place when I've been homeless, but I get to go along with them to family excursions and for a day I get to be a Tanner :)
Matt kept unbuttoning his shirt all the way down past his chest...hence the nickname Fabio. Minus the chest hair.
I don't care what anybody said, that water was FREEZING and you did NOT get warmer the longer you were in there.
This may or may not be Leslie and it may or may not be my favorite wakeboarding photo of all time. [she's gonna kill me for this]
Whitney's awesome and didn't even complain about the water at all.
Melissa's pretty dang good
This isn't where it occurred, but poor Melissa ended up flying off the tube later in the day and finished up with a concussion.
My first time wakeboarding was last year at Lake Powell with the Tanner's, this was my second.
Proof that I might be able to do some sporty things.
Tubing with Wayne is always a life and death experience.
Then it was to the BYU game in the extreme heat. I'm currently watching the game against WA, and we had better get it together for the second half. As Drew says, I have no faith.
I don't deal well with heat and sweat.
Behold, the strained ankle, yet again. It held up well through ballroom auditions all week, thankfully.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
catching up.
There are all of these fun little baby entries, just waiting to be finished and posted, but the first couple of days of school are always a bit hectic.
Personally, I love the return to routine, the smell in the air, the crisp newness of books, paper, pens, teachers, classes...and then there is finding the old paths, the friends, the memories that reside in a simple glance at a building or statue...being such an extraordinarily nostalgic person, I relish these days.
It was a very interesting experience, running into some old friends today from out of the blue. I knew that it would happen eventually, but to catch up with them on the first day of school seemed too perfect. Reconnecting with people, with feelings, with emotions, with the intangible and almost existential "its" has made my heart soar and my smile grow wider than it has in ages.
When my schedule evens out and I decide procrastinating is more fun, I'll be back. Probably just a few days.
But for now, I'm enjoying the way my mind loves blending the old and the new.
Personally, I love the return to routine, the smell in the air, the crisp newness of books, paper, pens, teachers, classes...and then there is finding the old paths, the friends, the memories that reside in a simple glance at a building or statue...being such an extraordinarily nostalgic person, I relish these days.
It was a very interesting experience, running into some old friends today from out of the blue. I knew that it would happen eventually, but to catch up with them on the first day of school seemed too perfect. Reconnecting with people, with feelings, with emotions, with the intangible and almost existential "its" has made my heart soar and my smile grow wider than it has in ages.
When my schedule evens out and I decide procrastinating is more fun, I'll be back. Probably just a few days.
But for now, I'm enjoying the way my mind loves blending the old and the new.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
we love the drama.
every morning this week I have had the delight of waking up to these kids practicing.
You know what that means.
You know what that means.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
musings.
Moving has a way of taking over my life and combined with my strange inability to sleep, last week was a bit of a blur. My OCD nature has a very difficult time dealing with disorganization, mess, and clutter, and sadly I'm still not finished. If all goes well, I'll be done by tomorrow, thank goodness.
While it's not completely organized, this new apartment is fabulous! For the first time since my senior year of high school, there is actually adequate room for my things. More than the space (the kitchen is huge! We have a real pantry!), it's just really nice. The location is great, the furniture, appliances, floors, and counters are new, and my roommate is really sweet. Still awaiting mystery girl #3, but she should be here soon. I'll post some photos once I've put everything in its proper place.
My birthday was wonderful, thank you to those of you that came to hang out and eat the bee-infested food, it really meant a lot to see you there. Thanks for the birthday wishes, as well. Turning 21 is a bit less eventful, considering I'm not exactly a drinker, but C, Whitney, and my family created an awesome day for me. The highlight of the day is a toss-up between actually getting C to watch Waitress with me and the gift of cooking classes, "because you can't cook AT ALL."
Stay tuned.
I will become a domestic goddess.
...maybe.
While it's not completely organized, this new apartment is fabulous! For the first time since my senior year of high school, there is actually adequate room for my things. More than the space (the kitchen is huge! We have a real pantry!), it's just really nice. The location is great, the furniture, appliances, floors, and counters are new, and my roommate is really sweet. Still awaiting mystery girl #3, but she should be here soon. I'll post some photos once I've put everything in its proper place.
My birthday was wonderful, thank you to those of you that came to hang out and eat the bee-infested food, it really meant a lot to see you there. Thanks for the birthday wishes, as well. Turning 21 is a bit less eventful, considering I'm not exactly a drinker, but C, Whitney, and my family created an awesome day for me. The highlight of the day is a toss-up between actually getting C to watch Waitress with me and the gift of cooking classes, "because you can't cook AT ALL."
Stay tuned.
I will become a domestic goddess.
...maybe.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
moved.
A sleepless night, 9 trash bags, 2 DI bags, 30+ boxes, 6 full trips in my little car, a piano, a TV, and 21 packing/moving/cleaning hours later and I am officially homeless.
However, I do believe I have found my Olympic sport, at which I win 10 gold medals. Take that Phelpsy. [just 'cuz]
Somehow I managed to fit ALL OF THIS
into this tiny little place for the last year.
These photos do not do justice to the amount of stuff that I have. How does one 21 year old [okay, almost. In 4 days] accumulate this much STUFF? I'm not even a pack rat either. The one redeeming quality of moving [excepting my future AWESOME digs] is being able to sort through everything and throw out that which has not been looked at, thought about, or used within the last year [hence the 2 DI bags]. But this brought on my glorious, epic, dare I say Olympian discovery. I may not be very good at many things, I may not be able to cook, and I may not be all that domestic--but boy can I organize! I don't know how I survived with all of this crap in my little apartment this year, but I should be thankful for the tiny spaces. No room = you have to keep it clean in order to stay sane.
So now I'm exhausted and extraordinarily sore, but almost a little sad. I've lived in that complex for two years, and even though it wasn't amazing, I just tend to have a hard time letting things go.
Thank you to some friends for letting me take over the spare bedroom in their house with my things [however, we have now discovered that the new roommate is moving into that space tomorrow--CRAP!]. And thanks to my lovely Whitney for letting me crash with her these next few days.
However, I do believe I have found my Olympic sport, at which I win 10 gold medals. Take that Phelpsy. [just 'cuz]
Somehow I managed to fit ALL OF THIS
into this tiny little place for the last year.
These photos do not do justice to the amount of stuff that I have. How does one 21 year old [okay, almost. In 4 days] accumulate this much STUFF? I'm not even a pack rat either. The one redeeming quality of moving [excepting my future AWESOME digs] is being able to sort through everything and throw out that which has not been looked at, thought about, or used within the last year [hence the 2 DI bags]. But this brought on my glorious, epic, dare I say Olympian discovery. I may not be very good at many things, I may not be able to cook, and I may not be all that domestic--but boy can I organize! I don't know how I survived with all of this crap in my little apartment this year, but I should be thankful for the tiny spaces. No room = you have to keep it clean in order to stay sane.
So now I'm exhausted and extraordinarily sore, but almost a little sad. I've lived in that complex for two years, and even though it wasn't amazing, I just tend to have a hard time letting things go.
Thank you to some friends for letting me take over the spare bedroom in their house with my things [however, we have now discovered that the new roommate is moving into that space tomorrow--CRAP!]. And thanks to my lovely Whitney for letting me crash with her these next few days.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
maot results.
Winner: South Carolina
1st RU: Pennsylvania
2nd RU: Arkansas
3rd RU: Maryland
4th: RU: Missouri
soooo I was waaaaaay off.
But if you head to the website and play around a bit, you'll find her bio and she is one smart little cookie.
Unfortunately I don't have the results for non-finalist awards, but I'm sure they have them posted on the website.
Thanks again to my texting buddies for keeping those of us here at home in the loop!
1st RU: Pennsylvania
2nd RU: Arkansas
3rd RU: Maryland
4th: RU: Missouri
soooo I was waaaaaay off.
But if you head to the website and play around a bit, you'll find her bio and she is one smart little cookie.
Unfortunately I don't have the results for non-finalist awards, but I'm sure they have them posted on the website.
Thanks again to my texting buddies for keeping those of us here at home in the loop!
Phelp's did it...
...and for one night, most of the world came together to cheer for one of the greatest Olympians and perhaps the greatest swimmer in history.
You're going to get so sick of my constant posting of the Visa commercials, but what can I say--it's a tremendous ad campaign. And I do believe this commercial communicates the reason why the world came together tonight.
I'm a nerd, but I don't care! These are the memories we will pass on to our children and it's awfully fun to feel a part of history being made. A common pageant question deals with who our youth have to look up to now that the Michael Jordan's and the Michelle Kwan's of the world aren't really there anymore.
Well kids. I think we've found him.
You're going to get so sick of my constant posting of the Visa commercials, but what can I say--it's a tremendous ad campaign. And I do believe this commercial communicates the reason why the world came together tonight.
I'm a nerd, but I don't care! These are the memories we will pass on to our children and it's awfully fun to feel a part of history being made. A common pageant question deals with who our youth have to look up to now that the Michael Jordan's and the Michelle Kwan's of the world aren't really there anymore.
Well kids. I think we've found him.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
not feeling so hot.
Something is going around and I've got it, however, it means that I'm home to receive text messages and then post the information. As I said a few days ago, I've got some friends out in Orlando right now and guess what I've got...a Top Ten list from MAOT!
California (Prelim Fitness)
Pennsylvania
Arkansas (Prelim T/EG)
Missouri
South Carolina
District of Columbia
Texas (Prelim T/EG)
Oklahoma (Prelim T)
Maryland (Prelim Fitness)
Virginia
Unfortunately I don't know much about any of the girls because I have not been there, but based of off photos I've seen, my top five is: California, Arkansas, DC, Texas, and Oklahoma with either California, Arkansas, or Oklahoma as my best guesses for a winner.
But I'm not there...so take my picks for what they're worth!
Congratulations to McKenna on an incredible showing the entire week. It's hard to believe that 3 years ago I was in Orlando competing on that stage. There is no experience quite like a national competition. It's long, tiring, nerve wracking, difficult...but it's also exciting, fun, and an incredible honor. It's an amazing opportunity to compete amongst the best in the country and I was extraordinarily blessed to come home with some wonderful awards.
Also, a thank you to the director, Amy Rasmussen. I have no doubt that I would not have placed well had it not been for Erika, and it's even more wonderful that she and I remain really close friends. Amy has worked so hard and had done such an amazing job!
I'm really indebted to the organization, not just for the scholarship and the experience, but for the push it gave me to compete in the MAO system.
If my friends keep me in the loop, I'll post top 5/winner results.
California (Prelim Fitness)
Pennsylvania
Arkansas (Prelim T/EG)
Missouri
South Carolina
District of Columbia
Texas (Prelim T/EG)
Oklahoma (Prelim T)
Maryland (Prelim Fitness)
Virginia
Unfortunately I don't know much about any of the girls because I have not been there, but based of off photos I've seen, my top five is: California, Arkansas, DC, Texas, and Oklahoma with either California, Arkansas, or Oklahoma as my best guesses for a winner.
But I'm not there...so take my picks for what they're worth!
Congratulations to McKenna on an incredible showing the entire week. It's hard to believe that 3 years ago I was in Orlando competing on that stage. There is no experience quite like a national competition. It's long, tiring, nerve wracking, difficult...but it's also exciting, fun, and an incredible honor. It's an amazing opportunity to compete amongst the best in the country and I was extraordinarily blessed to come home with some wonderful awards.
Also, a thank you to the director, Amy Rasmussen. I have no doubt that I would not have placed well had it not been for Erika, and it's even more wonderful that she and I remain really close friends. Amy has worked so hard and had done such an amazing job!
I'm really indebted to the organization, not just for the scholarship and the experience, but for the push it gave me to compete in the MAO system.
If my friends keep me in the loop, I'll post top 5/winner results.
Friday, August 15, 2008
fierce.
Obviously a huge congratulations to the adorable and immensely talented Shawn Johnson.
I think we all just wanted some gymnastics medals and either girl would have been wonderful, but secretly I really wanted Nastia. Her style is so reminiscent of the glory days, before (like figure skating) the new code of points was instated, taking away from the passion of the sport. Watch her floor exercise and you will see it--she is a tumbling ballerina. Can't wait to see what she does in the future!
Also, Phelps is making NBC's ratings a golden experience.
British swimmer Simon Burnett says it best, "I think I've figured out Michael Phelps. He is not from another planet, he is from the future. His father made him and made a time machine. Sixty years from now he is an average swimmer, but he has come back here to mop up.'"
But dear NBC, I just have one request. Stop taking away Lezak's glory by making it all about Phelps. That is all.
However, should we take a look at the young lady that will forever go by one name as a hero?
Nastia.
[like I said, FIERCE]
maot update
Guess what guys....McKenna won the Fitness Prelim at MAOT tonight [last night, technically]!!!
Congratulations to such an incredible girl. I've spoken to several different friends who are in attendance (and believe me, it's killing me to not be there) and the comments are all quite similar (p.s. some of them are NOT from UT): Her talent was great, her on stage question was by far the best of the evening, and she is really shining! Here is the good part, however. Fitness is really difficult to pick, because there isn't exactly a specific criteria that they are looking for. Therefore, it appears that the judges are awarding girls that they just plain, old like! That's fantastic news for McKenna!
She looks GORGEOUS.
Everyone say a prayer for her going into Saturday's finals!
[photo found at maoteen.org. utah, texas (prelim talent/prelim EG), arkansas (prelim talent/prelim EG)]
Congratulations to such an incredible girl. I've spoken to several different friends who are in attendance (and believe me, it's killing me to not be there) and the comments are all quite similar (p.s. some of them are NOT from UT): Her talent was great, her on stage question was by far the best of the evening, and she is really shining! Here is the good part, however. Fitness is really difficult to pick, because there isn't exactly a specific criteria that they are looking for. Therefore, it appears that the judges are awarding girls that they just plain, old like! That's fantastic news for McKenna!
She looks GORGEOUS.
Everyone say a prayer for her going into Saturday's finals!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Dear Tim Daggett.
"Ooooh nooo. That was a big mistake right there."
If I have to hear you say that phrase ONE MORE TIME, I might have to pull a Wonka, transport to China through my TV, and throw that bowl of chalk in your face.
p.s. JHorton = midget Ryan Philippe. Yes?
If I have to hear you say that phrase ONE MORE TIME, I might have to pull a Wonka, transport to China through my TV, and throw that bowl of chalk in your face.
p.s. JHorton = midget Ryan Philippe. Yes?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Hmmm.
I know it's hard to accept silver when so close to gold. I think what makes it harder is this little chart.
Obviously Asian people tend to be extremely small, and I promise I'm not trying to turn this into sour grapes, but considering all of the evidence that has been discovered, I have an extremely hard time believing that half of the Chinese team is of age.
So what should be done? Should they eliminate the age restriction? Do they go against the Chinese government and get to the bottom of this? Or do they let things be?
Congratulations to our amazing ladies, I cannot wait to watch Nastia and Shawn battle it out for the All-Around.
[click image to enlarge]
Obviously Asian people tend to be extremely small, and I promise I'm not trying to turn this into sour grapes, but considering all of the evidence that has been discovered, I have an extremely hard time believing that half of the Chinese team is of age.
So what should be done? Should they eliminate the age restriction? Do they go against the Chinese government and get to the bottom of this? Or do they let things be?
Congratulations to our amazing ladies, I cannot wait to watch Nastia and Shawn battle it out for the All-Around.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Olympics make me wanna do this
Unfortunately I have to move this week. I hate packing. Loathe. With a fiery, burning passion full of HATE. [yes, I do believe it's time to take that technical writing class, don't you?]
However, as much as I hate it, life is always a bit better when Love Actually is on TV. I know it's not Christmas, but the Olympics are in that kind of league, and tonight's line up is so completely epic!
Tune in tonight to see the crazy showdown in the women's gymnastics and then see super machine Phelps get 2 gold medals.
Then we can all dance like this:
[Note about gymnastics: A lot of people are complaining about the scoring of the men's American team, but with the exception of some underscoring in Horton's case (p.s. "I'm gonna go swimming in the river tonight!" hahaha), they were scored fairly. Tonight however, I would not be surprised if we didn't see some french officiating/judging . Not only is there the age issue (are they or are they not 16?), but the two teams are both so capable of winning this title, any sort of judging complications are going to be somewhat scandalous. The judging was fair last night, but I wouldn't be surprised if Shawn Johnson is drastically underscored tonight. Going to be interesting...]
However, as much as I hate it, life is always a bit better when Love Actually is on TV. I know it's not Christmas, but the Olympics are in that kind of league, and tonight's line up is so completely epic!
Tune in tonight to see the crazy showdown in the women's gymnastics and then see super machine Phelps get 2 gold medals.
Then we can all dance like this:
[Note about gymnastics: A lot of people are complaining about the scoring of the men's American team, but with the exception of some underscoring in Horton's case (p.s. "I'm gonna go swimming in the river tonight!" hahaha), they were scored fairly. Tonight however, I would not be surprised if we didn't see some french officiating/judging . Not only is there the age issue (are they or are they not 16?), but the two teams are both so capable of winning this title, any sort of judging complications are going to be somewhat scandalous. The judging was fair last night, but I wouldn't be surprised if Shawn Johnson is drastically underscored tonight. Going to be interesting...]
Monday, August 11, 2008
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