New Year Happenings

As always... here is my new year post. A look back on things. This year seemed to just pass by. No joke, it just went by so quickly.

Well, first of all, since I haven't posted since November, I will just give a quick overview of Christmas, which was great. I started off the holiday with movie happenings. I think I've seen Frozen more times than any other new movie this year. It was freakin' adorable. Also, Hobbit party, since guess what?!?! Benedict Cumberbatch starred as Smaug. Then took the Middle School Math Praxis. Here's hoping I pass it. I'm still waiting on the scores. It was a very stressful test this month. I moved on to spend Christmas in Colorado. It was great. I just was a bit lazy. But I saw family, friends and just sorta took a nice breather. It was also nice, cause I got lots of clothes (which I needed, cause mine were wearing out and I work...). Also, Wesley called... and he's officially in Korea. Gosh, I miss him. It's weird that he's actually gone.... like I'm so used to just talking to him. And we are very close. He's doing well.

Wes and his Companion in Korea

All right... Now my highlights of 2013!!! Here you are:

• Spring semester: it was a nice breather. Especially since I felt like I started off the semester kind of rough. Struggling with life as a special ed major... and wow... rough beginning month to 2013. 
• Spring semester continued: It turned out very well... and one of my favorites. 
• Turned 21... and went to a bar... and yeah. Being 21, it's crazy....
• Worked at Trefoil for my second year, Girl Scouts of Utah for my third year... and summer camps overall for who knows how long. SO MUCH FUN :D
  

Mystery, T-Shirt, Rain and Me (Bandit)

• Both my missionaries came home!! My friend Scott (from Australia) and my cousin Tyler (from Sweden). That was so much fun to see them both again. Not to mention all the other boys I know that came home from missions around the same time. 

Ty with his sisters Amanda and Beth

• Moved into a new apartment, which was a bit big, seeing as I've spent the past 2 years with my aunt Mindi. I got to meet some new roommates, which was an adventure. 
• Started another semester at USU, which turned out to be awesome!! I got a wonderful group of first graders to teach. And did pretty well in my classes. Felt very good about the semester. 
• Got onto USU Big Band Swing Team, Swing Set. Which has been amazing. I love the team and we've all become fast friends. We should be performing the routine soonish.... We've almost got it down. 
• Met some wonderful new people that I have grown to love. Tanner, Conner, Jen, Jon, Richard, Bri (we rekindled our friendship), and of course my roommates Ashley, Callie, Lindsey and Steph. 

Tanner, Me, Ty and Jen

 Bri, Jon, Richard, Me

• .... ALMOST DONE, PROMISE..... Best highlight was seeing my little brother off on his mission. He's doing very well and we all miss him. I'm keeping up a blog for him if you wish to take a look at that: http://elderwesleybuckwalter.blogspot.com/
• All the fabulous shows and movies that came out. The Doctor Who 50th Anniversary, The Hobbit, Frozen, All the super hero movies, SHERLOCK IS COMING OUT TOMORROW!!! Watching shows with friends. Supernatural marathon is still happening.

Looking back on 2013, I had a great great year. It went by very fast. I'm really looking forward to 2014. I'm hoping it will go as good as this year. I'm looking forward to spending it with friends and family that I love. This semester will be tough, but I'm hoping to pull it off.

My 5 Resolutions this year: Exercise (be active, dance a bit more), Consistent Scripture Study, Better sleep schedule (like that will happen, I'm a student), Hopefully updating a blog once a month,  Keeping in touch with my brother.

Happy New Years!!!!

Thankful...

((warning... this is long... but I just wanted to write it all... and express myself))

I know that Thanksgiving isn't quite here.... but I wanted to post this. I've had a bit of a rough week. Just small things adding up to take an emotional toll on me and I was just so tired and done. I look back and I have realized this past month I've just felt off.... I've felt more down, more depressed, I couldn't dance, I just felt like not myself. I decided to make a turn-around last week... and chose to do things to make me feel more spiritually balanced, more happy, and more confident. Of course... right when I choose to do that.... I get this rough week.

Well... today I realized it's all just going to be okay. I'm an anxious person. I over-analyze things and tend to make things more stressful than they should be. And today, I was driving home from work and just thought back on my whole life. And just thought of all the stressful things I've been through... the trials, the tests (and I mean school exams), the good things, the stuff that I put my whole heart and soul into... and I just realized it all worked out. It all worked out in the end.

I am so so so thankful for how I've grown. Everything I've been through and done... I've just grown so much. I know a lot of people have trials and grow and everyone's life is different. But I'm just grateful for the things that I have experienced. I'm grateful for my family that is there for me through all of it, even if they can be stressful too. I'm so grateful for my friends. Both the new and the old. They are all there for me and I love that.

I'm grateful for all the experiences. I'm grateful for my twin brothers... those two changed my family forever. Their disabilities enabled our family more. They don't know how much they affected my life. It is because of them that I am a Special Ed teacher. It is because of them that I was able to grow so much as a child. That I became more caring and accepting. I was able to see people for who they were. Just yesterday, my mom told me how Chris was playing music in the house that reminded him of me. How excited he is to see my on Thanksgiving.

I'm grateful for all the moves I had to do. I went to 4-ish high schools and moved a lot. This helped me to make friends. To meet more people. To be confident. I learned to much from each school and each group of friends I met. It was a huge pain as I did them.... but it worked out. And if I hadn't have moved to Spanish Fork, I wouldn't have gone to CO, and living in Colorado was one of the best things I had ever done. I met more wonderful friends that are still in my life. I grew. And I got to live outside of Utah.... that is an experience (guys Utah is a bubble).

I'm grateful for the tests I had to go through these past four years of college. It was rough... but it's happening. Utah State University is such a wonderful place. I can't imagine my college life anywhere else.

There is so much more I could say. But the point is.... I'm grateful for my experiences and my whole life. And sometimes I don't focus on that. I just look at the present and think of the now.... and I don't look at all that I have accomplished. All that I have done. Just what I need to do... and no one likes that. Remember to look back and smile at all the things you have done.

I got an email from my brother today (serving his mission in Korea). He said "Anyway, I love you so much. You say you look up to me Gina, but I've always looked up to you. I sometimes think if you were here with me, if we could be companions or something like that, we'd be so effective and fun! I sometimes wish that I could act like you sometimes. I often wish that I could borrow some of the gifts God has given you, like I wish I had your teaching skills or your personality or your work ethic or your endurance."

To hear that... and read that at a time where I feel like I'm struggling... like I'm walking waist-deep through peanut butter and moving so slowly... and not accomplishing anything at all. It helped. It helped a lot.

I'm grateful for the Lord. And the people he put in my life. And the small tender-mercies that I see daily (if I just open my eyes and look for them). Getting this email, having class cancelled, seeing my students succeed at things they struggled with..... things like that. Just all of it. It helped me end on a good note this week.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Long times....

Wow.... I haven't used this blog since March???? That is kind of sad. Although.... I kind of feel that most everyone who reads this blog knows what's been going on in my life. But for the sake of things... I guess I will summarize what has happened since March. (starting up the habit of using a blog again, so that I can start posting on Wesley's missionary blog)

I really just finished class from last semester. Got good grades. And moved on to summer. I spent the first month of summer in Colorado, just hanging out, spending time with friends and family. I usually do that. I chose to work at Trefoil Ranch, a summer camp in Utah this year, as the camp in Colorado was still closed. This was my second year at Trefoil, and I must say one of my best. It really was, though we were understaffed, the staff seemed very united and we all pretty much got along. It was a lot of fun, and I met so many amazing and wonderful people. I loved out new camp director, Journey. She was fabulous and did amazing with the camp for her first year. I'm hoping to return next summer and that some of our amazing staff will return as well. So, thanks all my summer camp friends for making things completely amazing.

Pixie, Thunder, T-Shirt, Me and Strawberry

So, that gives you an idea for summer. Then I started school and such. Which really has been great. A little intense, but super good. I have 3 practicums this semester. I teach a wonderful little first grade reading group. I love working with them and they are amazing. I have a third grader that I tutor twice a week. I also am teaching two PE classes every Monday (starting next Monday). So... kind of intense. I think the class I'm most nervous for is PE. Oddly enough, that's just the class that seems more chaotic. But, I'm hoping working with summer camp will prepare me a little. We're coming in on week 8 and midterms... so it is kind of crazy that I'm already almost done with the semester. But, hey... it's going great. I'm feeling super confident with my classes and I just overall feel good. 

The rest of my life (classes and practicum aside) is spent doing swing dancing. I'm still the President of USU's Big Band Swing club, which is going pretty good. I'm trying to get it more "on the map" with activity and participation. But, hey things are going. I love it. I've actually helped teach some of the lessons, which is pretty cool (cause I'm not good at the leads at all). I also am on Swing Set, the USU B team. That has been super fun. I have a great partner and our coaches are great and it's just fun to learn new things. So, there's that....

Homecoming Week
Anne, Jody, Marcquessa, Tanner, Jess (I think), Me

So, that is my life. Things have been good. Just doing homework, swing and hanging out. I've met some amazing people and love hanging out with them. Coming in on week 8 of school and fall break. Also!!! Wesley had is mission farewell this past weekend. He did so good. He may not realize this, but he will be a wonderful missionary and I'm going to miss him a lot. He'll have an amazing time in South Korea. So, I'll be helping keep his blog up, so if you want to visit that it's .... http://elderwesleybuckwalter.blogspot.com/

starkid madness

Wow..... sooooooooo writing about things. Cause that's what blogs are for. And I'm sorry... I have lots of friends that write interesting blogs that are creatively stimulating. However, mine is more like... hey, this is my life. So lemme throw my life at ya cause that's what is happening. So... in accordance to all previous blog posts, here is what has happened to me over Spring Break.

Also.... before Spring Break nothing happened. Seriously. It was just school, swing, homework, and more school. So.... not much to tell there.

SPRING BREAK:

((what is sad is that i don't have any many photos to add onto this))

So this week was my mom's birthday, which was great. It was a lot of focus on my mom and spending time with her. We had quite a few mom-daughter dates which was wonderful. I loved just having my mom to myself for a while, especially since I live a little farther away and don't get to see her that often.

Another thing, was my little brother was ordained into the Melchizedek priesthood and that was fun. Not only was I able to see my brother accomplishing some awesome stuff, but my dad and stepmom were there. What's strange, is thinking that my little brother is going away on his mission soon. What is up with that? I'm really going to miss him. We have gotten really close this past year and we talk a lot and just hang out. And we have all these jokes and I just love him. He's pretty great. There's been a lot of just hanging out with him this break. We just chill and talk and watch shows and be around each other. It's been great to spend time with him. And I really will miss him.

So, the day before my mom's birthday, Wes and I decided to decorate the house with streamers and balloons. That was fun. We cleaned the house with loud music in the background then decked the whole place out. And my mom walked in and it was the best thing ever. And we also made her a cake, which was really yummy and I surprised myself with my ability to make cakes. Then the next day, for her birthday, my mom took me and Wesley to the Leonardo in Salt Lake where there was a mummy exhibit with mummies from all over. It was creepy, but really cool and awesome. And I loved that. It was really cool to see all those people and wow. Craziness.

The other exciting moment for me, if I am brutally honest, was Starkid's premiere of A Very Potter Senior Year. The final show of their A Very Potter Musical trilogy. I have become attached to starkid lately. They have some great musical parodies and their music just makes me happy. I stayed up with Wesley to watch AVPSY and it was great. Not only because Starkid is just always awesome, but they have also prolonged Harry Potter for me. Harry Potter is just brilliant and I love how so many people my age find ways to keep him and the whole series alive. Besides, AVPSY was just hilarious. I laughed so hard. (Also Wesley got me Starkid's soundtrack to their musical Starship for my brithday. So he's just awesome)

Which brings me to today.... I'm staying up with Wesley and we are just goofing around. I'm driving back home tomorrow and then the craziness really starts happening. Next week is crazy, I already know that I have homework all over the place. So, I need to catch up on that, since I just had fun this week. Not only that, but I'm pretty sure my friend Hotty is coming over and visiting me. And then there is also some birthday stuff happening, and I'm gonna have friends over for a pizza-movie night. And then after that it is easter, then general conference, and finally finals. And wow, life will just move super fast after tomorrow.

Here's hoping I survive. And I will probably end up watching AVPSY again, cause I really enjoyed it. :)

a secret

Sometimes, a lot of times actually, I imagine myself in a whole different way. Accomplishing things that never, ever in my dreams would I accomplish presently. Meeting people that I have idolized since I was little. Changing the world somehow. Making my family proud and being proud of myself.
I imagine a person that could be anyone. Someone being accomplished enough to be on Ellen, to have her think I'm amazing. Or being friends with stars, my age, that have accomplished so much (Daniel Radcliffe, Colin Morgan, Darren Criss, Skandar Keynes to name a few). Even something as small as being asked out on a date... and not having to ask the guy out. Being noticed. Being worthwhile.

Looking at yourself in the mirror and thinking... Wow... my life is a dream.

It's not that I'm not proud of what I've done. My life is amazing. Yes I have gone on dates (even if I ask the guy). I have a wonderful family. My little brothers (both with special needs) have inspired me to do so much. I am a Special Ed major, a career choice I love. But sometimes school is so hard... and I feel so behind. And I don't understand some things... and it makes me think. What if I can't be a special ed teacher? What if I never make it? What if I do become a teacher and can't help those kids? What if I don't know what to do?

AND THAT'S JUST BEING A TEACHER.... someone who gets paid squat to help children who have fallen through the cracks... who have no one else become something. Just because she wants to make a difference. 

But what if I can't? What if I don't make a difference??
 
It is so much easier to just pretend I'm someone special. To imagine what it would be like if I actually had pursued singing, or practiced enough on my violin to be amazing at it. Or if I had followed my little kid heart to act in a movie (the funny thing is, I was as shy as hell). Or if I had put more effort to get my poetry and short stories published. Or maybe now, if I pursued dancing. Would I have been able to change the world then? 

I just.... I just wish that I could accomplish something completely and utterly amazing. And I feel like I haven't done that yet. And maybe I just don't work hard enough. I'm sure I could do more, maybe push myself harder. 

I hope people are proud of me. Because I want them to be. I want to be successful and show the world that I am amazing. Even if no one else thinks so.

The world didn't end in 2012!!

Well here we are at the end of 2012, and the world did not end! As far as I can see it's still going. Which is great.

So, I've just been hanging out really. This whole Christmas Break I've spent with my mom and little brothers, and it's just been a party! I don't know how my mom does it, but she manages to find the funnest things to do and take us out. I've been to concerts (more than one), sledding, building snowmen, massive snowball fights, ice skating, shopping, to see movies, hot springs, jazz games.... tons of it. But honestly, I think the best part has just been to spend time with my family. I've enjoyed just hanging out with my little brothers. Wesley and I started a read-aloud, reading a book together and taking turns. It's been fun. We hope to actually finish it before we both have to go back to school. Not only that, but I'm pretty sure there's at least 3 feet of snow out side. It goes up to my waist anyway. Lotsa snow!

Told ya

Well, like most anyone at New Years, I look back and see what I've done in 2012. Did I make the most of it? I don't know.... it wasn't quite as dramatic and outright difficult as 2011. Which was good. Actually, as I looked back, it seems almost bland. And honestly, I'm glad for that. Sometimes you just need a year to cool off.... Here are my memorable 2012 moments:

- Christian got baptized (Jan 2012). And that was amazing.... see previous blog posts about that.

- Moving on to March, I found out I received a scholarship for '12 - '13 school year (which has helped a lot.
- In April I became the USU Big Band Swing Club president, which has been a highlight throughout this year. Swing is pretty much my social life
- Wesley graduated this year.

- Summer.... yes Summer happened
- This summer I started work at a Girl Scout Camp in CO
- In July we got evacuated because of the Waldo Canyon Fire (which was only like 5ish miles away from us) Scary business.

- Because the summer camp I worked at got shut down due to the fire, I started working for Girl Scouts of Utah, working at the amazing camp Trefoil!! Which was a blast
- I started my 3rd year of college at USU (go aggies)
- Went through a mass of school stress (I think that lasted through september and october)
- Spent Thanksgiving in CO with my wonderful family over there
- Which brings us full circle to December.

That was my year in a nutshell.

I'm looking forward to 2013. Many of my friends come back from missions, I get to start my 4th year of school, I don't know..... I have a good feeling about this year :)

Home Free

I made it. I made it through this semester and through finals. And survived. I don't know my grades on my finals yet, but I feel pretty good about all of them. So, here is my last post before the new year. (I plan on posting up a year in review like I did last year, but I still have all of december and my year is not over yet.... who knows the world may end next week and this will be my last post ever. We will just have to see)

There have been roughly 3 weeks since my Thanksgiving post. And not too much has happened in those weeks. I pushed through the end of school, with projects, essays and other such work that my teachers put on us for the last bit of the year. Then there was of course finals. So studying and studying. I am actually quite proud of myself. I have a very difficult time studying. I really do. I usually can't sit and stare at work for more than an hour or so without a break in between. And I managed studying really well. At one point for 4 straight hours. That's an accomplishment, guys. Seriously. I felt a lot more prepared on my finals than I did my midterms. And though I haven't gotten my grades back, I feel I did pretty good on the finals as well. So yay me!!

All righty. What else has been going on? Well.... dancing. Lots of big band swing. Right after Thanksgiving USU BBSwing club did a benefit dance for Elite Hall, the old dance hall in Logan. Granted, I didn't do too much for it, I really have to thank my VP Patrick for pulling it all off. He is amazing. It went really well and we had a great turn out. Lots of fun. We also had club. And then I went to my first Savoy Nights (the dance every other friday in SLC). Savoy Nights was set up by some Big Band Swing Club alumni and so, everyone kind of knows everyone. It's cool to see how Swing has turned into this small community. So, I went and met people and it was lots of fun. And I am planning on going a lot more. I really wish that I had chosen a cheaper hobby to get myself into. Because driving and paying for dances is kind of pricey at points. But so much fun and I love it so much. I hope to get a lot better at my dancing and be more involved with it later. Anyway, Savoy Nights was a blast and we were all up late (the weekend before finals), and I don't really regret it at all.

Moving on. These past couple of weeks my knee has been killing me. It usually aches after dancing. But then it started to hurt walking up hill and up stairs and more than just dancing. So, I finally told myself, this can't be normal and went to a doctor. (most/many/all of you know my facebook, so you might already know this) I went to the doctor and he pretty much diagnosed that I have Patallofamoral Pain Syndrome in that knee. Fun huh. Pretty much my knee isn't exactly lined up with my foot so when I walk, the little round bone in my knee rubs against the other bones. And the reason it finally started acting up was because I have become a lot more active this past year. What with dancing and hiking and I now go on walks and jogs and such. I've really been trying to be more active. But, that sort of started making my knee be all screwy. So, now I have to watch that. But, it won't stop me from being active. Because seriously, I love dancing. And I love how I feel now. And it doesn't matter if I am really curvy or big bosomed (come guys, you all know I am). I feel confident in myself and working out and such really does make you feel good. :D

Anyway. There you go. I am now chilling at my moms house with family and will be hanging out for the rest of break. Visiting friends and such. Also, going to see The Hobbit at midnight tonight!!! Wooo!!! Fun times. I'm very excited. And the rest of the break and Christmas is ahead of me. :D

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. And Merry Christmas!!!

Oh!!! And don't forget to watch The Doctor Who Christmas Special!! You have no idea how excited I am for that. Not to mention the Merlin Season Finale (and series finale) Both of them are over Christmas. Awwww BBC why do you do this to me???

Thanksgiving

You know the drill.... What are you thankful for??? I think by the end of the day, I will be sick of answering this. But, there really is so much in life that is a blessing. Seriously. So so so much. I don't think one blog post can do my gratitude justice. I really have a lot to be thankful for.

This past month has been hard for me. Just stressful. School has been kicking my butt.... really. It's just been hard trying to deal with it all and to figure it out. But life in general has shown me there's so much to be thankful for, even in stressful times.

So.... here's the list. (complete with pictures, cause I like doing that)

My family.... specifically....
My mom. Seriously, my mom does a lot for me. We sometimes bash heads and disagree, but I'm thankful for everything she has done for me. For all she does. She has had some hard times, and through it all, she never forgets about me. She always has time for my phonecalls, or if I'm stressed, she listens. And, I want to tell her how grateful I am for her. I love my mom a lot.

Next. My dad. Even though my dad is far away, I've always had such a strong relationship with him. And I love him a lot. Like my mom, my dad is always willing to listen to me. I always know that he believes in me and all that I'm doing. And to have that extra support goes a long way. I love spending time with him, especially our long talks. We can talk for hours and never run out of subjects. I think he's one of the few people I know that talks more than I do.

My brothers. They can be a pain, but I love them. Without Core and Chris, I wouldn't be where I am today, I wouldn't be doing the career I'm doing. And I am so grateful for their influence. And Wesley. He's a pain in the butt, but he's my bestest friend. We disagree and have very very different opinions, but he's always there for me (well... always when I ask him to be). He's there to play games with and watch movies and most often if someone doesn't understand something I say, he will. I'm gonna miss him when he goes on his mission next summer.

For all my other family. Everyone. My stepmom Merial. Who is so wonderful and is always thinking about others. My adopted sisters (in reality cousins) Shay, Beth and Amanda, who make living in the basement truly an adventure. My aunt and uncle Mindi and Don for taking me in (seriously, I'm sure Don must love having a house full of girls). Everyone in my family. You are all amazing. Thank you so much for supporting me.

Of course, I am so thankful for my friends. Those who have been there for me through all the crap I deal with. Who love me for me, who let me know that I have a social life. And help me get out of my cave (aka bedroom). I love you all, I can go off on a list if I need to (Hotty, Scott, Katie, Amy, Meghan, Josh, Derek, Sean, and Jody). I wouldn't have gotten half as far as I have without you all.

I'm thankful for school. It's hard. And I hate it sometimes. But I really am lucky to have an education. Especially at USU. GO AGGIES!! College is fun, stressful, hard and wonderful all at once. I am so lucky to be in the Special Ed major, with so many great professors and advisers. I am honored to be President of USU's Big Band Swing Club. It's a lot, and I know there are so many wonderful people who help me keep it running. I'm just happy to be involved and dance. I've learned a lot. Thank you.

I am so thankful for the gospel. It is amazing to be a part of the LDS church. I know without my faith I wouldn't be where I am at all. Christ has helped me through so much. And I know that this church is true. (I'm getting all preachy, I'm sorry... but it's how I feel). Seriously, there are such wonderful people in the wards I've been in. And such amazing leaders. And I'm thankful for all of them. I am so glad that this spirit touches my heart. It brings a light into my life that I wouldn't normally have. And I could never express my full gratitude for all the blessings the Lord has put in my life.

I could go on and on.... But I think this blog is long enough already. I am also thankful for the internet (which makes my life so much easier, and helps relieve a lot of my stress), my favorite tv shows, toothpaste, deodorant, music, my ipod, cars, Harry Potter, cuddly blankets, teddy bears, and food.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! Spend time with your family and pig out.

Life, Learning and Leaves

All right.... I know, I know, I'm terrible at this. Last post was in July.... and a lot has happened since then. Soo, If you want to read about what I've been up to, then this is the blog for you!!! If not, I don't get why you are here, and you should do something more worthwhile with your time. Or you can read and just be entertained by my ramblings. Some of them can be entertaining. At least, I think so... this is my favorite picture of this season (so far) and my hair is super long!!! Crazy :D

So.... end of summer. I finished up working at Trefoil Ranch, and epicly amazing summer camp. I was the Arts and Crafts Director which was fun and definitely a new change for me. I met a whole bunch of really cool people (you know who you are) who all (well most of them) happen to go to USU with me. (though I haven't seen a whole lot of you, what's up with that??) It was a great summer, I got to spend half of it in Colorado working at one camp and the other half in Utah, working at another camp. It was sad about the fires in Colorado, and I am glad they are out. But, yes... good times. below was the Disney Princess All Camp we had (which was so much fun)

All right, so moving on, I've been back at USU (GO AGGIES). This is my third year at USU, so I'm officially a Junior, crazy huh? I'm still doing a Special Ed major, which as it turns out, is super duper hard. Hence why I have been too busy to post in this blog. I teach a reading group in the mornings, and have classes in the afternoon's/evenings. I usually have about 2ish hours of homework from each class. Sometimes one, which is really nice. Most of my homework is reading. A lot of reading and then answering questions about the readings. So not too hard, just super time-consuming. The hard part comes in all the stuff you have to do and learn at once. There's so much information to take in and it's overwhelming at times. If you think being a teacher is a walk in the park, you're wrong. It's more like a 10 mile uphill hike (good think I like hiking). I just get so exhausted... so, hopefully things work out. I love it, it's just crazy anyway. lucky I still have time to have fun. Here's Big Blue at one of the Aggie games I went to :D

All right. So now on to the fun things. I still go to football games (and basketball, once they start). I still hang out with friends, watch movies and dance. In fact, this year I'm President of the USU Big Band Swing Club. Which is work, but fun and I'm still trying to figure out how to do it all. But hey... I get some social activity in my schedule. I've gone to 2 of the Aggie Games, here at home. One was the UTE v Aggie game. (We won!!!) The other was the Homecoming UNLV v Aggie game (we won then too!!). Great times. I love it. Our student body really is the best.

Getting on to more recent events. Homecoming was last week, which was a mass amount of fun, chaos and stress. It's hard making sure everything is going right with your school work while you have a club to get to participate in Homecoming. But it happened and that was great. It's also Autumn time!!! So, super pretty leaves everywhere, cool hiking weather and pumpkin pie :D Gotta love it. I went up Crimson Trail (up Logan Canyon) with some friends and we had a blast. It was great to hike it. And I learned how out of shape I have gotten since camp (need to start hiking some more). So many cliffs, and leaves and just beautiful things everywhere. It was a good start to the weekend and I hope I get to do more fun things with friends later this year. It's already October and things are going by so fast. Hiking up Crimson with Josh, Derek and Katie is behind the camera.

So, there's my updated blog. Not as long as previously expected. That's okay. Things are great. Even when stress happens. It's odd, cause stress will happen and I will be so overwhelmed and almost ready to give up. And then, (usually the next day), something will happen to make it all better. It's pretty consistent. Anytime I start thinking I'm a terrible teacher, someone will tell me otherwise, or I will perform well on an assignment. And, I'm just thankful for that. Because if it wasn't for those small blessings, I would be drowning right now. So, thank you all my friends and family who keep believing in me. I couldn't make it without you.

S'mores and other such fire stories

All right.... I have been so busy and slightly unable to add a new blog post. But I will do so today! So, here goes the summary of June and July (if you wish to read. If you do not wish to read, I don't know why you got to my blog in the first place). (below is me on a hike at Trefoil, the new summer camp I'm working at)

So.... I began my adventures of summer in Utah, then moved to Colorado, where I started work at a summer camp. I did three weeks there. It was fun, and I got to know a lot of new people as well as see old friends. The exciting part was where my camp was evacuated due to the Waldo Canyon Fire. It was pretty crazy, and I spent a lot of time at home trying to find a new job/waiting to see if the summer camp I was working at would be okay. I feel very blessed, because almost instantly I was able to find a new job at a summer camp in Utah. I also was able to have two weeks off of camp and just spend time with my friends and family in Colorado. Which was amazing. I hung out with my little brother and my bff Hotty almost every day. I also got to help Wes with his Eagle Project, which I admit, despite my desire not to, was a fun thing to do. So overall, a decent break. (below are me and Hotty hanging out, and the Waldo Canyon Fire)

I started working at the summer camp up Provo Canyon two weeks ago. So, I've been up there for the past two weeks working horse camps. It's been great. I've loved it. The staff there are amazing, and already I feel a part of them. They've been so welcoming and great. I've really enjoyed being a part of the camp. I also have really enjoyed working with the camp director Marzz, who has been a friend of my mom's for a while. She's been so kind to me. So, a really good experience for me. I have met so many new friends already. I also became the Program and Art Specialist up there, so this coming week I will be starting to run the art projects and crafts and such. I've never done something like this up there, so I'm excited. I'm kind of nervous too, but I am positive I can do it. So, I've been trying to figure out different crafts for the girls to do and that's been fun. This past week, we also got the chance to be on Channel 2 News. Which was super fun, even if we had to wake up at 4:30 in the morning. (Below is Casey Scott and the group of girl scouts from our early news happening)

Another great opportunity for me, was I was able to go back up to Cloud Rim, which is the summer camp that I grew up going to every summer. And the one I worked at two years ago. It was amazing up there. Absolutely amazing. I have loved every camp I have worked at, but Cloud Rim will always be very special to me. Always. It was even better, cause I got to see my good friend Piper, who I grew up with going to camp. We officially decided that we have known each other for 8 years. Wow! So it was great to see her. I hope I get to work with her next year. We're planning on it. (below is me and Piper doing her trait Prince Piper pose)

 

So, overall it has been a great summer so far, and I expect great things from the rest of it. :D I've gotten to spend time with my brother for his graduation. I was able to work at not one, but two summer camps!! So much fun. I got to meet so many new and wonderful people. I got to spend time with my dad in CO and now my mom in UT. It's like I've gotten the best of both worlds. This has been a really amazing summer, that I won't forget. Which is nice, because my summer last year.... not so great. Thanks for reading (if you've made it this far). I'm glad my life has peaked your interest. Or something like that. Much love! (below is the glacier/boulder pond that I hiked/bouldered to at Cloud Rim).