Well folks, as I come to the conclusion of this Fall 2012 semester I can only think but of one thing...Where the did time go? Have I really grown up this much? I review my years in all their simplicity and realized just how much I underestimate the growing up process. Whether they be simple life lessons or huge impacts on your life that you never dreamed would happen to you, they all change you for the better.

To my simple days of having my family as my best friends. I learned from a young age that family is here to stay forever and no matter what I love them. 

My beginnings at kindergarten...socks with sandals I learned, was a big no no. 

From the endless summers at the family cabin I learned to appreciate the beauty of fun, sun, summer, family, and that laughing can cure anything. 

From simple beginnings freshman year of high school. The loss of a friend will force you to grow up in ways you could never imagine. You learn the important things of life and see the bigger picture. You learn that through it all there are people who care all around and the saying "Go Big or Go Home" can apply to any part of your life. 

A trip to Europe to see the world and understand that where we live is a blessing I count everyday. 

 

A summer you will never forget with friendship and so much fun it's hard to believe you fit it all in 3 months. 

The humanitarian trip to help others in need and again realize how good we have it and the importance of reaching out a hand to those who need help. 

My years at Logan High learning the importance of friends, family, school, and putting in passion to what you want to do with your life. 

 

The first year of college where you learn the adjustments of finding out about hard work, dedication, and dating the many boys on campus! 

 

And how could one forget the summer you moved out for the first time and worked your butt off all while having a blast living in a trailer, exploring Yellowstone Park, making new friends, memories and spending ample times on the lake. The summer you learned about getting along with everybody and how hard it is to live too close to friends.

The  most recent...Getting in my first car crash with the Aggie Shuttle is just another thing that adds character in your life, no matter how embarrassing it was, and no matter how hard you cried when you called your mom.

 

 All the way to the now where new family members are added to the group and you are in your 2nd year of college wondering what is the next step. Every little thing we do in our lives teaches us something new be it small or large. I have come to find being happy is a choice of how you live and what you do with what you have in the now. To truly be happy you have to find the joys in everything, be a friend, and push forward with all you have. 

One of the best things I have ever read was this, "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy shit...what a ride!" 

Now...back to studying for finals and quit procrastinating.

A Beautiful Birthday....

 

Yes, a tad late but a memory never to be forgotten.

 

 

Jiggy Day is all about going big, doing someething that makes you feel fearless. Also a time to reflect on the soul of someone who taught you so many life lessons it's impossible to put it all down on one blog. Jocie would be turning 20 on this beautiful day. Last year we took on the adventure of sky diving for her birthday. How do you top that? You can't, it's nearly impossible. However hiking the Wellsvilles comes pretty close.

 

 

The Wellsvilles are said to be the steepest mountains in the world. Naturally, if were going big it's best to take on the steepest mountains in the world. No doubt in my heart and mind, Jocie would be here every step of the way to reach the top with us.

 

 

With ski poles in hand we hiked a slow steady pace. Leaving at 3 P.M was not exactly the brightest decision which you can ask me personally at a later date. Let's just say it was one of the many things that added to this memory.

 

It was a beautiful day to hike. On Jiggy Day, no questions asked you are going to end up doing something crazy, fun, and hilarious.

 



 

Along the way Sid and I run into some jumpy grouse. Flying in front of us they scared us so bad I fell flat on my butt...Yeah not a shining moment in my life.

 

 

As you get closer to the top you are surrounded by evil bushes that feel like needles. If you are fun size in height, like Sid and I, you will be walking through a maze of bushes. At this point due to the time of day, it was getting quite cold and shaded on the side of the mountain the trail leads through. Our legs were getting scratched by imagination cats.

 

 

Once feeling as though the top of the Wellsvilles would never come the view of Brigham City and Willard Bay come into view. A feeling of complete satisfaction and that "ahhhh" moment fill your body. Before the hike I made a sign of "Go Big or Go Big Home" on a scrap piece of fabric which we then tied to our hiking ski poles. For Jocie we leave our mark at the top knowing full-heartedly she would be there right with us every step of the way.

 

 

It was a gorgeous evening that could not be topped. "Go Big or Go Home" is a simple phrase. One I try to live by every single day of my life. It's hard to believe how much time has passed. Some days I feel as though it was just yesterday we were all skiing together and times when it feels distant...

 

 

As we begin the descent down, the sun illuminates our surroundings. Tears fill my eyes as I look around and soak it all in. It's amazing to me that even when their was a time in life that was sad, overwhelming, confusing, and life changing there is still things in this life that are beautiful.

 

 

On Jiggy Day it's a time to remember that life is full of fun, love, laughter, joy, beauty, family, faith, friendships, adventure, spontaneity, and doing the best you possibily can.

 

 

After a traditional Jiggy Day eating at Angie's for a breakfast dinner we retire our shoes and socks to reveal absolutely FILTHY feet. Mother Teresa was not pleased to hear we walked across the carpet.

 

 

Jiggy Day gives you the chance to remember a girl who lived and loved so deeply for the people and life around her. I will forever miss our skiing days...

 

"So much of me is made from what I learned from you. You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have re-written mine, by being my friend..."

Fall Is Here...

Well, I'm home from West Yellowstone. It has been a month now that I have been home and let me tell you...sleeping in a clean, nice, good smelling home is something I definitely took for granted. School was just around the corner when I came home and I was ready for a new school year back at Utah State Univeristy. The thought of new classes, campus life, and new cute boys to date made my heart leap. So here is August-September in a nut shell as I know it...

 

The first week of school is always the best! Not much homework and adjusting to the come-back or thoughts of enduring another school year isn't quite unbearable....yet. Lindsay and I embarked on the wonderful 80's dance. Dancing on the stage and watching my fellow Aggies in the crowd dance to the YMCA made me giddy for the year to come. 

 

 

Sid and I thoughtlessly signed up for a mountain biking class. It has so far been hell. Although an eye opener as to how out of shape one truly is until you start biking uphill. We have unsuccessfully made it an entire ride without stopping or turning around. Good thing we are not graded on making it the whole way.

 

 

 

 

Waiting in line for 4 hrs to get a good seat in the stadium is definitely worth the sweating in the sun. The USU vs. UofU game was a nail biter and one of the best games I have ever been to. The student section was unbelievable with our "I Believe that we will win" chant. It had been 15 yrs since USU has beat UofU. Rushing the field was one memory I will never forget, once an Aggie, always an Aggie.

 

 

 

We were still in shock that USU won!

 

 

 

The bees in our backyard were having a fabulous day on the Autumn Joy's. I was able to take this with my iphone surprisingly!

 

 

 

 

One night before the USU football game Sid, Lindsay, and I went and did some tumbling on the field. It was quite the night!

 

 

 

We stopped for a moment on the quad and took this picture...Fall 2012 semester has been somewhat bland. Havn't had really any dates, my classes are frustrating, and I now do not know what I am going to major in or do career wise. Just when you think you are up and know what you're doing, life will come at you with a punch and say, "SIT BACK DOWN!" Ugghhh. I guess the saying goes, "Your life is life a heart monitor, you're alive if it moves up and down."

It's official...I'm moved out!!

Last Thursday I decided to join my friends on a big adventure: moved to West Yellowstone for the summer to work at a restaurant and bar named "Bullwinkle's". My goal for this summer is to experience life on my own without the parentals, budgeting, meeting many new people, meet the new LDS ward there, waitressing, and working my butt off to have fun and earn money for school for Fall 2012 at Utah State University and a trip to Europe or the Caribbean.

 

Before I left home I had some fun...Cinco de Mayo party at Aniko's house with all the friends! 

 

Went "bageling" with Sid, Lindsay, and Maren 

Went on a random AWESOME hike with my cousin Morgan.

Packed up and said bye to the parentals... ;( I love them so much and am so grateful for everything they have done for me and the examples they are.

Arrived in West Yellowstone ready to work! My first night of work I came home and balled my eyes out from being homesick. No worries though...I got over it in a half hour haha

This is our home...I know what you're thinking it's awful I know! When they showed us this dreadful place I almost cried. Makes me appreciate my home so much more!!

 

This old Ford truck is parked outside our trailer. It is $600 if anyone wants to own this beauty. We are thinking of doing a fun photo shoot with it.

When we first walked into our trailer it had not been cleaned from the previous owner. I later found out that the previous owner had two dogs and one cat living in there before hand in which one of the dogs died here...Hmmm?

This is our very tasteful kitchen! The oven blasts a full 250 degrees and stops there. Don't worry though we made sure everything was dripping with Lysol and Clorox, we won't die like the dog did.

Oh hey yeah this is mine and Sid's quarters. No space. No drapes. No closet. Umm a whole lot of nothing! But rent is only $100 a month so I'm trying really hard not to complain. Oh did I mention the furnace that sounds like an animal dyeing when it turns on?? Maybe it's the dog's ghost! 

"Summer Family" picture in the kitchen. The place is growing on me...kinda.

 

I had never seen a buffalo in real life till now! Quite the experience for going into the park for the first time you could say I loved it!

Blond moment: The geyser behind me is known as the Castle. I thought this was Old Faithful and asked, "Why is there no one over here at the most popular site?" I walked right past Old Faithful without knowing it, and no this is not Old Faithful haha

Another view of the smoldering pot!!

 

Just waiting for Old Faithful to erupt! 

There she goes! Yes I am embracing my tourist side of life

 

This awesome tractor is parked out in front of humble abode.

After a long day of work we decided it was time to go see Old Faithful go off at 1 in the morning. So we did it.

You many not be able to see it in the background but we are indeed at Old Faithful! It was freezing by the way.

It has only been a week so far and I am enjoying the new changes and challenges. Montana is a beautiful place to live. Only for the summer though...Home is the best place and I will always be a hometown girl. Till then Logan...have an awesome summer without me! XOXO