kickenit in Idaho

"Was that your stomach?"

2011-06-03T18:09:00.004-06:00

We went hiking up by Scout Mountain today. I love hiking in the trees. It was still wet and muddy and we turned around once we were hiking in more snow than anything else. We took a side route to stop and have our picnic lunch...

Sitting on a tree stump getting our wraps out we hear a rumble. Chris looks up at me hopefully and asks "Was that your stomach?".

I say (with complete confidence and slightly mocking his imagination) "No, that was Harley." and then add on in my wittiness "or it was a bear over in those trees. " (gesturing behind us).

We continue to eat and shortly hear another rumble only this one lasted for an eternity (maybe 5 seconds) and it was definitely not Harley. You know the sound a house cat will make when it's angry but not quite hissing yet, the one that says "back off before I get really mad"? It was like that... only slower... and deeper... and louder... and a hundred thousand times more intimidating.

Needless to say we packed up our lunch immediately and left the area with no too few backward and sideward glances.

It is a really cool sound to hear when you are in a zoo and the mountain lion is in a cage, not as cool up close and personal.

Spring hike

2011-05-28T11:45:00.000-06:00

Chris and I picked out a hill to climb for our first to conquer for the summer. We want to work up to bigger and longer hikes, conquer mountains and all that :) We had a lot of fun Friday and it was a good start.

Official

2011-05-27T15:02:00.000-06:00

It's done! Next adventure please.

My whole family watched me walk and I did not trip or anything. One bachelors down. One masters to go. But I'm taking a year off between them and really looking forward to it.

Finals Week

2011-05-02T16:15:00.001-06:00

I'M GOING CRAZY!!!! I am going to survive this week... and even most likely get most of everything done that I need to. I have five finals (electronics, radiation detection, anlalysis of calculus, music, history) and one lab final and one senior lab presentation, all to complete this week. I also have to get my house ready for guests, still nanny, grade general physics exams... and all the normal things like groceries, laundry, errands,... *sigh* the list goes on and sleep gets pushed farther and farther down the list of priorities. Wish me luck... it's almost over.

It's official.

2011-04-20T18:16:00.001-06:00

On May 7th, 2011, I will officially be a college graduate. . . I have mixed feelings. I am decidedly excited and I do feel the sense of accomplishment for sure. I will finally have my B.S. in physics (and a minor in mathematics). That means something. I also have to admit to some embarrassment that this four year degree took me ten years to get *sheepish smile*. Ten years since I graduated highschool. Ten years of some repeated classes, never for a bad grade, always for bad attendance practices. Ten years of studying, kicking myself for not studying, loss of sleep, sleeping in too much, making friends, letting friends slip away, making big decisions, making bad decisions, growing, being, discovering... ten years of life... I am who I am because of what I have done (or not done). But, I like me just fine so I can't be too far off the fated track. I am so very blessed by a family that loves and supports me. Mom, Megan, Katie, Erin, and Dad will all be there to watch the (terribly boring) lifemarker event. I never really planned on going to the graduation but I know now that I wouldn't change the decision for anything. How long I took to get here, all the mistakes I've made, (all the money I owe them :p ), all the goings ons of their own lives... none of it matters. They will be there, proud of me, loving me. It's not a personal accomplishment, it's a gift I've been given. I am more proud to have that than the degree any day.

Some people are like slinkies

2011-04-12T23:01:00.000-06:00

Some people are like slinkies. They are not good for much, but they make me laugh when I push them down the stairs. . . . . . . . I know it's a little bad... but it's very funny to me every time I read it :)

Humans were never meant to hibernate

2011-03-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

I've been riding for a while (snowboarding) and I really just realized this season that I was doing it as a personal challenge more than for the fun. I am too analytical. Every ride was about improvement and form and making myself push on the bubble that is my comfort zone. This last week is I think the first time in, well forever, that I really understood what 'living in the moment meant' . It means letting go. It means embrace the present. It means don't worry about what you just did or what you are about to do. It means ride life. I don't 'let go' easily but it is my new goal. Yesterday was a powder-diamond snow-white room turns-float in the air becuase you land on clouds-sunbeam chase in the trees, kind of day. Couldn't ask for better. How aften do you do something that you just really and truly can't help shouting for joy?

Winter

2011-02-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

I love the winter! Things are good. I'm working on my last semester of my B.S. in physics. Taking 17 credits and I graduate in May. I'm working for three different professors doing research, tutoring, and grading. I also tutor some highschool students and nanny twice a week. On Fridays and Saturdays I still teach snowboarding at Pebble Creek. It's crazy busy but things are good. I haven't posted since this summer so... what's happened since then?

It was so great to go visit family for Thanksgiving. I got to stay with my mom, meet Steven, and hang out with Katie and her family for the actual Thanksgiving day, stay a few days with Erin, and a few with Megan. It was very nice to visit each of them. Katie and Erin came to visit me seperately over the Christmas break which was so wonderful also and we were able to get some boarding in. Other than all that, just a lot of school and some good times with Chris.

Holy Smokes!

2010-10-18T17:43:00.000-06:00

Katie tells me that she doesn't normally give people a hard time about their blogs but... "Holy Smokes, Emily"

So I am blogging a little. Summer flew by. It was so nice to have Erin visit for the fourth of July and Katie and her family in August. This is a pic of Katie and the kids feeding goats at the pet store. Also a pic of Buster and the new saddle I purchased (new to me anyway). It's an Aussie-Western mix. I absolutely love Aussie saddles and wish I had known about them sooner!

... ... I'm in over my head at school now for may last year!!!!! I am taking 18 credits; second semester quantum, Theoretical mechanics, complex analysis, colloquim, advanced lab, and music 100. I grade and proctor for Dr. Tatar, tutor for Dr. Steve, make lab videos and help run observatory shows for another professor. I am still also nannying twice a week (mostly just afterschool activities). Whoo! overload!

Well that's part of current life in a nutshell. doing good and having fun.

New Nanny,

2010-06-08T23:24:00.000-06:00

I think the good thing about raising kids from infancy is that they can't remember or tell you if you did something wrong while figuring it out. On the other hand if you begin to nanny some really bright pair of kids (six and eight years old), they have no problem pointing out your dificiancies. 1. It does take more than two minutes to leave the house with kids in tow. 2. of all my Wii and x-box games, none of them are appropriate (while playing the Skate game it told them "that was a sweet ass move") 3. white or wheat bread does make a huge difference on PBJ's 4. While one kid is in gymnastics, it's a bad idea to get the other ice cream to kill time (something about fairness when the ice cream is bragged about) 5. it's harder than originally imagined to stay busy for a few hours (when attention spans are considerably shorter) 6. all the games I remember from being young have new rules 7. "I can have mac-n-cheese as often as I want to", may not be a true statement. 8. for swim class, I should remember to bring the swim bag. 9. Trail mix is not the best snack (you end up with a lot of nuts and raisins and no M&M's) 10. my cat giving me pleading eyes while being carried everywhere is obviously synonymous with " your cat really loves me Emily" 11. I have a lot to learn.

School's out!!

2010-05-12T11:22:00.000-06:00

It's official. School is done for the summer and my grades are in! I got all A's or A-'s !!!! Pretty acceptable if you ask me for the load I had this semester! Now I am ready to enjoy the summer. I plan on doing a lot of hiking and horseback riding. I am going to get back into a routine of jogging (I have a goal to lose 25 lbs by the time school starts again). I want to go fishing and camping and have lots of barbeque's! I have two jobs this summer. ONe I am working for the physics department doing odd jobs for twenty hours a week. The other is a nanny position Mondays through Thursdays for the morning and afternoons for about thirty hours a week. So I will be busy but I have weekends off to play! Before I play I am going to try and finish the odd jobs around my house (porch railings, bathroom tiling, repair roof shingles, a little bit of yard work, and spring cleaning). Busy, busy. I'm looking forward to the summer.

Finals week

2010-05-05T13:44:00.000-06:00

ugh. I'm now done with Astrophysics, Computer Science Programming, and Mathematical Methods!!!! In each one I realized mistakes as I was leaving the final... oh well... they are done now. All I have left is Quantum Mechanics and Electricity&Magnetism. I'm exhausted and ready for summer.

small temptations

2010-05-04T11:29:00.000-06:00

I find I am undeniably tempted to step on a cord if someone is winding it up. I have to control myself when I don't know the person. But it is still funny in my head.

Attention Passengers...

2010-04-23T07:25:00.000-06:00

As I'm waiting for my late flight from Idaho Falls to Denver (that is already 30 minutes late), they announce that our plane has just left Denver and is on it's way. Not even minutes later, the news announces a tornado warning in Denver... not promising. When our flight arrives and we all board (knowing I already missed my connection flight) they ask us to wait because they are calculating 'weight restrictions'. Again, not promising. When the pilot starts out with "We already knew we would have weight restrictions due to our broken hydraulics and now factoring in weather..." and ends with "half the people need to de-plane" I was thinking this plane was not meant for me today! So instead I am leaving today (the next morning) and I stayed the night in a nice hotel, dinner paid, and a $250 voucher for next time. Not so bad all in all... yet anyway, I haven't left yet. I would still have preferred the extra time with Erin instead of a hotel by myself... but hopefully I get a not-broken plane today (fingers crossed) ;)

YOu want me to jump off what?

2010-04-13T15:06:00.000-06:00

I went to a clinic in Park City for snowboarding. Not just any clinic a freestyle camp! I learned to ride in a half pipe. The very same half pipe from the Olympics the last time (before the last time). That's 20 ft walls straight up!!! I naturally didn't go all the way to the lip, but I did learn to ride in it. I did jumps, and rails, and boxes too. Crazy, 'cause those scare me! It was tons of fun and I am going to do it next year and be more brave! I want to get out of the pipe at least and try 180's out of it atleast. that's my goal. This was a group pic ( I was the only girl attending!).

Birthday #...

2010-03-27T21:22:00.000-06:00

This year was a good birthday even with Erin so far away... would have been better with her closer. I had either in school or tutoring from eight in the morning to eight at night. Chris and I went to dinner and had a small celebration together. It was nice.

and then there are these days...

2010-03-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

I'm going to assume. I am going to make the assumption that who ever hit my cat with their vehicle had no idea they did so. I have to make this assumption because I can't imagine some one left him that way. Left him to make his way to my front drive way and back to the garage where he sleeps only to find it shut and have to go somewhere else while I was not home. I'm going to assume that that person wouldn't leave me to come home to find the evidence of where Cougar was and search in vain to find him! I say I assume these things to divert myself from the rage I have for this person and to stop myself from wishing his car stops running in the middle of no where and he has to walk miles... in dress shoes... in the snow... up hill...at night.

Chris found Cougar in the corner of the back yard by the tree last night.

I brought Cougar home five years ago on Halloween. I picked him because while all the other kittens romped and played, he made it to my shoulder and stayed there. I named him Cougar because he was fearless as a kitten. Ironically he became a huge scaredy-cat and ran from every other cat as an adult. Cougar loved going on walks with Harley and I. He would happily follow along the porches and sidewalks. Once I tried to outrun him so he wouldn't follow too far and he chased me and yelled at me for a few blocks after catching up. He loved slimfast. He demanded to drink out of the bathroom faucet... I will miss him so much.

A poem I enjoy

2010-03-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

How Did You Die? by Edmund Vance Cook Did you tackle that trouble that came your way With a resolute heart and cheerful? Or hide your face from the light of day With a craven soul and fearful? Oh, a trouble's a ton, or a trouble's an ounce, Or a trouble is what you make it. And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts, But only how did you take it? You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that? Come up with a smilng face. It's nothing against you to fall down flat, But to lie there --that's disgrace. The harder you're thrown, why the higher you bounce; Be proud of your blackened eye! It isn't the fact that you're licked that counts; It's how did you fight and why? And though you be done to death, what then? If you battled the best you could; If you played your part in the world of men, Why, the Critic will call it good. Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce, And whether he's slow or spry, It isn't the fact you're dead that counts, But only, how did you die?

Think a little bit more...

2010-02-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Has anyone been watching this plan from Obama's administrations about the NASA proposed changes (Obama Calls for End to... New York Times)? This one really drives me crazy! Often the knowledge of the general public is astoundingly short sighted. This is calling for a stop to the program (plans, construction, shuttles, and all) of our having manned missions to space (more directly the moon). Instead the funds and minds of NASA will be directed elsewhere for new technology and science. IT IS ABOUT TIME! We have so many projects we already have the theories to back and just need the finance and minds directed that way. I don't want to rant... I'll limit myself.

Most of the articles and things you find on the topic are filled to overflowing with people talking about the senitmental reasons for us (Americans) to have this program. There are so many things wrong with almost all of these arguments! We have been to the moon and won't gain much of anything doing it again right now. The space craft do not have to be manned. We will progress so much more with research than practicing what we have already done. It will not make it so we can colonize Mars! Flying outdated old technology is not going to gain us more respect from other nations than some of the mind blowing science we are prepared to do.

I'm ranting. Sorry. People are crazy. There are some valid concerns for the change, but they are not the concerns that I can fiind anyone talking about. I say it is not only a great plan but that it is too bad no one made it happen sooner.

River

2010-01-03T21:35:00.001-07:00

I think the metaphor that life is like a river is used a lot because it fits so well. Here we have another year gone and I am starting to feel them pass like water through my fingers. There are parts of my river where I got stuck in the weeds or failed to see where I was going and spent some time paddling into the shore line. There has been at least a time where I fought the current and ended up motionless in a dry river bed... waited... and eventually picked up my boat until I found the current again. It feels like I'm on the right river still, sometimes drifting and enjoying the view, sometimes trying to hook up the engine to speed things up, once in a while joining other rivers for a time. I hope that this year I remember the river really only flows one way, you only get to live this moment at this place once, so live it in a way you would be proud. This year I'll embrace the rapids and the doldrums with enthusiasm because this is a journey that was meant for me and I am meant to have it.

Gingerbread House

2009-12-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

We decorated a gingerbread house. It was a kit that came with everything in it so there was no baking included. It was a lot of fun and a lot of frosting! We had a captive ausdience in Bailey and Harley.

Hand made Christmas

2009-12-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

This year Chris and I decided to have a handmade decorated Christmas tree. So... In true kindergartner fashion we made reindeer out of clothespins, doused pine cones with glitter, made yarn puff balls, and a finger-crocheted garland. It was a lot of fun, and turned out to be one of my favorite trees yet! I recommend it.

Finals are over

2009-12-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

These last two week have been my hardest finals so far. THis semester I took Electricity and Magnetism, Mathematical Methods for Scientisit and Engineers, Linear Algebra, Modern Physics, Junior Lab, and Metals and Jewelry. I also tutored in the Physics lab, turored for the TRIO program, and graded for the General Physics classes. I had one final that literally almost made me cry, two that I did a lot of staring and personal pep talks in my head in order to finish, one that I was just hoping my instructor likes me, a final piece for jewelry and a lab poster. But on the bright side they are all done. NOw I need to catch up on a lot of missed sleep. Just waiting to see my grades come in and next week I start working up at Pebble, snowboard instructing again! NO more school until the eleventh of January and I'm still trying to straighten that schedule out (they keep moving the Physics classes times... grrrr).

A needed Break

2009-11-21T00:33:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving Break!!! I have been looking forward to it ever sense three weeks in to classes. My first round of tests in my current classes was a little scary and a lotta dis-heartening. But I kept on, keeping on with my 18 credits. I finished all my midterms with A's, which was needed to buffer the first tests, and I'm happy about. I am so excited to see everyone this next week! I'm lucky enough with the help and love of my family (thanks mom) to get to go to Minnesota for six days. I will get to see Megan before she runs off to visit other family and I'm so glad that worked out. Katie and her family are driving up for Thanksgiving and Mom too! AND Erin will lounge with me in between (and go to the Vikings game!) I'm excited.

Idaho autumn walks

2009-11-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

took the dogs out for a walk to see the last of fall and check out the amazing beaver dams up by Scout Mountain.

Ella / Ninja

2009-10-24T20:37:00.000-06:00

A tiny galloping run heard behind you and you turn around and nothing is there. You see her across the room and you say goodbye as you head out the door to class, turn around and she is in front of you on the porch. She is a ninja! She is also to small and to cute to be an outside kitten, no matter how much she disagrees right now. So... I put a collar with a bell on her. It's like she is surprised I see her now, when before she was so invisible. She is caught off guard when I catch her darting for the door. And I can't stop laughing when I hear the bell! I swoop her up and kiss and snuggle her while giggling. I think I am wounding her pride, but she is just so cute with the bell! This is my little Ella.

Horse Therapy

2009-08-10T14:20:00.000-06:00

Relaxing rides in the mountains are good for the soul.

camping

2009-08-01T22:08:00.000-06:00

Chris and I went camping for three days at Chesterfiel Reservoir. It was a lot of fun. Chris has two pontoon boats that we went out on. He fished and I dropped anchor and read a book. We brought the dogs along and they loved it. We cut down our own dead trees and hauled them and cut them down to size for fire wood. I was spoiled with great food the whole time. I'm used to hot dogs and s'mores but I got steak, chicken wraps, hamburgers, and s'mores. It was great and relaxing. I was so ready for a shower and my own bed in the end.

Mom and son reunion

2009-07-26T21:43:00.000-06:00

I was a little anxious to see how Harley and Bailey would react to each other, who would be dominant, and if they would remember each other (Bailey is Harley's mom) ... I didn't need to be. They got along great from the beginning. I still can't tell for sure who's dominant because neither will back down to the other.

Bailey is twice as old and has twice as much energy. It's almost sad to watch them when you throw things... Harley will get about a third of the way to the toy and Bailey has it. He's giving up on chasing it at all. They follow each other everywhere and I think they are both happy with the set up.

These pictures don't show size difference very well. Harley is twenty pounds heavier! I'll get a good one later.

Kansas Road trip

2009-07-25T22:44:00.000-06:00

I had a great trip to Kansas! (two weeks ago.) The road trip went well and I was lucky to get to see everyone while down there. Thanks Aunt Gail, Aunt Nancy, Katie, and Grandma for making Kansas still feel like home! Also I couldn't have done any of it without Mom! And Erin your wonderful for flying to me to drive to them. Love you all and you are all too far away! Miss you Megan.

Summer

2009-05-21T21:27:00.000-06:00

So I started working back at Wal-mart for the summer... which was not in my plans but will help pay bills. I was working for Dr. Cole in the physics department but he says he doesn't have a grant right now for students. *sigh* oh well. I wish I had gone on a leave of absence instead of quitting because I'm making 3.50 less an hour! Other than work I'm taking one summer class (differential equations) and hope to get as much horseback riding in as possible. And my goal is to lose 25 pounds before school starts in the fall, so I need more gym time and a more active summer. But, I'm telling you all, maybe it will help me stick to it so I can post about my success in three months!

2009-05-16T22:55:00.000-06:00

I was just looking through pictures and wanted to share. this one is from this last March when Erin was visiting.

The question is, how do you get a soft tipped plastic dart to stick in the wall? Ask Erin, she's crazy! and she did it when she was visiting last. It made me laugh to remember.

Lawn care

2009-04-25T18:32:00.000-06:00

I was so excited at how green my lawn was coming in! I did so much work last fall tilling, raking, fertilizing, levelling, planting, watering... Upon closer inspection today I realized that it is mostly green from weeds. grrrr! Oh well, I thought, after the seed comes in some more I will use the weed and feed. That kills broad leafed plants. Upon further inspection today (checking the growth of actual grass) I discovered that my lawn is almost 50% burweed (not broad leafed and prickly)!!!!! well that's an exageration, there is actually a lot of grass - but you try pulling up burweed by hand for an afternoon and see how your ability to see percentages is altered! I hope tomorrow is nice so I can spend the day in the muddy yard pulling weeds.

movie recommendation

2009-04-09T00:12:00.000-06:00

anyone see Marley and Me (or read the book)? I just finished the movie. Actually I didn't finish it because I had to leave the room to avoid letting a movie make me so sad (and cry hysterically)! I might be being silly, or I love dogs to much, and/or it just hasn't been long enough since I lost Kelly... but I just couldn't handle it. I don't think I've ever actually stopped watching a movie like that. It was really well done for anyone that has found themselves so attached to a dog even when logic might have been against such a depth of attachment. I laughed a bunch and cried too. I recommend it highly - especially to my family because I know you guys and I know it will get to you, and you will empathize with some of the situations.haha.

update

2009-04-06T21:49:00.000-06:00

wow! I am a terrible blogger! Things are going well. I loved having Erin here for two weeks, we had a great time together. I passed my certification for AASI (snowboard istructor) and had a blast doing it. I also really enjoyed boarding with Erin, she improved so much! We were riding together with decent speed and tons of fun! I loved it. Our trip was good. I'm glad she was there because that's what made it fun.

Lucky

2009-02-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Lucky? I'm getting something from Erin and you can get something from me! Here's the scoop.The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations: 1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! 2- What I create will be just for you. 3- It’ll be done this year. 4- You have no clue what it’s going to be. 5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! If you don't have a blog.... uh, we can work something out. We can post pictures here or something. Or, you could start a blog! Blogs rule (the world!) Bloggers of the world unite! Also, if you’re already getting something from somebody else’s blog, please give someone else a turn! Thanks!

hair cuts

2009-02-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

I read that hair salons have seen an increase recently! I thought that was odd. Then I read it was because people were trying to save money by cutting theit own hair, then going to salons to get it fixed! Hahaha... I am living proof that weilding the scissors is a bad idea. But I'm still too broke for the salon, so I'll live with my crazy bangs - sloppy is in style. right?

And Repeat.

2009-02-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

So my weeks are filled with the same things and nothing really new to comment on. Go to school, meet study groups, walk Harley, go snowboarding, work in physics labs, eat, sleep, go to gym, sometimes clean... and repeat. The blessing is I wouldn't have it any other way. Things are good, I enjoy my week and then I get to do it over again.

Christmas Break

2009-01-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

School starts again Monday! It has been a good break. I got to see Katie when she came up to see John's family which was great! I miss her. Christmas itself was just Chris and I. We went to midnight mass, I slept in, we snacked all day, had a nice dinner and I whooped him at Monopoly. I've been teaching boarding again since we finally got some snow! And that's been great too. You should see Harley when I shovel snow! He thinks the shovel is the enemy!

Thanksgiving (Late Blogging)

2008-12-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

I kept meaning to Blog these after Thanksgiving, but put it off. Oh well, At least I got it before Christmas! That was the first Thanksgiving I've had off in five years, I am so greatful to have spent it with my family. Truly a blessing. Many blessings I suppose. Either way, I feel blessed.

tagged for Happiness

2008-12-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

Megan tagged me for six things that make me happy... in no particular order. 1) animals ; horse noses, puppy-dog cuddles, cat leans, wild animal encounters, courageous squirrels, sly goats and their slanted eyes, a duck's waddle, a hawks cry, and so much more. They make me happy. 2)when the world is wrapped in the silence of a slow heavy snow storm and the flakes can be heard landing on your shoulder. 3)campfire gatherings. when the cold behind and heat in front, war for my attention. with the type of company you are content to sip cocoa and smile at thier stories while not being able to pull your eyes from the embers dancing. 4) family. nieces that don't know me well but love me because their mom's told them I was related. family board games. continuously growing relationships with my sisters. the bond with my twin sister. the support from my mother. 5)falling into a book and not being able to crawl back out until early hours of the morning. 6)warm rain, lightning that streaks the skies, thunder that you feel in your chest, the pelting on the roof, the smell of wet leaves and dirt, and a porch swing to enjoy it from. yes. all of those things make me happy. all good things. I am tagging Katie and Erin and Aunt Gail, Because I want to hear from each of you.

embracing Idaho culture

2008-12-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

Today Chris and I went out to Scout Mountain to refill our water jugs with natural delicious spring water and while we were out I got some Shotgun practice. I think it is a day of admitting I'm and Idaho'an. In true country fashion we didn't shoot targets, that's silly. We brought empty paint cans, trays from the stove, and leftover pumpkins.

I have a video of shooting. it's pretty funny. Everytime the shotgun goes off my front foot comes off the ground. it made me laugh. well, now I know, I need to fix my stance. (my shouder hurts now too)

equine therapy

2008-11-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

love these guys!

Chris and I brought them carrots and apples, which they loved! and I love their soft noses and when they whinny and snort to see me.

Drawing 1

2008-11-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

So I'm taking Drawing one,just for fun... well it was supposed to be fun. I'm a bit beyond the normal talent level for the class, we spent five weeks drawing boxes! AHHHH! So our last assignment was a hybrid object, to combine to objects together with a new function or meaning. Only we had to do the whole thing cross hatching with conte crayons. ugh. no sharp points and no shading. it took forever. But what really took forever was deciding what to do. I thought for days for ideas and came up with... well none really. I called Erin and asked for ideas and she sent me five super creative, super neat ideas in one night! she has a wonderful mind. Other classmated did a lightbulb/key (symbolizing knoweledge is the key) a coat rack/tree, guitar/vine, guitar/arm and hand, hose/tree, and a cup/tree in a desert. My idea stemmed from people trophy hunting elk and dear, looking at wildlife for their monetary or show value. And I wanted Mom to see it so I'm posting it. p.s. it's not entirely finished but I had to turn it in for now.

my next project is "the impossible scenario". we just learned one point perspective (I can't wait for Drawing two!). anyway, if you think of railroad tracks going into the distance, or fence line, roads, etc. that's one point persective. We need to have that in the drawing and something impossible... using space, gravity, size, whatever we want. pretty broad, if anyone has ideas I would love to hear them.

Halloween fun

2008-11-02T01:08:00.000-07:00

For Halloween I usually only get maybe 3 sets of trick-or-treaters. Which I assured Chris when he bought monstrous sized candy bars to hand out and told him he bought too many. so he went and bought more candy, whole bags of pixie stix, gummies, and peachies, to hand out after the initial 3 sets of very satisfied kids. It was fun to see the reactions though, that was alot of candy.

We carved pumpkins while we waited for the door bell. Chris laughed at me when I couldn't cut the top off mine, and took it to do for me (very sure that he could!). He couldn't. I apparently bought an orange rock disguised as a pupmkin. He used (naturally) the jigsaw to take the top off. I used three different knives to barely cut the skin off the pumpkin to make a face. It was funny. he later put wholes in it to let light through with a drill (naturally).

tagged

2008-10-01T00:46:00.000-06:00

hmmm... this is fun. Megan tagged me for six random things about me. 1. In the summer I will do old Calculus problems just because I miss doing math during summer break. 2. I have absolutely no green thumb and I'm jealous of people who do because I like having live plants in my house. Erin and Mom gave me a cactus last year... I killed it. 3. I adore my dogs and talk to all dogs as if they secretly speak English. 4. I love to snowboard because it scares me and I'm good at it. 5. Horseback riding relaxes me more than anything else, even when the horse is and ornery, snot-throwing, bucking billy goat (I love that horse) 6. I have no love of cooking and am at best mediocre at it. I've always hoped my future husband loves to cook.

new post!

2008-09-26T23:13:00.000-06:00

Okay sorry. Anyone that has been checking and not finding a new post I'm sorry.

Everything is good. School, work, the house, and my dogs are keeping me super busy! School Is going well so far this semester. This is a short post but I'll do my best to update soon.

sigh

2008-06-30T13:32:00.000-06:00

I have today off. Yippee! I got up (without an alarm!) at 7:30am, and went jogging for a couple miles!! I was feeling pretty good about myself, so I got myself a new shirt and cute new shoes (on clearance), and then tried on some swimsuits. Now why is it that with the average size of women in the US being 13/14 that all stores sell predominately two pieces?! After trying a few suits I was feeling decidely less good about myself, and promised myself to go jogging again tomorrow morning.

Horse of a different color

2008-06-11T12:52:00.000-06:00

I took my friend Kasey horseback riding yesterday. He had been four times previous. That was fine because the horse I ride is the only one with a lot of buck in him. The horses stay on about 350 acres. We got on the four wheeler with a bucket of sweet grain and we found them in the back right away. They are easy to spot because Buster is an almost pure white paint. We gave them a bite and headed back because they always follow the four-wheeler. Buster is the lead horse, the other two follow wherever he goes. We got about halfway back and he tossed his head bucked and galloped away! I knew I should have brought the lead rope, ornery cus. We went back for his halter and back out to get him. We rode around for an hour and half with no sign of a white horse! It's not like they wear camo! We circled at least three times checking the groves and hills. So my theory is all on Buster. He's smart but had never not followed before and never runs when you come up to him. He's always frisky when it's windy and I think he was being his own ornery self. I can just picture him popping his head up behind the sagebrush to laugh his horse laugh at me, flicking his tail and high trotting it around the bend! Or knowing he's white, having Anna ride point to spot us and gallop the other direction... We found them grazing causally as if they hadn't been running their tails off! Right where we had already passed three times! I have to laugh at that ornery, snot throwing, hight trotting, billy goat!

God's dropping potatoes.

2008-05-21T14:53:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I heard one thunder!!!!!! I know all you Kansans wouldn't understand the excitement - but that's because you are spoiled with wonderful thunderstorms. Yesterday I got a crazy windstorm, a burst of rain, and one wonderful, rolling, picture frame shaking, thunder. Cougar ran for the bedroom, Harley ran inside (with his docked tail tucked), and Kelly pricked her ears (her hearing isn't what it used to be). sigh. It made me think of Kansas and everyone there.

rambling thoughts on a stormy day

2008-05-20T21:25:00.001-06:00

It's difficult to know what is real and what is perception. If you dive very deep into philosophy it's difficult to tell how many tricks your mind plays on you. If you delve very far into physics it's hard to distinguish reality or even existance. If you dig into the study of religion the lines of Faith blurr with the lines of brainwashing. If you recount your own life adventures it's hard to even define self when you sometimes can't recognize the person you are. When I was little I remember thinking I wanted my life to be more difficult. Silly, I know. I was gifted with a wonderful childhood. Again, perception might be different for different people. But I know I am blessed. I know without doubt or reservation and with 100% belief that if I ever really needed it, any of my family would be there for me, no questions asked. It doesn't come out on paper very well. If you don't know the feeling, you can't understand the enormity of it because it doesn't fit into words. It's family, and it's my family. I used to wish my life was more difficult so others could see my strength when I overcame trials, like I could see my mother's strength. I haven't met a person to hold up against her that comes close. It's something you feel, like knowing the bedrock of the earth is below your feet, strength. I wish every one could see her the way I do, the way she is. Not a perfect person, not a flawless one, a truly good person with hidden strength. I think God knew what he was doing when he made my beginning easy. He knew I wasn't strong enouph. He has sent me trials and I have failed some of them, some of the big ones. But I am getting stronger, and there is strength hidden inside me. For as long as I can remember praying, I remeber asking God to use me and to give me the strength to be His tool. You know the saying "be careful what you ask for"? I am still flawed and still weak, but I will do my best to be ready. I am anxious for what is to come...

prayer

2008-05-19T20:08:00.000-06:00

I pray for strength, believing it won't be handed to me like a party favor in this life fiesta. Knowing I'll be given opportunities that test my weaknesses and faults. I will try to remember that my life trials are the answers to my prayers. I pray for wisdom. Knowing most is found in knowing God, some is found in knowing myself, and the rest along life's journey. I pray for these things for the wisdom to see the path the Lord has for me, and the strength to follow it with my sometimes clumsy step.

Twin adventures!

2008-05-05T21:35:00.000-06:00

Just for those her were wondering... Erin posted about our tattoo adventure and so I feel inclined to share too. It was an adventure and I love the memory and the permanant reminder of it on my back. It was dramatic. Expecially when the tattoo artist took a little artistic license and didn't follow my design exactly! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! That's permanant! No room for mistakes! I had to go back two day later (and much more tender) to have it "touched up". Now it is close to what I had originally intended and I do like it. It is a cougar. They are supposed to represent strength in solitude or independent strength. That appeals to me and who I try to be. Above the cougar, in Latin, it says "truth and courage", which I take to be a really strong life motto. To live in truth always takes great courage, and I hope to live my life in that way.

Yard excavation!

2008-04-28T12:50:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow my yard is getting a makeover! We (Chris and I) are renting a bobcat for a few days. We are taking up the cement in the front, building a small retaining wall across the front, releveling, laying cement, and putting down sod. In the back we are grinding out the massive stump, taking off a few inches of soil, putting new soil down, planting grass, and laying a patio. whew!

a wreck of a day

2008-04-21T21:48:00.000-06:00

yes that is my beautiful Nissan Frontier Pickup.

Yes it was completey my fault. The other guy did nothing wrong but drive in front of me...

Harley's antics

2008-04-02T21:37:00.000-06:00

Hah. It was so funny. I caught a fish yesterday - it was a carp, so we through it back into a shallow pool.

Harley caught it! After much paw flailing and bubble blowing, he threw it on the bank. Then he didn't know what to do with it, so I threw it back in the river.

He was looking for fish in the water for the rest of the day! It was like he was surprised that every stick he dragged ashore didn't start flopping around! Boxers are so fun!

AK snowboading

2008-04-01T01:14:00.000-06:00

So while in AK we went snowboarding! The night before our main day they got 18 inches of new snow!!!!!!!

Erin did awesome! She was up and doing turns like a pro. She is just as good normal footed as she is switch. Her stance looks great.

Most of the time. I laughed so hard that day. She makes me laugh. When she wasn't up and ripping it - she was down. The 18 inches of new padding was good for landings!

By the end, her head and butt hurt! hehehe!

These pictures didn't actually come in this order - but I thought it was too fun. She actually learns really quick and will try whatever! She was perfecting her turns on steaper terrain than I usually bring new boarders and was great for her 5th time. She's a natural.

Went fishing!

2008-03-29T20:25:00.001-06:00

Chris and I went fishing today at Eagle Rock.

It was a really beautifule day (still a bit cold, but pretty).
I caught two good looking trout. Well, as good looking as a gross fish can be.

The great thing is that when I go with Chris I get to play the part of a silly girl. He ties all the hooks, ties up the caught fish, tells me where's good to cast, and usually puts the worm on for me! Nice. EVen better, he cleans them afterword. He says I stole his fish 'since he didn't get any to keep. Really though, I just get first crack at the good spots because he ties my line first!

memories to keep

2008-03-26T13:42:00.000-06:00

So as I was getting my tattoo (more on the whole story later) I was thinking... I was thinking "holy crap this is permanent an erasers don'te work!!!!" hehehe. and even through the teeth clenching eye watering pain I had to smile. I was remembering a time with my big sister Megan. We were in our old Yellow house back in El Dorado. How old did that make me? I don't know... maybe six. Megan just finished coloring a Care Bear picture for me out of a coloring book. It was nicely done, all in the lines even, with coloring crayons (also not erasable - which was the connection to my tattoo) . She shows it to me and asks if I want it colored lighter or darker? Right, lighter or darker done with crayons? Which do you think is easier to do? So, maybe being and honery little sister or maybe because I really wanted it that way, I don't remember which, I told her I wanted it lighter. hmmm. So bless her heart, being the same giving and caring person she is now, she used her finger nail to scrape away all the extra crayon wax she could to make my picture lighter... You've go to love that.

I'm in ALaska!

2008-03-18T15:29:00.000-06:00

I made it to Alaska! I rode standby and got stuck in Seattle all day Saturday. It was the end of Alaska's spring break so everyone was trying to go home. There were 20 to 50 standby passengers waiting for each flight and every flight was already overbooked through Wednesday! I thought I was going to spend my birthday in the Seattle airport! We ended up having to buy a ticket and the only reason we could do that was that they upgraded one of the planes to a larger one so there were some seats to buy. whew. I made it! I'm loving being here with Erin and we are getting a lot of fun pictures that I am sure she will post.

Early birthday presents!

2008-03-06T23:36:00.000-07:00

I got an early birthday present from Lee! (ex-boyfriend and still good friend). I was so excited. It's a board I've wanted of his for a while. A 149 Atomic Alibi! I took it out today and I love it- excellent ride. On a less cool note... Every see those people with the goggle tan? you know? the half a face tan from ski goggles? I totally have one - exept it's not a tan, it's a sunburn. *sigh* the price you pay for new gear.

Save me from my dog!

2008-03-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

Harley is not what I planned on making a post about but how could I not? I think if you lit a match right now that my house would explode! wow. he could clear out any house. I just have to laugh at him though. He always turns around like "what was that noise? something behind me made a noise!" hee heee. I just can't help but giggle. with that cute face... even with his burping and farting and drueling, his cute face makes up for it.

missionary visits

2008-03-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

The missionaries came over yesterday to "teach" me... It actually went really well. Well, I mean I had a good time. sometimes you just need good philosophical conversation. It was fun. THey told me multiple times "you ask really deep questions" and "we don't normally talk about that". When the missionaries were stumped they would read a quote from the bible or the book of mormon or say the repeated phrase " I know my religion is the true faith " or a variatin of the same. On the other hand, the guy they brought with them was very intelligent with strong faith and an open mind. He was fun to talk to. I would go into detail but it was a two hour conversation and a lot was covered. There religion is fascinating, in a good story kind of way. And I do believe there is good in it, and for them it might be the best thing to help them become the people they are meant to be. When I see true faith in them, I can respect that and I admire it. But when they are repeating words they've been told without question, I feel very sorry for them. I think you can find both types of people in all religions though. Good times.

Landlord blues

2008-02-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

I will be so excited to sell my house! It has been a great experience - truly. I have learned so much. I can fix broken dryers, hot water heaters, trouble shoot furnace problems, deal with nasty tenants, paint a house, lay lenolium, lay trim, lay fake wood floors, cut down trees, and lay carpet. By the time I sell it I will be able to drive a bobcat, lay cement, build stairs, sheetrock, landscape, and put in windows (thanks to friends willing to help and teach). That's pretty good for a 24 year old girl, right? Right. I think so. But this month the furnace is acting up again and I had to replace elements in the water heater again (we have really hard water). I will just be glad to sell it before I deal with any other home owner problems. *sigh*

Ego Boost (much needed)

2008-02-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

I went boarding today and learned some new moves! It was super fun. I worked on my flat 360's and tried to get better at nose pressing at least 180's. We worked on my ollie jumps and smoother landings (which I very much needed). Then we (we being Ben and I, Ben is the best boarder we have on the mountain) went to the upper mountain and worked on dynamic turns. It felt amazing! With the guts for a little bit of speed and a lot of lean, its a mix of floating free and then some "g" forces thrown back at you. amazing. then I was showered with praise and envious remarks from some of the guys that said it took them 6 weeks to learn what I did in a day and finally I have multiple standing invitations to ride with them and almost as many invitations for dates. Silly I know. I sound like a kid given praise, but I think even we "grown ups" need just simple ego boosts every once in while, and I needed one. (and the flirting was fun too)

sorry... I know it's been forever

2008-02-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

My computer wasn't letting me log in, because of something about cookies and I didn't take the time to learn to fix it. I know - incredibly lazy. There isn't a lot that's new. I am super excited to go see Erin next month! Snowboarding has been great this year - I've improved a lot and can't wait to get a new board (when I run into extra money) so that I can do some of the tricks I've learned. School is going good. My dogs and amazing and I love them. Can you believe Kelly is 14 and still going strong? What a good girl. Work is fine - as in I'm surviving it and it pays the bills. Spring is coming - and that is bad for snowboarding but good for horseback riding. I'm glad I have a winter and a summer passion. So I love all seasons. Well, I promise to write again very soon. Love you all.

The Flu

2008-01-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

It's official. I went to the doctor today so they could tell me I have Influenza A. Great. Also, I came too late for them to do anything for it and it will last 14 to 16 days. I didn't sleep much at all last night because of coughing fits that left searing pain in my throat and chest. I slept (if you can call it that) on the couch because a sitting posittion helped enouph to spread the couphing fits out by a minute or so. On the plus side - the doctor proscribed vicadin to help me stop couphing and I don't have to work this weekend. Even though being sick for a week takes the novelty out of staying home. Wow, I'm cheerful today. I'm fine really, Love all you guys.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-01-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

So now that we finally have our snow (hurray!!!!!) I teach snowboarding at Pebble twice a week, work at Wal-mart 30 hours a week, and go to school. I'm going part time this semester and I'm going to finish the projects on my house and get it on the market this spring. Whoo. It's a lot to do. I also spend time with my boyfriend Chris almost everyday (he makes me dinner often) and we are having fun. On top of all that, I have been sick for two weeks! I was sick with terrible pressure in my head and oh-so-attractive nose blowing and sniffles. I got better and then two days later I got sick again, and this time makes the first time a joke. I hate being sick. I'm calling in tomorrow to Pebble - Mom tells me teaching outside in the snow might not be a good idea. Mom always gives the best advice.

Boxer Brilliance Conclusion

2008-01-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

So I think I got out lucky. On the plus side - he made it through the night without incident! , also he has a beautiful shiny coat!. So On the down side - I won't have to fumigate my house for bugs any time soon because Harley fumigated for me, bad enouph that Chris and I had to leave. WHoo. We survived it though.

the brilliance of boxers

2008-01-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

I'm waiting and hoping. What for? Nothing good and exciting. My wonderfully-beautiful-not-so-bright boxer has eaten at least ten ounces of vegetable oil! so I'm waiting to see how that will turn out... if you know what I mean. Just brilliant. Today I wonder if his good looks make up for his bad judgement. By tomorrow I will know.

Eyelashes!

2007-12-21T01:24:00.000-07:00

I have normal eyelashes on my right eye again! That may sound funny but eyelashes take six weeks to grow and that is a long time of looking funny! HOW? Right? that's what you're wondering? How did I lose the eyelashes on my right eye. Well, it's simple. I head-butted a horse. Hah! So I've been riding my friend Max's horses. I usually ride Buster. He is an almost all white paint. He's honery, bull headded, and smart. And I love him. Max has 400 acres for me to go ride on and I was going once or twice a week all summer and until it snowed. I had been trying to get more ground work in with Buster ( he is just old cowboy trained so needs work ). I was working on our walking and it was getting better. Now that he knows that I am hard to buck off and that I come back every week even when he is honery, he listens better. So almost six week ago (but who's counting?), I did a bare-back session with him and was walking him back to the shed. He reached to grab some delicious looking clover and I gave a relatively slight tug on the lead to correct him. I say relative because even a week prior, that tug would have meant as much as the breeze telling him to rollover! But our work was working... He Immediatly snapped his head up as I was still apparently admiring the green clover, and head butted me right in the eye! I laughed at him and told him quite plainly that if I got a black eye that I would give him a black eye in return. Well the joke was on me. When I got home and checked for a black eye, you would be relieved to know that I didn't have one. Instead, two thirds of my eyelashes were missing! Gone! And that looks funny, for weeks it looks funny.

Boarding lessons

2007-12-08T01:04:00.000-07:00

It's official. I will teach snowboarding again this season at Pebble (our local mountain). I just sat through our 3 hour safety and hiring orientation again. I'm excited...now all we need is some snow! I need some people to go boarding with. Any takers? Free riding lessons for anyone. Jessica (my cousin) wanted to come but can't. I'm getting certified this year. Which means a raise and that I could go teach on any mountain. Awesome.

The Tree that wouldn't fall

2007-11-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry Mom. I know you loved the trees in the yard but this one had to go. It was massive and growing against the foundation and repeatedly into the sewer line. I tell you what though, it did not fall without a fight.

I had one chainsaw that broke twice. One of the limbs broke the trim on the garage as it came down. We had to call the electric guy 4 times to take down my line, which was four seperate days without electricity. Someone cut off and stole 70ft of the 100ft rope we were supposed to use. The chainsaw I borrowed from my neighbor went missing from my porch for a couple of days before I figured out who had it. And later the chainsaw went missing really, and while I was price checking chainsaws to replace my neighbor's, he later told me he had needed it and so came and got it. When I gave up and hired someone to finish the three remaining limbs that we couldn't get without a cherrypicker, there was a wind/rain storm that day.

So No, I can't say I feel bad now that it is down. I am going to take a chunk of it and hang it on my wall like hunters do with deer. It will be a trophy mount. I killed it.

Now we'll see how long it takes the guy to come and haul away the trunk and finish slicing the stump. So far it's been a week and he hasn't made it back to finish it yet. With my luck I'm betting on a doozy of a snowstorm that buries the trunk until spring...

2007-11-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

Here he is. Isn't he beautiful?

We were taking pictures...

And they were only supposed to be of Harley...

But Chris wasn't listening...

It was worth it... He's gorgeous.

Thanksgiving plans

2007-11-20T23:08:00.001-07:00

I'm getting ready for Thanksgiving... well actually Chris is getting us ready for Thanksgiving. He bought the groceries and he will do the majority of the cooking. I'm sure I will stir somethings and maybe even take the dough out of the pillsbury package and place them on a pan, it really is best that way. No cooking comments from sisters, you guys know I was never the cook. So Chris will cook the majority and I will offer moral support, oooh's, and yumm's. Afterward we are going to go to his grandparents to mingle with his sisters and grandparents. It should be a good day and between the two of us and a whole turkey, I will have a lot of leftovers!

Anticipating snow

2007-11-20T22:51:00.000-07:00

It snowed today! YAY! It's not the first snow and there wasn't alot but I'm still excited! Snowboarding is coming soon! Lee is getting some of my boarding pictures to me, so I'll post them soon too. Don't get too excited, there are no inverted airials ( not from last year anyway, but I have a whole new season to get you some)!!!

Cougar pics

2007-11-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

There he is. The mischievous devil himself. I haven't gotten a way to get pictures yet except Erin sent these to me. This is his "look I'm a nice calm kitty" face (but don't fall for it)!

Butterfly kicks

2007-11-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

so I take what I said back. After today I can't remember yoga being that straining... tae-kwon-do really kicked my butt! Today we had to do butterfly kicks across the floor. They shouldn't call them "butterfly" kicks, they should call them "dying duck with one wing" kicks, because that's what we looked like. It wasn't pretty, but I guarantee I will be feeling it tomorrow.

partner yoga

2007-11-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

So I've been taking Hatha yoga. I really like it. Between yoga and tae-kwon-do I plan to be ready for snowboarding, limber and strong legs. So, you would think the tae-kwon-do would get me strong, right? HAH! Yoga kicks my butt! Try standing in warrior pose for more than a minute and you feel your quads more than ten roundhouse kicks, easy. Today was partner yoga. I thought about inviting Chris - but he's 6'4" and I'm 5'6", not the closest match, and he had class. So Brenda came with me. Yoga is gracefull and makes you feel strong and centered. HAH! and double HAH! Brenda and I were a close match and some poses we looked great. We were warriors! and sometimes we were less than warrios. I couldn't stop laughing, and holding poses and laughing is a challenge to your balance. I tell you what though, Brenda and I are closer now... some of those poses, whew, we're close now.

Cougar's antics

2007-11-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

So I don't have any pictures to post yet but I will get some soon. promise. I really want to get some of Harley up. You guys should see him, he's getting fat, but don't tell him that - he'll get a complex. Okay he's not fat, but he is bulking up, I had to put a hole in his color to get it to fit! Oh, Cougar made me laugh today. I was out of cat food and he lets me know this by ripping up Harley's dog food, which I heard him doing from the living room. So I went and got him some dog food and put it in his bowl. He was all excited, tail twitching and all, and went right to his bowl. I sat down and not even a minute passed and I heard the ripping of the dog bag! I went into the kitchen and looked at him, "Cougar," I said, "what are you doing?" And no joke, he looked directly at me, kept eye contact, leaned forward and ripped off another piece! The bossy turd! So you know what I did? *sigh* I went and got him some cat food.

Getting Started

2007-11-01T20:14:00.000-06:00

So all of my sisters have blogs and I love to read them. Who wouldn't? They've all turned into beautiful, strong women that I couldn't love more or be more proud to call "mine". With the support and love of one woman with strength and love to spare (Mom of course) there are now four great women. Five for Five- the people I love most are the ones I respect the most too. I was born lucky into this family. Anyway, I had to join the fun and try this out and for the sisters I can't get a hold of (not saying any names), I can keep up to date. This is all I have time for now, but I'll see if I can't figure this whole thing out later.