Honky Tonk Holler

Sorry for my absence!

2011-06-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

So I just realized that once again that it has been nearly a year since my last post. So much has happened in the last year that I don't even know where to start! First things first, KJ and I were finally able to move up to Heber. This has been absolutely wonderful. Pretty sure it is one of my favorite places in the entire world. I get to be near all of KJ's fam and live right in the heart of the mountains. I am currently working for a company in Park City as a reservation agent and hope to find a new job soon. I have applied for on with Wasatch County School District as a special ed aide, so keep your fingers crossed. I no longer have my horses, which is a slight bummer, but it's a good sacrifice to be able to live in such a beautiful valley and all the other blessings that I have in my life.

In school, I recently became part of the Special Education program that is offered through Utah State University. This has been a wonderful experience thus far. I love learning all the things in the program and I am looking forward to my licensure as a teacher in the future.

For the past few weeks I have been participating in a practicum for my program at Foothills Elementary in Herriman. This has been an awesome experience. I never would have envisioned myself wanting to be in an elementary school, but with the help of two awesome mentors (Mrs. Craven and Mrs. H) I have had the most positive teaching experience in a second grade class. These students have so many talents and are so bright and alive. I love to see their young faces everyday. I'm really going to miss them correcting my spelling and asking me why I say raccoon so funny. This really has been very rewarding!

Let's see, what else? Well, KJ and I are looking to buy a house. We are searching high and low for the right one, but it's fun window shopping anyway.

Well that's all for now. Hopefully this time I will stay more on top of things.

Chow!

Needless to say....It's been a while

2010-07-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Wow time flies by! I just realized its been nearly a year since I last posted anything on my blog. Not too much has changed. I'm excited to say that next Friday, KJ and I will be celebrating our first wedding anniversary. I will soon have my associates degree that has taken me 3 years to get and I'll be starting up classes in August for my new and improved BS degree in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership (that's if I can get into BYU. Keep your fingers crossed) I'm working for the BLM again this summer, and I'm just counting the days until I can find a real full time job. I turned 21 on the fifth of July. To celebrate, KJ took me to Wendover, needless to say, gambling isn't really our thing. It was a good experience though. Other than that, life hasn't changed too much. We're still living in our tiny apartment in Cedar Hills, that we were hoping to be out of 8 months ago. It's funny how the Lord's plan turns out different than our own.

P.S. this is for my cousin Colton: I miss your face and I can't wait for November 17th when you get home!

Wedding Photos

2009-09-24T10:01:00.001-07:00

I love these photos. My wedding was alot of fun. I'm glad everyone could come share in the memories!

Married Life

2009-08-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

So far being married is going awesome. Kage and I have been married for 3 whole whopping weeks as of yesterday. Our wedding day was awesome. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for an outdoor wedding! The Jordan River Temple was absolutely gorgeous! It was an awesome experience to say the least. So now we're back home from our honeymoon (I miss it! Being back in reality sucks) and just trying to get our apartment in order. This project has yet to be accomplished and we've been back for over 2 weeks! We are also currently trying to potty train my dog Blake who is 6. He's doing great, other than the fact that he only goes to the bathroom like twice a day because when he's outside he's too worried about trying to hunt down and kill the neighbor lady's cat (stupid dog). Other than that, we're just working, I'm trying to find another job before my seasonal job lays me off, and we're just getting used to this brand new life together. I'm loving every minute of it....except when Kage leaves the toilet seat up!

It's been a while.......

2009-07-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, so I just realized that's been since I first got engaged that I posted anything on here, and now here it is a week before my wedding. All I can say is, THESE HAVE BEEN THE CRAZIEST 5 MONTHS OF MY LIFE! Over the past few months I made the mistake of taking classes, working full time, and planning a wedding! It's worth it though! When I have been working I've been doing homework or planning the wedding, sometimes both. It will be nice to have a week off so that I can breath. KJ has been so good to put up with all of my bad moods! Whether it's been him helping (and when I say helping I mean doing) with my homework for my online classes or him going shopping for wedding stuff, he's been terrific. For our familys' sake, we both need a vacation! Also, we finally found a place to live! It only took alot of searching, but we found it. We're going to live in a tiny basesment apartment in Cedar Hills that is a whole whopping 650 sq. ft. I can't complain though, I absolutely love it, it's adorable. Not to mention also that our land lady is pretty chill. Anyways, I'm back off to the maddness!

Yep It's True.....

2009-03-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

So since I'm a slacker and haven't updated for a while, I just thought I'd finally put up a post. So officially to all those that don't know yet, I got engaged on the 7th of March. I was way excited. Kage bought the prettiest ring (although I did pick it out ha ha). It feels so crazy to be planning a wedding. I must say, I was terrified to tell Molly cuz I thought she would beat me, but she tends to be one of the ones giving me alot of ideas! I guess she's not a dragon lady, (just teasing you Molly, I love ya!) I'm planning the wedding date for August 6th. I wanted it to be at the Draper Temple, but it'll be closed that week. Anyhow, I'll update a little later. Ta Ta for Now:)

Sometimes it would be nice if genetics would just take a break!

2009-02-18T14:01:00.000-08:00

I'm officialy sad to say that I finally had to cow down and get glasses. Now, I feel like the bookworm I am. Don't laugh too hard, I'm still getting used to the idea of them. All I can say is, it's an amazing feeling to be able to see the board again without getting a migrane! This still doesn't make me any happier about wearing them. I always told myself that I was never going to have glasses.....and now look at me. I have 4 eyes!!!

Rest in Peace Shilo and Micha

2009-02-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish the best for the family of the 2 snow college girls that died in Fairview on Friday, February 13th, 2009. They were driving home (Bountiful, UT) when they lost control of their car and veered into oncoming traffic. Micha was 21 and Shilo was 19. They were heading home so that Shilo could get engaged. I can personally say that I'm going to miss them. They were beautiful girls. I didn't know them for very long, but I did have the oppertunity to have them in my math class and I got to study with them a couple of times. Though I just barely knew them, I was touched by their friendly spirits. I hope the best for their close friends and family, and I will keep them in my prayers!

Look Alikes!

2009-01-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

Alright, well everyone always tells me how much my dad and I look and act alike, so I wanted some opinions.

P.S. My beard is a result of enhanced genetices (a.k.a. the painting program on Microsoft)

It's the end of the world as we know it

2009-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

I just got finished watching the presidential inauguration. All I can say is that I'm not too happy about it! It's taking alot for me right now not to write a whole bunch of curse words! Obama acts like he is the next Martin Luther King Jr. Listening to him speak is very irritating. I have a hard time believing anything that he says. Typical liberals, talking out their butt and not meaning anything they say. At least with George Bush we knew where we stood. With Obama, everything has a double meaning. I'm preparing for all Hell to break lose. I wonder how many KKK members there are now and if we can expect to see burning crosses at the white house. I better stop now before I say something that other people will regret. Here's to Black Tuesday Ya'll!

Behold the power of .......knowledge?

2009-01-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

So, once again I'm back in school. It's crazy so far, but hey, that's what late nights and lack of funding are for right? I'm in my second week of school now. I can proudly say that so far I've made it to my classes only slightly late. I've really gotta work on that. I definately a slacker!

Life is pretty good right now, I'm currently dating a really sweet guy from Heber right now. His name is Kage or KJ, I guess either name works. Yes we did meet online, no he is not a sexual predator. In many ways he reminds me of my dad, a tease, a marshmallow, and predictably stubborn. Anyhow, that's that.

I went to family night last night. It was crazy as usual. That's the family for ya. Kim loves to remind me to update my blog. She doesn't seem to like reading over and over that I had a bloody nose. Anyway, I guess I'll try to be a little more up to date...(just for you Kim)

I have a bloody nose.....again

2008-12-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say that I have yet another bloody nose and my nose hurts. The end.

Temple Square

2008-12-05T09:25:00.001-08:00

Colton at the MTC on Wed., December 3, 2006

2008-12-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Mi Amigo

2008-12-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

So I have to say, I'm happy and sad at the same time. I'm happy because my dear dorky cousin, Colton, has decided to serve a full time mission for the Lord. But see, I'm also sad cuz I won't get to see him for a full 2 years! Now how am I supposed to cause trouble! See who says you can't be best friends with the people you beat up when you're young. Colton and I have been the best of pals since we were 3 and I bloodied his nose! Amazing how that works isn't it. In fact I think that's when I first gained a reputation for being a bit of a bully. But hey, whatever it takes to win friends and influence people right? Good luck on your mission Colton! I'll miss you!

Hats off to me!

2008-12-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

So I'm proud to say that after 2 whole months of searching, I finally found a job! I am so relieved! This job will only last a month till I go down to Snow College, but nonetheless, it's a job! I'm very excited to say that I am now employed by Gunnies Western Outfitters in Orem. Happy days, now my family can stop henpecking me to get a job. I'm no longer a bumb on the couch! I'm gonna be getting a paycheck!

Holy Cow

2008-11-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

Wow how time flies! I can't believe that it's already the end of November. It's been a very boring month! I have spent most of my time job hunting in Utah and Sanpete Counties. I haven't been successful, but I will get through it. I'm starting to get really excited to get back into school. It will be nice to once again have some order in my life. I can't wait to get up to Logan next fall so that I can finally be somewhat settled and officially out of my parents house. Anyhow, I would write more, but this month has been pretty mundane and boring. So, until next time, peace out ya'll.

Reflections

2008-11-23T18:39:00.000-08:00

I walk down a busy street,

My eyes cast down as I watch my feet.

I never see the road ahead,

I only know I'm not yet dead.

I never see the passers by,

I just hang my head and heave a sigh.

In my mind I ponder my reflection,

wondering if I'm meeting the expectations.

I see myself through the eye of mind,

but then I change courses, too scared to find.

What if what they say is true,

They seem so sure, their doubts so few.

If beauty is what I truly posess,

Then why worry, why obsess.

Maybe it's what I've heard in the past,

Always standing in the shadows cast.

Perhaps it's from being ignored and avoided,

Or intimidating those with views distorted.

I'm not the beast I once believed,

I have a beauty so few achieve.

Not a beauty of external sort,

That my passers by may report.
More, a beauty that's found within,

one I had lost, but found again.

I now look up and my eyes I raise,

no longer needing their words of praise.

I see the world as it should be seen,

knowing what the world now means.

My spirit no longer feels defeat,

For I no longer stare at my feet.

I greet the world with and equal stare,

Courageous and strong, no longer scared.

I spin and dance and hop around,

never once looking at the ground.

"Freedom," my spirit sings to me,

"Look at what I am and can be!"

FFA Nationals

2008-10-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

So I figured I would update my blog, cuz certain family members said that I was a slacker. (Yes Kim and Kadee, that would be you) Ha ha, so anyhow, I just had the opportunity to spend 5 days in Indiana for the FFA National Convention. It was a good trip. I went with my high school FFA Chapter to receive my American FFA degree, which initially means I'm now considered an old fart among FFA students! I really enjoyed touring around Indianapolis. I had the chance to go to the Indianapolis 500 Raceway, where I kissed the brick yard, so now I guess you could say I have a dirty mouth! Another event that I went to was a Taylor Swift and James Otto concert. All I have to say about this was that I laughed, because it made me think that Taylor Swift is and even more pathetic country artist. I'm just glad I didn't have to pay for it. I also went to the Indianapolis Zoo and got to watch a dolphin show (this reminded me of when Molly and I went to Sandiago 3 years ago and went to Sea World!) I also went to a really expensive restaurant and learned that some food costs way too much money to eat. I'll stick with Applebees and Bajio Grill from now on. All in all, it was a great trip! 4 years in FFA finally paid off for a free trip! Now I just get to look back and reminisce about the good ole' days and how much I enjoyed the FFA. I'm glad that I stuck with it all these years. FFA truly is a great organization! Long live Agriculture (so we can have food on our tables!)

So, after being awake before 5 every morning and getting 4 hours of sleep per night, I was definitely happy to come home to my own bed. You never know how much you miss home, until you go somewhere else and get no sleep! Needless to say, I was happy to be gone, but I'm also happy to be back :)

Painted Reality

2008-10-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

So, I just thought I would take a minute to express how thankful I am that God sent me to live in such a beautiful world. I've never been a great appreciator of art, but I'm pretty sure Heavenly Father has a talented hand with a paintbrush! I can't even imagine having created this wonderful earth in 7 days! Even great artists take weeks, months, even years to paint a masterpiece! Even when doing my own paintings, I don't have the imagination to create worlds on my canvice without seeing it before me. Some of these photos were taken at Stewart Falls, near Sundance, UT. It was a gorgeous hike with my dear friend Brittany Davis! The whole place was awe inspiring. It never ceases to amaze me how the simplest things can be so amazing!

Sad to see it go

2008-09-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

I've spent the past 3 months working for the United States Bureau of Land Management as a seasonal Range Technician. Some days were very trying, working with only one other person all summer long, but I can honestly say that I'm going to miss this job. I've spent the entire summer working in God's country. Some days it was hotter than Hellfire and others the weather couldn't have been more picturesque. For most of the summer I kind of resented the job becuase of the guy that I worked with, but now I'm angry with myself for allowing my own attitude to get in the way of how much I should have been enjoying what I've been doing. For a while I even had doubts as to whether or not I should stick with my career goal of working for the BLM with the wild horses and burros, and after spending 2 days helping at the Wild Horse and Burro Center in Herriman, UT, my decision has been cemented to stick with it! I'm going to miss working for the BLM over the next few months, but I look forward to working with them again next summer and I'm excited for the coming months as I get the oppertunity to volunteer with the horse and burro center. This coming summer, I'm definately going to have learned from my mistake of having a bad attitude, and I'm going to enjoy the work that I'm doing as I move closer to my college graduation and eventually my career with the BLM!

Spare me the introduction

2008-09-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

So, I must admit, I'm completely new to the whole blogger world,. I'm not quite sure I fully understand it yet, but I figured what the hell, I'll give it a try. I'm not really going to introduce myself, because I think it's a waste of my time to try to convince people of who I am, so I'll let everyone gather the intricacies of my personality on their own through my writing and pictures. Now, without further ado, I welcome myself to the world of blogging!