boys and sports

Boys and sports: two things that seem universally linked together.

I discovered tonight that when it comes to sports, all boys are the same--it runs through veins like blood no matter their race, culture, nor their AGE.

This past summer, I worked as a therapeutic day camp counselor...where we played a lot of games (and sports). While the boys (and some girls) were super competitive, the biggest problem was the accusation of cheating, constant arguing and the "he's out too."

Tonight, I played dodge-ball and two-hand touch football for the ward FHE activity. I went wondering if playing with college-aged guys would be any different than playing with young boys between the ages of 9 and 13. By the end, I concluded that it's really not. While there was less arguing, I noticed the same thing: only trying to get the good players out, or in football, throwing the ball to the "good players," and best of all, "He's out too!."

I could complain that I was open several times but was never thrown the ball, but that's not my point of writing. I can't help but to wonder if sports were always in guys' blood or if much of it has to do with the way sports have evolved in society. I'm curious as to what everyone else thinks.

house and dog-stting

So, I've been house/dog sitting this past week for the Russell family as they spend their time in DisneyLand. (I'd personally rather be in DisneyLand hunting down Eeyore). It's been eerie at times to be in this big house by myself. Luckily, the dog loves me and she keeps me company.

I've been having problems with her escaping though. She dug giant holes under the gate entrances and ran through the neighborhood while I was in class. Each day I thought I rigged the gates so that she couldn't get out; she constantly proved me wrong. I had to borrow a chain from the neighbor. I come home from class yesterday and she had gotten herself so tangled up that she couldn't move more than 3 or 4 feet. I feel bad but I don't know what else to do.

She's so spoiled but she's a good dog. Except that she has gas. It's terrible. LOL.

This week I've been spending about 2 hours at the gym: I like to read an entire chapter in my textbook while I'm on one of the cardio machines; it takes me about an hour. It's been very relaxing. I've always enjoyed the way I feel after a good workout. I do miss the way I always felt after a good run but I need some more time before I'm ready for that. I think I'll be ready to jump on the treadmill in about two weeks and gradually work my way back up to a 2 mile run. And then come spring, it's back to running outside. yay!!

changes

Well, here are my changes to work on this semester. There's always room for modifications.

1) I'm joining a 24-hour gym instead of just trying to fit BYU's faciliites into my schedule. There will be no excuse for me not to go if it's open 24 hours of the day (except for Sundays) and I'll be less likely to talk myself out of it if I'm paying for it (I'm actually headed there in...oh about an hour or so).

• I will go four times a week for a minimum of 30 mins cardio
• I will lift at least twice a week
• keep a daily food and exercise log
  

2) I will talk to at least 2 people at activities and functions rather than just showing up and leaving when it's done

3) I will be more organized and keep my room tidy...I think I'll be more productive this way

4) This will lead to better time-management

5) Devotions and scripture reading on a daily basis

6) I will physically write (instead of typing) at least two journal entries a week

7) I will strive to keep in better contact with friends and family who are important to me, whether that be through face-to face communication, phone calls, letters or electronic means.

8) TRUST that things will work out and not spend so much time worrying about which decision I should make.

and last but not least (for now)

9) LIVE FOR THE PRESENT!!! and enjoy where I am. Instead of constantly reminiscing about the past and wanting to be somewhere else with other people, I'm going to enjoy where I am in the present. In order to do this I will list two positive things about each day.

time of change

Last night's talk with a good friend encouraged me to think about the things I want to change about myself...the things that I can actually control. I'm working on that list. Maybe I'll post it, maybe it'll stay personal. He put everything into perspective for me though. I've been spending too much time worrying about trying to change things that make me who I am.

I went to ward prayer last night. It's a whole new concept for me. I met some cool people though and then went to hang out at an apartment. It was name overload for me. We'll see how many names I can put with faces between now and Sunday.

While, I'm still concerned about the current state of my faith and the surroundings I have placed myself in, I'm learning to make the most of things while I'm here. I do like my program, it's just overwhelming. And, while there are waaaayyy too many people for me on this campus, I have to remember that I should not feel the need to know everyone. A few good friends in the ward, a few good friends in my classes, the friends I had before coming out here, and a couple friends from places outside of the church and school will make a good variety.

I'm working on accepting the fact that I am another face in the crowd...but a valuable and unique face just like everyone else.

discovery

So, I've been pondering over several things for the past few months. During this process, I discovered something:

In addition to all of the awesome people I met during my five months abroad, I loved Ecuador so much because I wasn't just another face in the crowd. I was a red-headed American in a Latin American world. I stuck out. I didn't blend in. Sure, the hissing (Ecuadorian form of whistling) got annoying and was pretty obnoxious but I admit, I kinda liked it. In an odd way, it made me feel beautiful. Due to the fact that I did stick out, everyone wanted to talk to me. All of the guys wanted to "practice their English" and the girls just wanted to be my friend. They constantly teased me about how when they couldn't find me, they always knew to look for the boys and there I would be...right in the middle of them. Ecuador made me feel...well...special.

As I've walked around campus the past couple of weeks, I looked around and realized that I'm just another face in the crowd at this point. In a student body consisting primarily of white American young adults, I can't stand out with my appearance (I've seen more redheads in Provo in the past 3 weeks than I have in my entire life). And, unfortunately, in this American society, I don't have the appearances that catch someone's first interest. More than once, I've felt slightly intimidated by being surrounded by so many tall, skinny and beautiful girls and have compared myself to them...usually feeling down on myself, knowing that I just can't compare. (I know, it's really not a healthy thing to do).

Moral of my story: Utah isn't Ecuador; If I want to get to know more people, I have to show them what's different about me through my personality. They need to see, by my actions and words, why I shouldn't be considered just another face in the crowd.

Nutella

I have this craving for Nutella. It would be really yummy with peanut butter and pretzels right now. I think I'll have to add it to my things to buy list in a couple of weeks. Mmm. But my stomach is growling so I think I will go make myself a peanut butter and banana sandwhich...even if it is 10:30 at night....

Mmm, such a yummy lunch

wavering emotions

OK, here's the thing...I don't really like it here. It's not bad...but it's not a place I've fallen in love with. I know that a lot of that has to do with me and my stage of life but I'm starting to think that God sent me to the wrong place...or maybe I only needed to be here for a few weeks to gain some invaluable experience that I have yet to learn.

1) I find myself feeling very lonely but I don't really have time to go be social. I have 20 hours of reading a week just for my job, then a good 3-4 hours a week for each of my 4 classes. The time that I take to send someone a quick IM, to post a blog and to go to the gym (where I continue to read) is the time I have to myself. Oh, and making meals. That's my time to just think.

2) I don't think I'm cut out for this scholarly life. I'm still trying to figure out why I got in...and why I felt called to be here in the first place. I don't plan on being a professor, I'm not headed towards getting a doctorate. All I knew is that most of the jobs I saw all preferred a masters degree....

3) There's a job opening at Messiah and I'm interested in applying. Coordinator of Alumni and Parent Relations. I think I might go for it.

4) I'm just not really happy here.

5) I'm still figuring out this whole Mormon thing. I don't think I like it. I have trouble developing the personal connection with God when I'm constantly being told what to do by "prophets" and "apostles."

6) I really just want my old life back. I kinda wish the Vanderhoof family had never moved next door and then I would have never felt this stupid contention. I would feel like the rope in the game of tug'o-war. Then again, I wouldn't have met so many awesome people who have been incredible influences in my life.

7) I miss my friends

8) I could really use a hug from my mom right now.

9) The outskirts of Duncannon, PA will always be my home:

Utah

(this first half of this was written Saturday September 6....)
Well, my Saturday is being spent reading. Yipee. I haven't been very good at it. I just finished going through a chapter in my stats book a second time (this time I actually took notes) and I read about 20 pages at the gym this morning from my media research book. Other than that...I'm really having a hard time concentrating. Before I get into any of the personal reasons (which will be saved for another post), let me highlight a few items of interest since I've gotten here:

1) My first weekend in Utah
I stayed at the Russell's home for most of the weekend. However, a short two day trip to Vegas was included in my adventures.

I arrived at the Russell's home in Orem, UT around 10:00pm Wednesday the 27th. I spent the next day sleeping, taking care of some things online, reading, talking to people etc. At about 5:00pm on Thursday the 28th, I jumped in the backseat of a car along with two of Chris Bateman's (a former Harrisburg missionary who was getting married in Vegas) previous roommates who I had met briefly during my visit to BYU back in May. This isn't something I normally do...staying at some one's house is one thing, but riding in the car with people you barely know is putting your life in their hands.... So, we made it to Vegas at about 10pm that night. I stayed at Julene's home (the bride who I also had only met once before...are we seeing a theme with my network of people?) Julene is one of the sweetest people I've ever met, really. Yet, I felt a little out of place being at her home before the wedding just because I looked around and saw her family, family friends who had known them forever, and her bridesmaid...and there I was...only knowing her through Chris who I only knew because of a little town called Camp Hill. Weird how things happen.

The Las Vegas Temple


Mr. and Mrs. Bateman...adorable


I had to get a picture with the lovely couple

My wedding present for them: this took me hours to finish.

Anyway, I chilled outside of the Las Vegas Temple during the sealing. Went to all of the wedding festivities. Good stuff. I'm glad and honored that I could be there. TJ, Zach and I left the reception around...oh 9pm...which means it was 10pm in Utah. We went down to the strip before we left: I couldn't leave Vegas without being there. It was really neat to see everything. We walked around the casinos for a bit. I admit, it would have been a lot more fun if I had been with my close friends. So, I'll have to get back there someday with more time to explore.

It was probably about 11 when we left to go back to Utah. TJ drove for like a half hour before having to pull off to sleep. Which was fine...I was pretty much passed out in the back. I woke up at one point and found myself constantly looking around and checking my surroundings. We were there for a good four hours. I started thinking about the situation I was in. There I was, sleeping in the back of a car on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere...with two boys I barely knew. I just started to laugh at myself. I really wish that I were a better writer and could really capture my thoughts in words. Needless to say, we didn't get back to the Provo/Orem area until 9:30am. I had to meet my landlord at 10 so I ran into the house, washed up and then continued on my way.

2)My Apartment: Windsor Park

I have a very nice apartment. I won't hesitate to tell you that. I'll have to take some pictures and get them up. I need to finish organizing my room first though. The roommate situation is slightly awkward. I came thinking that the roommates would help me get acquainted and do fun things with me. That thought was quickly shot down:

• A) Meet Darla, a petite short-haired lady in her 50s whose youngest daughter is 21...one year younger than me. When she first opened the door, I thought she was the mother of one of the girls I moved in...(boy am I glad I kept my mouth shut). She is a pre-acting major but attending at BYU many years ago as the first female in the computer science program for her undergrad work. It's quite awesome if you ask me, just a little awkward at times.
  
• B) Then there's Kellyann, who, when I signed the lease told me how "everyone keeps to themselves" and she "likes it that way." Lately, she informed that she doesn't go to anything social. Imiss having (at least one) night owl roommate.
  

3) BYU Football
After moving everything into my apartment, I then went to the BYU football game--season opener. I felt awkward being in a big crowd by myself. I didn't go until half time, and then I just stood wherever there was an opening. I didn't feel like trying to fight my way to my assigned seat. The actual game was boring for me just because I was lonely but afterwards, I went for a walk and then came back by the stadium. I decided to go see if the players were still around...and sure enough they were. There, I found #35 Matt Bauman who had been a missionary in the Camp Hill Ward when I was baptized. was talking to him for a bit...he reintroduced me to the family and then his mom invited me to join them for dinner. (yay for another free meal). I had a really good time. It made me really thankful for the sweet families of former PA Harrisburg Missionaries. They have blessed my life so much.

4) The Russells
The Russell family...they have been quite amazing as I adjust to my new life here. I spent a good chunk of my first week with them. One day, we celebrated September birthdays...including Elder Russell's. We decorated giant birthday banners and then she had everyone talking into a tape recorder wishing him happy birthday. She even made me do it. I didn't really know what to say. It has to be weird to know that someone from your ward in your mission is now practically living with your family while you can't see them for another year or so.

I'm going to house/dog sit for them next week. They're going to pay me what they would pay to board the dog for the week...which is about $10 a day. So, I'm grateful to have that opportunity to make some extra cash.

Other Notes
Well, I should really be getting some sleep. It's 12:30 and I'm trying really hard to become a morning workout person. So, I'm hoping to get up at 6 tomorrow and hit the gym for an hour. If I can do that 3 or 4 days a week, it'll be quite awesome.

Classes are going well. I'm behind in my reading but slowly catching up. I'm excited about my Research Assistantship: I'm getting paid to read 60 children/adolescent chapter books between now and December. Granted, I have a lot of things to look for while I'm reading them; a lot of coding but I'm getting $16.75 an hour for work that I can do on my own time. I only go to one meeting once a week. Then next semester, I'll have to write the research article on the findings. There's a chance that I'll then be a published author. So exciting!!!

cross country road trip

Well, I've been trying to figure out if there's a way to change the order that blogspot uploads and posts your selected photos. I'd rather keep the older ones at the top than the bottom...so if anyone else knows how to do so, please let me know.

So, traveling across the country...wow. I'm glad I did it. It's one of those things I just always wanted to do, ya know? I'm so glad I was able to share most of the journey with Lindsey...and stop to see some awesome friends along the way.

I'm going to try to summarize the journey with pictures. They got a little out of order when I uploaded them but I'm going to do my best to get them back in the correct order.

I took this photo up near State College, PA. La Autoridad de la Sierra...I just found it entertaining to find the "Desert Authority" in the middle of green state of Pennsylvania.

I got bored and started taking pictures; there's Lindsey's car in front of me.

Corn in Indiana. Little did I know, I would soon see a lot of this.

I decided to capture a photo of myself as proof that I was really driving. Don't I look like a professional roadtripper???

I think this was in Indiana on our way to Iowa....

Welcome to Illinois...soon, I would pass the mark of the farthest west I had ever gone by car...that being Bushnell, Illinios for Cornerstone Festival 2006.

I thought this barn looked cool.

So we took this back route from Indiana to Iowa...Rt. 24 I believe. We saw lots of small towns...they didn't have much but there certainly were Dollar Generals in just about each small town.

Eureka College!!!

Home of the Republicans....

awesome bridge crossing the Mississippi River

and there's the Mississippi herself

Welcome to Iowa!!!

Home of Iowa 80, the largest truck stop in the country. I made Lindsey stop because Jim and my brother had heard about it on a TV program about it a few weeks ago and since I would be going right by it, they wanted me to stop.

an BREATH-TAKING sky!!


Another gorgeous sky...in Nebraska this time I believe.


a beautiful Nebraska sunset


CCU


my past and my future

this little baby made it all the way to Colorado....now another 9 or so hours to go....

Linsey and I parting ways...she would stay in Colorado for a few days before heading back to Pennsylvania while I would continue on to Utah


the Rocky Mtns through my bug-splattered windshield


scenery at the border of Colorado and Wyoming


"Oh give me a home...where the buffalo roam...."

gorgeous Wyoming!

I was amazed by the various landscapes...for the first hour and then I got bored.

the horizon from the little gas station I stopped at

the same as above

I drove through this awful wind storm. I couldn't get my poor car over 65 in the 75 zone. I only averaged 21 miles per gallon during this stretch of road when I had been getting 28 miles or so.

I just thought this would make an interesting shot

There really are towns in Wyoming!!!

sweet rock formations!!! I had to capture this one.

Again, beautiful!


I thought this looked cool


Pure awesomeness. I love nature...even if man did go through the middle of it....




I didn't have cell phone reception and had been in Wyoming for the past 6 hours....

there were lots of giant windmills. I can't help but to wonder how much energy they are able to produce using them.

Finally, right after Sunset...the Welcome to Utah sign!!!! But with another 2 hours to go until I would arrive in Orem, Utah.