PORT-land. It's a port on land?

That was just one of the conversations on the airplane to the beautiful Portland, Oregon.
I absolutely loved everything about it. EVERYTHING
The trees, the rainy weather, the ridiculous 55 mph speed limit.
It was amazing, and I got to spend it with an amazing family!
I really can't explain how my weekend went, because I don't think I've fully realized what went down.
But it was an incredible time, and I want to go back..now.
Tomorrow? Anyone want to buy my a Christmas plane ticket?
Kidding..maybe.
But it is good to be back in the 801, especially after this wonderful winter snowfall:)
Alta here I come!
I'm so excited to hit up the mountain!
T-minus 3 ishh days til Christmas:)

seis horas

That's how long I've been studying.
Español mostly. I've gone crazy!
I've changed everything in my life to spanish mode
For instance:
Facebook
Mi telefono
Microsoft Word
My Computer Keyboard

I really need to stop stressing right?
I am pretty sure I'm going to dream in spanish tonight because of how absorbed I am in this language.
woo.
Good luck with finals everyone!

finale.

stress.
it's eating me up
my face.. ahh.
my back is tense.
my appetite is gone.
my mood..on edge.
I need to get this over with. please

Reminisce

I recently had to write an essay about a place that has shaped who you are. It reminded me alot of home so I though I'd post it. It's kinda long, but I'm proud of it:)

Just a reminder, that yes people I do miss home!

When I think about home, I automatically imagine the comfort of my heater vent. Now, I know this is a little unconventional, but it is my favorite part of my house. In the living room, on the floor next to the bay window, is where the heater rests. During the cold months, my mother and I will cuddle up on the heater vent, and drape a blanket around us, secluding the warmth just for ourselves. It is here that I have my most in depth, and sometimes the most trivial, conversations with my mother. The conversations range from heartfelt talks about where I want to be in ten years, to the latest high school drama.  Here is where our relationship has grown the most. The comfort and warmth that the heat brings also exemplifies those qualities in my mother; her warm smile, open mind, and her willingness to listen to even my most insignificant problems.  Sometimes we will just sit in silence, and let the warmth take over our bodies. Other times, while huddling close together, we will discuss the hardships in each other's day, or celebrate the triumphs.

When I think back on my childhood, of course major events will always resonate, but the lasting thing that I will always remember is this heater vent. Ever since I can remember, I have been fighting the cold by sitting on the heater, with a blanket and a cup of chocolate milk. I know it is weird to say, but it is true when I say it; this simple utility device has shaped who I am as a person. Without those long talks with my mom, or even those times where I would sit there and daydream, I would not have ended up the way I am.

One of the most important stories from this heater vent with my mom is after my final cross country race of my senior year. I had stupidly missed the track season in the spring of my junior year due to nagging injuries, and more importantly, a lack of motivation. After a dramatic cross country season in the fall, I was done with running. I had completely sworn off of the sport completely. It wasn't until the end of the track season that I realized I missed the feeling of wind in my hair, and being lost in your own mind while running. My thoughts on the subject? Being away from the competiveness of running made me realize that I needed it more than anything. So I stepped it up, went to every single summer cross country practice, ate right, and even did cross training. I have never worked harder than I did that summer, but it still wasn't enough to be back on varsity. In order to get back on to varsity, I needed to beat one more runner. I missed my chance by 11 seconds. I was absolutely devastated, and didn't know how to deal with this onset of disappointment. I really look back to this time as one of the most difficult times in my life. I guess this means that I haven't had a very tough life, so I am extremely grateful for that, but it still was greatly detrimental to my self esteem and attitude at that time.

I pulled into the driveway after my last cross country meet ever. I had ridden the bus back with my team, the whole time keeping a fake smile on my face. Our varsity team had just taken the region title and everyone was ecstatic. I, however, felt resentful and hurt by the celebrations of my teammates. I realize now that it was a very selfish time for me, but my heart was in a lot of pain. I had the feeling that I should have been on that varsity team, because I had been ever since my freshman year. I had literally pushed myself to the max all season in order to get back on to the team for the State Meet and I barely missed out. So of course I was wallowing in self pity, and you know what? Sometimes I feel like this is allowed, and this moment was my allotted self pity time.

I got out of my car and walked towards the rust colored door of my house, jiggling the handle a bit until finally getting it to open. Trudging up the stairs, I quickly poured a glass of chocolate milk, turned the dial on the thermostat to 72 (I was going to be there awhile), and motioned straight towards the heater vent next to the window. My mom had already positioned the pillows and blankets for me, as if she knew I was going to instantly go seep in the warmth from the heat underneath the blankets. I sat down, sipped my chocolate milk, and let the silent tears stream down my face. I was heartbroken, and it wasn't over a guy this time. Before this moment I thought I had known the feeling of an "achy breaky heart", yes I just quoted a Billy Ray Cyrus song, but boy was I wrong. My whole body throbbed through my tears, I was so upset.

My mom, who had let me have my time alone, came into the room to comfort me. She sat there with me in her arms while I sobbed. She told me that this heartbreak was such a small part of my life, and that it wouldn't matter in a few years. My mother said that as horrible as my life may seem now, I was so strong and this would only make me stronger. She left me with something I will never forget from our conversation: "You will always lose, but you will never lose the lesson." The rest of the conversation is a blur of hugs and tears, but that resonated with me even a year later.

Of course, this is not the one and only conversation that I've ever had with my mother, especially while sitting on the heater. But this exemplifies the best of our relationship. Even when I am at my lowest point, the combination of warmth from my mom's love and friendship, as well as the actual physical warmth from the heater always bring me up.

When I think back to when I was little, my most prominent memories will always be of my time spent by the heater vent. You know the traditions that will get passed along for generations, like the opening up of pajamas on Christmas Eve, and birthday phone calls? Mine will be the tradition of sitting on the heater with my daughter, sharing our stories, good or bad. It is something I cherish from my childhood, and a heater will definitely be an important aspect what I am looking for when picking out a home of my own. It absolutely has to have a heater vent that is on the ground, not on the ceiling!

Leaving home and moving to Missoula this year was a very hard thing for me to do. I have always been extremely rooted with my family in Salt Lake, and I have been homesick for awhile now. I thought of a lot of ways to distract myself when I got here, in order to not be so homesick my entire first semester of college. I got involved on campus, I had a job for a little while, and I joined a sorority.

There was an instant connection between me and the girls in Delta Gamma. Delta Gamma had such a feeling of home and comfort that I felt like I fit as soon as I walked in the door. It's cozy, and has a sophisticated, yet lived in look that I quickly became obsessed with. Everyone makes me feel so welcome and loved. The most amazing thing about the house though, I have to admit, is that there is a heater vent on third floor. I have spent so much time here already, it is almost as if I chose Delta Gamma for its heater vent, and that alone, and maybe I did. I am a strong believer in fate, and therefore I feel as if I was meant to be in this house. The heater vent is my comfort spot, and now whenever I have a rough time in college, I can continue my tradition of sitting on the heater vent. Only this time, I will be building relationships with my sisters and lifelong friends. These friendships will flourish through the warmth that the heater provides, as well as the warmth of love and friendship that these ladies have already shown me.

 I know that I will have amazing closeness with these ladies throughout the rest of my life, just like I do with my mother. I'm not going to give all the credit to a simple utility device. However, it does deserve a little recognition, because it has and will provide the background for my most cherished relationships.

GUYS I HAVE SISTERS!

I have sisters.
For real sisters. Full fledged sisters
Delta Gamma are my sisters forever.
I am SO happy and so excited and AHH
Initiation was the best night ever :)

I love my big :)

Sick

of home. Actually it is quite the opposite.
I need to go home
I cannot believe how homesick I am.
It's so ridiculous.
Maybe it's just the fact that I'm a girl and girls tend to be emotional?
I don't know.
Thanksgiving is not coming soon enough.

too crafty to care...or not

I missed 11:11.
I had been looking forward to that day for over a year. and in a flash the moment was gone.
I had forgotten to set an alarm and everything. So I missed the wish.
Too busy being crafty... shoot look what sorority life has done to me!
You cannont believe the panic that took over my entire body when I checked my phone to see the time of 11:37.
I almost started crying, that's how pathetic it was.
But then Carter made me go over to him, close my eyes, and pretend it was 11:11 so I could make my wish, telling me time was relative.
What a nice guy right? right. :)
Well over and out!

indecisive gurrl

**The story begins three weeks ago
-I decided to be a journalism major, and follow my childhood dream of being a sportscaster.

fast foward to two days ago
A JOURNALISM MAJOR? "what the f*** am I thinking??"
That is the MOST ridiculous thing ever. I am not a journalism major
1. I have never liked writing
2. I have shaped my whole self around business
3. I love business!
Why would I let one stupid professor turn me away from what I love because he is egotistical and likes to rant about how great he is?
I decided I wouldn't let that happen
And so my friends this realization spurred a mad rush to change my registration for spring semester and get into the real classes I needed.
Phew. Thank goodness those business classes are big :)


So now I have Microeconomics and Intro to Business crammed into my schedule, but you know what?
I'm so excited for those classes because I LOVE the subject matter. Who cares if the Professor sucks (He may not)
And.. I have those two classes with my Big from DG. Who knew that would work out so well?? :)

perfection.

My life is perfect.
I mean of course it's not totally perfect all the time, but I'm happy.
And that's what matters right?
I have amazing friends, sisters, boyfriend(s)-just kidding about that one. There is only one :)
I'm about three weeks? out from initiation into Delta Gamma, and I can't even stand to wait anymore.
I'm so excited to be a part of this incredible organization, and really have to full fledged sisters I've never had!
sidenote--
Halloween weekend? So epic I'm all partied out... but Happy Real Halloween :)
Here's a snipit of the weekend/life in general.

over&&out

Weirdness

Who thought that I would ever enjoy homework?
I never did. And yet.. I'm sitting in my usual homework booth having a grand old time.
Granted, I'm blogging instead of doing my essay..but it's because I got random inspiration to tell everyone that I'm enjoying being studious whaaaaattt?
Seriously, I love my alone time in my cutesy little study cove!
And I love the material that I'm learning about.
I LOVE COLLEGE!
and it's not just for the stereotypical parties and such.
but those are amazing too :)
Over and out!

DG FOR LIFE

I am officially a Delta Gamma!

I am so excited to get to know all of my new sisters and be living the life! :)

lurve

I lurve it here.
The town, the atmosphere, the people.
It's absolutely fantastic!
Don't get me wrong...everyday is a culture shock, and that aspect of it has been very very difficult.
But I'll get better with everything, just a couple more weeks and I'll be good to go :)
Here are a few pictures from the happenings in Missoula!
Oh! Also I'm rushing a sorority, so hopefully that turns out well

 
                                              I love these girls so much. The Audra's

                                    
                                              We have shootings on campus...nbd

Peace n Blessings

Home Sweet Home

I'm here!
Most unpacked in my dorm room and staying here tonight... ah!
My roommate is awesome! We are lucky we got paired together because there are some interesting people in our hall..
Orientation starts tomorrow so hopefully I'll start meeting lots of friends :)
I think I'm going to like it in Misssy!
More in depth blogpost later, when I've gotten more settled in to things!
Peaceee out.

Mislead.

So I thought I was packed...
but I guess I really wasn't.
I leave in t minues 5 hours and I'm not sleeping yet.
Awesome
So excited!
Next time I blog it will be from Missoula :)

take me to the river

A little late, but I just recently got back from a family/friend rafting trip on the desolation and gray canyons sections of the green river.
It was incredible to be back on the water, paddling through rapids, and gazing at the violently bright moon every night.
We had exceptional dinners and desserts every night thanks to the wonderful Summer Pelton
and musical entertainment most nights as well. Now here's the big shocker...I was a part of that music.
Weirdly enough. I brought my ukulele along and had a great time playing it.

This trip was so needed for me and my family. We got to reconnect and slow down with some of our best friends, and it was the perfect atmosphere to do it in.
I really think everyone needs the opportunity to go on a river trip. I have been fortunate enough to grow up around it, but not everyone has.
But let me tell you, it's something you should do before you die.
I'll post pictures soon, because rivers are just magical.
:)

I had a lot of time to wonder about my new life in Missoula, which starts in one week mind you.
It's beginning to get scary, exciting, and depressing all at the same time.
But you know what?
I think I'm ready.

rooftops and revelations

Tuesday for the books:

• Spending all night on my roof
• Eating low fat ice cream so we don't get fat
• "drive bys" from boys
• Tough love and tough decisions
• Bug bites galore
• Laughing until our stomachs hurt
• Inseperable best friends
• Heartbreak consoling

What are friends for?

saturday night improv

Draper Comedy Theater is probably the best thing ever.
I'm really sad that I found it three weeks before I leave the state... or else I could have spend many saturday nights a different way!
Tonights edition? "Harry Fraudder and the Canadian Taco"
It was a hysterical parody and I got to spend it with some friends that I won't see for awhile.
It was nice:)
Thank you Russell Pham for your great idea!
Well,
Over and Out!

shout out

to shanwow.best friends all because of plato's...who knew?
duuude big sky big sky! SO EXCITED
to brookey.
forced together in  8th grade gym.. and now we are always together anyway.
I love how we can go months without seeing each other and it's like no time passes.
to pajee.
deep chats are always abound when we're together.
boy stories galore are always there too.ff
to julio.
bonded by the love of your cat.. literally the only cat I like.
and the bond of BJJSPH
to hillary fairy.
your unique personality and bubbliness is the greatest thing ever.
Your dreams make me happy.

These are lame. But I love you guys anyways! And it's a definite change from my sappy sentimental mood from the other day:)
lurves&&loves

month

I leave in one month.
And even if I want to freeze time for one split second-I can't do it.
Ready or Not.. Life here you come.

It all ends

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt 2.
10 hours and 6 minutes.

Can't wait :)

It's been ages

I've decided to start fresh with this blog. Since I'm about to head off to college, I realized I'd be thankful later if I wrote about my life and what goes on someway! Plus, my mom will be a happy camper when she reads my blogs too :)

But anyway,

High School Graduation was a little over a month ago, and yet I feel like it's been years. I was so ready to be done, especially with all of the drama consuming Alta over the last couple of months. I'm ready to start a new beginning in Missoula, Montana this fall. Although I had my heart set on the University of Oklahoma, I feel as if UM is the right choice for me.

I really owe this change in direction to my amazing family. I realized the day of my Uncle's funeral that I should go to Montana. We were very close, and it's almost as if I could hear him telling me what to do. I just had a gut feeling to switch, and I am so grateful to him. My Uncle Lee was the greatest man, and he has left such a legacy. I will always admire him so much for everything that he accomplished, and for creating such a close knit family environment.

The love that was shone down from him, and the rest of my family at my decision made me realize how lucky I really am.

RIP Leandro Jimenez- You will be greatly missed.