Giving Thanks

Well, I am sitting alone...on Thanksgiving night. I'm having my own private pity party. I hate being alone, especially on the holidays. I'm just so used to being with a big group of family, where it's loud and chaotic and we play games late into the night....this is weird, the silence. Granted, my grandparents are around here somewhere, but they are most likely sleeping. I'm feeling down, so I decided that it would be a good exercise for me to remember the things that I am most thankful for. So, here's a short list...

1. I'm thankful that I was born with in a family with parents strong in the gospel. I'm not sure what my life would be without it, but I'm sure I'd be in a darker place... It's as simple as that.

2. I am thankful for my Mom and all she has ever done for me. We had moments when we didn't always get along, but she is the one person I can confide in, and just having her in the room makes me feel better. I miss her hugs.

3. I'm thankful for my family. They are my best friends, and I miss them terribly right now. They have always been the only people that I can count on unconditionally, they only people I can be completely myself around, and I love them. (This includes my wonderful extended family, cousins and such.)

4. I am thankful to have a place to live. This seems especially important to me right now, as it is in the negatives outside.

5. I am thankful to have good food to eat and to have my grandparents here in Logan to look after me when funds are low. I cooked my first turkey today... It turned out well, if I say so myself. :) I made pies and jello, too, to contribute to our feast for four.

6. I am thankful to have a job. It may not always be the most fun, interesting, or exciting, but, I am grateful.

7. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to go to college and to graduate. I am still contemplating returning to school, but my degree will provide me with opportunities that I would otherwise not have without it.

8. I am thankful to have the opportunity to travel and learn about the world. I hope to continue this throughout my life.

9. I am thankful for friends that make my life much more full and enjoyable.

10. I am thankful to live in this country. It may not always be governed in a way I agree with, but the freedoms that we are afforded with here are a great blessing.

11. I am thankful for the pilgrims that came to the American continent. I am thankful for Richard Warren and Francis and John Cooke, my pilgrim ancestors, that had the courage to stand up for what they believed in. I am thankful for my ancestors' bravery, as they joined the church throughout the world, left everything they knew, and traveled across the plains to pursue a safe place of worship.

12. I am thankful for chocolate. It's a glorious food.

13. I am thankful for my pets, particularly my angel of a cat.

14. I am thankful for music, it soothes my soul.

15. I am thankful for nature and the chance I have to grow closer to God through it.

I suppose this list could go on and on... This was a very good exercise to engage in, though... my mind is in a better place. But, so this post doesn't get too long, I should probably stop writing. Plus, one of my favorite Christmas movies just came on, which makes me happy. :)

Halloween

Halloween. I am simply not a fan.

I remember as a kid how fun this holiday was. I loved dressing up and getting free candy. We would literally canvas the entire town...granted, Forks isn't that big, but it was still a long night. We knew the best houses to go to...the ones with the really good stuff and the ones that were the best decorated and the ones that were the most "haunted". It was fun to decorate our house and, after trick-or-treating was done, to be on a sugar-high for the next month.

I'm not entirely sure when I stopped liking the holiday. I was twelve when my Dad said, "No more trick-or-treating for you." I dressed up a few more times after that for church parties, but somewhere along the line I lost the fun in it.

Maybe I'm just more opposed to the dark atmosphere of the holiday....maybe I've grown up to see more of that. There are still tons of good fun things going on, don't get me wrong, but it's just not a particularly joyful holiday. And, maybe that just makes me old, ha ha.

I think more of the problem is that I don't like anything that draws attention to me. And, costumes certainly do that. I didn't dress up for Homecoming Spirit Week in high school, either...

And, Halloween in general is just lame in Utah. Seriously, what's with these trunk-or-treats? It seems like cheating the kids out of a fun night of running amok in the town. lol.

So, nope I didn't dress up this year...oh well, there is always next year to try... I do love carving pumpkins, though. :)

If you ask for a challenge, you're bound to get one

I decided that I needed a way to combat the doldrums in which I've found myself lately...I was tired of the same ol' things. I decided that I needed to go on a hike! Not just any hike... I wanted a challenge. All I needed was someone willing to come with me, and who better to ask than my cousin Alan.

So, last Monday, Alan and I decided to try and conquer the Pfeifferhorn, which is in the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City. Personally, I just thought the name of the mountain was intimidating, and pretty awesome at the same time. It is known as the Little Matterhorn.

I spent Sunday night in Magna, and it was really nice to spend time with my cousin Jen. I need more family time in general, so this was good. The next morning, Alan and I headed up the canyon to undertake our ten mile journey. I saw clouds looming over the mountain tops, but it takes a lot to halt me once I make plans.

The first few miles of the hike were a pretty steady climb, but nothing too hard. We walked up through trees that were changing their colors for the oncoming winter and past little gurgling streams. It wasn't until we reached Red Pine Lake that I could tell things were going to get a little tougher.

Take note of how straight my hair was at the beginning of the hike...

The above picture is Red Pine Lake... the trail from there lead straight up through the trees and then right, straight up the rocky ridge.

 

And scrambling over these rocks....

If you can't tell from the last picture of me, at this point we started to ascend into the clouds. We climbed to the top of this one ridge and back behind it on a relatively easy path. That is, until we reached the saddle of the Pfiefferhorn.

On the left is a picture of what the last length of the "trail" looks like on a clear day.....but on the right is what it looked like when we chose to climb.

Why, yes, that is a steep drop off on both sides. Maybe the cloud cover made it easier for me to crawl over all of these rocks, because I couldn't see how far it was to fall....

It was also the steepest part of the mountain.

We did, however, finally conquer the mountain! And, I felt great about it!! I have come to realize that I crave a sense of accomplishment in my life to feel like I am progressing, and it certainly makes me happy. Maybe that is why I was such a dedicated A+ student. Maybe that is why I have felt a little lost lately. Well, this hike (actually, I am going to refer to it as more of a CLIMB) gave me the feeling that I needed.

And, don't let the short pants fool you... my legs were fine in regards to the cold. I was just thankful that Alan had an extra rain coat for me, since it started snowing on us at the top.

The upper Red Pine Lakes on our way back down.

Notice how curly the wettness made my hair...and this picture just doesn't do it justice.

Overall, I had a great day, and it was good to get to spend time with my cousin. Growing up, I was always so much younger, that I didn't really get to know my older cousins very well, and it's nice to remedy some  of that.

The Sorting Hat Says

I am not ashamed to admit my love for Harry Potter. I received the first book when I was recuperating from surgery when I was eleven. I therefore claim being one of the original Potter fans, not a follower. Yes, this is important when reading books. :)

I'm already getting excited to watch the last HP movies...even though the first part is still months away. It's time to re-watch the first six movies. (Even now, as I write this, I am watching the Sorcerer's Stone.) Once again I question, if I had been lucky enough to receive an invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which house would I have been sorted into?

I always wished, so much so, that I would have been cool enough to be in Gryffindor with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. But, alas, we know this not where I would have been. I'm certainly not the bravest person, with great daring and nerve. Thankfully, no one would even consider Slytherin for one such as I.

The logical choice for me would always have been Ravenclaw.

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

if you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind.

"For Ravenclaw, the cleverest would always be the best." That's where, I am certain, I would have been. And, don't misunderstand, this is not boasting. It's just that growing up, I was always considered the "smart" one. I spent countless hours doing homework, just to get those straight A's. I really didn't hang out with friends, outside of classes. I think my parents should be grateful for having such a motivated, quiet child. I had been labeled, and the label was stuck with super glue.

And, I hated it.

As much as I felt a kinderance with Hermione while reading the books, I wanted to be known for more than my ability to get good grades.

I remember once for a Family Home Evening, we passed around a paper with each person's name on it. We were to write something good about everyone. When my paper came back to me, it was filled with words like "smart", "A+", and "motivated". I remember being very upset about this, even though I don't think I ever said so. Those weren't words that described me as a person, or my individual personality.

And, in eighth grade, at Middle School "graduation" night, we were given awards for the "Most Likely to Succeed", "Most Funny", "Most Popular", etc.... I was saddled with "Most Serious", along with one of the strangest boys in the class. I wanted to cry. I certainly did not view myself that way. I knew I was a fun person, and it bothered me that no one else could see that.

So, when I came to Logan to go to college, I made a conscious choice to try and reinvent myself. I was NOT going to get straight A's. Stupid goal, I know. I was GOING to play more. I was GOING to make friends. I was GOING to learn to be more sociable.

I've come to realize, that I have succeeded, in many ways, in achieving this goal. Even though I know I still have a ways to go. I have been trying very hard for the last five years. And, I have been blessed with great relationships in my life, and I have gained a new understanding of myself. Although, I still know that I am a smart person, that loves to learn, that is no longer all that defines me. I feel that I am a more rounded person, more capable of making life decisions. I know how to make friends, and I am able to relax around new people, where that was never possible before. Most people don't even know that I was a valedictorian...I feel I finally have shed my label. And, I am happy with that.

I was still curious, however, as to which house those around me would place me in....So, I asked them. Those people who know me best still placed in me Raveclaw...over half of those asked did. But, because I have grown in self-awareness, this no longer bothers me. I feel comfortable in my skin. Being thought of as smart is certainly not a bad thing when one is also known for more qaulities than that.

I got a few votes for Hufflepuff. After first thinking "Don't they know how smart I am?!" (because apparently I can never be pleased), I was actually kind of glad.

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil.

I used to think that Hufflepuff was the kind of the lamest of the houses, kind of a dropping place for those without another house to go to. But, I have come to realize that some of the greatest qualities define this house, like love and friendship and a willingness to help others, something that everyone should strive for.

Know, too, that Hufflepuff's are still know to be hard workers. ;)

What suprised me the most was that some people thought I belonged in Gryffindor.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart.

Apparently, some people see things in me that I cannot. I still do not see how I would ever belong there, but maybe there's just one more qaulity for me to improve upon - my daring. ;)
 

One of my friends did say I would do well in Slytherin, if that's what I chose, hahaha.

A Redneck Friday Night

Last Friday night, I went with a group of my friends to the demolition derby in Logan. We were celebrating one of my good friend's birthdays. It was also a good excuse for me to get out of the house and play.

I can't help but think of Forks when I go to a demo derby, though. It is just such a redneck thing to do. At home it was so big of a deal that all of the derby cars would be in the Fourth of July parade down main street before they were crushed in the arena.

Is is sad to say that I actually enjoy derbies, though? There is just something fun about watching cars crash into each other and get set on fire.... Obviously, my enjoyment of such events just goes to show how much of an affect growing up in Forks had on me, haha.

This is my roommate Loni, for those of you who haven't met her.

One day at a time

Or rather, one day that goes on and on. I feel like all of my days presently are blurring into one nonstop, repeating slide show. Work one job, work the other, maybe play a little, and sleep. Next day, the same. I feel like my life is in a standstill. I’ve been in Logan for a long time, doing the same things.

I am finding that I miss going to school. Is that sad or what? I see all of my friends getting into the swing of classes, playing on campus, and I miss being there with them. I can't even go to a football game now, without paying. Sad day! I think what I really miss is working towards one set goal on the horizon.

I don’t know which way to go from here. I’m not really progressing into anything new. It’s a rather sad boat to find one’s self floating in, when there’s no wind to catch the sails. I guess I have to dog paddle until I find that fast current…I know it’s out there somewhere.

Not that I am complaining, don't misunderstand! I had a great ward. They completely changed up the singles' wards in Logan two weeks ago, so I am now in a ward with complete strangers. But, even that will be a growing experience. I have awesome friends. People look out for me. And, I am terribly grateful to even have a job. I have an apartment, a car, and food to eat. I have no reason to be unhappy, and I’m not. But, I need to feel a little more purpose or direction.

So, in the meantime, I think I need a hobby. What’s something I can do in my spare time? Fun things? Even just something new for me to learn or do?

Adventurin' in the Rockies

Sorry if this is a long post, but I really needed to write it all out before I forgot things. :)

I got back to Logan, after my trip home, and worked for a week. After debating finances with myself, I decided to leave town for another week. (I just decided to ignore the money issue...I'll have to work on that now instead, oops.)

Last year, a group of friends and I went camping in Glacier National Park for a week. It was so much fun that we decided to make it an annual sort of thing. This year's trip was to the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

Eight of us loaded up four cars and headed out of Logan on Sunday, a few weeks ago. Yes, all of the cars were all packed with junk...apparently we are not light campers. We stopped in Roosevelt for dinner at my friend's parents' home and kept driving. That first day we must have drove eight hours or so. My poor little car was having a hard time keeping up...its four little hamsters running in the engine were working overtime on some of the mountain roads. So, I was glad when we finally pulled in for the night at the Meadows Forest Service campground just outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We had to set up camp in the dark, and we were up early again the next morning to drive the rest of the way to the park.

The second day of our trip finally found us in the Rockies, where we started by driving through the length of the park. The drive up Trail Ridge Road was pretty neat, seeing the mountains rising up on all sides. A LOT of the trees were red an dying, though. I guess they've had a pine beetle outbreak all over the mountain west this year. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continually paved road in the US, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet. It was a very SLOW drive though. There were so many people in the park, and all of the road construction didn't help.

We set up camp on the east side of the park, in the Glacier Basin campground. By the time we finished getting tents up and car spots worked out, it was late in the afternoon. But, with my friends it is never too late for a hike! So, we hiked to Bierstadt Lake. It was only 3 miles or so, so no big deal...except that it decided to rain on us.

The next day in the park was a LONG one. We started that morning at the Bear Lake Trailhead. From there we hiked to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Mills Lake, and Alberta Falls. I think we decided that the loop totaled about 11 miles. If you ever do this hike, be sure to start towards Nymph Lake first...hiking steep sections going downhill is sooo much better than uphill.

It actually wasn't so bad, despite the heat and the worse sunburn that I've had all year. I say it wasn't so bad because we got to take a lot breaks. The boys stopped at EVERY single lake that we passed to go fishing, sometimes for what seemed like hours. I got to read a lot of my book, The Princess Bride....which is very entertaining, if you haven't read it yet.

On day four of our trip, we decided to drive up the Old Fall River Road, a one-way gravel road leading back to the west side of the park. Along the road we stopped at Chasm Falls.

We then drove to the North Inlet Trailhead and hiked up to Cascade Falls. It was a six mile hike or so, but not steep at all. It was nice to hike an easy trail, after all of the hiking we had done the day before.

I think that we were all tired and worn out from all of the hiking that we had been doing, so we headed back to camp that afternoon and just relaxed for the few hours before dark. I also have to mention how awesome my guy friends are. They brought all kinds of food for us and cooked us breakfast and dinner every day, dutchoven style. It was so good! This is why I go camping with them, lol. :)

The next day was Thursday, and I had planned on being in Idaho Falls that Friday night for a friend's wedding. So, Heather and I left the rest of the group, and started our drive home... after a warm shower in Estes Park! Yay! I then decided to drive up through Wyoming and see the pioneer sites, since Heather had never seen them before.

We stopped at Independence Rock, walked around Martin's Cove, saw Split Rock, and the Three Crossings area, which is where I have a great-great-great-great-grandfather buried. It's unfortunate that the crossings are on private property, but it was good experience just to see the area.

On Thursday night, we camped at The Sinks Canyon State Park in Wyoming. It's on the Southeastern end of the Wind Rivers, which I had heard was a gorgeous area. I'm pretty sure that Heather would have preferred to get a hotel at this point, but I have far too much of my Dad in me. So, we set up a tent in the dark, and I think we even skipped dinner. It was just such a long day of driving.

That morning we walked around the park to see the Sinks and the Rise of the Popo Agie River. This is where the river goes underground for about a fourth of a mile. It takes the water two hours to get to the rise, where the water emerges on the surface once more. It was pretty cool. I also decided to drive up the switchbacks to at least see some of the Wind Rivers, and Frye Lake, while we were in the area. I will have to come back sometime and explore the range more sometime.

We then drove up through the Tetons and into Idaho. After we had spent a few hours in Idaho Falls, we mutually decided that we just wanted to keep driving and end our trip a day early. So, two hours later, we were back in Logan. It was so nice to have a warm shower and sleep in my soft bed after that long week!

So, this was my week: 27 miles of hiking, 5 nights of camping, 8 awesome people, and 1400 miles of driving. I'm glad I went. A break from Logan, no computers, no phones, and no work. It was fabulous!! :)