So I'm (for the most part) all settled into my cozy apartment in Muncie, IN. My roommate Maren did such a great job finding the perfect apartment for us. I have a kinda small room, but perfect for me because it restricts how much stuff I can have in it, which will help with moving. And bonus- my room has a walk in closet, which i LOVE. Storage room, closet, dresser, it's all perfect.

Lately in Muncie it's been bout 85 degrees, but with 80% humidity the heat index has been at about 98 degrees. So if you are outside for more than 1.4 minutes, it's miserable.

I was SO lucky to have my dad here to help me move in and settle in my place this past week. I had such a great time with him! We moved in and settled one day, explored Ball State the next, did some more exploring of Muncie the next day (Model Airplane Museum= Win), and went to Indianapolis the day before he left and went to the Indy 500 Speedway and explored downtown Indy. I loved it. It was so nice to have him here to help with the logistics of everything.

Also, my roommate is gone for a week and a half, so I would have been by myself until school started, but I was lucky enough to have him here to cook dinner for and watch pointless television.

This town is amazing. It's totally a college town. I love it so much. I keep thinking the campus is going to be way too big to figure out in such a small amount of time, but surprisingly I've got it figured out. I stopped by my office (The Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs), and instantly fell in love with everyone I met in there. I have a great office, possibly the size of my bedroom, and I'm so excited to start working with students.

Since I suck at this blogging thing, I will probably post another blog with pictures of my place, campus, etc. Just as I was about to leave to finish up the little things like payroll, parking pass, etc, the maintenance guy showed up at our place. So I figured why not blog?

I start my assistantship this week and am stoked. I dont have a set training date to start right now, but pretty much this week I get to welcome the freshman and hand out pens and stuff like that. It's like ASUU all over again! I can't wait! Then next week I'll start having my set hours and everything in the office, along with start classes.

Last Friday I went to dinner with about 15 people from my cohort and it just added another level of excitement. We have had a SAAHE group on facebook and were friends with each other on FB, but it was great to finally meet people and get to know them better. Some of us are going to dinner tonight which will be really fun. I love getting to know people who are as excited as I am about student affairs, Ball State and life. Also, it's fun to explain Utah to them ;)

Well I am off to explore the depths of campus and melt in the humidity and heat, but I will post pictures soon. :)

I miss Utah terribly, but I also am so happy here it's hard to be down for too long.

"When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you."

GADDRT Part 3!!

Great American Daddy Daughter Road Trip Part 2

60 Ft. Jolly Green Giant- Minnesota

Border of Minnesota and South Dakota

Corn Palace- Mitchell, SD

YAY!!!

I love corn.

Mitchell Corn Palace, South Dakota

The Great American Daddy Daughter Road Trip

So I know I haven't written in a while, but the month of July just disappeared before I could catch it.

I left August 6th, to drive across Wyoming, South Dakota and Minnesota to see the family in Minnesota.

On August 10th I leave to drive through Iowa, Illinois and Indiana to get to Muncie, Indiana. Home of Ball State University.

Below are some pictures of our road trip so far.

South Dakota Rest Stop

Dad and I in front of Mt. Rushmore

Awkward jump in front of the presidents

Yay Wyoming!!!

Epic South Dakota!!

I already miss Utah like crazy, but know that once I get settled and in the swing of things in Indiana, it's going to be a great experience. Until then, I'm embracing time with my family and just lovin' life!!!

Embrace Life.

Life is great. Lately I've been lucky to surround myself with amazing positive people that no matter what, no matter how much distance is between us, when we get together we start off where we left off.

I have one month left in Utah. I cannot believe it. For so long I wanted to leave and now as it's approaching half of me wishes I could stop time and spend a little more time in Utah with people I love. But I can't. So all I have left to do is enjoy time with the ones I love and forget about everyone else.

Lisa, Christy and I at the Block U

Brogan and I went to the Great Salt Lake

Loving life

Dane!!

I love these boys.

June 2010

I can't believe it's the end of June. This month has just been a whirlwind of adventures, emotions feelings and events.

The month of May took a while to end... so I figured that the rest of the summer would do the same. I was restless to leave Utah. I was ready. Other than packing......

This month was crazy. My sister was gone for 3 weeks of the month. Lisa got an internship in NYC, and will be moving out in a week. I have 40 days until I leave Utah forever. It's an amazing mixture of emotions. I can't wait to leave, but want to put life on hold for a few more weeks to do everything that I haven't in Utah, to see everyone that I haven't. I'm going to be gone for a week in July, so I only have about 5 weeks in Utah. It's so crazy to think about. August 6th.

This month I lost a good friend to emotions and feelings that weren't for the best, but I also met a few new people that have helped me realize all the great things in life and have inspired me to really take advantage of life. During this whole transition period I've really realized who my true friends are, and that sometimes trying to be someone's friend just isn't worth it. I'm so grateful for life.

and friends.

and family.

and the mountains.

and sunshine.

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."

Here's a song that I think fits well with a lot of people's lives right now. It doesn't specifically have to refer to relationships, I think it's just an empowering song.

"Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong" by Martina McBride

Wrong baby wrong baby wrong
It ain’t the end of the world
Don’t you worry pretty girl
Cause now that he’s gone baby gone baby gone
You got nothing to lose
Count the minutes if you want to
It won’t be long baby long baby long
‘Til you find somebody new

Come on now
Everyone falls down
Everyone crawls now and then
Then they get up again
You cry if you want to
That’s what we all do
But if you think you’ll never move on you’re wrong baby

Cry baby cry baby cry
Go on and let it all out
I ain’t leavin’ you now
And we can fly baby fly baby fly
Let’s share a bottle of wine
We can laugh about the good times
And you’ll know why baby why baby why
It’s gonna be alright

Come on now
Everyone falls down
Everyone crawls now and then
Then they get up again
You cry if you want to
That’s what we all do
But if you think you’ll never move on you’re wrong baby wrong

Oh you ain’t gone
baby wrong baby wrong
There’s nothing wrong with movin on
When you know he’s good and gone

Come on now
Everyone falls down
Everyone crawls now and then
Then they get up again
You cry if you want to
That’s what we all do

Come on now
Everyone falls down
Everyone crawls now and then
Then they get up again
You cry if you want to
That’s what we all do
But if you think you’ll never move on you’re wrong baby wrong
You’re wrong baby wrong
Wrong baby wrong baby wrong

Okay, I like being on my own. I think relationships are messy and that peoples feelings get hurt. Who needs it? We're young, we live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world; might as well have fun and save the serious stuff for later. - summer, (500) Days of Summer

It's been awhile since I last posted anything, it still feels goofy I guess. Just to spill thoughts right here.

Anyway, I always think of things I want to post, and when I sit down later to do so, I always forget what I wanted to.

All I know lately is that I have been able to discover who I really am, not based off of anyone else in my life. Leaving to start such a big chapter in my life, I'm trying to really figure out what I want, and don't want, in my life.

I've realized that it really is the small things in life. Fresh food at the Farmers Market, amazing art at the Chalk Festival, reading for hours in a beautiful backyard, or watching the sunset with a good friend.

Lisa and I went to the Great Salt Lake Sunday to watch the sunset. Other than the "U" on the hill, I believe this may be a favorite spot in/around Salt Lake. It's amazing. I wish I had taken advantage of it more while living here. Sure it smells, and there are lots of bugs, but it's amazing to know we have such an incredible view of the sunset in Utah.

The beautiful Sana sent this to me the other day, and it speaks volumes to me right now:

"20 Things I Wish I Knew at 20"

1. Consider the source. If you’re worried about someone who dislikes you, first ask yourself whether they’re an asshole. If you don’t like them, and they don’t like you, that’s not a problem. That’s a mutual understanding.

2. Get off the couch. If you find yourself playing hard to get, don’t pretend to be busy. Just be busy.

3. Don’t waste your time. If you have to play hard to get, move on. You’ll know when you’ve found a healthy relationship because it won’t confuse you.

4. When in doubt, shut up. Silence is a smart negotiation tactic, the best option when you’re processing how to respond, and always more productive than lying about what you’re thinking.

5. Don’t complain. Maybe venting makes you feel better, but letting off steam can also lull you into maintaining the status quo. Unfortunately, the status quo is pissing you off, which is why you’re whining in the first place. If you’re frustrated, turn that energy toward fixing your problems, not bitching about them.

6. Don’t obsess. Worrying is complaint’s ugly cousin. Either use that energy to change your situation, or relax.

7. Find an age-appropriate style. No one wants to see a 20 year old in beige slacks and a wool blazer. Buy trendy clothes, wear the slutty dress, do something ugly with your hair. Be part of your generation, so you can laugh at the photos later.

8. Be polite. It keeps doors open, lessens the potential for misunderstandings, and increases the odds of getting invited back to the beach house.

9. But defend your boundaries. When someone isn’t taking no for an answer, clarify what you want, and then respond forcefully. Being polite to someone who isn’t hearing you is naive.

10. You look good. There’s no such thing as the hottest person in the room. Everyone is attracted to something different, so just take those odds and run with them.

11. Being nice is overrated. In fact, “nice” is the least interesting thing someone can say about you.

12. Keep it to yourself. “She seems nice” is an excellent thing to say about someone you don’t like. Particularly in the company of people you don’t know.

13. Know your audience. When you’re telling a story and someone interrupts you, let them.

14. Let your passion shape your profession. You know that thing your dad says? “If work wasn’t hard, they wouldn’t pay you to do it.” Please. There are professional rock stars, astronauts, puppy trainers, and bloggers.

15. Sex is personal. Don’t bother with one-night stands if they’re not your thing, and don’t judge people for enjoying them (or not). Waiting to sleep with someone doesn’t make you an uptight prude, and jumping into bed doesn’t make you a spontaneous adventure seeker.

16. Focus. The saying, “what you’re thinking about is what you’re becoming” isn’t just chilling, it’s a universal law. Be aware of how you’re investing your attention – including your words, and your actions.

17. Cut yourself a break. Don’t offer a running commentary on your own faults. When you do, the people around you listen. Give yourself space to change your character.

18. Don’t be intimidated. World travelers are just people who bought plane tickets. Pulitzer Prize winners are people who sit alone and write. You can break the most profound accomplishment down to a series of mundane tasks.

19. Choose good company. Ask yourself if a person makes you better or drains your life force. If the answer is B, you’re busy next time they call. And the time after that.

20. Enjoy your body. Odds are you’re more beautiful now than you will be again. Ask your roommate.

"I believe everything happens for a reason. People change so you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart for better things to fall together."

Life.

It's a funny thing.

Full of happiness, sadness, sorrow, surprise, excitement, love, hate, lust, jealousy and everything else in between.

But with all of that emotion, there is so much beauty.

Through the hard times you come out stronger.

Through the lonely times you find out who your true friends are.

And sometimes when you think that nothing will bring you out of a slump, a simple hug from a friend is just what you need.

I'm so blessed to have the most supportive friends and family in the world. They are always there to listen even if it's the same story over and over again.

This quote has been in my mind a lot lately and I think it's a crucial thing to try to remember:

Love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said that it'd be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

There's no way to thank those in my life for everything they have done for me. People don't realize how much a simple hug, smile, talk or a sincere "How are you" means. It's incredible. Never forget that.

Everyone we meet is fighting some kind of battle.

We are never alone.

Just listen to the rhythm of your heart...

So this is my second attempt at a blog page...I struggle with technology.

Anyway, I'm starting this blog as an adventure. Graduating college and having a summer of in between right now has left me some time for thinking what I wanted to do before I move. This blog was one of the things so I can keep a record of my summer.

I'm trying to make a Bucket list of things to do in Utah (or around) before August 6th.

• Go to the Spiral Jelly
• Hike to the U at least twice
• Go to Moab
• Hike Mt. Olympus
• Golden Spike National Monument
• Fun Bus
• Go to the SkyBar, Jackalope, etc
• Go to as many outdoor festivals as possible
• Saltair at sunset
• Flaming Gorge
• Vegas
• Lava Hot Springs
• Throw ceramic plates on the ground
• Fireworks at Sugarhouse Park
• Hang out with as many people as possible!!!
• Arts Festival
• Farmers Market

Obviously this hasn't been completely thought through, but it's a great start I believe! This summer has started off kind of a drag... but here's to two months of awesomeness!!

I found this quote and find it perfect for the beginning of what hopefully turns out to be a great summer-

"20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover"