I feel like any culturing I once had, is now tainted.

*warning: this post contains pictures of dirty mountain people having fun*

Yesterday my brother had a mountain man muzzle loading rendezvous in Marion. We went as a family, and I have so say I was surprised how much fun it actually was. The era was set in 1840'a and although costumes were not mandatory, would I still be me if I let a good dress up opportunity pass me by?

We got there around 9ish and Luke and Christian went straight to the black powder rifle shoot. I don't know too much about it, but I think they both did quite well. The guns are really loud, but if they had a lot of kick, the boys sure didn't let us know. That lasted a good hour and a half, and then (Luke shooting his gun)(Christian shooting his gun. They actually forgot to bring Christian's gun, so I think he was a little bummed, because he had to use one that he wasn't used to)

The next activity was knife and hawk throwing. They had 21 different stumps to throw both their knife and tomahawk at. Some were really hard; like moving targets, through trees, etc. This was more interesting to watch in my opinion than the rifle. They let me try to throw some and honestly I stunk at it. The men there said I threw like a girl and I never once got either to stick. I would show a picture but it's too embarrassing:) Here is Tina Vestal and my mom. I think they both had a lot of fun. They both love to camp and were enamored with all the primitive doohickeys. After lunch the boys had black powder pistol shooting. Again I think they both did good. They had to hit various targets like skunks, frogs, bears, poles, and coils. When the boys were finished they asked If I wanted to try. I had previously stated that If I was to take a liking to any of the three things thus far I would be most inclined to try the pistol. They laughed at me and said that it was the hardest but let me try anyways. Guess, what... I hit the target dead on, first time ever. Needless to say, I was happy . Because the boys had finished all the activities for the day we had a few hours of free time to do whatever. For the moms that meant taking a walk, for dad, a nap, the boys, I think did some archery, and I sat around the camp talking with some of the older men there.Later that night after a potluck dinner they had some contests around the campfire. The first of which was fire starting. Both the boys tried and had a respectable time of both around 40 seconds, it was their first time ever. I think the winning time was around 5-6 seconds.They also had woman's games, which was a rolling pin throwing contest, Tina and I tied for first, and a frying pan throwing contest, Mom won that, (better not get on my family's bad side). It was fun and they had prizes too. (Luke and I)

For a grand conclusion on the day, they had a story telling contest. Some of the guys had great tall tails to tell. Mom practically forced me to tell a story myself and even though it was pretty pathetic (I was not happy to be doing it) They decided I won (I think just to be nice) and I felt bad for doing such a bad job. Oh, well, I learned my lesson.

Overall, it was a really fun looooong day. They have a few every year and I think I might just go next year.

Techno Man Grandpa

I thought when my classes had finished at the college I would have free time. Like I might actually be bored or something. I was wrong. Music Theory was less work than being home. It's amazing how much effort the house takes just to survive, honestly I had forgotten just how much time everything takes to do. Last Wednesday we celebrated my grandpa's 90th birthday! It was great; Darlene and Wayne wanted to talk to him on Skype and he did. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks! They even sung happy birthday to him and watched him blow out the candles.

Not too much else is new. Luke has a mountain man thing this weekend, so I sewed Luke and Christian a Capote (which is a wool jacket) and I got all my grades in for the semester 4.0, YEAH!!!

I filmed myself signing my ASL song that I did for class and I thought it was so funny I would share it with you all. Don't judge please, I know my dancing sucks!

did you miss me?

Contrary to what you may believe, I haven't fallen off the face of the blog world. I've been so busy with classes and homework lately that I seriously haven't had a minute to spare. So, I'm here with my spare moments to play catch up.

A few weeks ago I went with my ASL class to Great Falls MT, to the school for the Deaf and Blind. We left Friday morning and took the 4 1/2 hour drive on a charter bus. In the group, there were 23 girls and 3 boys including my teacher Collette.
Oh, one neat thing was that our bus driver, John, was from New Zealand. He had some really interesting stories to tell, and was enjoyable to listen to on both the way up and down. When we were going through Glacier, it was scary at times because it was blizzarding, but John, got us there safely, and plus, I always enjoy a adventure. (My spot on the bus)

When we first arrived, a man from the school gave us a tour and then brought us to our dorm where we would be staying. The school is really neat with a separate school building for the Deaf and the Blind students, but with a shared dorm building for both.

That night we all stayed in the dorm and ordered pizza. Since it was with my ASL class, and there were three Deaf people in our group, we had to sign pretty much the whole time because it is rude to talk when you know someone who is Deaf is present. Most of us stayed up really late all talking/signing in the living room learning new signs. Just relaxing around the dorm, yet still learning so much, was probably some of my favorite times on the trip. (The reason Great Falls is called Great Falls)

Saturday morning, after a walk around the school (it was a nice day), the bus driver took us all over to the mall to hang out for a few hours. We had six hours to waste, but everyone was bored well before then. The reason we were at the school that weekend was because of a performance the kids, who went to the school, were giving that night. We ended up coming back to the dorm for an hour or so, and then going out for dinner before the performance at 7:00.

The performance was incredible. There were around 17 kids ranging in ages from about 8-16. The kids were all signing and dancing to music and they did everything from Ghost busters, Firework, Sweet Home Alabama, to Somewhere Over the Rainbow. It was amazing to see the fluidity of their movements and how well they kept in sync. This performance alone made the whole trip worth it. It was an experience I will never forget. I even bought a shirt afterwards!

That night we again stayed up really late signing and I think it was well after 1 when I finally got ready for bed and fell asleep with the sound of people laughing out side my room.

The next morning I had an interesting experience. When I woke up, I think I must have been sleeping wrong and my legs were asleep, because when I stood up out of bed, I collapsed to the floor. It was on the side against the wall, so not only did I fall but I crashed against the heater vent. The girl I was sharing my room with bolted awake and kept asking if I was ok. I said I was fine but when I stood up, I collapsed for a second time. The third time I finally did stand up, but not without a nasty bruise on my arm and a rug rash that still graces my knee and ankle.

By this third day I was in ASL mode. On the way back we signed, laughed, and talked for hours. I was actually sad when we arrived back at the college to go home. Poor Dad had to had to keep reminding me to talk instead of sign for the rest of the day.

Overall it was an incredible trip that, even though I was hesitant to go at first, I'm so glad I did. My vocabulary felt like it had exploded and I only wish I could have retained a fraction of what I learned. I'm really sad that my class is almost over (only one more class), and then, if I decide to continue with sign, I have to do it online. ASL has defiantly been my favorite class, both semesters, and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Easter came and went, but was really fun while it lasted. We didn't do anything too big this year, but we did have the Underhills and my grandparents over for lunch and then later the Vestals, Ridge and Hannah, and Rachel came over. Because it was such a nice day, Hannah talked me into taking a short walk with them and it really was a much needed relief from all my homework. (Rachel, me, Hannah, and Ridge)

Last weekend I started my Practical Botany class. It is a three credit science class and is only 6 days long. Unfortunately the days are Friday-Sunday, so I have had, and still am, continuing to have classes everyday for 18 days straight.

The Botany class is actually really interesting and I like the teachers. Friday we had a short lecture and then on Saturday we took a bus to the Conrad Mansion, Cemetery, and lastly Wayfarers Park to look at the different plants. The only downfall that day was that it was really windy and cold. Even after coming home, taking a shower, sitting on the heater, and drinking some tea, I was still shivering. Sunday was much better overall. It was still chilly, but the sun was out, which always gives me a more positive outlook on life. We took a bus down to Eureka and after driving around some, took a short walk down to a lake. Personally, I learned quite a bit about some of the local plants that I didn't known before. We had lunch at the lake in the picture, and later I realized I even got a sunburn sitting there (first one of the year)! We went to a few other locations to look at the different lichens, and than we all took a walk around one spot called Ant Flats. If you couldn't figure out why, the place was covered in ant hills. This weekend we are going to the Buffalo Range and then I think possibly Lone Pine on Sunday. I hope it doesn't rain:( (Sophie Lake)

"Please Fish, for me?"

Yesterday I found out that March is National Peanut Month and because this is the last day of March, I thought I would do a post on peanuts. Most people who get to know me soon find out that I love, love, lub, lub lub, peanut butter. I actually prefer peanut butter to *gasp* chocolate, that is how much I love peanut butter. If I lived on a desert island with only fruit and grass to eat, the food I would miss the most would be peanut butter. I would have to bribe the fish to swim to the nearest inhabited area and bring me a jar before I went the way of most castaways: insane. Come on, I mean seriously peanut butter is like one of the most versatile things out there. You can have it with every single meal of the day without even feeling overly redundant. Like, for example: breakfast you can have pancakes with peanut butter and bananas, a piece of toast with peanut butter and honey on it, or a bowl of oatmeal with a spoonful of peanut butter mixed in with it. For lunch you could have the original peanut butter and jelly sandwich, an apple or celery dipped in peanut butter, or a peanut butter granola or energy bar. Now you might ask " Megan, your forgetting dinner. You can't have peanut butter with dinner!". Here you would be wrong. First off you could have a chicken wrap with peanut Thai sauce (my personal favorite), a Oriental salad with peanuts on top, an African peanut stew, peanut butter enchiladas, I've even found recipes for peanut butter fried chicken (I'm not sure how good that sounds to be honest though). Now lastly, desert. This is the easy one. you could do cookies, sundaes, smoothies, brownies, cheesecake, the list goes on. So there you go, you could live on a diet of peanut products without going completely mad in a few days. You might gain quite a few pounds, but I know I'd be happy. Lastly, I decided to leave you with one of my favorite peanut recipes. It's quite simple, low mess, and great if your short on time.

Peanut Butter Quick Fix

First make sure you have everything you'll need. It's really disappointing if you find your short on an ingredient after you start.

You will need:

1 Tb Peanut butter

Spoon

optional: sugar

First find the right sized spoon, not too big, not too small. I personally prefer our small spoons, but it really is up to your personal preference. Next find you jar of peanut butter. I like creamy, but crunchy would work just as well too. If you only have almond butter or another kind of peanut butter knock off, that can work too.

After opening the jar slowly scrape the spoon along the sides of the jar. I like to go in a counterclockwise motion, but again it is ultimately up to you.

The next step is the hardest. When you have your desired amount on the spoon you take it out and close the lid without setting the spoon down. It can be tricky to close the jar with one hand holding your spoon in the other without getting any on your hand*, but after some practise you'll have it.

If you really want a sweet treat you can sprinkle some sugar on the peanut butter. I personally don't really like that, but I've heard of some people who do.

No waiting, cooking, freezing or cooling off is necessary, your Peanut Butter Quick Fix is finished. You can slowly lick it, or eat it all at once. However you choose, enjoy!

*If you do get any on your hands, it's OK to lick it off.

seven chocolate covered espresso beans

Right now I'm watching drips of slush leap off the gutter and then merge with all the other drips into a gushy puddle. I don't like this weather at all. It's a wraith that sucks up any positive feeling and upbeat energy and laughs as we wither in self pity, wishing for a glimpse of a better, warmer future. This morning I even tried picking up my mood by drinking a cup of caffeinated tea and chowed some chocolate covered espresso beans. I had seven in all. Three just didn't cover it, and then one more, and then I was like "whatever!" and decided to have three more. So yup, I should have been little miss sunshine, but I'm not. Although I'm not grouchy, or even depressed, just drained of this weather. If you haven't noticed by now I really don't have anything important to write about, I just felt like typing. So if you were looking for some exciting story, go read a book because from here on out all I'm doing is rambling. Umm.... now that I admitted that I don't have anything to write about my brain just had creative meltdown, maybe I should go back and delete the last paragraph.... Well, if you are reading this, I probably didn't:) I made a really yummy sweet sauce for dinner tonight and left it in the crock pot while I went to music theory with some stew meat, onions and mushrooms. I thought it tasted fantastic, but all three of the other opinions in the the house didn't really like it. Ergo, that meant finishing up my brothers plate, which now sitting here probably wasn't the best idea I've ever had (not that my good ideas come in abundance). I really should be practising my speech right now for tomorrow. But I'm not. No excuses, just not. Oh, I decided I wanted to learn how to do the Melbourne Shuffle! I was on ehow and I found this instructional series and after watching one was like *gasp* "I want to do that too!!!". So from 11:30 to a little after midnight, I was in my room trying to do the running man. Learning a new type of dance really isn't a seldom occurrence in my life. Like just a few weeks ago I was at the college's talent contest and after watching one girl I knew do this funny little dance, came home and learned it in around two days. Then I was on YouTube (wow I sound like I spend my time productively;) and I watched this other dance that is like a cross between the bunny hop and macarana. So I took a evening and learned that too! Or for another example about 9 months ago I learned the Charleston, around 10 months ago the Lindy hop (hard without a partner), oh, and I almost forgot the robot around 5 months ago. Even though I do like to learn all these dances, I seldom ever master them and I go through long stunts of doing nothing. Ugh, I wish that there was like a dance studio right next door that had an instructor that knew every form of dance imaginable and would customize styles personally for you. But there is not, so I will just have to be content with YouTube and ehow. *sigh*

Well, look'e here, I actually did a whole post on practically nothing! This post actually looks a lot like all my journal entrees, so if you ever wondered what I write about in my little green book, here is an example; pointless, disjointed, and climaxless (is that a word?).

on and on and on and on....

Sorry I haven't been posting much, but life has been really busy lately. Between classes and then homework (which honestly I should be doing right now) I don't have much time to just do whatever. I actually probably wont be posting much for the next few months, especially in April, but I should pick it back up in May.
I really meant to do this big post on the concert I went to a few weeks ago, but it just seems too late now. It was really fun though. James and Stacia took Rachel and I down to Missoula and we spent the day shopping at the mall before the concert that night. The concert was fantastic! Mercy Me, Jars of Clay, Lecrae, TFK (which personally was a little much for me), and quite a few others played. We spent the night in Missoula and after stopping at a few more stores got home around 5ish.

(For those of you who don't see me much, my hair really isn't straight, I just didn't want to have to worry about it being curly in the hotel)

A week ago I got my hair cut *Yippee*, and as of today I'm completely done with midterms *even bigger yippee*. I also have my 24 hour heart monitor on, so I feel like a cyborg or something with all these wires attached to me. I hope I'm not miserable tomorrow during classes with it on. One positive thing is that even though people are curious, they tend not to ask about stuff like that. Oh, I also got my learners license again and didn't go through the back of the garage while driving!!!

Lonesome Rowan (Chris Upson) / CC BY-SA 2.0

I hope everyone has a happy St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!

yesterday was a good day

You know those little things in life, that if you made up a list of your favorite things they might not be on it? But when they do happen they make you smile because you realize just how much you love them. Yesterday I had five of those exact things happen.
First: Compliments from old people you don't know. Unless your a sad mean person that despises all things vintage, I think most everyone appreciates a completely unexpected encouraging word from a grandparently like person.
Second: Grocery shopping. Because I'm in college Mom tends to do the shopping when I'm not around. I forget how much I love just walking up and down the aisle gathering the food we need or might like to try for the next week or so. A lot of people say that they hate grocery shopping, but I find it so therapeutic and relaxing that it almost made me be like "Forget it! Never again will I go to a class because I must go shopping!". Well, not quite, but almost....
Third: This one goes hand in hand with the second one, but it still is a little different. I'm always so happy to find out that my favorite organic Wallaby Banana Vanilla yogurt is on sale. I just love it! It is thinner then other yogurts, but has so much flavor. And you have to admit Banana Vanilla is just way too fun to say. Go ahead try to say it out loud, I know you want to:)
Fourth: When you go to a store to find something specific, but your still unsure of what you want exactly, and after a few misses you finally find it. You can practically hear the hallelujah chorus and you feel like dancing for joy. Because despite all odds against your ideas of what you might have had in mind, as soon as you see it you know that that was what you were looking for after all.
Fifth: When your in a store and you hear one of your favorite songs playing. Often you tune out the background music because you either hate the song, have never even heard it before, or are just trying to ignore it in general. But on those occasions when that one song comes on that I just happen to love, my whole day becomes just a little bit brighter, and I often will find myself singing along much to the embarrassment of not only my family, but myself as well.

I seldom actually think of these things when they are happening, It's usually at the end of the day, while reminiscing the ups and downs that I think "oh, that was really funny!" or "That lady really was nice". I find that it's often the most overlooked things in life that I find the most pleasure in, the seemingly unimportant joys that float into my life and leave it's mark somewhere in between pure happiness, and that quirky surprise

Happy Days

You know those days when you wake up and all you want to do is roll over and try to forget that you saw that little hour hand almost completely diagonal, and then there are the other days when you feel like "release me you blankets of bondage!" as soon as you wake up? Honestly I'm not sure what that has to do with my post, but I was just thinking about that right now.
Anyhow, I have been in an incredibly good mood these last few days for no blatant reason besides that it's just so much more enjoyable to be happy, then unhappy. Wouldn't you agree?
The strange thing about being in such a great mood is that I have had some reasons to not be in a good mood.
I'll start back on Wednesday, which is the day I started my happy high.
After Aural Perception I was in a tired daze, a little mopey, and not talkative at all. Aural P always wipes me out, especially if we have to do dictation (which I stink at). So I came home all "I don't know", "OK", "sounds fine" to my poor family, who sadly has to deal with all my negativity. I went through the normal nightly routine, and then decided that I should listen to some music. Always a cheerer upper. So I was listening to some of my more upbeat songs and I was like "I really want to dance". So before my feet and brain had a full communication, I was up and jumping to 99 Luftballons. That is were my metaphorical life started on a brighter path.
Thursday I went to school and even though I was really nervous about a speech I had to give, I was still in a good mood. Hey, I even broke out in the Banana Boat song in Costco (ask Hannah if you want verification).
Friday I went to a piano concert and I don't know about you, but getting dressed up always makes me feel so good. I love that mental haze you get when you have put on perfume and take a drive. Like, I don't care if I'm in a VW bug, truck, or limo, I smell of something wonderful. Unfortunately are car got stuck in the driveway. Suddenly, I didn't feel quite so lovely, just useless. My mom called Dad and walked to the neighbors for help, while I clod in heals, stayed in the van. We got out pretty quick and where soon on our way. It was a really good concert (even if I was over dressed a little *blush*). The pianist has traveled all over the world playing and just recently came back from the Middle East. She is fantastic at her trade.
Today was the "big" day. The same pianist that I had listened to the night before, I was going to play my Mazurka. I'm not really sure what to call it because it wasn't a performance because pretty much every one's song was still in the process of becoming "their song", and it wasn't an adjudication because we weren't being judged. What it was about was we (meaning the students) would play our songs and then the lady Dr. Jody Graves, would come up and work on it with us to help teach the other teachers there how to teach. Like with one kid she worked on how to sit on the chair correctly, another on dynamics, and so on. With me she helped me with the opening tone, and also worked on getting all the notes in this one measure. Overall, she was really funny and personable. At one time, taking my hands, Jody exclaimed "your hands are so cold" and taught everyone this exercise to warm our hands up. It was defiantly an experience that I will remember.
So, I'm still in a good mood surprisingly enough. Some more things that adds to my superb mood is that homework wise I don't have too much, I'm in my comfy cloths a.k.a pajama pants and a cami, blogging, and planning on making a pizza and chocolate coconut cookies. Life is good, you just have to believe it.

S.A.D.

I'm so tired of grey and white: Grey sky, white ground, white sky, grey ground. It seems to never change. On those few days it is actually sunny it feels wonderful (even if it is only like 10 degrees out). This winter has felt so long. I've heard someone say something along the lines that we have only had around 12 sunny days this whole winter. I can't wait for summer, forget spring, I just can't wait for Summer. I believe this is why they throw Valentines Day right in the middle of the gloomiest month; to get some color into this world. Now it's white...., grey....., PINK, and RED! The change is somewhat a welcome. I'm normally not a Valentines Day person, but this year I have been having fun with some crafts.

A few weeks ago I started making lots of cards. I first drew an anatomically correct heart card, then moved to somewhat morbid cards, to well, even more morbid. I eventually decided that I needed to tone it down a little and started sketching these S.A.D. little people. Yesterday I found this neat craft on a blog where you wrap yarn around a wire. It was a little frustrating at first, but I eventually figured it out. I think it would be fun to do names or sayings with this technique. Lastly I found these instructions on how to make these paper flowers on Green Wedding Shoes, and on a whim decided to give it a try. I like the way it turned out, but seriously what do you do with a huge paper flower once it's done?

Besides these few crafts I haven't done too much in the creative department. My life mostly consists of homework, and because I have been a little sick lately; naps, lots of naps.

I hope everyone has a great Valentines Day this year even if you don't have a special person in your life. It's so easy to find someone or something to love. Just look around and tell them you love them. It can be your parents, siblings, dog, random person on the street, I don't care maybe you even love that flowering bush in your room. God gives us so much love everyday the least we can do is spread it around a bit.

*Yawn*

So, I'm settling back into my old routine quite well; wake up, feel tired, do homework, feel even more tired, go to bed, and so on. This is what my "off" days are like, the other ones look more like this; wake up, feel tired, go to classes, feel exhausted, then go to bed. See the resemblance?
OK, it's not all that bad, but I have to admit it the new sleep schedule is killing me. Although (here is were you applaud) I have been getting to bed closer to 12, rather then around 1:30ish! So I'm not sleep deprived or anything just *yawn* pretty sleepy 24/7.
This is what my new schedule looks like for this semester;

Monday: Piano lessons, and Music Theory
Tuesday: Intro to Fiction, Sign Language, and Public Speaking
Wednesday: Aural Perception
Thursday: Same as Tuesday.
Friday: Homework, homework, homework, and possible some extra sleep:)
(In April I add Practical Botany which will add classes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)

So far this semester is looking similar to the last one, with the exception of speech and fiction. I think Public Speaking is going to be fun. On Tuesday I'm giving a how to speech on "How to jump out of a speeding car", which I'm both excited and terrified about. Also the teacher is really funny, so I'm looking forward to how that class will progress. Fiction I'm still not sure about, we haven't really done anything besides read yet. So far I don't really like it, but I'm really trying to keep a positive outlook and not hate it this early in the semester.
Although it's been over a month since I was at the college It doesn't really seem like it and I'm readjusting fast. I just hope I don't become overwhelmed in these next few weeks.

Times almost up!

I knew my break would go by fast and it did. I had over a month, but I start classes again tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. I have to admit, besides the constant dread of homework, and the stressful overburdened feeling I get on the not so rare occasion, I'm looking forward to getting back to a routine. For the last few weeks, besides the occasional "activity" I'm been completely bored! I have actually had days where I hesitated getting dressed, and some days spent the whole day in sweats, yes you heard me sweats (don't worry not the baggy guy type). So in honor of boredom I thought I would share with you some of my pointless endeavors that I have done in some of my more extreme states of boredom. I've drawn one too many pointless sketches. Watched almost a whole season of Bizarre Foods "cow stomach anyone?" I spent way too much time on the computer; Playlist, Pandora, Modcloth, Anthropologie (which is were the adorable jacket its from..I think), etsy, ebay, just to name a few.

Wrote around ten poems:

The Sorrow of the Stars

Time is blowing the leaves away

to a place so far unseen.

The stars they came and stole the day

and I'll see the last no more.

Why? I entreat the grass to talk.

Why drain the color so?

The birds look down at me they mock,

and with the wind they fade away.

Why flowers bloom ye then ye die?

Why goslings must they feather?

The rustling hillside webs a lie.

The clouds they part in sorrow.

Sun is shedding tears for me,

enamored with my woe.

Infringing on the Willow tree,

I hide my voice among it's bark.

Time has blown the leaves away

to a place I once had been.

The stars did show me their dark day,

to watch with them forever more.

I've done other things like sewn a skirt, did some logic problems (In my most insane state of boredom), baked a lot (I'm suffering for it), and although I can't think of anything else I did, I might have done something somewhat worthwhile.... I hope.

Sunrise Sunset

Have you ever had something that you love to do, yet somewhat terrifies you? For me it is skiing. I don't really know why, but for some reason every time before we go skiing I get horrid butterflies. I'm not afraid of crashing, dieing, falling in a tree well, or any of the common phobias, so I don't really know why I get this way. But as the 10th came creeping up, the day I was to go skiing I was looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time.

Yesterday was the day. The 10th. I'm here blogging so I most likely didn't die, break my arms, am in a coma, or still suffocating in a tree well. I can't garantee it, but I think if I go next year I might not look at it quite so dismally.

We have to get ready to go much earlier than I like (I'm NOT a morning person). It takes almost an hour to get to the top of the mountain, but it was beautiful ride watching the sun rise over the snow laden mountains. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day, well it could have been about 15 degrees warmer, but beside being negative something, it was gorgeous. If you have ever been skiing on Whitefish Mountain/Big Mountain on a clear sunny day, you know exactly what I saw. When your riding up the ski lift, moving your fingers trying to keep them warm, you look behind you and you can practically see the whole Whitefish era. The lake looks like a glass mirror, and a faint mist dances over the town. It is an incredible sight.

But let me back up. When we first got there we went to get our stuff on and then headed outside for the class. There really wasn't nearly as many people as are normally in the class, and the whole mountain was practically bare (probably because it was FREEZING!). Anyhow, I was in a class with Luke, Christan, Mr. Vestal, and four other people, two of which were snowboarders because they didn't have enough to have a full class. I think it was one of the best classes I've ever been in. The instructor Mike was great. He kept us right at our level and gave us lots of good tips. We did go to the top of the mountain, but we never did anything that I felt uncomfortable doing. I actually really enjoyed skiing this year. Last year I felt like the class was just a little too advanced for me so it was stressful, but this year it was just right, except I missed skiing with you Hannah!

Like I said earlier, twice I think, it was so cold. I was well bundled up, but my fingers and feet kept going numb, and my nose was quite pink. I think they said that it was negative 5 at the top, and around three at the bottom. I believe it. After the class was over I skied two runs with Luke but then went inside. I wasn't really tired, but just didn't have the umph to go on.

On the way home I actually napped which was unusual for me to sleep in a car, I guess I was a little more tired than I had thought. I'm glad I went, and now have a happy feeling about skiing which I hope lasts. I don't think I will get to go again this year, maybe, but with classes and homework about to begin again, I doubt it. Sorry don't have any pictures, Kermit took some, but I never did.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Cross, Blackout

As some of you know, or read on my previous post, one of the things I didn't accomplish this last year was donating blood. I'm not a big resolution person considering I seldom keep them, so I decided this year instead of doing "resolutions" I would make a list of things to get accomplished. An actual list that I could check things off of. I'm a big list person. I could write out my whole life just to have that satisfying feeling of crossing something out.
Yesterday, I told mom that the only day I could donate blood was tomorrow because we are going skiing next Monday and after that I'll be starting college again soon so unless I did it that next day I probably wouldn't be able to do it until summer. Mom wasn't thrilled with going to town so she hooked me up with a ride with Tina Vestal "that" day. It was around 1ish and I was happily lazing around in my home clothes when mom said Tina would pick me up in about a half an hour to take me. Wow, I was like "OK, are you sure?". I got ready really quick and even though I hadn't expected to go that day, still I got in the car and left.
Tina dropped me off at the Red Cross and I went in read their forms, got checked to see if I was anemic (I wasn't), answered their questions on the computer, and sat down in the chair. I'm a little squeamish around needles so I wasn't sure how I would do with the whole thing. I'm the type who asks allot of questions (my inner five year old coming out). He rubbed this yellow gunk over my arm, and when I asked about it he said it was iodine. I was supposed to squeeze this foam ball to I think keep my vein up or something, and when he was sticking the needle in I just looked away, and after a quick poke I was fine. I'm good around blood, so I was just watching it fill my little blood bag down below me. I was surprised on how well I was doing I asked the man questions about like how much blood I could lose without dieing, how long is average for it to take, and other stuff like that. I tried not to be annoying, but I think I just came that way. Tina came to see how I was doing and how long I would be and decided she had time to run to Costco. Not too long after she left I started feeling a little woozy. Like kind of sick, but not too bad. I started hearing/feeling my heartbeat and then the world started imploding around vision and I was enveloped by blackness.
I had a dream I don't remember of what though, something green and white and boxy, and then the nurses or whatever they are were around me. If you have ever passed out you know what I'm talking about when I say waking up is the weirdest experience ever. I had to literally convince myself that going to donate blood was not a dream and that I was actually there, and willed myself to wake up. My forehead was really sweaty and I felt woozy. They handed me a puke bucket even though I didn't feel the need too, and put a screen around me. I saw the man taking the needle out of me and even though I could barely see I was pretty coherent. I asked if he got enough and he said no, and that they couldn't use it. That made me sad, but there was nothing I could do about it. After laying in the chair for a few minutes they asked if I thought I was good enough to sit at the table and I honestly did feel good enough. I sat at the table and drank a bottle of water. The people were really nice and kept asking me if I was OK like every 30 seconds. About two minutes later when the one lady asked if I was doing OK, I almost answered yes, when I didn't feel too hot anymore. They came over to lay me down in the chair again and halfway there I started to go. I told them that I was going under, and that I was almost gone. By the time they got me to the table they were three black creatures guiding me over. They told me to stay awake I think I replied with a "Ahh". They said to keep my eyes open and move my feet around. I did and the world started to materialize again. After a few moments I stated that my ears felt funny, and they did, like water pressure when you swim too deep.
It took awhile before I moved back to the table and felt good enough to leave. They said the reason I passed out was my body hyper reacting to having it's blood taken away, like "Help, I'm dieing here!". If I drink a lot of water and fill up with protein before I go next time, I should be fine. The more I give blood the more immune my body will become to loosing that much.
Overall even though I wasn't able to actually donate blood, I'm still glad I did it. I might have to wait until the Summer to do it again, but now I know what to expect and how to prepare, so I will be ready.

not a baby banner

I don't remember when I first decided I wanted to make a banner for the craft room, just one minute I was browsing etsy, the next I was googleing how to make a banner. I didn't look very hard, but I couldn't find any instructions online. I looked at a few photos of ones people had made and how they were constructed, then decided to make my own up.

It didn't take long at all. First I made a quick triangle pattern, then cut out two of each fabric, sewed them together, flipped and pressed, arranged them in the order I wanted, then sewed a ribbon along the top.

I know it does look a little nurseryish, but that wall has been so boring for so long, and I really did want to make something fun for it. I had originally planned on hanging the banner across the window, but I don't know, I just didn't really want too.

So, now it's up, making the horrid mint colored room a little more tolerable (I do have plans to re-paint it) and if it looks a little babyish, who cares, not me!

If any of you want me to put the pattern up and make a tutorial just leave a comment, and if I have time, I would love too.

A Pictureless Post

I thought I would do a nice Christmas post like I normally do for holidays, but for some reason we didn't take one picture! This is very unusual for us, but I'll post on it anyway.

On Christmas Eve we went to a service at a Church we were trying with the Underhills and Cunninghams. It was fine, nothing great, but defiantly not bad in anyway. Later that evening the Underhills, James and Stacia, and Tina and Christian came over for a snackish dinner, games, and to exchange gifts. I think we all had a good time, it wasn't a big shindig or anything, it was pretty low key, but still really enjoyable.

On Christmas morning we had a nice family time. Just doing what we always do: bumming around in our pajamas until it was getting close to the time when people might start coming over. My dad went to get Grandma and Grandpa, we all took showers and got ready, and the Underhills came over again and we had a Lunch/ Christmas dinner. We didn't do as much as we normally do as food goes, but we were all still stuffed by the time dessert came around. Mitch and I played on the WII for around an hour and a half, which actually was a feat to try to pry the boys hands off the remotes. I think we must have looked funny flinging our arms around and getting a little competitive (I beat him at sword fighting!). Hannah and Ridge and the Tina/Kathi bunch came over later and we had more dessert, talked, and played games.

Sorry if this was boring especially without pictures, but like I have said before I use my blog for more like my personal journal so I can look back and see what I was doing at that time in my life.

my life wrapped up for the year

As the year is starting to come to a close, I was reminiscing about everything that I have done over the last year. I thought I would make a list of not necessarily personal accomplishments, or spiritual growth, but things that have changed or I have learned since January 1st. I'm sure I'll forget hundreds, but I'll just start and see how far I can get.

1. I went skiing for the first time in three years.
2. Made a pound cake, vanilla wafers, banana cookies, a lemon chiffon cake, a three layer German chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting, and many other new things.
3. Finished my Kimono.
4. Made myself do the splits with my right leg all the way down.
5. Found out that I have Ehler's Danlo syndrome.
6. Went to physical therapy for a few weeks.
7. Burnt my fingers on fudge and went to the ER.
8. Finished my log and lace pillow.
9. Went to a coffee shop and ordered a coffee for the first time ever.
10. Went paddle boarding.
11. Felted a sweater.
12. Went to 2 different swing dances and enjoyed both thoroughly.
13. Made a duct tape slingshot.
14. Decided to go to college.
15. Taught myself how to wire wrap.
16. Discovered many new songs that I really like, as well as some new artists.
17. Graduated High School.
18. Went camping three times.
19. Went rafting three times.
20. Jumped off a bridge into fast moving, frigid water.
21. Took a tour of the Libby Dam.
22. Dressed up as Genghis Khan and went to Hu Hot to get a free meal.
23. Sat on a Vespa, and rock climbed on the army wall, at the fair, in a short skirt.
24. Went to my first concert.
25. Used dad's power tools to make a wall hanging.
26. Started college.
27. Had my wisdom teeth removed.
28. Changed what I have for breakfast every morning.
29. Hosted a bridal shower for my best friend.
30. Got my first cell phone.
31. Did hair for many different people at multiple weddings.
32. Saved enough for my braces and finally got them.
33. Went to Deaf bowling nights, and helped with the Wha(D)t Deaf World.
34. Signed a song during the Valley Voices choir.
35. Gave a power point presentation.
36. Was a MOH in my best friends wedding.
37. Had my 79th-61st birthday.
38. Brought and carried a pathetic gingerbread house around college all day with me on a dare.
39. Found out that Dystopian is the name for my favorite genre of books.
40. Wrote 2 five page papers for college.
41. Finished my first semester of college.
42. Taught myself how to make an origami butterfly and Ninja throwing star.
43. Registered for my next semester of college.
44. Taught myself how to do Chinese brush painting.
45. Crocheted a panda.
46. Finished my Nocturne on the piano.
47. Wrote many poems.
48. Started and then gave up on a novel I was writing.
49. Did all my Christmas shopping in one day.
50. Can give you a limited life story in sign language.
51. And had my fist manicure since moving to Montana.

And here is a list of things that haven't changed or I've not done yet.

1. My spelling has not really improved at all.
2. I still have never been on a four wheeler.
3. I never did make up that exercise routine.
4. I haven't donated blood yet.
5. Haven't made a lemon meringue pie.
6. I'm still awful at e-mailing or calling people back.
7. I'm still not on Facebook.
8. I still plan on sky diving someday.
9. And I still don't know what I'm going to work towards in college.

Like I said I'm probably forgeting lots and maybe I'll add more as I think of them throughout these last few weeks.

my life. the changing book.

I'm officially finished with my first semester at college. It's hard to believe it's over already. In a way I'm glad it's done, in another way I kind of miss it. I'm such a creature of habit, I could have kept going on with this schedule for a lot longer. But time moves, things change, and experiences come and go.

Life is like a really good book: You practically devour it whole, page by page, living each moment just to turn the paper over and see what comes next, but then suddenly you realize your almost on the last chapter and you wonder if you should have savored it a bit more instead of reading well past midnight every night. When you do finish the book and stare at the cover for about 5-10 minutes (depending on how good the book was) reminiscing, you wonder "can any other book live up to this one?" But although there might be some books that are a waste of time, completely boring, and not well written at all, you find one. One that not only meets, but maybe surpasses the first book. Then you feel somehow that the first book you read was worth it, a sigh of relief. Like wow, that one was good, but this one is better and now I know that even though I wish the first book could have gone on forever, the book and I morphing into one, I'm glad I was able to move on, because change can be good. New characters can be just as interesting, different plot lines can be even more intriguing, and who knows, someday they might make a sequel.

I don't know, maybe it's late, and I let my imagination go a little wild, or maybe I'm just thinking about the book I am presently reading, but this whole book analogy seems pretty legit to how I'm thinking right now. Like I said before time moves too fast. I've never was one of those kids who all they wanted to do was grow up. if anything all I've ever wanted to do is grow down (if that makes any sense) but I just have to keep reminding myself that change is good, and God has me in his hands, and even when I don't know what I'm doing, He does.

All I want for Christmas is "The Zombie Survival Guide"

So, I was strolling through Modcloth (does anyone notice a pattern here?) and I came upon the book that any sort of "off the deep end" type of girl would just kill to get. Well, I just happen to be that very type so I decided to post my Christmas wish, emphasis on the "wish" list.

First up is the Zombie Survival Guide. Complete Protection from the Living Dead. I know how absolutely weird of me to actually even look at a book like this, but come on, you got to love a little imagination and adventure in one's life, and you never know when it might be needed info. Second up is a very girly, comfy, wonderful looking wrap sweater. I don't think I can find one thing that I don't like about it. It's just about as perfect as a sweater can get. I don't really know why I liked this necklace so much, I think I just found it intriguing. A necklace, with a bike, with a watch, it will multitask for you! Last, but not least, is my favorite pair of boots ever. I found these on amazon, and had they not had been almost $200, they would be in my closet at this moment. *sigh*. Anyhow, I just love the color, laces, buckle, you have to love a good buckle, pocket, POCKET!!!, perfect heal height, and so on, how much better can boots get. I mean seriously, could they add anything else to these things that would improve on them? Like the sweater above, they are, as clothing goes, almost a good as it gets.
I hope I didn't waste your time too much, I just really wanted to blog and share my finds with you all, and now when I mention my dream boots you'll know what I'm talking about. Well, I'm so close to being done with my first semester of college, and have enrolled in my classes for the spring, but it's late, and that will give me something good to post about later, so bye, and keep an eye out for zombies (especially around this time of year).

79-61

For my birthday I only had one request, I wanted to make myself a cheesecake. So I found two recipes that sounded great. The first one was for a generic cheesecake with a ginger crust with chocolate chips in it and a cream topping. The second was for a pumpkin cheesecake also with a ginger crust. Well, after seeking many opinions and getting mixed answers I finally decided just to make both. Enough people were coming over to need two anyway. So on Tuesday I got the ingredients I needed and went to work. For me cooking and baking isn't a chore, it's how I relax. Like when I got my wisdom teeth out all I wanted to do was make dinner, or if I'm not having a good day the way I calm myself down is through stirring anything over the stove. I could saute or stir forever. Anyhow, I made the first one well, first. It went together pretty easy, I even baked it in the water bath like it said (which I was worried about). Next I made the pumpkin one which came together much more simply than the first. They both cracked down the middle which I was disappointed about. If any of you know how to get a cheesecake not to crack please tell me. So when they were both cooled I stuck them in the fridge for the night.

Yesterday, I had to go to town to register for my next semester classes. When mom and I got to the college we were supposed to meet Brian Bechtold, but he had gone to the cafeteria for lunch. So most of you know my mom, so of course we had to walk over to the cafeteria, not wait. We get there and I see him finishing his lunch, mom said to go over to him. So after the hushed "no" "yes" "but" "just go" that I'm sure everyone has done at some point in their life, I finally lost and walked over.

"Are you Brian Bechtold?" I asked.

"I depends on why you ask, what's your question?"

"Well, um, I don't really have a question, um, you are my advisor, um, and I came to register, um and they said you were here, and um, I'm sorry to bother you, but..."

I think is the first time I got the you have no clue what your doing stare.

He was mostly done eating so we walked over to the AT building. He asked me what my plans were and I think he quickly determined that I had none. I did know what classes I wanted to take so when we sat down at his computer I had a huge shock. I only go into town Monday and Wednesday and so far my schedule has been working out great. So when we saw that sometime between Monday and Wednesday they had switched ASL to T, TH, I was floored. After some mumbling and just being so shocked, mom and I went to find a computer that we could figure out how to make this all work. I absolutely wanted to do ASL so I had to work everything around it, which wasn't easy. Right now I'm signed up for Music Theory II on Monday (which is going to be difficult considering it's my only class on Monday) Intro to Fiction (which sounds horribly dreadful, but I need the credit), ASL, and then Public Speaking (which I'm actually looking forward to, because my speaking skills are lacking:). Later in April, I'm taking a Field botany class that last two weeks. I'm really looking forward to this class, and the class is already completely full.

So after all this, we got home around 4ish, Hannah came over around a half an hour later. I made dinner (Puttanesca sauce, yum..) Grandma and grandpa, James and Stacia, Dad, and Rachel, all got here around 5:30ish and we ate a little bit later.

The Underhills, Ridge, Kathi, and the Vestals came around 6:30 and we had cheesecake. I'm glad I made two because we ate almost all of them, The first one, in my opinion, was better, but not by much, and the pumpkin one was really yummy also.

OK, funny story. Mom couldn't find an eight candle, so being the math brain she is, I was 79-61. I think this was probably a first ever. James, Ridge, and Eric, who graced us with his presence.And how could I not end this post but with a horribly unflattering picture of me at my eighteenth birthday party.

The best veggie tray I think I've ever had.

Hi, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I thought I would start this post with my brother's zombie snowman. Isn't is great? The one unfortunate thing about this photo is that we have probably 100% more snow. Right now we have around a foot and a half of snow. Yuck! I am so not ready for winter. I still feel gypped about the cool July we had, and I never got my swim therapy in that keeps me sane throughout the winter. So I'm not sure how mentally stable I'll be these next few months, but I'll try to be thankful, we leads me to Thanksgiving. Here is our mismatched, yet yummy looking table. We had a medium sized group this year. The Underhills went to Plains which was the first time they haven't had it with us since I think we moved up. We had my grandparents, James and Stacia, the Vestals, Hannah and Ridge, Kathi and Rachel, and Doris and John Mark. Stacia made a delicious veggie tray:) My mom did the Turkey, and even though I'm not really a big bird fan, It was really good. Luke and Ridge played Chess. I never found out who won, but I have my suspicions.My grandpa, James, and Stacia.Christian relaxing after the meal and the little tyrant Shelby foraging in the background.Hannah, Rachel, and I looked through some books that Hannah brought from the library. We had a great time laughing and striking stupid model posses after devouring Hannah's Anthropologie catalog she brought also. Ugg, talk about drooling over clothing. If only I was a great knitter, maybe I could replicate a sweater or two....

Even though we were missing a chunk of our family, I still think everyone had a blast, I know I did, it was Thanksgiving to be Thankful for.