Grateful.

Upon leaving one of my classes the other day I heard someone say,

"Our Government sucks and it's no wonder our education system is as terrible as it is. We should just do what every other nation in this world does and those who are ACTUALLY intelligent should be allowed to go to college and everyone else can just go to trade school."

I found it highly unintelligent of this person to make this comment walking around on a college campus. Unless of course he or she is "ACTUALLY intelligent." Many of my communication classes this semester ask me to question authority and to question the ownership and rule of "The Greater Good." I've been trying to determine how I feel about all of these differing opinions and in an election year, I suppose it's better now than any other time to figure these things out for myself.

Yes, somethings about the United States Government are sloppy. There are those in office who make wrong decisions; because they are human. There are policies and traditions that could be done or handled in a better way.

My political opinions aside I do know one thing: I am extremely grateful for the country we live in. I am grateful to have the opportunity to receive an education. I am grateful that I can choose to do and be whatever I want and that the world really is at my fingertips (however cliche that may sound). I am not the most intelligent person in the world by any means. But just consider: how lucky are we all to live somewhere where we can be afforded the opportunity to become more intelligent everyday, and where we get to choose how we do so?

Homecoming '08.

Saturday was our Homecoming versus Bowling Green. I had an eventful day participating in two parades and playing my lips of my face. I likewise lost my voice at the game doing some intense screaming. The coach at BG complained a few years ago that the fans were "too loud" and that BSU was broadcasting fans screaming over the speakers. Coach Pete wanted to make sure the fans were ready to go at the Pep Rally on Friday night when he instructed everyone to not talk for the rest of the night, as to be ready to scream their heads off on Saturday. It worked, and it was crazy loud. The ASBSU (Student Government) gave out cow bells, which I am now the proud owner of. BG had numerous false start calls and to say the least, our work was done. Enjoy the pictures and the game. There is a quick shot of a sweet bus that some students own. I'll get a better shot of it next game and explain the story behind it (as much as I know). There is a video of the BSU defense stopping BG on a 4th down touchdown attempt. Needless to say, it was nothing more than an attempt. Likewise, there is a video of a BSU touchdown, and another video that is self explanatory. Have I mentioned I love it here?

First Weeks.

Thus far, school has been going extremely well. My multiple 300 and 400 level classes are oftentimes extremely overwhelming, but I'm learning a lot and managing things fairly well. We had our first game against Idaho State two weekends ago and it was seemingly not a game. My roommate Baillie was able to capture some of the game for me for everyone else to enjoy.







I've been busy with school work about 80% of the time, but we definitely have had some fun. We slept outside over Labor Day weekend, kind of a make-shift version of camping. Our backyard is full of nice grass and stray cats, so that was a good time. Our upstairs neighbors are in our ward and like to get our attention by banging on the front of the house. We have had movie nights and game nights with members of our ward and drove up on Labor Day to the Starlight Mountain Mountain Theater (outdoor, brrrrrr) to see Let's Murder Marsha, for FHE. It was a fairly amusing play to say the least. Quite hilarious actually. (Some pictures won't turn, sorry!)






Things have been going well for the most part as I try to maintain my sixteen credits and band, (at least) 4 (sometimes 5)days a week. Come visit!

End of Summer Update.

It has been forever. I know. You've missed me, but now I'm back!
The end of the Summer was eventful, emotional and I learned a lot about myself. Sure, it was just the end of a season but, "season" has many meanings and I find myself having gone through one the last little while and find myself entering a new one as Summer ends.

First my parents and I dug up our front yard. We had some ugly shrub things there for about, sixteen years and we removed them finally. Woot.




It was time for my wisdom teeth to come out. I wasn't nervous about the surgery so much as I was about "going under." I don't like to think about sleep for too long even if I'm just going to bed. It makes me nervous, and being put to sleep made me more nervous. But, I came out alive. I wasn't in too much pain afterwards, but it wasn't something I'd ever want to do again. I got some nice gifts though: flowers, balloons and large lollipops!



I received my diploma from Weber State. Just an Associate degree, but it is an accomplishment.



I had a few friends over from '06 band. It was fun to get together again and see how much we've changed, and how much we've stayed the same.



I was finally able to visit the new Newseum. For those who might be unaware: I love the news and media. It was expensive to go to this museum but, it was worth all the money. Also you can see in this picture I bought myself new sunglasses. They are extra fly. :)



Mom, Dad and I went to Duck in the Outer Banks of NC again this year. It was a blast. We only spent a few days there but, I soaked it up in the Atlantic as well as in our backyard pool. This picture won't rotate for some reason. Sorry.



My good friend Sarah and I went to KingsD. We rode all the major roller coasters, the carousel, ate chicken sandwiches and ice cream and purchased a funnel cake for the journey home. A great day!



I finished the best summer job ever. I loved every minute of it. I already miss my coworkers and all the fun that I had with them this summer! Here are a few of those who kept me cracking up. They made me the shirt I am wearing in this picture.



I was able to see Jamie and her family for a few days as I made my way out to Boise. I will miss living so close to their family this year.



Now I am living in Boise. I just finished my first week of band camp and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and the school year. Go Broncos!

Opinions Please.

Last week I went to a lunch meeting at work where they introduced the interns to some of the VPs and we were able to ask questions and seek out any information we wanted. Our meeting was productive, and I learned a lot about what it is exactly that this market of COX is looking for. Some of the things they said I will save for another post (after I am no longer employed...) as I have many opinions on their views of college degrees, work experience, study abroad and the Verizon Company.

One of the topics we spent a large portion of our time on was real life experience in fields that we wanted to go into. One of the HR reps pointed out how important it was to get involved with organizations in your field, to join boards and to simply be involved to be in the know-how in your field and to of course maintain a solid network. These are things I had often thought about but never really pursued. I feel like sometimes I am still in the awkward stage of "becoming an adult" and I don't want to take real life (specifically a career) too seriously, but I know that it is probably time, or passed time.

So I figure, it's time to get the ball rolling (insert manditory picture or video...)



I have been doing some research since then and have been looking at becoming a member of the STC (Society for Technical Communication). There is a chapter that meets on the Boise campus and as I continue to read more about it and learn about it, I think it would be beneficial. But I am still looking around and trying to decide what organizations or activities would be best suited for me.

I wanted to seek the opinion of those who read my blog. I think there are about six of you. :) While the numbers may be few, I know that I have brothers in-law and cousins and cousins in law, and sisters and parents and aunts and uncles and friends and random readers who have been successful in their education, careers and in their lives in general. I have not forgotten what things are important to me in my life or in my future but for now I am specifically talking about moving ahead in a career and in my education. If you'd be willing to take some time to leave me a post about suggestions you have for me, regarding being successful with my own time at school and things I can do that would help me in my career, I would really appreciate it.
You are all the best!