Half Way Through

This week my spring break begins. I am now half way through my first official semester of graduate school! Until this semester I had forgotten how much I enjoy learning and being in school. It so different from my undergraduate experience. (For one thing, I am paying my own tuition! ha ha.) I think this time around I appreciate what I am learning and can actually apply it to real life. There is definitely something said for going back to school with some real life experience.

This semester I have two classes, 501- Public Service Research I and 503- Public Affairs. I thought 503 would be my favorite class, since it encompasses so much history. But, last weekend I spent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in my 501 class. I am really interested in public research (research for the social sciences). If I like 502 just as much I may have to consider a Ph.D.. After all, what else do I have to do?

Broken

Last weekend Shannon, Lindsey and I made our way to Flagstaff. Shannon and I planned to get out of town for the Valentine's Day weekend since we're the "singles." Linds jumped in when Jake found out he had conference all weekend. We had planned for a weekend of skiing and fun, but that's not exactly what we got. It was entertaining but not in a good way... for me at least! We hit the mountain bright and early on Saturday to take advantage of the fresh powder.
Shannon decided to take a skiing lesson in the morning so Mathew, Andrew, Lindsey and I headed to the top of the mountain for some skiing.
The trouble began when Mathew and Andrew coaxed Lindsey and I into some back woods skiing. But, who could resist making new tracks in fresh snow? Really? Drew even made a snow angel!
We decided to do the run one more time before meeting Shannon in the Lodge for breakfast. Of course I had to take the path less traveled. I ended up hitting a giant rock that was covered by nearly a foot of fresh powder. I felt my leg contort in two different directions and then I heard the snaps. That is one sound I never need to hear again. Lindsey so graciously took a picture of me writhing in pain while I waited for ski patrol to come rescue me from the woods. I was trying not to laugh because it hurt so badly!
So, I got a ride down the mountain courtesy of ski patrol. Then I was put into an ambulance and taken to Flagstaff Medical Center. I was the first accident of the day! Lucky me, they even had to cut my ski pants off because my ski boot could not be removed. Here I am all doped up on morphine and Adavant. Diagnoses: broken right ankle and sprained knee.
Now, I have a pretty blue cast on my right ankle that I get to wear for the next five weeks while my ankle heals. Then I will start physical therapy for my knee and ankle. Oh, did I mention that my shoulder is in need of repair too? I'm an orthopedic mess! And, in case anyone is wondering, yes I will be skiing again! I only have a ski accident every twelve years or so.

Bridesmaids

So, 2009 has happily turned into "the year of the wedding." We have three friends marrying this year and two of them before June! When Lindsey, Shannon, and I had dinner together (no one else could make it), Lindsey surprised us with gifts. Shannon and I each received a little cookie in the shape of dress with a question in the middle. My question read: "Sara, will you be my maid of honor?" I was so excited I nearly jumped out of my seat at Corbin's. Lindsey is certainly setting the bar high for Shannon and I now! ha ha ha. I'm so excited to be in Lindsey's wedding and to be able to stand up for her. December will be here in no time!

Utah- The First Trip of 2009

Every year in January Park City is a major destination for all sorts of people. The Sundance Film Festival lures them in. This year I was no exception, though I did have another reason for hitting Utah on opening weekend. Rachel, Lauren, Kristen, and Gloria were staying in Park City for skiing and the festival. I decided to join them for the first half of MLK weekend. We had a FANTASTIC time.

On Saturday, we spent the day skiing Park City Mountain. It was sunny and nearly 40 degrees outside. There wasn't fresh snow but we found some powder in the woods. Have you ever seen so many coats on the red carpet?! Thanks to Glo we were on our way to Ashton and Demi's Spread party. Good times.

While I was in Utah, I was also able to spend time with Autumn, Tim, and their families. I enjoy every moment I am able to spend with them. Meeting little Nolan and being a part of his blessing day meant so much to me. Only seeing them once or twice a year is not enough. I miss them very much.I stole this picture off Autumn's blog! Thanks girl!

Back to School

The past three weeks have been rather grueling for me! Well, that's not counting the trip the LA or the trip to Park City. That part was packed with fun. No, I'm talking about the three week statistics course I just finished. I didn't do too hot in stats during college, mostly because I didn't understand the dumb stuff. In order to start my MPA program this semester I had to take a three week online intensive course. I lost a lot of sleep and probably shed a few pounds due to stress but it was all worth it when I managed an A+ in the class! I never thought I could teach myself statistics and pass! Now, I'm ready to be a student again. I'm so excited!!

Goodbye 2008. Hello 2009!

New Year's Eve. There is something funny about New Year's Eve. It never seems to live up to all the hype. Well, I guess that is, unless I go somewhere. This year I decided to spend the final moments of 2008 with Rachel and Sarah in Los Angeles. It was a fabulous way to ring in the new year. Why do I not live in LA? I should move. The SC wristband Rachel is wearing in the picture above is only a slight indication that these were some USC fans. Since we were so close to Pasadena anyway, we went to the Rose Bowl on New Year's day. It was definitely a sight to see and I got to be honorary USC alum for the day. I must say I was exhausted by the end of the game however. I had been going non-stop since I hit the airport mid-day on NYE. My pajama's never sounded so good.

Christmas- I Love It

Paul brought us a Christmas tree before we went to Florida in December. I was so excited. It had been nearly two years since we had a tree (I think my parents got tired of the mess). This year I tried really hard to make it Christmas around house. Everything for hanging lights the day after Thanksgiving to wrapping presents and putting them underneath the tree. I can't wait for Christmas to come again this year! Scout is so unamused with me when I get out the camera. I don't think he appreciated me taking pictures of the Christmas tree and then him. Paul and Rachelle got a puppy, Corbin, for Christmas. He was adorable. He and Scout had some issues at first but now they are best friends. Scout was even upset with Paul and Rachelle came over last weekend without Corbin.
This year Christmas was quiet around our house. Mathew went to Colorado to spend Christmas with Andrew and enjoyed a week touring the ski resorts of Colorado. I must say I was more than slightly jealous to be left out of this adventure. Next year guys.....As usual, we spent the holiday at my grandmother's house. We brought her a television. She was very surprised. It was time for the old tube to go. Paul loved his gift. Chocolates. He probably ate them all that same day and then complained of a stomach ache. Only kidding Paul. I'm sure it took you two days to finish them.

My Favorite Time of Year

No, I'm not going to talk about the snow again (although I am sort of tempted). I love the holiday season. I enjoy the music, the lights, the cold air, short days, and of course all the shopping! But, I think the one thing I enjoy most is giving gifts. I love everything about gift-giving, from making my list and purchasing the gifts all the way to wrapping and giving the present away. This year I was most excited to give Tiffany and Troy's little girl, Audrey, her gift. I got her a Cabbage Patch Doll. I remember getting my first Cabbage Patch Doll in the early eighties. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Cabbage Patch Doll. I thought it was only appropriate that Audrey have her first CPD as well. Perhaps I was a little more excited to give it away than she was to get it, but I still think she liked it. I think her mom liked it too. Tiff remarked how wonderful it was to receive a gift for Audrey that doesn't make noise! I hope Audrey enjoys it.

Holiday Girls' Dinner

Instead of purchasing gifts for each other this year, we decided to spend the evening together over a fabulous meal. We picked T. Cooks at the luxurious Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale. The food was more wonderful than I expected. I think each of us felt this way. We were not disappointed with our meal. It was so nice to spend the evening together, just the girls. Everyone is so busy with life now it's harder and harder to find the time when we can be together. Amanda is getting married in four months, and this month Lindsey and Jenn both became engaged. Life goes by so fast, it was so nice to take a moment during the holiday season and reflect on our friendships.
To ALL my friends: I'm so grateful for the understanding, love, support, and unconditional friendship that you give me. It's the greatest gift I could ask for. Thank you!

Lubbock, Texas- I Need Not Return

I traveled to Lubbock, Texas this past week for work. I must say, if I never return to Lubbock, I will not be saddened. I get a kick out of Texas, football fields and oil fields. Football in a small town is just as important as football in a big city, sometimes I think it might be more so in a small town. Lubbock has one thing- Texas Tech. Lubbock is the home of Buddy Holly and Bobby Knight's Red Raiders. It's a fairly small city in Norther Texas, between New Mexico and Oklahoma. I did get a kick out of the picture below. Texas is the "Lone Star State", so it was totally appropriate to have a "loan star" in Texas. A few other shops like the sharp shooter and taxidermist did catch my eye as well, but this is a fairly short post.
From Lubbock, I travel approximately eighty miles southeast to a small town called Snyder. Along the way I drove through oil fields, cotton fields, and windmill fields (like the big ones near Palm Springs). I must say I am fascinated with small town America. Small town America in the mid-west is not far removed from a small town in any other part of the nation. I believe the chasm between the haves and have-nots is greatly exemplified in these small towns. The poor work jobs for minimum wage while the haves own land and prominent businesses in these towns. It's hard to find a "middle class". The towns are crumbling. Buildings are vacant and dilapidated. Here is a windmill I found in someone's yard.
An original Sinclair gas station, old pumps and all.
It was definitely an interesting place to visit. But it's cold, windy and smells like oil. My client referred to it as the "smell of money." I don't like that smell of money. I'll keep my debit card.