T-minus...2 hours???

We leave for Seattle today! I am way excited to see the family. I have not seen Grandma and Grandpa and the rest of the family (aside from Amber and Aunt Pam) since...the wedding (??) in May 2007. I am so excited to finally see everyone. Apparently, my little cousin Eldon is taller than me. We shall see. I kind of hope not. I am going to Seattle!

Snow on my birthday

Yes, that's right. There is nearly a foot of snow on the ground and it is snowing right now. My dad wants me to go outside for a few pictures. One of them will be with Britt and we are going to caption it "we left the snow in Utah for this...???" The second one will be of just me and it will be captioned "The day it snows in Oregon will be the day I turn 21...oh wait." I think we are going to get more snow before the day is over. Just my luck, we had a power outage right when I had to go to the bathroom this morning at 5:30am. Yeah, not fun to have to search for the bathroom in the dark when your eye's have not adjusted to it. Yeah, interesting morning.

Finals are a pain...literally!

The other day, both my dance teachers told the class what was expected of us for the final. We will have a written final and a performance final in both classes. Plus, my ballet teacher decides to give her exceptional students another assignment. We are to perform a solo or duet. Some of us (like myself) are able to combine another similar assignment with this one. So, I have spent the last three nights preparing a solo piece that combines ballet with modern (very difficult to do by the way). I have gone to bed every night very sore. I woke up this morning stiff and had to spend an hour stretching. Luckily, my ballet teacher is coaching each of our individual pieces. I am to go meet up with her at 9:20am to show her what I have so far. Yes, this is for a final grade. I asked her if the was optional since only half her class is doing this. She said no. So, I am spending all my remaining energy putting together a piece that is making me sore. You would think that I would be used to it by now. Nope, every three months or so (sometimes more, sometimes less) I feel muscles I never knew I had or that I never thought would be sore. Sometimes though, the same ones that were sore five weeks ago will be sore again because I have learned how to use that muscle more. I am so glad to have a three week break soon. I have been at school every night until about 11pm for the past three nights. I get to take a chemistry test today after I see my ballet teacher. Then I have institute (always my favorite class of the day!) My final in that class is going to be a sheet of paper and the class writes what they learned, how they are doing and if they plan on staying in touch with the teacher! Simplest final and I am way excited for it. No massive brain power and no physical power for both my institute finals! Finals are a pain and I mean that literally!

Dead Week? Sure feels like it.

I love the holidays! Thanksgiving break was amazing. I had lots of fun and I was glad to not have school for three days (five if you include the weekend). I was completely tuckered out last night though. I thought I would take a short Sunday nap to get me through the rest of the evening (I was only planning on my nap lasting about an hour). I crawled into bed at about 5pm. When I couldn't sleep I grabbed the book I am reading (Eclipse-yes I know I am behind). I finally fell asleep at 6pm. When I woke up it was still pretty dark out. I was a bit confused. My clock was saying 7:00AM. I falled to see the part that said it was morning so naturally I wake to get some "dinner" and noticed none of my other roommates were up. I was completely disoriented. Then, I ran back into my room, put on my glasses and looked at my clock and my cell phone time. It was seven in the freaking morning!!! I hadn't realized that I slept so long. I can usually never sleep that long unless I am completely exhausted. I must of been. Aside from all the Thanksgiving festivities I did massive amounts of work (school work or cleaning my room) and I could feel the results of it yesterday. I didn't realize I would be so tired. Maybe, the fact that this week is NOT dead week (although it sure feels like it) freaked me out a lot. I know finals are in exactly two weeks from today. Scary...and it's December 1st. That means 22 days until I turn 21 (since it is the beginning of the day today counts as a day). I need to sit for a moment so that I am not so disoriented...

Pure Exhuastion

When I was on tour this summer with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corp (pronounced core), I learned a very valuable lesson. Our corp song was titled "I Go On." We sang this song before every show and after a hard day of rehearsal. There is one phrase in the song that I love and live by... "...when my spirit falters on decaying alters and my illusions fail. I go on right then. I go on again. I go on to say, 'I will celebrate another day!' I go on..." The whole song is about go through the tough times and realities of life and still being able to make it through...to go on. This week was a tough week. I pulled four all nighters this week and two nights of only getting about four hours or less. I am completely exhausted, but I will be going to bed anytime soon. Too much to do and very little time to do everything. There are few things that kept me going this week and one was he corp song. Singing it when I wake up in the mornings somehow allows me to make it through the day! I love drum corp!!!

School...what else is new?

I have decided to do something similar to what my Aunt Marie has done and post my school schedule as well! I too promised a school schedule post, but, alas, none came. Well, here it is...

Monday/Wednesday/Friday:
8am-9:20am Ballet Technique 1 (everyday)
9:30am-10:50am Modern Technique and Theory II (everyday)
11:00am-11:50am Introduction to Chemistry
12:00pm-12:50pm Institute: Dating and Courtship (not on Fridays)

Tuesday/Thursday:
8am-10:50am Same as above
11:00am-11:50am Break
12:00pm-12:50pm Institute: Pearl of Great Price
1:00pm-2:40pm College Algebra

This comes to a total of 13 credits, however, I am constantly working on Chemistry or College Algebra everyday. I like Fridays because I am done by noon!!! Yes, College Algebra is almost two hours long, but that is because most of the classes were Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday for an hour each equaling four hours a week. I only wanted it twice a week so that I can get everything done. I don't really have homework to turn in for Chemistry, but if we want to get an A on the Chemistry tests, I need to do homework all the time. I am torn between taking Trigonometry or Introduction to Calculus next term (I could even take Calculus if I wanted to, but I want to be way better prepared for it before I just jump right into it). I though of taking both resulting in seven credits of math, but I don't know if I could handle it. I absolutely LOVE trigonometry, but it is not needed for most majors expect Forensic Science and Physics. I wanted to take Introduction to Calculus so that I have the fundamentals of Calculus under my belt before I take the big stuff. I definitely want to continue as high as I can in math even if I decide on a major that doesn't need it. I wonder though if its a pre-requisite class for Calculus. I would need to look it up in the course catalog.

Now, I get to go and finish my Chemistry and College Algebra homework since they both take up most of my time anyways. Off I go.

Weekend please don't leave

The LDS General Conference was so good. I really don't want Monday to come. I really want to have just one more day to sleep until I want, have no homework, just to relax a little bit more. I enjoyed listening to Men of God give words of advice and encouragement! Now, I just want to have one day just to relax a little bit more. Oh well. School and Family Home Evening are going to be what await me tomorrow. I guess I am going to have to deal with another week of school and stress. My hip injury is subsiding, but is still prominent. I am slowly getting back into a routine. I have a lot to do this week and I need to try and stay sane through the whole crazy week. I can look forward to next week when I have Fall Break for two days!!! I just need to hold it all together until then!

Survey stolen from Jessica!

I stole this from Jessica! Have fun!

3 joys:
1. Friends and Family
2. Dance
3. Colorguard

3 fears:
1. Needles (of the medical variety)
2. Getting in a major car accident
3. Not having a major

3 goals:
1. Pick a major
2. Pay off my debt
3. Be a better performer

3 obsessions/collections:
1. Shot Glasses (don't ask)
2. Dance and colorguard
3. Photos, picture frames, and posters!

about me:
1. Dancer/Cologuard person
2. Learner (I love school)
3. I like movies!
4. I want to be able to have a direct path and see where I am going in life.

Ten years ago:
1. I was 10 years old about to turn 11!
2. I had the best elementary teacher!
3. I had no worries about life!

5 things to do on today's "to do" list:
1. Homework
2. Cleaning my room
3. Sending out emails to my teachers
4. Watching conference
5. Planning FHE!

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Stick pretzels
2. Cookies
3. Cheese (of any variety)
4. Fruit
5. Salads!!!

5 things I would do if I was a millionaire:
1. Pay off all my debt
2. Put at least half away for school (cause with $500,000 I could get my master's without a problem)
3. Put some away for my future family
4. Help my parents, grandparents and relatives
5. Splurge a little!!!

Five place I have lived:
1. Beaverton, Oregon
2. Provo, Utah
3. Denver/Arvada, Colorado (they are in the same area)
4. On a bus and on gym floors all over the country (yeah Drum Corp!!!)
5. Evergreen, Colorado (house of Paula!!!)

That was entertaining! Yeah for surveys!

Hard Semester(s), voting and a whole lot more!

I know it has been quite a while since I have posted a blog. I'm sorry. I can't help it that school takes up so much of my time. Chemistry and College Algebra are definitely kicking my butt (in a good way though). I do love school and I absolutely love my Chemistry class I just dislike the fact that there are times when I am so invested in school and nothing else. I have a new calling and I want to be able to go out more often. I have two test this weekend that I am not quite ready for (one more week and I would be ready). As I was thinking about it in class today, I realized that from here on out, I am going to have difficult semesters. I am a junior in college meaning, I have to pick a major soon and become fully immersed into it. That means difficult classes for a while. I am excited and nervous to pick a major soon. I don't know what to do yet (still). I am frustrated everyday when I think about picking a major for school. I want to make sure I am happy with a possible career choice. *sigh* I will keep trying...

Last nights Vice President debate has not helped with my decision to vote yet. I am leaning towards Obama, but I have a few reservations on a few of his issues...taxes and abortion. I don't like the idea of taxes especially when I am working and have almost $400 taken out of a pay check when I could have had almost $700 pre-taxes. I can understand that taxes may be the only solution so far, but I don't like them. Also, Obama has not brought up abortion. It is a HUGE issue with me. However, I think he could be the best choice for America he is not Clinton (thanks the Lord and definitely better than Bush (a HUGE improvement). I just don't know yet.

So, today is Hannah's birthday (my roommate). I love her to death. We are celebrating with Olive Garden and cake and ice cream! I am way excited for her. We are going to have a ball! I got her some scrapbook stuff, a cute bag and my mom send some chocolate bars that she absolutely loves! I am way excited!

I am sadly nursing a hip injury. My ballet teacher advised everyone to take care of themselves this weekend because a lot of us have injuries at the moment. My hip muscle is extremely sore and a little swollen. All my teachers are saying I am very close to a pulled tendon. However, a lot of them say the soreness and nearly pulled tendon could be seen in a positive light. I am building muscle in my hip and stregthening the hip muscles and joints, but the sudden stress of new muscle is freaking out my hip. I hope by icing it (which I am doing while I write this blog!) and taking ibuprofen and just taking care of it (lightly stretching and loosening the hip joint care release some pressure and help build more muscles slowly). It doesn't affect my walking, but lifting my leg or bending my knees in a deep sitting position does cause some pain.

Time to go get Hannah's cake!

It has set in...

This is going to be a short entry because reality is setting in. I am totally and completely exhausted from all the school work and other things I still have to do. I put myself on a schedule tomorrow so hopefully it all works out (I will keep everyone posted on how it went).

Now time for bed. I just thought about giving an explanation and I wanted to vent a little!

A Glimpse...

I have decided to give all my readers some perspective into my school life here in Utah! I have not finalized my school schedule quite yet, but it is coming along. So far, every Monday and Wednesday I am at school from 8am to almost 3pm (Friday's I have one less class so I am only there until 2pm). Tuesdays and Thursdays are from 8 am to 2pm. Busy, busy, busy...then I come home and do homework and clean my room (my breaks consist of cleaning my room or walking out to the living room for five minutes and walking back to my room). Once I have my schedule all finalized I will post it so that everybody gets a sense of my average day!

Now, I am very tired from all the homework I just did (and I have only been in school for a week...and I didn't procrastinate either).

G'night!

School is in full swing and I hate it. I don't hate school, just the fact that I felt so rushed to get moved in. I am settle into my life style here in Utah once again, but I have not fully settled into my room yet. It is a complete disaster and every time I get one thing done, one box completed, I create a mess by opening another box. I just want to be done. Luckily, this four day weekend helped me to get a whole of things unpacked and put away. What bugs me the most is that I have been here a whole week and have not officially unpacked everything. I have a lot of work ahead and since school has started, there is no chance of my life slowing down any time soon.

One Down...Several to go...

I have one bag that is either in Utah or on it's way to Utah (thanks Jamie!). I still have a lot more packing to do, but I am getting closer and closer to being done with packing. I think my least favorite part about moving is the whole packing deal. I don't mind unpacking as long as I have a plan (still in the works...hopefully done by Friday!!!). I already have some small boxes ready...it's the big ones I worry about.

So, I got a new phone today. Same number...our contract was upgraded (I am on a family plan with my parents and little sister). I got a green phone. It is even in my favorite shade of green!!

Okay, random entry, but I thought I should share!

Night!

Preparing for school

Yep, as the title says I am deeply immersed into preparing for school. I already have two suitcases of clothes packed and have several boxes ready to go. I still have so much more to do such as double check on my scholarship, classes and transcripts; get school supplies (in Utah); get everything packed and ready (explaination at the bottom), and the whole bit when it comes to moving. Whenever, I get on my computer to check school stuff, my friends always ask why I never answer their text messages or their facebook messages. It is because I am super busy running around like a chicken with my head cut off stressing about what I need to pack in which box.

So, as mentioned in a previous entry, if I can I am going to try and get as much of my room here in Oregon packed up as possible. I am spending a lot of time not at home and even though a few books and clothes will be nice to come home to, I have to make sure that I amprepared for everything.

Time to go back to work!

I'm back for now...

I am officially back from touring with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corp and let me tell you...it was so much fun. A lot of hard work and butt kicking, but I learned so much and had blast performing again! Our show was entitled Knight Reign. The show/title ensues three different meanings behind it. The first and foremost is the idea of weather and how it forms. We had blue flags in the second movement indicating a storm was coming and yellow flagfs in the fifth movement allow us to portray the sun coming out. We also had bamboo poles that made a rainbow on the field in the fifth movement that comes after the actually hale strom in the fourth movement. The third movement was translated as "laughing rain." You know those times when you were a kid and you would purposefully splash in puddles because it was fun? Yeah, that was the entire third movement...nothing but play and laughter. The first movement was also another favorite of mine. The colorguard had hand chimes that sound like rain was coming and falling on the entire corp. I loved our show. The second meaning is the rule we as Blue Knights have over drum corp. We are not in top three (obviously), but we have I would say the most unique style of music and movement and we still manage to hold our own in drum corp. The third and final meaning behind our title is the human reign. The way we push through physical hardships and emotional stresses as an individual and as a society. From the beginning we were building houses out of stone that took years to build and yet we still continued on as a people, as an individual. I miss every moment of it and I have only been home for four days.

I figured I may as well do what I can to make the most of my break before school. I changed my background to indicate the coming of school. I have a load of stuff to do to prepare for my return to school. On Saturday, Jamie is going to take back a piece of luggage for me and a piece of luggage for Britt. Then the next weekend we pack up the car and depart for Provo, Utah where I will spend the next few months there! I am excited to go back to school. Finally some more routine. If I am not on a schedule, I get bored or waste time. I will not like the idea of constant homework, but I think I will manage. I have a heavy load this year as I am attempting to finish my associate degree by December 2008. I am taking a basic Chemistry class and College Algebra. Math and Science are not subjects I excel in and the added bonus of Sophomore level dance classes and some concerts I get to participate in, I will be an extremely busy girl. Include any church activities and anything I do with friends and roommates and I have no life other than school and church.

I have loads of boxes to pack. They are mainly clothes, but what do you expect. I am a girl. I have a lot that I am getting rid of, but quite a few are coming with me to Utah! I also want to get as much stuff out of my room as possible. I am attempting to try and make Utah a little more of a permenant living place. Plus, Mom wants me to do Spring term at BYU whihc means I would be down in Utah from September to June with only two monts that I am not in school.

Off, to make more schedules and to continue preparing for school.

I May Have Already Given One...

But everybody loves an update. I am in Colorado (going on to day 12)! We have had interesting weather here. In fact, today we were in the middle of our ensemble run through (we do a part of the show) and in the middle of a toss on flag, I here the following..."STOP. GRAB EVERYTHING AND TAKE COVER. COLORGUARD KEEP YOUR EQUIPMENT HORIZONAL AND EVERYONE RUN THE CARS AND WAIT FOR THE SIGNAL!!!!" Can you say mass chaos? Everyone was running around gathering their stuff and trying to take cover from the thunder and lightening storm. It wouldn't be a problem if the insturments, the flag poles, the sabres, the scaffolding and the pit equipment weren't all made of metal. As you can see, we are just an accident waiting to happen...haha. After the coast was clear we went back to rehearsal with great caution. Good news...!!! I get a free day on Thursday! I hope I am not stuck with all the people staying here though (just for everyones information, there is a family of five plus eight other people under one roof). The seven other people staying here apparently have a problem and I suspect it is with me. All I here is, "well...SOMEBODY (insert topic here). Since six of these seven people are best friend's and grew up together and they were all in the same room, well, there are two possiblities, me and (for confidentiality purposes I will not use her or anyone elses real name) Mo and everybody loves Mo. Whatever, if people have a problem with me why do they not have the decency to tell me to my face. I am over it. We are sick of tired of each other and just need a break. Stella is always a little edgy (she was pissed off this morning when I woke up five minutes after her to make breakfast. She wondered were I was when she woke up, and when I offered to help, all she said was, "well, I don't need it now since you decided to sleep in." I just want to tell her to chill about everything, because apparently nothing is perfect in her eyes...whatever. I am over all of it. I just keep to myself except for Mo, AL, and Mr. Mexican (again...nicknames).

Other than those problems, I am loving every minute of drum corp. Okay, time for bed. I have to be up at 6am to make breakfast.

My love to all!

Kristen

It's Offical!

I leave on Wednesday for Colorado. I am in crunch mode. Sorry Aunt Marie...I will not be coming to Washington until about August (if I am lucky). I have a busy schedule ahead of me over the next two days! I will keep everyone updated!

Sporting a new look...kinda!

I finally got my new glasses in today. They needed to be updated and I got new frames as well! They are cute. I can now show off my shorter hair (I took off about 4.5 inches about two weeks ago) with the new glasses! I will show them off tomorrowafter I have showered and look decent. Maybe I will wear a cute outfit too (I hope it doesn't hit triple digits tomorrow like it's suppose to). I can also show off the nice little tan I got from Hawaii with the glasses and hair! I will post some ictures later! For now, good night!

MAYhem...as my aunt would say...

If you know me, then you know that I never seem to have any down time. I just got back from Hawaii this morning (after an unpleasant bumpy red-eye flight) and I am thinking of all the things I need to do. It is Wednesday in the middle of the day and the clock keeps ticking. My schedule consists of the following...

Today:

• Finish unpacking from my Hawaii trip
• Set up days to meet with friends before I depart
• Contact housing person in Colorado
• Buy two plane tickets (one for Monday out to Colorado and one in August from Indiana to Oregon).
• Finish unpacking my boxes and soritng what goes back to Utah
• If possible, visit my family in Washington before Monday (probably not going to happen but here's to being hopeful).
• Finish approximately six lessons for my I.S class
  

I thought I would take care of a few things first. Below, I have included a few emails I received in the past few weeks. One is of the schedule I have until I leave Colorado for tour. The other is just to show everyone how much I need and little space I have...good luck to me.

Hey Guys,

I have been getting numerous questions about a calendar of rehearsals, camps, etc. Here is what I know:

Spring Training:

May 19-23, 10am to 4pm

May Camp:

May 24, 11am-9pm

May 25, 9am-9pm

May 26, 9am-4pm***SHOW***, colorguard sectional- begins around 7pm

All Days:

May 27-June 10, 9am-9pm

June 11-15, PUEBLO

June 16 & 17, most likely 9am-9pm…

June 18, leave on Tour

All of this is tentative. Plan for these hours to go longer rather than shorter. There may be one other camp sometime before Pueblo… Basically, you’re in drum corps from May 19^th-August 9^th.

Dear Friends,

Here is you tour checklist and a very important note to consider while packing!

Tour Check List:

--but first! A VERY IMPORTANT NOTE. Good news or bad news first? How about the good J We are getting new busses this summer!! Ya-Hoo!!! These busses are fantastic 56-passenger busses, with way more isle space, working AC and DVD players!!! The bad news… the overhead compartments are VERY small. I would plan to only store your rehearsal bag up there at night. A good option would be to invest in one of those s eat back organizer dealies, or suction cup window thingys to organize your stuff, but you need to know, that you will have A LOT less storage space this summer, and need to start thinking about alternative ways of storing things. I would suggest beginning the search for a seat partner when we all get started, and discussing with them ideas on how to share and consolidate… Here is your checklist… remember, this is a guide, not a set in stone kinda thing. You’re all adults and can decide what works for you and what doesn’t. As I said above you have to consolidate. Less is more.

Clothing-

• 10-12 shirts
• 10-12 shorts
• 20 undies
• 14 sports bras (swim suits work well too, but are spendy and we may have days when they aren’t allowed).
• 20 pair socks
• Hoodie/sweater
• 2-3 dance pants
• Sweats, or p.j.’s (the bus gets chilly)
• A REALLY good pair of tennis shoes
• Split Sole Jazz Sneakers
• Flip flops

Hair-

• Spray gel
• Hair Spray
• Bobby pins
• Hairties
• Clips
• Bandanas

Shower/Toiletries-

• Body Wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Razor
• Girl Essetentials
  
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Qtips
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Day & Night Cold Medicine
• Advil
• Allergy Medicine (non-drowsy)
• Lotion
• Towel

Make-up-

• Eyeshadow
• Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Blush
• Colorstay Lip color
• I don’t know about colors yet, but we will talk about it during all-days

Rehearsal-

• Dot book
• Sheet protectors
• 3 ring binder
• Shoelace (long)
• Gloves
• Tigerbalm
• Sunglasses
• Eyedrops
• Chapstick
• Sunscreen
• Zinc
• Black Tape
• White Tape (if on weapon)
• Strapping tape (if on gun)
• Scissors
• Flathead Screwdriver (Sabres)
• Phillips Screwdriver (Rifles)
• Mechanical Pencils
• Turf Spray (goes on your shoes to prevent Astroturf from melting your shoes)

Bus-

• Mirror
• Small water bottle
• Bus Box (to store snacks… plan for shoebox size)
• Snacks
• Sewing Kit: multiple colors of thread (and relatively large amounts…. The mini spools work great), needles, fray check (or clear nail polish), scissors.
• Warm Socks
• Touch Light
• Blanket
• Bungee Cords
• Suction cup shower baskets, or other organizational tools
• Entertainment item (book, ipod, magazine… sometimes you need to do something other than drum corps…)
• Fitted sheet or seat covers

Misc.-

• Laundry bag
• Detergent
• $10 quarters (to do your laundry with!)

Bed Roll-

• Sleeping bag/air mattress/eggshell foam thing….
• Pillow
• Blanket

Those are all the big things- obviously you need a large duffel bag and a rehearsal bag, and a way to carry your bed. Vets: please feel free to *reply-all* on this if I have forgotten anything. I’m going to repeat one more time: please be smart and consolidate. There is very little space…

Happy Packing!

On a side note, more people replied with things like iPod and iPod charger, Febreeze for when our costumes get smelly, cell phone chargers, regular clothes for free days and special events, extra black clothes in case our costumes don't come for the first few shows, sticky tack for the pictures we put on our windows (yes, we have pictures of family, friends, maps of tour and where we are, leters from people, etc.), and anything else we may need.

Lastly, here are a few helpful sites for those interested...

www.dci.org
www.bknights.org

That is about all I can think of. Off to get some work done!

Kristen

Taking Care of Business

I need to take care of a few things before I leave for my Hawaii trip today (yes, I leave at 3pm!!!)! I thought I would let everyone know my tour information (for now...long story later).

Anyways, here is my tour schedule and address...

June 22 Stillwater, MN
23 Mankato, MN
24 Sioux Falls, SD
26 Dubuque, IA
28 Madison, WI
29 Naperville, IL

July 1 Lexington, KY
2 Fairfield, OH
10 Ogden, UT
12 Denver, CO - Drums Along The Rockies
14 Albuquerque, NM
15 El Paso, TX
17 Dallas, TX
19 San Antonio, TX
20 Denton, TX
21 Broken Arrow, OK
23 Van Buren, AR
26 Atlanta, GA
27 Charlotte, NC
30 Warrenton, VA
31 West Chester, PA

August 1 Allentown, PA
3 Buffalo, NY
4 Toledo, OH
7-9 Bloomington DCI, IN


This is my mailing address ::
Kristen Cummings (Colorguard)
c/o the Blue Knights
1137 South Jason Street
Denver, CO 80223

Also, my email...
cummings.kristen@gmail.com

I will let everyone know when these take affect!

An Eventful May!

I love May! In my opinion today is the start of something new and fresh. Everyone knows the quote April showers bring May flowers...well, I think it is true in a seasonal sense and personally as well. My first day of the month of May started with me visiting a former teacher from high school! He was my American Sign Language teacher all four years and my Skytime (similar to homeroom) teacher! We discussed school and life in general. Then we discussed a project that is ongoing for the both of us. Let me explain...

It all started my senior year of high school. My teacher, we shall call him TDub for reference sake, had an idea in mind that he never thought would get this far. As a huge class project for the American Sign Language (ASL) 3/4 class, he wanted us to reseach colleges that allow ASL as a foreign language requirement for admissions and to see if they have ASL and Deaf Studies programs at the college we reach. We were each given a state and asked to go to work. After many months of research, we had a small list. Long story short I volunteered to put together a website showing all the college that meet the requirements and then some. Now, most of my computer space is occupied with all the information I need to put it together. TDub said if we can get this project put together my the ASLTA conference in 2009, we could present it to the general public at the conference where teachers and students can help us gather more information! Then, he turned to me and asked if I would accompany him on the future trip since I will have helped pull a big part in this project. He said everything has to be ready by Fall 2009 and I don't have to give him a definate answer for at least a year! What an honor. I don't know what to do and for my frequent and casual readers do not tell a lot of people it starts appearing on the internet. Eventually, I will need everyone's help, but until then...shhh... yep a great way to start May.

I just finished working six hours for my dad today and six hours yesterday (roll in the dough!). Now I get to go home and finish unpacking and cleaning my room as well as condition for tour! By the way, anyone willing to donate to my tour fund is gladly welcomed! Just for future reference! Yes, I ot a spot with the Blue Knights in Denver, Colorado and I may have a sabre spot too! I just have to call and confirm everything first before I finally say yes to the spot! I have a lot of hard work between now and Hawaii!!!

Peace out!

Kristen

Failure is not an Option

I took two finals today already. My dance one was easy...we just had to show up to our party! My math one, however, was not so easy. I was so sure that half of the things on our test were not on the study guide (and more than half the class agreed with me). These next few weeks I will not fail. I cannot fail. It is just simply not an option. I am determined to pass every single class and every single final.

I leave for Colorado tomorrow (audition camp!). Then I return home, to Oregon, on Sunday. I have so much packing to do and so much to do before tour. I have a lot of things to buy, a lot of decisions to make...this is all making my head spin. I just need a day to myself. Maybe the plane ride will clear my head...maybe not. I don't know...I need to think.

I am going to keep everyone updating on what happens! Yeah! I will update more later!

A Very Small Dent...

Do you ever try to make a BIG dent in your "to-do" list and you feel like it is all just getting worse before it gets better? Yeah...that is me right now. I have been cleaning my room for about two hours (preparing to pack for the summer) and it feels like it is messier rather than cleaner. I guess that is what happens with cleaning. Ugh...I still have so much to do and such little time to do it all in. I still ahve to write a reflection for my Modern Dance final tomorrow, study for tomorrow's math final, finish my journal for my Improvisation class on Tuesday, put the finishing touch on my dance portfolio by Thursday, submit my resume to Lehi High School and Provo high School by Tuesday, and double check that everything is all set in motion by the time I leave for Colorado by Friday morning (including check-outs for the apartment). I expect very little sleep for a while (I may sleep some on the plane on my way to my Colorado audition, but I cannot make any garuntees). I think I will finally sleep on Sunday when I arrive back in oregon and sleep in a bed with little stress. I be able to actually relax a little. But until then...it's work, work, work.

That's all for tonight.

Projects, Portfolios and Life...oh my

Wow! I just made my "to-do" list and have come to realize how much I actually have to do for the next week. I go back to Oregon on April 27th. I will only be home for a few weeks before tour (by the way, if anyone wants to help financially let me know. I need a little more money for laundry days, tour stops, extra equipment and repairs, plane tickets out to the location and money for living arrangements while there. I am doing all I can to get the extra money, but I think I may need some help)! All this week, I get to study for all my finals, cleaning my room and packing for Oregon, pack for Colorado camp, finish dance portfolio (for class and marticulation), work on the website, and confirm teaching job (I will tell more about it in a minute). This is a very general list (go figure). I basically wrote out every little thing I have to do down to the minute (pathetic I know). In short, I will be a busy girl for a while.

So, I must explain a potential teaching job, but it invovles a longish story (and you can't tell anyone about this Aunt Marie...mom and dad don't know about it yet, and they can't find out for a while) . Back in November, I was offered a teaching job for West Jordan High School Colorguard. I gladly took and started working for them as the movement specialist and the technician (I couldn't be director...I was 19 when I took the job and you have to be 20 not turning 20). Long story short, Joey (the director whom I worked under) and I helped take them to a first place finish at state championships at the beginning of April winning previous 5th place, third place, second place and first place before state championships. In February, I was asked to submit a resume for a permenent teaching and director position at West Jordan High School (director=boss of the colorguard). I was eventually beat out by my good friend and fellow performer Bails (I was told he has slightly more experience than me and I was a second option if he declined the offer). He wants to work with the guard on his own. Meaning, I do not have a teaching job with West Jordan High School, but I may have one with either Lehi or Provo High School! I have interviews next week. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

I am so very excited for Blue Knights camp next weekend. Drum Corp is coming up close meaning I get to do what I love all summer! Finally, I am going somewhere in my performance career!

Guess what? Jamie got a snake that we have affectionatly named chess because of the pattern on her underbelly. She is so gorgeous. She is a dark colored 4 month old cornsnake and she has won my heart enough for me to purchase one of my own and give her a tank buddy! I am planning on getting one next week! I am way excited. Chess is so beautiful and oh-so-curious. She likes to follow my finger and pokes her head out of her bedding every once in a while to view her surroundings! She is so adorable. I get to finally hold her tomorrow (she was feed dinner within the last few hours and is still digesting her meal! She get to be up to five feet long! I was jumping up and down at PetSmart when I saw her and when Jamie wanted to take her home! I know I'm weird, but I have learned to love all animals and never had a reason to be afraid of snakes! I will post a picture of her soon! She is gorgeous!

Okay, time for what little sleep I can get this entrie week. I will write when I can.

Somebody Put A Stop to the Madness

The week before finals always seem to be the worst. I just finished nearly seven hours of math homework. Then I check my email and find that my math teacher was unable to post the study guide due to technical difficulties with her computer. So, she decides to send the whole thing after midnight. We have a class final tomorrow and a department final on Monday. How do you not get us the study guide before midnight. Now, when I finish writing some of the papers I am procrastinating I get to spend a good chunk of time studying. Isn't it a general rule of thumb that you should get plenty of rest before a major test?...and some decent food? If there is one thing I know from finals weeks and the week before is the stress that builds up. Here is the thing though. I knew I would be this busy so I finished all my homework from last week that was due this week. I got tons of assignments and study guides today and was told "this is due next class." Excuse me...I am taking 14 credits this semester. I have many classes that are Monday through Friday. So, alas, I will be up late for a while. Thank goodness for reading day on Friday (reading day = study day = no school!!!) Maybe I can actually get some sleep. Yeah, not a happy camper right now.

Can't Wait...

This beautiful weather makes me want to jump into a swimming pool! I want summer to be here. Today, Utah has hit 81 degrees Farenheit!!! I wore a skirt and did not need a jacket at all today! I can not wait for summer to be here! I can tour, camp, and play! Oh glorious sun and light until 8:30pm! Long walks in flip flops... ah it is glorious! Too bad rain and snow are in the forecast tomorrow. Such as Utah weather.

My Decision...Advice Welcomed!

I finally got an email from the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corp in Denver, Colorado. They want me to come out and do a personal audition for dance, flag and a weapon spot. I will still send out video auditions to Blue Stars in Wisconson, The Academy in Arizona, Bluecoats in Ohio, and Phantom Regiment in Illinois. I know that Bluecoats and Phantom Regiment are in the top five, but I have a better chance with the Blue Knights, The Academy, or Blue Stars but it does not hurt to send in video auditions to as many places as possible! I plan on going to Blue Knights camp on April 24th and arrive back in Oregon on the 26th or the 27th (whichever flight I can get for a cheaper price). I will work for my dad as much as possible (if he will let me)up until I leave for tour and after I get back until school (August 27th) and that will help pay for tour and give me more money for the upcoming Fall semester. I make money, go on tour all summer, get tan, loose a ton of weight, learn to sleep on a bus and on a gym floor, and work the hardest I have ever worked in my life. But it will all be so worth it. I will come back with amazing experiences and the mentality to continue working hard.

I get to work very hard these last few weeks of school. I have project after project, paper after paper, portfolio after portfolio that must be completed before the end of next week. My weekend will be spent completing some of these assignments and I am hoping and praying none of my teachers assign more homework. I already have a headache just thinking about it all. I also have to pack everything up for the summer. Pull out the asprin and turn off the alarm clocks. Dead and finals week...BRING IT ON!!!

And so it begins!

Only a few more long weeks of projects, tests, papers and finals until my new journey begins! Well, it doesn't begin. It all began in high school when I saw the colorguard perform at a football game. Little did I know it would take me down this path. When school ends I get to quickly pack my bags for tour camp in April (literally after finals...finals end on a Thursday and I leave Friday morning)! Then I have to wait a whole month until I finally move to the location site and start my drum corp (pronounced core) career! Then I return in august and audition for Inspyre Independent Winterguard (if all goes well)! TheN I rehearse until April and it all starts over agina. Plus the possiblity of teaching dance and/or colorguard and pursuing my dance education at school!!! Life will be fun for me! I will be spinning all year long! I will finally get to push myself further and further into my career!

Another part of my life will soon begin...if I can get it together. Pray for me.

Just for people's sanity...

I am not dead. Just very busy. I tend to act as though I have fallen off the face of the planet when I get very busy by not answering phone calls, not responding to emails and not updating my online blog. I promise I am not dead...dying maybe since school likes to kill me...but I am not dead...yet!

By the way, Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone and, if I happen to be "dying" on Easter, Happy Easter!

Oh Happy Day!

Mitt Romney is out of the race! Oh Happy Day! That means someone as sensible as McCain or Obama will be in the white house (please not Clinton). Romney was so flip-flopped on issues, but McCain is an independent (like me) and Obama cares about a lot of issues I care about. It is hard to pick which one will be better. I think it will be sad that President Bush will be remembered as the president who caused my age group to wake up and vote. Finally, America is getting a clue.

All I've ever known...

Today the only prophet that I can remember passed away due to incidents of age. President Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, died at the age of 97. He is the only one I have ever known or remembered. It has been a bit of a rough week for me and Jamie. First, we found out our grandmother was in the hospital then, we find out a prophet that most of us here in Utah have ever known has passed away. It is strange to me. When I was younger I was afraid of this very day, but today I am at peace knowing he is at peace. My love, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all who knew him. May God Bless everyone!

Life...or something like it!

It's snowing again today. It snowed yesterday about eight inches after having a week or two of no snow. We already have about an inch and it looks like there will be more coming our way (until about Friday?...We'll just have to wait and see).

I can't believe how long my "to do" list is. For some reason, it just keeps getting longer. I think that once I have settled into school, payed tuition and all that jazz, it will start to get shorter. *crosses fingers* In fact, now that I think about it, I know it will get shorter. Some of the things are on list are for school such as pay tuition (will be done by 1/16), take the CLEP test and the compass test (will be done tomorrow), talk to advisor (will be done no later than Wednesday, and sign up for institute (will be done tonight). Four things on my to do list will be completed by next week at the latest ( more like eight or nine things, but I think I make my point clear). It will be a big relief when my list of literally fifty-six things to do will be reduced to about twenty by this time next week! Although of the things on my list will take time, so I can't expect my list to be completely shortened anytime soon.

Okay, enough about lists. Besides I need to go get ready for church!

New Year...New List(s)

Happy 2008 to everyone! A new year, so hopefully a new start. But a new year and a new start generally means one thing to me...lists. I am kind of weird person in that I make lists for everything, but mostly I make tons of "to do" lists on the back of used paper. I already have tons of things on this list. You would think that two weeks of winter break would make me relaxed. But due to an illness on New Year's Eve, I am rushing to catch up before tomorrow (the first day of winter semester). I also made a list of projects I want to take on this year, a resolution's list, and a list of ideas I currently have (again another weird thing I do...when I have an idea I write it down and store it somewhere where I can't find for a time, then when I find it, I follow that idea!)! Anyways, I better get cracking at that list!