A Place to Write

My connection with Marilyn Monroe

2012-01-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

Words are powerful. Especially from those people who you look up to, idolize, and find fascinating. Marilyn Monroe is someone I have always found fascinating. She was an inspiration to so many, including me. A few weeks ago I went with two friends to see the new movie 'My Week With Marilyn' at the Broadway Centre Theater in SLC. Besides the extremely creepiness of the theater (pictured below, right) the movie was fantastic!

Totally creepy theater where we thought we were the only ones in the theater, but we're pretty sure we saw two ghosts, like, for real. I wish I was kidding.

A few days prior to seeing the movie I had come across a quote by Marilyn Monroe on a friends Facebook, which made me feel a connection to Marilyn Monroe. The quote I came across read, "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." It was a moment where I felt fate was stepping into my life. I was meant to read those words. I very much believe I am a selfish, impatient and insecure person. And people who know me really well can attest to that. Those of you that know me very well know that this last year, specifically the last 5 months or so have been rough ones for me for multiple reasons, mainly in the social part of my life. Don't get me wrong, I've gotten through just fine, but it was rough. And it had to do a lot with my insecurities and lack of patience. So running across the above quote was fate, something I believe highly in, and allowed me to understand that what I had gone through was not only okay, but necessary. People who cannot handle me at my worst DO NOT deserve me at my best, nor do they deserve to be in my life.

All of that could not have happened at a more perfect time as it was just a few days before I had plans with two friends to see the movie. The movie was absolutely fantastic & one part in the movie stuck out to me. Marilyn is speaking to an acquaintance & says, "All people ever see is Marilyn Monroe, once they realize I'm not her, they run." That got me thinking, maybe people in my past have had an expectation of who they thought Kira Terry was. And as soon as they realized that I wasn't that person, they run from me. Regardless, I found my connection with Marilyn Monroe. Even if it is just through her words, it's a connection. And because of Marilyn Monroe, I won't allow anyone into my life who can't handle me at my worst, because everyone has a 'worst', but it doesn't define who they are. Surround yourself with those who can handle you at your worst, because then they will deserve to be in your life at your best.

"This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember; some come, some go. The one's that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well they come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them, actually pretty much all of them, are going to break your heart. But you can't give up because if you give up, you'll. Ever find your soulmate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing & there's so much to smile about." -Marilyn Monroe

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Totally Rocked it

2011-11-09T13:49:00.001-07:00

Sunday I spent the day at my parents house & came out of my shell a bit.

My youngest sister has the Rock Band Beatles PlayStation game & we've played it probably 50 plus times in the last couple years, but this time was different, for a couple reasons. First, we sinned & went to Walmart in search of a different game, with new songs & such. Completely encouraged by my mother, by the way. Second, we found a new game that had all genres of music in on it so we put it in & started rocking out. This time however, there was more of us than instruments, so I balled up & said, "What the heck, I'll do the vocals." I've never been a fan of singing in front of people, even my family. But, I grabbed the microphone & got ready. And I must say, I totally rocked the vocals on many songs, but especially Taylor Swifts Love Story, yeah that's right.

Next time though, I think Fel & Neil should give the vocals a shot. And the time after that, it's totally Amber's time to shine. Then maybe we can convince mom to take a stab at it instead of just sitting back & laughing while her children make complete fools of themselves.

Well that's it, folks.

2011-10-30T17:34:00.000-06:00

Pending a few more match results, this was most likely my last coverage of Real Salt Lake for KSL.com. I enjoyed every minute of this phenomenal experience. HERE is a link to my final RSL article.

Thank you to all the reporters I worked with at KSL.com, fellow reporters in the press box, Real Salt Lake Media Relations, and the Real Salt Lake players - it was a blast.

It won't be easy, but

2011-10-27T00:08:00.000-06:00

I drove to Sandy, entered the Rio Tinto south parking lot, handed my parking pass to the parking attendant and parked my car. I got out, walked to the west entrance and showed my media pass, I was in. And I was completely overwhelmed, intimidated and frightened. I had covered athletic events for the past three years at that point, but this, Real Salt Lake, was a whole new level of sports writing. This was professional. So naturally, I was nervous.

Before I knew it I was standing in the Rio Tinto press box about an hour and a half before the first kick. The view was incredible from the box, absolutely perfect, any young sports writers dream. I remember doing all my research, prepping myself with information, before the match began... yet I still felt timid, out of place.

That was just over five months ago. Last Saturday, Oct. 22, was RSL's final regular season game. I entered the press box that I had sat in so many times and I felt a sense of love, a sense of happiness. True happiness. I had done it, I had been the beat writer for a major publication covering a professional team for an entire season. This Saturday I will cover their first playoff game and I can't wait. I love this, I love everything about it. It's so hard to explain, it's a love that is so strong, it's right.

Along with this strong love is fear. Fear of the end. Being the playoff's, I don't quite know how much longer it will last, only time and match results will tell. So this weekend could be the final match I cover. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a intern and a beat writer for ksl.com. So much that while getting ready last Saturday for the final regular season match, I pulled my shirt out of the closet and completely broke down, sobbed. I was overcome with emotion, both sadness and happiness. Sadness because it's coming to an end, happiness because what an amazing experience this has been for me. It was a hard moment, but a humbling moment.

I love writing, I love sports writing, I love it. So it won't be easy to see my time with ksl.com come to an end, but the experience, memories and knowledge I have gained from this internship will take me onto my next adventure in the life as a writer. I won't forget anything from these last five months, it's truly been an incredible experience.

My work can be viewed on this link and my latest story can be viewed here.

Timing

2011-10-10T00:33:00.000-06:00

It's an interesting thing, isn't it? Timing can be a bad thing or a good thing. It seems to sneak up on you at the most unexpected time. Now some of my readers know that I believe in fate, that things happen for a reason and that I do not, in any way, believe in a coincidence. And with that belief, it's been a interesting last couple months. A lot of change, some I welcomed and some I tried to stop, but all eventually ended up being for the better.

I've been worn out, physically and emotionally. Have felt as though I have been dragging my feet to no where, living a very routine schedule, which felt so routine that I wasn't going anywhere, I was just staying. I was stuck in a hole that I could not climb out of. I was disappointed, discouraged that everything I was doing was not working. My constant and rigorous job search, interview after interview after interview, and worry with what seemed like no open doors was getting to me, dragging me down and wearing me out, stressing me out. And on top of all that there was everything else. More I was dealing with. Dating, friends, loss, life, etc.

Trying to keep it together this week after a small breakdown, I was leaving my families house a few nights ago. I unlocked my car, started it, plugged in my iPhone for music, switched the stereo over to the iPod setting and hit shuffle. All of which is a very routine thing for me each time I get in my car, except hitting shuffle. Generally I will play one of two of my playlists, my purchased songs, which contain the newest music/newest purchases OR another playlist with music that always seems to calm me down, cheer me up, etc.

The songs started, I was probably ten minute from my families house when a song came on that caught my attention. The words were as if it was written about the last few months I have had. Before I knew it, tears were welling up in my eyes. Something that I try my hardest to hide, not let happen, but this time I couldn't control it. I repeated the song a few times, just listening to the words with the tears contenting. The words seemed so perfect and they were welcomed. I needed to near them. Some might find this silly, but I don't care what you think, to me, it was a perfect moment and a moment I desperately needed.

Generally when I write about songs, I post the music video to the song, but this time because the words were what meant so much to me, I decided to post them. However, if you'd like to listen to the song, here is a link to the song courtesy of the great YouTube.

Lessons Learned
Carrie Underwood

There's some things that I regret,
Some words I wish had gone unsaid,
Some starts,
That had some bitter endings,
Been some bad times I've been through,
Damage I cannot undo,
Some things,
I wish I could do all all over again,
But it don't really matter,
Life gets that much harder,
It makes you that much stronger,
Oh, some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were,
Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]
And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,
Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,
Every change, life has thrown me,
I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,
I'm grateful, for every scar,
Some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned.

There's mistakes that I have made,
Some chances I just threw away,
Some roads,
I never should've taken,
Been some signs I didn't see,
Hearts that I hurt needlessly,
Some wounds,
That I wish I could have one more chance to mend,
But it don't make no difference,
The past can't be rewritten,
You get the life you're given,
Oh, some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were,
Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]
And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,
Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,
Every change, life has thrown me,
I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,
I'm grateful, for every scar,
Some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned.

And all the things that break you,
Are all the things that make you strong,
You can't change the past,
Cause it's gone,
And you just gotta move on,
Because it's all,
Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]
And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,
Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,
Every change, life has thrown me,
I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,
I'm grateful, for every scar,
Some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned,
Oh, some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,

There's mistakes that I have made,
Some chances I just threw away,
Some roads,
I never should've taken,
Been some signs I didn't see,
Hearts that I hurt needlessly,
Some wounds,
That I wish I could have one more chance to mend,
But it don't make no difference,
The past can't be rewritten,
You get the life you're given,
Oh, some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were,
Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]
And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,
Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,
Every change, life has thrown me,
I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,
I'm grateful, for every scar,
Some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned.

And all the things that break you,
Are all the things that make you strong,
You can't change the past,
Cause it's gone,
And you just gotta move on,
Because it's all,
Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]
And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,
Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,
Every change, life has thrown me,
I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,
I'm grateful, for every scar,
Some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned,
Oh, some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned,
Lessons learned.

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What you may not know...

2011-09-08T23:31:00.001-06:00

...about Kira Terry.

I must put off a certain vibe that makes people believe I am not into a lot of things. Often people, even close friends, will be very surprised to hear I'm interested in specific things or like certain things. So I'm setting the record straight.

First, let me tell you a little about why I think people don't think I am into certain things. As a kid, despite my mother's effort to make me very girly, I was a tomboy. I played sports it seems like since I could run around on my own. Soccer & softball were the sports I shined in. I played both very competitively. I played softball till I was about in junior high & was a very talented pitcher. Soccer took me to a higher competitive role & I played in both high school & competition league as a right half who was very good. I chose to pursue a degree in journalism & focused my talent in sports writing, which I found was not a field where there were a lot of women, but I didn't care, I was going to do what I know I was meant to do. So yes, I was the girl who wore her hair up on a regular basis & dressed in jeans, t-shirts, and hoodies more for comfort than for style. So I believe I developed this image of, "Kira isn't a girly girl so she doesn't like clothes, shoes, girly things, crafts, sewing, etc, etc, etc." But I'm here to tell you, THAT IS NOT TRUE!! So, let me set the record straight. Here are some things you may not know about Kira Terry that may just shock you.

1. I have had a subscription to Marie Claire magazine for the last two years & I absolutely LOVE it when it comes each month. It's the best day of every month! I love the fashion.
2. My toenails are always painted. And yes, painting them reds/pinks are my favorites.
3. I DON'T hate pink, but I don't love purple. My pink sharpie is my favorite to write with.
4. I love shoes, I just choose to spend my money on other things most the time. But I think the amount of shoes (not including my running shoes) I have would surprise you.
5. I do like doing crafts, but I hate scrapbooking & yes, I can sew. Believe it or not I'm a very good seamstress - just ask my mom, she praises that about me.
6. My new favorite places to buy clothes are XXI (thanks to Elyse for introducing me to it) and H & M (thanks to Andrea for introducing me to that).
7. I love to cook & I love cooking shows.
8. I LOVE interior design. When I was in high school that's all I wanted to do.
9. I'm a huge art history buff. I absolutely LOVE museums & galleries. Ask me anything about art history & I could tell you the answer.
10. I have very expensive taste with A LOT of things. I always have to have the nicest things. A few examples: my jeans (very expensive), electronics (top of the line & newest), and groceries (I buy the expensive brands).

So there you go. I'm a lot more like you & a lot more girly than you think.

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Love

2011-08-29T00:04:00.000-06:00

I love a lot of people, things... family, friends, roommates, long time acquaintances, my iPhone, etc. I have been in love & I have lost love. But right now, tonight, I love these two girls beyond what words could express. I cherish every moment I get to spend with them.

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I don't believe in it.

2011-08-10T13:29:00.000-06:00

Not one bit. 'It' being a coincidence. I believe that things happen for a reason, that fate is real, that karma is very real & that it's a bitch. For this post however, the focus is on that things happen for a reason. Not only big life events, experiences, and life altering moments, but even the little things, the SMALLEST little things that seem irrelevant to most mean something to me, every time.

I often see this in music. Music to me is very important, not only because it can lift you up, but because it can help you through a tough moment, time or even spark a thought in your mind, give you an answer you've been seeking for, waiting for. Music has helped me with so many things and really is important to me. I am a person who buys those cheesy songs from those cheesy movies because in that moment, the song helped me, and stuck with me.

As important as music is to me, it has caused some problems. There are still songs I can't listen to, the ones that remind me of that one person who hurt me so deeply, the ones that remind me of that one friend I lost, the ones that remind me of terrible moments in my life, very difficult moments, etc. Although I have removed those songs from my iPod, I cannot remove them from the radio and they get me every time.

But it's not vey often. More often a song helps me, touches me, and gets me thinking. And that happened this morning on my drive to work.

I had my iPhone plugged into my stereo & on shuffle. I had skipped a few songs in a row because I just wasn't feeling them. Then it happened. A familiar song, a song I hadn't heard for quite some time, began. The window was down, the wind was blowing in my cute up-doed hairstyle I had taken the time to do today & I loved the moment that was happening. She began singing & I knew the voice like the back of my hand.

This helped me this morning. Maybe it will help you too.

Just play on!

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It comes to a close

2011-08-06T01:43:00.000-06:00

The day was long, felt longer than most. Instead of taking the bus, I drove into Salt Lake City just as the sun was coming up over the mountains, shining down on the buildings - making the windows sparkle and glitter, a sight that made me smile - I wrote three final articles - two on the Real Salt Lake beat and one random Utah State football article - I sat with a member of Deseret Digital Media for an exit interview and I turned in my parking pass and security badge. As I drove home in rush our traffic, bumper to bumper most of the way home, I reflected on the past three months, blasted my music and even got emotional thinking about it being over. But it was a fantastic day.

Yesterday marked the final day I was an intern for KSL.com. However, I am continuing as the RSL beat writer for KSL.com throughout the rest of the 2011 season, which will be end of October / mid November depending on playoff games. So keep reading my stuff on KSL.com!

This internship opened my eyes to the professional world of journalism. I sat in a major league press box, I sat in and participated in a major league press conference immediately following each game, I stood in a major league locker room conducting post game interviews as the match was fresh in the players mind. The majority of the time I was the only female reporter, definitely the youngest, and at times was the one to ask the first question in the locker room to the star of the game and other players. It was amazing and feels like it was a dream, but it was real, very real.

As a lover of city life I was blessed to be able to spend a couple days a week in Salt Lake City the past three months. There were days where I spent my lunch break with friends riding Trax a few stops away to grab some grub, sitting at a table outside the Triad Center chatting, laughing and listening to the sounds of the city, and then there were days where I was by myself on my lunch break - some days I sat by myself on a park bench eating a sandwich, texting, emailing and listening to music - and then there were days where I walked around the Gateway Mall observing life in so many people or walking the few blocks to Temple Square, sitting on a bench tucked back into a corner surrounded by trees and just listened to the silence, taking a few moments to just calm down.

A few thank you's for my former UVU Review colleagues & summer intern colleagues:

Thank you Andrea for being my weekly bus buddy & lunch buddy. For making me laugh so early in the morning and on the rides home.

Thank you Celeste for the fun lunch hours & enlightening conversation each week. And of course the tweeting back and forth.

Thank you Newlin for swinging by my floor on your way to the soda machine & chatting with me for a few minutes each time. I miss working with you, glad I know you, man.

It was three months I will never forget & most definitely treasure forever. I couldn't have asked for better summer colleagues.

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Something I had forgotten was nice

2011-07-23T16:45:00.001-06:00

The few moments I sat in silence today was long overdue and completely welcomed.

Thanks you, silence.

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At heart I'm really just a Country girl

2011-07-14T21:04:00.000-06:00

A Country Music girl, that is. Definitely not to be confused with a country girl, I'm most definitely a city girl.

I owe my love of country music to my parents who raised me on it. I remember on just about any day the radio in my little house would be tuned to KBull 93.3 for the majority of the day. My mom would sing along with Reba McEntire, George Strait, Alabama, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw & so many more of the greats. The music would not only play on the radio in my house, but on the radio in the car & the camper radio when we would go camping. It was all around me & although I have been made fun of by many people, including friends, I will always stick up for country music because I not only hold a special place in my heart for it, I feel it is a special kind of music & can touch a person & help them through a hard time or even a good time.

Over the years I have moved away from country music more & more & have become more a fan of the hits, the up & rising newer stars. But from time to time that good 'ole country music will strike me some how & light the flame that burns inside me for country music.

The other day I got frustrated with the radio in my car & while flipping channels I landed on KBull 93.3 & a familiar song from my past was playing. It took me back to my childhood & the scene I described above. So for the last few days I have been listening to more country & just today added some old country music back onto my iPhone making a nice mix of that country music that reminds me so much of my childhood.

Make fun of me if you will, but remember that country music means a lot to me just like that one thing means a lot to you.

A quickie

2011-07-04T23:55:00.001-06:00

As I returned to reality today after connecting with nature for two days, the reminder that stuff just doesn't go away & is always waiting for you when you return re-entered my head.

Also, a quick side note: I probably won't be blogging much in the coming week as I work on my future posts a little more carefully, making them fitting & visibly authentic for readers-which to be clear, is a choice "I" made.

Thank you for your loyal follow & come back to read soon.

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Did you know?

2011-06-25T12:22:00.001-06:00

Some of you may not know that I am a twin. It's true, I am.

Growing up we were very close, all the way through high school. Following high school, we went different directions, she went to college & I did not. While in college, she met a guy, and eventually married him & moved away to Nevada.

Just a couple days ago, I had a chance to see my twin again after probably four years. It was fantastic! Catching up with her was so great! She has a little girl now who is two. This was the first time I met her little girl & she's just so adorable!

Ok, I can see the confused look on all of your faces at this point. You're thinking, "I had no idea Kira was a twin!". Well, surprise!!

Ok, ok. This person & I are not paternal twins, but are twins nonetheless. This person was my first friend, ever. We grew up together, lived just blocks from each other all growing up & have been confused as twins since the day we met. Really, even to this day people mix us up. All through our childhood we got asked if we were twins and in high school our fellow classmates still confused us for the other.

I loved seeing her this week. We laughed, reminisced about so many childhood memories, both good and bad, the trouble we caused and got in to, and just had a good couple hours together.

It was a great day.

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To sort

2011-06-18T23:33:00.001-06:00

Again, because I love words and definitions and ideas and so many other literary things, you get another blog post about a definition, but this one comes along with an idea.

This time is around is the word 'sort' and the idea of 'sorting out'.

The first definition I liked while referencing dictionary.com (did I tell you how much I love dictionary.com? A lot!!) was numbers 7, 8 & 9 as pictured below.

These definitions are as follows:

- To arrange according to sort, kind, or class.
- To separate or take from other sorts or from others.
- To assign to a particular class, group, or place.

I'm at a time in my life where I'm doing some sorting. I'm arranging, separating and assigning things - thoughts and some of my past. I'm working though the sorting with help of some great friends and although the process will be lengthy, the sorting needs to be done in order for me to proceed with my life's next step.

Along the same lines as the word 'sort' is the idea of 'sorting out'. I really, really loved the definitions dictionary.com had to offer on this idea. These definitions are as follows:

- Evolve; develop; turn out.
- To put in order; clarify.

These definitions really resonated with me when I read them. I liked that it says 'evolve.' The idea of evolving is exciting. I also liked that it was followed by 'develop' and 'turn out.'. I hope I do develop through this sorting out process and come out stronger and more orderly with some things clarified.

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Math is hard

2011-06-14T23:56:00.001-06:00

Don't wait till your last semester to take your last math class. And don't take an online course. It's hard!! And I'm finding, nearly impossible to teach myself math at the age of 28. For real.

So why did I do this? I did have a reason... it just didn't turn out to be a good reason, I guess.

When I started college in 2005, I didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I got a lot of my generals done, including all but one of my math classes. I got to the point where I needed only one more math class to complete my mathematic requirements for my major. So why did I stop & wait till my final semester to take it and choose to take an online class?

Because i'm an idiot.

No, but It was a stupid move, but like I said, I did have a reason.

The first math class I took as a college student was so hard for me. The professor was old & dry & wasn't very good at adding that extra effort to really teach the concept. I barely passed that class. Just enough to be able to move on to the next required course.

The second math class was taught by a different professor - by far the coolest professor I ever had at UVU, Emilie Berglund. Sadly she doesn't teach at UVU anymore. As the semester began, she met with each student to find out the level of understanding we were at. I remember completely dreading this little get together because I had just basically failed the last math class I was in. To this day, I still remember that meeting & what this professor said to me about math. After seeing that I had barely made it though the previous course and finding out that I had zero confidence in passing this class, she said to me, "Kira, you can get an A in this class, there's no reason you can't, and I will help you, even if we have to meet one on one to make that happen." For the first time in college, I felt a professor really did want me to succeed. She didn't want to just watch me fail and laugh thinking she had won & I had failed, again.

I did, on a number of occasions throughout the semester meet one on one with this professor and she helped me understand, really understand, the concepts to what we were learning. Not only that, but she had a special and very unique way of teaching the course. For the first time in a math class ever, I felt like I could follow the lesson an I knew what was being taught and the best part - I understood it!! It clicked!

I took two classes from this professor & I did very well in both of them... then she left UVU just before I could take my final math class from her...

So there's my reason. So here I sit, my last semester, taking the BYU independent study equivalent course so I can get my diploma in August.

I seriously worked on one problem last night for over an hour till I got the correct answer.

Math is hard. Especially when you're 28 & teaching it to yourself.

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Worn

2011-06-07T17:03:00.001-06:00

People tell me all the time that I'm always so busy, hard to get a hold of & never available to spend time with them... and that's true, but it's for a good cause. I promise.

Trust me, I would kill for some free time right now. I would kill for some time to myself & just an evening to sit & not have to worry about anybody else or do anything else. I would kill for an evening just to watch television for hours an not do a darn thing. I would kill for an evening where cell phones didn't exist, and I know, I can just turn mine off, right? - Wrong. With the jobs I hold, I need to be available all the time.

I would kill for all these things, if only for a minute or two, because right now I am worn out. Worn thin.

Much like the bottom of all of my jeans (because I am short & can never find any that fit the right length), I am just worn.

Post grad life has been fantastic, but goodness I'm tired! I've always been a hard worker & always worked very hard at any job I've taken, but my internship is killing me. It's not so much just my internship though. I just have a lot on my plate right now & may have taken on to much at a time for this summer, but there's no turning back now.

However, I am enjoying my internship, really, really a lot, but I am usually completely exhausted after days at my internship.

For example, here's a day in the life of Kira, that is, when I go to my internship.

5:30 a.m. Annoying alarm goes off (and usually it's after going to bed between midnight & 2 a.m.). I push snooze.

5:39 a.m. Annoying alarm goes off again. I push snooze. - This usually happens till at least 6:00a.m. or 6:15a.m.

6:15 a.m. I get up in a panic, quickly get myself ready & semi presentable.

6:45 a.m. I'm out the door to catch the bus at UVU at 7:01 a.m. Sometimes I cut it close.

8:18 a.m. Bus arrives at KSL.com. I don't have to be there till 9:00 a.m., but because I get there early I will either go in early or walk over to Starbucks & grab some breakfast & then just chill till 9:00.

From 9ish to 1:00/2:00 p.m. I am writing usually between one & two articles & this includes doing research for the content & listening to interviews or recordings from games or radio/tv interviews. And usually in this time I've hit the free fountain drink machine (which is on my floor) four times for about 12 oz. of Diet Coke, each time.

I take an hour lunch around 1:00 or 2:00.

Then it's back to work.

Between lunch & end of the day, 6:00 p.m., I usually write one more article and then work on my long term articles. And of course hit the fountain drink machine for some more DC.

5:50-6:00 p.m. I run to catch the bus, otherwise I'm stuck in SLC till 8ish & wouldn't get home till 9:30ish.

6:08 p.m. Bus pulls away.

7:18 p.m. Bus arrives at UVU.

From there, usually, as in always, I have something planned or something I need to do that takes up the rest of my evening.

Bed usually comes between midnight & 2 a.m.

So alas, my life is crazy, but I'm enjoying my internship nonetheless.

But I am worn.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Selfish?

2011-06-05T02:15:00.001-06:00

I love movies. Like a lot. And I'll admit that most of my favorites are chick flicks and those lameo romance movies. I know, I know... most of the time they are completely ridiculous, but those same ones are the ones that are completely awesome. I do have some reasons to this twisted thinking and if you promise to not judge me on them, I'll tell you. Promise? Ok, good. Now don't forget that you promised. For real though, I'm serious.

First, I love a happy love story. Boy meets girl, sparks fly, there's lots of lovin' and they live happily ever after. Remember, no judging - you promised.

Second, it just seems so perfect! These people, in the movies, are made for each other. Time stops when they meet. The place that they meet is always perfect, always. Everything just seems so perfect.

Third, what is said and done between these two people is always so right. So correct. So not awkward. They can talk about stuff that normal people, like us who aren't in movies, can't do. They can have adult conversations & say things like, "Hey I kind of like you. Let's see if this will go anywhere." They don't have to play the silly dating game. It's like they just bypass that part all together. Everything just seems so right.

Lastly, this right here, this whole idea, this is pretty much all I want. I want to be as happy as the couples in these movies. I want a life that is full of great moments with a soulmate. A life that is full of amazingly romantic moments. A life that seems perfect and it only seems perfect because you're with the person you're suppose to be with. You're with the person that would be your soulmate if you were in a chick flick or lameo romance movie.

Is this selfish? I don't think so, because it really is all I want. Really.

But then again, it doesn't happen when we want it most. So I guess right now it is selfish.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

As much as I'd hate it, sometimes you just need a hug!

2011-06-02T00:44:00.001-06:00

I consider myself a pretty smart person & by smart I mean I know what things mean - a lot of things. I'm generally not a person who needs to look up definitions or ask people to explain what they mean when they use a particularly big word, and such. However, I love dictionary.com. And just the dictionary in general, but dictionary.com has an app & whether it's on my iPhone or my iPad or my computer, I use this app on a daily basis because I am fascinated with definitions of words & dictionary.com offers many different definitions of each word and most of the time, other information about the word.

Now for the part regarding the photo, the definition of the word hug.

For those who know me really well know that I'm not an affectionate person, for the most part anyways. My sister, Felicia, can attest to this fact. When I see her, she always tries to give me a hug - and she usually succeeds, but not without a bit of a fight, or me running off or trying to get away. I am also not a person who is going to ask for a hug, usually. There are times when I would, but for the most part I won't - it's just the way I am.

Now with this particular word, I like the definition it gives for it as a noun. See picture, it's definition #5.

As much as I'd hate it & you know that's true, sometimes you just need a hug!

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Families

2011-05-30T01:12:00.001-06:00

I like to think that I have a few different families. Of course, first and foremost, I have my my actual family. The ones that I know from birth and I believe even before that. There's my dad Mark, my mom Annette, my brother Nate, my sister Felicia & my sister Amber. These people are my family and I love them dearly, but I've recently acquired another family that's become very, very special to me.

This family I refer to as my gal pal family. I've always been blessed with really great girlfriends, but they've changed over the years & this particular set of girlfriends have become very special to me. I hope Andrea doesn't mind that I stole this picture from her - but it's probably the only photo of us all together.

Pictured is Andrea (back/left), Mindy (front/left), Elyse (back/right), and of course myself. I met these fantastic set of girls during my time at the UVU Review this last year. We've been through a lot together over the past two semesters and we've all grown really close. We've become a family. We talk on a daily basis. We help each other through all our crap. We're there for each other late at night - even when we're being pissy with each other, we still show up & talk it out. We call each other out on stuff & work through things together. These girls mean the world to me and I'm so glad they are in my life & that we're a family.

Andrea, Elyse, & Mindy - I love you all!!!

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The bus

2011-05-26T19:06:00.001-06:00

So if you hadn't gathered it yet, my internship with KSL.com is in Salt Lake City. I have to be there two days a week & originally, when I began a few weeks ago, I was there from 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (primarily because the sports guys generally don't come in till late morning because they work evenings), but I was having to drive because the bus, which I had planned on taking didn't work really well with those hours.

So I have just been driving. Bad idea. There went my savings in just a few weeks thanks to fuel prices.

I was starting to get worried about it so I spoke to my internship supervisor and requested to do 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. so I could take the morning and early evening express bus. Otherwise if I would have remained on the 10-7 hours and rode the bus, my time on the bus each day would be close to 5 hours. Yes, I said 5 hours. Are you freaking kidding me?!! However, if I can catch the express bus both ways, it cuts my time to under half that - which really isn't bad & not that much more then I was spending driving each day.

My internship supervisor was completely ok with the new plan & was very understanding. So I am now a bus girl & I get to ride the bus with Andrea one day a week, which will rock. I'm sure we'll have plenty of funny bus experiences over the next two & half months. Right, Andrea?

By the way, the bus smells. I know you were wondering.

Me waiting to board the bus to come home tonight.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad & I was on the bus when I posted it cause they have wifi!

Dream Book

2011-05-24T19:19:00.001-06:00

*This post references some info from the previous post, so read it first if you haven't yet*

So a week or so ago I got some of the best advice from a friend that I've ever received. This advice was simply, "Now is your chance to achieve your dreams." I love this, so much! I have so many dreams that I feel I am so close to achieving. Some are literally within arms length, as if I could reach out and grab them. Others are still years down the road, but will require the ones I am so close to achieving.

After this friend told me this, I kept thinking to myself that I needed to write that down or something so I would remember it. Then as usual, I got busy. My usual ridiculous busy & I had pushed this advice to the back of my mind. A few days later was my birthday & I had plans with my amazing girlfriends. I met them at dinner & this particular friend who gave me the advice a few days prior walked up to me & handed me a book. At first I glanced at it & realized it was a book with blank pages, like a journal (oh I hate that idea) or sketch book of sorts. It looked hand made, that's how cool it is! After thanking her & then looking at it more carefully I realized what it said on the front. See picture below:

My friend had put on the front of the book the saying "Now is your chance to achieve your dreams," along with part of a cool billboard we had seen when we were in New York in March. This seriously was the coolest thing ever! This isn't going to be a journal or a record of my life, but a record of the dreams I have now and all the ones that I will stumble upon in the future. What an amazing idea! My friend is a genius!!

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The day with the panic attack

2011-05-19T00:07:00.000-06:00

I had a little bit of a panic attack today. Actually that's not entirely true. It was a big panic attack.

I got up this morning, went about my usual morning routine and was driving to work thinking about the way things are for me right now. For the most part I'm happy with how things are, but there were a few things I started to think about that gave me a major panic attack.

It all started with me thinking about my age. The 'age' thought popped into my head because I turn 28 on Saturday & I won't lie, it's freaking me out!! Thinking about turning 28 scares me for a few reasons.

First, it's only two years away from 30... and I think we all know what I mean by that.

Second, there are a few things that I wanted to accomplish before I turned 28, but alas those things did not quite happen yet. These things are personal so I won't share them, but although I haven't accomplished them yet, thanks to my great friends talking to me today, I know I still have the abilities to accomplish them.

The third thing that very much increased the panic attack was thinking about my near future and how unknown it is right now. I'm completely in love with my internship and what I do for KSL.com that it really has confirmed my choice to be educated in Communication and pursue a career as a journalist.

The unknown part of my future is that following my internship, finding a job, a real world job, is scary and frankly, shares the shiz out of me. Although I am scared, some great advice from a friend today helped me realize that the unknown is very exciting. This great advice came in the form of a text and said, "Now is your chance to achieve your dreams."

So, despite the ridiculous panic attack I had today, my new mantra for this summer & my near future is simply this. Now is your chance to achieve your dreams.

Obsessed!

2011-05-17T22:48:00.017-06:00

So I purchased an iPad. Yes, a freaking iPad! It came in the mail yesterday. And I'm completely obsessed. Completely. Obsessed. I've wanted one for quite a while, but I will admit that there was a time when I thought they were completely pointless. I have a MacBook, so my excuse for never needing an iPad was simply that my MacBook will do everything that an iPad does. And that's still true, plus more, but come on, they are ridiculously fun. And my friends are all jealous now. Hey guess what Parker, Andrea & Mindy, I'm blogging from my iPad right now!

So far my favorite iPad app is the Twitter app. I have Twitter on my iPhone, but it's a whole different experience on the iPad. Andrea, you would love it! Second favorite thing so far is reading the paper in the morning on my iPad instead of trecking across the parking lot to grab the actual paper. Yes, I am lazy.

Some other cool things: Words with Friends is board game size. Lil' Pirates aren't so little anymore. And this just in... how cool is Plants vs. Zombies!?!

One downside though... The iPad puts my iPhone to shame. Seriously though. After I had played with my iPad for a while last night, I switched over to my iPhone to catch up on some texts & it was just sad, if that's possible. If you know me well enough you know that I am completely dependent on my iPhone, so to say that something puts it to shame is very big of me.

There are so many great things you can use these for & I'm super excited to utilize it in every way possible.

Wait, what? I worked how many hours this week?

2011-05-15T13:03:00.000-06:00

Whew! What a week. Besides the 22 hours I put in as an intern this week, I also put in 38 hours at my paid job - bringing the total worked hours this week to 60 hours! I don't remember ever working a 60-hour week. Isn't the work week suppose to be 40 hours? - That's how I've always understood it. I'm not complaining, well maybe a little, but really, it wasn't terrible - other than being really, really long and I felt like I could sleep for a week when I got home last night, it wasn't terrible.

I wrote five stories for ksl.com this week - on three days in the intern role. Each week I am up at ksl.com twice a week and then I go to each Real Salt Lake home game - some weekends there is one, and some weekends they are on the road. This week they were in town.

Here are the articles from this week.

Monday: RSL

Thursday: RSL, BYU, RSL

Saturday: RSL

From rough semester - to grad - to intern

2011-05-11T21:33:00.000-06:00

The two people that never stopped supporting me

So I did the whole graduation thing. It's so weird being done. So, so weird. I worked for six years and went to two universities to acquire my undergraduate degree in Communication with an emphasis in Journalism. Graduation didn't even set in till about a week after it had happened. The week & a half after graduation I found myself lost. Lost, because I really didn't know what to do with myself. I kept thinking to myself, "What homework do I need to do tonight or put off till tomorrow so I can just go to sleep tonight?" - but there wasn't any homework to do. Really, there wasn't much for me to do at all besides work & I did a lot of that, a lot! I was also so lazy that week and a half after graduation. So lazy!

This last semester was by far my most difficult semesters in classes. This was completely my fault - classes that I kept putting off and putting off because I dreaded taking them all fell into the last semester & they kicked my butt! There were so many times that I just wanted to quit. I was so busy. I was working on the student newspaper as the sports editor, I was still managing the UPS Store in Orem & I was doing some freelance work for another company - all on top of the 15 credits I was taking. I made it through, but not without many, many nights where I just cried myself to sleep.

Besides the hard course load, this semester was full of other rough times. Two friends of mine pulled me through this semester. I spent many days & many nights crying to them, complaining to them, eating pizza and drinking Diet Coke with them and taking in their advice. We fought over stupid crap, we made up, we fought some more and we worked things out. These two people know who they are and I hope they know I appreciate every moment they spent helping me. These two people are my best friends right now & I love them dearly, despite the rough semester all three if us had together and individually.

So, I'm an intern now. So, so weird also. I have been given the unique opportunity to intern with KSL.com as their Real Salt Lake beat writer. I kind of fell into this internship by a random chance. About a year and a half ago in a class I was taking, the KSL.com news director came and spoke. I happened to get his contact info and had spoken to him briefly about internships. I never thought about it again until early January when I realized I needed to do an internship during the summer in order to actually get my degree. One night, off of a whim and probably hopped up on way to much Diet Coke, I emailed him and stated I was interested in a summer internship and wondered what KSL.com had to offer. He emailed me back, we set up a meeting, we had a meeting - and just like that he offered me an internship. Because it all happened so quickly and I honestly was not expecting them to just offer me an internship I didn't accept it right away. I first consulted a few journalist friends to see what they thought and after much deliberation I decided it was the right fit for me. I accepted the internship and now here we are a few months later - the internship started last Saturday as I covered my first Real Salt Lake game.

My job as their RSL beat writer is to not write game recaps, but write the story within the story of the games and other things going on with RSL. It's challenging and a different writing style than I've mostly done, but I accepted the challenge and hope to stand out in my internship and really show them what I can do.

I've written two articles for them so far. The first is here & the second is here. From here on out, I'll try to post most of my stories or at least links to them - and will blog throughout my internship so you can all experience it also.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!

2010-12-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Today is my mothers birthday! My mom is REALLY great & I wanted her to know how much I love her & so I've compiled a list of silly things I love about her.

This was on Christmas Eve - she was cooking & had powdered sugar on her nose, but didn't know it.

1. She's always very supportive of whatever I choose to do.
2. She goes over her text limit. I love that she texts.
3. She's a die hard cougar football fan - goes with my dad to every game & cheers loud.
4. She knows more about Hollywood stars than I do. My sisters & I will be talking about some celebrity & she'll pipe in & say things like, "Didn't they break up?" She knows her celebrity gossip.
5. Sometimes when we get her laughing really hard she snorts. Its hilarious!
6. She's very fashionable - spends more on clothing than I do & used to complain about how much I spent on a pair of jeans - very cute.
7. She has a great "happy face."
8. She's very good at the game 'Reverse Charades' - very funny.
9. She cares about my education. Everytime I see her she asks me about my classes & how school is going.
10. She'll watch sports with my dad. So awesome.

I could go on forever because my mom is amazing! I love her & I hope that she knows it.

My sports column dedicated to father & brother this week:

2010-11-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

The weekly issue for the UVU Review comes out on Monday each week so last week while I was contemplating what to write for my sports column I decided that since it would come out on the Monday of Thanksgiving week I would write about who I have to thank for my sports knowledge & career choice.

Click HERE to read it.

This week's articles ... Enjoy.

2010-11-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

I am loving being the sports editor for the UVU Review, but I don't get to write as much as I did when I was just a sports writer or the assistant sports editor. I miss that a lot, but here is what I wrote for the current issue.

Feature on UVU Volleyball's Lanni O'Reilly - this was the last feature I will do on UVU Volleyball, and it makes me sad. I've really enjoyed covering the volleyball team the last two seasons. The girls & coaches are fantastic and I really cherish the relationships I have made with them.

Article featuring UVU Volleyball's Seniors on their victorious 'Senior Night'.

Enjoy!

Face lift & update

2010-09-27T23:27:00.001-06:00

I'm busy as hell, so don't come at me for not posting for a while. But here's an update:

I got distracted from homework tonight by my struggling blog that apparently got the background I had on here deleted. I don't know why. But I gave it a face lift. I like it. For now anyways.

Here's what's going on:

The newspaper, school, paid job #1, paid job #2 and free lance work consumes my life. In that order.

Here's what's coming up:

Trip to Louisville the end of October with the newspaper. Yes, I will bring back an overpriced Louisville Slugger. For me, not for you.
Trip to NYC again in the spring with a fellow editor - for a day with The New York Times.

Here's some of my latest work (the links anyways - you have hands, click on them):

Feature of UVU Volleyball's Kayli Doxey - one of the BEST volleyball players I have ever met.
My favorite column I've written so far this year.
Women's Volleyball Preview I wrote before their season started - they LOVED it, by the way. Seriously. They asked me to print up copies on card stock for them. They love me and I love them.
Another column I enjoyed writing.

Here's what music I'm enjoying right now:

Love The Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna) - Eminem
Anywhere But Here - Safetysuit - I went to their concert a few weeks ago. It rocked.
Just A Dream - Nelly
Club Can't Handle Me (feat. David Guetta) - Flo Rida

Well that's enough. My blogging time has run out. Must get back to my busy life now and the homework I put off tonight. Well, maybe.

Golfing with a 4-year old in pink boots, need I say more?

2010-06-06T20:46:00.008-06:00

A couple weeks ago my brother called me & asked if I wanted to go hit golf balls with him and his daughter Addi. I was able to leave work early so that I could join them & I'm so glad I did. My niece was so funny... as soon as I walked into their house she said to me, "Kira are you coming golfing too?" When I replied with a yes she was super excited. My favorite was her outfit, especially her boots - which she calls her "Hannah Montana" boots. Before we left the house Nate said told Addi to go change her shoes & she refused & I'm so glad she did because they are awesome!

We headed up to the Spanish Fork golf coarse and paid for a couple buckets of golf balls. Addi needed a small golf club so the lady behind the counter found one for her & she was so excited that it was her size.

We headed out the the driving range & Addi had to have her own bucket so she grabbed an empty one & started filling it up with golf balls from her dad's bucket & I think she would have taken all of them if he would have let her... she was just so excited.

Here's some photos & videos:

She was trying so hard to hit the golf balls.

Addi showing off her club a golf ball.

My favorite... she's very serious about golf.

When we ran out of golf balls she was so sad - she took the matter into her own hands & takes off onto the green and starts picking up the balls she hit that didn't go very far & started filling up her bucket again. Then she wanted to practice putting so she grabbed a golf ball & went over to the putting green.

As we took the buckets back into the clubhouse & Addi handed the lady back the golf club, she said (in a worn out tone), "I had fun." It was hilarious! We had a good time!

Update ...

2010-05-25T21:23:00.006-06:00

I was recently told by a great friend that "I'm terrible at my blog". It wasn't offensive, it wasn't personal, it was the absolute truth. I am terrible at updating my blog. I used to be really good & then lets face it, I got extremely lazy about it. So here is a little update.

Since my last blog the end of the semester stress took over & school got really busy. Since the semester ended I got really lazy & have slept a lot, been running a lot training for my next race that is June 18-19 (yes two days) and have been working a lot.

The end of the semester busyness consisted of the usual end-of-semester final exams & final projects as well as a very important application process.

The application process went well & for the next year I will be over the sports section of the UVU Review as the Sports Editor. I have worked towards this position for the last two years. I began as a sports writer for the first year & then worked as the Assistant Sports Editor for the last year. I'm without words excited about this opportunity I have been given. The UVU Review has been like a second family for me & I absolutely love every thing about it.

In other good news ... in meeting with my academic counselor this last semester we figured out a graduation date. I am pleased to report that I only have two semesters left. I will be able to walk at April 2011 graduation, will do my final internship during the summer of 2011 and will receive my college education diploma at the end of the summer.

Random side note... about a week & a half ago I was at work & almost lost the top part of my wedding ring finger (not a good sign I don't think). For those of you who know what I do as a job your probably immediately thinking I cut myself with a box cutter... but your wrong. I was making some keys on our ancient key machine (something I have done weekly for the last five years) & my finger got smashed in part of the machine & was stuck between two heavy parts. Instead of loosening the part of the machine that was holding my finger in between the two heavy parts, I panicked & pulled my finger out. I could not believe the pain, it was unbelievable!! I couldn't even scream it hurt so bad. Of course I was at work & wanted to look tough so amazingly I didn't cry, but damn it hurt! My finger bled for quite a while & I was in so much pain by the time I got the bleeding stopped that I didn't really know what to do so I took some pain medication I had with me & within minutes the pain subsidized a little bit, but I still had a few hours on my work shift & lets just say they were not happy hours. I honestly probably should've gone & had it looked at, but I didn't. For about a week I had to wear a makeshift bandage or at times bandages just to keep my finger protected enough so it wouldn't hurt so bad when I did everyday things. It was hard to function with everyday stuff like typing, washing my hair (that was interesting with one had), texting, etc... It has finally healed enough to see the damage that was done. Basically I have a crack across the bottom part of my nail & it is indented into my finger (if that makes any sense at all). I can finally type mostly normal again, for a while there I was typing one handed, not so fun - especially for a writer. It still feels funny & looks nasty, but I'm just glad I still have the whole finger.

Ok that side note was kinda lengthy... my bad...

Ok I'm done blogging now. Your welcome Misti.

I fell in love...

2010-04-05T21:44:00.045-06:00

For five days in March I had the opportunity to go to NYC for a journalism conference with the UVU Review & all I have to say is I fell in love with it & now I will likely move there. Allow me to take you through my trip. This may be length... but enjoy.

We were lucky enough to be staying in Times Square at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. We arrived and it was pouring rain... and some random person got in my picture.

We got all checked into our hotel & even though it was nearing late evening & it was raining super hard, we weren't going to let that keep us from the city. We were starving so grabbed some famous NY pizza (delicious by the way) and then headed down to the subway & took off to do some exploring.

The next morning it was still raining a little bit, but it was neat to see the fog cover atop the buildings.

We had the entire day to do whatever we wanted since our conference classes didn't begin till the next day. We all decided we wanted to go to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) - this building is beautiful and huge. It was remarkable to stand and look at works of art by Vincent Van gogh & Pablo Picasso, paintings that were done so long ago, and I was looking at them in real life - remarkable, just remarkable.

On the fourth day I was there, a colleage of mine decided that we should try & get into The Late Show with David Letterman on standby. We submitted our names & headed down to stand in line after some morning classes.

We stood in the standby line for probably 45 minutes & didn't get in, but we did get to see Jennifer Aniston exit the morning taping of The Late Show with David Letterman which was really cool!

Since we didn't get into the show and we were already away from the hotel we decided to go see some more of the city. Here's what we found.

THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING!

For the next two & a half days we were in classes all day learning from amazing media personnel & got out to go explore the city as much as we could, but it wasn't until the last day I was there that I really saw the city.

It rained the entire time until the last day & I was ok with that, because what I saw the last day I experienced the last day was what made me want to move there.

The last day began by going down to the Today Show at 5:30am with one of the girls in my group & hanging out there until we got on t.v. - and yes we did! It was so much fun!!

Me & Merinda. Yeah, my sign says "Hi Mom! I made it to NY!"

NBC News Studios

After we got onto t.v. we were freezing so we left & walked back to the hotel. Later that day a couple of us were fortunate enough to get into a media tour at Marie Claire magazine - so we headed down a few blocks from our hotel & found the building we were in. It was right near Central Park and Trump Tower. We went on the media tour & met the lead designer, copy editor, a photographer, and an artist that work for Marie Claire magazine & they were all so fun & super down to earth - which was not something I expected, but people will surprise you.

Entrance to Marie Claire Magazine - Pretty snazzy!

At this point in the trip I was pretty down because I hadn't been able to see the city from above during the day. I had seen it at night from the top of our hotel, but I wasn't able to see it during the day, which has always been a dream of mine. As we were walking around the magazine office we walked into a room and were listening to the lead designer talk about the operations of the magazine when one of the guys in my group elbowed me & pointed to the glass windows - I was blown away by the view of the city. It was absolutely breath taking & I was speechless. Here are some shots I was able to sneak while they were talking to us, there not great because I just used my iPhone, but you'll get the picture.

Here is a few more of things we were able to see the last day - now mind you I took over 200 pictures while I was there, so there's plenty more, but I won't put you through any more than this.

Central Park! I LOVE IT!!

Trump Tower - HUGE

Statue of Liberty - Beautiful!

Ground Zero - very humbling & emotional

Manhattan LDS Temple - quite the experience!

I was fortunate enough to capture this moment while we were down at ground zero - this is my favorite picture of the entire trip.

Two ground zero workers taking a smoke break, chatting & perhaps reflecting on the events of nearly ten years ago.

My 2009 and those 2010 New Years Resolution Things...

2010-01-04T21:53:00.023-07:00

2009 was an interesting year for me. It started out a pretty rough year for me, but became really quite an excellent year for me. The end of 2008 was a hard time for me, so that ran over into 2009, but during 2009 I entered into the second semester of being a part of the UVU Review. This program has changed my life. I have Parker Donat to thank for getting me involved with the UVU Review. I met him during the fall of 2008 in a couple of communication classes & he urged me to start writing for the paper. Thanks Park!! From the fall of 2008 to today I have gone from just a silly writer goofing around, to the Assistant Sports Editor. This last year with the Review has been the best year yet, being able to get more involved with UVU athletics & getting to know the athletes & coaches more has be so much fun!! I can never say this enough but I love the UVU Review & hope that 2010 with them will just get even better!

This last year I was able to accomplish three of the greatest achievements of my life thus far:

Most of you know that I am a big runner & I have a boss that is a even bigger runner. For the last four & a half years that I have worked for him he has urged me to take on marathoning. For years I have enjoyed short races such as 5 and 10k's (3 & 6 milers), but this year I took my boss' advice & entered a half & full marathon. The half was amazing! By far the greatest running experience I have had thus far & will run it again this year. The full marathon was interesting... devastating... and a wonderful experience all at the same time. Training 20 miles only to get injured during the marathon was completely devastating, but having my family there for me was really amazing. I was able to go through the temple this year and become endowed. It was amazing & has changed my life. My family & closest friends were with me & I was very grateful for that.

New Years resolutions to me are kind of ridiculous because I believe that you don't need to wait till a new year to make resolutions, which are just goals... you can make goals any time of the year & accomplish them just the same. But it never fails, people always ask me what mine are so here they are. Most of these are things that I have set over the last six months & will continue to set more this year.

Run two half marathons this year: Hobble Creek again & probably SLC

Do a session in all of the Utah temples

Make it back to Mesa

Become the Sports Editor for the UVU Review

Save enough money to lease a condo after I graduate

Count my blessings every day!

Touch millions with the written word

Happy 2010! BRING IT ON!!

Far overdue...

2009-10-26T19:03:00.010-06:00

Ok, so I suck at blogging now. I have seriously been ridiculously busy & never had a semester like this before. Here are some big things that have happened since my last post.

1. Assistant Sports Editor for the UVU Review.

I have written for the Review for the last year & I absolutely love every minute of it. It is definitely the best educational decision I have ever made. I started last fall as a writer for the sports section & worked my A off this last year to show that I was serious & my hard work payed off this September when I was asked to be the Assistant Sports Editor. This semester I was put in charge of covering the UVU Women's Volleyball matches. I have fallen in love with college volleyball. They are sooooooo good!!! Seriously I could not believe how intense the matches get. I have also been able to interview a few of the players and write feature's on them for the paper. They are very talented athletes & really cool girls! I have also been put in charge of covering UVU Women's Basketball this semester which will begin in a few weeks & I can't wait! Check out my current article for the UVU Review which features Senior Outside Hitter Camie Manwill here: http://www.uvureview.com/2009/10/26/camie-manwill-bounces-back-for-her-senior-season/

2. St. George Marathon

Most of you know that I took the entire summer to train for the St. George Marathon. On September 19th I did my final long run (18 miles) in preparation for the marathon & I was stoked to go run in St. George. Conference weekend I headed to St. George & my entire family (minus my bro, cuz he thought he needed to go hunting) came with me to cheer me on & I was so grateful for the support. Sadly I was not able to finish the race due to a knee problem that occurred while I was running the marathon. Here's what happened.... The marathon began & I was excited & absolutely loving the entire atmosphere of the race & the cool people that I had met that morning. I was feeling amazing, it was definitely the best run I had ever had thus far. I got to around 12 miles and my right knee started to hurt, a pain I had never had before when I was running. So at mile 13 I stopped at an aid station and had them put some IcyHot on it. By the time I got to mile 15 I could barely put any pressure on it while trying to run, so I walked to mile 16 where there was EMTs & talked to them... they looked at it, said it looked a little swollen, was definitely enflamed so they gave me two choices... 1. they could wrap it & allow me to walk the remainder of the race - 10 more miles (which at that point would have taken me close to 4 hours) or 2. I could pull out of the race & the shuttle would take me down to the medical tent at the finish. I was completely devastated as I rode down to the finish in the shuttle. I felt like a failure. But after a few weeks of replaying it in my head, I feel like I got hurt for a reason. I don't know what that reason is, but I'm sure I will figure it out. I went to the doctor & they told me that it wasn't a major problem, probably just a bad strain, & gave me some instructions on how to heal it. So from here on out I will only participate in half-marathon distance and under because I know I can handle that distance because I have done it without any problems.

New week... new article! I love the UVU Review!!

2009-09-05T00:44:00.010-06:00

Ok so I know that I mostly only post my articles, but I have other stuff to post soon too when I've got some serious blogging time... posting articles only takes me a minute or two so just bare with me for now. This article is the men's and women's cross country season preview. Last season when I started working on the Review I was assigned a cross country article for my first assignment. It was so fun to do the preview for this season. Enjoy!

UVU cross country ready for NCAA

By Kira Terry

UVU's cross country women's team clinched the Great West Conference Championships last year and this year both the women's and men's teams have been picked to win the conference titles.

"We're excited about this year because it's our first year where we can qualify for the NCAA championships," said coach Scott Houle. Beyond being thrilled for the NCAA championships, Houle said, "The team is excited for just the fact that they've got to a point where we've got pre-season rankings."

Houle has brought in many new recruits for this season. "We feel like we've got the best team and that we'll do very well," said Houle.

"This season's team goals are to win the conference championship and then just see how we can do at the NCAA championships," said Houle. "It's going to be pretty tough because they only take two teams from our region and there's some great teams there, but I know we have a team put together that can do well and I know we can represent our University very well."

With the NCAA championships part of this years schedule, UVU chose not to host a local meet, which they have done in the past as well as attending the local BYU meet. Instead, UVU has put together a schedule that will give them the opportunity to compete against many other great teams.

UVU will have one opportunity to compete in state at the Color Country Invitational held at Southern Utah University in Cedar City halfway through the season in mid-October.

UVU will kick off its 2009 season at the Wyoming Invitational on Sept. 4 in Laramie Wyoming.

Current Article's in the Review

2009-08-04T21:15:00.010-06:00

I love writing for the UVU Review & I love even more being the only girl on the sports staff. Walking into a press box of a game and having 3 guys stare at me like "What the hell are you doing here" & then they see my press pass & realize I am legit and I am a sports reporter! Classic! Here are my current articles in the Review. Enjoy!

Owlz finish series with a win

By Kira Terry

The Orem Owlz had some ups, and downs at the Brent Brown ballpark last Monday night July 27, but ended with a win against the Casper Ghosts.

The Owlz were the first on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning. A long hit to far center field got Michael Wing to third base and then eventually brought Wing in for the first run of the game.

In the second inning Casper took a 5-2 lead over the Owlz. A wild pitch from Tyler Kehrer of the Owlz got it all started bringing in one Casper runner. Then a home run hit by Casper player Jared Clark brought them to the lead.

Things didn't heat up again till the bottom of the sixth inning. The first three batters of the inning for the Owlz all got base hits making the bases loaded. Richard Cates then got a good hit bringing in two of the Owlz runners, bringing Orem within one run of Casper.

Dillon Baird stepped up to the plate and shelled out his first home run of the season bringing the score to 7-6 for Orem, and giving them their first lead since the second inning.

Hits by Wing and Carlos Ramirez put another run up for Orem bringing the score to 8-6. After scoring five runs alone during the sixth inning the Owlz finished out the game holding Casper and taking the win and keeping the score at 8-6 for the final.

The Orem Owlz will be at home all this week taking on Idaho Falls on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and Casper on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

*Photo Credit: Trent Bates, UVU Review*

Rugby ready for fall season

By Kira Terry

For those looking for another sporting event to attend in the fall, UVU Rugby may just be one of UVU's best-kept secrets.

During the 2008-09 season, UVU Rugby had quite the success which took them all the way to Nationals in Florida. "The team was consistently ranked in the Top 10 throughout the season," said William Taulau Fale the Chief Operations Officer for UVU Rugby.

At Nationals UVU sadly lost to Arizona State, but Fale said, "We have learned lessons that will be beneficiary throughout the 2009-2010 season."

Rugby teams often are seen as some of the closest teams and UVU's team isn't any different. "Rugby is a very team oriented sport," says Fale. "This is because every player has the opportunity to be a decision maker and a play maker by carrying the ball and making quarterback like decisions because they have the ball in their hands."

As for their upcoming season, Fale says their schedule will include, "schools such as Utah, Utah State, Weber State, Boise State, Snow College and other schools with which schedule negotiations are still being carried out."

All are invited to watch UVU Rugby in their upcoming season. Games are held on the field behind the Education Building on campus.

In the off-season Fale says, "We have made some great preparations with both coaching, players, school relations and the whole culture of UVU Rugby. We know that this season is the beginning of something special and invite the whole school to come enjoy UVU Rugby at its best."

UVU Rugby will begin their 2009-2010 season in September and will follow the fall season with a spring season.

Training Update - Week 4

2009-06-15T21:49:00.002-06:00

Last week was my 4th week of training. Ten weeks till the Hobble Creek half marathon & 16 weeks till the St. George Marathon. Going into my fifth week of training I'm feeling pretty darn good. I logged 10.7 miles last week which was short of my goal for last week because of a interesting run on Saturday. I do my long runs of the week on Saturdays & this last weekend I got home from work & decided to go out for a run. It was about 7pm when I left & my run was going to be five miles. I got to my half way point & turned around only to see completely black clouds to the south of me. Thanks to my dad's teaching when I was younger I was able to tell which way the storm was going & it was headed straight for me. I still had 2.5 miles to go to get back home. I picked up my pace to almost a sprint & headed for home. I was determined to beat the storm and still get my full distance in. I got within about a mile of my house & the storm hit me hard. A complete down pour of rain & hard wind. Any of you that run know that it is hard to run against the wind & hard to run in rain. I was at a point in my run when the rain hit me that I could take a short cut through a field where there is some construction to get home faster & since it was pouring I decided to take it. I cut across the construction site where they are building a new church house & I was sloshing in mud & sliding all over the place trying to get to my street. By the time I got home my shoes were covered in mud and I was soaked. My 5 mile run turned into a 4.4 mile run. That was the first time I have ever been caught in a rain storm like that on my run. It was interesting.

KELLY CLARKSON CONCERT!!

2009-06-12T20:31:00.009-06:00

Thursday night was the Kelly Clarkson concert. Me, Amber, & her friend went & met up with some girls I work with. Thankfully the weather held up for the concert... it only sprinkled for a few minutes & then the sun shine came out and it was nice and cool for the rest of the concert. It was a blast! Here are some photos & videos!

Despite my camera's ability we were actually quite close to the stage. Luckily Amber was able to get there early enough to get in line so we could get a good spot!

Kelly sounded so good live! That girl has talent!

Despite all the media's digs on her current weight situation, I give her a ton of credit cuz she looked really great!

She put on a good concert!

Denise, Amber, Me ... (check out the girl behind my head... she was very into the song, haha!)

Training Update - Week 1

2009-05-24T22:33:00.002-06:00

Well, week 1 is over & I feel great. I ran a total of just over 7.5 miles this week. Seems like a small number but they will keep climbing each week. I was super sore this entire week (lets just say I went through a lot of IcyHot), but I kept running through the pain each day and I'm glad I did. This week I also stopped drinking Diet Pepsi so that I could train properly and it has been amazing to see the difference it has made. I've finally got myself able to run in the early morning too. It's never been easy for me to run in the mornings. Usually I would just run in the evenings. But now that i've been running in the morning it really is so much better, even if I have to sacrifice a little bit of sleep. The best thing about being on a running schedule again is how much better I feel each day. Starting the day with a nice run really does do it for me! Stay tuned to week 2.

My Races for 2009

2009-05-14T23:33:00.009-06:00

Lets just say the next 4 & 1/2 months are going to be interesting. A very small part of me asks myself often what I got myself into, but the very large part of me is extremely stoked! On August 22nd I will be running the Hobble Creek half-marathon.

This race takes place in the town I grew up in & I am excited that this will be my first big race set in my hometown. On October 3rd I am running the St. George Marathon.

St. George is my favorite place in Utah so it being my first full marathon I am excited that it is in St. George and can't wait. There is 14 weeks till Hobble Creek half-marathon & 20 weeks till the St. George Marathon. Stay tuned for weekly training updates & follow my running progress!

*Image Credits: Google Images*

For Mom

2009-05-10T21:29:00.003-06:00

This is my mom. Her name is Annette. She is GREAT!! She has made my life amazing with everything that she does for me. She's always there for me & always puts others first. She deserves everything & I know I don't say it enough but I LOVE YOU MOM!!! HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!

Mother's Day Advice ...

2009-05-09T20:15:00.004-06:00

Please don't buy your Mother a gift from here for Mother's Day. All I can say is WHITE TRASH PEOPLE!!

Mom, Dad, & New Technology

2009-04-08T21:59:00.010-06:00

This week marked a monumental change in my parents use of technology. They've always had cell phones, but this week they switched from a simple flip phone to a touch screen phone. Yes you read correctly, a touch screen phone! This was huge for them. It's been fun to see how it is for them to adjust to such a different phone. Here are some pictures that marked the occasion.

Aww... Aren't they cute with their new phones?!

Mom trying so hard to be tech savvy :)

Amber trying to help them figure their new phones out.

Mom sending her FIRST text message... hilarious!

Last 2 UVU Women's Basketball articles of the 2008-09 Season

2009-03-18T20:49:00.007-06:00

Basketball season has ended at UVU. I had so much fun being over the Women's games this season! Its a little sad that its over, but it sure did end well!!! Here are my last two articles that were in the paper this week! Also, here is a photo of UVU's amazing Women's Basketball team!

*Photo Credit: Dave Iba, UVU Review*

Ladies are the Champs

By Kira Terry

The Wolverines played their last three games of the 2008-2009 season during the Division I Independent Tournament hosted by UVU March 5-7 and came away with the title.

The Wolverines played three games in three nights. It began with them facing NJIT for the third time this season. UVU came away with a 75-66 win.

An intense first half left the Wolverines with only a four-point lead at the break. UVU came out strong into the second half, giving NJIT no chance to take a lead.

Robyn Fairbanks scored an impressive 40 points to go along with her 16 rebounds. Julie McMurray recorded UVU's first triple double, scoring 19 points, having 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Asumi Nakayama contributed eight points and kept up her consistency with five assists.

The next night, UVU was back on the court for game two facing Longwood University. Once again, the Wolverines came away with a 81-73 win. Fairbanks had a rough night in foul trouble and eventually fouled out, but was able to contribute nine points and eight rebounds.

With Fairbanks out for nearly half of the game, teammate Sandy Wall and McMurray contributed high numbers. Wall had an impressive 26 points, five rebounds, an five assists. McMurray contributed 23 points with eight rebounds.

Game three was against Chicago State. By the half, it seemed UVU already has the game won. With a 23-point leas at the half, UVU kept up momentum and played their hearts out till the clock ran out. The Wolverines finished with an 80-55 win taking the championship into their hands.

Fairbanks became the 20th player in NCAA history to record 2,500 career points and 1,000 rebounds. Fairbanks fouled out with less than nine minutes to go, finishing her final game.

With just over one minute to go, Wall, Beaman, Smith, and Bowen began subbing out, finishing their final game at UVU. Each senior, as they walked off the court, received a standing ovation from the crowd, congratulating them on their impressive careers at UVU.

It was an emotional moment at center court for the players as they took their last run around the court and congratulated each other on an incredible season.

With the song 'We Are the Champions' playing, each team member stepped up on a ladder and cut down a piece of the net.

Dones-ville: population, seniors

By Kira Terry

Robyn Fairbanks, Sandy Wall, Lauren Smith, Hollie Beaman and Jordyn Bowen played their last basketball game for coach Cathy Nixon on March 7.

"They came here when Utah Valley was not respected by anyone on the Division I level and they have invested their heart and soul into the program," said an emotional Cathy Nixon.

With the many records and milestones that Robyn Fairbanks made during her career at UVU she will easily go down as one of the greatest players to have ever played for Nixon, much less the school.

Fairbanks credits her milestones not just to herself, "I have great teammates. There's no better way to go out than on top so we're very lucky and we worked really hard. It's just a great group of girls to be with and share this with."

Four years ago these five players joined a team not knowing how their senior season would go and completely turned the program around. "We started out loosing every game and now were winning championships, that's a big change for us," said Beaman.

Nixon couldn't thank her seniors enough for what they have done for her program. "It takes teamwork to be successful and wow what an amazing impact those kids have had on this program," added Nixon. "I certainly will never forget them and am grateful for their willingness to come and build this program to the level that it's at."

Jordyn Bowen spent most of her senior year on the bench assisting the coaching staff due to an injury, but was able to play in the last few games. "It was a great learning experience and a lot of good friendships that are going to last a lot longer than just these four years," said Bowen.

Sandy Wall's season has been filled with many high scoring games. "I wouldn't want to be going through the program with any other seniors," said Wall. "It was definitely memories and experiences that built that up, an it was a great experience to be able to come in and make a change as seniors."

Lauren Smith was able to play 17 of the team's 27 games during her senior season and says, "I learned a lot and I wouldn't have traded it for anything."

"We had a dream of that class of seniors being able to go out as champions because they have been champions all along. It certainly is great to see them be able to celebrate that, cut down nets, and to celebrate what they've accomplished since they've been here. It's just been a great ride for me as a coach," concluded Nixon.

My MINI Story!!!!

2009-03-08T21:49:00.017-06:00

Ok, so those of you that have been bugging me... [ Felicia ;) ] ... about blogging this particular event in my life, I am sorry it has taken this long for me to get it posted, but school, school, and school has controlled my life the last week & a half. So Felicia, this post is just for you!

Since late last year I have been talking about purchasing a Mini Cooper & after a lot of research and the process of selling my old car, test driving Mini's, and getting a loan I GOT MY MINI!!!

Early January my dad and I went up to Murray to the Mini dealership to take a test drive as I decided it was time to put my car up for sale. The Murray Mini dealership is amazing and my dealer was so awesome to work with!! Test driving the Mini was so much fun, and as soon as I sat in it I knew that was really the car I wanted. So the dealer and I talked money, and other information and I told him I was putting my car up for sale so I would keep him updated about when I would be able to purchase one. Over the next 3 weeks I spoke to my credit union and got a excellent interest rate and was approved for the loan, got it set up and put it on hold for the next few weeks. I then put my car up for sale on February 4th and sold it exactly 3 weeks later! I was completely amazed that it sold so quickly! GO CRAIGS LIST! So after I sold my car on February 25th I called the dealership and told them I would be able to come up and pick up my Mini two days later. It worked out that the very next day I had some time freed up in my schedule so I figured, "what the hell, lets go get my new car today." I called my dealer and it was his day off, so I asked if he would be willing to go in so that he could deliver me my car. He was so nice to go in on his day off and I was so excited to go pick it up!! Dad drove me & my sister-in-law Kim up there and dropped us off. I signed a lot of papers & then was handed the keys to a brand new 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman!!!!!!!!! It was such a fun day! The dealer spent a hour with us going over every little detail about the car, it was so much information but so exciting!! I will say my car has all sorts of bells and whistles and is pretty darn amazing! Yes I am bragging about my car... but seriously!?! It's a MINI FREAKIN' COOPER for heaven sakes, of course I am going to brag!! Here are some snap shots from that great day! Oh yeah... and if you want a ride... just let me know... hahahahaha!!

On the way to the bank to deposit the money I got from my car!

Look at those 100 dollar bills!!

Signing the papers!!

Everything is "mini" at the Mini Dealership... even the pen's!

Driving MY MINI home!!

Allow me to introduce you to my new car "Stella"!!

Hugging my Mini when I got home! ;) I love it!!

Newest Favorite Music Video

2009-02-15T11:29:00.004-07:00

Taylor Swift - White Horse

This is my new favorite music video. I love this song & also really love Taylor Swift's music. Enjoy!

*Video Credit: www.youtube.com*

Current Article

2009-02-10T13:11:00.025-07:00

Ok, so i've been slacking ... When starting my blog my main reason was to post my articles written for the UVU Review (the newspaper I write for) so that family & friends that were interested & at a distance could read my articles. I've got caught up in the blogging world & gotten addicted to blogging for fun stuff, but have been asked by a friend "Where are all your articles?" So, for those of you that care, here is my current article. First here's a little update, I've been mostly covering Women's Basketball this semester & it has been awesome! They have an amazing team this year & it's been really fun to get to know the players & the coach! They are all super nice & fun to talk to! I'll be better at posting my weekly articles from here on out... :)

Big win for Wolverines over Chicago State

By Kira Terry

Backed by Robyn Fairbanks' impressive 28 points and 14 rebounds performance, the Wolverines finished off Chicago State with a 79-50 win.

The Canadian duo of Fairbanks and Julie McMurray stepped up once again with big performances.

Fairbanks upped her scoring average to 25.3 as her numbers continue to climb each game as she finishes out her senior season with UVU.

As always, Fairbanks had the help of her Canadian teammate. McMurray put a big 20 points on the board for the Wolverines, nine of which were three-pointers and 17 of the 20 were scored during the second half. McMurray also pulled down six rebounds.

The first half ended with only a four-point difference, 27-23, in favor of the Wolverines. UVU and Chicago State both started out strong after the half began, but the Wolverines proved stronger by scoring 52 of their total 79 game points during the second half while Chicago State scored only 27 points.

The Wolverines as a team hit 47 percent or their shots during the game. Senior Hollie Beaman also had a solid night on the hardwood. Beaman dished out 11 assists coupled with her 11 points, in a total of 33 minutes.

Asumi Nakayama continued her consistent performance leading the Wolverines at the point, finishing the game with five assists and a total of six points in her 33 minutes. UVU increased to a four-game winning streak UVU after the victory.

The Wolverines will be on the road for the next few weeks and will return to defend their home court on Feb. 28 to take on New Jersey Institute of Technology.

*Photo Credit* Dave Iba & UVU Athletics Department

25 random things about me...

2009-02-08T17:22:00.006-07:00

This "tag" thing has been going around on Facebook & after being tagged by a million friends I decided to comply & use it as a blog post as well. So here are 25 random facts about me.

1. I watch Grey's Anatomy RELIGIOUSLY, I've seen every episode (most of them more than once), and I own all the seasons.
2. I have a caffeine addiction, everyday by 10 a.m. I have my Diet Pepsi.
3. I don't like to drink water.
4. Despite number 2, I am an avid runner.
5. I am a aspiring sports writer.
6. I don't like to be touched (does not apply in relationships).
7. I play the guitar... even though I don't know much.
8. I love blogging.
9. I never make my bed.
10. I love the Disney Channel - I am watching it right now as I write this and High School Musical was just on & now High School Musical 2 is on.
11. Chick flicks make up 99% of my movie collection.
12. I am addicted to my iPhone.
13. I love music! My headphones are in my ears unless I am at work, driving, or in class.
14. I live at home & could care less about what you all think about that.
15. I've been told I am cold-hearted on more than one occasion.
16. I have to have a glass of water on my bed-side table at night.
17. A lot of people bother me.
18. I don't like to read, however I read 2+ newspapers a day, always Deseret News & USA Today.
19. I rock at MarioKart! I could beat any of you!
20. I do a crossword everyday, usually the one in USA Today.
21. I hate Utah, the only thing that keeps me here are the mountains.
22. I blast the music in my car.
23. I like ticking people off... especially one particular neighbor.
24. I love writing.
25. I really hated doing this, I don't know why I did.

Mini Update!!

2009-02-02T17:19:00.003-07:00

Purchasing a Mini is still on!! This weekend it started to seem more real. On Saturday I went up to the dealership in Murray with my Dad to take a little test drive & get some information on pricing and financing. First of all, the test drive was AMAZING!! Super, super, super fun & fast car! When I got to the dealership I had all intention at looking at the darker colored Mini's, but once I looked at them I wasn't a big fan of the darker colors. Instead, I drove a Pepper White Mini, that is like a pearl cream/white color. (It is one of them shown on my blog sidebar, as well as in the photo below) I instantly fell in love with that color & am pretty sure that is the color I am going to get.

So now all I have to do is sell my car & I'll be the proud driver of a 2009 Mini Copper Clubman! I've been getting financing quotes through my bank & a credit union, and I got some excellent news from the credit union today that they are able to give me an awesome interest rate which will make my payment much lower than I was told by the dealership. I'll keep you all updated as it gets closer & yes you all are welcome to a ride in the Mini once I get it!!

Tagged by Stacy: 5 things I'm ADDICTED to!

2009-01-29T21:37:00.029-07:00

Ok, i'll admit I'm not a huge fan of these "tagged" things, but a good friend of mine tagged me and it wasn't an annoying one so I thought i'd comply. I'm not so sure I want to admit some of these things but here it goes ... here is 5 things I'm addicted to:

N0. 5 - Blogging:

Before last fall I wasn't really into blogging. I was taking one of my communications class and my professor said she would give us an extra 5% at the end of the semester if we kept a blog, so I figured if I could get extra on my final grade i'd do it. When I started it I had a few posts but still wasn't that in to it. I then found out that my good friend Parker had a blog and his was awesome... he was so kind to share some blogging secrets with me and from then on out I was addicted!

N0. 4 - Crosswords:

Some people tease me (particularly Lara) because I will sit in bed and do my daily crossword at night before I go to sleep. Lara calls me an old lady, because I do this, but it doesn't bother me. I Particularly do the USA Today daily crossword puzzle. I love crosswords because I learn so much from them ... and let me be honest, the USA Today crossword is not easy by any means, they can be pretty tough. I remember when I first started to do them everyday I could barely get any of the answers. With time the more I did them the more I learned about crosswords and the easier they have become. Its my way of learning something new everyday and keeping my mind alive!

N0. 3 - Running:

I love to run! Endorphins are the greatest high in the world and that is my motivation to run!! I really started getting into running 8 years ago when I had a roommate that was training for a marathon and kept trying to get me to go running with her at night so she wouldn't have to run alone in the dark. I would go sometimes and after a while I got hooked! I've yet to run a marathon but hope to this year run a half and a full marathon. I love doing 10k's, by far the perfect length for a race and particularly my favorite! Those that know running language will know exactly why I chose this photo to go along with running!

N0. 2 - My iPhone:

What can I say, the iPhone is pure brilliance and LOADS of fun! I got it about a month ago and absolutely love it, can't get enough! There is so many things that you can put onto the iPhone that just makes it a world of compact fun! Highly recommend it! One of the best purchases I ever made!!!

No. 1 - GREY'S FREAKIN' ANATOMY!!!:

My Grey's Anatomy addiction is thanks to my lil' sis Fel. When I was attending BYU-Idaho a few years ago my little sister lived upstairs from me and I had a hard time relating to my roommates because they were all freshies

and I was 23 so I would spend a lot of time with her. Thursday nights are now my favorite night of the week! I have seen every episode (and most of them more than once) in the last 4 seasons and so far every episode of the current season 5! I also own all the seasons that are out on DVD. Ha! I'm so addicted, ask me anything and I can tell you anything you want to know about the show, characters, etc!

This tag was actually kinda fun! I'll tag Misti, Felicia & Neil, Parker, & Melissa! ;)

*Image Credits: Google Images*

My happiness!

2009-01-27T14:27:00.016-07:00

I think from this photo and video's, you can figure out why I am so happy! I just LOVE this girl! She had to put her ballerina stuff on for us when we got to her house and then proceeded to model her outfit and show us different poses that ballerinas do. She's just so adorable, not a moment goes by that I don't want to just play with her!

Then, it was puppet show time...I probably did 7 puppet shows with her last night! She just kept saying "Kirwa (that's how she pronounces my name) lets do another puppet show." I couldn't resist that face! She's so sweet, I absolutely love her!!

New Favorite Movie

2009-01-24T20:50:00.002-07:00

For all the Women out there here is a must see, the ultimate chick flick, the chick flick of all chick flicks! One night a few weeks ago I was browsing around on iTunes and looking for a movie to rent. I wanted to watch a chick flick cuz lets face it I'm a girl and that's what we like. I clicked on "new releases" and The Women was first on the list, so I clicked on it and read the description, it sounded good, so I rented it. Instantly loved it & then tonight I red boxed it and watched it with my sister, mom, and dad & loved it again ... and I have to admit my dad laughed pretty hard too. Excellent cast & brilliant filming too, there's not a man in the entire movie, not in the background, not anywhere. Pretty darn funny that they were able to do that! Made the title of the movie that much more perfect. Here's the movie's trailer, you'll love it!

*Video from youtube.com*

SNL: My current entertainment

2009-01-22T21:47:00.006-07:00

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

SNL is short for Saturday Night Live a weekly late night comedy show on NBC. I was first introduced to SNL by my first set of roommates about 7 years ago and was instantly hooked! This last weekend my sister Fel & her husband Neil were down from Rexburg and we just entertained ourselves for hours watching SNL videos ... I haven't laughed so hard in a long time and thank Fel & Neil for helping out there. Here is a video that we can't get enough of right now!

*Video courtesy of www.nbc.com/snl*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POP!

2009-01-13T13:42:00.007-07:00

Dad, you know I love you, but I couldn't resist when I saw this picture! HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!! Hope you have a great year!

*Image Credit: Google Images*

New Favorite Saying

2009-01-12T23:22:00.007-07:00

While eating lunch today with my parents at Einstein Bagels I was intrigued with a saying that was on the wall. I think it just may be one of my new favorite sayings ... so what did I do ... I took a picture of it of course!

If you can't read it, here is what it says - "Melvin and Elmo Einstein's observation about people: People are like bagels, many varieties, but basically they're all good."

Of course my parents thought I was weird for taking a picture and already planning a blog post while we were sitting there, but what can I say, I guess I am a born blogger ... perhaps a curse of being a writer, you get inspiration from literally everything, anywhere you are!

Incase any one of my loyal blog readers were wondering ... the Einstein Bagel sandwich was delectable! Yum, Yum!

New Years Resolutions???

2009-01-01T13:25:00.008-07:00

*Image credit: Google Images*

I've never been a big fan of New Years resolutions. Some may ask why... allow me to tell you. I feel that a "resolution" or a "goal" can be made anytime of year. A lot of people just choose to put it off until Jan. 1st. No biggie... to each their own.

I also found this quote that made me laugh:

"I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me."

- Anais Nin

Good luck to all those that made their resolutions & hope you all have an amazing 2009!

Temple Square with FAMILY!

2008-12-29T22:44:00.031-07:00

On Sunday we decided to take a family outing to see the lights at temple square. Felicia & Neil decided to stay an extra day before they returned to the Arctic, so we piled in the car ... literally one car ... it was a tight squeeze ... and headed for SLC. It had been years since we had all been there together & had also been a very long time since mom & dad had been at all. It was so fun to all go together. We did miss having Nate, Kim & Addi with us as they could not attend this blessed event, perhaps another year.

Felicia & Neil of coarse were being themselves... They are such characters or clowns... or... just weird, but they make us laugh our heads off all the time. They can make any moment fun & full of laughter.

My parents are so GREAT! I love this picture of them. It makes me so happy that they are still so in love. It was so fun to share the spirit of temple square with them.

And last but not least one of the clan, well most of us anyways. Temple square was so beautiful this year. I am so glad we got to share that special experience together during the Christmas season!

Just a thought...

2008-12-25T20:49:00.006-07:00

As I was doing my daily reading on the Deseret News web site this evening I was touched by this that was said by President Thomas S. Monson today. I hope it touches you all as well & I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

Published: December 25, 2008

"If we are to have the very best Christmas ever, we must listen for the sound of sandaled feet. We must reach out for the Carpenter's hand. With every step we take in His footsteps, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth." — President Thomas S. Monson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

*Article source - www.deseretnews.com

Do you get bored with a routine life? Here's some ways to tick people off & make your life more interesting & funny.

2008-12-07T17:18:00.014-07:00

Ok first of all I must thank my friend Parker for letting me steal this idea for a blog post. He's got a pretty sweet blog too!! Here's a link to his blog, check it out! http://parkerdonat.wordpress.com/

Here's a list of ways you can tick people off, and I must say... they are hilarious & i'm pretty sure I will be trying some of them... and sad to say that some of them I have done before.

How to Tick People Off:

1. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, & 99 copies.

2. Specify that your drive-through order is "TO-GO."

3. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what you think."

4. Practice making fax & modem noises.

5. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc" them to your boss.

6. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up.

7. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with prophesy."

8. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears & grimacing. (HAHA, I'm going to try this just to get a reaction).

9. Holler random numbers while someone is counting.

10. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, & insist to others that you "like it that way."

11. Staple pages in the middle of the page. (I do this at work, its so funny to see people's reaction).

12. Honk & wave to strangers.

13. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, & simply eat their complimentary mints at the cash register.

14. TYPE IN UPPERCASE.

15. type only in lowercase.

16. dont use any punctuation either

17. Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones & reroute whole streets. (I want to do this!)

18. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times.

"DO YOU HEAR THAT?"

"What?"

"Never mind, it's gone now." (I'm going to do this!)

19. As much as possible, skip rather than walk.

20. Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce "No, wait, I messed it up," and repeat.

21. Ask people what gender they are.

22. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a parakeet.

23. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.

24. Sing along at the opera.

25. Go to a poetry recital & ask why each poem doesn't rhyme.

26. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions & then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles."

27. Steal your friends blogging ideas. (This one's for Parker)

*Source: www.stumbleupon.com*

Computer disaster with a perk!

2008-12-04T09:49:00.007-07:00

Tuesday morning I am sitting in class working on my computer ... everything is running fine ... computer starts making a weird noise ... I power off my computer ... turn it back on ... it comes to this white screen asking me to enter a hard drive password ... I'm like "WHAT THE?!" ... I call my brother ... he doesn't have any idea what's going on, he advises me to call Dell ... I spend half my day on the phone with Dell ... pay them $49 to tell me that my hard drive some how got corrupted and most likely all my information (docs, music, pics) is gone ... spend the other half of the day purchasing a new computer. Morel of the story ALWAYS BACK UP ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION ON YOUR COMPUTER!!

So that was the computer disaster part and getting a new computer was the perk part. I am now a MAC instead of a PC. Big adjustment, but pretty darn amazing adjustment.

I went from this ...

To this ... my new friend ... The MacBook

*Photo Credits: Google images & Apple.com

Tribute to Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

2008-12-02T10:31:00.006-07:00

This article broke this morning, it comes from the Deseret News.com. Its always sad to hear that one of our apostles past away, but what a joyous reunion for him!

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passes away at 91

By Carrie A. Moore

Deseret News

Published: December 2, 2008

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at 11:30 p.m. Monday at the age of 91.

A press release from the LDS Church said Elder Wirthlin had gone to bed at his Salt Lake City home, and died peacefully of causes incident to age. His oldest daughter, Jane Wirthlin Parker, was present. A member of the family had been staying and caring for Elder Wirthlin, whose wife, Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, died two years ago.

The release said Elder Wirthlin had continued to work at his office right up until the Thanksgiving holiday. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Elder Wirthlin's last major public appearance was at the church's most recent semi-annual general conference in October, when he shared an address many church members have since used in lessons and as a guide in dealing with personal challenges. Titled "Come What May and Love It," he spoke of a challenge after his football team lost a tough game.

As he complained about the game to his mother, he received advice that he said had stayed with him all his life. "Joseph," she said, "come what may and love it." She had taught them to "trust in themselves and each other, not blame others for their misfortunes and give their best effort in everything they attempted."

"When we fell down, she expected us to pick ourselves up and get going again," he said. "In spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser and happier as a result."

He also spoke of death, saying "life will continue on the other side of the veil. There we will be given new opportunities. Not even death can take us from the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father."

He reminded Latter-day Saints that top church leaders are not immune from challenges that members face. "There may be some who think that general authorities rarely experience pain, suffering or distress. If only that were true.The Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness."

Elder Wirthlin lost his wife, Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, on Aug. 16, 2006, when she died at age 87 of causes incident to age. He spoke of his heartache at the following general conference, but expressed confidence in eternal life and Jesus Christ's power over death.

He was born June 11, 1917 in Salt Lake City to Joseph L. and Madeline Bitner Wirthlin. From his own account, he was about seven years old when his lifelong commitment to the gospel took root.

"I was in a fast and testimony meeting when a humble brother bore his testimony. He spoke with such fervency that it electrified me to the point that I partook of his great spirit as to the truthfulness of the gospel."

He recalled his childhood fondly. "We had many rabbits and chickens in our back yard. It was my job to help care for them."

And he was always doing odd jobs in his father's business. "In my early teens, I was a janitor. In high school, I got up early to deliver to accounts that required early service."

Doing his chores at home, working in his father's business, participating in athletics, and attending school left him little idle time.

When dating his future wife, Elisa Rogers, he would go to work in the morning before school started, attend classes from 8 a.m. to noon, and go back to work.

"When we had dates, it would be nine or 10 p.m. before he could even come over," Sister Wirthlin once recalled.

He didn't even have time to pick out a romantic setting to propose to her.

"We became engaged at the pump, the center of everything at the university campus. That's where we would meet after his classes and before he left for work."

His father served as Presiding Bishop of the church, and Elder Wirthlin's dream as a young man was to be a missionary in Germany, just as his father had been. That dream came true when he served in the German-Austrian and the Swiss-Austrian missions from 1937-1939.

An accomplished athlete, he played football for the University of Utah, and graduated with a degree in business administration, and received an honorary doctorate degree from Brigham Young University in 2001. He and his wife were married May 26, 1941, in the Salt Lake Temple and are the parents of eight children.

He believed in a daily plan of each day's activities. "I make a schedule of what I am going to do and stick to it. I have learned that half an hour of planning will save several hours during the day."

His daughter, Jane, recalled waking "at five in the morning and hearing him at the typewriter," typing his schedule for the day. And Elder Wirthlin used time wisely even when eating meals with his family.

"He wasn't around much before or after dinner," his daughter Elisabeth said. "But we always had gospel discussions at the dinner table. I felt like he really tutored us in the church."

Elder Wirthlin loved the scriptures and would make time to read them. His daughter Elizabeth said, "Many times I would wake up and go downstairs, and see him studying the scriptures at 4:30 in the morning."

Before his call to full-time church service, he was a prominent business leader in Salt Lake City. He was also president of a trade association in Utah.

Elder Wirthlin served just under 17 years in the bishopric of the Bonneville Ward, then seven years as a counselor to Russell M. Nelson in the Bonneville Stake presidency in Salt Lake City. Elder Nelson spoke once of Elder Wirthlin's faith and willingness to work.

"There was hardly ever a Sunday night when I didn't get a call from him asking if there was any more he could do for me," Elder Nelson said.

He also served for about four years as first counselor to Elder Nelson in the Sunday School general presidency before being called as an assistant to the Twelve in April 1975.

When he was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve on Oct. 4, 1986, Elder Wirthlin said, "I've loved every assignment I've ever had in the kingdom. And in that service, every day seemed like Sunday, because it was in the service of the Lord."

"There is old proverb," Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin was wont to say, "which says, 'An inch of gold will not buy an inch of time.' We must put a sufficiently high value on time. It is valuable and should not be wasted."

He was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy on Oct. 1, 1976, and to the Presidency of the Seventy on Aug. 28, 1986. Elder Wirthlin was sustained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Oct. 4, 1986 and ordained an apostle on Oct. 9, 1986 at age 69.

He often spoke of his faith in Jesus Christ, and encouraged others to develop their faith as well.

"My life really is anchored to the testimony that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ," he said.

In another conference, he said, "I wish I could engrave on every heart what I so keenly know and feel. I bear unwavering testimony that our Heavenly Father and His divine Son, Jesus Christ, rule and reign, and that we must all understand that the gospel is everlasting."

Family Christmas Card Picture Day (Gag me!)

2008-11-30T16:29:00.012-07:00

Since everyone was still here this weekend from Thanksgiving, mom wanted to take our Christmas card photo...& I'm just glad there wasn't to much family drama (if you know what I mean) & happy that everyone could fit this moment into their busy "schedule" & other "plans". It turned out good (even with dad's ridiculous looking hat, and nice slippers Felicia!)... although it is missing two very important family members... the dogs, Copper & Koda. Mom won't usually allow them in the family pictures... she claims she's not very fond of them, although I know deep down she loves them. So I added a cute picture of both of them! :) Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Puzzle

2008-11-25T22:26:00.003-07:00

Today I was doing one of my daily crosswords in the USA Today newspaper & if any of you have ever done a USA Today crossword there are also other games, for instance a word search, sudoku, etc. There is one that is called "Don't Quote Me" that is one of my favorites. You may ask what it is, well let me tell you... They take a topic and a quote from someone and they give you a number of words and then have a sentence with blanks. You have to take the words they give you and figure out the quote. Today the quote went along well with this weeks upcoming holiday so I decided to share it with all of my awesome blog readers. I'm not going to give you the answer cuz that would just be boring... so figure it out! (It's actually a pretty darn easy one compared to some of them I have done in the past.)

November 25, 2008 USA Today "Don't Quote Me"
Instructions: Rearrange the words to complete the quote
Quote comes from columnist Erma Bombeck, talking about food.

BEVERAGE COME CONSIDERED
FAMILY FROM GRAVY I

"__________ _________ __________ a __________ where _________ is __________ a __________."

CONGRATS LIL' SIS!!

2008-11-24T21:39:00.003-07:00

My lil' sis Felicia got married this last week! She married a great guy that is exactly like her, so they are hilarious together! I am so happy for her & Neil, they are so incredibly happy & I absolutely love seeing her so happy!! CONGRATULATIONS FELICIA & NEIL!!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!

Looking forward to...

2008-11-17T21:33:00.026-07:00

PUMPKIN PIE!!! My lovely Grandma was an amazing cook and passed down her skill to my amazing mother. One of the best recipes that we have from my Grandma is her famous "award winning" pumpkin pie. Yes I said award winning... it has won awards... that's how amazing it actually is! If only you were so lucky to taste how award winning it is... I like to call it "celestial kingdom" food.

Only 10 days and counting... :)

Real Mashed Potatoes & Home Made Gravy (none of that fake stuff)

Although I love the fabulous potato flakes from the church cannery, I love mashed potatoes made from the potatoes themselves even more. Also, the gravy made from the turkey drippings!

Potato Salad
My amazing Grandma also passed down the most delectable recipe for potato salad also... and although it took my mom a few years to perfect it (says my Dad) she did, and it is just awesome!

And of coarse last but not least TURKEY!! Turkey is good... not my favorite, but it is a must at least once a year. My favorite part about turkey is that something always seems to go wrong... it takes to long to cook... the little red thing doesn't work, so it doesn't pop up when it's done, etc... you all know what I mean. :)

*Images courtesy of Google images*

Motivation?

2008-11-13T22:33:00.009-07:00

Definition from dictionary.com
mo-ti-va-tion

1.	the act or an instance of motivating.

2.	the state or condition of being motivated.

3.	something that motivates; inducement; incentive.

With the semester winding down here in a few weeks, I find myself very unmotivated. So today I was searching on Google images and typed in motivation and found these pictures. One of them pretty much shows all I want to do right now, (and I think that's obvious seeing as I am so unmotivated) and the other two I just thought were funny when thinking about having motivation. *Images courtesy of Google*

Big Issue for SPORTS!!

2008-11-12T21:13:00.009-07:00

This week the UVU Review's issue was soley all about the sports section (Go Sports Staff!!). We did the men & women basketball preview for the 2008-2009 season. Not only was the sports actually able to be featured on the front of the newspaper, we had a huge section. 8 full pages! Which is more than double what our section usually is. It turned out amazing! The entire staff did an excellent job in contributing and our designers did an amazing job and made it look awesome! When I picked it up before staff meeting on Monday, I was blown away by how good it looked.

I wrote a lot for this issue... not only for sports, but also for news. I was able to write a news story that I came up with from walking around campus and observing something that bothered me. It was a fun article to research and write. The finished product was more than I thought it would be and I was excited for it to be published in this issue. Plus it made the front page and the photo that our photographer got for it was pure brilliance! This blog post is going to be super long cuz I decided to post all 3 of my article on here rather than putting the links to them on the website. They will appear in this order. News story entitled: Either brave the cold or make the detour, Sports story entitled: Expectations high for wolverines, and Sports story entitled: Cross country men and women finish season strong. Enjoy!

Either brave the cold or make the detour
By Kira Terry

When students returned for fall semester, they found that the high traffic hallway between the computer science building and the old library was closed off. The hallway was converted to temporary offices, making it harder to get around campus without going outside but not impossible.

UVU's campus is unique because it allows students to get around campus without going outside. During the cold winter months, students definitely take advantage of being able to stay inside. Even with the current changes, it is still possible, but students will have to make a major detour.

Recently with the weather turning colder and wetter, students have seen the effect the closed off hallway has. "Today I was sopping wet. I wasn't happy," said Jordy Kirkman, a freshman from Logan. "I won't be walking across campus as much. I'm going to avoid it like the plague."

The temporary offices in the converted hallway have replaced offices that were in the LRC building, which is being remodeled into the new career success building. "During the remodel of the LRC there won't be any heating in that building," said Frank Young, the senior director of space development for UVU. "We wanted to have space for those people to office where they could be comfortable, so we built that for temporary use and will tear it down in April and the hallway will be opened up again."

Even though it is a temporary situation, students are still affected. Students wanting to stay inside during the cold weather still can but will have to take a longer route. "It's really frustrating. I only have 15 minutes between classes, but I'll make the detour because I don't want to go outside in the cold," said Weslie Graham, a freshman from Provo.

To remain inside, students can go to the 6th floor of the CS building and over to the GT building. From there they can go down through the GT and down into the business building, a detour that will take students longer than normal. "I think it's going to be a pain," said Michael Ward, a freshman from Michigan.

The study tables and chairs that lined the hallway will also be put back in place after the remodeling is complete, but where can students study until then? "There's the 6th level bridge between the CS and GT buildings, where more tables were put in," said Young. "They also recreated the calculus lab at the end of the automotive building on the west end, but a lot of it is still in storage and will be put back when the hallway is open again."

As for the risk of using the outside walkways during the cold, snowy weather, Young says, "We hope that students will stay inside during bad weather, but we'll make sure the outdoor walkways are all salted and shoveled and safe to use."

*Photo Credit: Trent Bates*

Expectations high for wolverines
By Kira Terry

With some seniors ready to play their final season as Wolverines, some returning sophomores and juniors and a few freshmen, the women's basketball team is ready to show what they can do.

As a team their goal will be about what they can achieve this season. "The goal is to reach our potential, and this year I think we probably have more potential than we've had in the past," said head coach Cathy Nixon. "My goal every year is to help them become what they are capable of. I think we are a very good team, and I think this can be a historical year for Utah Valley women's basketball. And I think the stage is set for that."

"We feel like it's a year where we have the talent to compete nationally against some of the top teams, and we've really aligned those teams on our schedule," Nixon said. That talent Nixon talks about includes Robyn Fairbanks, a senior from Raymond, Alberta. Fairbanks will play her final year as a Wolverine this season. "Fairbanks is a special player," Nixon added. "She obviously will be a focal point in what we do in many ways. I anticipate that she is going to have a fantastic year."

Returning guard Sandy Marvin-Wall, a senior from Spring Lake, will also play her final year at UVU. "I'm excited for Sandy," Nixon said. "I think that this is the year that she's going to put it all together. She's made great strides in every year that she's been here. I know she's going to be a big impact for our team."

Julie McMurray, a junior from Cardston, Alberta, is a returning player this year who is looking to show great potential. "I think Julie is going to have one of those breakout years," Nixon said. "She's stronger, more confident, and I think ready to compete and play at this level in a way she hasn't done in the past."

"I really see that Nakayama will have a big impact on our program this year as well, and I think she is going to have one of those years that we've known she could have," Nixon said. Asumi Nakayama is a returning junior from Saitama, Japan.

Two freshmen starting in the program this year are Erika Newbold from South Jordan and Jenna Johnson from Salem. "We're really grateful that they're in our program, and I foresee both of them getting playing time and making a contribution," Nixon said. Their season starts Friday Nov. 14, when the Wolverines host Montana State. "The kids are just ready for the gate to open," Nixon concluded.

Cross-country men and women finish season strong
By Kira Terry

Wolverine cross-country men and women rocked the Great West Conference by placing in the top two for the last meet of the 2008 season.

The GWC meet was held at Lakeside Park in Orem last week. The women's 6k race took place first and the wolverine women finished in 1st place and were crowned the first ever GWC Champions.

"I was excited to have both men and women finish in the top two today," said cross-country coach Scott Houle, who was awarded GWC Coach of the Year for the women. Krystal Harper, a freshman from Orem, was UVU's top finisher placing 6th individually.

"I started to fall back, but brought it back. So I'm pretty happy about it," Harper said. Harper was also awarded GWC Newcomer of the Year for the women. After receiving the award she said, "It was surprising."

Harper has had an excellent season being a freshman and feels like she's met her goals. "It's my first year, so I didn't really know what to expect, but I have no regrets," she added.

Since it's only Harpers first year, she is ready to take on another season returning as a sophomore. She said her goals for next year are, "For this meet I want to get top 3 and I want to definitely be top 3, hopefully top 2 runners on our team."

The men ran an 8k race and the Wolverines came away with 2nd place as a team. Joshua McCabe, a freshman from Springville, and Jared Keller, a sophomore from Orem, were UVU's top finishers placing 4th and 5th individually.

Keller and McCabe stayed together and kept their pack tight for the entire race, and were both very pleased with their results. Keller said, "I was glad I stayed up there and kept myself in position. I couldn't have asked for anything more."

McCabe was awarded GWC Newcomer of the Year for the men. "I felt good about it. I didn't really know what to expect because it is my first season, but it turned out really well and it was a goal of mine, so I felt pretty excited," McCabe said.

Being McCabe's freshman year, he is pleased with his first season, "I couldn't have hoped for better," he said. "I feel really good about it. I finished the way I wanted to and I'm ready to stop running for a couple weeks."

Both the men and the women had excellent seasons this year and finished the season strong. "We're satisfied with it. We all gave our best and can't feel bad about that," McCabe said. "I think we showed good progress. We're ready to go get them next year," Keller added.

My love of music

2008-11-09T18:46:00.002-07:00

I absolutely love music. I always have my iPod with me and most the time my earphones are in my ears. I will pretty much listen to most any kind of music as long as I can understand what they are saying. I do have to say though that I am a big country girl and love country music!

But I do listen to a lot of different kinds of music. Here is what my current favorite song is. I just can't get enough of it. The band is Nickelback... two words... pure amazing! The song just recently came out, so the video I have from you tube isn't exactly a music video, it just plays the song with the background of the band because the music video has not been released yet. Enjoy!

Sports Writing vs. News Writing

2008-11-05T22:22:00.002-07:00

As most of you know (that have been following my blog) when I joined the UVU Review staff I was going to simply do sports writing only, because that is what I want to do for a career. Now that I've been on the staff for a while and gotten to know the other areas of the paper as well, I am really getting into news writing. Now don't get me wrong I still love sports writing the most, and still see that as my dream job. I have done two news piece in the past (my Mark Zupan-paralympian article) and one that is going to press for this upcoming issue, I am currently having news article ideas pop into my head all the time. Its kind of getting addicting that I keep coming up with news article ideas. This week I worked on 3 pieces, two sports pieces and one news piece. Yes... I am super busy writing, but I absolutely LOVE it! Although, I don't think I want to do 3 pieces in two days again for at least a while. I wish I could just stop taking classes and work for the paper and call it good... but I probably should graduate and get my degree. I think I'll keep doing news writing every once in a while, especially when I come up with the story idea, that makes it more fun. Here is a link to my most current sports article: http://media.www.uvureview.com/media/storage/paper982/news/2008/11/03/Sports/Mens-Golf.Wraps.Up.First.Half.Of.Season-3522310.shtml

This week I had a cool opportunity! For one of my 3 articles that I wrote this week I was interviewing the UVU women's basketball coach which was awesome, and she was awesome! I had a blast doing this story, plus I got a FREE UVU T-SHIRT from the coach - (IN YOUR FACE PARKER! - Just kidding... Parker, you will get free stuff sooner or later ;), haha!) I am, as wells as the entire sports writing staff, super excited for the basketball season to begin! Its going to be a blast to cover the games as well as go to them! For the first time since I have been at UVU I actually have school spirit. Who would have thought that joining the newspaper staff would give me that! GO UVU!!!!!
Picture Credit - wolverinegreen.cstv.com

And the award for "Best Costume" goes to...

2008-11-01T17:36:00.010-06:00

This year I saw by far the BEST costume I have ever seen before. My sister Felicia & her finance Neil came up with something just awesome!! So they were in the basement forever getting ready & wouldn't tell anyone what they were dressing up as, nor would they let us come down to the basement while they were getting ready. Then, they yelled up for us to turn all the lights in the house off & they walked up the stairs with these costumes on. Watch this video & you will laugh your head off!

We then moved outside to our pitch black neighborhood so they could dance around in the street. It was so funny, we had the neighbors laughing pretty hard when they walked down the street & up to the houses.

After we had our fun outside, Addi (my 3 yr. old niece) wanted to put some glow sticks on too, because she thought it was really cool. So we went & taped some onto her clothes & she danced around the house for a while in the dark. It was really quite amusing. Here are some pictures of other costumes that were featured at our house last night.

Fred, Wilma, & Pebbles Flintstone (Nate, Kim, & Addi)

Doctors (Kira & Mom)

Stick Boy & Stick Girl (Neil & Felicia)

Reese's anyone?

2008-10-30T12:42:00.008-06:00

This is totally random... but I had a good idea for a blog post and wanted to see how it panned out. Lately I have been on a weird kick with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

If you know me, you know that I don't really like peanut butter very much at all, unless it is with chocolate. But even when it is with chocolate I usually don't eat it very often, and I mean hardly ever. A couple weeks ago I was at work and needed a snack... now this is usually a daily thing when I am at work since my work is located very close to the Albertson's in Orem... very close... like in the same shopping center. So I left work, walked down to the store, and was standing in the candy bar isle for a while, which I'm sure looked funny. Usually I will just grab some peanut M&Ms (they are my favorite by the way), but this time I grabbed a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup bar. Don't know why, but I did. Since that day I have multiple times been getting them as my snack. I don't know what it is, but I love them right now! Something I always remember seeing on TV as an ad for Reese's the many different way's people eat their Reese's. Now, I don't have a particular way that I eat them, because to me any way that you eat them they still tastes the same. Just plain great! So tell me how you eat your Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!

I am a Sports Writer

2008-10-28T15:10:00.003-06:00

Now well under my belt, joining the UVU Review this semester is by far one of the best things I have ever done with my education. It is amazing how much I am learning from being on the staff and from other members of the staff. I absolutely love being part of such a great opportunity. I was asked yesterday by my editor if I would write the UVU Women's Basketball preview article for an upcoming issue. I am stoked beyond control to do that article! There is going to be many exciting articles to write with basketball season approaching! As for now, I am still covering the cross country men & women's team and have also started writing about the men & women's golf team. I am freak busy being that the paper is volunteer and unpaid time of mine, but it is so worth it because of how much fun it is! For this weeks issue my article was a blast to write. It was my first shot at doing a feature on a athlete. I had so much fun writing it, and learning that everybody has a unique thing about them. Here's my article, enjoy!

First year running at UVU and it won’t be the last
By Kira Terry

Jared Keller, a red shirt sophomore from Orem, doesn’t only enjoy running as a passion, but more importantly runs for his teammates.

Running cross country for Keller is all about his fellow teammates. “I love the team aspect. You rely on the other runners, you know your racing for your teammates and they are relying on you,” Keller says.

Keller grew up in Orem and began running in eighth grade. “I started to run track in junior high and been running ever since,” Keller said. He kept running through high school at Mountain View. “That’s when I really started running cross country,” Keller said.

After running for Mountain View from sophomore year on, Keller ran one year at the United States Military Academy at West Point in West Point, New York. Following a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in McAllen, Texas, Keller transferred to UVU where he began his sophomore year with the cross country team.

Although Keller’s passion is running, he is currently studying Biology. “I want to go the medical route, not sure what, but want to practice medicine,” he says.

Being his first year running with UVU, Keller says, “This team is awesome, I just love the guys. We are really showing potential for what we can do.” Keller is happy with this season so far. “I feel really good. It’s been my first cross country season in a few years and it was really good to see that I could run with a lot of the top athletes in the state,” he said.

Keller went into this season with a few strong goals and did an amazing job at meeting them. “I wanted to be competitive, run with the lead packs and stay up there. I just really wanted to help contribute to the team, and I feel like I’ve done that,” he said.

Will we be seeing Jared Keller for the next two years running with the cross country team? “For sure, with out a doubt,” he says. “Next year we only loose one of the great guys. The sky is the limit, we all have big dreams.”

Since this year’s season is nearing an end, Keller says “It’s been a lot of hard work to get to where I’m at, but it’s been worth it.” Going into the Great West Conference Championships coming up on Saturday Nov. 1 at UVU, Keller is positive about how UVU will perform, “Team competition is going to be pretty tough, we want to win it, keep our pack tight, and take home the team title.”

Mini for ME!!

2008-10-21T14:16:00.017-06:00

Ok, so here is an explanation to my "poll" on the right side of my blog. I am ready to get a new car, not that there is anything wrong with mine that I currently have... i'm actually quite fond of "Lil' Mobee", but it is time for a new car. I will be sad to let my car go, but exciting news-- I'M BUYING A MINI COOPER!! I am going to buy a Mini Cooper Clubman '09 sometime between Jan '09 and Spring '09. So, I want everyone's imput on the which color to get. I"m totally for multiple votes too. If you see that the color YOU want me to buy is loosing the race, keep voting. Vote as much as you want between now and December. I'm not going to tell anyone my choice because i really am curious as to what everyone else thinks. Here's a little info about the new Mini model that I want. It is slightly longer than the current Mini Coopers, but not to much longer to make it look strangely long. I'm actually quite excited about getting it as is my family, which sometimes I think they might actually be more excited than me. :) Its kinda funny, my dad said this to me when I told him I wanted to buy a mini cooper and that I am serious about it "What! We could have some serious fun in that car". He also said "Are you going to let me drive it all the time? & oooh, you should get the racing package so that it will be a serious fast car". (Sadly, I will not be getting the racing package, because 1. I don't need it & 2. It is ridiculously more). Ha, Ha! I love my dad... he is hilarious. Here are a few photos of the new model that I am buying.

You can see the extension it has on it in this picture... just behind the door.

Side view of the extension. On these models there is a small door that opens for the back.

Top view. Fun!!

Here is a picture showing the difference between the new model and the original models.

Life Changing

2008-10-13T21:29:00.008-06:00

After three weeks on the UVU review staff I am absolutely loving it! For this week's issue I was able to write two pieces. I did my piece for the sports section on the UVU cross country meet, and I did a piece for the news section. My piece for the news section was an amazing article to write. I was asked to cover a speech for disability week on campus. The speaker was Mark Zupan, a paralympian that just won a gold medal with team USA in Beijing. Instead of telling his entire story, here is my article. His story was life changing to me. I was so excited to be able to cover his speech and hear his story.

Two choices: live or die

Kira Terry and Guest Writer Robbin Anthony

Mark Zupan, a Paralympian who has recently won a gold medal in Beijing, has starred in "Murderball" and has written a book titled "Gimp," spoke on Thursday in honor of disability week.

"Fifteen years ago when I first got hurt, I thought my life was over," Zupan said. When Zupan was 18 years old, he was asleep in the back of a friend's pickup truck when he was thrown from the truck, over a fence and into a canal, which resulted in his being paralyzed.

After spending 14 hours in the water, he was found by a passerby who heard a faint repetitive voice then saw the top of his head. "The only thing above water was my eyes, my nose, my mouth and my arm," Zupan said.

Even though Zupan has been through so much, "he is a great example of perseverance and positive thinking," Edward Martinelli Jr., accessibility services director said in his introduction.

When Zupan woke up in ICU, the first thing he communicated was, "I am lucky???" After spending three months in the hospital, he realized, "There are ultimately two choices in life -- you can live or you can die."

"The best thing that probably happened (after finishing his time in the hospital and rehab) was I got my license back. I say that because you have your independence back, you can go and come as you please," Zupan said.

The next stage of his life took him back to college at Florida Atlantic University. He later transferred to Georgia Tech, where he graduated in civil engineering. Zupan said going back to college was the next best thing that happened to him.

While at Georgia Tech, he took up wheelchair rugby. "I found rugby and fell in love with it almost instantly," he said. This led to him being the star of the documentary, writing his autobiography, winning numerous medals and most recently being a part of Team USA to win gold in Beijing.

So what's next for Zupan? "I want to do an Ironman triathlon, and I want to teach because it is fun and you can see the benefit from that," he said.

Zupan said, "The big thing that I've learned is that everybody has their own disability, everyone has something that goes wrong in their life, it doesn't have to be seen. Life is short, enjoy it."

First Article in UVU Review!!

2008-10-07T13:15:00.004-06:00

This may not be super exciting to many of you, but for me it was my dream job starting to come true! This semester I was told during two of my journalism classes that anyone can sign up to write for UVU's campus newspaper which is titled "UVU Review". I thought about it for a few weeks into the semester and decided if I could actually handle it this semester with the little bit of time I actually have. Finially I went and signed up to be on the staff and to work on the sports writing staff. It took me another week to beable to balance my time so that I could write weekly for the rest of the semester. Last week I was assigned my topic and went to do my first interview. It went well, got some great quotes and information from my interviewee. Went home, started to write my article and got worried that my article was going to suck! So I put it asside and picked it up the next day and everything worked out really well. Monday when the issue came out my first article was inside that glorious paper. I was so excited to see my name and the work I had done to put that article together! If any of you are interested to see it, go to www.uvureview.com, click on sports and scoll down 3 stories and there I am!

Unsuccessful Day of Fishing

2008-09-27T20:13:00.008-06:00

7:30am on a Saturday morning... not exactly the most exciting time for me, unless of coarse I am on my way to go fishing with my dad, brother, and niece! Most of you that know me well, know that I absolutely love fishing. It has been something that I was introduced to at a young age by my dad, and I fell in love with it. It has been something that me, Dad, and Nate have been able to do together since I was 12 years old. I look forward to each and every fishing day that we have ahead of us, and cherish the memories of the many fishing days we have shared thus far. Sitting at a lake in the early morning (even if it is on a early Saturday morning) and just listening to the beautiful sounds of nature is absolutely exhilarating, besides the fact that it is one of the only things that will relax me.

Nate and I decided earlier in the week that we wanted to go fishing on Saturday (today), so we talked to Dad and decided where we wanted to go. After much thought we came down to two decisions, Payson lakes and Spring Lake, which is in Payson. Dad assured us that Spring Lake was doing well and there were lots of fish... hmm... so we decided to go there. After a few hours we decided that Spring Lake sucks... Dad hooked one little, tiny fish within the first hour we were there but then for the next 2 hours we had absolutely no bites at all. Lets just say that Nate and I are now planning another fishing day soon to Payson lakes (which is always good fishing and beautiful).

We did have some fun with Addi though... she loves fishing! I love that she loves fishing too... it is so fun to have here there casting her little princess pole a few yards out into the lake (no kidding... she is amazing at casting, we couldn't believe that she could cast it so far the first time we took her with her new pole). She had some fun playing in Grandpa's and her dad's tackle box. She absolutely loves the "cheese" or power bait that we use. She always has to put some on her hook, which is a princess crown... ha ha, it is such a cute pole. Even though it was an unsuccessful day of fishing, we had a blast with Addi, she kept us entertained!

2008-09-18T21:09:00.001-06:00

Well I finally did it... after being told countless times by many people that I should join the blogging world I finally did. I have always enjoyed reading my families and friends blogs and have thought about it a lot, but just didn't have the drive to do it for some reason. Actually I'm not really sure why i finally did... but it happened.

Well I am currently a student at Utah's newest University, UVU. I have been a student there for 4 years now... but don't get to excited... I'm still a year and a half away from graduation. Word of the wise... don't change your major four times and you will graduate in a normal time. I am a communications major with emphasis on Journalism. My dream career would be to be a sports writer for the Boston Red Sox. GO SOX!!! Yes I know its up there, but I will start low and work towards it, and yes I am a huge Red Sox fan!!

I absolutely love to write... minus papers, essays, etc. Basically I love to start from a blank document and build a news story. Along with writing I love to read and watch news as it is happening. Currently I read 3 newspapers a day: The NY Times, USA Today, and Deseret News. I read these three papers for classes I am taking right now, although I have always enjoyed reading The NY Times and doing the impossible Times crossword... I am getting better though. :) This is basically me in a nutshell.