Why am I so prone to injuries? I do not know. I hate it though I can tell you that! This season I wanted to come into cross country injury-free, but also stay injury free too because the season is longer and more high mileage base. All my injuries from running come at the most inconvenient times and they usually are not small injuries. My sophomore year of high school I qualified for the Drake Relays, which is very prestige, and ran the fastest I ever have. After my first race though I felt a pain in my right heel. I ran my second race and also PRed. After my race though I went for a cool down and could barely walk. I told my coach and he didn't understand. We had a meet two days after Drake and I knew if I could barely walk, I would not be able to race on Monday. I took that Sunday off and came into Monday's race unprepared and feeling extremely stiff in my heel. I told my coach and he said, "We will run the first race and see how it is." He obviously did not see me balling my eyes out on the warm up because it hurt so bad. I told him I shouldn't and he disagreed telling me to "Man up". I ended up tearing a small muscle in my heel that was very rare.
This season here at Wartburg my number one goal was to stay healthy because I am in contention of being an alternate for the regional meet and Nationals. With me healthy, I race strong and fierce, but the moment I get hurt it is not a good sign because my injuries are never quick ones to recover from. This is the week of conference and with all good workouts under my belt I wanted to have a good race this Saturday. After Sunday's tempo run on River Road though I felt a slight pain in my left knee cap. I didn't think anything of it until I could barely walk up the three flights of stairs in our dorm building without pain. I took Monday off and this whole week it looks like I will be cross training until the race. I hope this is a good thing and helps get my legs under me a little bit so I feel refreshed. I don't know what will happen, but I sure hope it is a good outcome!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
IS Workshops
Both of these workshops were brief and quick so I decided I will write about both of them to make this blog just a little bit longer. My first workshop was about vocation. I have always had trouble about choosing a career and if there is something I would enjoy it isn't a job really at all. An example would be running, hiking, kayaking, etc. TJ Warren stated that 40% of all students come into college undecided. Then he asked questions like "What will your verse be?". He said students need to find a calling- a mix between what they are passionate about and what the community and world need. To find your calling, you need to ask questions to yourself like, what did I want to be when I grow up? It takes a great deal of self reflection.
My second workshop was financial literacy and this was pretty much about making a budget for first year planning in college. The lady said that you need to incorporate things like time management, choosing a major, selecting the opportunities you would like to take in college such as internships, studying abroad, and Wartburg West into your budget. She mentioned things on financialliteracy101.org that could help students establish a budget each month. There is also information about choosing a bank, avoiding fees and credit card applications, watching your credit score, financial aid information, and understanding education loans. If I could change something about these workshops it would be that they would last longer. I liked the information, but I honestly felt like I got nothing out of them because they were so quick and to the point.
My second workshop was financial literacy and this was pretty much about making a budget for first year planning in college. The lady said that you need to incorporate things like time management, choosing a major, selecting the opportunities you would like to take in college such as internships, studying abroad, and Wartburg West into your budget. She mentioned things on financialliteracy101.org that could help students establish a budget each month. There is also information about choosing a bank, avoiding fees and credit card applications, watching your credit score, financial aid information, and understanding education loans. If I could change something about these workshops it would be that they would last longer. I liked the information, but I honestly felt like I got nothing out of them because they were so quick and to the point.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
MIssing Home
I could not be more happy to be going home this coming Thursday to see my family. Before I left for college I knew I would be sad and upset and would miss my family, friends, and dogs tremendously, but when I got on campus I wasn't as homesick as I thought I would be. With my mom being my best friend ever since freshman year of high school, I miss her the most because she keeps me sane and keeps me happy. She can always put a smile on my face and make me laugh even in the worst situations. Even though she struggles with some stressful things in her life all the time, she still is my best friend because we keep each other accountable. I keep her accountable on exercising every day because that's what helps her anxiety go down and makes her a happy camper and she keeps me accountable for making smart choices and getting my work done on time. We have a good thing going.
I miss my middle sister Chloe because she is so wild! She is 12 years old and full of life. She keeps me young and on my feet and reminds me why I need to have a healthy relationship with her. Even though we bicker and she likes to pick on me, we are becoming closer and closer sisters ever since I came to college. Recently, she texted me from her IPod saying how she misses me and how she cant wait for me to come home. It's nice to know that I am missed by her because sometimes it feels like the total opposite when I was home before college.
I miss my dogs Maggie, Sophie, and Roo. Sophie is a Boxer and is the youngest of the three. She is six years old. Roo is a Jack Russell Terrier and is eight years old. Maggie is a black Pug and she is also eight years old. Maggie is my baby and I miss having her cuddled up by my side every night. I miss the fact that every time I would say I am going somewhere, all the dogs would get excited because they would want to go in the car with me. When I would let them ride along in the car with me, Maggie would bark at the water tower every single time we passed it because she was scared of it. Or how excited Maggie would get when I would tell her we are going on a walk because she loves exercise so much, even though she is so fat. These dogs mean a lot to me because they make life more wonderful than it already is.
I miss Oksana, my one year old sister, because she is so little of course! I feel like I am missing everything while I am here! She is almost walking and is getting bigger and bigger every time I see her. I always feel that one day she will forget me because I have been gone so long, but once I go home she knows exactly who I am by the little things I do when I play with her. She really enjoys playing peak-a-boo or when I make funny faces and sounds. Everyone around when we are together says how much Oksana looks like me and I hope she does! I hope even though there is a 17 year difference between us that I can be special in her life.
I miss my friends back home too. Well really just one. His name is Dallas and he goes to UW-Plattville now. He was the only person that ever truly stayed my friend through thick and thin. This past weekend, I got to see him at our cross country meet in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. I feel like I haven't seen him in ages and I was very happy I got the chance to. In high school, he was my running and cross training buddy( he got me into trying a triathlon next summer). We are also in Venture Crew together. Venture Crew is a co-ed scout group for older kids in which we take big trips and little trips and do adventurous, crazy fun things together. This coming summer we are going to Washington for 13 days to go back packing and hiking and camping.
Even with missing the most precious things in my life, I know I made a good decision into coming to Wartburg for college. It makes me appreciate coming home more and the little things my mom and family does for me. I never thought I would miss back home like I do now, but I am happy that I can look forward to coming home.
I miss my middle sister Chloe because she is so wild! She is 12 years old and full of life. She keeps me young and on my feet and reminds me why I need to have a healthy relationship with her. Even though we bicker and she likes to pick on me, we are becoming closer and closer sisters ever since I came to college. Recently, she texted me from her IPod saying how she misses me and how she cant wait for me to come home. It's nice to know that I am missed by her because sometimes it feels like the total opposite when I was home before college.
I miss my dogs Maggie, Sophie, and Roo. Sophie is a Boxer and is the youngest of the three. She is six years old. Roo is a Jack Russell Terrier and is eight years old. Maggie is a black Pug and she is also eight years old. Maggie is my baby and I miss having her cuddled up by my side every night. I miss the fact that every time I would say I am going somewhere, all the dogs would get excited because they would want to go in the car with me. When I would let them ride along in the car with me, Maggie would bark at the water tower every single time we passed it because she was scared of it. Or how excited Maggie would get when I would tell her we are going on a walk because she loves exercise so much, even though she is so fat. These dogs mean a lot to me because they make life more wonderful than it already is.
I miss Oksana, my one year old sister, because she is so little of course! I feel like I am missing everything while I am here! She is almost walking and is getting bigger and bigger every time I see her. I always feel that one day she will forget me because I have been gone so long, but once I go home she knows exactly who I am by the little things I do when I play with her. She really enjoys playing peak-a-boo or when I make funny faces and sounds. Everyone around when we are together says how much Oksana looks like me and I hope she does! I hope even though there is a 17 year difference between us that I can be special in her life.
I miss my friends back home too. Well really just one. His name is Dallas and he goes to UW-Plattville now. He was the only person that ever truly stayed my friend through thick and thin. This past weekend, I got to see him at our cross country meet in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. I feel like I haven't seen him in ages and I was very happy I got the chance to. In high school, he was my running and cross training buddy( he got me into trying a triathlon next summer). We are also in Venture Crew together. Venture Crew is a co-ed scout group for older kids in which we take big trips and little trips and do adventurous, crazy fun things together. This coming summer we are going to Washington for 13 days to go back packing and hiking and camping.
Even with missing the most precious things in my life, I know I made a good decision into coming to Wartburg for college. It makes me appreciate coming home more and the little things my mom and family does for me. I never thought I would miss back home like I do now, but I am happy that I can look forward to coming home.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
My Senior Year
Coming into my senior year of high school, I was ready to take on the world. I knew I wanted to be good in cross country and keep my grades high. I wanted to stay in show choir one last year and do my best in everything I did. My close group of friends were not nearly as close as they use to be because my best friend, Abby, got a boyfriend and would spend most of her time with him. My other friend, Megan, got on my nerves a lot because every single thing I would share with her or tell her, she had to "one up" me. My other friend, Mary, who was in show choir with me also got a boyfriend and would spend all her time with him or her wannabe friends.
The thing that bothered me the most about all my friends disappearing was that I tried all I could to make things work. Even with a busy schedule and a boyfriend at the time, I still put every effort into spending a day on the weekend with them, but they just were "too busy". I questioned what was wrong with me and what I was doing that was so bad that they did not want to be friends with me and I put myself down constantly.
It all started in the summer when Abby and I went on a 13 day trip to Yosemite National Park, in California. It was with our Venture Crew group and we went backpacking, hiking, canoeing, and camping there. On the last day of our trip, we took vans out to Santa Cruz beach where we spent the day. We were all playing in the sand and water and having a good time and just as Abby always is, tried to skin board for the first time. In the end, she was hospitalized and a couple hours later came back with a broken fibula. She would not be running for a good eight weeks. That would put her at the beginning of August when our cross country team first starts practice. It was not that big of a deal at the time because I thought she would put in some good training the moment she got the cast off.
When August came around, Abby showed up to few cross country practices. She said she had a lot going on and work was hectic. I believed her and told her that she should probably be running on her own or doing some kind of cross training. We were both team captains and had to set good examples for the team. When Abby finally came around to practice she was out of shape, obviously, but would not try in some of our easiest workouts. When school started, Abby always struggled in math and Spanish. At our high school, we had a study table twice a week where after school you would get help in your subject needed. Abby started missing many practices because she was going to study table. She would not tell coach and as I would be doing my warm-up I would see her leaving with her boyfriend, Andy, in his truck right after school. She never went to study table.
I was furious and upset all at the same time because my best friend of almost six years was lying to me and not doing her best to get back into shape to be the number two runner again on our team. We needed her and she let our whole team down. I tried calling her and texting her many times and soon enough she turned Megan against me. I tried again and again asking if she could talk to me or spend the night one weekend so we could talk about all that's going on. I got rejected every time. After my last try, I started hearing rumors about me being obsessed with Abby and how I wanted to spend all my time with her because I was in love with her. I wanted to be just like her apparently. I was not only appalled about how she was spreading rumors, but the fact that she said all that about me, her best friend.
I went home early that day she said all those mean things because I couldn't stand all the dirty looks I was getting in the hallway. All I wanted was the old Abby back who would help her team and coach get to the State Meet again. I cried when I got home to my mom because I have never felt so alone. All I had was Cody(my boyfriend) and my family. I would go to school alone, walk alone in the hallways, and I started going home everyday for lunch because I would have no one to sit by.
Everything was a total blur after the Abby incident. I ended up getting hurt in cross country half way through the season and ended the season not qualifying for the State Meet. I was so upset and frustrated that I hung my head in shame. School was harder than ever with Composition, Anatomy, Stats, Spanish and Cultures through Literature every single day. I always had something going on. In the winter, I had show choir every weekend and Monday nights were rehearsal. Also, that is when I was having major problems with Cody. We were constantly fighting. Cody and I were on and off for our high school careers. We ended up breaking up in February and he left me with nobody to talk to but my mother.
When Track came around, the weather was so bad that almost one-third of our meets were canceled or a rescheduled meet at a smaller school would be available with limited competition in the longer races. I ended up not being able to break any of my personal records because I never got the chance. To make matters worse, in March I lost the most influential person in my life, my grandpa Dean. He had dementia for the past seven years we just didn't know when it would get to its worst. My mother and grandmother were an emotional wreck and I did not know what to do.
I qualified for the State Track Meet one last time in the 4x800m and the 1500m. We were 4A my senior year, so it was very difficult to qualify for state. I was seeded last going into the 1500m, but I did not finish last! Even with so many difficult, terrible things happening in my life all in one year, I'm glad I got to end it on a good note and coming to a school far away from my high school was a wonderful decision of mine.
The thing that bothered me the most about all my friends disappearing was that I tried all I could to make things work. Even with a busy schedule and a boyfriend at the time, I still put every effort into spending a day on the weekend with them, but they just were "too busy". I questioned what was wrong with me and what I was doing that was so bad that they did not want to be friends with me and I put myself down constantly.
It all started in the summer when Abby and I went on a 13 day trip to Yosemite National Park, in California. It was with our Venture Crew group and we went backpacking, hiking, canoeing, and camping there. On the last day of our trip, we took vans out to Santa Cruz beach where we spent the day. We were all playing in the sand and water and having a good time and just as Abby always is, tried to skin board for the first time. In the end, she was hospitalized and a couple hours later came back with a broken fibula. She would not be running for a good eight weeks. That would put her at the beginning of August when our cross country team first starts practice. It was not that big of a deal at the time because I thought she would put in some good training the moment she got the cast off.
When August came around, Abby showed up to few cross country practices. She said she had a lot going on and work was hectic. I believed her and told her that she should probably be running on her own or doing some kind of cross training. We were both team captains and had to set good examples for the team. When Abby finally came around to practice she was out of shape, obviously, but would not try in some of our easiest workouts. When school started, Abby always struggled in math and Spanish. At our high school, we had a study table twice a week where after school you would get help in your subject needed. Abby started missing many practices because she was going to study table. She would not tell coach and as I would be doing my warm-up I would see her leaving with her boyfriend, Andy, in his truck right after school. She never went to study table.
I was furious and upset all at the same time because my best friend of almost six years was lying to me and not doing her best to get back into shape to be the number two runner again on our team. We needed her and she let our whole team down. I tried calling her and texting her many times and soon enough she turned Megan against me. I tried again and again asking if she could talk to me or spend the night one weekend so we could talk about all that's going on. I got rejected every time. After my last try, I started hearing rumors about me being obsessed with Abby and how I wanted to spend all my time with her because I was in love with her. I wanted to be just like her apparently. I was not only appalled about how she was spreading rumors, but the fact that she said all that about me, her best friend.
I went home early that day she said all those mean things because I couldn't stand all the dirty looks I was getting in the hallway. All I wanted was the old Abby back who would help her team and coach get to the State Meet again. I cried when I got home to my mom because I have never felt so alone. All I had was Cody(my boyfriend) and my family. I would go to school alone, walk alone in the hallways, and I started going home everyday for lunch because I would have no one to sit by.
Everything was a total blur after the Abby incident. I ended up getting hurt in cross country half way through the season and ended the season not qualifying for the State Meet. I was so upset and frustrated that I hung my head in shame. School was harder than ever with Composition, Anatomy, Stats, Spanish and Cultures through Literature every single day. I always had something going on. In the winter, I had show choir every weekend and Monday nights were rehearsal. Also, that is when I was having major problems with Cody. We were constantly fighting. Cody and I were on and off for our high school careers. We ended up breaking up in February and he left me with nobody to talk to but my mother.
When Track came around, the weather was so bad that almost one-third of our meets were canceled or a rescheduled meet at a smaller school would be available with limited competition in the longer races. I ended up not being able to break any of my personal records because I never got the chance. To make matters worse, in March I lost the most influential person in my life, my grandpa Dean. He had dementia for the past seven years we just didn't know when it would get to its worst. My mother and grandmother were an emotional wreck and I did not know what to do.
I qualified for the State Track Meet one last time in the 4x800m and the 1500m. We were 4A my senior year, so it was very difficult to qualify for state. I was seeded last going into the 1500m, but I did not finish last! Even with so many difficult, terrible things happening in my life all in one year, I'm glad I got to end it on a good note and coming to a school far away from my high school was a wonderful decision of mine.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Running:)
When I was in six grade I moved to the small town of Epworth, Iowa where I had to make all new friends and start my life over in a big school. My first friend I met was Megan Rauen. We became close and she was welcoming and committed to getting me out for cross country the following year. At the time, I had no idea what cross country was. At my old school, when the announcements were said over the intercom that cross country practice would be cancelled for the night or where the meet was I thought that the team literally ran across the country! I had no idea it was just a two mile race and if I trained right, I could run that far...right?
So when seventh grade started, Megan persuaded me to go out for the sport. I did not train at all in the summer, but thought that I could train throughout the season. Seventh grade cross country racing did not go too well for me. In middle school there are only a few cross country races per season and most of the seventh grade season I spent walking the meets. I would go out with Megan and we would get tired so we would walk up the hills. Every single race I got third to last and beat Megan to the finish line.
When track season came around, I knew I would enjoy it more because it was all flat and everyone would be around to cheer me on and motivate me. I ran the 1500m and a couple 800s, but none of my times were impressive enough to be good for high school. When eighth grade came around, I got my best friend at the time, Abby, to go out for cross country. She was a strong shorter girl and didn't train like me. I figured we would run together in the meets. Once the season started, Abby and I would run the whole race and talk, but every single race to the finish line she would outkick me to the finish. I got so upset because I felt I wasn't good enough. So over the winter I put in some miles for track season and prepared myself for a better time.
As eighth grade track came along, my 1500m times got faster and so did my 800s. My 4x800m team broke a meet record with a time of 11 minutes flat. At the time, this was very fast for middle schoolers and we were very proud of out accomplishments. I knew if I just put a little bit more training in, I could be a good runner.
The summer before freshman year I realized I probably should lose a little weight if I wanted to be fast in high school. I ran 2-3 miles almost everyday and did abs all the time. I lost around 10-15 pounds and the start of my freshman year I was stuck between the number one and number two varsity runner on the team. My hard work was starting to pay off and I realized that once I get serious in this sport, I love competing and seeing how hard I can push myself.
The summer before my sophomore year I put in a ton more miles and lifted while taking care of my body. When the season came to a start, I proved to myself that if I train like a beast, I can race like one too. This was my fastest year because every meet I surprised myself of how good I could be. I got the fastest high school girls 4k time of 14:36 and qualified an individual berth to the state meet! The meet that I ran the fastest 4k time ever, Megan came up to me after our race grabbed my hands and said, "When you qualify for the Olympics you better tell everyone that if your friend Megan didn't get you to go out for cross country, you wouldn't be this stud athlete that you are today." I smiled gave her a hug and felt amazing inside for having someone to inspire, but also a friend who was willing to get me to go out for a sport I never thought I would be good at.
So when seventh grade started, Megan persuaded me to go out for the sport. I did not train at all in the summer, but thought that I could train throughout the season. Seventh grade cross country racing did not go too well for me. In middle school there are only a few cross country races per season and most of the seventh grade season I spent walking the meets. I would go out with Megan and we would get tired so we would walk up the hills. Every single race I got third to last and beat Megan to the finish line.
When track season came around, I knew I would enjoy it more because it was all flat and everyone would be around to cheer me on and motivate me. I ran the 1500m and a couple 800s, but none of my times were impressive enough to be good for high school. When eighth grade came around, I got my best friend at the time, Abby, to go out for cross country. She was a strong shorter girl and didn't train like me. I figured we would run together in the meets. Once the season started, Abby and I would run the whole race and talk, but every single race to the finish line she would outkick me to the finish. I got so upset because I felt I wasn't good enough. So over the winter I put in some miles for track season and prepared myself for a better time.
As eighth grade track came along, my 1500m times got faster and so did my 800s. My 4x800m team broke a meet record with a time of 11 minutes flat. At the time, this was very fast for middle schoolers and we were very proud of out accomplishments. I knew if I just put a little bit more training in, I could be a good runner.
The summer before freshman year I realized I probably should lose a little weight if I wanted to be fast in high school. I ran 2-3 miles almost everyday and did abs all the time. I lost around 10-15 pounds and the start of my freshman year I was stuck between the number one and number two varsity runner on the team. My hard work was starting to pay off and I realized that once I get serious in this sport, I love competing and seeing how hard I can push myself.
The summer before my sophomore year I put in a ton more miles and lifted while taking care of my body. When the season came to a start, I proved to myself that if I train like a beast, I can race like one too. This was my fastest year because every meet I surprised myself of how good I could be. I got the fastest high school girls 4k time of 14:36 and qualified an individual berth to the state meet! The meet that I ran the fastest 4k time ever, Megan came up to me after our race grabbed my hands and said, "When you qualify for the Olympics you better tell everyone that if your friend Megan didn't get you to go out for cross country, you wouldn't be this stud athlete that you are today." I smiled gave her a hug and felt amazing inside for having someone to inspire, but also a friend who was willing to get me to go out for a sport I never thought I would be good at.
My Future Plans
Only being a freshman, I realize I do not know what I want to do with my life. In high school teachers drilled in your minds that you have to know what you want to do with you life right now or you are going to be screwed. I do not believe in that concept. I take things day by day and believe there is a right path for everyone you just have to be patient for it. Even though I don't know what I want to do for the rest of my life, I do have a dream plan to one day accomplish.
After finishing my degree here at Wartburg college, I plan on moving to Colorado, hoping I have a job out there waiting for me, and living in a small cottage upon a mountain with a town maybe 15-20 miles away. I want to own two, white huskies with bright blue eyes so they can run with me. I also want to either live by trails or blaze my own trails for running. I love the outdoors and anywhere I can run that is more scenic than Iowa, I will take it!
I hope to be married someday and I am not entirely sure if I want kids or not when I am older . I think someday I might, but as of right now I want to be financial ready and emotionally ready for that big step in my life. I hope my husband is a runner too, but I will not disapprove if he is not. An athlete though, yes that is a must!
For my career, I hope to either be a school counselor and coaching cross country at a high school around where I live. If I cannot find a job like that, I hope I could start my own business and become a trainer/nutritionist. I enjoy all aspects of exercise and helping others reach their goal is a big achievement for me as well. I love helping people get to the top!
As I get older and have a little bit more money around, I hope to take a service trip to Africa. It has always been a dream of mine to go there and I hope one day I get the chance. Another big goal of mine is to run a half marathon or marathon in every state. I have ran plenty of road races in my life and a few half marathons, but never a full. And for one very special trip, I want to travel to Oregon where they have one of the biggest ultra-marathons. I am pretty sure it is 50-70 miles. If I accomplish that goal, I know I can do anything!
I know everyone's life doesn't go as planned, but if I can enjoy a few of these things in my life I will be satisfied:)
After finishing my degree here at Wartburg college, I plan on moving to Colorado, hoping I have a job out there waiting for me, and living in a small cottage upon a mountain with a town maybe 15-20 miles away. I want to own two, white huskies with bright blue eyes so they can run with me. I also want to either live by trails or blaze my own trails for running. I love the outdoors and anywhere I can run that is more scenic than Iowa, I will take it!
I hope to be married someday and I am not entirely sure if I want kids or not when I am older . I think someday I might, but as of right now I want to be financial ready and emotionally ready for that big step in my life. I hope my husband is a runner too, but I will not disapprove if he is not. An athlete though, yes that is a must!
For my career, I hope to either be a school counselor and coaching cross country at a high school around where I live. If I cannot find a job like that, I hope I could start my own business and become a trainer/nutritionist. I enjoy all aspects of exercise and helping others reach their goal is a big achievement for me as well. I love helping people get to the top!
As I get older and have a little bit more money around, I hope to take a service trip to Africa. It has always been a dream of mine to go there and I hope one day I get the chance. Another big goal of mine is to run a half marathon or marathon in every state. I have ran plenty of road races in my life and a few half marathons, but never a full. And for one very special trip, I want to travel to Oregon where they have one of the biggest ultra-marathons. I am pretty sure it is 50-70 miles. If I accomplish that goal, I know I can do anything!
I know everyone's life doesn't go as planned, but if I can enjoy a few of these things in my life I will be satisfied:)
My Sweet Memories
Growing up, I was never the girl with the expensive outfits and the prettiest face. I did not have the brand new shoes or the cool new phone in middle school. I didn't even have an IPod to listen to while sitting in the seat on my hour and a half bus ride to Maquoketa. I stared out the window and just thought. I thrived on imagination and dreamed of a better tomorrow.My hair was frizzy most days from the wind blowing in my hair walking to the bus stop each morning with my best friend at the time, Nathan. This one boy right here was the one who didn't care about what I looked like or how shy I was. Nathan was my best friend growing up. He was a sweet farm boy who was 3 years older than me. At the time, that did not matter because Nathan and I were the only kids in the small town of Zwingle, Iowa.
Each and every day, Nathan would come pick me up before walking to the bus stop. He had his Wrangler jeans on and his flannel that he buttoned all the way up. I think back to these days with Nathan because these were the days where a true friend has actually been in my life. A true friend who cared, loved, and took care of me. We were each others shoulder to lean on when things got us down.
Nathan and I's adventures together were different than most. Zwingle obtained multiple "weird" people and we would gossip about how they were witches and such. One lady in particular was named Deborah. Her white cottage with a large, fenced-in yard fit her personality. She was full of life, but also a little crazy at the same time. She had mini horses, dogs, snakes, chickens, turtles, birds, and other creatures that scattered her yard and home. These animals were her family. Nathan and I would occasional go visit her and feed the animals, but other than that we would stay away.
Nathan and I would sometimes ride our bikes down to the post office where a creek streamed by under a bridge. We climbed down the broken rocks to get to the water and search for frogs, water bugs, snakes, and spiders. I was always too scared to touch them, but Nathan wouldn't mind. In the summertime, we would ride our bikes all around town racing each other down each street. In the winter we would tube and sled down my neighbor, Hazel's, yard. Nathan lived on a farm and had chicken and geese, so occasionally I got the chance to feed them and run around trying to catch the babies when they were born. Nathan always knew what to do to brighten my day and make me feel important in someone's life.
Today I look back and wish that one day I could relive those memories because they were one of the greatest treasures of my life. I don't really know where Nathan is anymore or what he is doing with his life, but I hope he is like me and sometimes looks back to see what a wonderful friendship him and I had.
Each and every day, Nathan would come pick me up before walking to the bus stop. He had his Wrangler jeans on and his flannel that he buttoned all the way up. I think back to these days with Nathan because these were the days where a true friend has actually been in my life. A true friend who cared, loved, and took care of me. We were each others shoulder to lean on when things got us down.
Nathan and I's adventures together were different than most. Zwingle obtained multiple "weird" people and we would gossip about how they were witches and such. One lady in particular was named Deborah. Her white cottage with a large, fenced-in yard fit her personality. She was full of life, but also a little crazy at the same time. She had mini horses, dogs, snakes, chickens, turtles, birds, and other creatures that scattered her yard and home. These animals were her family. Nathan and I would occasional go visit her and feed the animals, but other than that we would stay away.
Nathan and I would sometimes ride our bikes down to the post office where a creek streamed by under a bridge. We climbed down the broken rocks to get to the water and search for frogs, water bugs, snakes, and spiders. I was always too scared to touch them, but Nathan wouldn't mind. In the summertime, we would ride our bikes all around town racing each other down each street. In the winter we would tube and sled down my neighbor, Hazel's, yard. Nathan lived on a farm and had chicken and geese, so occasionally I got the chance to feed them and run around trying to catch the babies when they were born. Nathan always knew what to do to brighten my day and make me feel important in someone's life.
Today I look back and wish that one day I could relive those memories because they were one of the greatest treasures of my life. I don't really know where Nathan is anymore or what he is doing with his life, but I hope he is like me and sometimes looks back to see what a wonderful friendship him and I had.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Steve Jobs's Commencement Speech
I was so interested when reading this short passage from Steve Jobs. He seems like a real inspiration and people would think someone so successful never went through such a traumatic college experience as Steve did. Many people probably don't know that he was a college drop out or the fact that his biological parents were going to give him up for adoption. His drive and willingness to stay patient and humble through his rough patches in life makes him a true inspiration. I also really enjoyed the fact that he shared 3 stories and not made one long one. It kept things interesting and kept me wanting to read more. The fact that he got fired from Apple was incredible too because he just came up with something much better later, Pixar. His story was a true inspiration for all college students.
My family
To start off, my family is the utmost important thing in my life. My mother became my best friend at the start of my high school career and still is to this day. Her name is Jaime, spelt with the i before m. She is one of the strongest individuals I know and I look up to her so much. She is 37 years old and works with my stepdad within his own company. I've known my stepdad, Mike, for about 11 years and he has taken the spot of my dad ever since he came into my life. In January 2012, My mom and Mike got married and now we have a new addition to our family. Her name is Oksana Marii and she is the cutest thing I have ever seen. She will be one year old on the 28th and I wish I could celebrate with her on her birthday, but we have a cross country meet in Minnesota that weekend. I also have a 12 year old sister name Chloe. She has bright blond hair like me, but her luscious locks are curly and crazy. She is one to pick a fight and she knows how to press my buttons, but I will always love her to death. This makes up my wonderful family back home in Epworth and I can't wait to see them soon:)
Miles upon Miles
Traveling in a Dodge truck with my stepdad, Mike, in the driver's seat, I am looking across the mountains of the Rockies as we drive out of Denver, Colorado. We are headed on our way to pick up a Volkswagen GTI in California, but we made it into a vacation as well. Mike works on Volkswagens at his shop and owns his own company, so whenever I get the chance to travel with him, I jump on that opportunity. I love nature and just having the music up and the wind blowing through my hair as I roll the window down. I feel calm and myself once again. I miss these days.
These were the days where I felt nothing but the chill of the air. I felt no worries of my family, of my friends, of guys who would soon come in and out of my life. I felt no pain. As the sun goes down, I would set down my book and put my headphones in. I would sing along to Jack Johnson and stare outside my window wondering how God made this world so beautiful. Even though there was many moments of silence with Mike in the truck, It was never awkward because we both enjoyed the silence just as much.
When we finally arrived in California the next day, we drove into Yosemite National Park and received our permits to climb half dome that week. As we set up our tent and started a fire I started cooking dinner. The smell of the fire and the rustle of the trees swaying together reminded me why I love nature and traveling so much. It gave me a sense of understanding why I am here today. I hope one day I get to experience all these amazing feelings again.
These were the days where I felt nothing but the chill of the air. I felt no worries of my family, of my friends, of guys who would soon come in and out of my life. I felt no pain. As the sun goes down, I would set down my book and put my headphones in. I would sing along to Jack Johnson and stare outside my window wondering how God made this world so beautiful. Even though there was many moments of silence with Mike in the truck, It was never awkward because we both enjoyed the silence just as much.
When we finally arrived in California the next day, we drove into Yosemite National Park and received our permits to climb half dome that week. As we set up our tent and started a fire I started cooking dinner. The smell of the fire and the rustle of the trees swaying together reminded me why I love nature and traveling so much. It gave me a sense of understanding why I am here today. I hope one day I get to experience all these amazing feelings again.
Differences
The differences between college and high school are very extreme! First off, when you are still in high school and you hear about how in college you receive a ton of homework and you are stressed all the time. Well let me tell you, that is exactly what it is! Professors give you so much homework that you barely have time to sit and think sometimes. I barely have a social life because all I do is homework, study, read , and more reading. Second, in college you do get a lot more free time. Usually though, you would think you could take a nap or do something fun. Well you will be doing your homework so get ready. The thing I do enjoy about college though is take I don't have to spend 7 hours a day in a classroom like I did in high school. Yes I am doing homework, but in the comfort of my own dorm room or in the library with a cappuccino in my hand.
College is definitely a new experience, but a positive one at that. You get to work more individually on your homework, you get more freedom, you get quality mensa food you do not have to cook yourself! These are some of the many reasons why I love college more than high school.
College is definitely a new experience, but a positive one at that. You get to work more individually on your homework, you get more freedom, you get quality mensa food you do not have to cook yourself! These are some of the many reasons why I love college more than high school.
Mike Dilbeck's Convocation
When I first saw Mike Dilbeck and his topic of bullying I was thinking " Oh great another one of these speeches". I wasn't saying this in a bad way, but the fact that millions of thoughts flooded into my mind about my sister. My sister, Chloe, is 12 years old and full of life. She is energetic and fun loving. She has the biggest heart and loves to play with others. One thing Chloe struggles with is ADD. This is a big issue for her social life because she doesn't know how to properly communicate with other kids in an appropriate manner. If she sees some girl she wants to be friends with doing something bad, she will do it also.
I hate seeing people pick on my younger sister because I know deep inside she doesn't mean any harm . She is confused on how to socialize and she is scared to talk to people. When she shows her inner personality though she is so care-free and loving, but nobody ever gives her the chance. I hope she never has to go through the struggles of having no friends like I did my senior year when she reaches high school. I never want to see her in pain and feel the way I felt.
I hate seeing people pick on my younger sister because I know deep inside she doesn't mean any harm . She is confused on how to socialize and she is scared to talk to people. When she shows her inner personality though she is so care-free and loving, but nobody ever gives her the chance. I hope she never has to go through the struggles of having no friends like I did my senior year when she reaches high school. I never want to see her in pain and feel the way I felt.
Weekend Fun:)
Having two of my four classes on this past Friday being canceled, I finally received the opportunity to relax for a couple days and recoup from the stressful week. I woke up early for Religion 101 at 7:45 with Dr. Bouzard. Before class, my roommate, Jaclyn, and I went to breakfast in the Mensa. Usually right after Dr. Bouzard class I go straight to Social Work 101 at 9 a.m., but with class being canceled I planned on taking a nap. I was so happy already during the day that after my first class I was not even tired! I cleaned our whole room and reorganized everything. Our room is pretty nifty.
Later on in the day at 2:30, I had Oral Communications, but Friday we were suppose to meet in the library for a lesson by one of the librarians. That only took half an hour and then we were done! I walked over to the W to get ready for my run. Usually we have Friday practice, but because we did not have a meet this past weekend we have practice Sunday instead of Friday. My day on Friday also got extremely better because I was already at high mileage for the week so I only had to run four miles total that day! That is nothing for me anymore! I met Jaclyn in the locker room and her and I and a couple other teammates went on a nice easy run.
My Friday ended on a perfect note with a date with a guy I have been talking to lately. His name is Joshua and he is a sweetheart. We went to DQ for some ice cream then took a little walk around Waverly before our movie at 9:50. We went to the movie prisoners and it was exceptionally long, but it was definitely a thriller to see.
On Saturday, Jaclyn and I drove to Pocahontas to watch her sister, who is a sophomore in high school, run in a cross country meet. It was exciting to see high school races again, but the meet was smaller than what I was use to running in in high school. Afterwards, Jaclyn's mother, grandmother, and her and I went to Sport's Page where we ate these amazing Mexican chicken sandwiches. After that we drove to the apple orchard where Jaclyn and I split an apple dumpling and looked around at the gift shop in Fort Dodge.
We drove back around 4 and when we got back I went to Josh's to watch a movie and hang out. I ended up falling asleep because I was exhausted from the long day! I'm glad I got my full 8 hours of sleep this past night because today for practice we have a 5 mile tempo run and 6 400s on the course. It will be a challenge, but I can do anything I set my mind to :)
Later on in the day at 2:30, I had Oral Communications, but Friday we were suppose to meet in the library for a lesson by one of the librarians. That only took half an hour and then we were done! I walked over to the W to get ready for my run. Usually we have Friday practice, but because we did not have a meet this past weekend we have practice Sunday instead of Friday. My day on Friday also got extremely better because I was already at high mileage for the week so I only had to run four miles total that day! That is nothing for me anymore! I met Jaclyn in the locker room and her and I and a couple other teammates went on a nice easy run.
My Friday ended on a perfect note with a date with a guy I have been talking to lately. His name is Joshua and he is a sweetheart. We went to DQ for some ice cream then took a little walk around Waverly before our movie at 9:50. We went to the movie prisoners and it was exceptionally long, but it was definitely a thriller to see.
On Saturday, Jaclyn and I drove to Pocahontas to watch her sister, who is a sophomore in high school, run in a cross country meet. It was exciting to see high school races again, but the meet was smaller than what I was use to running in in high school. Afterwards, Jaclyn's mother, grandmother, and her and I went to Sport's Page where we ate these amazing Mexican chicken sandwiches. After that we drove to the apple orchard where Jaclyn and I split an apple dumpling and looked around at the gift shop in Fort Dodge.
We drove back around 4 and when we got back I went to Josh's to watch a movie and hang out. I ended up falling asleep because I was exhausted from the long day! I'm glad I got my full 8 hours of sleep this past night because today for practice we have a 5 mile tempo run and 6 400s on the course. It will be a challenge, but I can do anything I set my mind to :)
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