I used to love airports... Not anymore

In my dorm- I had a countdown for months that counted down the days until I got to see my family. The day that I would take a plane ride back across the United States to the awesome (yet somewhat liberal) state of Oregon.

After staying the weekend in Roanoke (we got kicked out of our dorms), after eating yummy food the time had finally come to go to the airport.

Keeping each other company with our delayed flights
#airportselfies

My flight was scheduled as follows:

December 15th, 2014: Leave Roanoke 7:00am-->Atlanta-->Salt Lake City---> Arrive in Portland at 4:00pm

Now keep this schedule get in mind- because it's about to get interesting.

I set my alarm for 4:45am and we planned to leave at 5:30. (By the way- a HUGE thank you to Sierra for waking up at the butt crack of dawn to drop me off at the airport!!) We arrived at the airport- had a somewhat emotional goodbye (Don't judge, it was going to be a month before I saw my best friend again) and I checked my bag- and got through security without a hitch. It wasn't hard to find my gate because the Roanoke airport is a very small.

As I was sitting at my gate I kept hearing over the intercom that my flight was being changed from 7:10am to 7:30am. And then I heard it being changed from 7:30am back to 7:10am. It did this probably 4 times until they finally told us that the plane needed a part that was being flown in on a plane from Atlanta. That being said, my flight was delayed until 11:00am. 11:00!! My flight was delayed four hours counting on the fact that the part for the plane worked when they installed it. Guess what that means? Yup, you guessed it! I was going to miss my connecting flight in Atlanta. I got in line with everybody else on my flight to talk to an agent (mind you they only had one agent working) and had them figure out what my new flight plan was going to be. After waiting for an hour and a half- My new schedule was:

Leave Roanoke 11:00am-->Atlanta-->San Francisco-->Arrive in Portland 6:00pm

Luckily, Sierra's flight was supposed to leave in that time that my was delayed- so that somewhat emotional goodbye was in vain. We got to keep each other company until her flight left. I only had slight anxiety that the "new part" wasn't going to work and I was going to end up in the side of a mountain with my arm sticking out of my ankle... but it all went okay.  Eventually my flight left and I landed in Atlanta. I had 40 minutes from the time I landed to get to my gate and get boarded. I found my gate easily but upon arrival I figured out that my flight had been delayed 45 minutes. Guess what? Yup, you are right again!!! That meant I was going to miss my connecting flight in San Francisco. You've got be kidding me. I was a little irked by now- but still under control.

I went up to the man who was working my gate and mentioned to him that because of the new delay for this flight- that I was going to miss my connecting flight... he was very friendly and told me that he was having difficulty finding a flight. He directed me to a service desk where I talked to a lady. She eventually had me call a Delta representative. (This was not looking good for me... why was I having to contact so many different people?) The rep eventually told me that I would be able to catch my connecting flight because it too had been delayed 45 minutes. *insert sigh of relief*. Wonderful! I was going to be able to make my connecting flight and then be home in Portland. Hallelujah! ...But wait- there's more!

So we board the plane in Atlanta to go to SF- and I find out that my ticket was rebooked for 1st class! Now that was awesome! That was one of the two bright-spots that I had that day! The flight to SF was awesome... except when we finally reached our destination. We were delayed in the air by the air traffic control and we circled around the city for around 10 minutes. We finally landed and I had like twenty minutes to get to my gate. I was sprinting (literally sprinting) because a man told me I had to get to the international side of the airport, which of course was on the other side of the airport. I was sweating like a fat man dressed in a snow-suit in the Sahara desert. I check through security- moving as fast as possible and continue running- trying to find my gate and trying to find my flight number on the screen with departing planes. I couldn't find it anywhere! The only flights that were going to Portland did not match my departure time OR my flight number.

Can I just say, I HATE the SF airport! HATE IT! I couldn't find anyone to talk to! I finally run all the way to the end and finally find someone to talk to. I wait in line for a couple minutes and talk to the man who tells me I need to catch a shuttle because my flight has been changed to another airport.

At this point I have been in airports for 11 hours. I had just ran across a huge airport. This is the second time my flight has been changed. I am an emotional wreck.

I leave the desk and call my mother-- balling. I was so frustrated, I just wanted to be home. Lucky for me my mom has her head screwed on strait and helped me pull myself together. She told me to go back down- ask where the shuttle is and how to get to it.

I go back down and ask the guy where I can catch the shuttle. He gave me THE most condescending look that said, "You are an idiot". He proceeded to tell me that I should've gotten on the shuttle, but that now it was too late, that there were a bunch of announcements throughout the airport that said that the flight was changed. When I first talked to him he didn't even tell me where to go to be able to catch a shuttle! I simply looked at the man and said with tears in my eyes- very frustrated "Sir, I need you to help me because I need to get home." He finally got me booked- and I was boarded within three minutes on a flight that was going to Seattle. Yup- another flight change. When I got on the plane I checked a voicemail- it was a call letting me know that my flight had been changed to Oakland, California and that I needed to catch an hour and a half shuttle to that airport. Mind you, I had twenty minutes to catch that flight. I specifically loved the part of the message that told me that I needed to "plan accordingly". *insert satanic chuckle*. Well, I was finally boarded to Seattle, and I was just praying that the plane wasn't going to explode or something.

New Flight: Leave Roanoke 11:00am--> Atlanta-->San Francisco-->Seattle--> Portland (I just love the experience of being able to see all of these different airports across the United States)

Well, we arrive in Seattle and land at our gate (which we find out isn't operating), so they bring out stairs and we make into the airport. (Note to self- I like the Seattle Airport). I find my gate- and everything else from there on out goes without a hitch. We get to PDX- FINALLY! I walk through the airport- check out of security and I see my mom!!! YAY! I give her a huge long hug and hug Austin and Brandon who also came with to pick me up! We head down to pick up my checked bag... we waited for approximately 20 minutes and my luggage wasn't there. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME?!!??!

At this point, I have so exhausted and so frustrated that it is so incredibly comical that they really lost my luggage. After all the **** that I had been through... my luggage was in San Francisco. I think I have the worst luck of all time. I was starting to worry that I was going to trip down the escalators and put myself into a coma... luckily that didn't happen.

My gracious mother and I went over to talk to somebody who looked official and she informed us that my luggage indeed was in SF. I figured as much. She told us that they would deliver my luggage to our house (Hallelujah), and that it would be of no extra charge to us.

About half the boarding passes that I had printed

Luckily, my luggage was delivered to my house the next day and I didn't have to streak around naked for that long.

I really didn't streak around naked- I had a couple pairs of underwear in my carry-on and all of my jeans. Don't worry, I wasn't streaking around naked, I promise!

Being home has been awesome. I miss all my friends back from BV, but its good to see everyone and to spend some much needed time with my brothers, mom and dogs:) Its good to reconnect with my friends and compare universities and how our college lives were different. (BTW, SVU rocks... there aren't people having sex in the lobbies of our dorms... I mean, there are the awkward couples that make out.. but at least they aren't baby-makin')

Reunited part II

Reunited Part I

I promise that he isn't high

Merry Christmas and beware of airports!!!

One semester down- fifteen more to go

WE MADE IT!!!

This week was finals week. Otherwise known as "dead week", "hell week", "suicide week". That being said, I MADE IT! Hallelujah!

This first semester of college has been one of the most crazy time's of my life. I can't even begin to explain this crazy ride that I have been on. From the growth I experienced during soccer season to the amazing friendships that I have made- I can honestly say that this has been an AMAZING first semester of college!

I remember over a year ago when I had first heard of this place at Time Out For Girls, I had no inclination to come here. I was leaning towards Oregon State University and wasn't interested in changing my plans. Again. (Fun Fact: I met one of my very best friends Mac Cottle at a fireside in Beaverton that SVU held)

The Day I left for Christmas Break

Suddenly, it seemed like all the pieces of the puzzle seemed to fall into place. At the booth that SVU had, my mother kept asking questions (embarrassing right?), and we finally decided that we were going to attend the fireside that they were going to hold in Beaverton the following night. (Nice to meet you Mac). Again, at the fireside my mother was full of a ton of questions. (I think at this point in time my 17-year old self is thoroughly humiliated). We stayed after and had continual questions. Looking back, I am SO glad that my mom asked those questions. It was the answer to the questions that let me know that I was supposed to go to SVU. I knew it without a doubt. This was where I was supposed to be. On the flip side of that, how was I going to pay for it? How was I going to move my life that I was comfortable with 2500 miles across the United states? I didn't really have to answer those questions just then. All I knew was that I needed to find a way to get over here.

All the midst this is happening- I am trying to make it through high school. I am trying to get decent grades in my AP calculus class- trying to get recruited for soccer- trying to maintain somewhat of a social life. The idea of college was always in the back of my mind, but it didn't press itself into the forefront of mind until the spring. Spring was also crazy. I was still trying to pass my classes- still trying to get good grades so I could get scholarships. To top it off, I had gotten a job. My life was insane. Graduation, prom, school, friends, work, applications... Even after graduation it didn't calm down. In the summer I was working two different jobs. I worked 7 days a week. I was exhausted but I was determined to be able to pay for college. 

The Dynamic Four- Feat. Al-Tay-Kynna-Me

I remember one night in the middle of the summer on my way home from work (around midnight) I was having a panic attack about how I was going to be able to do it all. My typical "therapy" for my panic attacks when I am driving is to turn on really loud angry music. This time it was different. I put on my "Hilary Weeks" Pandora Radio Station. The Song "You're not alone" by Meredith Andrews came on. I'm pretty sure I was PMS'ing so I was super emotional. I had to pull over to the side of the road. I finished my panic attack- and I got the overwhelming feeling that everything was going to be okay. That this was the road that the Lord wanted me to be on, and He was going to be with me every single step of the way. From that point forward- I haven't doubted that this was where I am supposed to be. And I am SO glad that my mom decided to ask an insane amount of questions- because they got me here. 

Back Row: Zach-Ash- Austin- Mac-Jake-Nick
Front Row: Kadee- Sierra- Uri-will
(AKA SVU FAMILY)

The first months here were insane. It was hard for me to find my footing. That I indeed was living in a different state with people whom I had never met before. That I was playing collegiate soccer and making my way towards a college degree that would let me reach my dream. The first few months were hard. It seemed like I was exhausted most of the time simply because of soccer and how late study hall was. At the same time I was trying to figure out where I fit in on the team- and what purpose that I filled being there. (It's not like I was adding a bunch of skill). I felt like I was learning A TON, but I wasn't contributing in any way. At the same time as all that- I was attempting to find the friends that everyone kept talking about. The friends that will always be there for you. The friends that they say are actually going to last you a lifetime. The same friends that would be there when I got married. The same friends that would be there when I started pushing babies out of my vagina. (Gross- hopefully that is a good 7 years down the road). The friends that I would count on for anything and everything. 

It was hard for me to find them. Luckily- Every single one that I found had been there all semester. (Thank You Soccer!). Half-way through the semester we started hanging out- and now at the end you could say that we are pretty tight! A little fact about me: I suck at building relationships with people. I am loud and obnoxious- but I find it hard to put myself out their emotionally and to make connections with people. Thankfully, playing soccer with these ladies made that transition so much easier! Just another reason to be so grateful for the amazing sport! 

Little did they know- I could NOT twerk

Mac&Sierra=The Best

My Bestie

Exhibit "A"

She always has too much swag for me

So I met this awesome chick- who is way too swaggy and WAY too cool-- Like why are we even friends? Home girl (me) can't hang... (is that even a saying? I'm not "swaggy" enough to know). Despite all that- I love her to death! She is awesome! She laughs at my stupid jokes, laughs at my crappy dance moves- watches a half hour of fail videos with me, we have hours worth of piano jam sessions, have late night philosophical discussions about stupid things (some things aren't stupid...but whatevs)- we laugh until our abs (your abs, my fat) hurt! We send THE UGLIEST snap chats (exhibit "A" see above), I feel like I can talk to you about anything (even if it is how the Caf food gives me the runs), I appreciate how we can tell each other what we think (except how we both hated that stupid food show with all the cheese), and that I can scream and tell you all my crazy ideas and you don't judge me. That and 100 more things! Darling, I am so glad that we met this semester and that we are friends! Next year is going to BOMB!! (This year is too, but living together.... AH!) I hope that we are friends forever! <3

These two are seriously the best people ever! What would I do without you guys?

Mac: I love your wit, your sarcasm, your soccer skills, your farting skills (ahahahahaha)- your dancing skills, your farting skills, your nunchucks skills, your crime fighting skills (name that movie!). I would love to get into a really huge argument with you because we are both SUPER stubborn- so that could be a bloody, yet entertaining argument! I love how we both represent Oregon... and I love how you don't show emotion unless you are talking about your brothers & Jamison. Or if you are being irrational... (but we won't go there). haha. I love you girl! Living together next year is going to 

be awesome!!!! 

I have made amazing friends here! They are hilarious- considerate, and they make me want to be a better person. That is something amazing about SVU. I have never felt the camaraderie that I feel here among my friends and among the student population. It is amazing to feel that unity- each one of us with the same ideals in mind. I wonder what it would have been like if we hadn't have chosen to come out here. Where would we be, and who would my friends be? I know that this place isn't for everyone- but it most certainly is for me. The knowledge that I have gained and the life experience that is going to shape me into the person that God wants me to be is priceless. To all who have made this experience what is has been- thank you!

And now here I am- one semester under my belt- after being in Oregon all of my life. 

From our first time meeting in the training room- to all the goodbyes we had to say to go home for Christmas- you guys are wonderful! Thanks for making college everything that I wanted it to be and more! I love you guys! And boys- good luck on your missions! It's going to be weird not having you guys here next semester- But senior year is going to be awesome when you all get back! Good luck and God be With You Til' We Meet Again! 

Thanks SVU for an awesome first semester of a higher education! 

Ashley, I adore you! And you are a wonderful example to me of the type of person that I should want to be! I love your beautiful face and you are going to be an awesome missionary! I love you !!

Kadee, I mean this in the best way possible. I LOVE YOUR IRRATIONALITY! I don't feel so bad when I act like a crazy person, because sometimes you act crazy and that is OKAY! At the same time you can be crazy, but you have a way of looking at life that I have never thought of before , and it gives me a fresh perspective! And I love it!

P.S. I think our favorite memory is when we drove home from the airport belting out dramatic musical lyrics!

Happy 4 Months BV!

It's been real BV. I'll see you in a month!

A Woman, I am

First off, I want you to watch this video.

I absolutely love this video! I love what is says about women. 

Elder Russel M. Nelson said in the October 1989 General Conference that, "A worthy woman personifies the truly noble and worthwhile attributes of life". He goes on to say, "Each daughter of God is of infinite worth because of her divine mission". 

So what are those "attributes" that he talks about? He goes on to list a few:

• A Devoted Daughter of God
• More concerned with being righteous than being selfish
• More anxious to exercise compassion than to exercise dominion
• More committed to integrity than notoriety 
• She knows of her own infinite worth

All of these traits are what makes up a worthy woman. A woman who idealizes the idea of progressing forward. A woman who isn't afraid to express her womanhood.

I'm not going to lie, I had to look up what "notoriety" means. It means being widely known. I find it very interesting that he compared integrity verses being notoriety. The question that it posed for me, is being notorious mean that you have to sacrifice your integrity? Can you not have both of those qualities at the same time? 

In the world today, women are degraded and put down. Many woman are passionately fighting for feminism.Though, in order to achieve that goal they are sacrificing some of the standards that woman should be promoting in order to receive those equal rights. Woman seem like they have to give away everything to achieve that point of equal rights. They have to change their appearance for a man. They have to have sex for a man. They have to look skinny for a man. Part of the woman's right movement seems have woman changing themselves in order to reach some 'higher standard'. Why? Are we losing ourselves? Is it worth it?

In 2007 alone, 3.05 Billion dollars was spent on cosmetic procedures. This doesn't include the money spent on make up, or on clothes/fashion. 

50% of teenage girls use unhealthy weight control behaviors

67% of woman are trying to lose weight

13% of woman smoke to lost weight (also promoting the percentage of breast cancer cases)

What do all of these statistics have do with the video? With the progression of time, women have been degrading themselves. Society has set a standard on women that they are to be skinny. Society has set a standard on women that they are to be sexy. Society has set a standard on women that they should change

48% of First Children are born to unwed mothers. 48%!!! . What has happened to the standard family? What has the degradation of women done to the idea of the common American family? 

On the subject of women's rights and consequences, one example that seems to have been on my mind the past couple of days is abortion. 

Woman say, "It's my body", "It's my right". "The fetus is not alive." Here's what I have to say. And I know that this is controversial- but bare with me. I think that abortion is a way for women get out of paying for their consequences. People pass off the idea of Pro-Choice as women's rights, when in reality it is just an excuse. A fetus is life. Granted, at first it may not be alive in the sense that it is living on its own without the support. Though, if you classify something to be alive, does it have to be living without support? For example, is a man on a heart-lung machine, "alive"? He is depending his life upon a machine, instead of his own life-sustaining organs. Does that make him not worth living if his loved ones didn't want him to?

You might argue that Pro-Life is only arguing for the potential of life. You might debate that it is arguing that we should preserve the "potential of life", and that is pointless. 

I disagree. The "potential" to do anything is what makes this country phenomenal. The potential for greatness is what has led to the major discoveries that have aided society for the better. The potential for achievement is what has propelled the entrepreneur mindset and has led to the millionaires and the billionaires that have showed the idealism of what America is supposed to be about. 

Abortion is an excuse. You made a choice, you should have to suffer the consequences. Isn't that the natural way of life? Women should have to pay the price instead of using it as excuse from consequences and an excuse for women's rights. 

Henceforth, I don't believe that women should change themselves for a man. I don't think that they should change themselves for society. I do think that they should change themselves if is it what they want. On the flip side of that, women SHOULD NOT be changing themselves and lowering standards. I agree with Colbie Caillet. We shouldn't have to "try"to please a man. We should try to better ourselves, and thus better the society around us. That is what the Women's Rights Movement is all about.