The Day I Thought I Died

Like most athletes, I enjoy working out. I like to push myself to the limit. I have found the fun in weight-lifting and I enjoy a good 7 mile run. Despite all this, I have come to discover that there is one thing that I absolutely hate. 

Pull ups. 

I hate pull ups with a fire in my being. I have wimpy flabby arms and to be able to pull the solid mass that exists beneath my flabby stubs all the way up from a full extension to my head being up over the bar. I hate pull ups, not because they hard (which for me they are) but because I suck at them. 

My brothers used to have pull up competitions, to see who could do the most pull ups, to see who could do the most with one arm, to see who could do the most with their legs out at 90 degrees. They would have all these competitions while I'm over here trying desperately to get my elbows at 90 degrees (and failing). 

When we train, I use the wimpy band for my pull ups. I figure doing a few with a band is better than doing none at all. The last time I actually tried to do a regular pull up was in August. So it's been a while, and I have gotten a lot stronger. I wanted to try again. I wanted to see my progression with my new found strength. 

In our family room, we have a pull up bar that leads into the hallway next to our bedrooms. It sits on a ledge and is easily movable. 

That is the place where my near-death experience occurred.

I step up to the entry way and put my hands on the bar. I could already feel the strength in my arms, and I wanted to show my brothers that I could finally do a pull up. 

I start to pull myself already noticing the difference. I'm going further than I ever have before. And then it happens. Something shifted and I felt my body go weightless. But only for a moment.

The next thing I knew, my body was going down. My momentum was going backwards and my back slammed into the floor. I thought I was dead. 

I knew I wasn't dead because the next thing I saw was my younger brother laughing until he peed himself.

It knocked the wind out of me. And I thought I was dead. 

I stood up. I made sure all of my body parts were still attached and I shamefully left the room. 

That was the day I thought I died. 

And I still hate pull ups. 

Up the Mountain-- The Beauties of Oregon

Can I just say how much I LOVE Oregon!!! I would have to argue with anyone (probably to the death) and say that it is the most beautiful state in this nation. I love how green it is, I love how we have mountains, desert, AND the beach all in one beautiful place. I love how there are waterfalls, and cliffs and trees (oh how I love the fir trees), lakes and rivers, streams and puddles. I love that we do things organic. I love that Portland has pretty much anything you can think of. I love the beauty of the Portland temple. I love so many things about Oregon. I pretty much am having a love affair with this state. 

Granted, I hate the slow speed limits and the insanely liberal government. And I hate that we feel the need to recycle every single thing, and how we feel the need to be hipster ALL. THE. TIME. (even though I sometimes love that aspect). I hate how far away Oregon is from SVU. 

Yeah, I might hate a couple of things about it, but I LOVE Oregon. 

I got the opportunity to hike up to Angel's Rest. Man, it was difficult
but totally worth it in the end. 

I absolutely love to go hiking, camping, backpacking, etc. I love being outside with my family, friends and my pups. I feel privileged to live in such a gorgeous state where I can do all the nature-like activities without having to travel too far or pay too much. I love it here.

Opal Creek is also one of my favorite places to hike. The water is so clear it looks like glass.
It is a simple 7 mile hike with old mining shafts, old mining equipment and plenty
of waterfalls and swimming holes!

The beach is one of my favorite places to drive to for the day, hiking up the sand dune in Pacific City, having a bonfire and making S'Mores--- that's the life. 

For those of you who don't know, the Ocean over here is COLD! If we want to surf or Scuba Dive you can be assured that we will be in our 7mm wetsuits before we dunk ourselves in the freezing cold water. 

The beaches in Oregon are absolutely beautiful! But who are we kidding? Nearly everything in Oregon is beautiful!

In short, I love this state and I love being able to experience it through the outdoors. Let's see what adventures that this summer has to offer. #ExploreOregon

<3 Oregon <3

A Changed Person- And It's Only The First Year

I started this race not knowing what I was getting into. 

~SVU 2015~

It only took us like 13.5 tries to get this shot because we are not very proficient at self timers...
--Everybody, The Squad--

Who would have thought that 233 days on the East Coast could change a person this much. Who would have thought that a small liberal arts university in southern Virginia could alter a human so intensely. Who would've thought that I would become the person I am today. Who would've thought that I would have actually taken the leap to leave my home to pursue my dreams. Who would've thought that listening to the prompting to come to SVU would actually happen. Who would've thought that coming to Southern Virginia University would've been the best decision that I have every made. Who would've thought that this would be the start of my dreams coming true.

This year has flown by! I can't believe that I am already done with a year of college. AND I SURVIVED! The last half of this semester was hard. 6AM weight-lifting followed by class starting at 7AM and ending at 1:30. That's right. And man,  I stank. All day. I stank like the dirt of the gym floor with a slight hint of sweat from an un-showered body. After classes, I would go home to take my scheduled two hour nap. Wake up. Sleep for another fifteen minutes. Wake up again. Unfortunately get dressed. And walk up the fields to play some soccer. At least that was the last part of the year. Throw in a road trip to Florida, movie nights with my best friends, spontaneous runs to Chipotle, bon-fires, a visit from my mom, trips to Roanoke, soccer soccer soccer, and STUDYING-- that essentially was my semester.  

When I made the commitment to come to SVU, I had two fears:

1st: Soccer. I was so afraid. Downright terrified. Getting on that plane knowing that in 24 hours I would be playing soccer with 23 other girls who I had never met before. 23 girls who were going to be better than me. 23 girls who were far more prepared than I. Those girls are 23 girls who I began to love. Those girls became my soccer family. Those girls help me to become a better player every single time I am with them. 

I would be lying if I didn't say I was proud of myself considering how far I have come from August 18th until now. 

The amount of gratitude I feel for this soccer program, for this coach, for this team, and for this sport is unreal 

2nd: My second fear was making friends.. My family was on the other side of the United States, and I was terrified that I was going to be all alone. I was terrified that I was going to go through my first year by myself wallowing in my own solitude. Well, It might have taken me a few months, but I found friends who I consider my family. I found friends who will be in my wedding. I found friends whose babies I will raise. I have found friends who are "complete friends". (I put that in there for you Professor Armstrong). I have found my lifelong friends. I have found my best friends. You guys are my people.  

To people who regularly read my blog: I'm sorry, but what you're going to read next is going to be redundant. I'm sorry, but I just love these people and have to blog about them ALL THE TIME! Oh well, you can either skip to the bottom or read all about all these awesome human beings. 

Mac Cottle:

Mac-Attack, I love your stinking guts! I am so excited to be house mates next year, to scare the crap out of the freshman, to make blanket forts and make food together. I love how we can argue, be sassy, sarcastic and downright rude to each other and neither of us gets offended and its an endearing part of our relationship. I love that I always catch you at your embarassing moments (that doesn't happen very often), and I appreciate that you skipped class just to watch The Little Mermaid with me. I love that I can talk to you about all the Oregon crap that nobody else in the squad understands. (Like they even know what cold water is...). I am actually truly sorry about the whole HR fiasco... I guess we won't do that again... I love that when you truly smile your nose crinkles up! I love when you show your sweet side (usually about your brothers) but either way I LOVE it! I love when you show the side of you that actually cares. I'm excited to go hiking and play soccer this summer! (THANK GOODNESS YOU LIVE CLOSE TO ME!). I love you girl!! Thanks for this friendship!... and my fishies...

The picture on the right--> we are practicing for Mac's future exotic entertainment career. (Thanks Gen Bio)

Mac's given position on any day

Emma Atwood: 

First off Emma, I have to say thank you for all the times that I have slept in your bed. I don't know what it is... but your bed calls to me. It is SO comfy! So thank you for letting me nap in it, just chill there, and cuddle with your blankets. Emma I love that we both have crazy analytic minds. I LOVE to analyze and have serious conversations with you Emma! You tell long stories that I love (but sometimes can't stand) and we both agree that we drive each other crazy... but we love each other anyway! I love your commitment to the gospel and your drive to do what is right! I love you Canada!! And I'm SO glad that you are coming back this next year! I love that I don't necessarily bear my soul to you and it drives you INSANE!! I love you Emma! And I'm so glad that you got the RA position for next year because you are going to ROCK it! I'll see you in August, Canada. 

Kadee Avila:

Kadee Lady!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every time that you rubbed aloe into my back. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! You were literally a life saver down in Florida. Also, thanks for being an ear for me to talk to. I find it SO easy to talk to you and you are a super good listener! I love how you just YELL and SING and SCREAM out of your window. Also, I appreciate that you understand the "farm girl" life and what that actually means. (Even though I don't really even know). I love how hard you work and that you are always up for anything. I love you Kadee lady!! I will see you in August Kadee Lady!

Ashley Preisler:

Ashley, I am so appreciative of your cleanliness! I LOVE IT! I loved riding together down to Florida-- Loved having classes with you this semester-- And I loved becoming much closer with you this semester. I just need to tell you how proud I am of you for doing what you know the Lord wants you to do. I know that it is hard to leave for a year and a half to serve the Lord and that it is hard to leave all of our awesomeness while you go and serve God's children. And I LOVE you for that!! P Sawyer, I love you! I'm going to miss you like crazy but I will email every week! I love your sassy humor (even if you can't take it back;) I love how much you love your siblings because I feel that too!! I love you Ashley!! And I'm SUPER glad you're one of my best friends!

Sierra Sorenson:

"You are my BEST FRIEND. If I'm dyin, you dyin with me. Ain't no choice!". First off, can I just say thanks for rubbing aloe all over my back that first day in Florida when I was roasted like a lobster even though it was my own fault for not putting on sunscreen. Anyway, I am so beyond grateful that I have found this friendship. I can be blunt and honest with you and say what I'm feeling and I don't have to worry about you taking it the wrong way or being offended. You listen to anything that I have to say and laugh at all my stupid jokes. I appreciate how freaking HILARIOUS you are-- and I can always count on laughing my guts out with you. Your swag-o-meter is topped out, you are a BEAST in the gym and on the field. You are always pushing me to become a better athlete. You will sing at the top of your lungs with me. Talk about super deep topics and then crack a joke and then I can't breathe. Wal-mart rant STRAIGHT UP! I appreciate how you always strive to make the best of every situation you are given. I LOVE it when you are irrational! It is SO funny! I appreciate those late-night texts full of hilariousness. I LOVE the disgusting snapchats that we send.. I love you girl. Thanks for inducting me into the squad! One of the best things that ever happened to me.  (BTW, I am SUPER excited for backpacking-- and to be housemates)

How can you not love that face?

...Gross picture...
But sometimes you just gotta take a nap in the back of the car
Also, things that happen in the back seats of Al's car,, STAY in the back seat of Al's car

I am so grateful for these friends that have their priorities straight. I am so grateful for these friends that put first things first. I am so grateful for these friends that know who they are and who stand beside me. I am so grateful for these friends who have become my family. I love you guys. And this summer is gonna suck without you. 

When asked what the most important thing that they learned from their first year of college:

Emma: "This year, I learned that (insert chuckle) ....I'm trying to say this right...Everything we go through has a reason and we just need to trust in God's timing. And you can live off of Ramen and steal from the Caf and be fine. And Not only can you function on 2-3 hours, but you can THRIVE on it."

Ashley: "God has a plan for me and I need to trust in his timing."

Sierra: "It is possible to function on 2-3 hours of sleep."

Mac: "When you have time, take a nap."

Kadee: "(Deep Sigh)- That it is easy and worth it to love people that you just barely meet."

One word to describe freshman year:

Emma: Blessed

Ashley: Adventure

Sierra: Whirlwind 

Mac:Killer

Kadee: Inspired

One piece of advice for an incoming freshman:

Emma: "Join a team, a club, something. Be involved and give it your best"

"Be nice to your RA's"

Ashley: Study hard. Play hard. And remember- God has a plan for you and it is all in His timing. 

Sierra: "Spontaneous fun things are the best. Like trips to chipotle, or swimming, or deciding to go to Florida on a whim"

"Don't talk to ANY premish boys or girls. They will ruin your life"

Mac: "Don't take gen bio"

"Make friends with people that you can have deep conversations with and then 2 seconds later be laughing so hard your abs hurt. Find where you fit in and live it up. Study hard and do good in school but make time for fun things too. Don't take everything serious and don't take a 7am lab"

Kadee: "buy a thong and make sure they are matching with your best friends because when you wear this thong- you can take on the world #biggirlpanties"

In short, I love these people and this semester has been amazing!

One of the weekends my sweet mamma even got to come out and visit this wonderful place! (Thanks Rebecca!) It was awesome that my mom got to meet the friends that I am always talking about and see the places that I always send her pictures of. 

I guess you could say that weekend was flawless. 

I made it through classes. I made it through the all-nighters and the airports and the awkward phases. I made it through the grueling work outs and the late night cramming. I made it through the irresponsible choices and the growing up. I made it through all that jazz. And I can't wait to do it all again in August! I love it here! 

For all those nights of singing hymns <3 (Even if I was sometimes by myself)

In college, we take naps. And LOTS of them.

This symbolizes the hours of learning the "Fake ID" dance. 

Literally cannot contain my excitement to be living with these goons next year

I guess you could say we bond over food? #Diabetus

Oh the great family dinners that were enjoyed! THANK YOU SIERRA!

Room 305 Everybody

Killed at the Knight Run 5K

Running Buddy (Dang we killed it!)

My therapy

So what if all we did in forum was watch soccer??

See you later dude!

Here's to all those days in biology-- ft. Schramm

Would please take a look at that contractile vacuole!?!
Isn't it AWESOME?!

Emma Atwood errrybody ^^^ (She unfortunately dropped her freshly scooped ice cream onto the dirty asphalt.. it was funny)

Can we all just bum it forever at the beach in Florida?

As much as I hate physical contact, cuddling is one of my favorite things. Ever. 

See you later to the hours of jam sessions. See you later to playing the sport I love with the people I love. See you later to the late night movie sessions. See you later to the unwanted cuddling in that twin sized bed. See you later to all the drives to Lexington. See you later to the stalking out of Kadee's window. See you later to the hours of bonding over Netflix. See you later to the Lofts. GOODBYE to BI-O-LO-GY! See you later to all the amazing professors who make this school what it is. See you later to the haters and the players. See you later to the gut renching laugh sessions- (does anyone want a tour?). See you later to the coolest people I know. I'll See you later.

 See you later to my best friends. 

If next year is as good as this year, I don't have a thing to worry about. 

Goodbye Virginia, I'll see you in approximately 100 days. Don't miss me too much. 

I'm finishing the first leg of this race happier than I ever expected I would be.

Squad Out.