Oh family

My mom posted this on her facebook wall the other day:

 

Carol Thomas Neuenschwander

Made a gingerbread house over at Sheryl Sam Gayda's place this morning. All pretty and landscaped. Brought it home, set it on the table then left again to run errands. Came back...The Christmas tree in the front yard was GONE. My jaw dropped and I squeaked..."My tree!" Will hangs his head over my shoulder, and calmly said, "County Ordinance Committee removed it. Too close to the house." I was about to bean him when I realized my marshmellow gingerbread men had left the building too. I glared at him, he shrugged and said, "Illegal Aliens." I told him I hoped he choked on it...And got, "If it makes you feel any better the little yellow balls on the tree weren't very tasty."

This is why Will is my favorite little brother. He is only 16 and he already is such a cool kid. No matter what life throws at him, he just keeps going along and doing his own thing. I have decided that when I grow up I want to be like him. I am excited to be able to have a whole month of quality Paigey and Willy time after this semester.

Promontory Point and the Spiral Jetty

Southern Utah Get-away

Last weekend, I decided to explore the great world of southern Utah. It was glorious! I visited Bryce Canyon and Zions National Park, St. George, and a ghost town. I spent a couple days just hiking around and breaking in my chacos. I thoroughly enjoy exploring small towns in the middle of nowhere. The locals are always so friendly and tell you the best places to check out. I just might have to go back.

At Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon

Hiking at Bryce Canyon. The water was this brilliant gray blue against the orange/peach  rocks.

 On my way back, I stopped by an old silver mining town. The museum was slightly disappointing so I decided to take things into my own hands. I drove my car until the roads became too rocky and then set off across the desert with my back pack to find real silver mines.

Apple Hunting

A couple of Sunday's ago, we decided to go to a abandoned house in the neighborhood a pick the apples off of their awesome half pear half apple tree.

We were lacking real apple picking supplies so we tried using a step stool and an old measuring stick we found around the house. (oh Mary)

We were sort of struggling so Jeremy rescued us with the ladder.  I would just like to add that I told Sophie exactly where the ladder was (on the side of the house) and she swore that it wasn't there when she looked. Goes to show that you can never trust a Sophie.

Caroline was such a pro with the whacking stick that she didn't need the ladder.

Jeremy made a great pie with the apples, but Gunther got to it while it was cooling on the counter. We couldn't let it go to waste though so we ate around the Gunther infected area. It was delicious!!!

Work training?

I am now a workin' woman. I program new courses for Independent Study. I am learning new things everyday that I never knew a computer could do! Today, we had a training meeting that lasted far too long. So what did I do? I watched music videos.

A change of plans

I heard back from the Peace Corps today and was told that I would be going to Central or South America. Also, I will not be speaking Spanish. This took me by surprise because I was told during my interview that I would most likely be going to Africa in the French speaking region. I was really excited to be returning to Africa, but the thought of actually being able to speak fluent Spanish thrilled me too. Well, I am not sure what to think now. Wait, yes I do. I am still really excited but also a little nervous too. I was not expecting this curve ball. To see potential countries of my residence, click here for Central America and here for South America.

Krebs cycle and Glycolysis or Uh Huh Her?

Easy choice.

 

The good things in life

1. Seeing segways parked on campus
2. Having white clothes actually be and stay white
3. Telling embarrassing stories to friends
4. Eating one of my all-time favorite foods (grilled cheese sandwich) with family
5. Seeing old Young Women's leaders and realizing that neither of you will ever actually grow up
6. Being greeted by invasive dogs and sneaky little bunnies (not at the same time of course)
7. Seeing and smelling tulips EVERYWHERE
8. Attempting to develop Beyonce dance moves

This semester is already proving to be quite difficult, but there is something so satisfying about completing an insanely hard homework assignment or test. Bring on the school work!

Mixed feelings about winter

I have never really been a big fan of winter. Unless you are into snow sports it's useless. Because this is my last winter here in Utah, I decided that I would finally stop fighting and embrace it. So far, I feel that I have done a good job. I have gone sledding, cross country skiing, to the World Cup Freestyle skiing, and even danced in the snow. BUT today I draw the line! This morning I woke up and found a brand new dusting of snow on the ground. I made it about two steps off of my front porch before I slipped. My legs flew up over my head and I landed hard on my back/side. I couldn't believe it! First, I looked around to make sure that no one saw. There was no one around. Then, between gasps for breath I half groaned half giggled to myself. Off in the distance I could hear the bus coming. I crawled/dragged myself to a non icy spot and got to my feet. Not wanting to be late for class, I booked it down the street slipping, sliding, and arms flailing the whole way. I was such a mess and I definitely was not going to make the bus stop before the bus. Thank goodness the bus driver took pity on me and picked me up. After my performance, I was a bit embarrassed so I went to the very back of the bus. Once seated, I felt a warm trickle running down my face. I had a bloody nose. I searched my bag for anything to use to wipe it up. I had nothing except for my Alzheimer's research paper that I had spent the last several days writing. I promptly shoved CDC's recommendations and the University of Maryland Medical Center's clinical trials on my face and up my nose to stop the bleeding. Once I finally got to school, I ran to the nearest kiosk to re-print my paper. Thank goodness I brought my computer to school so I could pull the paper up. I pulled out my computer and noticed a crack on the cover and a missing piece of plastic that covers the vent on the side. Seriously! I quickly printed the papers and scurried across campus to my little classroom in the RB. I was still late to class, but at least I got both papers turned in today. Only 1 more paper, a presentation, and a test left to do this week. Oh how I love midterms. Tonight, I told Lauren that I feel like an 80 year because I am so stiff and sore. I can hardly function. Bruises are already forming on my butt and shoulder blades, but if I was really an 80 year old I probably would have broken a hip and would be in a nursing home right now recovering. After all is said and done, I am glad that I still got my papers in, that I am not a geriatric, and that winter will be over in just a few months.