What I Have Learned from Logan

When I look back at the history of my life in Logan, I will definitely think of the many lessons that I learned here with fondness. So, here is a list of the things that I have learned that will go into the life skills resume:

1. I love the mountains. I never really knew how much before. I have hiked them, camped in them, had numerous bonfires in them, skiied them, sled on them, driven through them when they were fiery colors and when they were so icy and snowy it was scary-all in the name of love. I will miss having the majestic views of the mountains every time I leave the house.
2. I heart Utah State. It has been a great school to attend and to be employed at. I have seen it from the side of a student and an employee and although we will never claim to be "The Lord's School" like a school south of us that shall remain nameless, I truly believe that USU is an inspired place. Apparently I am now a true-blooded Aggie who loves the spot where the sagebrush grows...
3. I have learned many life skills here in Logan. But maybe the best of all skills that I will be able to take into my daily life is a foreign language: REDNECK. That's right. I am fluent in redneck. After spending a few years working at a fence company, I am now able to speak and understand what it means when someone says that they "usedta could" do something or the appropriate use of "getter done". I understand the value of hunting and what a big buck contest is and to always say no when one of the hunters comes back from a week in the woods and offers a dried mystery meat in an unmarked plastic bag. I also know the difference between regular wranglers and sunday wranglers. Now, how to put that on a resume...

4. I have made many friends that I will always consider family. I know what it means to have people around that will come running in the middle of the night if I need them and for this I will always be greatful.

5. No matter how long I have lived in Utah, I can proudly say that the words "Oh my heck" have never become part of my vocabulary. Never.

6. I have learned that no matter what the weather is anywhere else in the state, the canyon has the potential to be a wild ride any time of the year. I have learned that I am able to survive rain, sleet, snow, or hail-sometimes all in one drive...

7. I have learned that having sisters around me is one of my favorite things! No matter what we are doing, whether it is cooking dinner, attending a double feature, or just hanging out-we have a blast. Here we are at Maddox this past Friday taking a picture in front of a random statue:I am sure that there are many more things that I have learned here in Logan, but these are by far the top of the list....

What I'm Watching Now...

I have thoroughly enjoyed this new TV Season especially the addition of GLEE. It is an irreverent, quirky look at the outcasts that make up a high school glee club. They say things like, "You know, that Rachel girl makes me want to set myself on fire, but she can sure sing." But I have to say that one of my favorite lines came in last night's episode when Sue Sylvester, the coach of the award-winning cheerleaders says, "I love minorities. I do. In fact, I love them so much I am considering moving to California to become one." Like I said. Love it.
So, if you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, go to fox.com and catch the first episodes...

Too.Much.Information. Seriously.

So, a quick trip to Wal-Mart last night turned into a moment that I wanted to plug my ears and sing loudly, "I can't hear you! I can't hear you!" when I ran into an old friend of the male gender that I hadn't seen for a while:

AB: Oh hi! (Quick embrace) How are things with you?
Male: Great! My wife is pregnant...
AB: Really? That is great! Does that make 3 for you?
Male: Oh no, this will be our fourth. Our youngest is 8 months old, so they will be 11 months apart when this next one is born.
AB: Wow! Wow...
Male: I know-she was even on birth control. But don't worry, after this one I am getting snipped and everything so we can be free to do...whatever...
AB: Wow...(I didn't really hear anything after this because I was too busy trying to figure out a way to run away and pick up the sour cream I needed)

After this experience I have learned 2 things: 1. Never use the words "Quick Trip" and "Wal-Mart" in the same sentence. It will never happen. 2. Be prepared when asking the question, "How are things with you?" to hear the actual answer. Yikes.

So, I have a simple plea to those of you who have no personal boundaries when it comes to sharing information about your life. If it involves the word "snipping" when describing your new method of birth control, no one besides your spouse wants to hear it. Trust me. Seriously.

So, Here's The Story...

There have been many requests as to the story behind my move to California, so here it is: I graduated. I decided in September that I would be moving to California to look for a great job (hopefully something cool), spend time with the fam and just all around do some fun things. My last day of work here at Utah State is October 23rd and then my Dad is flying up on Thursday, October 29th and we are driving the Jeep back to Pleasanton. I will live at casa Barlow for a while whilst looking for a job to save some money and that is as far as the plan goes...for now. I am really excited and I decided that this is a great time for me to move while I still harbor great feelings about Logan. I am pretty sure that one more winter would have changed my feelings from fondness to something way worse.
I decided to start making a list of the things that I will miss about Logan. Here is the first item on the list: I have loved loved loved the fact that I get to live 5 minutes from the Temple. It is beautiful and you can see it from almost everywhere in the valley. And, in honor of Flashback Friday, you can see that there are others who enjoy it as well: I am sure that as the next 3 weeks transpire, the list of people, places and things that I will miss about Logan will continue to grow, so I will be documenting accordingly.