rebirth

I like to think of the New Year as a chance for rebirth. A fresh start, if you will. The archetype of rebirth that happens in so many books usually occurs in the rain, or near some body of water. It represents a cleansing of the soul, and the character is given a chance to start over; to make amends; to leave the old "them" behind and improve themselves and their life. Well, I'm hoping that this year, I can be like Raskolnikov (no I didn't kill an old lady, but stil...) and do the same. 


However, 2010 was a fantastic year! I grew up SO much. I'm nowhere near where I need to be, but I know I'm going to get there. I was reading my friend Daryn's blog, and she listed 10 of her favorite things that happened in 2010. Daryn titled it, "Top 10 of 2010." Clever, right? So, I'd like to do the same, with a different title. (is that okay, dd?...i hope so.) Well, here we go! 

FAVES of the DAY (??)

aka my favorite things of 2010

well, 10 of them, anyway

10. Concerts

In 2010, I was went to 3 really fantastic concerts. Well, two were really amazing, and the other one was...well, it was:

Justin Bieber

My little sister and I went to the Justin Bieber concert in July. It was one of the most entertaining things ever. Yes, Justin was great, but the people there--prime people watching, my friends. I have never seen so many bump-its, crazy mormon mothers, disgusting bellies hanging out over shirts that should NEVER be worn, or screaming preteen girls in my entire life. Justin's voice was changing, so all of the songs were a little pitchy. But it was fun none the less!

In September, my mom got us tickets to see (and hear) Brian Stokes Mitchell. This man's voice is one of the most heavenly things i've ever heard. I mean, just look at him! The poster says, "Broadway's Last Leading Man." The whole concert was spell-binding. He sang my favorite songs, and I pictured that he was singing them to me, and me alone. Ohhhh boy. I can't even get started because I'll never stop! I also met him and he signed my book. ZOMG. 

In November, my mom got me and my little sister tickets to the symphony. The symphony is normally a treat for me, but this one was extra special. The symphony played "The Wizard of Oz" while the audience got to watch. It was AMAZING. I was enraptured the entire time! And, to make it better, the conductor proposed to his girlfriend during intermission! It was the sweetest thing ever! 

9. Fiddler on the Roof

This is the cast of Fiddler on the Roof at Hale Centre Theatre. 

I was cast in this show, and we performed February 19th through April 10th. Hale Theatre is a semi professional theatre, and I love it. The shows there are always great, and I got to be in my second one! I also got to double with my cousin, Natalie. I made some of my best friends in that cast, and this play came at a perfect time in my life and it helped me keep my mind of some very depressing thoughts. I want to do a play at Hale again as soon as possible! 

8. My Computer

My computer, Travis, is my best friend--a boyfriend if you will. I spend A LOT of time with Trav, and we love each other. Getting my computer during the summer was such a great surprise. My dad was against Mac's from the start, and he said he'd only get me a PC. Then, we went up to Utah State for SOAR, and my dad took me into the bookstore and bought me my Mac! I love love love it!

7. Holidays 

The Holidays were extremely fun and meaningful this year. I got to come home for the holidays, and it meant a lot more to me for my whole family to be together. I had such a good time being with my cousins, and my siblings, and my parents, too. Keeping traditions alive is something that is close to my heart, so knowing that my Holiday Traditions will keep going is very comforting.

6. Guitar

Meet Gracie. She is my guitar. I love Gracie. She isn't the BEST guitar, but she's MY guitar. I taught myself how to play the guitar when I started school. It's a great stress reliever! I love looking up my favorite songs on google, and after some practice, I can play them! I've even started my own youtube channel...kind of...getting myself out there. We'll see what happens, eh?? Well, Gracie has become a necessity in my life, and I now know how to play the guitar!

5. Nannying

My big sister, Kellie, asked me to nanny her kids over the summer. Best summer job ever. I feel like they are my kids (minus the whole...labor part), and I loved every minute I spent with them! They are little wieners, but they are MY wieners and they made me laugh every day. I hope I can do it again this summer!

4. Driver's License

In July, I got my driver's license! It was a year and a half late, but, ya know what, it's done now! And Hallelujah for that. Amen, brother. I idiotically don't have my license with me because I left my bag somewhere. But, the picture on it looks something like the one above. Here's to driving! If you ever need a ride, hit me up.

3. Gradating High School

I graduated from Skyline High School in June. High School was such a big part of my life. Everything was so important: my friends, boys, parties, boys, etc...There are so many things I learned in High School. Still, even though everything mattered, nothing about that time mattered! Amazing! The picture up there is me with most of my best friends. I love these girls, and I am so glad that I got to spend 3 dramatic, fun-filled, horrifying years in high school. We all still keep in touch.

2. Senior Trip

My senior trip to St. George was the funnest trip I've ever taken. Me, Julie Nelson, Sarah Esplin, Haley Rasmussen, Megan Watts, Maggie Brown, Mary Beth Lofgren, Jordan Jones, Angela Bennion, and Rebecca Ehlert ventured down to Geezy to relax and reminisce about our Eagle experiences. What a time it was! We watched Arrested Development, went boating, went shopping in Vegas, lounged by the pool...it was SO relaxing, and the perfect detox. I'm going to suggest a reunion trip. We'll see what happens. 

Geezy '11, anyone?

1. Utah State University

Going to Utah State University was the best decision of the year. By far. Best decision of my life. I am in love with the university. The campus, the atmosphere, my friends, my major...everything! Even the weather! I get up in the morning, and even if my day sucks, something tells me that it's where I'm supposed to be. I love every single class for my major, and I cannot wait to be a teacher! It'll be the most fulfilling moment of my life! 

Utah State, hey Aggies all the way! 

Go Aggies, Go Aggies, Hey, Hey, Hey!!

I love my school, and I can't wait to start off another semester to get me closer to my goal of being a teacher! 

Well, those are my Top Ten of 2010!