"I Can See Life Has Been Patiently Waiting For Me."

This is my last blog post for the semester. Wowsers. I six days I'll be catching a plane for Chicago to spend my two weeks of Christmas break with my fantabulous sister. Then I'll be right back here to give college another go.

The last couple days have been filled with a lot of different emotions. Excitement for break - stressing about finals - and sadness whenever we all start talking about going home. Not that we're not all excited to see family and friends, because we completely and totally are. But we're a little family here too and one that I'm going to miss like crazy. 

It almost seems a little unfair. I've only had four months with these girls and already I love them more than half the kids I spent the last eighteen years with. Our time here in college together has been so short - we'll probably all be married before we get a chance to room together again. 

We've laughed together until we cried, vented until 2:00am about ratchet hoes, been pregnant and then pregnant again. We've been hit on by the creepiest of the creepies, had simultaneous sore glutes from squats, and baked a freaking cheesecake. We've spent countless hours stalking attractive male  classmates on facebook and planning our future weddings down to the center pieces. 

We've got five days left together, so yesterday we spent the day together running around campus with a camera. I've never had a lot of girl friends. I've always preferred the guys and the drama free route. But I'm so incredibly thankful I got blessed with these three amazing girls in my life. I guarantee Heavenly Father knew exactly what I needed this semester and gave them to me. 

While I'm being all cheesy and stuff here, can I just say, I'm going to miss this person so much. I'm pretty sure if I didn't have my brotein shake Kenzie this semester, I'd go cray-cray. Honestly, my first impression of her was not the best. I prepared myself for the worst and thinking back on that makes me laugh. Never ever thought I'd make such a broski in college, especially with my roommate, but hey, I've been wrong before. Who I'm going to judge other people with next semester, I have no idea. 

Not that we really have a lot of room to judge… but oh well. 

So after pictures yesterday, we went hookiebobbin' with a group of friends. Yeah, I'd never heard of it either, but apparently that's what you call it. Basically, we drove out to this icy parking lot in the middle  of nowhere and then you hold onto the tailgate of the pickup… you get the gist? It was crazy fun - probably one of the best times I've had since I've been here in Rexburg. Plus we met some country boys and we all know how I feel about that. 

Well, my last final is on Tuesday - Animal Reproduction - and then I'll be done with my first semester. Fingers crossed it goes well, I'm a little nervous. We'll see what happens!

We've all been talking a lot about how our lives and where we are all going to be headed from here. I kinda came to the scary realization that from now on, I'll spend more of my year in Idaho than I will in Alaska. And in all reality, this upcoming summer is probably my last trip home for awhile. By next summer I should have an internship, year-round apartment, hopefully a fiancé or something close. And I actually really love Idaho. It's not Alaska, that's for sure, but I'm happy here and am completely content living in this state for the years to come. 

I honestly never thought I'd consider this place home. But it kinda is! 

So, the rest of this post will probably just be pictures that we took yesterday. We got like 250, so I won't bore you will all of them, but I wanted to put them up here. 

Well, we're cool, what can I say.

And we love our Christmas lights, but who could blame us.

Pregnant bellies are also way too much fun.

But don't let that fool you. We're pretty thug.

More roomie love. 

We have this thing where we're going to audition for American Idol and then win because we're just that amazing. 

Annnnnnd, we love Brooke's energy!

Also our booties. 

Group hugs are the best. I don't wanna let these gals go!

They love me, no big deal.

I really don't know what happened here.

We shoulda been models probably. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love these girls. We're like the three amigos, but plus one. 

"We Don't Care - We're Driving Cadillacs In Our Dreams."

Two. Weeks. Left.

It's hard to believe that I am very nearly half way done with my freshman year of college. Whut. 

This week was pretty chill homework wise. I worked one my one big paper for my Ag class. It's on determining fertility and libido in potential breeding bulls. Exciting, I know. 

I got a box from my bestest big sister ever also. Ya know, normal people use like, packing peanuts… yeah, not her. I opened the thing and lucky charms marshmallows went everywhere. I'm still cleaning sugar up in my apartment today. She ridiculous. 

But I love her. 

Let's see. Then on Thursday in Ag class I got to do something super exciting. So, in lab the professor brings in two cattle uteruses and puts them on the table in front of us. Immediately like, everyone scatters except one other girl and I. Apparently cow guts are scary to some people. Whaterr. 

Anyway, he tells me to palpate it and he's got this sly look on his face. So I do and I was pretty sure I felt something in there. So we got a scalpel and sliced open one side of the uterus, all the while talking about the different layers and sciency stuff. When we saw a little pair of hooves, everything got super exciting. 

It's a little heifer! Anyway, so we decided to do the same to the other uterine horn and WHAT DO YOU KNOW.

There was a little bull in there. Twins aren't exactly an every day occurrence in cattle, so it was a pretty exciting moment for us. He told us we could get extra credit if we could tell him next week how far along we think the pregnancy is. My guess is 90-100 days. Closer to the ninety day mark though. 

So that was a lot of fun. And next week we're supposed to be birthing calves, which will be even more fun. 

Last night there was the big BYUI Christmas program, so I went to that with a date. It was fun - the music was phenomenal. Afterwards we went out to eat, then back to hang out at the guys' apartment. 

Oh also, I went and took a tour at the Ivy apartments which is where I'll be living next fall. My. Freaking. Word. That place is gorgeous. I cannot wait to live there. Free laundry - huge apartment - brand new appliances - a shuttle bus to the grocery store - and only $250 more a semester. Yeah. Sounds pretty gosh dang good to me. 

Anyways. That was my weekend. Got some little homework assignments done and now we're headed out to go hang with the boys again. So peace out - I'll post again soon!

"No More Counting Dollars, We'll Be Counting Stars."

Alright y'all- blog time!

So there was this thing this week called Thanksgiving break. And it was a wonderful thing. No classes and I didn't have to set my alarm. Not even once. It was heavenly. 

Monday and Tuesday were technically not included in break 'cause I still had classes, so they were nothing special.

Wednesday it began and honestly, I think we were a little unsure about what to do with all of the freedom. So we didn't really do anything that day. Well, except we went to the gym, of course. Kenzie has started coming with me. We don't work out together really (except for when we do squats because safety first), but we go together and that's all that matters. Then Wednesday night I made my first pie ever. It's a new skill of mine, apparently. No big deal or anything.

Also on Wednesday I was forced to go buy a new computer, due to the fact that mine decided to give up on me. Rude. 

Thursday was Thanksgiving of course! Can I just say - I was so proud of us for making our own little dinner. It all turned out so well... I'm pretty sure we are going to make excellent wives. Boys, take a note of this. 

(Our Thanksgiving dinner! That would be my pecan pie in the back... yup. It was wonderful.)

So Friday we did homework in the morning and then went to see Catching Fire that afternoon. Gosh dang was it good. A million times better than the first one. Not like that's saying much, but still. Finnick was picture perfect, which was a good thing considering he was my favorite character in the book and had he been less than perfect I would have been not happy. So yeah.

Got some grocery shopping done this weekend, wrote up an actual budget because I realized it was probably about time, and somehow got pulled into that TV show Game of Thrones. I'm only on episode four and I've got three full seasons to watch. This is no small task. I've also gotten started on this "My Fitness Pal" thing... it's like dieting, but fun. Trust me. 

Alright, well that's about all that I've got for you. The lost roommates (Brooke and Scar) should be home in a couple hours and thank goodness for that because the place just isn't the same without them. Okay, well, I'm going to go eat a protein bar and watch my show... Bu-bye!

(It ain't gonna watch itself!)

"I Loved To Choose And See My Path, But Now Lead Thou Me On."

Wanna see what we did this weekend? Yeah you do.

(His name is Francis. He's very handsome. He's living on our fridge now.)

And you thought we'd mature in college. Psh. What rock are you living under. What with the hand turkey and Christmas lights up, our dorm kind looks amazing. No big thing.

So, let's see. This week I got registered for classes - go me! I'm signed up to take a Book of Mormon class, Live and Carcass Evaluation (farm stuff yo), possibly Animal Handling and Behavior (I'm still on the wait list for that one), and Overall Exercise Physiology (I couldn't help it. I still can't decide where my loyalties lie.) Tomorrow I'll get my math and English classes added then boom, I'll be ready for next semester..

Already got tuition paid for out of my market check (sheep are good for something after all) - by some twist of fate I got my room switched so I don't have to move all of my crap over Christmas break - things are just really falling into place.

Nothing extremely exciting happened this week. Classes were super chill, probs because Thanksgiving break is coming up and even the professors are looking forward to that. I didn't get to fulfill my dream of AIing a cow this week due to the fact that the dang cows decided to mess with their heat cycles, but I'm holding out on said dream. It will happen soon enough.

I started squatting this week. Yesterday, to be precise. And let's just say I'm a little sore back there. Walking to church was an adventure, to be sure. Speaking of church, it was my turn to teach Gospel Doctrine today and bro, turns out I'm kinda loving my calling. Who woulda thought teaching could be so much fun? Plus, it's an opportunity to show off my amazingly artistic stick figure drawing skills on the white board. Perks, I tell you, perks.

Thanksgiving break starts on Tuesday - my last class ends at like two and then I'm free to lounge about and mess around in the gym for a whole five and a half days. BOOYA. Also, I get to try out my possibly awesome pie-making talents. We'll just see how that one goes.

Not much else to say about this week, but since it's Sunday I'll add just a little spiritual thought. So, for a couple months now I'd been praying for something that I really, really wanted. Like bro, it was all I could think about. And I thought it was a good thing, I really did. I got my answer this week (finally) and I'm just gonna be honest, it was exactly the opposite of what I'd asked for. I was a little shocked and unhappy, to say the very least. But after thinking it through (alot), I realized that what I had originally wanted would not have been the best thing for me. The Lord knew that and honestly I think he was waiting for me to figure it out myself and when I didn't he was like, "Okay, seriously hun, here's the thing..." I am so incredibly grateful I have Him to look out for me. He knows me better than I do and he loves me so much he's willing to tell me "No" on something I want in the moment, in order to cause me to wait for something much, much better. I'm pretty gosh darn lucky.

A'ight. That's a wrap. Love you all - Happy Thanksgiving!

(Saw this on Pinterest of course and it struck home. Just change "Life" to "God" and boom, you got it.)

"It's a Holiday When We're Together."

Okay. I have a story. It's titled, "My professor changed my big semester project last minute, basically throwing away all of the time I spent studying for it and gave me a lame one on golf instead."

And that's about it. I'm really not much of a story teller, so that sucks. But you get the gist. So, I've got to give an hour long presentation on golf now, instead of rugby (which I had actually come to enjoy, thank you very much). Wow. Go figure.

In other news, this week was actually pretty chill. Minimal homework now that midterms are basically over and no parties until next weekend. Soooo, yeah.

I did take the military physical fitness test again for my class and I took just over a minute off of my run. I was so freaking excited. Put me in a good mood for the rest of the day. I'm only at an 8 minute mile these days, but bro, that's spectacular for this person.

So on Friday Kenzie and I decided to attempt the impossible and make a cheesecake. Yeah, really. Things didn't start out promising... pretty much right off the bat I put salt in the crust instead of sugar. But we saw it through man, and guess what. It flipping worked.

Whoop, there it is. Our glorious cheesecake. 

I am still extremely proud of this dessert. Get over it.

Saturday it snowed. And it actually stuck! Like, it's currently still out there! People were making snowmen for gosh sakes. It just put me in such the Christmas mood - bring on them holidays. 

  The view from my front door is spectacular! Also Christmas break is in like a month. Whaaaat.

So, since it snowed and Christmas is basically here, we decided to go on an adventure for decorations. We braved the cold and the wind and all of the boys who honk when they drive by... and we were in fact victorious. 

  It's like Christmas all up in here.

Our ghetto decorating skills still amuse me. We got three strings and hung them in random places around our apartment. I'm telling you, I'm pretty sure we should all go into interior decorating because obviously we have natural talent. 

And we also got Christmas mugs because it would have been ridiculous not to. 

Today was church, did mah visiting teaching like the good little Mormon girl I am, and now we're all on the living room floor watching Parkland and waiting for Kenzie's crockpot dinner to finish. This is the life I tell ya. 

On Saturdays we wear plaid. Rock on, my friends, rock on.

"Let Me Hold Both Your Hands In The Holes Of My Sweater."

IT'S WINTER TIME, FOLKS.

You see that? Snowwww! Of course, this was a couple days ago and now that snow's gone, but that's completely beside the point.

I don't understand it, honestly. At home I was never a huge fan of snow. But here, when the white stuff starts coming down and I'm like the energizer bunny on crack - it's amazing. Maybe it's because everyone here has some kind of vendetta against snow, so I feel obligated to defend it as an Alaskan... who even knows. It's a mystery, I tell ya, a gosh darn mystery.

Anyway, so it snowed this week, as I already said. And it's finally starting to get that Christmas-y feel around here. Like the neighbors have been putting up lights, and paper snowflakes, and crap, and I've been in the mood for apple cider 24/7. I've even had this inane desire to bake cookies recently despite the fact that I'm pretty sure it would kill our apartment. The roommates and I have talked about getting a tree - the plan is still in progress because I'm pretty sure it's illegal to take one from the park. We'll figure it out, no big deal.

So I went to the temple again this week. Looking for a little inspiration and I figured that'd be the place to find it. It's so awesome being able to just walk up the street and go to the temple whenever I feel like it. Points to you, BYU-I.

Went to see Thor 2 with Kenzie and Brooke Friday night. The theater was crazy packed - obviously everyone and their brother wanted to see Chris Hemsworth shirtless too, which I completely understand and am not judging them for. So that was fun.

Last night Kenzie and I went to Battle of the Bands on campus. It was fun - my favorite band won, so obviously someone has good taste, just saying. Also, turns out there are alot of good-looking guys in the music department here. I should start on the piano again...

Registration for next semester starts in eight days! I've already gotten all my classes (hopefully) written out and I'm gettin' kinda excited about them. I'm about 97.3% positive that I'm going to change my major from Exercise Physiology to Beef Production. I still plan on taking all the kinesiology classes at some point and my plan is to get into a weight lifting class next semester, but I think I'd be better suited trying for a career in the animal science department. Unfortunately the AI class I wanted to take got taken out of the winter semester (poop), but there's an animal handling class that I'm planning on taking which sounds like way too much freaking fun. It's all hands on and deals mostly with horses and cattle... I.can.not.wait.

Anyways, so that's been my life this week. More mid-terms to finish up this next week and then Thanksgiving break before long. Life's bein' kind - always thinking about everyone at home. Adios amigos.

"Eighteen Years In Her Rearview."

Mm, well, I'm not gonna lie, this week was a tough one.

There's this thing called "more midterms than I like to handle"... not so chill. I also managed to go and lose an entire notebook of lecture notes. Smooth, Ash, smooth.

*sigh* Also, I didn't get to the temple like I was originally planning on doing, which really didn't help my already crappy mood. I'd like to formally apologize to my roommates and thank them for putting up with my pissy self over the last few days. They are pretty much the best a person could ask for. Really though.

It wasn't all bad though. I got a huge essay out of the way this week - amen, halleluiah, thank the heavens above. I took an econ test on Friday and I'm pretty sure I aced it. I started benching this week and even though I'm only at 40lbs for three sets, I'm feeling pretty good about it.

 (And I'm loving my new lifting gloves. So yeah.)

So on Saturday I sat down to write my essay, wasn't feeling it, grabbed my Nikes and ran away for awhile. I decided to head up behind the temple, took a left and literally walked out into the middle of nowhere.

 After about an hour, I came over this hill and I saw snow-capped mountains off in the distance. It reminded me of Alaska so much.

All of the fields and pipe made me feel like I was back at the farm. Never thought I'd miss all those hours out in the dirt weeding, but guess what, I do. Honestly, sometimes I wish I could just relive last summer. It was really some of the best times I've had. 

I also listened to Imagine Dragons on repeat for pretty much the entire four hours I was gone. I'd forgotten just how much I love them.

I found a random hill out in the boonies and claimed it as my new hiding spot. Reminds me of the Butte a little - it'll have to do while I'm here.

I can't wait to get back to Alaska. The very first thing I'm going to do when I get home (after I say hi to the family of course) is drive up to Hatchers. I need some real mountain time. Idaho's just not doing it for me, honestly. 

I do love it here, I really do. The school is great and I love my college bros. But I'm missin' home.

"Oh, It's Easy Going Out On a Friday Night."

I swear, this week went on forever. Not in the bad "I-wish-this-week-would-just-end" kind of way; more like "so-much-has-happened-and-its-felt-like-the-weekend-since-Wednesday" kind of thing. Regardless, its time for an update.

So, Monday morning I missed my first class of the week. Slept through my alarm, didn't make it to military fit. I figured it'd be a problem, possibly mess with my grade, or at the very least I'd hear about it from Sargent. Needless to say, I was a little paranoid about making it to the rest of my classes that day.

Tuesday was average.

Wednesday morning my alarm didn't go off (my fault, I set it for 5pm instead of 5am), but by some twist of fate I woke up randomly at 5:25 and made it to my military fit class. THANK THE HEAVENS ABOVE. We did a five mile run, which I much prefer to stairs, so that made for a good day. Three other guys and I always lead the rest of the group on our runs, so they've started calling us "the pack". It's pretty legit actually.

Also, that morning Kenzie and I took a much needed trip to the temple. I have only ever been in the Alaskan temple so it was fun to see the inside of another. And plus, the Rexburg temple is absolutely gorgeouuuus. Not that all temples aren't, but still. I really, really needed the visit though - I'm really glad I went.

(Mm, pretty, right?)

Thursday was kind of whatever.

Friday the fun began. 

Ever since I was a freshman in highschool I have wanted to be a brunette. I considered it all through highschool, but figured I'd never be able to pull it off. I thought about it a little here and the idea honestly scared the heck out of me. But then, after talking to roommates about it and checking out pinterest for colors, I decided to be brave and just go for it. We found a really nice little salon here down on Main Street, scheduled an appointment, and then I put on my big girl pants.

(Boom.)

(Boom. Again.)

I love, love, love it. I'm not going to lie, when the dye first processed, I was freaking out inside a little bit. It looked so dark and a little unnatural. But I kept it chill and after I got it touched up and toned, I couldn't stop smiling. Guys, I'm definitely not a blonde anymore and I'm hecka okay with that. Anyway, that was a good day.

That night there was a party. We got in as VIPs because the guy who owned the salon hosted the party and told us to ask for him at the door. It was fun to feel a little important, no big deal. Danced with alot of guys, came home exhausted, and woke up sore. Booyah. 

We all slept in the next day, got that recovery time in. We spent most of the day just hanging around the house - Brooke and I walked a couple blocks down to the CocoBean which is this adorable little custom cupcake shop. 

 (Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake. Yes puh-lease.)

So we love that place now. Enough said.

That night there was another party. Oh. My. Gosh. This one was goooood. It was in an underground parking lot. Black light - so we all went in white and dannnnng, did room 115 look good. The DJ was awesome and there were plennnnty of guys to dance with. By the time we left, we were all soaked and pretty much make-up less, but it was so worth it. I always heard college parties were fun, but bro, they really are. 

 (We are some attractive pregnant women.)

Just had to throw this picture in here, because yolo. This was at like midnight, we were hanging out in the living room and suddenly we were all pregnant. One of the funniest moments since I've been here and that's saying something because we've had some pretty great times. 

I absolutely love my girls - I have no idea how I got so lucky. I tell you what, the Lord was looking out for us when he stuck us all together! I'm seriously going to miss Kenzie and Brooke next semester (they're on a different track), but thank goodness I'll have Scarlett right next door. I honestly don't think I'd make it on my own. Seriously. 

Well, that was my week. It was exhausting and way too much dang fun. I think I'm going to take it easier for the next little while. I still think about home every day and all you people that I miss so much it hurts sometimes. But I love it here. And being grown up isn't so bad after all. :)

"When The Working Day Is Done, Girls - They Wanna Have Fun."

Mm, folks, I really don't have alot to say about this week. It was pretty uneventful, or at least, as uneventful as a week in the life of a college student can be.

Studying, tests, papers due... so much bloody fun.

However, my new lifting gloves finally came in the mail, which was basically the highlight of my week. Over a month of straight-up gym time has been fabulous for this person - I'm starting to see my abs again and on Thursday I upped my curl by 5lbs. By the time I get back to Alaska, I'll be so beastly no one'll even recognize me. Whaaat.

Today's Saturday and this is the first Saturday since I've been here that I literally have no plans. I did my gym time early, I'm caught up on homework... the rest of the day I'm reserving for recovery time. Last night, Brooke, Kenzie, and I went to another off-campus party. It's crazy how much they take out of you. But it's so worth it. Three hours of non-stop dancing with the guys - we left dripping sweat (so attractive, I tell you what). There's another party in a couple weeks and you can bet room 115 will be hitting that up.

(Brooke and I, lookin' all fine. Kenzie's camera shy, but she was workin' it too.)

Mmkay. That's really about it. Bring on next week.

"Life Is Short So Go On And Live It 'Cause The Chicks Dig It."

It's a little hard to believe that I've only been here for a month... it feels like I've been in Idaho for basically ever. But anyway, it's time for my little college-life-weekly-update-thing! I know, it's exciting.

First off, you may have noticed I've recently vamped up mah blog. The reason being, "Up In The Mountains" doesn't really apply to my life anymore considering the fact that there are literally no mountains in Rexburg. So, I decided to go with a title that was more applicable - do you even lift, bro? Because the weight room is like my second home. So yeah, there you have it.

Anyway, moving on.

Lots has happened this week, but nothing extraordinary or life-changing if I remember correctly. I went on a shooting date, which was fun. Haven't handled a hand gun in awhile, so that was a'ight.

I had a couple tests this week, so Monday through Wednesday was a little stressful. I'm not gonna lie, I was less than impressed with my science and history scores, but allow me bragging rights when it comes to my livestock reproduction test. So, basically, the exam consisted of 100 questions and of those, I got 99 right. BOO-FREAKING-YA. Pretty much made my week right there.

Also, while we're on the livestock topic, I'm really torn between changing my major to Animal Science/Beef Production or keeping it at Exercise Phys. I love both areas equally and I honestly cannot figure out what I want to do. I'm leaning towards Beef Production, but at the same time I don't want to let go of my Exercise Phys ties and my favorite part of every day is my time in the gym. Just when I think I've decided on one over the other, I start doubting it and right now I'm thinking it might be easier to just screw college and be a hobo. It's an option.

Okay, so the rest of the week, was purty average. Then Friday night came along (woot woot) which meant... rodeo time! Scarlett, Makenzie, and I went with this guy from one of Scarlett's classes - it was actually pretty fun. Now, the rodeo itself was a little pathetic. The barrel racers didn't know what they were doing (yeah, sorry sweethearts) and the steers probably didn't top 400lbs. Plus, it was just painful to watch some of the girls doing the steer riding. Rub some dirt in it, princess, and suck it up. I was probably being a little judgmental, but really.

(Never been to an indoor rodeo, so that was different. Tried to get some steer riding shots, but my phone is ghetto, so that was a no-go.)

So that was Friday night. Then Saturday I went on a hike up R Mountain with a friend. Let me clarify... this "mountain" is smaller than the Butte. Mountains here just can't compare to Alaska. But it was SO nice to get outside and when we got up top, I felt like I was standing on my Butte. Honestly, I felt more homesick in that moment then I have the entire time I've been here. I had to check myself - I thought I was going to cry and that would have been just awkward. But all in all, it was a good time.

(The view from the top of R Mountain. Doesn't it look just like the Butte? Literally, if you put Pioneer Peak there in the distance, I would hardly be able to tell the difference.)

 (Okay, and then there's this picture. Let's just embrace the awkwardness of this for a minute. Like the fact of my face... there was wind, okay. And my elbow's weird too. Awkwardness embraced.) 

 So, after the hike, I came home, watched like twelve movies and ate a bunch of crap food because yolo.

Today is Sunday, just got back from church. I got set apart today as one of the gospel doctrine teachers (I know, right) and as far as I know I start next week. Yikes bro. Also, I just have to note, I decided to be brave and make dinner for my roomies tonight. It is in the oven as we speak. Fingers crossed the kitchen is intact by the time I am done. I guess we'll see.

Okay. 

That's been my week. Imma go watch the Broncos kick the Jaguars' butts now. Adios.

Protein Power - Word.

As an exercise phys major, I've had to take a good look at my highschool fitness routine and I realized pretty quick that there were some important aspects I had been neglecting. The big one for me: eating after every work out. Basically, I wasn't doing it.

Now, I know how it is. You get home from the gym - you're sweaty, sore, and feeling pretty kick-butt (because let's be honest, you are). With all of those endorphins running through your body, you're probably feeling pretty confident and the last thing you want to do is eat back those calories that you just burned.

Truth is, if you're working out every day, it's absolutely essential to concentrate on that post-workout recovery time. These first 15-30 minutes after a workout are the most crucial, so get something in your stomach. Preferably, something rich in protein.

In lay-man's terms, protein helps provide amino acids which are important for rebuilding muscle tissue. This means if you lift (do you even lift, bro?), then this is exceptionally important. Trust me, you just spent two hours in physical pain in the name of staying healthy, fit, and sexy - you want to get everything out of your workout that you possibly can.

So anyway, enough of that. Basically, you need to eat something pretty much ASAP after stepping off that treadmill. Not a meal, but something small with lotsa protein. Thus, I introduce to you my post-workout savior.

Prep-time: 5-10 minutes (What do ya know, perfect for hitting that 15 minute recovery time.)
The Good Stuff:
- 1/3ish cup Greek yogurt (I use about half a 6oz container of Chobani Greek yogurt. Pineapple's the bomb.com, just saying.)
- 1 serving protein powder (My brand is MLO Super High Protein Powder because it's not flavored and doesn't have any added sweetener. Each brand/type will have a different recommended serving size - I usually aim for around 25grams for this shake.)
- 1/4 cup frozen banana
- 1/4 cup frozen berries (I generally go with raspberries, but blueberries are an awesome source of antioxidants. Feel free to mix it up.)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (We're loading up on the protein, remember? Plus, peanut butter makes everything better.)
- 1/2ish cup of milk (I use 2%, in case you were wondering. And the measurement here can vary on how thick or thin you like your shake. Experiment... go for it. YOLO.)
Now What: Throw all that crap in a blender, blend it real good, then down it immediately. If you're looking for an extra health boost, toss in some fresh spinach or kale. Puts hair on your chest.

"In This Moment I Can Rule The World."

My third week of college was somewhat eventful. Let's go over the highlights.

So, okay, Monday I went on my first date here in Rexburg. It took me two weeks to get a date... what is wrong with me. Anyway, it was fun; had a good time... I won't bore you with details here.

Classes were so-so - in my Sports Law class we're doing a debate on American Football which is a freaking blast and I'm basically a football expert now, let's be honest. Speaking of football, the Broncos are amazing, the Cowboys suck, and the score currently stands at 38-27. BAM.

This weekend the girls and I went out for a little retail therapy, spent more money than we should have, and satisfied my craving for Taco Bell (I swear, I'm a little in love with that stuff.) We also watched both of the Insidious movies and The Conjuring. Obviously we needed an adrenaline rush. Don't judge. 

Also, there was General Conference which was really something I needed. I love listening to our prophet; I just want to hug him every time I do.

(This was us this morning for conference. We're all twinners - aren't we purty?)

Okay, so then skipping back to Wednesday morning, I got up at 5:00 for my military fit class like I do every other day, and headed out to the track. That morning we were doing Indian runs, ladders, and then sprints for the hour of class. Now, I am big on running. I practically live in my Nikes and if I don't fit in a couple miles each work out I feel like I just failed life. However, I have a confession. *ahem* ... I hate it. I absolutely despise running. I literally have to force myself to step onto that track and the entire time I'm going, my thoughts are a constant downward spiral.

"I hate this."
"My lungs hurt."
"I really need to lose weight."
"My hair probably looks dumb."
"My form sucks."
"Why do I even have this song."
"This is stupid."
"My life is stupid."

Get the idea? Good. This is what I force myself to go through every blasted day for the sake of staying healthy. WELL, Wednesday morning, whilst in the midst this, I had a thought. Actually, it was a bunch of thoughts, so here goes. On Pinterest I'm a little addicted to the Health/Fitness board. I love looking at motivational quotes, saying, etc. One that I see all the time goes something along the lines of "Your mind gives up long before your body does."

So, while I was running and hating myself, this line suddenly popped into my head and my thoughts took it a step further. My mind isn't formulating these negative thoughts all on its own. I'd consider myself a fairly positive person most days, so these aren't really the norm for me. That's when I realized that my running period each day has become Satan's prime time to attack me.

Like a majority of teenage girls, I've always been self-conscious and while I'm on my run, I really am my most vulnerable. Satan is so bloody jealous that I am here on this earth, in a physical body. He hates the fact that I can exercise and strengthen this amazing gift God has given to me. He can't stand the thought that I get to feel the satisfaction of sore calves or a heart that's beating against my chest after a run. These things just kill him.

Satan wants nothing more than for me to believe that my body weak, incapable, and worse than the girl's ahead of me on the track. He wants me to be ungrateful and as miserable as he is.

Well, guess what bro? I caught on to you that morning. I'll admit, the whole thing was very clever, but luckily for me, I figured it out before some real damage was done.

It's only been a couple days since, but already I've noticed a different once I hit the track. Running is still hard. That hasn't changed and it's not going to change because physical exercise isn't supposed to be easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it. My state of mind, however, has completely turned around. With each mile I remind myself just how lucky I am to have the gift of a healthy, young, active body. I remember that I am strong - I am blessed - and that every time I run, I'm literally fighting a battle with the devil. And guess what? Now, I'm winning every time.

"Gotta Live Like We're Dying."

Week Two: You got nothing on me.

Okay, so college is all about learning, right? So here's what I learned this week.

Doing laundry on the weekend is a futile hope. Wishful thinking, completely pointless, so don't even try it. It's like a fight to the death to see who can reach the washing machine first. Yeah, no thanks, I'll pass... and just wear these same sweats until Monday.

It's important to know how to re-heat on the stove. So, there's a slight possibility that our microwave could be possessed. Because of this, we are currently living without this luxury and have only the stove at our disposal. I have never re-headed anything on the stove. This was a learning experience for me. But mostly I'm just eating cold food.

Don't ever forget to ring-check. There are few things more embarrassing than attempting to flirt with an already married man. Save yourself the hassle, do a ring-check.
 
Somedays you're just going to get to look like a hobo in class. When you're up at 5:00 for your first class of the day, there's not always going to be time to put on mascara. Or jeans for that matter. And you know what, you'll probably live.

The Piano Guys are a gift from the heavens. I learned the hard way that trying to study while listening to my usual genre of music (aka. the stuff with lyrics) is pretty much impossible. My mind just wants to sing with Hunter Hayes, not remember that the Stamp Act was in 1763 or that a mature bull can produce 25 billion spermatozoa a day. The solution? Music without lyrics (aka. The Piano Guys). I am a recent convert.

Kris Allen is probably the most attractive man alive. I went to his concert. I stood a foot away from him. I sang along with his angelic voice and screamed like the teenage girl I am. I admired his perfect biceps and that shirt that fit him perfectly, and his perfect hair, and his general perfection. I'm fairly convinced that I fell in love.

*swoon*

It pays off to be a girl who lifts. Besides like the obvious fact that it tones your arms and shoulders, there are benefits to weight-lifting. Like the fact that the weight room is packed with all of the best looking guys here at BYU-I and very few other girls, if any. I could probably just live there if it came down to it.

Just because she's pretty, doesn't mean you're not. So, I saw this quote somewhere (probably Pinterest, I won't lie) a couple months ago and at the time I was kinda like, "Okay, that's cute. Nice reminder, whatever." But now that I'm here at BYU-I, literally surrounded 24/7 by girls who somehow manage to look picture perfect all of the time, I have had to repeat this to myself over and over again. It's kinda tough, but I am too, so things'll work out.

I actually have kind of a thing for both American football and rugby. For my sports law class, everyone has to give an hour long presentation at some point throughout the semester on an international sport. I was assigned rugby. Until about a week ago, I knew nothing about the sport. About a thousand games later, I'm finally getting it. And surprisingly enough, I enjoy watching it. Well, mostly I just like watching a bunch of really big, muscular guys doing the haka before the game even starts, but same thing. (Except for the shorts. I don't get the shorts just yet.) For the same class, I've had to study up on American football for a debate that we are required to participate in. Which means, watching more games. If I am not a football/rugby expert by the end of this semester, then yeah.

Yeah, it's hard, but it's not impossible. The mountains of homework can be a little daunting. Saying "hey" to that guy that sits next to you in class is intimidating. Trying to balance "social" and "academic" is stressful. But it can all be done - I just gotta cowboy up. :)