"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.