McKell Murdock

What really happens

2011-05-16T21:03:00.004-06:00

Once upon a time, in January 2011, I went to Jumpin' Jacks with my family. I just love bouncing on those bouncy houses. I was having a great time til' I sat down and looked slightly upward to the ceiling. That is when I realized why Santa didn't come to my house this year. I don't know if I am the first to find him, but I will not sit idly and let Santa suffer. It must be known what monsters the people at Jumpin' Jacks are. If this isn't proof enough, look closely and the the toad that is welcoming everyone to this fine establishment with the double-handed, single-finger wave. Right back at ya' Jumpin' Jacks!

Grand Indeed

2011-02-06T15:37:00.008-07:00

When I was in New Zealand we were going to a place called Rotorua on a group trip. We were only going to stay a couple hours and go to a certain show. Our hosts didn't think that we were doing Rotorua justice. They said that in Rotorua (10 minute drive) were these cool hot mud pools and we had to go. One lady in particular said "that's like flying to Salt Lake and not seeing the Grand Canyon!" She had no idea how far that really was. (That seemed funnier at the time.)

Point of that little anecdote is that I went to the GRAND CANYON! Eight months ago, I went to the Grand Canyon for the first time. Kellie and I decided that we should probably take a boy. You know, to be safe. So Seth came along with us, to "protect" us.

As this picture so perfectly demonstrates, he was a way bigger wimp than Kellie and I. We would have been fine by ourselves. But he is funny. You might be wondering why we are in Dixie National Forest? We missed an important turn.

The Canyon was indeed Grand. I was in awe.

Someone from NZ actually took this picture. Funny eh?

We rented bikes and rode along the rim. It was a lot of fun. I really want it to be summer again.

Conversing with Children

2010-07-29T00:17:00.006-06:00

Last week I went camping with some family up Albion Basin. Miranda's kids were there and as usual, provided us with lots of entertainment. I thought about this conversation again today it made me laugh out loud.

Miranda was justifying some holes on Hatee's pj's and said something about her washing machine eating her clothing.
Ty: Yeah, washing machine my butt.
Micah (in all seriousness): Ty-Ty, your butt's a washing chine?

To see another form of entertainment provided by Micah, fly on over to Ty and Bre's blog. Oh, I love these kiddos.

Mt. Nebo

2010-07-18T16:34:00.008-06:00

On Saturday Ty, Bre and I climbed to the top of Mt. Nebo. It was ... hard but good. I'll leave it at that.

This was right before the climb of death, that is why I am still smiling.

On the death hill, there was not as much smiling.The three of us having lunch at the summit. Feeling pretty happy about being on top of the mountain.
The summit.

If Bre and I were in a band, this would be our new album cover.For the last 2 miles I pretty much wanted to kill myself. I was so tired. But now 24 hours later, I feel good about it and happy that we made it to the top. I was really pleased because I had a lot of good company for the hike. I made some new friends, there were about 4 flies that flew circles around my head for the WHOLE 8 hours. It was so nice of them to buzz sounds of encouragement in my ears the WHOLE 8 hours. They would softly pat me on the back, head, arms, legs etc. not bothering me at all. Thanks fly guys. See you next year.

Did you know I am a Godmother?

2010-06-13T18:10:00.005-06:00

Did you know I am a Godmother? Well, I am. I think I am a good one too. This is my Goddaughter Josie Mae. I think that she is great, and I am pretty sure she adores me. When I looked up what a Godparent is supposed to do, it said that traditionally, godparents are informally responsible for ensuring the child's religious education is carried out. I think that we can all agree that I am a great candidate for this job. I love her.

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-11T22:12:00.010-06:00

Long breaks from school and work are great because you get to relax, sleep in, play, and not be too responsible. Long breaks from school and work are not so great because eventually you have to go back after having a taste of freedom.

My break began by hanging out with these two princesses (I can't wait to show these photos to Ev's future lady friends).

After it snowed in the UC, we headed to Moab to play with these monkeys. This photo is before all 7 of them told off some boy scouts for killing tadpoles. Saving the environment one young amphibian at a time.

We hiked around Canyonlands for a day, looking at petroglyphs, old Native American granaries, and jumping over potholes.

According to this little man, we found lots of dinosaur eggs, bones and nests. Unfortunately we were unable to find any remnants of the tie-dyed triceratops.

At one point Rio and I had a very inspirational conversation that went a little something like this:
River: "Kell, why do you have your sleeves rolled up? To get a tan?"
Me: "Yup."
River: "Why do you want a tan? To get a boyfriend?"
Me: "Exactly."
River: "You know, if you found a "real man", he wouldn't care what you looked like."
Me: " Hmmm...."

At one point over the break a certain sister-in-law, who will remain nameless (but it rhymes with Trashli), told me my hair looked like Joseph Smith. Yes you read that correctly, JOSEPH SMITH! I was flattered, of course.Now I kind of want to shave my head, or get extensions.

We ended the break with a Sunday afternoon cartwheel competition. And because we are not competitive at all, we video-taped the event to judge who won. Points were given on style, form and landing. I put the footage to some music for your viewing pleasure. I think you will be impressed with our skills.

I'm a little bit sick of bloggin'.

2010-02-08T22:05:00.010-07:00

Don't get me wrong, I still love stalking all of you. I still read others blogs, but no longer feel any desire to update mine. Maybe it is because I like seeing the overdone holiday spirit that was shown on my last post, maybe I don't like change, maybe I am still holding on to holiday memories wishing I could thrown tinsel on things, maybe I am sick of winter.

A couple week ago I went to visit Kel in DC. Thank goodness I am not there now. We had a grand old time. We strutted around the city like we were born there, navigated the streets like we were city girls and rocked the subway like no one has before. Our 5th or so pic of the capitol. The man that took this pic must not like the Statue of Freedom on top, hence he cut it out of the picture.

Me and Kel practically bought this place out. They were going out of business (not sure if that is a good sign). Michelle was obviously very excited to see me.

Roaming around the National Mall.

Although not flattering of either of us, this is probably my favorite picture. It was raining quite hard and was cold. My face says exactly what I feel.

A shout out to our most gracious host, Kelcy. It was very nice to catch up with her. Kelcy and Darrell opened up Hotel Pierre for Kel and I. We enjoyed the laughs, Trinidadian food, and not to mention the Jag we cruised around in.

And I cannot forget Matt, the man who lives inside of this.I am not sure what Matt looks like but judging by his accent, I think it is probably something like this:Matt, without you there would have been much more cussing, honking, tears and overall despair. I think I am in love with him.

Feliz Navidad

2009-12-30T13:39:00.004-07:00

I have been meaning to post this all month. The time has now come and gone. So let me just say that I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, filled with baked goods, sweaters, tinsel and overdone hair and make up.

Delicate

2009-11-19T22:21:00.012-07:00

A couple weekends ago, I turned 23. In order to celebrate the whole Murdock clan drove to Moab. Some of us attended the Folk Festival and basked in the Moab sun. We all hiked to Delicate Arch and I can't believe how stunning it is.

The girls at the Moab Folk Fest.

Toad and Trash.

Ty-Ty and Bre.

I like this accidental pic of Ty and Bre. Very deep.

It was so sunny and warm. Madre even made me go buy her a hat, turns out it was kind of small. She will be very happy I posted this pic.

The whole clan. I can't believe how many of us there are. This pic is from Bri and Alina's AKA Wild Murdocks.

This is for Ash.

2009-11-12T23:40:00.001-07:00

Fall or Autumn, call it what you like...

2009-09-27T16:55:00.010-06:00

I love it! I think Fall is such a fabulous time of the year. I love it when the weather gets chilly enough for sweaters, I love the smell of grapes on the vine, I love the red and orange colors. I could go on and on.

This weekend Kel and I went on a hike to Stewart Falls, the trees were beautiful. When we got back to the trail head, we realized that Kel's car alarm had been going off for an hour and a half. Everybody loved us.

We watched a little flag football and also made caramel apples with Loni. Fall was well represented this Friday.

I love my job.

2009-09-22T17:52:00.003-06:00

Each student chose a friend and wrote about what they like to do together. This made me realize that I do love my job.

Sometimes I wish I were her.

2009-09-11T17:21:00.005-06:00

When I was little, and Dawson's Creek was cool (wait, was it ever?) I used to wish I were Katie Holmes. I just thought she was so pretty and oh so cool. Well now, I have grown up a bit, Katie Holmes went crazy and married Tom, and I have changed my views. I want to be Brandi Carlile. I do. I want to sing like her and I want to come home and have the twins playing the guitar on my porch.

We went to see Brandi last night at The Depot (which, by the way, is a SAWEET venue). She is so fabulous. It was the first show of her tour promoting her much awaited album Giving up the Ghost. She played tons of new songs which were amazing! I never wanted her to stop playing.

Stacy, myself, Candace and Miranda moments before the show. Nate is not pictured, but he was there.

A little snippets of what you can expect on Oct. 6. Her voice is just out of this world. Did I mention that I really like Brandi Carlile?

1,2,3, eyes on me...

2009-08-29T00:18:00.018-06:00

I'm alive, my brain feels dead but my heart is still beating. The past two weeks have been nuts, and I am SO tired. Last Wednesday I started school, teaching school that is. I have 26 kids is my class, and they are so dang cute. They are short, noisy, at times whiny, but obedient, sweet and oh so lovable. I have been called grandpa, mom, dad, asked "when is lunch?", "when is recess?", "when do we go home?" so many times, I don't even want to think about it. I have never said the words "123 eyes on me" or "push in your chair", more in my life.

Here are some before and after pics of my class. I can't get them side by side :(

This week we were writing sentences using the phrase "I will...". As I was wandering I burst out in laughter when I came upon a girl in my class. Her paper read "I will ficks my dick." I had to just walk away at first I was laughing so hard. I asked "did you write "I will fix my bike?" "Yeah." Ha ha ha ha. That b is tricky to write.

Last Saturday I ran the Hobble Creek Half Marathon. That is right folks, 13.1 miles. Don't forget that .1 at the end, that was the hardest part. Miranda, Bre and I have trained all summer. If you know me, you know I am NOT a runner. Turns out anyone can be a runner, you just have to actually run. Weird. I am a self proclaimed "slogger", slow jogger (not to be confused with slutty bloggers).

I didn't finish first, but I also didn't finish last. The important thing is that I finished.

Growing up

2009-06-05T20:29:00.010-06:00

I GOT A JOB! For the first time I have a "real" job, one that leads to a career (I feel weird using that word). I have a job that pays more than minimum wage, one that you sign contracts to do, one that pays for insurance (if I die, someone is gettin' some dough), one that you can keep for longer that three months. Starting this fall I will be known as Miss Murdock to 25 1st graders at Art City Elementary. This school might sound familiar because.... this is my alma mater. That is right, my life has come full circle. I will be teaching WITH people that taught me. Weird.
That's right folks, that is an official badge that proves I am a teacher.

And for some reason the idea of getting a full paycheck has sparked some false sense that I am rich, which I am not. But none-the-less, I bought a car. Yes a car. A car that has (you might want to sit down) AIR CONDITIONING! And all the windows, all 4, roll down. I don't even know what to do with myself.These glasses were found on the porch, they seemed appropriate for a new car.

There are some, including myself and my grandparents, who are sad to the Caddi go. It has been a faithful companion, a loyal escort, a stallion. This luxury sedan has been there through good times and bad. It has earned me the name "MacDaddy", and has generated such comments as "Is grandma here?" Just Grandma Kell! I am sad to see it go, and trying to find a good home for this sweet friend. I'll miss you Betsy.

Just a bit hypocritical

2009-05-20T21:21:00.013-06:00

I always get bugged when people don't update their blogs. I mean, how the heck am I supposed to know what is going on with my peeps, my homies, my posse? Do you expect me to call you and see how you are?! Do you expect me to come by and see you? Hang out? Actually communicate? Don't be ridiculous, just update the blogs! Then I realized how long it had been since I posted anything.... sorry peeps.

I went to Moab the weekend I returned to this beautiful country. We went canyoneering, go cart riding, laser tagging etc. The usual, nothing like running around painted ply wood in the dark shooting, what sounds like a machine gun, at my 6 year old nephews.

I am now a little smarter, wiser. Well a paper is coming in the mail in 6-8 weeks to say that I am smarter. I graduated, neat eh? With a 4.0, or 4.4 if you ask grandma. I didn't correct her.

Alina made these announcements. She also made me pose for them.

The family that loves me enough to sit through graduation. Don't be fooled, Ty sat in the hall on his laptop.

Twin Sandwich.

I went and saw Wicked. It was WICKED AWESOME! Thank you Mom and Randa (and Randa's mother in-law who got us 4th row tickets!)

I started working at Utah Lake State Park.... again. I guess I just can't get enough of mowing lawns and cleaning up after people I have never met, let alone like.

I am looking for a job. I put on my shoes today and thought "maybe this is why I can't find a job."

Better late than never.

2009-04-29T15:26:00.006-06:00

I have now been home for over a week, and have still yet to post the pictures from out last hurrah in NZ. So I made a video of our tour around the South Island, beware it is long. We started in Christchurch and traveled to Greymouth, Franz Joseph, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin and Lake Tekapo. We spent 11 days just doing whatever we pleased. On the plane back Candace made a list of all the things that we had done. So in a joint blogging effort, here is her list and my video.

flew in plane – rode in a shuttle – went to Coachman’s hostel – walked all over Christchurch – got lost, a lot – ate kebabs and french fries – watched street performers – canoed on the Avon river – ate sushi – played bull shit with Peuce – slept in a hostel – rode on a beautiful train – met Jon… - ate tuna – trekking in the bush – shopping – pizza – big hunks – slept in a penguin hostel – Easter! – boarded the magic bus – jade/greenstone/pounamu – met a goat – hiked to a glacier – hiked closer to a glacier – hiked even closer to a glacier – trekked back to town – got lost – got scared – got lucky – ate pizza – bar… - slept in a hostel – boarded the tragic bus – saw where a glacier should be – sat in a café for two hours – played bull shit with Tim – boarded bus number two – got off bus number 2 – boarded bus number three– southern comfort – Fergburger – Lick – slept in a hostel – jumped off a bridge – luged down a hill – free soup – lick – slept in a hostel – boarded a bus – MILFORD SOUND – wished we were trekking – mexican food – patagonia – slept in a hostel with a German boy – boarded Keith’s magic bus – Cadbury chocolate – walking – Baldwin street – walked – Mcdonald’s lime shakes – internet – slept in a nice hostel – boarded a bus – went crazy on the bus – hiked to Mount John – ate pizza – hot pools – slept in a hostel – boarded our last bus – stayed in a witch hostel – tried to go to church – spent all our money – watched movies – flew home

3,2,1...5,4,3,2,1

2009-04-18T02:02:00.003-06:00

Well I realize that I kind of left everyone hangin' with my last post. Good news is.... I AM ALIVE!! I was scared out of my mind but I jumped and I survived. When I got to the top of the bridge my biggest fear was that I would chicken out ... or my legs would break ... or the bungy would snap or I would get tangled as I fell... Okay I had a lot of fears. I got to the edge, said some things I won't repeat, then heard the counting. I felt like Andy on The Office when Dwight starts counting down to make Andy do things. The man just started counting before I was ready and all of the sudden... I jumped. I felt real graceful for about 3 seconds just falling freely, then I turned into a rag doll and was tossed around. It was very cool and I even touched the river below with my hands.

The beeper just told me I only have two minutes left. Hurry... hurry. I am pretty sure this week I have been to the most beautiful places in the world. We went to Milford Sound this week and I think God was showing off when he created it because WOW!!! I think I would like to be a bird that lives there all year. I am loving it and can't believe it is almost over. Candace and I are already planning our next trip back.

We tried to go to church for the second time today. We got up early, showered, got bikes, rode a couple miles only to find locked gates. I guess church was cancelled today. I think it was because General Conf. is watched later here? I guess going to church in New Zealand was just not meant to be. We did however go to a sermon at Christchurch Cathedral. It was interesting.

Sorry no pics, I always hate posts without pics, so just imagine me sitting in a corner of a room on an outdated computer, with a tired look on my face wearing a brown sweatshirt.

Free, free fallin'

2009-04-13T16:19:00.003-06:00

Well we have started our 11 day trip around the South Island and it is GORGEOUS! I expect to see Frodo and Sam around every corner. We have been to Cathedrals, lakes, oceans, The Southern Alps, glaciers, etc. It has been lovely.

We are in Queenstown for a couple days and have some interesting adventures planned. In about an hour I am going to jump off of a perfectly good bridge. Why? I don't really know. You know the saying "if all your friends jumped off a cliff would you?" Well apparently I would, because I am. This is where bungy jumping was first invented and we are jumping from the bridge it started on. I hope I survive. If not, I love you all.

This is how I feel right now. Scared and a little apprehensive. This photo doesn't really show it because there are people watching me, waiting for the computer.

My New Zealand Love Affair

2009-04-06T23:57:00.007-06:00

Yes you heard me correctly. Today I got flowers, well a flower, from a very handsome Maori boy. He might seem a little younger than expected but still very sweet.

This little boy is so dang cute. He runs in every morning to talk to me. He is always bringing things in. Yesterday he brought me a Fejoa (a fruit here) that he found on the ground. Today he brought me a flower. Averil just cracks up about how much he likes me so she has been snapping pictures when he brings me things. As you can tell I am very interested in what he is telling me.

If you want to be free, be free. If you want to sing out, sing out.

2009-04-05T02:26:00.008-06:00

Well words can't really express this weekend. It was one to remember that is for sure. We spent the weekend in Whangamata, where Averil and Stewart have a holiday home. It was a beautiful place, right by the beach. Saturday Stewart and his friend Keith took out fishing. It was a bumpy and fast boat ride. We didn't catch much. One girl caught a spikey orange thing (pretty sure that is it's scientific name) but that is all.

I don't think that I am holding the pole properly. Dad would be disappointed, even though this wasn't his type of fishing. And yes I wear this shirt all the time, don't worry about it. It is the only long sleeve shirt I brought.

Stewart's big catch of the day was his hat, which blew off into the ocean. He LOVES it when I take his picture, can you tell. Usually he ducks out of it, or looks away, but on a boat he had nowhere to hide. He is actually one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He cleans, does dishes, makes and brings us hot drinks and cookies, and when Averil jokingly talks bad about us he always defends us and says how much he likes us.

Everyone hanging on for dear life during the bumpy ride. I swear we were catching air jumping over the waves.

We had tea at one of their friends house. She built this gorgeous house right on the beach front. It was amazing. A friend of their friend came as well and to our delight brought her guitar and singing voice as well. They say a picture says a 1,000 words. I will let you choose those words yourself.Being so close to the beach we thought that we should probably go swimming...... in the pitch black......in our birthday suits. Of course we returned to find our clothes missing, but we managed to scrummage up enough to take a memorable photo.

Candace and I also tried surfing. We thought about doing lessons, but thought "nah, you just paddle and jump up". WRONG! You don't just paddle and jump up anywhere. It was incredibly harder than I imagined. After an hour of drinking salt water we ended up laying out on the beach and getting sunburned. That turned out to be much easier than surfing. This picture was taken from the porch of the Averil's friend's house. I wasn't kidding when I said it was beach front.

"If you want to be free, be free. If you want to sing out, sing out. There's a million things to be, you know that there are."

Whoa oh, we're half way there, Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer.

2009-03-30T03:17:00.010-06:00

This week we decided the weather was too beautiful to stay at home so we headed to Raglan. We spent the evening walking along the beach, watching the sun set and eating.

Yes, that is a huge zit on my face. Just focus on the background, pretty eh?

Every year Hamilton has a balloon festival. Balloons come from all over the world. They fly in the morning and afternoon all week, have parades, visit schools and have a night glow. A turtle shaped balloon came to our school. They blew it up and let the kids watch. It is all the kids at school can talk about. Quite honestly I am sick of balloons.

Over the weekend we went on a roadie with Stewart and Averil. We drove along the Coromandel Peninsula and ended up at (drum roll please) HOT WATER BEACH! There is thermal activity along the beach so for 2 hours on either side of low tide you can dig a hole and it fills up with hot water. It was insanely busy (thanks to Lonely Planet) but also very amazing. We dug our hole, relaxed in the hot water, cooled off in the ocean and repeated for about 2 hours.

We stayed the night at a beach motel and our room was SO small I could touch both wall at the same time. We also visited a little social club that Averil and Stewart belong to and I won $66 on the pokies. I don't have any idea how or why I won, I just pushed buttons.

A little note I wrote for those who are stuck in the snow in Utah while I am gallivanting around the beach.

We did a short hike to a place called Cathedral Cove. It is a huge arch carved in the white rock right on the beach. It was beautiful and so HOT there. We had to get our togs on jump in the ocean to cool off. This is myself, Candace and Stewart in front of Cathedral Cove.

Apparently I am just loading this blog down with pictures. Candace and I at Cathedral Cove.

P.S. Could you all please make sure it stops snowing before I come back. Otherwise I am staying here. Thanks.

Why are we the only white people here?

2009-03-22T01:47:00.009-06:00

Wow, this week has just flown by. On Thursday we met up with some people from our group and went to an English pub, where Candace, Averil and I danced to a live band playing Bon Jovi. I am pretty sure Candace and I were they only ones dancing who were not intoxicated.

Then Friday we found a Mexican restaurant, which is rare, so we tried it. It was good, but didn't really taste like Mexican food. Our waitress was Indian and the cook was from Cairo, go figure. We then went to a stake dance, with a western theme. I felt like I was recreating a scene from Napleon Dynomite. It was so hilarious. There were lots of old people, and awkward couples all dressed up in what they considered "western" wear. They had a live band, kind of. They played songs from their laptop then strummed the guitar and sang along. There was usually only 8 people dancing, 5 of which were us. At one point everyone was doing a line dance and following a 90 year old woman. We did meet someone from Utah State which was weird. Then (because we hadn't had enough awkward dancing) we decided to hit up a YSA (Young Single Adult) stake dance. I have never been to one of these in Utah and don't know why I was expecting it to be different in New Zealand. It was still the same group of people, and I felt like I was 15. I am not much of a dancer and while I was doing the safe slide-step clap, slide-step clap I was surrounded by Maori girls who were "gettin' jiggy wit it" to the blasting hip-hop music. As if I didn't stick out enough here.

Saturday our group went to see the Waitomo caves with the glow worms. You may recognize them from such films as PLANET EARTH! First we decided to go black water rafting where we suited up in wetsuits, jackets, boots, helmets and tiny inner tubes. Then we hiked across a green field and down into an underground cave.

Brooke, Jaylayne, Candace and I , looking very tough in our gear.

Once we started hiking the cave filled with water. We had to sit on our tiny inner tubes and float through the cave. At times they had us all turn off our lights. It was slightly creepy being in the pitch black floating down the water in a cave. Who knows what little creatures were there (that is probably why they had us turn off our lights).

There was a drop off where we stood at the top, held onto our tubes, looked up and fell backwards. It sounded very loud when people were dropping, but it actually wasn't too far, maybe 8-10 feet. This is me if you can't tell.

We saw glow worms when we were caving, then we also went on a tour through another cave where there were even more. The worms light up the tips of their tails, then secrete these long sticky strings. Other bugs fly to the light then get trapped in their nasty strings. They bring up the string and eat the bugs. The worms form cocoons like butterflies. When they emerge as adults they don't have a mouth, so they quickly mate and reproduce, then die of starvation. Awful eh?
At the end of our tour we took a short boat ride. There were so many glow worms it looked like stars in the sky. It was so beautiful, in a creepy cave sort of way.

Today, Sunday, Candace and I decided that we should go to church. We didn't really want to go to the singles ward (especially after the dancing) so we decided we would just find a church and go at 9:00 am. Steve said he knew where one was so he dropped us off. We walked in, sat down and realized we were the only white people there. We couldn't figure it out until we grabbed the hymn book and it said "Tongan branch". I was laughing so hard. Luckily the speakers were an older missionary couple who spoke in English but the rest of the meeting was done in Tongan. It is amazing that even though we don't speak Tongan, we still knew what was going on and it was still spiritual. I did feel like a missionary for a moment though, in a different country, it was just me and Candace, singing Choose the Right in Tongan.

After church we went on a drive to Pirongia, one of the mountains near by. We went on a little walk and had a picnic. It was beautiful. I wish I could take a picture that would really capture and show what the bush looks like but nothing does it justice.

Weekends here are sweet as.

2009-03-15T02:17:00.009-06:00

Well I am a little surprised that no one noticed the last blog title didn't make any sense (didn't noticed myself honestly). I was going to blog about going to the cricket match. We played India and we were the only white people in our stand. Point is we felt like we were in India not New Zealand.

This weekend we spent a night on the town. We ate, bowled, and GAMBLED! This was the first time I had gambled... I lost two dollars very quickly. I got a little bored because I had NO idea what made you win or lose and I just pushed a button for five minutes.

Saturday we went to Cambridge, a little English modeled town. We shopped a little, we have been in used book stores where I have to have serious self control! We drove to the top of a hill to see the view of the Waikato region.

That afternoon we went to Rotorua. Rotorua is very much a tourist place. It is a very large thermal geyser region and also has lots of old Maori villages and cultural attractions. This is a church that we stopped by that was right on the lake.

We went to a Maori village where they put on a welcome ceremony and do a reenactment type show. They do an official welcoming ceremony, even though you know it is fake they are still a little scary. The Maori can make their eyes bulge out like no one I have seen before. Candace and I got a picture with the Chief and the rebel warrior.

We spent the night and went to see the geysers and the boiling mud pits. Our hotel pool said it was open til 10:30, but at 9:50 they told us we couldn't go in. We just sadly walked away, but when Averil heard she left us and went straight to the desk. Next thing we knew she walked out with the key and told us we had 20 minutes in our own spa pool. We love Averil. Rotorua is very volcanic. I would say that I don't know why people would choose to live here because it could blow up any day, but then again I live on a fault line that is ready to burst.

There are also a lot of lakes in the area. We went to Blue lake and walked the trail all the way around the lake. It was so beautiful!

Oh and by the way, Candace just wanted me to remind everyone that WE ARE IN NEW ZEALAND and it is SWEET AS!

I thought I was in NZ...

2009-03-11T03:24:00.010-06:00

On Sunday Morning Averil and Stewart took Candace, Linda (another student) and I to Raglan, a small beach town on the Western coast. They live about 45 min from the West coast and 90 minutes from the East coast, oh the joy of living on and island! You can pick and choose which beach you want to go to. Being here makes me rethink the "beach this way" sign we have at Utah Lake.

On our way we stopped at a water fall name BRIDAL VEIL FALLS, guess that is a common name for a waterfall. We took a short little hike/walk to the waterfall. The bush (forest, woods etc.) was very different from Utah.Stewart, Averil, Myself and Linda in front of the waterfall.

This looks like a postcard. It is hard to take a bad picture here.

It is so humid that there are plants growing all over the tree trunks, everything is green. We even saw a live Koru, which is a very popular symbol in Maori for rebirth.

The beaches on the West coast are black sand beaches, and this one in particular is famous for its surfing (unfortunately we just watched the surfers). We walked along the rocks and dipped our feet in the Tasman Sea. The water was freezing and the waves were HUGE. Candace and I ventured out on the rocks and the waves came in around our legs. I kept getting nervous that the huge waves were going to come all the way up, but they didn't.

I love this picture of Candace, she looks so happy. One of us literally has to remind the other that we are the on the other side of the world at least once a day.

I have to go quickly, we have a night on the town awaiting us. I hope everyone at home is doing well.

Today I saved a life.

2009-03-07T02:45:00.014-07:00

This week has been such a whirlwind. By Friday I felt mentally exhausted. The school system here is similar to the US but in ways very different. It has just been a lot to wrap my mind around. It is very beautiful here and I just try to soak up everyday because I know time is going to fly.This is the classroom I am in. There are walls of windows on both sides of the room. The classrooms go directly outdoors and into a courtyard area where they eat lunch. It gives the classroom a very open feel, the breeze comes in and you can constantly hear the Cicadas (which makes it sound so tropical).Friday night I went to my first rugby game. Rugby and Cricket are HUGE here. Megan, a teacher from our school got both me and Candace free tickets. The rugby players are quite possibly the biggest men I have ever seen. Their quads, necks, and chests are MASSIVE! I thought that rugby was much more fun to watch than football. The game rarely stops, if they get tackled they are just supposed to let go of the ball, then they all pile on top and ram into each other. It was fun to watch.
When they throw the ball in from the sides both teams line up and then lift a player up by their legs to catch the ball, this was my favorite part. The All Blacks aren't playing right now, but several of their players play for the Waikato Chief's, who we saw.

Candace's host, Gaylene, insisted on us wearing scarves, hats, jerseys and taking a cow bell. She said we would fit in better. We only really ended up wearing the scarves. This is Megan, who got us tickets and also teaches at Bankwood.

After the rugby game, Stewart and Averil picked us up (I feel like we are 15 again). They told us they had a surprise for us. Candace figured out the surprise when she noticed we were driving on TEMPLE Dr. The picture isn't great because it was so dark, but we will go back. They are so sweet to take us there! Averil had researched about the church before I came, so she is pretty knowledgeable. So far they don't think we are crazy (but there is A LOT they don't know).

Today Candace and I met Jalayne in town. We spent the day trying to navigate the bus system. Apparently you have to flag down buses here if you want them to stop. Otherwise they just keep on going. Unfortunately we had to learn that the hard way.

They have these street signs to remind people to be safe, but their slogan is "Give a Damn". I just think it is so funny. Damn really isn't a swear word here (Yay!) but it still cracks me up. We saw one the other day that said "Slow down school crossing, Give a Damn."

We also took a little stroll along the Waikato River. The river goes right through Hamilton and kind of cuts the town in half. This was about the time the torrential downpour hit.

It really is so beautiful here.

I am putting this picture up solely for my Nephew Rio. There was this massive tree and the closer I got I noticed these bugs on the bark. but it was just their exo-skeleton, it looked like the bug had crawled right out of their skin, or disintegrated or something. It was gross, but he will think it is cool.

You might be wondering why this blog is entitled "Today I saved a life". Well today on our way home from town we were walking home and Candace, who is normally quite bright, looked the wrong way first (it is backwards here) before crossing the road. She walked right our into the road and I had to lunge forward and grab her and pull her to safety. Without me she would have died today. You're welcome Candace.

Also if this long blog post doesn't fill your New Zealand needs you can also check Candace's blog, it is listed on the sidebar or at canderander.blogspot.com

I love it, I love it, I love it!

2009-03-02T02:21:00.009-07:00

I am here! After a traveling for way too long I am here in NEW ZEALAND!! The 13 hour plane ride was okay, it went faster than I expected. I was sitting by two men who were going on their honeymoon, Edward and Mel. We became buds. They were so sweet, so at least I had good company. Because the flight was sold out we couldn't choose were we sat, so I didn't get to sit by Candace. I am staying with a couple, Averil and Stewart who are delightful. They have been so good to me. Averil is the teacher that I will be working with at the school as well.This is Candace and I after making it through customs with our newly stamped passports.

Driving on the wrong side of the car and the road is scaring the hell out of me. Every turn we make I feel like we are going to die. I even look the wrong way when I cross the street. Please pray that I don't die walking across the street!

Today (Monday) we went to a local elementary school for a Maori welcoming ceremony. We stood at the gates and a Maori woman sings or calls for the visitors (us) to come. We had a Maori woman with us who sang back in response and we went into the assembly hall. The chief Maori then talked (in Maori) welcoming us. Our speaker, (men have to speak for the women in traditional Maori ceremonies) Richard, introduced us to the children. They sang us a welcome song and we had to respond with a song. We ended up singing the Star Spangled Banner (I may mention that I do not sing... well). Then we did the traditional Hongi where you touch noses with the Maori chief, principal and many students. This meant that we were now a part of them and no longer visitors. Then we went in for morning tea (which we have everyday, afternoon tea equates to dinner). The students then sang for us and did the haka. It was so fun to watch, they did an amazing job. They have an extracurricular group that does the singing and the haka.

-I have a video but I can't make it work. So check back later for this video.

Many of the students don't wear shoes to school, no one really minds. They also have to wear these adorable sun hats anytime they go outside. They sun is really strong in NZ, I guess there is a whole in the ozone layer right above it (that is what I have been told) so they have to be really careful in the sun. I loved the schools, they seem to have a great atmosphere. So far I love it! Oh and did I mention that it is warm here!

I promise I am a good teacher.

2009-02-25T17:57:00.010-07:00

Today was my last day student teaching at little old Central Elementary. My very sweet cooperating teacher gave me such cute keepsakes and she even had all of the students write letters to me and put them in a book. I read them after I got home today and could not stop laughing after I read this one. Does this mean I am a crappy teacher?
And just to prove that I am not a crappy teacher I am posting two other letters that were a little more grammatically correct.

Oh how I will miss those little kids. I feel like I really lucked out this semester. I had a great teacher with a great class. Now, off to New Zealand! 47 hours and counting.

Natural Kiwi

2009-02-22T21:27:00.006-07:00

I don't think people will be able to tell I am a tourist. Do you? I like how colorful their money is, it doesn't feel real. It feels like it is pretend money from Monopoly. But cheerful pretend money because it is colorful.

But I would like to tell Miranda thank you for this awesome airplane neck pillow. I will probably be the most comfortable person on the plane.

5 days and counting!!

Computers are Like Husbands

2009-02-03T21:43:00.010-07:00

So I know that I do not have a husband, but I do have a computer, which I realized tonight is very similar. You see, I LOVE my computer and the internet, I would never try to go without it. I couldn't imagine my life without it. But sometimes.... oooh.... I just want to SMACK it! I think this is how married life will be (some day). Making the collages featured below was a pain in the butt. I used the Photoshop for dummies, which apparently dumbs it down so much you have ZERO choices! Lets just say I spent way too much time doing this, and not enough time planning for school tomorrow. I haven't blogged about some pretty fun things that have happened, and just don't feel ethical moving the blog along without giving them their proper respect.

First off, CHRISTMAS! I do believe, much like the song suggests, that it is the most wonderful time of the year. I had an amazing, stress free break that lasted over a month. I think that Dec. 24 til Jan. 2 is my favorite week in the year. My entire family is around, no one is working, everyone is just hanging out and eating good food. What more could I ask for?

New Years is also a blast. Who couldn't love standing outside when it is below freezing and blowing things up? This year was packed with Costco fireworks (only the finest), paper shooter popper things and rednecks shooting off loud guns. I stole a New Years kiss from Ridge, you can tell how pleased he is.

We also made our way up to the hot pots in Spanish Fork canyon, where you can be guaranteed to meet some dandy people. Last time we met a woman who was there to feel the effects of the Native American Vortex that is said to be there. She was also a musician who was just waiting for music to go digital so she didn't waste precious natural resources to make her CD's. There is also our pervy old naked man who hops from pool to pool claiming each as his own. My favorite was the tatooed cool dude who had naked women tatooed on his pecs. Now that is what I call class.

Bre and I took the little girlies to a invite only party at the Provo Marriot (Thank you Bre's work). We swam, painted nails, did hair, and watched enough Disney Channel to last a life time.

A couple weeks ago I went with some friends from school to my first ever Jazz game. We somehow lucked out (I'm still not really sure how) and got 11th row tickets for 27 dollars... and a free hot dog. It was pretty much awesome! We were so close we could hear the player calling out plays and grunting. I'm not really sure why it is cool to hear them grunt, but lets just say we were close.
And last but certainly not least, Candace came down from Salt Lake and we made paper chains (because we are children) to countdown the days until we leave for NEW ZEALAND! 24 days and counting. I can feel the warmth from here. Darci also made a paper chain, hers counted until we come back, which turned out to be quite a long chain. Yay.

Take my advice...

2009-01-13T23:59:00.002-07:00

I have had many complaints, okay one complaint, well ... comment, that I don't update often enough, so this is dedicated to Pollywog. So much has happened since the last blog I wrote I don't even know where to begin. So why not with a fun little infomercial? I just want to warn everyone living in Utah that this post may be offensive. But take my advice, if this is offensive to you, YOU should change your ways! But really just watch, it is nothing like the "Mormons Exposed" calendar (see very previous post). Click this link to order your "bump-it", do so it the next 10 minutes and you will receive "bump-it Bangs" for FREE!

www.bighappyhair.com/I am speechless. Again if you found yourself thinking... "What is wrong with this, I wear my hair like that everyday, I already own 5 bump-its". Take my advise and stop. Attend meetings, get family support, call a hotline... JUST STOP!

Oh, I also started student teaching last week. So far I love it. I also leave for New Zealand in 58 days!

The grass is always greener

2008-12-07T10:41:00.010-07:00

When I first moved to Logan 3 and half years ago, it took me about 6 minutes before I was bawling my eyes out. Now, after growing up a bit and becoming maybe a little more mature, I have moved home and miss Logan. I think I just always want what I can't have. I finished classes on Wednesday and officially moved back to the UC on Thursday. I can not tell you how amazing it feels to not look at my planner everyday and see what project or assignment is due the next day! HALELUJAH! (Sorry to everyone else who is still in school, that sucks for you.)
I was really sad to leave the first grade class that I was in, they were so dang cute. If it was illegal and creepy I would post pictures of them so you could see how cute they are. When I told them I was leaving one little girl starting crying and another little boy said "I'll see you in high school Ms. Murdock!" I didn't have the heart to tell him that he would most likely never see me again.

Since Tues. was mine and Candace's last day in Logan, we went to a Logan original for Dinner (Manderin Garden) and then decided that we should stay up ALL NIGHT in the art building with Darci and Adrienne. We made jewelry, ate treats, danced and hid from the cops. That is right, hid from the cops. At midnight the campus police kicks everyone out who doesn't have a late night pass, which would be us. Well we were planning on staying all night, so we hid in a dark room. Darci and Adrienne told us they never check there. Just to be safe Candace and I turned the lights off and hid in the corner (not creepy at all right?) We heard the door open and there walked in the cops, we froze like statues and Candace's face had a look of terror on it. Good thing it was a "dark room" so they didn't see us. Although that doesn't sound that creepy once written down, it was while it was happening. Sometimes we like to think we are rebels (HA!). Once 3 am hit we were kind of tired so we just went to bed. Can't have TOO much excitement in one night.Anywho.... I found out that I will be student teaching at Central Elementary in Pleasant Grove in a 3rd grade class, from Jan. 7 to Feb. 27. And as of today, 78 days and counting 'til I leave for New Zealand!

Trick-or-Treat

2008-11-02T11:04:00.013-07:00

Last weekend we had Mar-bear's birthday party which is a always a blast. This year there were some top notch costumes, the bar has risen. As you can tell I dressed up as a stick figure.

We also carved pumpkins last week. I tried a new technique, scraping the pumpkin instead of carving all the way through. It was pretty hardcore and took a little more time than expected. I was really excited to put my pumpkin outside our door in Logan. When I got there I realized the next door apartment, who hates Obama and anyone who supports him, had been "tagged". Someone wrote Obama for pres on their window. I knew they would think I was involved (which I wasn't) so I decided for the safety of my pumpkin I would keep it indoors this year.

For my practicum I am in a first grade class. All of the kids dressed up in costume and we had a big party. All of the first grade teachers dressed up as butterflies. We made the wings out of hangers and tissue paper. Teachers are apparently very creative, I will need to work on that.

I also came home and we had Rio's birthday party and went trick or treating. Okay so I didn't go trick or treating but I did attempt to sneak up on and scare the kids outside.

Backpacking the Canyonlands

2008-10-17T15:26:00.002-06:00

Last weekend we went backpacking down in the Canyonlands. It was supposed to rain and snow, but somehow we had clear skies the whole time. It was beautiful. The canyons are so crazy. One day we all went on a day hike and left our packs behind. Ty ran back to our packs before we left and noticed that the ravens were trying to get into my pack. He zipped it up and tried to hide the zippers. By the time we got back the ravens had unzipped my pack, took all of my clothes out, ripped open and ate some of my food. The food the didn't eat they FLEW off with. Did you know that a group of ravens is called a conspiracy!? Overall it was a great weekend.

Nonpartisan Spawning...

2008-10-03T01:02:00.004-06:00

I think the above title is a sign that I should stop trying to combine non-related activities. What do you think?

On Wednesday we drove out to Porcupine Reservoir to watch the salmon spawn. They spawn around the same time every year and turn a bright red color. It was amazing! There were so many salmon I couldn't believe it. We walked down the river for awhile and they were running into our legs, it was crazy. Our friend Andy even caught one with his bare hands (he watches a lot of Man Vs. Wild ). Everything was beautiful, the leaves have started to change and it was fun to get out and see the fall colors.

Tonight (Thurs) we watched the debate with some friends... and strangers. We had an open door policy, anyone who wanted could come watch. We were determined to keep it friendly and "non-partisan". We even made non-partisan treats, purple Rice Krispies (get it, we combined red and blue to get purple :) ) Well that back fired. Lets just say next time our door will be closed.

And yes, we did keep a tally of how many times McCain was referred to as a "Maverick". The total from Palin was around 9 BEFORE Biden finally went off and noted about 7 times that McCain was not a "Maverick". I don't know about anyone else but all I can think of when I hear Maverick, is a gas station.

I just keep going and going and ...

2008-09-26T20:32:00.007-06:00

So despite the fact that every other family member has already blogged this, I am still going to. Last weekend the family came up to Logan to visit and run some races. Ty, Bre, Miranda, Nate, Hatee and myself ran the 5K, in record time. They actually told us that no other six people have done so well while looking so good. We plan to be on the advertisement poster next year. Toad and Ash ran just a jaunt farther than us (a 23 mile jaunt). I really was so impressed with them and everyone that ran the marathon. I really don't know how they have that kind of endurance or will power. I applaud them.Today I went with Mom, Randa and the kids to Gardener's Village to see the witches. They have all of these adorably creepy witches, overpriced treats and cute little cobble stone streets that lead to sweet little shops full of overpriced goods.

Oh, and I also chopped all of my hair. This decision took place as I was driving to get it cut. Once you go short, you just gotta keep going and going and ...

Red necks, Blue lakes and White trash (how patriotic)

2008-09-08T20:48:00.007-06:00

Well, well... we are now entering the third week of school and I wish it were done. I forgot how much I DESPISE reading textbooks. Whoever thought assigning chapter after chapter to read was a good idea, should rethink their thinking. It makes me crazy! But on a happier note I would like to publicly announce that I have turned in my Study Abroad application and have been approved for a loan for the exact amount to pay for said Study Abroad. If all goes as planned, in six months I will be hanging out with Brett and Jerome (and some hobbits) in NEW ZEALAND teaching adorable Maori students.

Now to the headline of the blog... this weekend was a weekend of firsts.

Some of my friends and I went to Bear Lake on Saturday and went canoing. It was the first time I have been to Bear Lake, and not just driven by. After working all summer at Utah Lake I had forgotten that lakes can be and are BLUE and CLEAR! I couldn't get over the fact that at 7 feet deep you could still see the bottom! I was the only one brave/dumb enough to jump in. After I jumped in, I realized why no one else wanted to, and spent the next 20 minutes trying to stop shivering.

I also attended the most red neck event of my life and saw more white trash than ever before at the (drum roll please) DEMOLITION DERBY! Seeing truck after truck smash into each other and go up in smoke, while the crowd cheered and yee-hawed was the perfect capstone to my weekend. I tried to capture some of my favorite things about the Demo Derby. First things first the husband and wife matching, straggly, blonde ponytails. If you look closely at the man (if he could be called so) he is sporting what we like to call a tellum, or backwards mullet. This look is achieved by shaving the back and underside of your head and leaving the top nice and long. I could hardly keep my hands from caressing it (Okay too far). My next favorite would be the pedophile like man who was wandering around with blinking glasses, mouth pieces, necklaces and swords. The children were swarming like bugs to a bright light. My third favorite was the political statement written on the back of one of the tailgates. I had no idea a DEMOLITION DERBY could be such a political arena. I can make fun of this all I want but by the end of the night, I was cheering and screaming "SMASH IT, SMASH IT" with everyone else.

Goodbye Home.

2008-08-24T22:30:00.003-06:00

I know this is a copied pic from Randa's blog, but I like it.

Well I have officially moved back to Logan, I just unloaded the last box. This is my last year and I can not even believe it. I don't feel old enough. Coming back is a bitter-sweet feeling. I am always sad to leave home and especially my fam, but I am also excited about coming back to friends and school (kind of).

Things I am going to miss about Springville:
- My mom.
- My family and being so close to everyone.
-Air conditioning, dishwasher, laundry (the assumed luxuries of life).
-Zubs ( I have literally had dreams that Zubs opened in Logan.... if only).

Things I am excited about in Logan:
- Zooming all over on my sweet motorized bike.
- Pazookies
- Friends that I haven't seen all summer.
- School (well this is questionable, I like the first week.)

Well I need to go get ready for the first of classes, thank you to everyone who let me hang out with them all summer. Your company will be sorely missed. I love you all, and until next summer (or this Friday) peace out.

Pig Lovin' at the Utah County Fair

2008-08-16T21:44:00.003-06:00

Now that is what I call love.

I am the MURDERER of love.

2008-08-03T15:42:00.007-06:00

Most people that know me, know that I do not like pets. But I do however like "wild" animals (for example.. Quail).
Well on Friday night around 7:35 pm I was driving up Center St. in Springville to take Darci home. We were minding our own business when a small family of quail decided it was a good time to dart out and cross the road. Now usually when driving near birds they get out of the way, even at the last second they always get away! Right?

Wrong! Seeing the family get closer and closer to the car I screamed and covered my face with my hands (I know, not the smartest thing while driving). As we passed I slowly peered into the rear view mirror only to see the small family (minus one) scatter across the road and ... one bird lumped up not moving. My screaming turned into words (some which I won't repeat) "Oh my gosh I killed their MOM, I hit one, I killed their MOM!!!" and tears streamed down my face. I dropped off a smirking Darci who's exact words were " I love that you are crying."

I could hardly bring up the courage to drive back down Center St. Passed the feathery lump. I got home and blubbered as I retold the story to a very sensitive and sympathetic family who LAUGHED at me the whole time I was crying. Thank guys for your love and support during this difficult time in my life. To add some salt to the wound my Mom even told me I was the murderer of love.

Just so you all know, the past two nights I have had nightmares about murdering animals. Keep your pets indoors.

Woman of Wisdom

2008-07-29T18:26:00.005-06:00

Last Friday morning I was getting ready to go to work and having a little chat with Mar bear, who had slept over and woken up at 7:00 AM (I don’t get why kids, who have nothing to do, wake up so EARLY!) She was struggling to understand the hard facts of life… that just because Aunt Kell is taller than Grandma doesn’t mean that I am OLDER than Grandma. Somehow she got onto the topic of dating and marriage (go figure). The conversation went something to the effect of :

Maren: “Kell, when you grow up and have a boyfriend, you can tell him he is “hot” and that means that he is cool. Or you can say he is “hot hot” and that means he is really cool. Or you can say that he is “hot hot in the microwave”, and that means that he is REALLY REALLY neat. But you don’t have to say it if you don’t want to."

Me: "Hmmm, good to know Marbear."

Maren: “Yeah and if you want to get married, you just get a wedding dress and just sit on the couch and wait to go on a date. Then you just ask the boy if he wants to get married. If he says “yes” then you get your wedding dress and go to the temple. If he says “no”, then you just ask a other boy." (not a typo, this is how Maren says "another")

Me: "Hmmm."

Maren: “Yeah and when you get married you just get a wedding dress, go to the temple, then come home and put your pajamas on and go to sleep. Did you know that?”

Did I know that?! NO! I had NO idea! HOW COME NO ONE EVER TOLD ME!

I didn't know which was more sad the fact that I think her method really might work, or that my 4 year old niece is concerned about my dating life.

Hilariously Awkward

2008-07-08T01:02:00.003-06:00

I love Wimbledon. In high school my friends and I would get up early and make breakfast and watch the finals. I get the same rushes watching tennis as I do when I play. I literally grunt, cringe, yelp and chuckle as I watch. This picture of the two Champions also made me grunt, cringe, yelp and chuckle. On the court they are so graceful and easy to watch, here.... not so much. I know they are athletes, not models, but still this pictures is hilariously awkward.

Somebody call Guiness... I think we have a record here.

2008-06-28T10:05:00.017-06:00

I have decided that blogging is really more of a Winter "sport", when it is 3 degrees outside and you have to keep yourself entertained indoors. Now that it is summer, it is warm, the sun shines, and blogging has slowly fallen to the bottom of my "things I want to do" list. But I also do more fun things that I should blog about. Hence I have come up with a record breaking blog. Those who are about to embark on this epic journey should do so wisely. If your eyes become strained, take a break. You don't need to read the whole thing all at once. This INSANELY long blog is to document what I have done this summer.

I went climbing for the first time (outside) in Moab. Ty and Bri were kind enough to take Bre and Myself to Potash, where we competed like gladiators up the rock face.

I remodeled my bedroom. Before I started work I took a day to paint my room. While both my parents were leery about my color choices, I think it turned out quite nice. My dad at one point said "well.... that looks interesting."

The highlight thus far has been the river trip. It was the perfect trip. Although we were sad that some family members were missing, it was a ton of fun to have a trip of just our family. Alina was really "pushing" to fit in in above picture.

On our way back from the San Juan we slept in Moab, and got to the see the river bridge. The bridge is massive, yet it still sways when you jump. I don't get how concrete and steel "sways".

"The greatest place on Earth". Well that is not exactly how I feel about the carnival but the girls seem to love it. Just looking at some of the rides (and people) made me want to vomit.

Bri took his boys to ride the horses, then realized that Bre and myself have also never really ridden a horse. Luckily we rode Tilly, which is referred to as a over sized dog. Abby on the other hand was not as nice and gave someone quite a ride.

After cousins camp, Ash and myself took River and Ridge home and got to hang out in Moab for the weekend.

On Thursday Creed and Jen took us to the Arts Festival in Salt Lake. There were many interesting works of art and people. I even got to carry Everette in his slingy thing. I have never felt more like a mom. But I'll tell you what.. that baby sling is a GUY MAGNET!

We were lucky enough to catch a performance of the Rose Phantom on our way out of the Arts Festival. I don't really have anything to say... the video says it all. He will "light" up your day, I'll tell you that.

A Night To Remember (for those that were sober)

2008-05-22T01:27:00.009-06:00

Brett Dennen

Mason Jennings

May 21 will be noted as the day that the best concert EVER took place (at least in my record books). Tonight I went and saw Missy Higgins, Brett Dennen AND Mason Jennings! The stars aligned and two of my favorite people, Brett and Mason, decided to go on tour together. This was also the first time that I got to whip out my ID and prove that I was 21 or older. Although I won't deny that the seven foot tall steroid pumped bouncer still made me kind of nervous. The concert was amazing, both artists lived up to their hype. Since this was my first concert at a 21 an older club I really paid attention to my fellow "clubbers" and I think I picked up some really important life lessons.

First.... when smoking from a bong it is best to crouch down one at a time, so no one will suspect anything.

Old people can rock out to Mason too.

Weed smells like sweet smoke, or smoke mixed with a little incense.

Bouncers do not let you in, even if your 21st birthday is TOMORROW. Maybe next year hon.

"Feeling tremendous pain in you heart is what life is all about, and we should have the capacity within to love someone so much that we can make ourselves disappear." Brett Dennen

Brett Dennen says weird things after a "couple" of drinks.

This last one I heard from the crouching bong guy, I think I will adopt it as my new motto:
"If it ... makes you .. happy......... just... Effing do it!"

Overall it was a fantastic night, and since I was sober, it is not one I will soon forget.

SERENITY NOW!

2008-04-23T19:17:00.003-06:00

I am fairly certain that as of yesterday I am the only emotionally stable person living in my apartment. In the past month both of my roommates have broken up with their boyfriends and are having a hard time.... well surviving. It seems like every time I come home someone is laying in the fetal position in their bed with the lights off, sitting in the lazy boy with glazed over eyes, or eating chocolate like the stores are gonna stop selling it. We now have a stash of Nyquil, to help the above mentioned girls actually go to sleep, and I feel like a constant care-tech making sure that they eat and shower regularly. Now call me crazy but isn't it funny that the only sane person, is the one who didn't have a boyfriend? I see a common trend, boys make you crazy.

Feliz Cumpleanos Padre

2008-04-13T18:13:00.005-06:00

I just wanted to say Happy to Birthday to my one and only Padre. My dad is the most humble, giving, stubborn, loving, protective, loyal, fly fisherman I know. He would do anything for anyone and would give you the shirt off his back. He is such a good Dad and I love him very much. Happy Birthday Dad!

Are you waiting for your prince charming?

2008-04-02T20:28:00.011-06:00

Tonight Darci, Kate and Myself were on campus, at Old Main to be more specific. We were taking pictures of me on the "A", which is totally lame and cheesey, BUT Alina wanted me to for a portfolio I have to put together. Anyways I am standing on the "A" complaining that it is sticky when I hear this guy, but there is no guy with us. We all looked over, assuming he was going to be mocking me for actually taking pictures on the "A". For those of you who aren't USU alumni or attendees, the "A" is a small platform, held up by four A's. This is where true aggie night takes place, where mobs of people attack each other and kiss while touching the "A", thus becoming "True Aggies" (no, I have never attended, this is just the word on the street). Anyways he asks if I am waiting for my prince charming to come and kiss me on the "A". Before it can get too awkward, he laughs and asks us if we want to throw a boomerang. I was thinking that "throw a boomerang" might be slang for something else, so I was hesitant to answer. Turns out he really wanted to teach us how to throw a boomerang. So we ended up hanging out with him and his friends and they really taught us how to throw a boomerang. I had never done this, and it was quite fun, a little scary when they fly past your head, but fun.

Spring Break 2008 woot woot!

2008-03-18T22:50:00.002-06:00

Wow it has been sometime since I have updated this thing. Truth is school controls my life! I don't know what it is about this semester but it is grueling. Luckily this past week I was free (free fallin') from school, free from studying, free from homework, free from work. And that calls for a WOOT WOOT! This spring break was a time for me to try new things. I had a lot of firsts.... First time I had ever been a bridesmaid, first time going to preschool, first time in a real "hole in the ground" hot spring. To start the break my roommate/friend Michelle got married. Hence the bridesmaid, well pseudo bridesmaid, I don't know if you could call us bridesmaids because all we really did was pose for pictures. We were all very excited for her, but sad to lose her as well. I then went to preschool with Mar Bear, which anything that involves Mar Bear is usually hilarious. Then my very patient brother Tyty took us backpacking in Zions. He planned the trip and then was very slowly outnumbered by females. It was a blast and I am proud to say that I am the only one of the trip who didn't slip in the mud, fall into the river, or run into a tree.

Oh and I hope Ty and Bre aren't mad that I made a video with some of their pictures.

The True Princess

2008-02-25T20:23:00.003-07:00

I saw this picture and immediately thought of my cute little nieces. This picture is dedicated to all of the princesses out there, myself included, who have a hard time always acting like one. This is also to contradict the saying of "Act like a lady" I hate that saying.

"Hair" is my new do

2008-02-15T18:57:00.004-07:00

So I made a pretty rash decision this week, and just decided to chop off my hair. Why hold on to it... right?

Happy Birthday Madre!

2008-02-13T18:52:00.004-07:00

Mom I hope that you had a fantastic day! I love you so much and am so thankful to have a mom like you.

Baby Everett Meet Aunt Kell

2008-02-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

I went down to SLC on Monday to finally meet my newest, tiniest little nephew, Everett Creed Murdock. To be completely honest the whole pregnancy and birthing details kind of creep me out, and well... scares me to death! But I can't deny that the finished product is amazing. He is so tiny, soft and warm. I love that he can barely open his eyes, but when he does everything is new to him. I love that he wants to be wrapped up so tight, and when he can move he yelps. I love the cooing noises that he makes and even his little cry is adorable (although in large increments, probably not so cute).

Snowly Cow!

2008-02-03T13:00:00.001-07:00

This weekend my environmental education class took a little field trip to the Grand Teton National Park. I think we were doing "research" but nobody was really sure. We stayed at the Teton Science School, explored the park, and snowshoed a little. The snow up there was INSANE, the pictures don't do it justice. There were times when the snow was as tall as me.
This is normally a great view of the Grand Tetons, but the clouds didn't leave the whole time we were there. Bummer.

Corona Arch

2008-01-28T16:11:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we went to Moab to visit Bri and Alina. We went on a hike to Corona Arch. It was a little chilly but felt quite a bit warmer than Logan. It was a good break from the below zero temperatures.

A pain in my neck

2008-01-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

So this week (today in fact) I had to take the Praxis. The Praxis is a content knowledge test that you HAVE to pass in order to student teach, and then again as a real life teacher. So this was kind of a big deal. Not only does it cost $$$, but you don't pass you don't student teach (until you take it again... and pass). So my good friends Constance and Candace came over to study this week. Since studying was kind of boring we ended up taking pictures of ourselves studying (or pretending to studying and making Pazookies).

After taking the test at 7:30 AM, I treated myself to a trip to the DI. Now I know that chances are, nobody really cares what I got at DI. BUT I was so proud of this trip that I took a picture of all the good stuff I got. I know I am a nerd, but I can't help it. I got 12 good books, a cute wallet, a wooden necklace, 3 Chinese lanterns (that actually light up), awesome shoes and an electronic Catch Phrase for a whopping total of......(drum roll please)........ 26 DOLLARS.

I forgot to tie in the title of the blog. When we took the practice test my head was tilted a weird way that made it hurt for a while. Then I spent so long looking at books at DI with my head tilted to read the titles, it was hard to straighten my neck. It is hard being a college student.

Back to school...Sniff...Sniff...

2008-01-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well the holidays have come to an end and that means that I am back in Logan. Don't get me wrong I do love Logan ... now, I used to not so much. But nothing is quite like being at home when the whole fam is gathered together, doing nothing productive, laying in front of the fireplace, never really getting out of your pajamas, eating more junk food than anybody ever really should, and having it be perfectly acceptable.
I think it is quite funny that I am posting a video of the holiday extravaganza when most of the people who will watch it, were there and experienced it for themselves. The game playing was out of control and I am happy that I could snap some photos, the awkward hand hold is a part of the new cranium that includes puppetry, lets just say that some people felt uncomfortable. And my dad on the floor, don't worry he is not dead, just skydiving.
I can't complain too much though because Logan did welcome me with open arms. Today some guy told me I looked "Spiffy", which I think is a good thing, but am not sure. Then in environmental ethics I saw the best balding student with a LONG ponytail that was parted in a comb over to cover his shiny white head. Thanks Logan, you always seem to cheer me up.

White Hairs and Gingerbread Houses.

2007-12-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

So I guess last semester really took its toll on me. While studying for a singing test, yes you read it right, I had a singing test, my good pal Constance pointed out a glistening white hair a top my head. At first I didn't believe it, but it is true. I guess I should just succumb to the fact that I will be dying my hair for years to come. Although I usually try to stay away from taking pictures of myself I thought this was a worthy cause.
On a more holly jolly note, we made Gingerbread houses last week. I think the activity was supposed to be for the kids, but somehow it ended up being Miranda, Jen, Tyler, Hatee and myself decorating.

Only At Christmas Time

2007-12-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for creativity! Our decorations this year certainly are far from ordinary, which we ourselves are also becoming. Because of lack of funds and "real" decorations, we had to put our heads together (and steal some ideas from Alina) to make our apartment glow with Christmas goodness.
We started by covering our windows with shrink wrap, which I think is usually the best place to start the winter festivities. You may also notice that while inside our little apartment we are all wearing scarves (which Jen, I don't own one of my own ;) ), our heat is not working and we are FREEZING! Anyways, we ended up cutting a branch off of our neighbors pine tree (shhh, don't tell). We then grabbed one of Michelle's real skirts and used it as a tree skirt, then hung a star from the ceiling down to the tree. When we realized we had no lights for the tree we strung popcorn, and with no ornaments we hung our ear rings, no Christmas stockings we hung our own socks. Needless to say we are proud of our humble abode.

A new low

2007-11-11T23:47:00.000-07:00

Well I'm not really even sure how to start this post. I want to think of something witty, maybe even funny to say, but am just speechless (which is saying something). Just click this logo or go to www.mormonsexposed.com, to see what I'm talking , or not talking, about. Once at the website click on "Meet the Missionaries", then choose a missionary, when his picture comes up, put your mouse on him and see what happens.

I thought that we had hit an all time low with the new LDS BMX'ing missionary movie (extreme mormons), but I was wrong, this is the new low. By putting this on my blog I am in no way promoting or condoning the morons that put this together, the exact opposite actually. hmmm....I guess I wasn't so speechless after all.

Time to grow up?

2007-11-09T01:17:00.000-07:00

I think not. Yesterday I officially turned 21, I can now legally buy... well lots of stuff. The party started at midnight and lasted 24 hours. We had drinks, cupcakes and some very entertaining gifts. The girlies gave me a very intriguing calendar and The Planet Earth! Not literally the planet Earth, but the BBC series which I am super ultra (as Rowan would say) excited about. The twins gave me an anatomically correct model of a man, which we proceeded to put together last night. We thought it would take 15-20 minutes, well 3 HOURS later he was put together. It was a long night, but well worth the wait.

I am apparently a fan of slide shows, so here goes number two within a week of each other. Oh and we were arm wrestling to see who had to go on a mission, it wasn't just for fun, it was serious business. Good news, I am off the hook ;)

Halloween Logan Style

2007-11-05T01:40:00.000-07:00

I know the rotting pumpkins on the porches mean that Halloween is over, but I didn't get a chance to post this until now. So put down your Christmas lights for just a second and revert back to Halloween mode. We had our 2nd annual Halloween party this year and boy was it smokin'. We were all a little melancholy for our childhood so decided to re-live it at the party by eating donuts off a string, dropping Jello and stuffing our mouths with marshmallows. On a more mature, but also more eccentric note, we also had an Edgar Allen Poe reading contest. I know, who does that, right? Well we do, so back off. The contests were of course backed with prizes which mostly consisted of over sized t-shirts and trophies we found at DI. Overall I would say it was a huge success.

Holding Down the Fort in Logan

2007-10-21T21:07:00.000-06:00

Well I just thought that I would put some perspective on the phrase "mundane life". I feel like people have been throwing that term around a little too loosely. To demonstrate here is what I did this weekend.
Darci followed me around with her camera. I was a psuedo model for her art project. I look particularly homeless in this one, good thing I don't normally sit alone in alleyways.

In front of the cool Utah theater, standing in the middle of the road, hoping not to get hit by a car.

Alina, you can paint gourds.... but can you STACK them? And yes that is my Arthur coloring book in the corner, that was last weekends entertainment.

It took a lot of determination and time, but I finally got ALL of the gourds stacked onto one pumpkin. You may hold your applause. I hope you all had a great weekend.

USU students at their finest

2007-10-17T19:04:00.000-06:00

Disclaimer: Do not judge all USU students by the actions and/or words of one.

In my health education class, our professor chooses a couple of people each day to answer some random questions. It is his way of making the awkward first day of school, last ALL SEMESTER. People usually say ridiculous things and make fools of themselves, but last Wednesday one girl one-upped everyone. Her question was "If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?" Her answer "ummmm, probably like mmmmmm, Justin Timberlake..............or like Jesus." Seriously, as if the answer Justin Timberlake wasn't embarrassing enough.

It's not easy being green (or is it?)

2007-10-15T12:45:00.000-06:00

In honor of Blog Action Day, which is dedicated to the earth, I thought I would leave you all some tidbits of information.

-If everyone in the US refused their ATM receipts, it would save a roll of paper more than two billion feet long, or enough to circle the equator fifteen times!

-If every American changed out just five regular light bulbs for more energy-efficient compact fluorescent ones, we'd keep more than one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases out of the air - equal to emission of eight million cars.

For us ladyfolk...

-Opt for foundation in simple recyclable glass container over one sold in non recyclable plastic tube or bottle. If one in twenty women chose glass over plastic packaging for her next foundation purchase, the energy conserved could fill a twenty-gallon gas tank once a week for twenty-four years.

All of this came from The Green Book.

Nobody says it quite like Xavier Rudd.

The Center of the Universe

2007-10-10T00:31:00.000-06:00

This past weekend we, as my brothers would say "Didn't let school get in the way of our education." We went down Cataract Canyon and lived to tell the story.

Bre and Myself hanging out on the party barge and actually reading something I wanted to read, instead of lame textbooks.

And the Gloria award goes to........One afternoon we all hiked to "The Dollhouse". Before hiking back down we sat down for a rest when I heard the soft clank of a ski pole. To all of our surprise, Gandolf comes walking around the corner. It seems that if you tell my dad he might not be able to do something, it only makes him want to do it more. Hmmm, I don't know why us Murdock kids are so stubborn...

I feel like this picture looks like a weird time warp, like we are climbing through the hole in time. But don't get confused, it is just a big hole in the wall.

Oh Tommy Boy

2007-09-20T18:33:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was running late and was booking it to my guitar class. As I am going in the building who should come out, Tommy Emmanuel, the guitarist that I had tickets to see that night. He said something to me about a fellow guitarist, to which I replied a smile and a half hearted laugh, because I didn't recognize him. Anyways long story short, he is the mother flippin', I know Germain is not gonna be pleased, but it is true. Just imagine him in a black velvet, yes velvet, top: That is what he wore last night.

Mi casa es su casa

2007-09-14T17:58:00.001-06:00

The outside (our front yard if you will) is decorated with some simple but classy, cultural decor: the authentic Brazialian hammock (which is rarely empty) and Tibetan prayer flags. We have, by far, the coolest apartment in Logan and possibly West of the Mississippi.

On the inside you will find Stan the studley bike on the wall, Owlbert, the owl in dangling from the ceiling, and Alfred and The Lionness adorning the wall. Some people might think that naming inanimate objects makes you crazy: we beg to differ.

Wild Life

2007-09-07T15:48:00.001-06:00

So I guess I am making up for the pictureless blog by having way too many on this one. This is from our trip to Jackson Hole, where apparently people think it is okay to have arches made of antlers.
This is Bjorn the bear, he decided to join us on our hike for a second or two. He looked all soft and cuddly until you saw the 4 inch claws coming out of his paws.

This is the sign coming into Yellowstone, don't worry we all giggled (even the tough guys).

Just hanging out (I know I've used the joke before) in my trusty hammock that goes everywhere with me...

One morning two HUGE moose came trotting into the campground. Although you can't see it, there was a trailer parked behind Bullwinkle with a 10 ft. satellite dish , classy campers I'll tell ya.

Everyone waiting for Old Faithful to come through once again.

A picture as good as this one can not be hidden away. Our bagels were so hard it was like eating cream cheese on a slab of wood (not quite concrete)

The Low Down on Logan

2007-08-31T14:23:00.000-06:00

Because of the lack of internet in our apartment I am using the computer lab and even the geek squad at the desk can't figure out why my pictures aren't working so this has no visual aid. But here is the DL (Alina that means down low, as in the happenin's) about what is going on in Logan. We have a very cute (thanks to the hours of decorating and hugeungous tigers that Ash gave us) little apartment right off campus. It only takes 5 minutes, and an oxygen mask to hike the death hill. That is right death hill, sometimes it is so steep I want to just my hands out and crawl up it. I know what you're thinking, why not ride the awesome bike you spent all summer working on? Well I did once and almost died (don't tell mom), so for now I'm sticking to the hiking death hill. Classes are good, guitar I think will be the best. Work is going great, we did presentations yesterday so I had to dress fancy and help explain the program to 1010 classes (I felt SO old!) I share an office with a crazy lady/girl who I can not do justice on the blog. Trust me you will want to hear those stories in person. I went and walked around the "Day on the Quad" for the first time with out Toad and Trash, it was a growing experience but Logan is just not the same without them. As for the best thing I have seen in Logan well it is a tie between the girls whose shorts are so short they make Jessica Simpson look like Molly Mormon, and the couple I saw jogging who were rubbing each others backs...as they ran. I'll run a poll and you can decide. Sorry this is so wordy (I'll keep working on pics)

At Last, At Last!

2007-08-19T17:38:00.000-06:00

After deciding to buy it, waiting for it to come, Creed putting it together, having it not work, then work, then Ty broke it, then I fixed it, then still broken, IT FINALLY WORKS!!! This is my custom motorized bicycle that is going to putt me around from class to class. I am so going to be the coolest girl on campus.

I know this video seems a lot like Napoleon but ... well I have no excuses :(

4 X 4

2007-08-19T01:05:00.000-06:00

At first I was determined to not participate in this nerdy blogger tradition (mainly to bug Alina), but since I haven't posted anything in a while I thought I would try it out. Don't get used to me giving in though, this is a one time deal.

4x4

Four jobs I've had:

1) Part owner of "Cleaning Chicks", a house cleaning business that took Springville by storm.
2) Office aid at Springville Jr. High. (AKA: got paid to do my chem homework)
3) After School Club Leader (not a club I made up, a real one)
4) Maintenance Ma'm at Utah Lake State Park

Four places I have lived:

1) The North bedroom of my house in Springville Utah.
2) The East bedroom of my house in Springville Utah.
3) The freshman dorms in Logan Utah.
4) Old Farm in Logan Utah. (I am going have to be creative to fill all four places)

Four favorite T.V. shows:

1) Grey's Anatomy (oooh Patrick)
2) Gilmore Girls
3) The Office
4) Unwrapped on the Food network (mom's cable has everything)

Four favorite foods:

1) BBQ Chicken Pizza
2) Costa Vida (me and Maren have a lot in common)
3) Chicken Strips (I know I eat like a 5 year old)
4) Anything mom makes.

Four websites I frequent:

1) USU website (I constantly check my email).
2) Google (To prove I am right).
3) Wells Fargo to watch my money dwindle.
4) You Tube

Four places I'd rather be right now:

1) On a beach reading Pride and Prejudice.
2) At Hogwarts: The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
3) A good concert.
4) Sleeping.

Four Movies I love:

1) Moulin Rouge
2) The Family Stone
3) Stranger Than Fiction
4) A League of Their Own

Well I hope that was intriguing for someone to read because it took quite a long time.

Flying my "freak flag"

2007-07-29T21:48:00.001-06:00

I am, in fact, aware of what a NERD I am. But the difference between myself and fellow nerds, is my willingness to embrace that fact.

A deathly wish

2007-07-19T21:30:00.001-06:00

This is just reminder that Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows comes out tomorrow night. So help me if ANYONE spoils this book for me... I WILL KILL THEM!!

AVADA KEDAVRA!

"Hanging Out"

2007-07-18T21:04:00.000-06:00

This is our camping/kind of backpacking trip down Huntington Canyon. I think there was literally an hour worth of time the Bre and Myself weren't "hanging" out in our hammocks. It was pretty relaxing...

Back By Popular Demand

2007-07-18T20:53:00.000-06:00

Well you see Alina, my lack of blogging really does come back to Global Warming. Because of Global Warming the summer heat has obviously intensified, thus causing my energy to decrease and leaving me too tired to blog. I know what your thinking "How could you possibly to tired to blog?"

A new excuse

2007-07-01T16:24:00.002-06:00

This comic was in the paper today, and I thought it was hilarious. So the next time someone asks you why don't work harder (or any question really), we can all respond "Global Warming"!

Moonlight hike

2007-06-24T10:17:00.000-06:00

When we took the boys back to Moab, we went on a night hike up Millcreek.

Goodnight, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite

2007-06-24T10:02:00.000-06:00

River and Ridge got to stay at Grandma Murdocks for the whole week. On the last night we all had a huge sleepover on the tramp.

Those who plant trees be-leaf in the future

2007-06-22T23:40:00.000-06:00

Just a couple of beau(tree)full trees I captured down Desolation canyon. Now come on admit it, tree hugger or not, the bottom tree is tempting.

Wahoo!

2007-06-21T00:36:00.000-06:00

Girls rule, Boys...flipped their kayak! This was on our trip through Desolation/Gray Canyon. Me, Ashli and Bre rode through the big rapids and didn't flip, we barely even teetered ;) As you can tell we three girls rocked those waves like a southbound train.

We decided to ditch the boat on this one and just take the paddles.

So here is "The Story"

2007-06-20T00:52:00.001-06:00

The real reason I wanted to start this blog is to show off this picture. Don't be confused, that is the one and only Brandi Carlile hanging out with myself and Bre. She wanted to hang out with us after the show, but unfortunately we already had plans. Maybe next time Brandi.

Indigo what?

2007-06-20T00:43:00.001-06:00

Girls, that's right! And at this concert there was a plethora: big, small, long hair, mostly short hair, bras, mostly no bras, cute, eerrr mostly not-so-cute.

And just in case you were wondering that would be Brandi Carlile rocking out with the Indigo Girls.

The groupies: Creed, Jen, Myself, Sam, Miranda, Nate, Bre and Ty.

I don't "belize" it

2007-06-20T00:35:00.000-06:00

I really can't belize that Toady and Trashli left. I thought that they were joking about this whole Peace Corps thing. This picture at the airport really sums it up. We are all really happy and just pretending to be sad.

Blogging my blog off

2007-06-20T00:24:00.000-06:00

Well since Toad and Trashli decided to up and leave the country, and this may well be their only form of communicado, they (and others...Alina) have inspired me to enter into the world of bloggers. So here goes...

2006-07-19T23:22:00.000-06:00