The grass is always greener

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

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

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...

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 ...

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)

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.

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

Now that is what I call love.

I am the MURDERER of love.

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

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

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.

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)

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!

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

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?

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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.