24th Week

Work, work, work, That is all I ever feel I do now. (why do I want to go to college exactly and be all grown up?) However, this past week did not consist of work. It was delightful! One of my favorite things I look forward to in the summer is Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo. There is just something about the sport on dirt that makes me one happy cowgirl. I have gone to this rodeo ever since I can remember. This year though it meant something different to me maybe because I am getting older and I guess am starting to get wiser...(haha not really I just paid attention to things I usually don't).

 

1: Ever since I went skydiving I love when the skydivers come in. Someone posted this picture...I wish I could claim it, I just saved it because I loved it! Adrenaline rushes through me as if I was jumping again. This flag though when it flies in makes the world stand still. Everybody stands + for a moment we are in unison remembering how blessed we are, the sacrifice, the freedom, the rights, and what it truly means to live in America. 

2: "Whether you're 6, 66, or 96 we've got something for you!" This rodeo literally is for everybody. Indoor rodeos are just not the same. This arena is one of my favorites (wish I would've thought to take a pana with the sun). You can see the stellar Rocky Mountains to the east + the open area out west. It is beautiful. The first thing before the actual rodeo starts is the cowboy prayer. Rodeo is the only sport that I know of where we publicly announce we are praying + then we all bow our heads + pray for those participating, for this country, etc. It is something a lot might like to argue about. But it shows me that many for a moment prays to the Heavenly Father I know (or whatever faith they are of). 

3: I always go the rodeo with this handsome cowboy in the middle. My grandparents mean the world to me (a post in the future about them). I am who I am today because of them. This guy is a farmer through + through. Years are becoming more valuable. I am a cowgirl + I honestly can say I don't think I would have the pleasure of being a cowgirl if it wasn't for him. I slightly get irritated and laugh when others dress up as if they are a cowgirl. (some I think would die if they had to muck stalls) However, this year it didn't bug me. I simply was glad to see so many dressing up and participating their small part to the rodeo. I realized once again how I am fortunate to live my little girl dream of owning a horse + being a cowgirl. (yes I am that horse girl) haha I love the sport on dirt. It makes me one happy girl.

Mom: "I have to go to a conference for work at New Port Beach for 4 days. Do you want to come?"
Jess: "Sure I mean why not?"
The next thing I know, I am on a plan heading to the sunny state of California. The conference was held in the lovely (way too nice, too expensive, and not my type) Hyatt Hotel on New Port Beach. Too nice + expensive in the fact that I wanted chocolate milk for breakfast one morning thinking it would be $2. But nope the freaking Nesquick bottle cost me $4 and then...I was supposed to tip. (I mean can a girl who drinks milk by the gallons just a have a swig of milk with out having to empty my pocket?) Not my type as I laid by the pool for 2 days straight I overheard many different conversations + not one was in English. Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed the hammock by the pool. And then the desserts I ate as well!

                   

I am not a girl who loves to shop (surprising I know). My mom and I decided to explore the city so we went to Fashion Island mall/stores/shopping place. For someone who doesn't shop I still ended up with a shopping bag? Cheese Cake Factory is literally heaven sent. The cheese cake is to die for, but also their main course meals that they offer are delicious! We also went to Balboa Island. I enjoyed walking down the streets seeing all the home town stores and what not. I decided though that I could never live so close to someone where they could feel my breath + me feel theirs. But for those who own a beach house, a yacht, and part of the beach, my hats are off to you.

Overall the get away to Cali was exactly what I needed. 3 of the best guys I know are serving missions in Cali. I was on the lookout! Then seeing how 2 of my best girl friends left on their missions recently you could say I needed some time to remind myself of things. 1: I am not sure exactly what my plan the Lord has in store for me, but it is my plan. I am excited for the adventures that are to come. I am also nervous + scared, but am reminding myself to not have fear, but faith. 2: I have been blessed with the best friends in the world. I love all of them. The boys basically have hit their year mark. (post soon to come on them as well) To the girls who are sticking around here in Utah with me...I love em. 3: My family is important + we are eternal. 4: I finally got back into being a book worm + finished two books! The Giver and finally came around to reading The Fault in Our Stars. (I recommend both) 

So cheers to me for doing my 3rd blog post even though it's so long (there is no way in the world I would have wrote this all in a journal..thank you technology!) Cheers to my skin being sun kissed and not doing anything for a week. Lastly, best wishes to this upcoming busy crazy week that starts bright + early in the morning...(jobs, working, and making money isn't the first thing I had in mind.) I guess I am just welcoming myself back to the real world.