Something Blue.

My brother is engaged. Oh, yes...and almost every other student in the Orem/Provo area between the ages of 18 and 24.

I seem to hear a lot about Utah culture, and how people get married younger than anywhere else...in the US; however, there is something that gets overlooked, unless you are a resident within Utah. It is the Utah County culture. The maniacal search for an eternal partner is unmistakable. With BYU in close proximity (and UVU claiming those who want to go to BYU, but aren't good enough to get in), there is undoubtedly an abundance of RMs (returned missionaries) on the prowl. Fresh out of a foreign country...or Louisiana, penniless, and focused on advice from their mission presidents, what better for a young man with 21 years of 'experience' to do than to find a wife?

Students wake up with marriage on their mind, even though they have a mid-term in their organic chemistry class (in the boys case...most girls are there to major in marriage...forget all that science stuff). Take a peek on the ladies' laptops...there are files saved with wedding plans...take a peek at their finger...there isn't a ring.

Every relationship needs to progress, right? Well in Utah County that doesn't mean you learn something new each day about the person you are dating...it means you are attracted to them, you make them your significant other, and two weeks later, you have a date set...in four months (max!). Don't take it slow or anything...you are only committing for eternity.

I would like to announce that I am NOT the typical Orem/Provo student-resident. I do not want to get married yet. I am here to attend school. I have a brain and I want to use it. If I happen to stumble upon a man who shares my values, looks nice enough, and can support me (and a family in the future), then great. I have set my priorities this way. I will not avoid marriage, I will simply let it happen naturally.

Take that, Utah County culture. Take that.

I should also point out, that I am not a bitter, lonely girl who can't find a boy. I have a boy. He's great. And if I wanted to, I would have options. Ask my family.

Oh, and I hope I get married after my sister. She is graduating high school next year and will be attending BYU (I give it a semester...maybe two, tops). I just think it would be funny.

'Self-absorbed'

I have stumbled upon an opportunity to be stereotypical. I know a boy. He was a football player. This is where I get to be stereotypical. Football players believe the sun shines for them. They think they are the cream of the crop, the center of the universe, the top of the totem-pole. Football players have nice bodies, blinding white smiles, and their hair is always perfectly styled. They wear the nicest clothes, drive the nicest cars...or trucks (whatever), and they wouldn't be caught dead with last month's apple products (iphone 5 or bust!).  They pass their classes because they are on the team. Teachers can cut some slack for the slackers because they practice so hard to get those wash-board abs...I mean, they work so hard to represent the school's athletic talent (oops...my bad). Football players are all going to be professionals...or, at least, some day make A LOT of money (they will have to, if they want to stay 'ahead'). This blog post is actually dedicated to one fabulous football player. The boy that I know. He said he would read my blog when he was in it. So here's to you, Tyler Gunderson. Tyler played football. Tyler has a nice bod. Tyler's teeth are blindingly white. Tyler's hair is perfectly styled. He wears nice clothes. He drives a new, fancy, big truck. He keeps up with Apple pretty well, too. Congratulations, Tyler, you fit the stereotype.

Oh, and Tyler wears nice shoes.

But mine are better.

Tyler thinks he wants to be a pharmacist. I spent countless hours tutoring Tyler, so that he would be able to pass his anatomy class. Hey, Tyler, when you get your first, fat pay-check you better scratch your name out, write mine in, and stick it in the mail. You owe me.

I know a boy. His name is Tyler Gunderson. He fits the stereotype of a football player. I broke a part of that for him by making him study. Tyler owes me big time.

...oh and check it out...Tyler cut someone out of his picture...they weren't important enough;)

Post-euphoric

I think that this is something people may be able to understand a little bit better during the Christmas season. Everybody has experienced the temporary high and the excitement that comes with new things, and it's all fine and dandy, but what happens when that feeling wears off? The new and exciting can become no more than a hassle, something that takes up space, something that demands attention. What was the best thing in the world gets shoved in the corner. How many people think about that before they ask for an item or an experience? I doubt that I am the first to admit it, but I am not very good at it. I get myself into situations that come with a substantial amount of 'happiness'...only to later crash and burn.What can I do to stop this? Get myself out of the traffic I cram into my lifestyle. Sit back and take a minute to look at the big picture. I need to evaluate what is important to me and how I am going to feel in the end. I've built a chaotic lifestyle. My busy schedule is my drug, and I am an addict trying to quit.

Facade.

I have noticed an element of surprise in the reactions of recent acquaintances when they learn that my major is biotechnology. The initial shock is entertaining to observe, because I know that my appearance doesn't fit the stereotypical 'nerdy-look'. Luckily, I found an accessory to create the facade that is expected with the pronouncement of my major. My secret....glasses. I noticed that when I started wearing glasses people seemed to be initially more accepting to the idea that I could be involved in a major that actually requires intellectual skill. Beside that, I like the way my glasses frame my face, they are a good way to hide my face on the days that I jump out of bed and have to sprint to the bus, and it's a really good way to change up an outfit without breaking the bank. I have excellent vision:) which is lucky for me, since it is far less expensive to buy frames that don't have any prescription at all:) Now ladies, a tip from someone with experience...glasses make people believe you are smart....er.

Tribute to Alex Strasburg

Four months ago I dove head-first into a new life. Moving to a new city and attending a new school has been an adventure to say the least. It has brought ups and more downs than I could have imagined, but in spite of the muddle of drama that has occurred over this time, I have made a friend. Alex Strasburg has become a staple in my new life here. If I could genetically alter and duplicate myself, Alex would be the result. He is the boy version of me. We are both crazy, but in a sensible way. We love the abstract, but for it's normality. We like to rock the boat, but only for the pleasure of watching it struggle to settle again. Alex is a musician. He is remarkable. Alex is a feminist. Alex is an artist. Ordinary days are brightened by his company. I am happy to have met Alex and honored to have him as a friend. Thank you, Alex Strasburg.