Spring Break

I know, I know. I'm terrible at keeping this thing up. But I've been consumed with other things, you know, like graduate school. The semester is going well, but I may freak out soon seeing has how the semester ends in a month and I haven't started writing my final papers. It's okay, one only has to be 20 pages... On the bright side, I did get a spring break. I went to Utah to see some amazing friends. I got to hike, go to a musical, go shopping, see a movie, go to a birthday party, and eat Korean food. It was a successful spring break. 

Zion National Park

Enjoying some Red Vines after a hike.

Because we apparently can't take pretty pictures. It's much easier to be goofy.

More of Zion's

And we ran into Cindy. Best day!

Because it's my birthday

If anyone actually reads my blog, you may have noticed that I haven't posted in a really, really long time. There is an explanation, I promise. First, when I got home from Korea my like was less than exciting so I felt I didn't have much to say. Then I moved to Idaho to start a master's in English Literature at Idaho State University, and I got so busy I just never thought about. All I have been doing is going to class, reading, and writing papers. I do occasionally hang out with friends, but seriously I might go blind by the time I graduate.

But I thought today would be a good day to post, seeing as how it's my birthday. And not just any birthday - the big 30. It is slightly depressing to be 30, but I'm crossing my fingers that it turns out to be a good year. Thirty, flirty, and thriving!

And as my birthday present to you, please watch this. I promise you'll laugh.

Thanks to the Servicemen

This is a day late, but better late then never right? I wanted to thank all the Servicemen out there, no matter where you are from or what uniform you where. You protect your people and that is admirable.

On Sunday I had the opportunity to go to the local cemetery and place flags in front of veterans graves. There wasn't really any order to it, so we had to wander around looking for ones that mentioned them serving in wars or had their rank abbreviations on it. It was a lovely way to spend a lovely afternoon. It made me appreciate all that much more what they did for our county.

And then it made me remember my Grandpa Barrett who served in WWII as a fighter pilot. His plane was shot down and he was sent to a concentration camp. He never really talked about it and I can understand why. But I hope he knows that I wanted to place a flag for him too. 

My Grandpa Barrett in uniform with my Grandma. Isn't he handsome?

Grandpa in front of his plane.

Reunion time

What's better than a family reunion? A family reunion at a rodeo of course, namely the Red Bluff Round-Up. We ate a lot, went to the rodeo, played games, and enjoyed each others company.

At the Shasta Dam on the Dam Tour

Mom and I showing the size of the holes the water comes through on the dam.

The whole gang after the parade.

Cousins at the rodeo!

My mom with her siblings. Now do you see where I get my weirdness from?

Barrel racer

Bull rider

Cowboys :)

Greece!

I went to Greece with some amazing friends and it was pretty much awesome. Especially the food and motorcycle cops - the scenery wasn't too shabby either. Here, enjoy some pictures.

Me and Celeste at the Acropolis

Me in front of the Temple of Zeus

Beautiful Santorini

Sunset on Santorini

Me and Katelyn on the island of Hydra

The Temple of Poseidon

Chilling by the Agean Sea

Striking a pose at Delphi

At the monasteries of Meteora

Amazing monasteries built on top of cliffs.

Travel and Friends

I went to Boise about a month ago to see Chalise. We played. We ate a lot. And I found my bridesmaid dress for her wedding! Good times.

Taking a walk along the Boise River.

We are cute.

And then Amber came to California! We hung out in San Francisco for a couple of days before driving up the coast and heading back to Red Bluff. It was a blast!

View of SF

What can I say - we're rocking Alcatraz.

And no trip to SF would be complete without the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hick Town

I am from a hick town and pretty darn proud of it. One of the things Red Bluff, CA is famous for is the Bull and Gelding Sale. It just happened this past week and I ventured over to the fairgrounds (which happen to be right next to my house). I saw some really well trained, smart cattle dogs herd cattle. It was pretty darn impressive. I wondered around the western art show and other westerny booths. My mom ended up buying a photograph I wanted - that's what happens when moms have more money than you do. I went in to watch the bull auction and wondered how in the world auctioneers learn to talk that fast. I felt out of place in my cords and t-shirt; I was sadly lacking the Wranglers, boots, and cowboy hat. But I still had a good time.

This is the photograph my mom bought. The photographer is Grief Hoskin. He has some pretty cool stuff, so you should check out his website: www.riovaqueros.com