My Beef With Society

You Wanna Know What I'm Gonna Be When I Grow Up?

Two Words:

Beef. Producer.

AKA Rancher AKA Hick AKA Redneck.

You Wanna Know What else? My parents and siblings have always been extremely supportive, as well as a few other family members. But outside of them, for my entire life I've gotten flack for it. Ever since I was in junior high school when I started meeting with school counselors I was always told I should be something like a doctor or a lawyer, I was even told once that a job like that was more dignified. Another time I was told my chosen path was a waste of my people skills. Well, today I am here to defend my dream and stand up to my naysayers for all the internet to read. Er, maybe I'm just here to get on my soapbox. Feel free to skip over this post if you're not in the mood. 

FIRST: Doctors and Lawyers are wonderful, the world will always need them, but that is a cliche to success that EVERY student is told.

Consider this: Doctors are there when you get sick and/or need surgery. Lawyers are there when you are in trouble/need a divorce/need representation. RANCHERS and FARMERS are there to produce your food. I will take food over getting sick or getting in trouble ANY day. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be successful in the profession of food production. The individual is in charge of their financial well-being. After all not ALL doctors and lawyers are financially stable. Likewise, not all farmers or ranchers are financially stable. Every person must learn for themselves how to be fiscally responsible.

SECOND: The job of a Farmer/Rancher is extremely Dignified.

I don't know what it is about today's society, but for some reason everyone seems afraid to work physically hard for a living. Being a laborer is considered to be a bad job. I feel the exact opposite. In my opinion, no work is more fulfilling than work where I break a sweat and get my hands dirty. Have any of you ever worked out in a garden, tilling up the ground, feeling the dirt in your hands, noticing the creepy crawlies who complete the ecosystem, planting your seeds or seedlings to produce something beautiful or delicious? It is marvelous! I'm religious, so for me it is also a testament of God's grace and presence in all aspects of our lives. To be able to go to market with your beef or pigs or chicken or vegetables or fruits or grains is a job worth holding your head up high for. What could be more dignified than bringing forward a product that you kept nourished and produced for the well-being of everyone else. It's a job that revolves around providing for the greater good of others.

THIRD: My desire to go into Beef Production is NOT a waste of people skills.

Truth: the farming and ranching lifestyle is a very rural and isolated one. Lie: farmers and ranchers lack social skills and do not socialize with one another. It is quite well known that in the cattle world Branding is a busy time of year. It is a time that brings together friends and neighbors to help one another and get a large task done efficiently and quickly. It is also well known that barn raising is another task that brings together friends and neighbors. Both situations are often accompanied with food, music, story-telling, games, and friendly banter. However, did you know that Cattle Associations all over the country also meet several times a year for forums, conferences, clinics, etc? They meet to discuss innovative machinery and technology, ways to help one another, methods to improve output, new business plans, and methods for improving advertising. These societies can be found on every kind of level from international to small chapters in places like colleges and universities. In my own university chapter of the Cattleman's Society we learn about new ways to channel genetics, advertise product, utilize land, and even start our own operations. We have keynote speakers and meet with people in the industry so that we can network for jobs, internships, and just general contacts. Being shy will not get you anywhere, you must develop your people skills.

So why do I bother stating this?

I'm not sure if I felt like being stubborn. I don't know if I felt like being snarky. I do know, however, that I believe some of societies views to be a bit skewed. I believe that a person's success is not based solely on the amount of money they make, the size of the house they live in, or the type of car they drive. I measure success by the lives a person touches, the happiness they experience, and the opportunity they've taken to make their dreams a reality. Granted, one should not pass up an opportunity to be successful in an area they hadn't considered out of stubbornness, but I think there's a certain amount of a stick-to-your-guns attitude that everyone should have. I want to be successful because I make my dreams a reality, have a family, and touch the lives of many. Because success is relative. This is life as seen through the the rose colored lenses of Nat. 

I'd love to have your input! Leave a comment, a message, or an email. And as always, have a great day!!

My Celiac Story

Celiac Disease.

Whether you've heard of it or not, I guarantee you've heard all about the Gluten-Free diet/Gluten-Free living/The Gluten-Free Fad. But what's the scoop?

First, to set the record straight:

1. Celiac Disease is NOT the same thing as a wheat allergy or gluten intolerance. source

Celiac Disease is a Genetic disease. It's most commonly passed from mothers to sons and is far more serious than an allergy or intolerance. Celiac Disease causes the bodies immune system to attack healthy tissue. 

2. Going Gluten-Free is NOT a healthy option for those with no medical reason. source

Going gluten-free is great for people with Celiac Disease because it's the only real way to "treat" the disease. It's also recommended for people with wheat allergies and gluten intolerance. But the gluten-free fad dieting is actually quite dangerous! Going gluten-free robs the body of valuable vitamins ad nutrients. 

So...

How do you know if you have Celiac Disease? How do you know if you should get checked?

This is MY story. And bare with the gritty details, hopefully I can help someone know something that I wish I would've known. :)

My junior year of High School I started having some issues, health-wise, that raised some red flags. I was suffering some internal bleeding, huge canker sores in my mouth and on my tongue, terrible abdominal pain, and general discomfort. There were lots of things WE thought it could be: anemia, appendicitis, or ulcers. We went to my general practitioner, and he wasn't able to tell us anything. He recommended we go to a Gastrointestinal Physician. We got some recommendations from him and pressed on from there. I will say that day was very discouraging. I don't know if you've ever been turned away from a doctor, but it's not a fun feeling. I appreciated his referring us elsewhere, but it felt like I hadn't made any progress. After calling that clinic we were told there was no room for several months! I was still going home ill and in the dark.

Luckily, having not driven very far home yet, we got a phone call from the GI clinic saying I there was a cancellation, and I could get in that same week!! It was a huge blessing!

My GI specialist was super friendly. **sidenote--am I the only one who feels a little uneasy thinking about what would provoke someone to work in a profession like...this? I know, "someone's gotta do it" and "to each their own." Just a thought** He was very positive until he started saying things like colitis, colon cancer, Crohn's Disease, and many other terrifying conditions that mine could be. I started to feel a little panicky. My mom and I exchanged looks (of course she was keeping her cool) and I just thought, "This would happen to me. Some simple pain and discomfort ends up being something life-threatening." Please don't judge my ignorance, I'm just being 100% honest with all I was thinking. A blood work-up was ordered immediately. 

The results came back a day or two later, and I found out that the levels/white blood count/whatever-the-heck-they-were-looking-at came back and my Doctor was 99.9% sure it was Celiac Disease (which was totally a relief to me, comparatively), but he still seemed a bit questionable. My mom and I asked what his thoughts were, to which he replied, "I am always very hesitant to advise someone to cut gluten out of their diet, completely and indefinitely. It's not an easy decision and doesn't come without it's draw-backs." So he suggested that we let him do an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Obviously, that stressed me out too (can you tell I don't like the doctor's office or hospitals??), but I knew it was the only way to be 100% certain PLUS it would allow him to assess the damage and see what I needed to do to heal.

Several doctor's visits, blood work, and two procedures later...it was determined. I had Celiac Disease and probably had had it my entire life. Consider:

--The doc asked me what my favorite foods were. Promptly I responded, "Watermelon, pineapple, apples, oranges, carrots, spinach, and chocolate." To which he responded, "Notice, none of those foods contain Gluten." I was shocked! My body had naturally responded better to Gluten-Free foods even though I didn't decide that was how it is. He predicted that they were my favorite because they didn't make me feel sick afterward.

--A few weeks after this all went down, I came across some journals I kept in my elementary school classes (raise your hand if your teachers made you keep journals too). As I flipped through the pages, I started noticing that at least every other entry contained me referencing how I didn't feel good or how I had a tummy ache. I'm sure my mom and my teachers felt that I was just complaining a lot, but it was a tell-tale sign that I had Celiac.

--My food never felt like it "settled." Before I found out I had Celiac, I felt sick after every meal. Throughout my life (schooling, church activities, etc) I have always been sort of a perfectionist, so I thought I always just carried my stress in my stomach (?). 

I mean, I can't believe I missed this all my life!!

Obviously there's much more to this story: the first few weeks of adapting, trial and error in eating, trying to treat symptoms when I accidentally get Gluten, what are my symptoms when I get it, etc. Rest assured, I will post more as I go along, but I didn't want to Gluten-Free Vomit all over you in one post (though I may already have succeeded in that). Anywho, I welcome questions and comments. Hit me up!! I'd love to answer some of your questions about living Gluten-Free and living with Celiac as I go through the rest of these posts. I'll share some pet peeves, some tips and tricks, and some Life-According-To-Natalie tips, so stay tuned!

*Disclaimer: If you feel like some of these symptoms fit something you're experiencing, don't self-diagnose. You could be experiencing many other illnesses or allergies. It is certainly in your best interest to check with your Doctor specifically.*

I Wear a Poppy

Well, it's technically the day AFTER Veteran's Day, and I debated whether or not I wanted to publish this post or delete it, wondering if it was too soap-boxy. But, I am patriotic, I am proud to be an American, and I am not ashamed to let my voice be heard. 

The summer between my Junior and Senior year of high school I attended what's called Girls' State. It's almost a type of camp which lasts one week and teaches all about government. While there, I was able to experience (along with approximately 300 other girls from across the state) politics and government first hand. We were divided up into cities and counties. I had the privilege of being a county and state delegate, member of the credentials committee, a member of the sifting committee, a senator, and the senate chaplain.

While attending Girls' State I felt feelings of pride and patriotism that I had never before felt. On the second to last night we had a banquet in celebration of all of the Veterans who so willingly serve us. We honored decorated veterans from across the state, had a guest speaker, and learned about the Poppy. Each of us wore a boutineer, crafted by veterans, as a sign of respect and remembrance. At each place setting, beneath the boutineer, was this poem:

In Flander's Field

by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from falling hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

 It was, in those brief moments of reading those three little stanzas, that I felt feelings like those I had never felt toward this country and its government. The closest thing I can relate it to is a deep spirituality, almost. It was unlike anything I'd ever felt before. As I read the poem, I teared up. Picking up my boutineer, I stared at it for a moment, reflecting on my feelings, analyzing them, then scrambling, I hurried to fasten it firmly over my heart.

I woke up on Veteran's Day this year and realized that I did not have that boutineer, I left it at home when I came to college. I felt really bad, like I couldn't adequately honor those who served. When I emerged, my roommate had little red poppy pins for those in the apartment who wanted them. I was so grateful, and we ended up launching into a big conversation about how much we love this country! One of our other roommates looked a little befuddled and asked how we could love it so much when things are going bad in the government. Well, here's how.

First, I love my country for the people who live in it. The average american, the every day citizen, the general population. I look around and I see diversity. I see interesting, exciting new people everyday that make up this grand place. I don't love my country for its leaders, its political figures, its poster children, because they aren't what truly make up this land. The United States of America is full of people who are gritty, who are stubborn, hard headed, and AWESOME! That's why we thrive. That's why we have survived as a country all these years. Imagine what would happen if Americans lost their spunk...

Second, I support the leaders of our country. I may not always agree (in fact, I usually don't) with everything they have to say. I don't always agree with the laws and standards that are implemented. However, I also don't envy the job of an official who will NEVER please everyone. I know that our laws are put in place to protect us and our freedoms.I know that even if something isn't going our way, we have a right to vote against it AND when all else fails, we only have to endure it for 4 years before things can change up again anyway.  

Third, I know we are the land of the free. Look at any other country in the world. Where else can the average citizen decide 100% their own destiny?? Look at Oprah. She came from impoverished circumstances, endured abuse, persecution, and general hardship. After working hard and searching for opportunities  she has become arguably one of the most inspirational AND successful women of all time. Need another example? Jim Carrey dropped out of high school to try to salvage his families financial situation after his father was laid off. He took on two jobs, but the family still lost their home and ended up living in a van. Now, he is a multimillionaire. And there are so many more examples of regular people who rise to success and strive for greatness. It is possible because we are free. 

Fourth, our country defends itself. I'm not sure where I stand politically. I'm not sure what party I will register for when I register to vote, I don't know the ins and outs of how I feel about every military issue, but I know that our country demands respect and defends its integrity. When I was younger (and maybe even still today) I used to tease my younger siblings to no end. It was like a hobby! But oddly enough, if anyone else EVER tried to tease them, it was go time. That was not acceptable. Have you ever noticed that that is pretty much exactly how our nation is today? We may not have it all together within the "home," but if anyone EVER tries to mess with us, it is go time. I am so glad that's the way it is. Call me crazy, but I feel much better knowing I live in a country where people aren't just rolling over and playing dead. I am forever indebted to the people who go out every day and fight for the rights we are given.

I mean, maybe that's an overly-simplified outlook, but I truly believe it's that simple! The United States of America is, frankly, the home of the free and the land of the brave. We are bound together by the same stubborn, opinionated, egotistical personalities that often pull us apart. If it wasn't so, we would not be the land we are today. I know that many people my age complain about the government more than count it as a blessing, but I think it's more because we want to be contrary to what we're told, because I think that if everyone just took a moment to consider what we're blessed with, there would be a better reaction than just disdain and complaints. 

Regarding the Veterans and my poppy, I just want to say that I salute you. I salute each and every individual that has, does, and will serve our country. I thank you from the deepest reaches of my heart. I wear my poppy proudly in remembrance of those who so willingly sacrifice everything, every day, so that I may continue to love this land. I can't help but beam when I hear patriotic songs. I can't help but get the chills when I see a soldier in uniform. Walking on campus, I sometimes hear the ROTC shouting their cadences, barking orders, and pushing each other to go that extra mile and I have to just stop and marvel at the gratitude and pride that fills my soul. We are blessed beyond measure. I don't think the naysaying could ever reach a point where it would sway me of my immense gratitude for being blessed to live here, it's just that wonderful. No matter how uncertain, no matter how far out, not matter how intense it gets up on Capitol Hill, I will always love this country and the every day Americans that make it what it is. My cup runneth over.

I love our Veterans and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

This is Halloween

Okay, so maybe it's the day before Halloween, but whatevs. :)

When it comes to dressing up...

 

last photo cred to Whimsy Girl Photography

...I'm not the resident expert, but I like throwing something fun together. Also, I'd much rather dress like something from the past, than something that's trendy now. This year I didn't think I'd be dressing up for Halloween, but then my roommates and I got invited to a Halloween party, so I had to come up with something. After much deliberation, and a Facebook shout out I decided on Rosie the Riveter.

source

Not to go all feminist and patriotic on you, but I have always loved this icon! Rosie is the face of a strong America. She is the face of the sacrifices women made to guard the home front and keep this country going so that our boys would have something to come home to all the while manufacturing the machinery they needed to win the war. I mean gosh, can you imagine what we could do with that kind of fire in politics today? All from an ad. 

Anyway, back to Halloween. :)

I give you the tutorial for all things Rosie. 

The Outfit

For this look I used a red knit headband (ideally though you should use a red bandanna, but I was fresh out) to go in my hair, a blue and white polka dot shirt from Old Navy (again though, a denim shirt is more authentic for this look), an old pair of higher-waisted jeans (none of the low rise that I normally wear), grey socks, and white keds. I buttoned all but the top two and bottom two buttons. The top was left open and the bottom I tied in a little knot. In the back you can either roll your shirt tail up a few times toward your body--that way the roll won't show--or you can do what I did, which was to tuck it into my pants. I rolled my sleeves up to just under my elbow, then pushed them up above for the more authentic, bunched look. Also, put a small cuff in the bottom of your jeans (however length will permit). Mine are rolled up twice to make a small 1"-3/4" cuff.

The Hair

For the most authenticity you will want to put your hair up in pin-curls. I found a great tutorial for that on YouTube!

**Disclaimer: This is actually a heatless curl tutorial, but I love this tutorial for pin up curls as well.**

Also, remember that if you choose to use this pin-up curl method, you'll need to first make a poof with your hair/curl your bangs so that you can keep modelling the Rosie the Riveter look. 

If you like MY look, this is what I did.

1. I curled my hair. Had I not warn my hair in a braid that day I would've just used my own natural curl. Basically, you'll just need some kind of curl to make the rest of the hair style easier. I have long hair and sometimes have a hard time getting my hair to hold curls (that aren't the ones I was born with), but I stumbled upon this tutorial that has really helped me!

2. I made a pretty basic poof with my "bangs" (which I actually don't have, but I'm not a hair person so I don't know what that section of your hair would be called). Basically I just separated the front section of my hair, about an inch thick starting right above my right temple and going up across the top of my head and down to that same spot above my left temple. With my comb I teased the hair and then combed the front to smooth it, before finally pinning it in place to create some body. The reason this poof is important is because throughout the night, whether you use a bandanna or a headband, it will be tugging on the front of your hair, if you don't have the poof to keep the volume in the front, you'll end up having it pull your hair tight against your head. Last time I checked, that went out of style with the 90s... Again, here's a great tutorial!

**Just a little side note, I pretty much live off of YouTube hair tutorials, even the ones made by little junior high girls.**

3. Next, I pulled all of my hair up into high ponytail, combing back all the flyaways and hair spraying GENEROUSLY. This part you actually want all of your hair to be tight against your head. Make sure there are no bumps or loose spots. I mean tight!  

4. The last step might be kind of confusing because I just made it up. I'll explain it and then maybe in a few days I can through together a quick hair tutorial video:

If your hair is like mine, it's very bouncy and full and fun after it's been curled with a curling iron, so you probably have a pretty full, fun ponytail at this point. All I did was start taking curls and pinning them all over around the ponytail to make what almost looks like a bun, but it's big and full. On me it probably had a six inch diameter. The closest I can illustrate it for you is in this tutorial, but skip to 3:43 and watch that "Arranging the Curls" section. See how some of her ends are just hanging out? That's good! I reiterate what she said, "Don't get too perfect with it!"

5. Finally I just slapped on the headband right behind my bang poof. I secured it with some bobby pins behind my ears, and directly below the bun.

The Make-Up

 

This was arguably the most fun part for me. I loved going all out. So, again I'm falling back on a tutorial here. A few tips though, you can use a fake eyelash if you want to, just not too huge, this should still be old-timey. Also, the eyebrows took my a few tries to get right. Follow the tutorial's curve exactly, because if you curve the brows too much or too little, it looks really bad (I got a little crazy with the eyebrow pencil and had to redo it a billion times). This is the exact tutorial I used:

And so, there you have it!! 

A simple, cost effective, meaningful, DIY Halloween costume!! Have fun with it, tweak it, and most of all...TRY IT!! 

Happy Halloween!!!! :)

Love,

Rosie the Riveter, the Minions, and The Cartoon Artist

Sounds Like Life to Me

"Sounds like life to me, plain old destiny.

Yeah the only thing for certain is uncertainty.

You gotta hold on tight and just enjoy the ride.

Get used to all this unpredictability.

Sounds like life!

Man I know it's tough, but you gotta suck it up.

To hear you talk you're caught up in some tragedy.

Sounds like life to me."

source

This is the chorus to one of my favorite pump-me-up-on-a-less-than-stellar-day songs. I don't know about you, but sometimes it feels like life can't take a break from throwing you those curve balls. Just when you think it can't get worse, it goes and gets worse. My grandma once told me bad things happen in threes, so once you reach three, you're done and then things'll start going good again. Well, if you're reading this Grandma, I've disproved your theory. 

Maybe it's Murphy's Law, maybe a sick twist of fate, or maybe just bad luck. 

This is NOT a downer post. Keep reading!!

To give you a small glimpse into the bad luck that's befallen: stolen flash drive, bad grade in a class, dropped a class, took on 3 more credits, got a concussion, lost me short term memory of the 2 weeks prior to the concussion, out of school for a week (you added that right, now 3 weeks of missed school work), laptop had orange juice spilled on it (needed professional cleaning), back in school relearning all the material for midterms this upcoming week. 

Now, like I said this is not a downer post. All that seems pretty bad for a fresh, new college kid all out on her own, right? Well, that's what I thought too. I spent the better parts of those first three days that I was recovering from the concussion angry and bitter at how such things could happen to me! Then this week as I returned to school and things were getting hard again I was just so mad! 

As I mentioned in the first post, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka a Mormon). So naturally, these things felt like a tremendous test of my faith. I was questioning my Father in Heaven about why all this was happening to me. 

While scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed one day this week--I was taking a break from my discouraging studying--I stumbled across this picture:

Now, if you've never heard Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, member or not, I highly recommend it! He is a powerful speaker. When I read this, I knew I needed to look at the bigger picture, stop freaking out, and be humble. I decided to make a change...or four.

1. No more complaining about what had happened.

I always thought I had more sense than to be a complainer, but it turns out, when my parents weren't there to remind me to have a good attitude, I was miserable. You know that friend, the one we all have, who never seems to be in a good mood? You say, "Hey there so-and-so, how's it going?" And their reply EVERY TIME is, "Eh, I'm okay," or "Not that great, but it's fine." And you just have the hardest time with those friends because you want to say, "Get in a good mood!" (name that movie). Yeah, I was THAT friend. Can you say pity party? I will not forget the moment that hit me. Life is too great to be fine or okay. Especially in my situation. I am blessed to be going to school, living, breathing, working hard. So no more complaining for me! 

2. No more looking at the stack of work I still needed to complete.

I have two classes that are kicking my trash. The work is hard and time consuming, they are for my major (not general credits) and they will affect the outcome of my graduate school. Let's just say, missing a week of those classes and forgetting another two weeks is a little inconvenient. Staring at that stack of work is intimidating. Staring at that stack and the stack of all my other classes work makes a person feel like they're drowning. Which leads right to number three! 

3. Take pride in the little accomplishments.

Honestly, when I stopped focusing on everything I needed to do, and started focusing on all I had accomplished, I felt empowered!! Think about when you are on a hike. I grew up in Utah, and I love my mountains dearly. When you hike a mountain, it's hard to look up at how far you have to go. When you get to the top, do you keep looking up? NO! You look down at the view and at how far you've come! The same goes with tasks like make-up work. There's a level of excitement and power that comes from looking at your work and saying, "Heck yeah! I accomplished that!" It doesn't matter if you finished a  two question worksheet or a one hundred question exam.

4. Take sporadic breaks from studying to give my mind a break and give my soul some TLC.

Life isn't supposed to be miserable. Even in the hardest times we need to have fun and find the joy. Hitting the books for 6 and 8 hour stretches may work sometimes, it may even work all the time for some people (like superhuman people, or general authorities), but it has NOT been working for me as of late. So, I told myself, "Okay, how about three hours and then a break." My breaks? Country Dancing, exercising, blogging, watching Grey's Anatomy (my current favorite on Netflix), doing laundry, baking, basically anything that doesn't remotely resemble studying. And you know what? I found my joy.

Remember...

Life throws you some curve balls, sometimes it may even throw you a whole bucket-full! But honestly, it won't last forever. Concussions heal, laptops are fixed, school work gets done, and before long you start recognizing the blessings again. With Thanksgiving coming up in just over a month, I'm feeling even more in tune with my blessings. I am blessed profusely by my Heavenly Father. Sometimes the blessings are temporal, sometimes spiritual, and sometimes they're blessings that are disguised as challenges, because even those help us learn and grow. To those who may be struggling right now, whatever the struggle is, remember that you're not alone in this world. You can find help from all sorts of people. 

My last thought:

I was having a particularly tough day about a week and a half ago, and I felt like I'd never make it. Dramatic? Yes. Legitimate feeling? Yes. I couldn't help but question what I was doing here, far from home, away from my family and friends, stuck in a rut. About the time I was going to go in my room and take a nap--for the umpteenth time that day--I heard a loud knock in the door. Being the crotchety little lady I was that day, I grumbled all the way to the door. When I opened the door, I was shocked! A girl from one of my classes was standing on the porch with my notes form class, a slice of apple pie, and a bag of gummy bears. I couldn't even believe it! We hadn't ever hung out, or really had a full conversation. But there, I had found a friend and she gave me hope. Since then, we've hung out and gained a friendship that I know is true.

You're never alone, people are aware of you whether you know it or not.

LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Well It's Bulls and Blood, It's Dust And Mud

So...

This past weekend I was in my VERY FIRST RODEO. My event?

Women's Steer Riding

It was quite an adventure (to say the least). If you're in for a wild ride, READ ON!!

Alright, so what you just saw was my whopping 3.5 second ride.

You also saw my killer wipe-out.

There's still some speculation as to whether I was knocked out by the steer and then landed on my head, or was knocked out BECAUSE I landed on my head. You decide!

Either way, I ended up being unconscious for approximately 2-4 seconds and then (apparently) jumped up and gave a big thumbs up to the crowd! Upon walking out of the arena, my roommates quickly realized that perhaps a hospital visit was in order.

This is the story of my killer concussion...

I don't know what all you know about concussions, but here are a few quick facts:

1. A concussion is a brain injury and ALL are serious.

2. It is the swelling of the brain against the skull.

3. Most concussions occur WITHOUT loss of consciousness.

4. Recognizing a concussion when it first occurs helps prevent further injury or even death!

source

I guess this is where I should be concerned?!

YES!!!

Meanwhile back at the hospital:

When I arrived at the emergency room I was incoherent.

**Disclaimer: All of the next text is as told to me by my two roommates, I didn't remember any of my behavior.**

As the doctor began my examination, I had no recollection of time. My most recent memories were those of summer vacation in July. I recognized my roommates (but I thought I only knew them from Facebook connecting before the start of the school year). As the doctor started asking me questions I was able to tell her the date but didn't remember anything! I knew I had been steer riding (and scolded myself for stupidity) and that I must've come off onto my head. I also kept asking if my mom knew and if she was mad. When I say I kept asking, I mean I kept asking.

I've always loved Dory, off of Finding Nemo. After this weekend's experience I appreciate her on a whole new level.

photo credit

learn about her short term memory loss

So if you haven't seen the movie, you get the idea?

Well, that was me. On almost a perfect rotation I would ask the same questions:

Is it the 11th?

Did I ride a steer?

Did I land on my head?

Does my mom know?

Is she mad?

She's mad, huh?

Is it the 11th?

.

.

.

You get the idea.

I had no clue a concussion could do this to someone! Here I sit, 6 days later, and I still have parts of my short term memory that I will never get back! I don't remember anything I've been taught in classes over the last week and a half. I have no memory of the steer ride OR ride to the hospital. I didn't know the names of friends I had made in my classes. I didn't even know my class schedule there for a while. 

The upside to this whole experience? 

My mom is not mad, just glad I'm okay (such a mom answer).

I don't remember the potentially traumatizing experience. ;)

I now relate to one of my all time favorite Disney Characters.

So maybe those aren't the best "upsides" but this just serves as a warning to all readers of the next few blog posts. If they seem scatter brained, know that I'm not a terrible blogger and give me the benefit of the doubt. Heck, I didn't even remember I had a blog until today. I suppose this is my plea. Most blogs have rocky starts anyway, but this one is extra rocky, loopy, and concussion-y. Bare with my cyberspace! 

And as my final salutation to you for the evening I give you my new favorite phrase to holler at my roommates:

"Come on ladies!! I'm CONCUSSED!!"

Let's Get a Little Mud On The Tires

Well Howdy Hey!!

First post on the brand new blog and I cannot even contain my excitement. You know, this last summer I worked for Shelley over at House of Smiths and really got curious about the whole blogging world. Now that I'm in college I suppose I'm going through that transition-to-adulthood phase where I just really feel like I want to change the world. And so I got to thinking what I have to offer to people near and far. I've narrowed it down to three things:

1. I have Celiac Disease and have TONS of little tips for gluten-free living. Some I've learned the hard way, some the slightly easier way.

2. I am out to make my dreams come true. More explanation on that one later, but basically I'm breaking the trend and really striking out into a field that is uncommon for people with my background (I've got your attention now, eh?).

3. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and am all about connecting with new people and learning about all the diverse ideas in the world. 

So that's me! I welcome questions or comments! As we get further along in this whole blogging thing (and hopefully as I am able to reach more people) I'd love to hear your questions about anything! Like I said, comments or questions below OR my fancy-shmancy blog e-mail newsfromthefishbowl@yahoo.com.

One of my roommates is super passionate about public relations, networking, connecting, and influencing people all over the place, I think it's safe to say she's rubbing off on me. One thing she's shown me though, is there's enough bad in the world. It's so in style to be bad and negative right now, that if you really want to strike out and be unique, you've gotta be the good. So, I'm breaking the style mold and hoping to be a little good. I look forward to my first "real" post and just can't wait to dive all in! 

So until next time, how's about a big ole Nighty Night!