Sailing For Adventure

  

So I have been slacking a little bit on the blogging. But I want to be better, so here goes. One month ago, I stepped off of a plane and into Boston. I had never been there before. My mom, grandma, and I spent the next few days getting acquainted with the charms that Boston has to offer, and saying goodbye to the last of my summer. Then we drove to Cape Cod, and the adventure began. I officially became a student of the SEA Semester program. I met the 14 people I would be living with for the next three months.Through all of October and for the next two weeks, the focus of my life has been learning everything I need to know to sail a tall ship in the Caribbean. 
Classes have been hard, but I've already had some pretty amazing experiences and met some really awesome people! In 4 days, I'll be stepping onto a plane and heading to St. Croix.
All I can say is that it's pretty amazing to think about the places and people that life brings us to. If  you had told me a month ago that I would have a great time with these people; that I would make some really good friends, I might've chuckled and shrugged you off. But it is definitely true. I am grateful for these experiences, and I can't wait for the next half of this program, when we will be sailing the open ocean.

Class C-250, underway and off to see the world!

A Birthday Letter to Mom

Mom, 

You have no idea how much you have positively affected my life. Not many kids have such an amazing bond with their parents, but I have never been afraid or embarrassed to talk to you about anything. I pretty much always took that for granted until my later years of high school, because I just though that was always the way things were. The idea that someone could have a mom who was not like you was a shocking discovery for me!

Thank you for always being so positive in my life and teaching me to do the same. Through your example, I have learned that everything will be okay. In life, I will fall down, but you always taught me to get back up and dust myself off. I have learned that it's best to take life at my own pace rather than running to catch up with everybody else. I have learned (though it was through stubbornness) that getting an A- in high school didn't mean I was stupid or that I didn't work hard enough. Those lessons help me everyday in college when I get back an exam with a C grade. I have also learned that it's okay to do what I love and let things fall into place without stressing (too much). Through you, I have learned that it is not friends, clothes, or appearance that defines who a person is or who they can become. When I am home, I am me, and I am safe. When I'm not, I know that I can still be me. 

I have been through some of the hardest times of my life in the past few years, but I always know that you are there at the other end of a phone call. Thanks for giving me a little nudge when I am terrified of certain parts of life. I know that no matter where I go, who I know, how many successes or failures I have in my life, you will always be there cheering me on. I know I always have a place to call home and a family to fall back on. For that, I will forever be grateful. So thanks Mom, for everything that you do. It definitely does not go unnoticed. :) Happy Birthday! 

Love, 

Roo

Florida Sin Familia

It has been a week since we've gotten back from our Spring Break trip in Florida, which is unbelievable! That seems to always be the trip that people are looking forward to, and now it's over. Even crazier, there are only six more weeks until school is over and I am halfway through my college career. I can't believe how fast time flies!

Last year in Florida, I had basically the whole state of Utah come out to watch our games. This year, because we decided to do Disneyland in January, they weren't able to come out and watch. I thought it would be a really sad time for me. Most people have some family come out and get to spend time with them for those eight or so days, and it can be hard for people who don't have their family there.

I was surprised, though, that it wasn't a really hard time for me. Of course I really missed my family; I talked to them every day I was gone, and wished they could have been there. But I have to say, I know exactly why I was still able to have such an amazing time even though I was missing my family.

The first reason is the team. The entire time I've been at Mac, these girls have been my second family. I never thought I'd have the chance to get this close to anyone while I was here, but I am so grateful that I have. It's pretty amazing to have twelve great friends on and off the field. 

The second reason is Erin. I spent nearly the entire time in Florida with her, her dad and uncle. I got to go with them to all the parts of Disneyworld and we had the greatest adventures together:) I am so grateful to have her in my life!

We searched everywhere for Lion King stuff, but this was pretty much the only thing we could find. These were all over the park, crafted into different characters. They were pretty amazing! 

One of the most amazing parts of Disney is the chance it gives you to still be a kid. Erin and I got to eat dinner at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, where we met all the Disney Princesses. It was so amazing! I felt like such a kid the whole time we spent at Disneyworld. It helped me remember that it's okay to not hurry into adulthood, even though that's what the world tends to tell us as soon as we hit high school. For the rest of my life, I know I'll be a little girl at heart.:)