Precautions and Prompts

Yesterday the school entered a shelter in place drill due to a unique danger: wildlife. Yes, no one was allowed to leave the building because of one bear, roaming around the Park Meadows area. This past week it has been spotted by civilians and police men all around Park City, from Jeremy and Pinebrook to Main Street and Park Meadows.

Last night it was assumed to be in Park Meadows still, which is where I was having dinner with family friends. It is also where, wether the bear caused it or not, the power went out. Everyone pulled out candles and flashlights, waiting for the lights to come back on. All of the neighboring houses were out as well, but we weren't sure how widespread the blackout was. I called my sister and confirmed that the power was still on by main street- she had no idea what had happened.

After waiting for nearly an hour we decided to go home. It was about 9:30 at night, and I was driving. Of course I didn't even consider the fact that the blackout might have effected the street lights or stoplights, which it did. All of the lamplights were out and when I got to the big intersection by Alberto's and Maverick, the power was still off. Fun times!

Photo courtesy of ksl.com.
Read more about the bear here.

Now that I've updated recent events, let me get the assigned prompt out of the way. "How have you changed this year?" This can go many different ways. How has my writing changed? How have my academics changed? How have my friends changed? How has the weather changed? An so on. Instead of talking about some deep, sentimental changes I've made this year, I'm going to talk about my shoes. (it counts)

I began this wondrous school year with some white high tops. I wore them a lot, which is an understatement. (Visit their website here). They were pearly white the first couple of weeks, but they didn't stay that way for long. Eventually the brown creeped in, and despite many suggestions to wash them, I simply couldn't. They were the only shoes I wore. Soon after they became brown converse I was given Birkenstocks for Christmas.

Some of you may know how great these shoes are. They are amazing for your feet and posture, and incredibly comfy. I got all black classic Arizona sandals, but there are many more styles and colors. If you want to order Birkenstocks, visit their website here. I also got Uggs around the same time. My mom and I were in Jackson Hole for one of my ski races, and while I was warming up on the mountain my mom decided to look around the shops in town. She stumbled upon a shoe store with some incredible deals and ended up getting me some short blonde Uggs for around $100.

My converse were still a wreck, however. My mom decided that she wouldn't have me walking around in canvas shoes covered in dirt/whoknowswhatelse. So we stopped by a shoe store on the way home from a lacrosse game and ended up continuing the tradition. I got another pair of white converse, but this time they were the low rise ones, not the high tops. WOW! A lot has changed in the past year.

Procrastinating to Partition

I'm listening to Beyoncé and should be working on my science project that's due in two days, but instead, I'm going to blog. After all, a lot has happened since January 3rd, when I wrote my last post.

Finals week, a ski race, and the Super Bowl. Among other things, of course.

First, let me rant about this amazing week in which I had an average of two tests a day, trained for two hours on the hill, and finished assignments while studying late, very late, into the night. I can't exactly remember when the first semester ended. Sometime in early January, I think. Making up tests the last week of the quarter wasn’t the best idea. Lack of sleep made that week a blurry one.

Now for the ski race. We left last Friday, the 30th, around 11 AM. The U-16 team and above traveled together in a huge Le Bus. Just picture us rolling up to the spot in one of these puppies.

Photo courtesy of Lebus.com

That night we spent most of our time in the tuning room, prepping our GS skis for the race on Saturday. The boys were running slalom the next day, which was an extra bonus. Both genders would run at the same time, which mean the race would take a considerable less amount of time, and started later. That weekend I slept in more than I had for over a month. Until seven o'clock!

The first day Ariana Davis got second in the GS among U-18s, and Charlotte Townshend got 4th in the U-16s. As for the men, Romain Astie got 5th in the U-18s. Scottie McGrath topped the podium in the U-16s, followed by Ben Lawson in 4th. Click here to view men's SL results from that day, and here to view ladies' GS results. 

Sunday's results were just as good, if not better than Saturday's. Ben Lawson got first in the GS among U-16s, and Shane Cumming got 9th. Ariana Davis got first in the U-18s, and third overall. I got second in the U-16s, fifth overall, and Charlotte Townshend finished third in the U-16s and 6th overall! Click here to view ladies' SL results and here for the men's GS results. It was a super fun weekend, and the races were a memorial for Laura Flood and Cheeso. 

Now let's talk football. Of course, the race was the same weekend as the XLIX Super Bowl. This meant that the game was going on during our 6-7 hour bus ride back to Park City. We all ended up huddling around Jack's phone for the whole thing, including our coaches. And the last play was one to remember. Throwing a pass at the 1 yard line... I don't even know what to say. The Seahawks even had a timeout left. Not that I'm upset. PATRIOTS FOR THE WIN!

School Rules!

I know what you're all thinking. YES OMIGOSH I LOVE SCHOOL SO MUCH. School isn't just about coming together with your "friends" to make some unforgettable memories. It's about taking our minds to the next level. For 12 years straight. Since everyone feels so strongly towards this place of sanctuary, here are my (and I'm sure a lot of other people's) thoughts during this wonderful time of learning.

What time is it?

SHH stomach lunch isn't for another two hours.

Oh that's amazing, keep talking and hugging your friends in the middle of the hallway. Don't mind the herd of teenagers rushing to be on time for their next class. No really, keep huddling and talking about your crushes and complimenting each others outfits. Please.

Yeahhh I'll just finish it as homework.

Did she get a hair cut?

What if I was switched at birth and my real parents are the president and first lady?

Common sense, Bridey. That could never happen, hospitals these days have super high security.

"YES it's finally Friday!"  Person next to me: "It's actually Wednesday"

Hungry.

*Sees someone waving to me*

"Oh he-"

*Person proceeds to hug someone behind me*

What if WE taught the teachers and all of them acted up like us and we just counted down and could send them to the office and tell them what to do.

If I was the principal, I would add a chocolate fountain in every room.

I should really think about my eating habits *Unwraps Poptart*

Thanks for flat tiring me I really needed to just get the back of my shoe off it was bothering me.

What are we supposed to do?

Whoa I should bring a sleeping bag to school and roll it out during class.

How would I look with a bowl cut?

How would Mr. Hase look with a bowl cut?

Hungry.

School is so weird the government is cramming 800 highly hormonal teenagers into a small building with a 25 to one ratio of students and adults, at best. What are they thinking?

Favorite place on Earth!
Photo courtesy of parkcity.us

Introduction...

I'm a 14 year old girl with a way too busy schedule. School, sports, family, and friends barely leave time for sleeping and eating. However, that's what keeps me entertained. There is never (well... never say never) a dull moment in my chaotic life.

School is one of the main aspects of my life. I guess if you do something for eight hours every day, it becomes quite important. Math. Biology. Geography. English. Art. Spanish. Then there's the complication with my school and sports schedule.

Another slot in my schedule goes to sports. Running, hiking, biking, swimming, and sailing. Lacrosse and skiing, however, are the main sports that I play. Since lacrosse season is in the spring, tryouts for JV and Varsity lacrosse teams aren't until mid-winter. Instead, I am currently playing in Super 7's and Fall Ball. I am also on a club team called Mamaci. Skiing is another one of the main sports in my life. Not only do I ski with friends and family leisurely, I also ski race competitively with the Park City Ski Team. Our season starts even before the mountain opens, "dry land" training in strength, agility, and more. Once the mountain does open, we're training to prepare for the many races to come. 

Photo courtesy of skiracing.com and washingtonpost.com.

As for my family, we're all a lot alike. My mom and dad met at Snowbird, a ski resort here in Utah where they were both exploring the world and what it has to offer. My older sister is a kind, athletic overachiever who puts family first. As for my little brother, he's just a mess.