Aspiring to Quiznos?

Quiznos.

A place where ovens speak and the repetition of the letter M is practically a full sentence. And it is now my full time job. I should've gone for my MBA rather than a master's in sport psychology, I guess.

Although I'm not technically utilizing the knowledge I gained during my master's degree, I consider that time and money well spent. If you were to measure the profit from my degree by life experiences gained and life lessons learned I would be getting a full return on my investment.

I remember several years ago when I was considering going into a master's degree program right after I graduated from BYU. I spoke with a couple friends who had completed their master's degree. One said it was something she would benefit from in every aspect of her life. She said it would make her a better mother. Another friend said it was one of the few things she would feel good about going into debt for. Both of them had very positive experiences.

When I went into my sport psychology program, I had no idea what I was getting into. But I got far more than I expected. I was able to grow as a person and solidify some of my ow personal beliefs. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ expanded and deepened. I met some incredible people, who really influenced me for the better. They have made me more aware of my own weaknesses and strengths, which is one of the greatest gifts a friend can give.

And now, yes, I am again working at the same job I worked at every summer I was home from college. And I am working at a job that I vowed I would never go back to once I finished my degree(s). At times I've wondered if all my hard work at grad school was worth it, now that I've aspired to another position at Quiznos. Although I'd rather be using my degree directly, I am so grateful for the experiences I had while working toward my graduate degree. I would never wish to change that. I am a different person - even if I am at the same old job.

Long Time

I haven't blogged for a long time! A lot has transpired since I last wrote. I have now graduated from Western Illinois University with my master's degree and I'm in the process of job hunting. I moved back home to Utah to live with my parents while I'm in job limbo.

So, what have I been doing? I've been spending lots of time with my family and enjoying my nephews. I spent a week with my friend, Jamie, who flew out from Iowa to hang out with me here in SLC area. I've been to Pineview Reservoir a few times to wakeboard and tube. I went to a family reunion for my mom's family at Snowbird. So far my summer has been lots of fun!

I'm hoping to be more consistent at blogging. I think it's a great way to keep in touch with everyone. I hope everyone is having a great summer!

Cross One Off the Bucket List

Have you seen the movie the Bucket List? Well, one of the things I would put on my bucket list would be to go to the NCAA Women's Final Four games. This year the women's Final Four was in St. Louis, which is only 3 hours from where I am in Illinois right now. I couldn't pass up the opportunity! So this past Tuesday me and my good friend, Jamie, went to the championship game! It was awesome! Even though the game wasn't that exciting it was fun to watch history being made in the women's game when UConn went undefeated for the third time in their history. 39-0. (The BYU women's teams is one of their wins.) The only other school that has had more undefeated seasons in either men's or women's basketball history is UCLA when John Wooden was coaching Kareem-Abdul Jabar and Bill Walton.

Jamie and I got nosebleed seats, but just before half time I got a call from my Sport Psych advisor here at WIU, Dr. Finch, who was at the game, and she said there were two seats in front of her that no one was seating it. So we upgraded! It was sweet! Here's just a taste of my experience.

Here I am out in the halls before the game.
Here's a picture of the court before the game (above). Jamie and I from our nosebleed seats (below). The starting line-ups...(left)This is a picture from the upgraded seats near Dr. Finch (above).
Here's Jamie and I from the upgrades (above).
Last seconds in the game...(left)
This is after UConn spanked Louisville big time and they did the trophy presentation.

I had such a great time. I just wanted to soak it all in and take in every detail. I wish I could have bottled it all up to save for a life-time. I guess that's what memories are for. It was an amazing day...something I will never forget.