Gabbi Gator

Meet Gabbie the Gator, my new co-worker. I have worked for BYU landscaping for a week and a day and already this Gator and I have a history. We have developed a love-hate relationship.



It goes a little like this: Gabbi is kind enough to let other workers, such as myself, ride speedily along within the stadium and the practice fields. Sometimes she likes to buck her passengers around, especially the person sitting in the back on her flatbed. To me she likes to bounce me back and forth and bruise my back. One day she ran over my foot and I got right back at her by running her side into a gate...later that day she proved that she had the upper hand by "running out of battery" as I was spreading seed. But we made up with some quality driving time making me feel quite confident in my newly developed ability to drive stick.

So far work is going great. I am finally as tan as I should have been on the second day of summer! Just in time for the winter to set in right? Ok, I still have about a month before the first snow. And hopefully, because I have to shovel snow, it won't be a very cold and snowy fall. As for now, I have the simple duties of: pulling weeds, sweeping under the cement around the stadium field, spreading seeds, patching up torn up grass on the practice fields, spreading sand on uneven parts of the field, and my personal favorite... stomping on all the stadium seats to scare away bees so that I could spray them. Overall a very exciting job.

Morning Ramblings

Is it normal for food to be the first thing on my mind when I wake up? I always hear how guys love food, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." So why do I, a girl, think about food so much?

Breakfast. First and most important meal of the day, so choose wisely! Growing up I would have my option mostly made for me. Sometimes it was hot cereal (oatmeal, Malt O'Meal, cracked wheat etc.), or cold cereal (non-sugary only. Cheerios, Rice Chex, Bran Flakes, Rice Krispies, and occasionally Honey Bunches of Oats). Some days my mom would make pancakes or waffles served with warm syrup. She might make eggs, cooked to each of her seven children and husband's desires. I liked it when she made egg burritos. There is something about tortillas that I just love. And then there were the "I am too late for anything days" in which case we would grab a bagel and go. These days were not my favorite because bagels never seem to satisfy my morning hungers.

I guess it's a good thing to have so many options, I mean it is the most important meal, right? But even for an avid "Breakfast Lover" I find the options to be a little overwhelming at times. Have you seen how many different kinds of cold cereal there is to choose from now? And most of them are just sugar and not very filling. I like to stick to the basic oatmeal on weekdays. A friend showed me how to make it in a cup so that I can take my breakfast with me in the morning and eat on my way to school. It's a great way to start the morning because it keeps me satisfied til lunch. I can add as much or as little sugar as I want. It's perfect! Just for me!

A common trend coming up short

The Brigham Young University Campus is beautiful and full of people from places all over the world. As I walk around I pass so many people who's stories are mysteries to me and sometimes I am curious and want to know those people behind the faces. Know where they are from, what kind of family they come from, and what they like to do. I want to get to know them and at least reach the "friend" status on Facebook. Of course there are a few guys that catch my eye and make me wish that I was brave enough to ask their name or "accidentally" run into them. But in my surveying of the different people on campus, I have noticed a common trend... There are a lot of shorter guys.


For some this is not a problem, especially those girls of average height, and really height shouldn't be an incredibly important factor. However, ask any girl taller than 5'6" or so, and she will tell you that being taller than the guy is a little weird. I am 5' 8", and when I can see over a guys head I find it a little odd. Not that I don't want to get to know that guy or be his friend, because I am always looking for more friends, but as far as going a beyond the friend status... well let's just say that it is hard for me to see myself with a guy who's shoulders are lower than mine or worse...at my elbows!

I am pretty sure I am not the only girl that has this opinion. And for some the natural response might be to slouch a little. In fact, I recently read an article written by Sheri Dew, by the age of 12, had reached the height of 5' 10". She recounts her twelve year old self as a "social disaster." Though she wanted to slouch so as to not stand out as much, her mom counseled and urged her to "Stand up straight." She then goes on to encourage women to stand up for their beliefs even if it is not common or even popular. I really enjoyed this article and learned so much from her insights. I know that not ever girl has to worry about being taller than the next guy, but this article has something for everyone and I encourage you to read it. (Stand Tall and Stand Together)



"No woman is a more vibrant instrument in the hands of the Lord than a woman of God who is thrilled to be who she is." ~Sheri Dew