Thursday, March 26, 2009

Brain malfunctions...

The following is a conversation between my dear Mrs. L and I.

Mrs. L: "What are you doing for Melissa's birthday?"

me: " Well, we are going shopping because she wants to go shopping, and we are going to go watch a movie afterward."

Mrs. L: "Oh, is there a good movie out right now?"

Me: "Ya, we are going to go see_____ (the movie Melissa wants to see). I looked it up on Rate my Professor and it had good ratings and they said that it is just stressful, nothing else."

Mrs. L: "Good, that will be fun."

Me: "Yes it will be!! Oooh my goodness, did I just say 'Rate my professor'?"

Mrs. L: " (chuckling) Yes you did, but I totally knew what you meant because that is something I would do. And I figured you meant Plugged In."

Me: "Yes, oh my."

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Sunshine, Softball, Feathers, and Finals...

Ding, ding,ding ... time for another post made up of the odds and ends from the brain of Stormgirl.
First, I want to start by saying that I LOVE the sun!! It is out right now and if it weren't for the fact that I need to go study for finals, I would be out in it. In just a little less than 72 hours though, I will be out in the sun!! I really should be outside... no, "should" doesn't cover it. I NEED to be outside... why? Because I signed up to play church softball this year. Oh boy, I don't know what kind of trouble I am into now. Stupid, crazy, insane??? Yup that's me, haha, and I love every minute of it.
But in that "less than 72 hours" period of time, there is finals. Good 'ole, beautiful, and fun finals. Just kidding!! I will be finishing up my first and last quarter of 20 credits... most exciting. Can't wait to kiss those textbooks goodbye, and I won't even cry when they leave!

Because I am in a play right now, we are starting to work on costumes. For one of the songs that I am in, I sing a song that is really funny and all of the ladies in this song have to have big poofy hats. We are hoping to be able to design our own! My dream hat would start off by being huge and bright, then I would put big ribbons all over the top, a bird's nest, and a little bird up and top. And then the crowning "glory" of the hat would be a t least one ginormous feather... one that was tally and fluffy and that bounced every time you move your head!!

Other happenings in life include:
  • the need to clean my room
  • training for 1/2 marathon
  • riding my horse
  • playing piano for different singing groups
  • learning to go by the name of Ethel and having a "boyfriend" with the name of Marcellus
  • recently getting Skype
  • looking forward to getting a new phone (with unlimited texting)
  • high-speed Internet (soon)
  • leading Spring-preview at school
  • looking for summer jobs

Well y'all that's it for no! Don't expect anything new until at least 72 hours from now! TTFN!

Monday, March 16, 2009

STATE CHAMPIONS



There are many sureal and amazing moments in life...
This past Saturday was one of them!

The Squalicum Storm boys won the 2A State Championship!!!

Let me share with you the story, the journey, the amazing season that they have had!

December.... the start of the season, at least for the Storm! The first game showed that this team was out to win, and to win by a lot. At the end of the month they travelled to California to win big against 3 teams and then lose (their only loss of the season) to one of the best teams in the country. Even though it was considered a loss, the Storm took as a huge learning experience that would help train them for the state tournament.

January.... The Storm continues to cream every team they play while giving their loyal fans games to marvel at. For one game they travelled to the Sundome and whopped the team they played their as well as getting a sense of what the state tournament was going to be like.

February.... Not many games left. No team can stand against the Storm... they are winners and they get the job done. There is improvement in each player... they went from super good to... well, unbelievably good! They start the district championship tournament.

March....The Storm once again claims the District Championship title and maintains the number one ranking in the state. Every team that might play them at the state tournanment knows that the chances of beating the Storm depend on those teams playing the best game of their lives and even then... the chances are slim.

March 11 - 14... the best week in Storm history! And at this point I must beg you to read the following story about the championship game.

The STORM vs. the Tigers
The day dawned cold and cloudy, it looked like it was going to storm… what a coincidence!!! :D
Because the championship game did not start until 9:00 pm, both fans and players alike had a long day ahead, filled with waiting, hope, and excitement. Although I can’t tell you what exactly the players did or how they felt, I can just imagine. My friends, family, and I worked to fill the many hours with distracting activities; going to see elk, eating out, talking, and watching other basketball games. As the hours wore on, anticipation mounted and even though everybody was exhausted, new waves of energy began to surge through. We arrived at the dome around 5:00, just in time to watch two boys’ teams play for the 3rd and 6th place trophies. The team that we wanted to win won, so we were all happy. The dome was beginning to buzz with excitement as all that was left now were the girl’s and boy’s championship games. The court had been moved to the center of the dome and all the seats folded out. I ran over the state clothing section and bought a sweatshirt and had my last name put on the back… to commemorate the wonderful week and season that it had been.
Finally the girl’s game started… pitting the ABMHS Wildcats (who were then undefeated) against the LHS Lions. Right before the game started, our team entered the building looking calm, cool, and intimidating! We watched as they walked over and sat down and then proceeded to “watch” the game. The girl’s game was fabulous!! It was a complete upset as the Lions brought home the state trophy!!! Shortly before the game ended, all the Storm players got up and proceeded to the locker room to get ready for the greatest game of their lives.
As we waited for the Storm to come out onto the court the big group of us tried to figure out seating arrangements, took pictures, and grinned at each other. There were lots of Storm fans and blue, white, and silver were seen all over the dome. Finally, after waiting for what seemed like an eternity the team ran onto the court amidst thunderous applause and loud cheering! Their warm up began and we watched with pride as they made basket after basket!
When at last the warm-up ended and 8:00 was put on the board in preparation for the first quarter of the game, I think I had a grin stretching a mile wide. I had complete confidence in the Storm, they WOULD win and they WOULD bring home the state trophy, there was no doubt in my mind. The team that they were playing was a team that they had beaten 2 times already and so the Storm knew what to do to shut them down. The outcome was already determined!
Suddenly the lights went off, only to be replaced by spotlights that spun crazily around the dome and little static colored lights dancing sporadically all over the court. Music was turned on and the announcer’s voice boomed out over the cheering of the crowd to start the championship game. He introduced each teams reserve players with the spotlight following each one as they were introduced. Then he announced the starting line ups and the noise became deafening as each of the Storm starters was introduced. Last, the coaches were introduced and when Mr. D’s name was announced the roar amongst the crowd was the loudest yet! Everybody was pumped up, adrenaline was high, and we were ready for the game!
The lights went on, the coaches had last words with their teams, and the officials ran out onto the court. The players took their spots and Kyle (our 6’7” player) took his position underneath where the tip off would be. As the ball shot into the air he jumped and hit it quickly to one of his teammates who was waiting nearby. The game had begun!!!!! Within the first few minutes of the game, it was clear that the Tigers did not even hold a chance. The first quarter finished off with a score of 21 - 6, with the Storm leading. I would like to tell you that I remember each and every shot and that I can now relate to you the fantastic moves that each player did, but I can’t. Much of the game is a blur to me, with my most vivid remembrances being cheering so loud that I became dizzy, jump up out of my seat countless times, clapping until my hands tingled and eating a record number of sticks of gum for a game. I do recall though that Kyle did amazing! The other team could not shut him down and he finished with a score of 13 due to his quickness, and fabulous plays made by the team. Michael and Patrick had great blocks, and even though Michael had quite a few fouls, it didn’t matter because he was so good. Derek and Keith both had some beautiful baskets which caused the crowd to rise to their feet and let out cheers that could be heard throughout the state. Caleb did awesome… he helped with passes and scored. I vote him most improved player, he totally rocks!!!
At half-time, the Storm was ahead as usual. When the Storm re-entered the court, they were met again by loud cheers. As the 2nd half of the game started, my heart sunk as I again remembered that this was the last game of the season, the last game that Kyle would ever play (he is a senior) and the culmination of a season of hard work. But then I was reminded of what awaited the Storm in a matter of 30 minutes. The 3rd quarter sped by and as the 4th quarter started and I felt as though I could never sleep. Suddenly the score was within 10 points, but no worries, the Storm extended that lead to 17. With only a couple minutes left to play, Mr. D. began putting in the reserves and the thunderous noise started up again as these players bounced onto the court. With only one minute left on the clock the whole crowd was on their feet ready for the win that was soon to be complete. The starters and main reserves began hugging each other and everybody was grinning! After having to redo ½ a second the game ended with the SQUALICUM STORM BECOMING 2A STATE CHAMPIONS! To try and write down the craziness, noise, and celebration that followed would be impossible, you just had to be there. I have never seen Mr. D. so happy in my entire life. The team was glowing and they could not stand still. With watery eyes I watched as they were awarded the state trophy (a golden basketball) and poised for their victory picture. Many of the players were on the radio, reporters were swarming around the team and fans were waiting expectantly on the other side of the blockade. Once the radio interviews were over, the team went and cut down both nets and celebrated with radiant smiles as they held up those precious pieces of the net. Keith even got a date to the prom, which he did in a very sweet way! When Mr. D. finally got up on the ladder he cut the whole net off and placed it around his head. Then he led the whole team and student body in the fight song of SQHS. After that the players dispersed to be congratulated by family and friends. Camera flashes were seen all over, high fives and hugs were given, and masses of people descended upon the team.
When we left, the team had just returned to the locker room to celebrate as a team with the coaches. We went and took care of an errand and then at 11:00 pm we went to Red Robin which had been reserved for only the team and SQHS fans. The whole building waited and waited for the team to arrive and when they finally did they were met by cheers and applause. It was so great to watch them interact with everybody. What fun it was to watch Grant B. get his picture taken with Christopher and then go and congratulate other players. Watching Mr. D. carry around his young grandson was priceless and I will never forget watching Brady stand on the team’s table and kiss that golden ball. There is a future basketball star!!!!
Now it is over, and the long wait until next season begins. But instead of it being heartbreaking and depressing, it is so very exciting. Although I am very sad and slightly depressed that I have to wait 9 months to see the Storm play again, I am even more proud of them and the season that they have had. I admire them not only for their talent and victories, but for the sort of people there are. They are tough, humble, kind, hard-working, and respectful; something which is very hard to find in state champions.
But I especially want to congratulate Mr. D who is in my opinion the greatest coach ever. He deserves this win! He has the highest opinion of his team. On Saturday as he was coming down the hall in the hotel, I said “here comes the greatest coach ever”, and his quiet reply was “It is the players that make the coach”. I agree that the players are a huge part of it, but I also think that it is because of the heart, the hours of work and guidance, and the prayers of Mr. D, that the team made as far as they did.
And so, I now end this story (and if you read all of it you are to be congratulated). You may think that I am slightly crazy to get this excited over basketball, but if you saw they Storm play and you watched them year after year, you would be just as crazy about them as I am.
CONGRATULATIONS to each and every one of the STORM team and coaches who are now 2A STATE CHAMPIONS!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

State Tournament Day 1 and Day 2

The first day of the state tournament, the Storm won 55 - 33. The second day(yesterday), the Storm maintained their top ratings by winning over Toppenish 55 - 30!!! Way to go Storm!!!


















Note: Pictures taken from the B. Herald.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Bleeding Blue, White and Silver

Tomorrow begins the state basketball tournament over in Yakima. As I sit here in utter exhaustion, I am revived when I think about where my favorite team is headed tomorrow and what the next four days could hold for them.
After a very successful season the Storm has made their way to Yakima and tomorrow afternoon, they will begin one of the greatest basketball tournaments ever played in the school's history.
It is predicted that they should win the state championship, something which we all hope will happen! What a season!!
Watching those players cut their own nets down last week (after having won the district championship) was something I will never forget.
Although upsets happen all the time, I look forward with great anticipation, hope, stress, and excitement to these next four days.
I leave for Yakima on Thursday... yup, I am even skipping school, play practice, piano lessons, C & C class, horse lessons, and homework (that's a tough one) just to go see the most awesome team in the world play. But it is so worth it!
And so as I finish this post, let me encourage you to tune into your radios these next few days, and read the sports section of the paper.... the Storm will make you proud. Go Storm!

"Once you sit on the Storm side, you bleed blue the rest of your life." S. Murray

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Runin' with Daddy!!!




Saturday morning dawned cold, windy, and slightly sunny. I rolled out of bed at 8:09 with a pounding headache and quickly slipped into my running clothes. After taking something for my headache I made some toast and then daddy and I got into the car. All the way to Everson, Daddy kept saying that it was too cold to run, that it had better not be cold when we got there, and that if it rained even a few drops he would NOT run under any circumstances.
Where were we going?
Well, we were going to both run in a small race in Everson. Both of us were running the 4 mile race as we had decided that it wouldn’t be a good idea to run the ½ marathon. We arrived in plenty of time and registered. Finally after waiting for what seemed like hours, all of us the racers moved to the starting line and then we were off. Aaaaah… running! Its great! The first ¾ of a mile were glorious. Both daddy and I were flying along and passing people. But after that the wind picked up, coming in strong gusts and making it feel as though you were running in place. My pace dragged and I watched as my dad got further and further ahead of me. Eventually he was so far in front of me that I could no longer see him. I think that the next 2 miles were some of the worst miles of my life. I have decided now that running in the wind is painful, torturous and all out frustrating. I also have a theory about mile 3, because in this race there was no mile 3 mark and in the last race I did, there was no mile 3 mark as well. What is with that???
After I turned onto the last stretch that was about a mile long, I felt better. I was in a rhythm, things were going great! I passed the coffee shop that my friend Bailey works at and she came running out and cheered me on!! I love her!
And so, much to my chagrin, my dad beat me! I am very proud of him though! Yay!!! The best part was that we both placed 3rd in our age groups!! Daddy with a time of 34:25 and me with a time of 42:14!!! It was so much fun to run with him and I am so excited for the next race that we can do together!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Simple Pleasures

Due to the influence of one of my "brothers" (he will remain nameless although I am sure most of you can guess who it is) I was inspired to eat ice cream. And so, in pursuit of all things creamy and sweet I trekked to Edaleens in search of 2 flavors that would satisfy my ice cream deficiency. Only minutes after entering the store I emerged victorious with a smile on my face and a paper bag in one hand that held my precious two 1.75 quart tubs of ice cream. What flavors did I get? Well, one was bubble gum and the other was maple nut. I know, I know... who likes bubble gum????? I DO!!!!!!!! Maybe it is because I like the blue or the flavor or the weirdness of it, but whatever... Bubble Gum ice cream rocks!!!
When I waltzed into the house, with my cheezy I-did-something-that-just-might-be-considered-crazy-and-possibly-naughty grin, my family just looked at me and was rather speechless when I happily informed them that I had bought ice cream. Their incredulous smiles quickly turned into hopeful grins as they asked if I was going to share "my" ice cream. And my rather mischievous answer was "maybe..."
Over the last few days, my family and I have greatly enjoyed the ice cream. I must say that it is one of the best things to eat when you are doing homework and starting to feel overwhelmed or when you just need a refreshing "brain break". Nothing like funky blue ice cream or that wonderfully sweet flavor of maple nut to revive you!!!

My reason for eating ice cream?!?!?! Well, although I am taking this song totally out of context and although I am risking sounding extremely selfish I am going to put a quote up from the song "The Next 5 minutes" by Steven Curtis Chapman.

"I'm living the next 5 minutes like these were my last 5 minutes. Cause I know the next 5 minutes may be all I have"... and so why not eat ice cream!?!?!?!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

My Brothers...


Its 10:30 pm... I am doing math homework at the kitchen table, Grant and Andrew are doing chemistry and other stuff in the office. Dylan is already asleep (very wise). Every once a while I catch drifts of conversation involving terms that I have no clue about. Its quiet here, with only the fire making noise. Then I come to a halt in my homework... my brain can't figure the next problem out. I go ask my brothers for help...

Or...

I hop around the kitchen... grab the permanent marker and peek to make sure the boys aren't looking. A face sticking it's tongue out goes on Andrew's napkin, "poor Bill" goes on Dylan's, and "Get Well Soon" goes on Grant's. Hahaha... what good sports. They just look at me and roll their eyes. At dinner there is a constant stream of teasing, although there is still lots of seriousness. Grant wants ice cream... so eventually the ice cream appears on the table. I serve some up for Andrew to make up for me being "mean" to him.

Or...

My last day at the Larsen's, Dylan made me some popcorn chicken. Very good!!! I never get that at home! And it was even served on a plate with barbecue sauce!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yup, so this past week I found out how awesome and totally annoying brothers can be (and I think they have found out how annoying a second sister can be). Because my family was very sick I was been banished from my home, but welcomed in at another home that is almost like my real home. Becoming a temporary part of this family has provided me with great entertainment as well as a store of hilarious and fun memories.




The three guys that I call my brothers have been the brunt of some of the best practical jokes I could come up with, they have teased me to no end and been teased back, they have helped me through volleyball game after volleyball game, and they have provided a constant source of amusement for me. But despite all of the fun and good times, they have blessed me with yet another aspect. Countless times they have sat through one of my long upset speeches at school, or advised me on something, helped me with homework, asked me how I was doing, or encouraged me through IM, email, or talking.
For years I wanted brothers, now I don’t. Not because I think they would be bad to have, but because I already have them. They know that I call them my brothers and they just smile and take it when they hear about it. I have been called both sister and mommy by them… so I guess I am like a sister too. I go to school and church with them, play with them, eat with them, and study with them. They have seen at my worst (which probably means they have never seen me at my best) and I have seen them at some of their “not so good” times. Their patience is quite amazing… how many people are willing to explain a game to somebody like me (who takes forever to understand). I have to laugh at some of it... my, my. All three are crazy, in a good way though, and kindness is something I see in all of them. The best part though, is that all of us share something in common… we are children of God, making us truly brothers and sister in Christ!
So thank you to my brothers! Without you I wouldn’t be who I am today and have learned more from you guys than you know.


Note: Post coming soon on my "sister".