Shooting

On Saturday, I went shooting with Ryan. This is the second time in my whole life that I have gone. We both got memberships at the Hobble Creek shooting range in Mapleton that's only about a mile or two down the street. The cost was the low low annual fee of $8. Very family friendly. There were lots of little girls mostly, that were just playing and running around (not in the lanes of course) wearing protective ear wear. It was a little strange to see, but cute. I guess in Utah, it's a family culture thing.



First I shot with Ryan's trusty rifle with .22s. That was fun. Then I used a Ruger pistol which wasn't too bad but it had a red dot scope thingy on it that was unfun. That was hard to use and it was getting in the way. But it's a personal preference. Then I tried Ryan's Sig Sauer. I couldn't hit anything with that even if I was going for the ground. The recoil was intense for little me. Part of my problem is that I was anticipating the recoil (the part where the bullet comes out and the gun jerks back; at least it did in my case) so I would screw up my shot before I even took it, if that makes any sense. And then I tried shooting with a rifle I couldn't even lift. That one I really didn't like and it kept misfiring (every once in a while, you would pull the trigger and nothing would come out). So it was kind of a "pop goes the weasel" effect. Very uncool.

I found out that I am left eye dominant and that I can shoot with either hand. Although I can't actually close my right eye on my own. I can wink with my left eye but for some reason, I can't control the right winkage (I know that's not a word guys). So we just put tape over my right eye of my glasses and that worked very effectively. I guess I just need practice closing my eye. Maybe I should do that during my boring classes.



We were there for about three hours enjoying the outdoor range and beautiful breezy day. I have my very own shooting glasses and ear protection/head muffs. I feel kind of cool. But at the same time, I am conflicted. I have mixed feelings about guns. They're weapons and I don't know if I would ever like my own. I don't really see the need for me to have my own. I never want to have a Concealed Weapons Permit—where would I put one anyway? Skinny little me couldn't conceal anything on her hip. Maybe if I were pregnant or something. I dunno. Which I am not, by the way. Ryan says that they may bra holsters for women. But I don't think that's quite what I am interested in either...

I have fun going every once in a while for "recreational" purposes but I don't think I'd ever want to go hunting or kill something. It just seems a bit wasteful since I am fine with the beef I get at the stores. Maybe my opinion or tastes will change. I find myself taking pride in my skill, as beginner's luck as it may be. It's kind of fun to release any tensions you may have by taking a rifle outside and shooting at a log.

So that was my fun weekend. I had a good time with Ryan. It was fun. Let's do it again. Maybe we could have it be a family event—I know Beth likes such activities :) I know Grandma would be proud.

Starting out my day right

So I had one of my classes for the first time this morning--Educational Psychology. I was nervous because the book was expensive, heavy, and large. She also had a somewhat intense syllabus. So when Ryan dropped me off at 5 to 8 this morning, I was freaking out that she would be super strict and very upset if I was late. So I rushed there and I got into the room 10 seconds after the bell (actually, there is no bell that goes off at the McKay building...). So I was safe. As I neared the classroom, I was greeted by the sound that has been in every class I have had thus far in the semester--chatting. So I knew that because people were still talking, class hadn't started yet.

I walked into the classroom and saw stacks of paper on the first desk and two boxes of assorted Krispy Kreme donuts. I knew I was going to be okay.



I sat down and put my things on the floor. Then I got back up, collated the worksheets and then selected the donut of my choice--a cruller. Those type of donuts are the favorite of Ryan and myself. When I eventually got around to taking a bite, it wasn't the freshest of the fresh, but it was still pretty good. It had all of the points that counted at least. It was a donut, it was free, it coated my mouth with sugar, and it made me relax. It was a little crunchy but that's just extra character for a donut of its stature.

As much as the donut was delicious, the best part was still to come. Because I'm now a senior, my teachers have been a lot more easy going about due dates and such. For this class, I get to write down in a "contract" when I will hand assignments in. But if you want, you can change the contract throughout the semester if things get busy. All in all, I'd say it was a pretty productive morning.

What's going on in my life right now

Let's see. Where do I begin? I start classes in 5 days. I was going to take 8 classes but my section for the class was canceled, bringing me down to 7. I have 14 credits, will be working part time, and will start doing my practicum in a couple of months. All in all, tons of changes.

Ryan and I are looking for a new to us (meaning used) car, most likely a BMW. It's been stressful but kind of fun at the same time. It's hard for me to get excited about features because I don't know what they mean and Ryan does. I'm trying though. Hopefully when we find the car of our dreams, we will be prepared financially and everything will fall into place. I know, probably just wishful thinking but I can dream, can't I?

I just got released from my calling in the Primary presidency on Sunday. They informed me about 15 minutes before church started because they were going to release all of us that day. I guess it was time for the Lord to change around leadership in Primary so I'm willing to let Him put me somewhere else to grow. The counselor that released me told me that I shouldn't get too comfortable; they would have another place for me soon. They weren't too sure where yet, but they have several openings. I'm sure I will benefit and gain more skills in any calling. I'm just crossing my fingers that I won't get called to be the Primary Music Conductor/Singing Leader. The current one will be moving and she's really great at her calling. We'll see...

Juneau has been really good lately. He's done shedding so he looks less mangy. He's also really lazy and spends most of his day sleeping. He's also pretty dumb because he managed to knock over both of his water dishes and wonders why he's so thirsty. Silly dog. I've been looking around for an adult female malamute to be his friend but we'll see. I think having a companion for him will curb his separation anxiety. Distraction is a great way to keep a dog's attention.

Ryan is looking all over for a different job. His current employers are moving to Thanksgiving Point without plans of providing gas vouchers, pay increases, etc. It really stinks for Ryan because he has set up a way for most of the employees to work from home. Which means he's the last person to get to do so. Rather unfortunate for him. So for that and many other reasons, Ryan has been seeking other employment opportunities. He has formed another company with a former and current employee that will help him reach his dream of working for himself. Hopefully things will be great and successful for the whole company. He has already had a few potential contracts.

Our current tenants are great. They are hardworking newlyweds that are not afraid to get their hands dirty to help out with improving the atmosphere in their apartment with renovations. They are really nice, pay on time, and are good people. Plus they're not really whiney about stuff. That's a plus for us :) I have told Ryan that next time we're looking for tenants, we just need to ask if they have guns, like to shoot, or carry a concealed weapon. So far, those tenants have been the best. So far, so good.

Ryan and I have been recovering from our recent bouts with our colds. I have mostly recovered (I think). My biggest grief from this illness has been the congestion. If I blow my nose, it's still sitting there. And I am not yet at the coughing stage. Fortunately, I have managed to prevent most other people from getting sick. Ryan on the other hand, has had two coworkers go home with bronchitis. He has been coughing quite a bit lately so I am praying he has not contracted that virus. Time will tell.

I think that's a pretty thorough update. We shall see how good I am at keeping this thing up.

Spring Semester Update

Beth has inspired me to get back on the blog horse.

So here I am. I started the spring semester of school only being late two days in a row to my first class. No real excuses but plenty of "reasons" why. This spring semester I'm taking MathEd 305 which is basic math concepts. It's um, interesting to say the least. I have just been enlightened that adding is actually referred to in the concepts world as "joining" and that subtraction is "separating." I'm still trying to find out why this class is important but I don't really have much of a choice, since it is required. I am also taking Dance 326, commonly referred to as "Rhythm and Dance." I learned today what a chug was. And that I suck at them. We dance around and then we discuss the benefits of dance. My last class is Drama, TMA 352 which I think I like. This semester we'll be challenging ourselves by making sock puppets and doing character voices. It could be an interesting semester with those classes in tow.

Ryan and I are also renovating our tenant's kitchen this week. It's been a handful of fun to say the least. I did have fun tearing down dry wall though, and hopefully we'll get it finished in a day or two. I just feel bad for our tenants because they don't have a kitchen and they were most likely expecting it to be done when they got back. It will look nice when it's done though. I hope. I have great faith in Ryan's skills. If only putting up the dry wall was more cooperative. Stupid dry wall. And the old farm sink we tore out. The farm sink is my biggest foe. That is all I have to say. I'm just glad it's going to be gone soon.

Enough of my gripes.

Our dog April is not doing so great. The bone cancer has been hard for her and us. We'll probably be saying good bye soon because she can't move very well and she's in pain. I think that it's harder to watch her in pain than it will be to deal with her loss. But on a happier note, we have a puppy, Juneau, that is distantly related to April. He keeps Ryan and I busy and is a silly little guy. We'll have to post some more pictures for everyone to see. And he's only run away once.



I think that's the quick, short version. We'll see how things go.