Weddings, Weddings, Oh My!

This summer I will be (literally) on the move most of my days. While not exploring the rich history of the Western United States, I will be doing crafty things (a list is on its way) and attending the many weddings of my friends and family:

May 31st -- Clint & Margaret

My cousin Clint: an Air Force pilot living in England, he flies refuelers and gets to take weekend vacations across most of Europe. He and Margaret have a truly romantic story, an almost "love at first site", and are going to have a beautiful, elegant wedding in McArthur, on the family farm. I definitely owe Margaret a great deal of thanks for introducing me to the delicious vegan "Black Bean Brownies", that are both addictive and a perfect match for a coffee addict like me.

June 26th -- Shannon & Greg

My best friend Shannon: one of my oldest friends, Shannon grabbed me behind the curtain at our freshman musical, On the Town, and danced with me during the overture. Since then, we have been doing a lot of dancing! Whether it's to Cher's "Believe" (which is actually banned from car rides...) or some awesome OK Go! or MSI, we dance and have a good time! Shannon met Greg while working at the movie theater (we all worked there) and moved to Arizona to go to school with him. I am really excited to see one my best friends start a new chapter of her life, probably to a song by the Beatles, and to quote Grey's, "We're adults now..when did that happen?!"

August 14th -- Trina & Ethan

My cousin Trina: Clint's older sister, Trina is like an older sister to me, and is just finishing her master's degree this spring, and getting married on her Birthday! I am really excited for her, she who has done so much; traveled all over the world and had so many great experiences, and now is getting married. I am honored that she asked me to be a bridesmaid, and I have to say I'm excited to be wearing our favorite color: PURPLE. Ethan has been finishing helicopter training for the National Guard down in Alabama, and has been able to commiserate with me from a few states away, regarding Southern Humidity and weather. Though I can't say I can commiserate with him about Montana winters!

I am so happy for all of my loved ones, and can't wait to celebrate their special days!

History on the Move Intro

For those of you readers that don't know, I am going on a three week travel history class. My mom kinda forced me into it, just like a lot of things, that I always inevitably enjoy. We all remember my 6-week stay in Italia?

The first meeting with all the students was this week and I am pretty sure my excitement level can't get much higher. We have one week of class in late June and then we leave July 3rd to explore the American West! Yellowstone and the parks of Montana are the highlights on my list, but the whole trip is going to be awesome. It starts in Louisiana, goes to Oklahoma, Kansas (I know, I know, big "Ugh" about Kansas, but it *is* a state and *does* have a history...unfortunately...), Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and ends in Seattle.

So expect to see some pictures, blog posts and historical tidbits (it is a 6-unit History course, after all!) in the coming months!

(also visit the class blog http://historyonthemove.blogspot.com)

April Fool's Day

Okay, a day late, I suppose. My version of the April fool.

I seriously do not understand the appeal of this day. I am a naturally gullible person. I take it as a compliment, not an insult, to be judged for having a certain optimistic naiveté. So what bothers me so much are people who think it's funny to take advantage of that for amusement. In the past, I have had some people I called "Friends" do some pretty questionable things to me on the "April Fool's" Day.

There are enough problems in the world, why make people feel bad for trusting others? It's not like I can't take a joke, just ask any one of my friends, I am the source of a lot of laughter. Fooling someone is not a joke, and it's not helpful. You want to be funny? Do or say something witty, do not use trickery and deceit, because that is SO 1990's.