Ashley Kay

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

hardcore.

That would describe the night Callie and I took our turn and camped out at the

Marriott Center last Wednesday night in preparation for the big rival basketball game against Utah that took

place on Saturday.

Call us crazy, weird, ridiculous, dumb, psycho. Whatever, we are hardcore and dedicated.

This is from the front of the line. We are the tent to the left of the Orange one on the bridge.

We even experienced some idiot who threw a firecracker over the bridge and it was literally less than 2 ft. away from our tent as we were sitting out of it talking with Jake and Taylor. Went off right in front of us. Luckily, no one was hurt- just a few holes in our tarp. No big deal. A big shout out to the classy people who did that.

(the aftermath)

This just in, this made it into Police Beat- a section in The Daily Universe Paper at BYU:
A fan camping out by the Marriott Center reported someone driving by and throwing firecrackers up on the balcony. The only damage was burnt holes in his tarp.

Let be honest, I was not looking forward to being outside for 10 hrs. in the middle of winter. I pretty much just hate the cold with a passion. However, I got a decent amount of sleep and really wasn't cold at all... Only my face when I would wake up occasionally.

So in case you ever decide to camp out, here are some things that helped us stay warm:

4 pairs of socks.

leggings, 2 pairs of sweatpants.

2 long sleeve shirts.

sweatshirt.

2 zip up hoodies.

gloves.

beanie.

hand warmers.

5 blankets.

So was it worth it? You bet. Definitely something I will never forget.

And not to mention, we had great seats for the amazing game! Way to go Cougs!

Monday, February 1, 2010

can we fast forward february?

January is over- yes! Longest month ever! But let's now get rid of February, fast.

just for a few reasons:

#1- Valentines Day.

Sorry, I don't like it. Maybe it's cause I never have a significant other. Regardless, let's skip it this year please.

#2- It's still in the cold, winter funk. I'm ready for March...a better promise for warmer weather on the way!

#3- Baseball Spring Training. Enough said.

#4- We'll be halfway through this semester!

So that's just a few reasons. Thank goodness it's a shorter month, but it'd be nice for it to be over now.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

overwhelemed.

This is a good feeling of being overwhelmed though.

I am full of gratitude, peace, and humility to my Savior and Heavenly Father.

After much frustration and disappointment over the past few weeks, I have been offered a job!

I am now working as a receptionist in the BYU Pre Law and Pre Dental Office! I couldn't be more thrilled!

But over these past few weeks, I have learned a lot. It's been some tough love.

These past few weeks have been very challenging for me. I have cried many times, been kneeling to my Heavenly Father in prayer for hours, and have been patiently waiting for just one break through the clouds for a little sun to shine it's light on me. It's been a tough road, but with persistence, faith, and a positive attitude, things are starting to get better, starting to clear up for me; and I couldn't be more grateful.

I have learned so much. I have come to understand the concepts of faith and of patience as I have had to rely on these things hands on more than ever before. I have put my faith and trust in Heavenly Father. There is always a lesson to learn. You don't always get what you want, right when you want it or need it the most. Sometimes it takes time, it takes patience, and it takes faith knowing that Heavenly Father is there and is going to help you through whatever it is. You'll feel disappointed and down on yourself, but I have had faith knowing that Heavenly Father is always with me, especially during these hard times. He knows how I am feeling and knows what is best for me, and I think I needed to go through this to be a little more grateful and a little more humbled. I have learned a lot about me and who I need to be lately. I have tried to become a better person, the person I know I can be. I have started to do things that I know I should be doing on a regular basis- daily prayer, scripture study, and journal writing. I have also made it a goal to attend the temple weekly and to give some kind of service once a week. It's been quite the journey, but I can feel the sense of peace and I have filled that emptiness that I have had in my life lately. It's quite an overwhelming feeling. Something I really have never gone through before.

I now have tears of joy, tears of relief, and tears of humility. I am so grateful for my parents and for the example they have been for me; I know the past few weeks have been rough for them; but they were continually there for me, they were there praying for me, and they have loved me unconditionally through all my faults. I couldn't be more blessed with such great examples in my life. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father. I know He has also been there every step of the way. He has felt my sorrow and my pain; I know He was only doing what He knew was best for me.

Sometimes lessons to be learned aren't always the easiest and aren't always what we want, but with faith and patience comes great rewards: Humility, gratitude, and peace.

So I feel very blessed. I love my Heavenly Father and thank Him for what He has taught me over the past few weeks. I know I have become a better person because of it.

And for that, I am grateful.