Happy Birthday Me.

Yesterday I got mobbed in my room, nailed twice with a tennis ball at practice, I was almost late to my only class of the day, and I cut my thumb while peeling a mango. Great gifts to receive on my birthday right? Oh...For those of you who didn't know, now you know, yesterday, Thursday, was my birthday.

So late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning I was comfortably asleep in my nice relaxing bed. Dreaming of sugar and spice and everything nice, when I was awakened by a group of screaming, crazy, rambunctious people. Also known as my teammates and friends. They jumped on my bed sprayed silly string at me and told me happy birthday multiple times. They then commanded that I immediately get out of bed. I sleepily got up, and tried to get the fact out of my head that I almost had a heart attack, because I thought that I was being abducted like Elizabeth Smart. As I slid out of bed trying to get the silly string out of my hair, I was handed a big chocolate cake and some little cans of Mnt. Dew. I was then escorted outside and shown the nice decorations that they had prepared on a door right outside my apartment. Quickly I ran back inside to change, because I didn't want to be seen to long in my Snoopy boxers and tank top, that serve as my PJ's. Everybody kept wishing me happy birthday and wanted a million pictures in front of the decorations as a group. All who was there consisted of all my teammates, Tre' (the basketball player friend), and two random football players that I am now friends with (I guess they wanted to tag along). They were super funny.

I will allow you to observe the chaos.

In the above picture, one of the football guys started spraying whip cream on us. Plus I'm squatting so you can see the adorable picture of me in a onesie.





This is everyone who woke me up at around 11:30p.m. Going from left to right, back to front: Tre', Patricia, Kindra, Me, Kayla, Maja, Skeet, and Haystack (A.K.A Heywood).

<--- Pedro (A.K.A Ashley), showed up a little later. They had an away volleyball game so she showed up after they arrived home. She is in the purple Eastern jersey.

















Ah yes, everyone thought it would be funny to get a picture of little me with three big/tall black guys. Awesome right? Yeah I thought so too.


In the morning (later morning), I woke up and got ready to head to practice. Crystal had made me a chocolate cake and left it on the table for me. In my head I said Happy Birthday to myself and blew out 12 candles...oh er...19 I mean. Ha Ha yes, I am 19. I know I may not look like it...seeing how I have been pulled over by a cop who told me I looked 10. There are also those times when I don't act like I am 19...but those stories are better left untold.

Tennis practice was fun. We played a doubles match, the four of us that were there. Maja and I against Kayla and Patricia. We had some great rallies. Twice I got hit with the ball though. Kayla must have had something against me that day. Must have been because it was my birthday. Each time I got hit, Kayla and I were both at the net positions. The first time, Kayla had a good volley right at me and it hit my left hand. The second time, Maja and Patricia were having a great cross court rally. Maja got pulled out wide, and hit a nice lobby shot right to Kayla. Right then I knew I was dead. Kayla positioned herself just right and took a nice strong overhead swing. All 19 years of my life flashed before my eyes as I turn my back to the protect myself. Pain suddenly surged right up and down my back. I got nail right in my lower back. It hurt so bad I had to walk off the pain. Kayla immediately began apologizing and ran over and gave me a hug. Lets just say that I had a nice red circle on my back the rest of the day. Still today there is a mark, but not as bad. It is sore too. Wish I had taken a picture of it after it happened. When shots like that happen, its so hard to react. It happens so quickly.

Later after class, Maja, Kayla, and I went to the pool. The pool is so relaxing on a hot day. The three of us spent the rest of the night in the library. Honestly, my birthday was almost like any other day. It was a really good birthday though. I talked with my family and got told happy birthday a lot. I spent the day happy. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday, even while living in Arizona.

All Around Short.

I did it. I finally got the courage to do it. I know I said I would keep it for a while, but I couldn't stand it any more. It just wasn't me and I couldn't do anything with it. My groove felt misplaced. My personality was warped. Man do I feel better though. Haircuts are just so refreshing for me. Oh...did I surprise you with the haircut thing. All that I said is very true. I feel awesome now, like my normal self. OK, get that weird grin off your face, I know I'm weird. But having short hair is a story all to it's self. I went to the school's cosmetology academy place. I walked in and told them I just wanted a hair cut. One of the students said she would cut my hair. I said to her, "Are you ready for a challenge? I have short hair, and know exactly how I want it cut." She asked me what I wanted, and I told her the exact dimensions that I wanted it (my previous hair cutter told me them). She called her instructor over just to make sure she was going to be doing it the right way. I told the instructor, Ms. Tiff, exactly what I wanted. I even added, "I know that sounds short, but I'm used to it and that's how I usually get it cut." They both said, "Okay." and started the easy, learning experience of cutting my hair. I could tell that the student was a little hesitant, but I knew that Ms. Tiff wouldn't let her screw up. Plus when Ms. Tiff would explain to the girl how to cut it and what to use, she was explaining it exactly how I knew it should be. I knew, she knew, what she was doing. After she was done, I was completely satisfied and grinning ear to ear. I loved it, and always will. Short hair just fits me so perfectly.

Picture this (literally)...               

                                                             ^ That is me, in the green, if you couldn't already tell, which I'm sure you couldn't. You never thought the day would come, that you would get to see me when I had long hair. Yep....alright stop staring and move onto the next picture.

This is me...as of 5 minutes ago. Lets take a vote. Which hair style fits my personality the best? OK, good, glad you all agree that the second picture is the best. I know, I'm dang good looking. I'd like to thank my parents for that.

Many people ask me why I decided to cut my hair short. I actually donated my hair to Locks of Love. My sister did it and I thought that was a cool idea, so I followed her example. Then as time progressed, my hair just got shorter and shorter, until it was at the length it is now. I'm completely satisfied with it and am not afraid to be myself.

So remember how I said we often hang out with the basketball boys? Yeah, so when we go walking on campus...this is often what we look like...

Yes, we like to raise the bar. From left to right it goes, Tre', Jeremiah, Sunny, Duan, and me. Maja is taking the picture. Three basketball players, one volleyball, and one tennis...two including Maja. After I looked at this picture, I noticed how short I really am. This picture definitely puts it in perspective. I'm so used to looking up, that I don't notice how short I really am compared to some people.

Oh well...I'm just short all around, and I LOVE it! I think I do have little woman syndrome though. (A.K.A little man syndrome) People are always trying to help me because they don't think I can reach or do it myself. It ticks me off sometimes. Just because I'm not as tall or strong as you, doesn't mean I can't do the same things you can. I just do them differently. I work around the system, not with it.

I'm short, cool, adventurous, mischievous, humorous, hardworking, fun, nice, respectful, and most of all dang good looking. What a catch aye?

Peace Out. Be strong. Live Free.

New Is Old.

Nothing new to talk about. Things aren't as exciting around here as they were a couple weeks ago, when they were 'new' to me.

Mine and my teammates routine is so predictable. If we are not at practice, we are at the Wellness center (workout gym). If we are not at Wellness, then we are in the library. If we are not in the library we are in the game room playing table tennis. If we are not in the game room, we are walking around campus. If we are not out for a walk, then we went to the gas station for a drink. If you can't find us any of those places, then we must have found something awesome to do. No joke.

Last night the volleyball team won! They played so great. One of my favorite players and new found friend is Sunny. She is from Montenegro. Sunny is so funny and always laughs at me. Don't ask me why I have yet to figure that out. But she is really good at volleyball. Last night she about took out 3 girls with her spike. Maja and I always cheer for Pedro and Sunny. We are the loudest too...because we are the only ones that cheer.

We have become good friends with the basketball players. We are often hanging out with each other on campus. Jeremiah and Tre' are really cool and chill with us the most. Last night we all walked to Denny's at around midnight. It was fun, but after you start walking, you realize that Denny's is farther than you think. It gives us something to do though.

During the day here, it is super hot. But in the evening is gets cool. You wouldn't think that you would get cold, but you do, and you start to wish you had a jacket on hand.

Have a great weekend!

1 Month. Really?

Today marks my one month living here in little Thatcher, AZ. Most people would probably say, "Wow has it already been that long? Time flies!" or "It feels like I've been here longer..." But I'm not most people. From my perspective, I say, "Hmm...I've lived here a month. Cool." I'm still alive and living here, so something must be going right.

Last night my roommates and I made dinner together. We made chicken enchiladas. They were so good! Every Sunday we try to eat dinner together as roomies.

Ivy wasn't home to enjoy our amazing enchiladas, so Dustin replaced her. From left to right, Crystal, Me, Amanda, Dustin.

I have a post office box now. So those of you who would like to have it as a part of your 'Loni Info' Folder that I know you all secretly have, please shoot me an email, text, or comment on this post. I will send it to you personally, rather than posting it for the World Wide Web to see. My email should be part of my Google Profile (on the right side of my blog 'About Loni...click on it...then click 'About').

Toastwiches Anyone?

I know what you are all thinking...unless you are my family...you are wondering what the heck a toastwich is...its simply a grilled cheese. But in my family, we call them toastwiches. Just like tortillas are taco shells. Well anyways, I made myself some toastwiches on Tuesday. They were the best!! Something so simple can be so amazing.

Oh and yes that is ketchup...something else my family does. We eat our toastwiches with ketchup. My roommate thought that was the weirdest thing. She said to me, "I thought some of the other things you ate were weird, but that tops them all! I'm going to make a list of all the weird things you eat and show it to my grand-kids when they are older." So far on the list I'm sure it says, putting my Spaghetti O's on a taco shell that has melted cheese on it, cooking chicken nuggets and making a chicken wrap with them, then eating a toastwich with ketchup. I wonder what else I eat is weird. I'm just happy I am able to think of these things. I eat awesome!!

Last night there was a volleyball game. As always me and my teammates went and watched. It was awesome. They lost, but played great. They played Western Arizona, which I was told was one of EAC's hardest competitors. I can't wait until the next game!

After the volleyball game, Maja, this kid Daniel and I went with a bunch of other kids to these natural hot springs. I was thinking hot tub looking holes with rocks around them, but no, this natural hot tub was a huge pool. When I say huge, I mean HUGE. It was about the size of a normal outdoor pool. Probably twice as long though. The water was nice and hot everywhere. There were tons of people there, easily over 50. Unfortunately, I wasn't wearing my swim suit cause I wasn't planning on going, but Maja wouldn't let me go home. She made me go. In the end though, I had tons of fun. Even if I just sat with my legs in the water. I wish I had pictures to show you, but it was so dark that the pictures wouldn't have turned out good. The pool seemed like it was in the middle of nowhere, with a little shack house in front of it. It totally could have looked haunted. It was so awesome though.

Tonight is El Grito, a Mexican holiday I think...? Well anyways they have the outdoor amphitheater all set up or it. Me and my teammates are going to go because who doesn't love free food right?

Remember And Honor.

First off I want to wish my brother, Alex, Happy Birthday! While he celebrates, the rest of the world morns the loss of many. 11 years ago the World Trade Centers fell to the ground and many lives were lost. 343 firefighters and paramedics were killed. 23 NYPD officers were lost, and a total of 2,753 people died in the attack of the two towers. September 11th is a day we will never forget. We should remember and honor all those that fight for our country and all that were lost on that day 11 years ago. But once again Happy Birthday brother!

Yes September is the month of birthdays in our family. Yesterday was my dad's and today is my brothers...and soon to come, mine.

But on a different note...one thing that I love about college, is that class doesn't always go till the ending time. Often the professor will let you out early! It's awesome. For example my Astronomy professor let us go with half an hour left of class. The class is an hour and a half long, so he lectured for an hour then said "Quiz Wednesday! See ya." Also in my Marriage and the Family class, which I had today, we took a test. When you are done with the test, he allows you to leave. I was done in thirty minutes. The class is usually an hour and fifteen minutes long. I love getting out of class early!

I can't believe it is only Tuesday...this might be a long week. Plus iTunes didn't have any good free downloads...what a bummer.

New Week, New Stories.

Honestly I don't have much to talk about. I do want to say Happy Birthday to my Papa today! My dad means the world to me. Wish I could be there with you guys, but talking with you yesterday was awesome. I love you all!

About the only interesting thing I did this week with my teammates was catch some frogs on campus. We were taking our usual walk around campus when I noticed something move. I thought it was a leaf blowing, but it was moving rather strangely. As I looked back at it, I noticed it was a frog. Now that is something you don't see everyday. So obviously it caught my curiosity and I immediately wanted to catch it. Long story short....I did. And actually there were two different frogs in two different places that I caught. Have a look...

  

Don't mind my creepy face...I'm just a little crazy/excited, plus it was around 9 o'clock at night when this happened. That's why the pictures are a weird color. My teammates now call me Bonny The Frog Catcher. (Bonny because we gave each other old lady names) It was so cool! Now when ever I'm on campus I catch myself listening and looking for frogs...My next catch will be a lizard!

I sure hope some good songs show up on iTunes for free this week. I love a good song, especially when its free. Although last week a song was on there that I bought a couple weeks earlier! Oh well...Free downloads of t.v. shows are always nice too. I sure hope Apple is following my blog so they get the hint that I love this stuff and to keep it rolling in.

Tennis is going great. Like always I love going to practice and playing! Its just so fun and exciting.

I've almost lived here in AZ a month! feels like longer. I'm loving it though. I hope everyone has an amazing week!

Eh...

Not much to write about...so this post is going to be a little boring.

It rained last night, like as in, it poured and felt like a hurricane. I had no complaints though, I was comfortably sitting in the library with my teammates doing homework and random stuff on the computer. Spending time with my teammates is my favorite thing to do.

So I decided that while I am here I am going to grow my hair out a little...just a little. Don't expect to see me with long hair anytime soon. But when I go/come home for Christmas, I will get it cut.

For now I will be going for this approach....(Emma Watson A.K.A Hermione Granger)

 

 But then I will go back to this...

 

Not much going on this weekend. Volleyball is away tonight so there won't be a game to go to. I heard there was a softball game tomorrow, which I will probably go to with my teammates. Going to the pool is always relaxing. But for now...I chill in the library.

While The Roommates Are Away, We Shall Play.

So like I said, two of my roommates went home this weekend. While they were gone, Crystal and I decided to cause some chaos. We took what Amanda said seriously, "When I come back the house is going to be a mess..." Let me just show you a glimpse of what it looked like...

Don't worry those are IBC Rootbeer bottles I promise! Our poor fish even had a fork in their bowl. Lets just say that it didn't take long for it to look that way. We woke up at 11a.m. on Monday, went shopping at Walmart for about 2 hours it seemed, then wreaked some havoc. The rest of the day we finished watching all the Harry Potter movies. We had a Potter marathon this weekend. It was awesome. I dreamed of being a wizard/witch and casting spells! We even wrapped our blankets around us like capes and grabbed spoons to use as our wands, then ran outside casting spells. Call us crazy but we had fun. Amanda arrived home around 7:30p.m. Crystal and I were laying on the couch watching Harry Potter. Amanda said, "Wow how long did it take you guys to do this? It looks good." Ivy got home later and walked in and said, "Looks like you guys had a party." I replied with, "Oh yeah, it was awesome." We may be good at making messes but we are even better at cleaning up. While HP 7 Part 1 was playing, Crystal and I cleaned up our mess. It looks as if nothing ever happened. Except for the plastic bag full of Rootbeer bottles sitting in the corner...

Sunday night Crystal and I made BBQ chicken wings for dinner. They were awesome! She is the chef of the roommate family. She makes things all the time. Like from a recipe rather than a bag that you add water to, like I do.

 

My teammates and I hangout a lot together. Often times we are found in the activity center playing table tennis. Tennis players playing table tennis? Yes. We walk to the gas station and get drinks, then walk around campus a couple times, then go play table tennis. Typical routine, but never gets old. We have so much fun together! Like I said, we are a family! This is Patricia and Kayla competing against each other.

The above picture was posted on Facebook by Patricia. Of course she had to add the one of me blinking, we even took another one because of it too! Oh well...from left to right it goes, Kayla, Patricia, The Gila Monster mascot, Maja, then of course me. (Read previous posts to know where these people are from and how to say their name.) This was after the volleyball game on Friday. We love going as a team to support!

Today my best friend Katie Wetz and I Skyped for the first time. It was awesome. I miss my friends back home. But just know I haven't forgotten about you or replaced you. I will be home soon enough.

In closing I would like to share some random pictures...

These two spray paint stencils are right outside the institute. Weird but funny.

Last night it began to rain. I was starting to miss it. This is what the stormy night sky looked like. Awesome right?