I will be cultured… one day!

I had an epiphany the other day—I am so not cultured. Then I decided I wanted to be.
So... in order for this to happen, I need to participate in cultural things. So I made a list!

*Read 50 classic novels. The only classic novels I’ve read were the required ones for highschool English classes. And I probably didn’t enjoy them as much as I should because I was forced to read them. So hopefully I can even learn to like them. But just in case, the list I made had 100 books. 50 classics. 50 others. So I can have a few breaks from the classy stuff. :)

*Watch all the Lord of the Rings, Star Wars & all the Avengers Movies. [Hulk. Ironman 1&2, Thor and Captain America.] I’ve never seen them. & I do realize that these are probably really random for a “To be cultured” list, but you’d be surprised at how many times these things are referenced in this country. So soon I’ll know what people are talking about. :)

*Watch Movies. {In general}. I’m getting a lot better and not hating them. I used to think they were a waste of time and I also could never pay attention throughout the whole thing. So I haven’t seen or even heard of many. But now I’ve come to the conclusion that movies are good, cultural & educational.

*Watch a musical on Broadway. NYC would be awesome. Vegas would be sweet. But even Gammage has some cool ones every now and again.

*Visit another country. At LEAST one. Pretty much any of them will do. But I’ve always wanted to go to France and England. And I WILL go one day. I will.

*Listen to music from other countries & in other languages. Cultural, no?

*Always try new things when given the opportunity. Like hobbies, random activities and such.

December 2011 and 2012: Project Culture Hannah Gunderson.

Let's see how this goes.

Not the ending I was looking for.

Well today marked half marathon number four for me. My last two were WAY and a half times better than the blistery mess of my first one last November. My last one was my fastest ever and I was hoping to beat it! Unfortunately, I still didn’t train. Well last week I ran a total of like 8 miles…. But that’s all the training I’ve done since the Bryce Canyon half in July.

I started out and ran the first mile in 8 minutes. Let me just tell you… I’m not a runner. That was the fastest mile time of my life. Mile 2 was slightly longer, but still good. I was feeling pretty good about this race! By mile 5 I was averaging just over 11 minute miles. At mile 7 I think I walked more than I didn’t – but if I kept my pace I could get a new PR – I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do it because my second half is always slower.. but it was at least still a possibility.

After the half-way point… I think just after mile 9? But I’m not positive… I biffed it and twisted my right ankle. I got up and kept going, it wasn’t that big of a deal. But then a little while later…. I biffed it again and twisted the same ankle. Except this time I hit my head hard on the dirt, ripped my shirt, ripped my spandex, chipped my ipod, and scraped up both legs, arms, and hands. I wasn’t too far from a street crossing where nice police officers were directing traffic. One of the cops came up to me and kinda made me stop for a while. He looked into my eyes to make sure I didn’t get a concussion or something, and helped me pick the gravel out of my scraped hands and arms. He asked me something about finishing and I just said I was going to finish, I just REALLY didn’t want to finish last. I trudged on and after another half mile of walking, and a very achy right ankle… I tried to run. Ha. Bad idea, Hannah. I fell again… it’s kinda funny now but at the time I was just mad. I walked, limped, and ached my way to the end of the race.

With about 100 feet to go, some lady volunteer came running up to me and said she was going to run with me. She kept trying to encourage me but I’m too prideful and independent.. she just made me feel like a pansy. I didn’t feel like finishing the race was an accomplishment.. I’ve already done that, I wanted to be faster. Plus my whole family was there (10 of whom had already finished…. Long, long, LONG before) standing at the finish line, watching me stagger to the finish, my ankle killed and I just felt stupid. Really really stupid. As soon as I crossed the line everyone told me good job.. but that’s not at all how I felt. I sat down and all these volunteers went to give me water and ice for my ankle. 3 hours and 4 minutes was the verdict… 14 minute miles. Apparently I’m a slow walker when I’m in pain.

Before this I was thinking this would definitely be my last half unless I ever got serious about training. But I don’t want such a terrible attempt to be my last one! I didn’t even get it in less than 3 hours!! Bumski.

The Perfect Recipe

Take 1 GENIUS, independant bone expert extremely lacking in the social skills department, who only understands facts and logic.

Add her ex-sniper FBI partner - a special agent who solves murders using facts, superb people skills, & sometimes gut and emotional instincts.

Stir in their humorous drama, chemistry, and growing that occurs between them.

Then combine with Brennan's Jeffersonian staff: an artist who can recreate just about any situation, face or body with advanced technology knowledge; a bug and particulate man who can identify and get advanced, important information solely on bugs, dirt and other random particulates; and a fleshy expert & director of the Jeffersonian - each with their own quirks, families, pasts and knowledge that allow everything to flow.

Mix in 1 of the 5 different "squinterns" - Brennan's grad student interns who come off as young and unimportant - but all have great knowlege and funny personalities to share.

Sprinkle in a young, FBI psychologist, who loves to bring up everyone's troubled pasts, is somewhat disregarded among the Jeffersonian "facts" staff, but who always has something to offer.

Throw in a dead body or 2 a week, a few serial killers, some jelous and lustful murderers, crazy people, lots of drama among staff members with high emotions and family problems.

Bake Thursdays on Channel 10 @ 8:00 for one hour.

Yields: a humorous , action packed, murder solving, romantic episode of BONES season 7.

For best results watch seasons 1-6 beforehand to understand the growth & full dynamics of each character.

Cheers for the 2011 Diamondbacks!

I've spent the last 30 minutes feeling cold and empty. My beloved Diamondbacks fell short in game 5 of the NLDS. It’s definitely not a good feeling, at all.
BUT…. It wasn’t without a great season! At spring training, nobody thought the Diamondbacks would make the playoffs. Heck, in June there weren’t many who thought they would make it. They lost 97 games last year….. 97!! The bullpen was beyond terrible, blowing saves and allowing hits &  homeruns left and right. As my good friend Gracey says, “All my years in baseball have taught me that you don’t lose over 90 games one year and come back the next and win the division. You just don’t.” Well folks, the diamondbacks did the impossible! And they did it when no one believed in them.
They are a very young team… only 3rd baseman Ryan Roberts is over 30. In fact, they brought 6 rookies to the NLDS.
-Goldschmidt, who came up from AA in August, had the go ahead triple in the divison-clinching game, also gave a curtain call after a 2 out, 2 strike grand slam in game 3. HE’S A ROOKIE!
-Colin Cowgill, pinch hit with 2 outs in game 4 and had a 2-run RBI single.
-Collmenter, got the game 3 win - only allowing 2 hits in 7 innings.
-Bryan Shaw appeared in the series 4 times... never giving up a hit.
That Kirk Gibson sure puts a lot of trust in his team, including the rookies – and they always come through.
Ian Kennedy. though not a rookie is only 24 and came out of nowhere this year and had 21 wins – being a top contender for this year's Cy Young.
Justin Upton, also 24, has already been in 2 all-star games, and currently in the voting for the NL MVP.
Miguel Montero struggled defensively quite a lot last year… he’s now second in the league in throwing base runners out. Definitely the most improved in my eyes.
JJ Putz has 45 saves out of 49 opportunities. David Hernandez & Micah Owings have a combined 13-3 record.
Seriously I’m not kidding when I say this team came out of NO WHERE! And EVERYONE contributed.. the starters, the bench, the bullpen. EVERYONE! There was a new hero everyday. It was awesome! They are a group of very young over achievers with a determined, no nonsense manager. They had a great season that was extremely fun to watch. They led the majors with 48 come from behind wins –they just don’t ever give up! They’ve had grand slams in the last 4 home games. I’ve been up out of my seat many a time watching this team play. They are incredible.
It was a wonderful season. They fought hard until the very end… tying the game on the suicide squeeze in the top of the ninth in game 5. They rallied but didn't quite get it this time... but that's baseball. Although they didn’t make it out of this one, they came up and beyond everyone’s expectations. I've got high hopes for next season and many to come! I can’t wait!!! Good job boys!

A 10-year tribute! Part 2! {American Rhmye Stlye}

10 whole years it has been,
Since that awful day when many lost kin.
The twin towers were struck and eventually fell,
Trapping many, so claustrophobic they couldn’t even yell.
Terrorists were here invading our country
Commandeering airplanes and responsible for the deaths of so many.
The pentagon also was a hijacker’s hit target,
Making this day one we won’t soon forget.
Thousands of innocent lives were lost and countless more injured-
So sudden it happened, leaving a sweet, final goodbye completely unheard.
Another plane was taken, but the intended location a mystery.
Because those courageous passengers tried to take back the plane and avoid further treachery.
A Pennsylvania field is where they took their final breath
But because of their bravery, they saved many from blameless death.
Heroes they are and will forever remain
Along with the many police officers and firefighters who went in unnamed.
Many went into the rubble, though not all came out
But their valor is still recognized – of that there is no doubt.
The nation was shocked, glued to the TV;
“Are we being attacked?” “How could this be??”
We united as one, together we’ll conquer
We looked to our nations strong past for a firm, sturdy anchor.
We’ve overcome so much, we’ll do it again!
We’re the United States of America and our land we’ll defend!
We’ve had God on our side, he understands our plea;
Our freedoms are needed - something He has helped us see.
As of today, a decade’s gone by-
We remember that September morning when so much went awry.
There’s a prayer in our hearts to those who lost their lives,
Along with their children, friends, husbands and wives.
And all those affected – the numbers are great
This day will forever hold an emotional weight.
But we will also relish in our American pride..
Our nation-giving liberties are something wanted worldwide!
We’re a blessed people, given so much!
So many people have and continue to fight to make it such!
Because of that I love this land!
No matter you’re ideologies, united we stand!
We’re the U S of A, we’re determined to win!
Simply put, I’m proud to be an American!

A 10-year tribute! Part 1 {Baseball style}

So let’s think back to 2001. What happened? Oh yeah! THE DIAMONDBACKS WON THE BEST WORLD SERIES KNOWN TO BASEBALL. Ok, so I may be a little biased – but it was a 7-game nail biter down to the very wire – Gonzo’s bloop single in the bottom of the ninth. We have a movie of the world series with interviews and stuff… and I get the chills every time I watch it. I’ll admit it.. I’m a nerd. But that team was just so great and so funny!

BUT. This weekend was reunion weekend at the ballpark! Friday they were wearing their purple vest throwback jerseys, Saturday all the 2001 players were coming and they were giving away replica championship rings, and Sunday they were having a 9/11 tribute. Basically it was bound to be a wonderful weekend. SO in like Aprilish when they first released the promotion schedule, we bought our tickets! The weekend came and the players liked the purple and teal jerseys so much they requested to wear them ALL weekend! HOT DOG! It was awesome!

So Saturday we spent 7 hours at Chase Field – and what a very wonderful hours it was. Before the game they had the starting lineup of the World Series team {Along with Jerry Colangelo, Bob Brenly and others]come out of the dugout with their old jerseys on, announced by Mr.Schulte {the 2001 announcer}, with highlights on the jumbotron – all 48,000 in attendance were giving them a standing ovation – and it was just plain cool.

THEN, in-between innings they showed clips from game 7 on the jumbotron. It was still exciting even though we all knew what was going to happen. The sold out crowd was loud and supportive the whole time… and some had great signs!

My favorite part… the legends race! Mark Grace had yet to win one, so his bobblehead man comes sprinting out of the bullpen ahead of everyone! However, when he got about halfway he started acting all winded. But NEVER FEAR the real live David Dellucci was there to pinch run for him (just like in the bottom of the 9th of game seven!) He finished the race.. in FIRST PLACE! They showed Mark Grace in the announcers booth and he was ecstatic! The crowd was so happy for him! But they then announced that there were no pinch runners allowed in the legends race so randy Johnson had won again. Mark Grace threw his papers down in an offended fashion.. everyone was so sad for him. But it was still super funny! 

To make matters even better, the game was great! We won in 10 innings… come from behind wins.. always fun to watch! OH! How did I forget?? We also got the replica rings.. we were expecting little plastic things.. but no. They’re metal. Ah. I love my Diamondbacks!!

Successful day. Successful game. Successful Diamondbacks. I love them… I love them oh so much! The 2001, the 2011… and all those in-between! Even the terrible babybacks of 2003!

I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you! :)

Dear Thatcher,
The hustle and bustle of school starting is fast approaching. Many people are reuniting and the good times and facebook hacks have already begun. The town is picking up, friendships are brewing, the apartments are getting stocked, Walmart is consequently getting UNstocked. Frye Mesa and Cluff Ponds are constantly full of college-aged kids basking in some last minute sunshine before they hit the books on Monday. It’s just like mid August of every year, the excitement and anticipation for the new semester is extremely high.

Facebook has so kindly kept me well aware of this. Yes, it is facebook that is left to fill me in on the latest Thatcher adventures. Sadly, I won’t be returning to you, Thatch. In Mesa I do remain, working hard to prepare for my next life escapade. Bittersweet it definitely is.

But dear sweet Thatcher, you have given me memories to last a lifetime. My time spent with you was hands down the best two years of my life.

It was you who watched me leave home for the first time, you watched me understand who I am, who I want to be, and what I need to do to become that person. You offered me better friends than I ever could have imagined who I will always trust and love, and watched me so willingly accept that offer. You watched our friendships grow as we learned from each other and helped each other through tough life decisions and experiences. You provided us with daily adventures – with ponds to kayak in, rivers & canals to float down, parking lots to chalk, a nearby mountain to climb, cotton fields to run through, and red knolls to explore. You listened to our endless laughter and happy reminiscing that carried us into the early morning. You watched us raid the couches and apartment for quarters on laundry day, sacrifice nickels and dimes for snowcones, and budget our measly earnings for groceries. You laughed as we burned many food items, and rejoiced when we perfected others. You looked upon us as we survived through school, learning more than we had anticipated in the process. You watched us study {and cram} for tests, spend hours doing homework, and listened through endless lectures. You gazed upon the always interesting Mormon, college dating scene with all the institute dances and activities. You listened to our roommate chats that entered the wee hours of the morning. You watched my testimony grow as I learned to rely on the Lord when big decisions came up. You provided me with four semesters of sweet, fond memories that I can’t help but look back on and smile.

Yes, I am excited to move on and do something else with my life, but I have a hard time comprehending the fact that anything could compare you, good ol’ thatch. I just don’t think it can….