Rodeo: Pleasant Grove Style

Last Saturday, I went to a rodeo for the first time in my life. My country-dancing roommate (who happens to have a taste for swarthy men) yelled to me down the hall one evening, asking if I would like to go with them to a rodeo. I consented out of pure curiosity.

I don't feel inclined to go to a rodeo again; I can move on with my life. Some of the tricks were cool, but most of the cowboys didn't even score. There was only one hotshot from Lehi who managed to stay on the bull for eight seconds. I'll admit that I did croon with the rest of the crowd when they let the mama horses run around the arena with their brand new babies. But the clown was unbelievably lame. I'm not sure I even smiled during his routine (except perhaps for the part where he pulled out a bra and said it reminded him of Barack Obama--"losing support every day").

My favorite part was when they had the little kids come riding out in the arena on the sheep. Most of the "kiddie" rides ended tragically, with the kids running back--their helmets askew--to cry in the arms of their parents watching from behind the arena fence. But one little girl, Caitlin, held on for a long time and won. Talk about girl-power. She was all of five years old.

Everything western seems bigger. Hips, hair, boots, and booze. I don't know how well I would fit in with a western context, but they certainly seemed like a cheerful bunch.

Lessons in DC

It has been a while since I've posted. I figured it was about time. Here are some of the lessons I learned about life (and myself) while living in Washington, DC.

1. Baked and Wired cupcakes are one of life's supreme joys. Everyone should have one of these cupcakes at least once a month.

2. Sometimes rich and famous people aren't actually that nice.

3. Bring Easter flowers to the receptionist. She'll love you forever and hook you up with job possibilities.

4. When people are laughing in the common room and you're cloistered in your room, discard your homework and go spend time with them. People are more important than assignments.

5. Physical exercise is a necessity for mental health.

6. Ethiopian food is interesting, but not necessarily to my taste.

7. I want to have a family after all, not just a snazzy career.

8. I love, love, love riding the subway.

9. Large sunglasses make me look like I have a hangover. I wear them anyway.


On other news, spring term is almost over and I am so excited to be finished. I will be working part-time this summer and spending my afternoons hiking, swimming, reading, biking, and enjoying my first break in six years. Oh.... it will be lovely. I'll be taking suggestions for places to hike, but bear in mind that since I do not have a vehicle my range is limited.