Two Prairie Portraits

We took a quick stop during a long drive up to Canada.  Stanford discovered some curious monsters lurking in the fields.

Ahem.

So...
Paige Helen Montgomery: Track Extraordinaire,  is back in business!   It took some convincing, but the sports authorities have seen the light.   

Now if only I could get myself down to a decent mile time.  I'm feeling um, ten minutes?    This winter was no good,  very bad for staying in shape.  The WV is entirely different than the Utah I grew comfortable with.  I don't have a neighborhood or lovely parkway to go out and run in.  And quite frankly, it's been blizzarding for months and I haven't felt the overwhelming urge to go out into the white mess.    Believe it or not, my high school doesn't have a track- the school is just that old.  And a membership to the gym requires enrollment at the University.  Excuses, excuses, but getting back into shape is a journey in and of itself.

After Cross Country tapered off disappointingly for me because of an untimely oral surgery,  I'm ready to put everything into a new, fresh season, and a healthy 6:00 mile!

The next couple weeks have quite a lot in store for me!  This Wednesday Mom, little bro Hunter, and I are driving out to D.C.  to get involved with some lobbying with the National Hemophilia Foundation's Washington Days.   This event is particularly exciting to me, because we will be dealing with issues that have a direct effect on my family.  My mom has been heavily involved with this advocacy,  particularly in Utah.  I can't wait to be in the middle of the action with her.

Next week I will be busing out to Charleston with a few other students from my school to play in the West Virginia All-State Orchestra!  The music is quite challenging, and my roommates are awesome.  Sounds like one big musical party.

Life isn't picking up where I left it,  but maybe that's ok.

Fly Away

I want to fly into this. 

P.S.
I need a good camera.  

Logical

I wanna go to school,  or get out of town.
Winter blizzards in WV don't just numb the fingers, they numb the mind too.
Besides the concern over missing 11 extra days of school, something else is causing me stress.
They're saying I can't play sports for a full 365 days!
That's track season AND cross country season, my friends.
Apparently when we moved from the hotel to our home, we violated a stringent sports regulation.
As if living in a hotel for six weeks wasn't difficult enough!
Head sports director stated that letting me run is an "emotional decision".
We stated that letting me run is a logical decision.
I am a student and an athlete!
Is it too much to ask to let me be both?

Big Snow

Maybe you've heard of the smashing snowstorm (check out this news report) that has taken over the East Coast?   The snow pile up here has been enough to cancel three days of school, and church.  Flakes continues to soar from the sky, and I can't help but anticipate another day off.  Rest assured, besides a bit of extra time for blogging, I have plenty of violin practicing and school work to do at home.  Yesterday I finally hit the slopes at Maryland's Wisp Ski Resort.  Though I longed for Utah's Alta resort, I found myself challenged by a couple steep, mogul-filled runs.

Today I ventured into the woods near our home.  Here are some pictures to show for it:

My numb fingers...

Really could have used these today!  The acclaimed texting glove of 2009.    As I clomped through a stunningly white-washed wood, I thought of how well I could maneuver my camera with only my thumb and index finger exposed.  Unfortunately, my gloves weren't up for such adaptations.  My camera was safely tucked away in my toasty bedroom anyway.   I assure you that I am planning a more productive venture for tomorrow!

Petite Postcards

Taylor Swift's American Greeting line, I could write lots of little letters on these :)

I enjoyed the entry in The Rockstar Diaries entitled "Little Letters".  I have some to send too.

Dear UT,
I'm coming back! April and most of June! Help me remember what flat land looks like.

Dear ACT,
You crept up like an unwelcome friend and scared me from behind.  How about cutting out that math section?

Dear D.C.,
I can't wait to get inside your legislative processes this month!  Don't you love lobbying with Mom?
Also, can I please stay with you this summer?   See you in a few weeks :)

Dear Dr. M.,

Throughout the violin lesson, I am constantly distracted by your awesome shoes. 

Dear WV Roads,

Slick, curving, dark; you are positively frightening.   Add your problems to my own  procrastination and untimely move... it looks like I'll have my license by my Freshman year.  Of college. 

Dear Early Morning Seminary,

You're very early.  In the morning.  I humbly submit that you consider taking Fridays off.

Dear Tennis,

Please keep reminding me: It took me this long to serve a volleyball.  It took me this long to serve a volleyball.  It took me this long...

Dear UT friends (you know who you are),

I have bazillions of letters/ packages/ etc to send in the mail.  Don't lose hope.

Sincerely, Paige