Arizona Spring Break

For the past week I have been in sunny Phoenix, Arizona with two mission companions. Hermana Recinos and Hermana Blackburn...what happens when we three get together? MAYHEM! I don't think there are three people who are more different from each other, yet seem to get along so well. Our common denominator is the mission and we all share at least one area. Let's set it up for you.

Cowles (me): I am chill as can be with these two. I am quiet, pensive, observant and listen to each of them and laugh at their witty random comments.

Blackburn: in her own words, she is "a firecracker" and if you don't know her "you are missing out!" What you see with Blackburn is what you get...she is random, hilarious, and vivacious! Sporadic outbursts from car windows and downing at least three Diet Pepsis a day is totally normal for her and sleeping for ridiculous amounts of time.

Recinos: she is super high-strung and stresses over things. "Chill Babe!" She is always going a mile-a-minute.

So, a week in AZ with these two and a mission friend and his cousin....yeah that was interesting.

HIGHLIGHTS from the Trip

~Blackburn climbing behind the stove to find a lighter

~Seeing two sister missionaries at the Visitors Center - one was ginormous (the newbie) and the other itty-bitty (the trainer). So funny!

~Blackburn's and Recinos' rendition of "500 Miles" in the parking lot at Fry's

~Making not one, but two U-turns to get to Fry's

~Blackburn almost stealing bunny ears at Fry's.

~Hollister shirts and hook ups :)

~Awesome seats at the Angels/Diamondbacks baseball game (Thank you Hermana Cowles!)

~The drunk guys next to us at the baseball game that wanted to go to counseling with Blackburn since their relationship was already to that stage...fast mover!

~Sunburns (I guess this is a low-light, but worth mentioning since we got some sun!)

~POOL DAY on Thursday!

~Blackburn's shake/smoothie thing at Jack in the Box being taken over.

~Blackburn climbing into the fountain (there was a sign that specifically stated: "Stay out of Fountain")

~Blackburn: "There is a difference between having fun and being stupid."

~Cuddling with Blackburn and Recinos. I broke down and laid down by them, they spooned and I almost fell off the side of the bed.

~Watching "Scarlett Takes a Tumble" on YouTube with the roomies the first night.

~Playing the color game at the pool. Blackburn totally kicked me in the chest! Ow! Flying over Blackburn to get to Recinos.

~MATE'! That stuff is nasty! But Blackburn and Recinos became addicted to it just like the Argentines.


What a fun trip! I love my companions and can't wait to have many more adventures with them!

Introducing...

Well, it's been a few weeks since we began our journey together, and I thought it was high time I introduced the new face in my life. Rigo Suave, the Toyota Rav4 is my new car and I love it! It has a stick shift, CD player, cruise control, AWD, fold down/reclining back seats and a wicked-awesome Utah State decal in the back window!

Soon it will be sportin' Aggie plates and I will love even more to drive it to Provo with said plates :) We have had a wonderful beginning together as it is my first "real, adult purchase." Growing up is so much fun!

So here's to Rigo and to the many adventures we shall have together.

STUFFED!

Okay, so I "play" basketball, and I use that term loosely. Last night we all met up at the church for some ballin'. We three girls, Allison, Brynley and I held our own against the boys. However, Allison and Brynley are much taller than I and have sweet post moves that I lack. The picture to the left is a good indication of my playing last night.

I found myself with the ball under the basket not once but twice with large boys in front of me. The first incident: Matt puts his hand up and the ball goes from in front of me to about three feet behind me. Turnover! The second incident: Abe puts his hand up and the ball goes from in front of me to about three feet behind me. Turnover!

So, two stuffs in one game. OUCH! I'm not going to lie when I say that my pride was wounded a little...okay, A LOT! Especially when all I hear from everyone is "OOOOHHHH!!!" But, in the world of post-high school basketball, I laughed it off realizing that it was not the end of the world. It's not like we are really that good. We are playing in a church gym for crying out loud. I guess I need to work on my 'C' game in the hopes of it becoming an 'A' game! "Bring your 'A' game to Camp Force not your 'C' game!" Cynthia Cooper could not have said it better! That's it! I'm committed to no more stuffs! I will work on pump fakes to get the defender on his feet. That will show him!