Senioritis is real.

This is definitely the longest I've gone...without writing here or in my journal! What in the world? I've relied on pictures and quick notes I jot down in my trusty app that will help me remember times or things people say that impact me. I'm used to writing down everything, so I hope I don't regret the time I haven't had to just...write.

As for a little update on my life, well--I am in the midst of midterms and...just about everything else. I had to let my job go for the rest of the semester because I just wasn't getting everything done. I've now got a perfect amount of time to get just a little ahead in my last year of schooling to keep myself sane. Side note: I try to get everything done before 9 pm because I have a very important FaceTime call until I go to bed. Also, (since I didn't grow up in the dance studio) I've had to spend a lot of extra time on my own learning choreography for--what, about 18 songs?--that need to be performance worthy in four weeks! We take fun breaks to make sure we don't go completely insane:

This is what we look like when Randy tells us to belt singing harmony
and do five chaines at the same time. Just kidding. It's only two. 

So with the rest of my time (hah) I actually go to class! But since I'm a senior, they aren't the normal classes. I'm producing the 12 o'clock noon news on Tuesday and Fridays for...dun dun dun...the number one rated student newscast in the Nation! It's my capstone at BYU, and it's always an adventure. 

Fridays is CoogTube...women tell all! No, I'm not a feminist.

It was cute that one time that I thought I had time to be in the BYU Republicans club. Although I haven't been to a real meeting yet, I've spent a few breaks in between classes helping out at the booth! So that counts, kinda? I think I'll have more time Winter semester. Cross your fingers.

This was a lot more awkward for the people walking by.

Last but not least, I definitely have time for some post-mission fun. The NYRM camaraderie is real and we'll almost drop anything we can to be with each other, even if it is just for a few minutes. I've found myself day dreaming lately of how I was in the beautiful fall colored leaves last year in New York, almost done with my service, which gave me a confidence about saying whatever I wanted, when I wanted. (Appropriately, of course.) Missionaries will know that once you've been out for so long, you just say anything. That hasn't changed, really. Anyway, I just love my NYRMies.

My nephew and brother with our gang symbol for the "Celestial District."

Well, I think that's about it. Our first performance is next week at Homecoming Spectacular! I can't even wait. Finally, all of this rehearsal will pay off. It's hard to perform in front of a huge mirror looking at yourself doing everything wrong! It will be fantastic to perform in front of an audience. Changes everything. Which reminds me...

ONE WEEK UNTIL MY MAN COMES. No, I'm not excited.  Just kidding! 

And like I said...Senior-itis is real, people. 

So you wanna be a reporter?

Well, guess what...ya already are.

Do you post anything on Facebook? What about Twitter, Instagram, or a blog? I realized my love for staying connected at an early age, and so I have been taking advantage of this whole "social media" thing. (Obviously.) There is a reason we were born in an age of instant connection. Why do you think the Restoration happened at the same time all of this technology came out? It's not like people before us weren't smart. They built empires. There is a reason we have these capabilities...technology is not a bad thing. Let me repeat, it is not a bad thing. We are our own journalists in a sort of way. Maybe not for the world like I like to do, but maybe for your kids...for you? 

"Journalism is the first rough draft of history." - Philip Graham, The Washington Post

Disclaimer: Yes, if you're not careful, you can become one of those recluses that pretend to have a personality online and then when people actually meet you, they wonder if you hired someone to post constantly on your News Feed. Bad idea. Be yourself. 

The whole reason I wanted to write this post was to remember my trip to the Newseum last weekend, and how much I'm obsessed with recording events. (You should see my journals. And, I love jotting down notes so I can write about it later. That's all I use my note app for on my phone.) Anyway, from my two-day Newseum journey:

9/11 memorial. I spent a lot of time here.

A huge wall of front pages throughout the years...also spent a lot of time here.

NYRMies will know what I'm talking about.

I'm going to miss it here...

My job rocks. I think I say that every other post. But seriously. Everyone in the office is hilarious, but we all work hard when it comes down to it. For example: Friday we had an hour long Spring Football special that I produced. We needed everyone to give 100% to even get the show someone decent, and everybody gave 150%. The show went fantastic, and I still had time to play catch with our hosts after the shoot. 


All I'm hoping for is job security when I get back...because I wouldn't trade this job for the world! (Even though sometimes the work-load can be quite hectic...) I love it at BYUtv. We are the only university in the world with an international channel and a "mini-ESPN" broadcast building. The students are the ones that basically run everything, with direction from the full-timers. Any student even remotely interested in broadcasting should apply for this job. I mean it's hired play. I mean it's a job. 

The truck on our Friday shoot, just right outside the SAB. I spent all day in Big Blue.

The set on our Friday shoot! Hour long Spring Football special on the Outdoor Practice Field.

This was yesterday at the Football poster photo shoot. (I love my job.)

I'm seriously going to miss these guys. I don't think I there has been a day at work where I haven't laughed my guts out. One of our amazing editors, Sam Featherstone, but together this little video of our infamous intern, Jeff Morain. This is what I go through...every day...with this boy. I even make a cameo!

                               

I love my job. 

Milestones.

I've been working and schooling so much...I haven't even noticed my 5 lb. weight loss the last month. Great, right? I literally have not had any time to eat, but I do find time to go to the gym. So, it balances out. Kinda. Anyway, life has been full of milestones for me and especially my friends. It's great to be in that stage where mission calls are coming, people are getting proposed to, getting grown up jobs...it's really exciting. 


This is the video I made of Reb when she got her mission call. I'm so PROUD. She's going to take The Philippines by the hand and lead them down to spiritual goodness. And she'll sound super legit speaking Tagalog.

Spring Scrimmage. So sad I won't be here to see these boys play in the Fall, but at least I get a little taste! I'm going to miss them!

Longest softball game(s) ever. But it was so fun. I can't believe I'm having this much fun at WORK.

  

So after the double header...we went to the Nnah reception at the Grand America. Cutest reception ever, both of us were practically in tears at how cute it was. A.k.a that's what happens when you get two girls together in their twenties.

Also...this was too funny not to share. And way too true. Ladies and gentleman, this is why I'm a republican.

I get my other two wisdom teeth out tomorrow morning, and have to be on TV on Thursday. Let's just say all I'm praying for is no chipmunk cheeks. Any suggestions? 

Live television.

It was my first night on live TV! I covered the gymnastics meet as the sideline reporter, and it was pretty dang fun. When I say live TV, I bet you MAYBE a thousand people watched it  (Maybe I'm totally off--someone correct me if I am...) out of the 60 million homes it goes to. So it's not like I was on Good Morning America, just good ole' BYUtv. Surprisingly, going live is so much easier than trying to figure out a studio show. I guess because in studio shows, we have time to make everything perfect. In live TV, if it's not perfect, you just laugh and move on. Everybody has a great time and you're pretty much flying by the seat of your pants. (And I wasn't even in the truck.)

Yes, I know what gymnastics is. No, I have never been to a gymnastics meet. So trying to talk on camera about something I know nothing about was pretty interesting. I didn't even have time to get stressed about it because I helped in pre-pro for True Blue this morning, wrote, voiced and edited the Women's recap of the NCAA tournament, then went straight to sidelining...to try and read everything I can about collegiate gymnastics. Apparently 195 is a good score, and if you're over 5'6" you're toast.

Thankfully, my next live gig will be next Thursday at the Men's Volleyball match--where I actually know everything that's going on! I can ask them intelligent volleyball-ish questions and not look like some reporter who got thrown on the shoot last minute. I know who the players and coaches are, and I love the game! That helps a ton. Oh yeah, and did I mention it's Men's Volleyball?

With that being said, I respect gymnasts a lot more after tonight. They are tiny little people...with amazing talent. They can whip their bodies in a way that I never even thought of, and wow they are so strong!  They also have so much love and respect for their team. There was not one girl sitting out nor one girl not getting attention from the rest of her teammates. It was a good experience and I can't wait to do it again. Watch BYUtv Sports on Thursday March 29th at 7 MT/9 ET. You don't have to have cable to watch it...if you go to byutv.org, you'll always be able to watch the live stream on your computer. 

Here's my story from last Monday. I was in charge of LB's. (No standup, sorry.) 

Sportscasting is FUN!

WCC.

What a way to begin March Madness. Okay, yeah, so we just are at the WCC Tournament...but we're at the WCC Tournament! It's basketball 24/7 and I could never complain. We came down here to shoot an 8 minute segment for CoogTube that aired this morning, so Wednesday and Thursday was kinda nuts. But now we're just watching/filming games for future use. One week in Las Vegas watching basketball...I think I chose the right major.

Most people ask if I learn anything. I don't think I've ever learned more. Not just about film, cameras, editing...but about people and communication. It's so helpful to know how to go up and talk to a person, and to make friends with them. More useful than you might imagine. This major is perfect for me.

Project update.

TGIF! I'm glad it's Friday already. It's been quite a week. I've packed lots and lots into my 12 hour days on campus. I really do love being on campus. And my activities have been quite diverse throughout the day..that's probably the main reason why college loves me. I just want to give a quick update on some projects coming my way:

First. I get to do Sirius XM Radio for BYUradio in the mornings! Yesterday was my first day, and I really enjoyed it. Talk about not having to get camera angles and/or editing skills. It is so much easier. However, easier...probably isn't the word I want to use. It's a lot harder for radio folks to grab the audience's attention, because all they have to use is their voice. I'll get to do a few stories, but mostly I'm in production helping with the flow of traffic. 

Second. I'm going on a super fun date to the World Aerial Championships at Deer Valley next Friday. Can I wait? No. Maybe I'll post some pictures.

Third. This is the best, so I've saved it for last. I get to cover the Jazz/Kings game tomorrow night in Salt Lake City. I get paid to watch Jimmer play back in Utah for the first time again? Against the Jazz? You've got to be kidding me. This must be my lucky day. More like my lucky year. I'm STOKED. I'll have my trusty cameraman and we'll go shoot interviews, b-roll, and stand-ups. And...it's my first story for BYUtv Sports. My debut as a sports reporter! So don't judge it too harshly. I'm not going to lie, I am pretty darn nervous to have my first one be about the NBA. Talk about pressure. Anyway, watch for me this coming Monday at 6 p.m. on True Blue on BYUtv. If you miss the show, don't worry. My story will be on YouTube, and byutvsports.com forever. (And let's be honest, I'll probably post it on here.)

I know, I know. My whole life is revolved around television. I feel like that's all I post about. But of course, when I'm engaged, it will be all about wedding stuff, when I have kids...well, I probably won't have time to do this blog thing. But if I do, it will be all about them. For now, I feel like my whole life is behind the scenes of broadcasting. And I'm loving every second of it.

I'm a celeb.

This marks the second video I've done for b4BYU. It's been so fun to work with Dan, Ashley, Anna, Sarah, and everyone else on the crew. I just love them to pieces! Enjoy.

No critiques please...I already know everything I would fix about my performance. Why do ya think I'm still in school?! 

Dream job...in real life.

I have officially been hired as the associate producer for True Blue on BYUtv. 


A.k.a...I'm a sports producer! Is this really happening?! This coming Tuesday is my first official day. I keep pinching myself, and it still hurts. Yes, this is real life!

Here's the link to the website if you want to check out the show:
www.byutv.org/show

I can't wait to work with everyone in our new broadcasting building. I'll ask too many questions, and learn everything I can there is to know about sports reporting/producing. I'm also really glad to be behind the camera in the studio. That way, I get to know everything that goes on behind the scenes and really see what I want to do in the long run. Man, this is going to be great. I'm sad to leave my job in Athletics, but now I'll be more up close and personal with everything sports...and it's right in my major. Could I get a better set-up?


I've been jumping up and down since approximately 1:30 p.m. today. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!

Dream job...coming to life.

So I have to start small. But doesn't everyone? I've got to get there somehow. 


Yesterday I spent a few hours in our new BYU broadcasting building during the pre-pro and taping of TrueBlue. It was AWESOME. TrueBlue is the BYUtv sports show basically summing up what happened in BYU sports throughout the week. Highlights are pulled, feature stories on big athletes are written--it's sports 24/7. I got to sit wide-eyed in Production Control Room 1 with all of the producers, watch them yell out commands in their headset, and see it actually happen on the huge bright screens that were all over the walls. This was the real deal, they aren't students anymore! (Well, Elevennews is the real deal...but you know what I mean.) So basically, I was in heaven. This is exactly what I want to do. And I get the chance when I'm only 20 years old? Another reason why my major, specifically at BYU, is arguably the best. I mean, who else has their own state-of-the-art building right on campus?

Cross your fingers...I hope I get to be their production assistant. Oh, and I also get to produce CoogTube next semester. BOOYAH. CoogTube is our student-run sports show on channel 11, Fridays at noon. I'll give a shout-out to Briana, she's one of the anchors this semester, and does a fantastic job! 

Briana and I. She's anchor of CoogTube, AND our football secretary.
Samantha Steele and Hannah Storm, anyone? We love our job.

As one of the first female sportscasters, I may be following in my mom's footsteps, but let's be honest...what better footsteps could I follow? 16 years at ESPN did my mom wonders and brought our family a love for sports I don't think can be measured. Here she is in her "golden days" (get it...that incredible 80's jacket) doing a promo for Scholastic Sports America. She also covered College GameDay, World Cup Skiing, World Cup Soccer, the Kentucky Derby, etc. 

 

My mom back in her ESPN days. I think she looks even better now! 

Visiting mom at work. Bristol, CT

So what if my ringtone is the ESPN theme song. What else do you expect?