Beautiful Girl

    Today was quite the day. I was in study hall having a grand ol' time (can you sense the sarcasm?) and Alexis text me saying that her hair was starting to fall out. I, along with everyone else, knew that this day would come but I still was in a little bit of disbelief. When she said it was falling out, I had imagined just a few strands had come out.
    After I finished my studying, I drove up to the Kaufusi home to see Fus. When I came in she said... "Wanna see a trick?"... she started to pull on her hair and the entire chunk that she was pulling on, came out. No, not just a few strands; the whole chunk. I had no idea how to react, I really was not expecting to see that much hair come out so easily. Alexis' mom called the doctors to let them know that her hair was beginning to fall out and they gave the go ahead to shave it all off.

    I got to cut off a little bit of her hair before we buzzed it. It was one of the weirdest feelings ever! After the first snip... it was kinda fun and I wanted to cut some more, but all the people there got a chance to chop some of her lovely locks. 

"Beautiful Girl"- William Fitzsimmons .... really good song! It's on Fus' blog. 

   I can't imagine having to lose my hair. I go everyday having different complaints about my hair, but I have never thought about not having it... Tonight was a very humbling experience as I sat and watched a very special person in my life shave all of hers off. There were so many emotions as we witnessed this girl do something that so many of us would dread doing. Fus amazes me every single day... she is so strong and so brave! She knew that shaving her head was just a part of the process and did it with an undaunted disposition. 

   I love this girl so much! She is so beautiful and pulls off the buzz cut better than anyone I know. No one and certainly no cancer will ever be able to take away her contagious smile and spunky personality. Fus will have her 2nd treatment of chemo tomorrow (2 of 6)! A third of the way done! Keep this beautiful girl in your thoughts and prayers!! 

   Another thing I thought I should mention...

   For those that know me pretty well... I've never really been the biggest 'cat' person. I'm more of a dog or horse person and when Fus got this little kitty, I was a little skeptical. However, I have to admit that I have really grown to love this creature. Don't get me wrong, this relationship definitely took some time and she bit me twice when we first met... But now... our relationship has truly blossomed. This cat never gives me dirty looks (most cats do), she never bites me, she purrs when I pet her and she calms everybody's nerves. Porsche is a good kitty and.... she's pretty dang cute too. 

ALSO....

 The BYU Women's Team is competing in the WNIT! So, keep updated on how we're doing and keep cheering on the lady coug's!!!! 

Fun

      Hey... So, I'm just teaching my good ol' pal HALEY HALL how to blog... so, enjoy this.

   Oh by the way... this is Haley's little boy. 

Elmer Olaf Steed

October 13th 2010

The Power of Planning..

    Okay, I know that teachers, parents and other mentors have counseled me for YEARS to plan and develop the ability to manage my time... and I must confess that I have never truly bought into it. I knew it was right and I knew that if I would do it I would greatly reduce the amount of stress in my life. What is my deal!?
    However, as of a few days ago... I've had a change of action. I sat down and planned out my days by the HOUR! You see, I've always been really good at writing lists out of the things that I need to get done. The only problem with that, is that it is easy to not do those things. Another problem that I have is the inability to say NO to things. I am social and there is nothing I love more than to laugh and have a good time! But, I've come to the realization that those laughs don't come without a price. I'm sick of paying that price by always stressing and overloading my mind with things that I need to get done with very little time on my hands. The new solution is to plan, plan, plan and plan some more! I am sorry to those that have told me until they were blue in the face to "be disciplined" and to "manage my time well".... I WAS listening, I just chose not to do it. Forgive me, I've learned my lesson and I have made an affirmation with myself to set aside an hour or two a day to plan out the days to come.
   One of my coaches has always said that preparation is the key, not only to success, but confidence. It is easy to find confidence when you have prepared yourself for things! Even though I am a terrible test taker, I do approach a test with a lot more confidence when I have prepared. With basketball also, I feel more confident going to a game when I know exactly what the game plan is.
   Anyways... this is MY new gameplan. So, if any of you that are reading this see me not following through. Call me out on it, please!!



On another note.... something that has brought me great joy and A LOT of laughter lately is....

http://www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

.... please check it out.

MWC Champs!!!

   Last night was probably one of THE most exciting nights of my life. Our team was in first and last night's game was to play for the regular season conference championship. We were up against San Diego State! When we played them at their place, we beat them by about 20 points. However, I think that we learned a great lesson last night. We learned that nothing is given to you and that you have to work every single possession to get a win. We were down 16 points with 10 minutes left in the game... and a few months ago, I don't know if we would have been able to do it. We had so many girls step up in the game that gave us so much hope and energy. The Marriott center felt as though it was full! It was so loud in there and the energy was absolutely incredible. It was such a great feeling to cut down those nets! So proud of my team.

MWC Champs Baby!!!

The 3 amigos. Love these girls to death! It was so fun to experience that kind of a win with my closest friends! 

  For those of you that read my blog and that are more interested on how Alexis is doing, go to.... alexiskaufusi.blogspot.com . Keep cheering her on and keep cheering my team on! We have something very special that doesn't come around a lot! So, make sure that you stay updated on how we're doing!!!! 

GO COUGS!!! 

Grateful

  The attitude of gratitude... 

    Why is it so easy for us to murmur about all of the things that we don't have in life, and so difficult to rejoice in the things we do have? The other day, I was particularly frustrated with basketball. I felt that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't do anything right. When you know that you're giving all of your effort and things still don't go your way, it is a demoralizing feeling. As you can imagine, my initial reaction was to complain about how much I disliked the game of basketball. I questioned why I even choose to play... Needless to say, it was a bad day. 

    In one of my classes, we were asked to complete an "Adolescent Autobiography" paper. I was to choose an experience that has greatly influenced my life from ages 12-18. What do you think my first thought was? Yup... you guessed it. Basketball. I was asked how this experience (basketball) has helped in my development in 8 different domains of life: cognitive, physical, spiritual, cultural, mental, social, emotional and familial. 

   I started my paper feeling very frustrated with basketball. However, when I really began to think of how much it has influenced my life, I realized how much I owe to the game. Because of basketball I have learned so many things that will transfer over to anything I decide to do in life. I understand how to learn various skills and apply them to 'live play'. I know how important it is too keep our bodies healthy and strong. I have been able to build a stronger relationship with my Father in Heaven and have learned the principle of sacrifice. Over the years, I have embraced the entire culture of basketball and it has unquestionably become a part of my own individual culture. I have learned how to communicate with people that have various personality types. I have continued to gain a better understanding of how to handle my emotions and perform in 'clutch moments'. It has been great for my relationships with my family members, especially with my Dad. Each and every single one of my family members has been extremely supportive in everything I have done! These are just few of the many things that basketball has brought to my life.

    I realized that I am a very blessed young woman. I have had so many wonderful opportunities and experiences that I would never, ever trade. Basketball is hard and it requires a lot of my time and focus; but it has surely helped build who I am today. I am so grateful for all the things that I have learned that will help me as a person, wife and an eventual mother. I value these lessons so much and really do feel guilty for the amount that I do complain. 

   Everyone has different talents and hobbies... and everyone has their own complaints. If I have learned anything from these past couple days, it has been to complain less and to frequently exult in my many blessings. I think of my good friend Alexis, and the battle she is about to embark on and I realize how blessed I truly am. Sometimes it is difficult to take a step back from our hectic lives to really see all of the things we have. I am now challenging myself to be better by not complaining and by displaying a more appreciative attitude. I hope you all challenge yourself to do the same! 

BE GRATEFUL!

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among noblest of virtues"

-Thomas S. Monson

Carpe Diem

  Until this week, I have never truly understood how quickly and dramatically life can change. I have taken for granted the fragility of our lives and how all of us, whether strong or weak, are living day to day. We have no power of foretelling or preventing the events that take place tomorrow. We live, we learn and we work to overcome the trials that are placed before us. 

   Alexis Kaufusi

    This past week has been a very tough week. My dear friend, Alexis Kaufusi, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer. It started about a month ago when Fus' noticed a lump on the left side of her neck. Through various tests, they have come to find that she has 9 tumors from her clavicle up. Fus' will begin her chemotherapy treatments starting next week and will start a long and hard fight. All of this is still a complete shock to me. I cannot really make sense of it in mind. I don't understand why these cells have invaded her body. I don't understand why someone as young and as healthy as she, has been forced to deal with this disease. I cannot comprehend the fight that she is about to embark on. I hate the fact that there is nothing I can do to stop it. 

    Fus, is one of the strongest girls I know. I watch her and I marvel at her attitude and her ability to cope with all of this. Every single person that approaches her with questions, she answers with grace and optimism. Every person that demonstrates remorse, she demonstrates her appreciation in return. She looks forward to the rest of her life, and although there is fear and doubt that shadow her thoughts, she has looked me and many others in the eye and proclaims that "she will beat this." Alexis, is and always will be one of the most loyal friends I will ever have. In any condition, Fus would stand up for me and fight for me. She and her family have given me so much over the past 2 years. They have been my second family as I live away from home. She has given me much of the support and love I have needed to grow into the girl I am today. I know now, that as hard as this will be, it is my chance to give back to her. To demonstrate my love and appreciate for her. She has thousands of people that love her and that are prepared to stand behind her throughout this battle. I have faith that she will overcome and rid of this disease with fortitude and great health to live the rest of her life to the fullest. 

    I love her so incredibly much. I am grateful for the wonderful blessings she has bestowed in my life. She will forever be apart of me. She will be okay. She knows that by choosing hope, anything is possible. 

      Fortunately, Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer has a very high cure rate. Fus will be in great hands for the next 6 months, receiving treatment's at the Huntsmen Cancer Center in Salt Lake. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers! 

Many say that each and every one of us will know someone that will be diagnosed with a cancer. I have always heard of others being diagnosed with cancer and have always felt disheartened. However, having others that are close to me including Alexis, it makes you realize how much you truly love them. I am grateful for Fusi's positive attitude and outlook. I am grateful for the Gospel and it's power that will undoubtedly play a huge role in her recovery. 

Live great and Love deep

Love you Fus'!!!!

 " Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain."                                                                        — Gordon B. Hinckley

Viva La Vita

  These last couple of weeks have been great! We have been kicking butt in our conference, my grandparents came to visit, Trina Hill got engaged, my sister got engaged (so excited), went to Vegas and saw Donny and Marie. I have been having a lot of fun and school really hasn't been overly stressful... so far. Next week, my parents are coming to town, so things just keep getting better!

   It was so fun to spend some time with my grandparents! I really didn't get that much time at home for Christmas, so it was nice to just hang out with them without feeling super rushed. They were so much fun and I loved seeing them wave the Canadian flag at my games. They are, hopefully, coming down to Vegas for the Conference Tournament... which would be an absolute blast. So, I hope they can make it. 

    I know what you're thinking... did I crash a bike, or something? The answer is. No. Let me tell you the story....

   So, after our victory at UNLV... we went to Cafe Rio as a team. We ate our delicious meals and were all about to leave. I noticed that the drink stand had Vanilla Coke... which I LOVE! I have never been able to find it, so I was pretty excited and filled my cup pretty full. After I finished filling my cup, I walked outside to find Morgan Bailey (my teammate) sitting in shot gun, which is where I was originally sitting. So, I was walking around the front of the car, glaring at her... NOT paying attention to what I was doing. Still looking at her, I took a pretty fast step to get to my seat and the next thing I know.... I trip flat on my face in the middle of the parking lot. I didn't notice one of those cement parking things, and I tripped SO hard. The most devastating part..... I lost a good majority of my Vanilla Coke. I wish someone had it on tape... I apparently screamed, my coke flying everywhere.... quite the visual, eh? 

The after math..