September 11, 2001... Still feels like yesterday.

There has been a lot of focus on the September 11th attacks in the media recently with the proposal of building a mosque and Islamic center a few blocks from Ground Zero. It's been on my mind a lot the last couple of weeks. Today being the anniversary I thought I would write a blog about it to express my thoughts and feelings.

I can still remember that day like it was yesterday. I was getting ready for school like any other normal day. I was putting on my makeup while listening to KBull 93 (I was really into country music back then). The DJ's got on the radio and said they received a call from a woman who had received an email from her friend in Louisiana saying a plan had struck the World Trades Center. They didn't know much about it so they said they would look into it and let us know. I thought nothing of it and continued getting ready for school. I walked into the living room where my mom had the Today Show on the TV (she watched it every morning). It was just after 7am and I stopped to watch it to see if I could figure out what the radio was talking about. As I was watching the second plane flew into the buildings. I remember sitting on the couch thinking to myself what in the world is going on? You hear about things like this happening in other places around the world, but not here. Not in America. We are supposed to be the big strong country where nothing bad could ever happen to us. I went to school that day and tried to concentrate. I remember my first period class was biology and Mr. Isham tried to teach the lesson the best he could. Third period was Driver's Ed. Coach Fullster (I think that's how you spell his name) stood in front of the class and said this is an important event that is happening so we need to watch it happen and be a part of history in the making. I sat there with my eyes glued to the TV trying to look down at my homework every now and again.

I can still remember being so confused as to why somebody would want to do this. How could anyone have this much hatred towards America that they would kill so many innocent people?

I've had the opportunity to visit Ground Zero a few times in the last few years. This last March while I was there I went to the church across the street from the site and gained a whole new perspective on things. The church served as a refuge for the rescue workers that risked their safety and their lives to help. The church is now a sort of memorial to those rescue workers now. I come from a family of law enforcement and I have always been thankful for the job they do. Now I am even more thankful for those men and women around the country (and the world) that risk their lives everyday to make my life just a little bit better.

On this the 9th anniversary of the attacks I want to let everyone know just how thankful I am to live in this country. I am proud to be an American and no one can ever take that away from me! I know sometimes our country isn't perfect and our leaders make poor choices, but that is the great thing about America, we have the freedom to do so! I feel so blessed to be here! And to those men and women who serve our country as police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, in the army, marines, who ever you are.... You are truely my heros and I will forever be indebted to you and all that you do for us! There is a special place in Heaven waiting for you!

Back Home

I'm finally back to the great place of Cedar City and I feel like I came home! It definitely isn't the same as it once was, but it is still wonderful!!! This year I am living in Mandalay Apartments. I have 3 other roommates who I get along with greatly! I was worried that I wouldn't fit in at all because I am so much older than everyone else, but it doesn't seem like too much of an issue. Well, besides the fact that I am surrounded by 18 year old boys. It will make dating a challenge, but I am up for the task. That is if I have time this semester! I am taking 6 classes (18 credits) and I have no idea why I ever thought that was a good idea. I have Intro to Law, Planning and Probate Law, Case Prep, Legal Ethics, Research and Writing, and Art History of the 19th Century. I really want to make sure that I can get thru the Paralegal program in the 2 years so I am taking all 5 classes that are offered this semester. Plus art history because I just love it!!! I got my old job back working as a mentor for the First Year Seminar class. I feel even older being surrounded by freshman 4 times a week, but it's a paycheck and a pretty easy job. I am so happy being back in Cedar and back in school. I know that this was totally the right choice for me and I am meant to be here. I'll be back in West Valley in October sometime for my birthday, but I'm not sure when that will be. For now I am just going to stay busy with homework and having fun!!!