Des Moines, Iowa

I have finally realized I have an addiction. I am addicted to bull riding. My friend Amanda and I drove to Des Moines, Iowa for the PBR rodeo. We met up with the two girls we met in Winston-Salem and had a blast. We made matching shirts for Friday night since we all were sitting together. We got the rodeo clown, Flint's, attention and we were known as the "wanted girls". There was nothing going on Friday night so we just went back to our hotel and went to bed. Saturday we went to Bass Pro Shop for Bull riding signing event. We got to talk to some of the riders including, Billy Robinson, who is from Galax, Virginia. He was surprised that we drove all the way from VA. Then Dustin Elliot asked me if we were the wanted girls and I said yes, and he was like yea I recognized you girls. Him saying that made my day. Then I got to see Ryan and Skeeter, who I met in NC, and they asked how we were doing. Later at the bar we met some of the Brazilians, Silvano and Pablo; however, they did not speak english. After about two hours we went up to their room and woke up Robson Palermo, another Brazilian,who speaks english. We all hung out in the lobby until Skeeter, Ned Cross and a few other riders came back from the bar. Then Skeeter, Ned, Cody Campbell and a few other guys came back to our hotel and hung out. Skeeter and Cody had to leave because they had to drive the next morning. Ned and two other guys crashed at our place. Ned missed his flight in the morning and the other two guys left when we left. Overall, the weekend was great! We met some really cool people and I love hanging out with the riders after the event. They sure know how to party. Hopefully, I get to go to another event before they come to UVA in September.

Random thoughts

Why do the girls who are whores get the good guys? There are so many great guys out there but most of them are dating whores. What is so great about them and not us normal/average girls? Yeah whores will put out but is that really a good thing in a relationship? How do you know your girl ain’t putting out with other guys? Us normal/average girls are great girls and are true in relationships, so why are we always the ones left behind and alone? We are the type of girls that are the marrying type, whores aren’t. How could you bring home a girl that has slept around with anything that walks and someone who puts up naked pictures of themselves on the internet? Do you really want your family to see that? And now that you took that picture off the internet do you really think that covers your past? Once photos are on the internet they never really go away. I don’t understand why great guys date such whores or bitches. Then later on down the road, once the girl cheats on them or do something else the guy wonders what went wrong. You dated her in the first place! That was your first mistake. The average normal girls sometimes are the best girls you will ever meet. When you first meet them they might not seem all that great but in the end they are the girls that will stay by your side no matter what. Guys get so frustrated when they find out their girlfriend cheated on them but oh can it be a huge surprise when they knew she was a whore to begin with? Once a whore, always a whore.

Random Thoughts

Sometimes life does not make sense. You think that one thing will happen but the complete opposite does. I don’t get that and I don’t get people. Today when I was pulling into the parking lot for class, I happen to glance over and see the guy who hit me. I couldn’t control myself and started to cry. I called my mom for support. I thought I would be able to handle seeing him but I guess not. I don’t know what I’m going to do when the trial starts.
I also got to have lunch with my grandparents which made me feel better. My grandparents always know how to make me feel better, even when I’m feeling the lowest I can. My grandfather always calls me his number grandchild or calls me the most beautiful girl in the world. I know all grandparents say that about their grandchildren but somehow it always makes me feel better.
I can’t wait for this summer. Even though I will be living down at Tech and working all the time, it will be fun. I will get to travel to different rodeos in Virginia and my family and I are taking a trip to Texas. We are driving down there but we are going to take 3 days to get there. We are going to stop in random cities and have some fun. We get to do a private tour before Sea World opens which will be awesome. We are also going to one of the best water parks in the USA, according to the Travel Channel. The park is so big that there are 2 sides. There is an East side and a West side. Last time I went, us only stayed on one side and didn’t even get to ride all the water slides. They also have a lazy river that was 45 minutes long. I didn’t believe it so I timed it and sure enough it took me 45 minutes to get to the end.

Austin Meier

Austin Meier wins again! This is the third Built Ford Tough Series Event win since the 2010 season started. He won the Winston-Salem Invitational, Kansas City Invitational and now the Ty Murray Invitational. I first met Austin in Winston-Salem. I hung out with him that weekend he won. He is a great guy and deserves to win. He is now the number one bull rider in the PBR. He has worked so hard to get to where he is. I know in Winston-Salem he won $40,000 and I believe for the Ty Murray Invitational he won about $30,000. That is a lot of money to make riding bulls for 8 seconds. Even though he is good at what he does, he also has had his downs. He told me the story when a bull stepped on his helmet; took it off and broke his jaw. He couldn’t where his helmet for a few weeks because his head was so swollen.
Four weeks from this Thursday my friend Amanda and I will be on our way to Des Moines, Iowa for a rodeo. Even though it is a 15 and a half hour drive there I believe it will be so worth it. I get to see my new girl friends, Kelly and Amy, and my favorite bull riders. I’m excited to be able to hang out with some of the riders again. I miss seeing them and I won’t be able to go to another event until September when they come to Charlottesville, Va. Even though we are not staying at the host hotel where the guys are probably staying, we are staying at a hotel on the same road just a quarter of a mile down the road.
The girls and I already have everything planned for the weekend. We know what food we are buying and what clothes we are wearing. We are making t-shirts that say Wanted: Cowboy on the front and putting requirements on the back. We 4 girls got seats next to each other for Friday night. It will be a weekend to never forget.

Spring Break...

Spring break was a great week. The first weekend started off pretty good. I hung out with my roommates Friday night and worked Saturday night. I went home for a couple of days from Sunday to Tuesday because I was having family problems. I came back and worked Tuesday night. Wednesday morning I fed the sheep for livestock and Wednesday night I did my sheep watch. Thursday I hung out around the apartment and same with Friday. I also worked Friday night. Saturday is where all the fun was.
My friend Amanda and I got up Saturday morning and left at noon for Hampton, VA. We drove four and a half hours to Hampton. We met up with my bull rider friends to get in. When we were walking to the arena one of the famous riders, Rookie of the Year, Cody Nance, yelled to me. He noticed I wasn’t walking on crutches anymore and asked how my leg was doing. I think it’s cool how a famous rider knows me and treats me like a friend. Cody is such a sweet guy and a great bull rider.
After the rodeo Amanda and I went to Hooters for food. Our waitress Renegade was very sweet and funny. She was a blast to have. After we ate we went to Red Roof to get a room to crash in. We left early Sunday morning and drove all the way back. I worked Sunday night, which was boring. After this week is over, there will be 6 more weeks until I’m driving to Des Moines, Iowa for a rodeo. Amanda and I are meeting 2 girls we met in Winston-Salem, who are Minnesota. They are amazing girls and Amanda and I miss them so much. Des Moines is going to be amazing. I get to meet up with Ryan McConnel, who is another famous bull rider, after the event.
Today I had a photoshoot with a guy I work with. The theme was some crazy Asian style and Teenage-love-affair. We went to downtown Roanoke and took some amazing pictures. It was nice being in front of a camera again. I miss modeling more than I thought. I can’t wait until I get the pictures back and see how they look.

Hunter and Animals party

So, this past week I have had a revelation. I want to live life like it’s my last. I know ever since my accident I have decided to live my life like that but I feel more like it now more than ever. I know an education is important but if I have my dream job and I’m living it, what’s the problem? I don’t need to have an education to own my own bulls. I also have a chance to get hands on experience with owning bulls with one of the best stock contractors. If I have a chance to work with a stock contractor what is stopping me? Yeah I might have to move to North Carolina but if it’s to live my dream than it’s a no brainer. My mom told me today that she can always come visit me wherever I am.
I might be farther from the guy I love but if he loves me back he will be happy for me. I need to experience this to make sure this is what I truly want to do. It’s funny how things work out and some things don’t. Even though I’m probably not coming back next semester, I’m glad I came here because I met so many people and have made friends with many people with the same interests I do. Block and Bridle introduced me to a lot of new friends and new experiences.
This weekend has been interesting. I finally went out for the first time since my accident. My friend’s birthday party was Friday night and the theme was Hunters and Animals. The guys dressed up as hunters and the girls dressed as animals. I wore a pink leopard print dress with leggings and heels. It was interesting walking with heels on but I did it. The party was great and everyone had a good time.
Most of my friends were there and it was nice to see them all. They all loved how the crutch was not stopping me from having a good time. I got to talk to some of the pledges and meet some new people which was really cool. My friend from Radford came with me and we had a great time together. However, Saturday morning I had driver improvement class in Roanoke, which sucked really bad. One of the Tech football players was there too, Brandon Keith, and he was nice and we talked for a bit.

Corner Store

Audience: High school and College students
Setting: a Corner store
A pair of expensive sneakers
A girl who’s trying to decide whether or not to call someone

One night a beautiful girl, Nichole, who is 5’5, with long dark brown hair, and big green eyes, was hanging out at the corner store with her friends. They were sitting in the back of her 2002 Black lifted Chevy Silverado. The girls were talking about the boys that were in their life. Nichole had just got into a fight with her boyfriend; therefore, she was out on the town with her girls to cheer her up. In the back of her mind she couldn’t decide if she should call him or not.
She knew that the fight was stupid and that she loved him but at the same time she was mad at him. Her friends were comforting her and telling her she was in the right and the boyfriend was a jerk. Nichole loved her boyfriend, Andrew, with all her heart but she was hurt and wasn’t sure if she had the strength to call him.
The corner store was the place to hang out. Everyone on Friday and Saturday night would come out with their pick up trucks. Everyone would just sit on the tailgates and socialize. Nichole wasn’t having as much fun as everyone else was. She was watching her friends flirt with someone of the guys that were three trucks down. She was happy for her friends because she remembered the day she met Andrew in that same corner store parking lot.
As the night went on Nichole still couldn’t make up her mind about calling Andrew. Then she saw his truck pull up into the corner store parking lot. He parked two rows away from Nichole. She was a little hurt by this but at the same time knew it was probably best. She saw him get out of his 1976 Ford F250 and open his tailgate. At that moment she knew she needed to talk to him.
Andrew saw Nichole when he drove into the parking lot. He wanted to talk to her but he didn’t know what to say. He knew he was in the wrong but didn’t know how to apologize. After a few minutes he got the courage to go over and talk to Nichole. Nichole saw Andrew coming and her heart began to beat faster and faster. She started to get butterflies in her stomach and felt that she wouldn’t be able to breathe.
“You look beautiful tonight,” said Andrew. “Thank you,” replied Nichole. “I’m sorry for yelling at you. I guess I just don’t like seeing you talking to bull riders or cowboys.” “Why? They are just my friends,” answered Nichole. “Because, you love those kinds of guys. They are your dream guys,” said Andrew. “I love you Andrew. If I didn’t I wouldn’t be with you. Yes, I love the rodeo but I don’t want to be with anyone else but you. Plus, I don’t like all of the people you hang out with. You know Brittany likes you and she is always coming over. I don’t like the way she acts around you. It bothers me really bad.” “She is just a friend. She is not even my type Nichole and you know that. She spent so much money on those new sneakers she got and I think that’s stupid. You know me and what I like,” replied Andrew.
Nichole looked into his eyes and knew he was right. She never did like Brittany but she also knew Brittany and Andrew getting together would never happen. Andrew walked toward Nichole, grabbed her waist, pushed her against her truck and kissed her. She put her hand on his face and kissed him back. She knew that one day she wanted to marry Andrew and loved him with all her heart. They had their good days and bad days but what couple doesn’t. You have to work at a relationship everyday.
Seven years later, on a Friday night the same friends were hanging out at the same corner store. Everyone was back together again having a great time. Andrew and Nichole were sitting on the back of Andrew’s truck, as they usually did on Friday nights. Andrew then turns and looks at Nichole. “Nichole, remember the first night we met in this parking lot about eight years ago?” “Yeah, why?” replied Nichole. “I knew at that moment that I wanted you in my life forever. So, I’m asking you Nichole, will you be with me forever?” Nichole was in shock and didn’t know how to react. “Of course I will,” she replied. Nichole put her arms around Andrew and they shared one of the most romantic kisses they ever had.

Grandmas house

Grandmothers always know how to make things better. I went to visit my grandma this weekend. She lives in small town Chase City, VA. I have had a hard week and going to visit her made things better. I also got to see my friend Sarah, her husband James and my baby son, also my nephew, Jonah. We went to Hooters in Raleigh for dinner Saturday night. It was the first time I have ever been and it was amazing! We went to church Sunday morning and the teens preached instead. It was funny. They did a great job. I got to watch some of the PBR event that was on tv this weekend. It was interesting watching them do an interview with Ryan because I hung out with him all last weekend. And today I bought my PBR tickets for Des Moines in April. Amanda and I are driving there to meet the girls we met in Winston-Salem. I can’t wait until Des Moines because it’s going to be a great time! I’m hoping to meet more of the guys this time and hang out with JB Mauney.
I hope this year goes better than last year. I’m having my struggles now but I know things happen for a reason. I understand my accident had a reason, I know me feeling the way I do now has a reason, and I know there will be reasons for future things. I got a package today from my mom and sister and it made me cry. It made me realize how much I truly miss my baby sister and my mom. My sister is my life and looking at the cards she made me and her writing I love you really upset me. I can’t wait until I can go home and see her.

PBR in Winston-Salem

My weekend was the best weekend of my life. I didn’t care that it was snowing hard and some guy had to push my car out for me, nothing was going to stop me from getting to the rodeo. My friend Kate bailed scared of the snow so I called my friend Amanda from Radford if she wanted to. She said yes, no questions asked. I picked her up and we drove 2 hours to Winston-Salem. We got to our hotel and we were checking in. Amanda asked the lady at the desk if the riders were staying there and she said yes she checked in some guy JB earlier, and I freaked. I told her that was my favorite rider. I couldn’t believe JB Mauney was staying at the same hotel I was. We got into our room and were amazed by how nice it was. We got ready then left to get some dinner before the show. Since I’m a PBR member we got to get in early and go down to the arena for pictures and autographs.
It was so cool because some of the guys who came down I have watched on TV for years and have always been fans of. We got to our seats and they were really good. The show was amazing and while we got pictures we met 2 girls, Amy and Kelly, they are from Minnesota, that were really cool and we told them they should chill with us. After the rodeo we got to get more pictures with the guys. JB Mauney came out and my heart stopped. He was just right in front of me, I couldn’t believe it. After the show we met the girls at this place called Wild Wings Café but no one was there, so we went back to our hotel to meet up with a rider that I knew. We finally find Ryan and the guys. One Brazilian rider Renato Nunes made brownies and gave some to me and Amanda. Later we went to his room and it was, Ryan McConnel, my friend, Skeeter Kingsolver and Austin Meier. They were really cool to hang out with.
We hung out in their room until about 4:30am. On Saturday Amanda and I went out to lunch with Kelly and Amy. We talked about what happened the night before and how much fun we had together. We all got along great considering I don’t get along with girls very well. After lunch they went back to their hotel and we went to ours. Kelly and Amy had 2 extra tickets for Saturday and said they would give them to me and Amanda for free. We got to the rodeo and got some more pictures with some more of the riders. We went to the after party which was in a suite where food was made for the guys. Renato was there and was making fun of me as usual. We went to a bar where most of the guys were going called Johnny and June’s. However, the cover charge was $20 per person. Amanda and I didn’t see that working out therefore, we left and went back to the hotel. As soon as we walked in I saw Ryan, Skeeter and Austin. They were hanging out at the bar in the hotel but Amanda and I were too tired and went up to the room.
Ryan texted me later around 2:30am to hang out. Ryan was so hyper; he was jumping between the beds and jumping from the dresser to the beds. Skeeter was just laying on the bed with me while Ryan and Austin were having fun acting like kids. The boys were excited because Austin had won the entire event and won about $40,000 and Skeeter was in 4th place. Ryan didn’t make the championship round but was still in a great mood. Overall, my weekend was the best I have ever had. I can’t wait until I have a career with the rodeo and I can hang out with the guys every weekend.

this week

So, this is how my weekend started. Friday morning I went out to start my car and it wouldn’t. Finally hours later my car was towed to the shop and got fixed. Finally at around 4 I was able to leave for home. The next morning I woke up to 4 inches of snow on the ground. I was so angry. My car slid every 2 seconds on the road until I got to the hospital. I got my xrays done then finally made it to my friends Katie and Scott’s house. They had built a bonfire which was warm and really beautiful. Later we went four wheeling in the snow but then mine and Katie’s faces were frozen from the wind. We went inside and warmed up and watched a movie. I got back to Tech and was trying to park and got stuck. So a couple of people had to push my car to get it out. I can’t wait until I can trade in my car for a truck. Hopefully I can get a nice Chevy truck and get a lift and suspension kit and get the trucked lifted nice.
My week is going to be so busy. I have Block and Bridle interviews today and tomorrow. On Wednesday it’s the B&B potluck dinner and B cutting. I’m going to Salem on Thursday for the Jason Aldean concert. Finally on Friday I leave for Winston-Salem for the rodeo. I can’t wait for it because I get to hang out with the riders before and after. On top of all that I have so much homework to do for my classes. Ok…I know this is random but the guy upstairs is so annoying! He plays guitar every day and sucks. He’s playing now but is playing extra loud and really bad. I hope he moves out over the summer.

A little about myself

Here is a little about myself. I’m Amber, a sophomore, and I’m 20 years old. I’m an Animal and Poultry Science major with an emphasis in livestock. After I graduate I want to become a stock contractor, someone who owns bucking bulls for the rodeo. At home I spend my time four-wheeling, usually in the mud pit, or hanging out with friends and my family. My baby sister, Kristen, who is 7 years old is my life. Three out of the four tattoos I have are for her. I live in Foxridge apartments off campus with two of my best friends. On weekends we love to hang out and have a good time. All three of us are part of a club here at Tech called, Block and Bridle.
On December 10, 2009 I was taking people home from a B&B party. I was walking across the street when I heard a car, turned, saw headlights, and woke up in the street to people screaming and telling me not to move. I had no idea what happened and asked my friend Zach, who was holding my head still, what had happened and he said I was hit by a car. I didn’t know what to say. All I remember was begging my friend Tom not to leave me and telling my roommate to call my best friend/ex boyfriend Scott because we got in a fight 20 minutes before the accident.
When the EMTs showed up my friend Alden was one of the guys. He told me that they had to cut off my clothes. I threw a fit because I had my favorite pair of jeans on and my new pair of cowboy boots. They still cut them off and I was laying there freezing. I got to the hospital and they were doing all the medical stuff they had to do. They finally told me I had 2 fractures in my left leg, broke my nose, and I got stitches in my eyebrow and lip.
I was a mess in the hospital. Knowing that my life could have ended that night made me realize what was important and who was important in my life. Still do this day I wonder how things would be different if the accident never happened. Things happen for a reason and I believe the accident happened to show me who truly cares about me. Its sad how an almost death experience brings out how people really feel. I’m happy to be ok and healing fast. I’m not use to being so dependent on people, I can’t wait until I can be independent again.

PS. PLEDGE BLOCK AND BRIDLE!!!!! Forms are in Litton-Reaves in the back on the B&B board. It’s so much fun and really not that bad to get into. It’s completely worth it!!