"Stress"

I remember when I was in high school and would have a really busy week, I would make excuses for my attitude or unwillingness to help around the house by telling my mom how stressed I was. She often said it would only get worse as I got older. I told her that was impossible; my days couldn't be any fuller nor my responsibilities any more.

Just a few years later I find myself humored by the naivety of my teenage self. I also recognize that while I just completed one of the most stressful weeks of my life, there are likely countless more such weeks down the road.

Yesterday marked the end of my squad's cheerleading camp. For a variety of reasons, we decided against attending the traditional USA/UCA camps this summer and to instead host our own. We stayed in a hotel, hired in choreographers and coaches, practiced in a hot gym for 8 hours a day, and ate each meal together. Overall, I would call the camp a success. But wow. Simply knowing that I had to essentially plan 15 hours a day for 4 days for 12 girls was enough to induce illness. Add to that the urge toward perfectionism I encountered because I felt the need to impress a few doubting parents, and you've got yourself a full-on anxiety attack.

When all was said and done, my hands-on participation in the camp was relatively limited. I had great guest teachers that guided my girls through stunting, tumbling, choreography, and team-building workshops. I have an unbelievable assistant coach that allows me to relax, takes the reigns when I can't, and sees eye-to-eye with me on pretty much anything of importance. For all those that allowed the camp to fully develop I am indescribably grateful. To top things off, I had tremendous familial support when my girls performed their newly learned materials at a showcase yesterday evening. Thanks guys!

Now that the whole camp ordeal is over, I am free to stress about school. On Monday I'll begin classes for hopefully the last time at BYU. I only have to make sure to pass 12 credits of class in 6 weeks...Does that task seem a bit insurmountable to anyone else? No? Okay then, it's just me.

Wish me luck...