SeRUNity NOW!

So, if you haven't noticed, I haven't really been blogging over here lately.  School has been keeping me busy...AND I decided to start a running blog.  I am still trying to decide if I am going to make the move permanently, but for now, most of my energy is going over there. That leaves this blog a little neglected. It is still in it's early stages and hopefully there will be some upgrades over there soon, but I would REALLY love it if you would follow my new bloggy blog at SeRUNity NOW! 

Over the past few months running has become incredibly important to me. While I may not have become a world-class runner *yet*, I have certainly become a better person as I have worked to prove myself wrong in thinking that I would never be an athletic person and that there were somethings that I would just never be able to do.  Running is proving to me that I can do just about anything I put my mind to - and no past experience, negative voices, or silly stereotypes can keep me down! I have made new friends, learned lots of new things, and have even been able to help out some other beginning runners!

Running rules! Come check out my little blog!

Thanks Steve Jobs!

Really,  all I knew about Steve Jobs was that he wore black turtlenecks and made it possible for me to fit my entire music collection in the back pocket of my jeans. 

Since the announcement of his death I have appreciated seeing all of the quotes that have been posted in memory of him.  This one touched me the most:

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs

He also said that he wanted to make a ding in the universe. I would say that he more than succeeded in that endeavor. 

Thanks Steve Jobs. Well done. 

NO PANTS!

So, Mondays and Wednesdays are pretty exciting for me. I get up at 6:00am alarm snooze alarm 6:25am to throw all of my stuff together and head over to campus for my 7:00am spin class. On these days my morning is usually a frantic rush of throwing on my spin clothes, packing my gym bag with clothes for my school day AND all of my swimming gear for my swim class, packing up my backpack, packing my breakfast and my lunch, and running out the door with my water bottle and keys in hand. Usually this is a very successful process. This morning seemed no different.

I got to spin class just in time, spun my little heart out, and then moseyed on over to the Tanner building. Ethics was canceled today, so I had all the time in the world to get ready (as opposed to my usual 12.5 minutes). Anyway, I pulled all of my school clothes out of my gym bag; shirt, hoodie, socks, pants...wait, pants?! I looked everywhere, pulled everything out of the bag, and soon there was nothing else left in the bag! NO PANTS! What was a girl to do? There is no way I could show up for my next class (or, in fact, show my face in public in my cycling shorts). I was stuck.

Luckily I remembered that I had been a Girl Scout (a Brownie and a Junior, thank you very much), and it was a good thing that I had been taught to be prepared - there was a spare pair of pants in my car! They were sweat pants, but they would certainly do in a pinch!  The short of the long of it, is that I spent the day walking around the Marriott School of Business looking like a house mom who just got home from the gym, but you know what? I had pants on!

Grown Up Girl Grad School

Today during one of my classes we may have gotten a little antsy on the back row.  I think that is all I am going to say about this one. 

General Conference!

Every six months I eagerly anticipate hearing from the general leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Church leaders speak to the over 13 million members of the church world-wide, and to anyone else who desires to tune in. Over 2 days there are 5 sessions of the conference. I participated in 4 of them. That is 8 hours of church in 2 days. There are very few weekends in my year that can compete with conference weekends. Church leaders are not given topics to speak on, they pray and prepare what they think the Lord would have them say. It is incredible to see how patterns develop in what they present. I find every conference that there are several talks that I am sure were written just for me. This year they were; Elder Cook's talk on "looking up" and having hope in the face of adversity, Elder Uchtdorf's talk on enjoying the blessings we have now and remembering that we are not forgotten of the Lord, and Elder Cornish who spoke about how the Lord is wants to be involved in the tiniest details of our lives and is ready and willing to bless us in those details if we will be true and are willing to ask.

Each conference I learn something that makes me want to be a better person, a better disciple of Christ. I am grateful for him and for the sacrifices he made for me. I am thankful for his atonement, knowing that through Christ, I have the ability to grow, to improve, and to leave behind everything that holds me back. I am thankful for this wonderful weekend and for my renewed resolution to do a little better. I am already anticipating April conference...

Running Dirty

 Last Saturday I finally got to run in the Dirty Dash! I don't know why running through the mud is so blasted appealing, but we were pretty stoked to participate. Kate, Steve, and I were all 100% committed to getting as dirty as we could, and if I do say so myself (and I do), we got good and filthy. We ran the 10k and finished in a more than respectable time, considering we demolished the obstacles and took several little breaks to push each other into the muddiest mud we could find.

The week of the race the Dirty Dash sent an email out to all of the participants with the pre-race details. This email informed me that the mud gods thought I was too clean, and that they were out to get me. I won't lie, I got a little nervous-excited when I read that. The mud gods? This was gonna be a good race. Honestly, the best thing about the Dirty Dash is that everyone is just out there to have a good time. There is pretty much no hope for a PR when your shoes are caked in 5lbs of mud, so there is nothing to do but just dive in and have a good time. I am sure that I have said it here before, but one of my very favorite things about running is the camaraderie of the runners. Everyone is so upbeat and supportive. I guess that is what you get when you get several hundred, or even thousand, people who are high on endorphins together.

My trusted roommate Jessica came as out photographer and support team. She shared with us the most coveted bit of advice a dirty dasher can receive - the warm showers are more than worth the $4. We all opted to avoid the icy mountain run-off showers and opted for the pressure wash and hot water instead. It was a dream come true.

After the race we hit up The Hub for a late breakfast. It is a great little place in Heber that seemed to be the most delicious place I had ever eaten.  I felt that way about the place that we ate at the end of our relay. I have a feeling that may just be true for any place I eat after a long run.  It was delicious though, we had a great time. Good food, good friends, good mud. Who could ask for more? I am already looking forward to next year!

It's Friday, Friday, Friday...

Hooray for Friday! Another week bites the dust! This week has been pretty blasted great. I discovered Pink Lemonade Ice at Baskin Robbins with Heather, hit up the Costco and stocked up our house with Emily, got fresh peaches from my spin teacher, took top lane in my swim class, and hit up institute! We are back in our old building and I couldn't be happier.  Things are so much more cozy over there. When you have 400 people attending, it gets a little impersonal when we are all crowded into a huge auditorium, so being split into smaller classes is a welcome change.

 With all this goodness, you would never think that my week could have been cooler, but it was. The highlight was going to see The Drowsy Chaperone at the Hale Center Theater with the MPA's Professors Unplugged. This year the MPA program is hosting events that highlight a particular professor and something that they love to do. This week was going to the theater with Dr. Thompson. Next week will be tennis with Dr. A. It is a cool way to enjoy something new while getting to know the professors outside of class.  Who knew that they were real people too?

Anyway, the show was fun. I laughed out loud. A lot. It was a riot, but not exactly a show I would rush to see again. Overall, I would give it a B. Super fun for one night. Solid dollar theater fare. The talent was great, it was the actual show that was just so-so. Although, the musical was based on both fondly remembering and jovially poking fun at the cotton candy musicals of days gone by, so I guess I couldn't have expected any real depth.  This being the case, they get an A for hitting their mark.

After the show we all caravaned over to the Thompson's home. They had made us dessert and we stood around and chatted about the show and got to know one another a little bit better. It was lovely. Sometimes it is just so nice to get a breath of fresh air and not have to focus on school for a minute. The Thompsons were absolutely delightful. It was also nice to be able to reconnect with my theater roots and not be thought of as crazy for want to talk musicals all night long. For that, I am very grateful.

Well, now that this update is done, I must be off to finish my week.  A little more organizing, a lot more homework, and one very epic ward campout are still yet to come.

Have a great weekend!

So Hot Housewarming Party!

Friday night we had an epic housewarming party. Let me tell you, our house is now more than sufficiently warmed! We had ice cream, impromptu kitchen dancing, and a rockin photo booth. We partied with old friends, made some new friends, and pretty much had the best night of our lives.

I LOVE my new place. It actually feels like home! That is a feeling that is nigh unto impossible to obtain as a student, so I am very grateful. In fact, I would probably say that it is the nicest place that I have lived as student. Pictures of our place will come soon, so that you can feel at home as well, but right now our home is reveling in it's post-party bliss and may or may not be exactly picture worthy. :)

Anyway, school is in full swing and I am already feeling overwhelmed. Luckily I really love my classes, so I am much happier pushing through the crazy than I was last year. I am still getting back into the swing of my schooling schedule, but I have a feeling that once I get on top of things I will have an incredible semester. Stay tuned, as I will let you know how that pans out.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Thanks.

Back in the Saddle!

So, it's been awhile. In the last two weeks I finished my internship, steamed Amy Grant's dress, got hired as a recruiter for the MPA program, went on the first ever MPA orientation rafting trip as a second-year mentor, and started my last year of school (hopefully) EVER! Oh, and I moved. I have been a little busy. 

Baby, baby! Just chilling backstage with Amy Grant after the show. 

Rafting with Andrew, my program BFF and Liz and Gee, my Sherpees! 

The lovely thing about all of this crazy is that thing are only going to keep getting better! I am super stoked about my classes. I am taking several nonprofit management classes. This is cool because that is why I am here at school in the first place - hooray for getting past core required classes! I am also taking a negotiations class that is going to help me to acquire a spine! I have been needing one of those for a while. I have a great ethics class that will teach me to be a good person - a definite necessity ;), and I am taking spin AND swimming.  Mmmm,  I do love me some endorphins! Take that grad school anxiety!

There is just no better way to start the day than to get up at the crack of dawn and take on climbs and speed intervals. I know this because I did it one time. Today. I had my first spin class at 7:00 this morning. I really hated life when my alarm went off at 6:00 so I could finish my ethics paper, but by the time I was sitting on that bike I was ready to go! Our teacher took it fairly easy on us today, but I still got my butt kicked. However, I did do my fair share of kicking back and I am excited to spend my mornings in a crazy sweat fest. By the way, we all sign up to do music for the class. Does anyone have recommendations for a good spin playlist?

I love change and new adventure. I don't think that anything in my life is the same as it was a year ago and I am so grateful for that. Things have either changed entirely, or they have just gotten better. It is so great to be able to see how far I have come, and to know that I just get to keep taking on this crazy adventure that is grad school. This year is going to rock!

Relay Recap

Highlights from the Relay

Getting in the van Friday morning with the rest of my team and feeling like I belonged there. 

Seeing Camilla, Katie, and Faith dance to Justin Bieber in a wheat field. 

Running an 8:17 mile in my first leg! Yup folks, that is my fastest ever!

Sporting my homemade tutu and cape for the "Brightest Running Outfit" contest during my first leg.

Seeing the "Best Light Show" contest. Everyone was decked out in flashing lights and glow-in-the-dark gear for the midnight run.

An endless supply of chocolate milk

Having a child vomit all over me at 11:30pm and totally staying cool

Walking up delirious after negative 2  hours of sleep to hop on an insane roller coaster with the rest of my team at 3:00 in the morning. 

My last leg. A 6.1 mile run along the Pend Orielle River in Priest River, ID. I would say it was probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. 

6 orders of "The Special" for breakfast at the Village Cafe.  6 plates full of eggs, steak, homefries, and toast. It was our first real meal since dinner the night before we started, so it had been maybe 36 hours. Mmmm. 

Crossing the finish line with my team and receiving my first finishers medal! 

Spokane to Sandpoint

It is 1:10am. I am leaving for Washington in about 4 1/2 hours! If you have recently read my blog you will know that my dear friend Camilla just moved away to North Carolina. Lucky for me, she talked me into signing up for this relay race long before she left. So, tomorrow I get to see Camilla again AND I get to run in my VERY FIRST RELAY RACE! I am just a little bit excited. Can you tell?  Well, some of that excitement may be my futile efforts to erase the nervous feeling that I have in the pit of my stomach, as I am about to try something that I never thought I would ever be capable of, but most of it really is just pure excitement. We are going to camp in Spokane tomorrow night and then we will hit the road Friday morning for the 180 glorious miles that will take us into Idaho by way of 12 runners, 36 legs, and one roller coaster! That's right. Roller coaster. Once you get to the theme park, the whole team boards a roller coaster and then the next runner takes off from there. How cool is that? Anyway, I need to go finish packing. I am sure that there will be plenty of pictures and stories to come. In the meantime, put some good things out in the universe for me so I can make it back alive!

UP

Last week I went out for a lovely adventure with my best henny friend who lives up in Herriman. In the midst of all this adventure, we got a little lost on our way to dinner out in Daybreak.  (BTW, if you are looking for a scenic drive that will transport you to 1930s rural America, go get lost west of Herriman) Luckily for us, our detour landed us not very far from the UP house! So, we took a little sidetrip and went to see this delight that is being highlighted in the Parade of Homes. We only did a quick drive-by, but it was still pretty magical. 

 The house is seriously exactly like the one in the movie. I hear that the inside has even been decorated to match the house in the film.  That is some pretty serious business if you ask me. 

Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, we noticed that there was quite a big of commotion at the front of the house. Yup, that's right. There was an old man and a boy scout sitting on the porch!

This was the last thing I expected to do with my evening, but it was pretty darn cool. If you live around here, you should totally take the kids. People don't just rebuild animated movie sets everyday. 

Camilla the Thrilla

I have been dreading this post for a long time. This summer has been great, several very dear friends have moved on to new adventurous lives in faraway places, and I am afraid that today I had to say goodbye yet again. Luckily it was only a partial goodbye as we have the good fortune of meeting up Washington next week for our relay, but then there will be another goodbye and we just aren't going to think about that right now.   

Camilla J Hodge (aka The Blur) is off to North Carolina to start a PhD program! (Yes, I do only keep rock stars as friends) She will be studying Parks and Recreation Management. I really can’t begrudge her leaving; she was born to do this. Camilla is quite honestly one of the most brilliant people that I have ever met. She is perseverant, dedicated, and stubborn. PhD, you don’t know what is coming to get you.

For me, Camilla was one of those people who came crashing into my life and showed me how much cooler everything could be. I kid you not, I owe a great deal of my awesomeness to Camilla. Many thanks to my darling friend for the sheepen, Yogurtland, the inspiration of the yellow raincoat of justice, your love of MJ, my love of running, so many shared boxes of crackaroni and cheese, Sara B sing-a-longs, that one day that we ran in the canyon and it made everything better, for letting me fall asleep on your bean bag chair, and for believing in me. Oh, and for being my neighbor in 2007, even though we didn’t know it.

Milla, you are making me cry. I miss you already.

Do me a favor and look up that front desk clerk at that hotel will you?

VIVAN LOS BISCUITS! 

I came. I saw. I TRIed.

I thought several times about doing a pre-tri post, but I really didn't know if it was going to happen. I was SCARED. I decided part way through this week that it might be a good thing to do, and spent the rest of the week trying to convince myself that I had made the right decision. I haven't been training for a triathlon! Even though this was just a sprint, I was still really scared. I had never done anything like it before and just didn't know what to expect. However, in the midst of training for the Spokane to Spandpoint relay, I have been doing a lot of cross-training, and after a couple of test brick workouts, I decided to go for it.

Last night I was really nervous. I got all my gear out so, if nothing else, I would feel prepared. It made me feel a little better. I looked legit! And I noticed that everything I have matches. It is all blue and green! Everything was going to be ok. My goal was to not finish last. I honestly thought that it might be a problem. You see, this triathlon was put on by our stake (how cool is that?).  It is free to participate in, and you can participate as an individual, or as part of a team. What this translates to is that most beginners choose to participate as part of a team. That leaves crazy rock stars doing everything by themselves. Well, crazy rock stars - and me. YIKES!

 I think I woke up three times during the night, worried that I had slept through the event. I also dreamed that Oliver had completed the entire tri before I had even finished the run. (He was really speedy, this dream wasn't all that far from the truth, though I blame that on my mountain bike - well, that  and the fact that Oliver is pretty much a natural born rock star).  In the morning Camilla, Oliver, and I packed up the car and headed over to the Springville pool where the event would start. Camilla was AMAZING. She was our coach. She cheered, took pictures, and helped us with our transitions. I don't know what I would have done without her. Once we got signed up and had our numbers written on us, the fear started to subside and I felt ready to tackle the tri!

The run was really good. Besides being almost 3.5 miles instead of 3.1, I felt really good about my time. Biking was next. Even though I was on my mountain bike, I feel like I tore it up the best I could. We went out and back twice and the only moment of the day when I REALLY had to give it 150% was when I had to climb a cursed hill for the second time. I had to rely on my running mantra, "Nobody stops me but me." As long as I keep moving forward, I will keep moving forward. And I did, slowly, but surely. At the top of the hill I saw Oliver on his way back down. I shouted "If I can do this, I can do anything!" I believe that. 13 miles? Done. Oliver and Camilla both met me for the swim transition, they were awesome, and I was ready to go without even realizing what had just happened. The pool was warm and chaotic, but at that point, there was no stopping me. I made my way through the 600m swim and you better believe that I ran through that finish line.  And then you know what? I WAS DONE! I completed my first triathlon!  And to top it all off, I kid you not, Justin Beiber was singing Never Say Never as I crossed the line. Whoa. Thanks Justin.

When I was deciding whether or not to make an attempt at this day, I thought about how it would feel to cross the finish line. After that moment, there was no turning back. Finishing felt exactly like I thought it would. I had also been worried about competing with other people from the Stake, but they were great. The stake presidency and one of the members of our old bishopric were there to guide us and cheer us on. There were a lot of incredible volunteers, and best of all was the fact that (and deep inside I already knew this would be true) every one who I knew that passed me cheered me on, (and I cheered on the few that I passed!). Overall it was a great event, and I am so glad that I had the courage to try.

Happy Birthday Avi!

My adorable little niece is one today!

Trail Runners and Midnight Concerts

Happy Pioneer Day! I found out late Friday afternoon that I wouldn't have to go into work on Monday. Hooray for Pioneers! I hadn't planned on having the day off, so I hadn't made a lot of plans. It ended up being a pretty perfect day.  As I finally had some time to go up into the mountains, I decided to take my trail runners for their inaugural run. They are the most beautiful pair of shoes I have ever seen. I am not kidding. I almost cried when I saw them online - I knew that they had to be mine. Now they are, and I am one exceedingly happy girl. Anyway, I ran up to Stewart Falls and it was absolutely lovely. Below you can see a picture of my runners in their natural habitat:

On my way up the trail, a mom pulled her 5 year old daughter to the side of the trail so I could pass and said, "See, that is tough. She is going to run all the way up there."  I wanted to stop and hug her. On the way back a lady said, "Wow, that is impressive." I wanted to hug her too, but it was all downhill at that point and I would have run her over if I had tried to stop. I can't tell you how grateful I am for little moments like that.  As I sat by the falls, I took some time to really think about what I was doing there. I had made the choice to spend a good chunk of my day off alone, running. Who have I become? I came to a very satisfying conclusion, and I would love to chat about it, but it is far more involved than anything I can write here. Just know that it is a totally stellar conclusion, and I am glad that I took the time to hang out with me today.

I did also get some premium friend time in. We made dinner, stopped by FHE, and ended the night with an adventure of epic proportions. At about 10:30 I went to bed, but couldn't sleep. At 11:30 I heard yelling outside my window coming from somewhere across the neighborhood and wondered what on Earth was going on? Didn't people know that I couldn't sleep and this wasn't helping? Well, about 30 seconds later I heard my front door slam. One of my very dear friends had all but run for her life and found safety in my front room.  Turns out there was an altercation between her and her roommate, and said roommate lost her temper and went a little too far got way out of hand. My friend ended up calling the police and 4 of us spent the next few hours waiting, talking to the cops and waiting some more. In the midst of the waiting we had an impromptu concert in my front room. It is always a good idea to have a guitar around to take the edge off of high-anxiety moments like these.  Anyway, all is resolved, and everyone is safe. And I have had a Pioneer Day that I will never forget.

When ye are in the service of your fellow beings....

Our Bishopric was released today. I never been so emotional at a Bishopric release. I have truly come to love and respect these men who have served this ward for the past three years. They sacrificed time with their own families to provide a family for us. They took care of us, watched out for us, chastised us, and loved us as their own. They bore testimony of the reality and truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They helped me to strengthen my resolve to be a better daughter of God. Through their love, I have been able to better understand the love that my Father in Heaven has for me. I will be eternally grateful for that.

In other news, our new Bishop looks like Santa Claus, but without the beard. He seems just as kind. I know that the time had come for this change, and that it is for the best, but I will be sad to see our old Bishopric go. Luckily, none of them live too far away, and they should not be surprised if I show up for a visit every now and again.

All my thanks to Bishop Sorenson, Brother Liddiard, and Brother Miller.

Impossible is Nothing

I watched the first part of Man on Wire last night. Now I want to go do something amazing. Any suggestions?

Rain

When it's pouring rain and you're bowling along through the wet, there's satisfaction in knowing you're out there and the others aren't.

     -Peter Snell, former New Zealand athlete and three-time Olympic gold medalist

I went for a run in the rain yesterday. It was fabulous. I honestly wish it had rained a little bit more, oh well.  When I got home last night, this quote came through in my email. I thought it was very nice of runnersworld to send me a quote that was tailored to my day. 


The more I think about it, I am pretty sure that this quote applies to the rest of life as well. Sometimes, when life gets crazy and you keep bowling along through the wet, there is an incredible sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are moving forward, that you are doing something incredible, that you are pushing farther than you ever have before. 


Running in the rain is cool. 

Potter Mania

Last night I got off of work PROMPTLY at 5:00pm so I could speed crawl though the rush hour traffic to get to the theater in time for an early showing of Harry Potter! Kate's sister Erin hooked us up with the tickets and I am forever grateful that I didn't have to stay up for a midnight showing. I am an old lady now, and I am happiest when I don't have to go to work on 4 hours of sleep.  Anyway, on my way into the theater I caught glimpses of  kids running through the parking lot in graduation robes and bulky black glasses. Then I walked past this car that was all but plastered with Harry Potter bumper stickers:

 I knew this night was going to be good. 

I was right. We walked into the theater and the first thing we saw was Dumbledore putting the sorting hat on Erin's head and telling her that she was a Hufflepuff. I didn't get my phone out fast enough to capture the moment, but I did get this sneaky shot of Dumbledore and Hagrid. 

Inside the theater the magic continued. The girl next to me was pregnant and had a sign taped to her belly that said, "Dark Lord On Board." Hagrid, Dumbledore, Luna, and some other friends of Hogwarts hosted a little trivia game before the movie. I didn't know any of the answers. It was a serious Harry Potter Fan Fail on my part. I did have a wand though, Erin made us some chocolate covered pretzel sticks and we did our best to cast spells with them.  Camilla's favorite spell is the "accio" one, so we tried to accio peoples popcorn and sodas. It didn't work.  Wizarding fail. The movie, however, was not a fail. We had a marvelous time. I won't say anything else, because I know that a lot of you haven't seen the movie yet, but I will leave you with a picture of Dobby.  He had a sock pinned to his potato sack. That is true dedication.

Happy Potter Day!

Sub 9, Sub 30, Sub 40

Guess what is on its way to my house?! After a brief stop in the Bay Area, these little beauties are on their way to me! I got a sweet deal on them and I am counting down the seconds until they arrive.

Timing couldn't be more perfect because there is just one month to go until the Spokane to Sandpoint Relay! I am getting more than a little bit excited.  And the best part is that I am finally making a marked improvement in my running!

Last night I ran a mile under 9 minutes! (If you would like to take a moment and do a happy dance in honor of me, I will let you.)  Now, I know that for all you seasoned runners out there, this isn't a big deal, but if you can think back to how excited you were when you knew that not only did you love running, but it might be possible that you didn't totally suck at it, then you will be able to begin to feel my elation at my accomplishments. AND it gets better... that speedy one mile turned into my first sub-30 5k and my first sub-40 4 miler. There is something incredibly magical about accomplishing something that you have never done before. I came home feeling like a rock star.

Just when you thought things couldn't get any better, I am going to celebrate all of this by going to see the last Harry Potter movie tonight at 7:00pm. That is right! We got tickets to an early showing! No midnight movies for us! Wahoo!

Coke and Cookies

So, if you haven't heard yet, I had a bit of an adventure on Friday. I was chatting with our admin at work at about 11:00am and all of the sudden I started to feel a little woozy. I told her that I was going to go sit down and slowly headed back to my office. Before I made it there I apparently turned around and I looked at her and said, "I think I am going to pass out." Then I went white and hit the floor.

I woke up thinking, "Wow, I am so comfortable. Aren't I supposed to be at work? Um, I think I am at work. Oh, no. That did NOT just happen." Then I heard someone saying, "You need to call 911." At that point all I can think is, "NO! I am on student insurance. I am not working all summer long to pay for one freak of nature fainting spell!" I roused myself as quickly as I could and convinced my co-workers that I was alright. I got up, sat on a chair, rethought that action and sat on the floor and was soon surrounded by anxious co-workers. They were talking about what I needed and sugar was the first thing on everyone's minds. They all went their separate ways and then rushed back in with a coke, 3 chips ahoy cookies, a fruit cup.

I was ordered to eat all of it (which I did) and then they went to get the building doctor. He came in, asked me a couple of questions and told me to rest, get some fluids (not Coke), and left me with a mostly clean bill of health. My sister came to get me and I left my poor little car in the parking garage, as I had been prohibited from operating a vehicle. I ended up at the Student Health Center at BYU and it was there that I was informed that my blood pressure was frighteningly low and my electrolytes were seriously out of whack. Oops. This doctor also recommended rest, and fluids, but maybe not quite so much water...

I may have gone up to Park City that night, down to Manti the next morning and then crashed at 5:00pm.  I did not officially wake up again until 7:00am. Consider me fully rebooted. Yikes.

I am still a little freaked out that I might randomly loose consciousness, and everyone in the office seems a little leery of me, but I am fairly sure that as is well. Even though I do plan on drinking a lot of Gatorade and walking a little more carefully around the office for the next couple of days.

Not quite the way I had planned on having my Friday go...

Happy Fourth of July!

Sunday evening my family had a BBQ for my brother-in-law who was deployed yesterday for a year of service in Afghanistan. His whole family came as well and we spent the entire evening in my Mom's backyard enjoying the weather and one another's company. We had delicious food, played games, and set off some fireworks. It was absolutely perfect. Having Gunnar leave on the fourth of July certainly changed the holiday for me, and for the rest of the family. We are grateful for him, and for the service he will be giving in Afghanistan for the next year. Best of luck Gunnar! Our prayers are with you!

MOAB!

There is just nothing like a couple of days hiking in scorching heat, relaxing in swimming holes, eating camp food, sleeping under the stars, and bonding with your besties! 

DEMOLITION DERBY

Saturday night I went to my very first demolition derby. Actually, it was the first demolition derby for everyone in our little group. It was an epic event. The magic of button up denim shirts with cut off sleeves, big hair, janky hair, mullet hair, (there was a lot of hair) and missing teeth was indescribable. I kid you not, seeing the crown alone was worth the price of admission. The show was pretty good too. It was big kid bumper cars, but most of the bumpers came off pretty quickly and the rounds end with cars being smashed to bits instead of cars rolling to a stop because the electricity was shut off. It was awesome. When we first got there we were impressed, but not entirely won over.  By the end of the night we were on the edge of our seats, cheering, and contemplating sporting mullets in the near future.

Really more than anything I wish I had pictures for you of the people who were there, but I wasn't in a good spot for sneaking shots. Oh, well. These photos will have to do:

After almost 3 hours of demolition, we were all still very happy campers. We did sneak out at the very end to beat the traffic. This is sad because apparently we missed a car that caught on fire. However, it is not sad because as we drove around searching for food, we happened across a Cafe Rio that was open for only 8 more minutes. Car on fire, pork salad? Car on fire, pork salad? Pork salad of course! We stayed in the restaurant maybe a little bit longer than we should have, but we were having a marvelous time. I tell you, post demolition derby high is a good high. So is Cafe Rio high. Mix the two and you have got one great Saturday night.

Thanks demolition derby. You don't suck.

Camaraderie

One of the things that I love the most about running is seeing other people who run. Almost every time that you pass someone on the road they will wave and smile at you as you run by them. It's like everyone is saying, "Hey, you are out here pounding the pavement too!Doesn't it totally rock? Good job! Keep up the good work!"

There is something incredible about that wordless connection that happens with complete strangers who just happen to be exercising outside at the same time as you. I love it.

But today, the connection wasn't wordless. I went for a run up Provo Canyon on the Provo River Trail and had an awesome encounter with some other runners.

First, a picture of the trail. Isn't it gorgeous?

Anyway, it was midday and pretty warm when I went, and there is a lot of uphill involved in running up a canyon. So, needless to say, when I was pretty close to the end of my four and half miles, I was a janky mess. As I was pushing through the last bit of my run I was concentrating pretty hard and was focusing on the road for a minute. When I looked up I saw two shirtless wonders coming toward me and one had his arms wide open like he was going to hug me. When I first saw him I am sure the confusion registered on my face. He just smiled, put his arms down and said, "We're your support team!" In that moment I knew that I must have looked SERIOUSLY janky because they knew that I needed a support team. But you know what? I did need a support team, and I am so thankful for those goofy guys. I finished my run like a champ. I am so thankful for all of those runners out there who wave at each other to say "Good job, you're out here too." We are all rock stars out there on the road. It doesn't matter if you are fast or slow, whether you are pint sized or chubby, or whether you are running for the first time or have been running for years.

Guess what? Life is like that too. We are all rock stars out here. What matters is that we are trying our best. It doesn't matter if we are fast or slow, it just matters that we get out there. So, "Hey. Good job. You're out here too."

525,600 Minutes

This morning I dropped off Heather's Strawberry Shortcake lunch box that she let me borrow for school. She is leaving for China today. Again. Lucky girl.

To be completely honest, I don't want to go back at all. But I am jealous that she gets to go, does that make any sense? I don't know if it does, but it is so crazy to think that a year ago I was starting my adventure in China.

This is especially crazy because China was not only a crazy international 7 week trip, it was also the start of one of the biggest years of my life. I quit the job I had been at for almost 5 years, started grad school, and altogether turned my life upside down.

I am sure that you will understand when I say that I can't believe it has only been a year - but I also feel like I have lived a life time since last June.

I have grown up a lot in the last year; I learned a few things in school, made a lot of friends, jumped out of a plane, took up some new hobbies, and more or less became a new person. A person that, quite frankly, I like a lot. Not like that is anything new ;) but I guess I am just really proud of who I have become over the last year. I am also totally blown away by all of the incredible things I have experienced in my lifetime. If you had told me 10 years ago that any of this would have happened, I probably would have laughed at you. But here I am. Wow.

Anyway, I suppose that as long as I was being introspective, I just wanted to pat myself on the back - and say thanks to all the amazing people in my life who helped me to make this last year one of the best I have ever had.

Y'all rock my socks. Thanks!

14th Annual Judgesrun

A LOT of work goes into putting on a race. It doesn't seem like it would be that difficult. People pay money, they show up at the starting line, they run 3.1 miles. Doesn't seem difficult, but there is a lot that goes into putting on race. Ours went really well. Luckily the race has been going for 14 years and many of the volunteers have been there every year. So, even though we were new to the race, everything ran like clockwork because our volunteers were all rock stars. Race volunteers are some of the best people anywhere. After the race, breakfast is served. There were donuts, fancy scones, pancakes, oranges, bananas, I don't know how much I would want to eat all of that after I had just run, but the great thing about the food is that people stick around. We had a big party, gave out some prizes, and had a marvelous time doing it. My favorite award went to the girl who took 1st place for females 12-16. She wore a t-shirt that said "I run 4 values + Justin Bieber" Totally made my day.

And now it is done! I am back at work and after a race debrief we will be moving on to the Amy Grant concert. Life is going to be 100% different. That is one very good thing about this internship. It certainly keeps me on my toes! Wish us luck!

Take Luck Naim!

One of my very best friends is currently driving somewhere through Nevada on his way to his new home in sunny California. After totally rocking his MBA, Jamen is going to out to San Jose to work for Adobe.

Having lived a couple years there myself, I would like to send him off with a wish -

I wish you long bike rides in great weather, too many days at the beach, some thrills on Top Gun and The Vortex, a ghost sighting at the Winchester Mystery House, a visit to the aquarium, and lots of Thrifty ice cream.

Missing you already hamigo.

Congratulations Class of 2011!

Graduation is almost here

My friend Heidi posted this on facebook today. It comes from a New York Times article about the impending graduation and subsequent future of America's college seniors. As my baby sister is going to graduate from high school on Friday, I took an extra special interest in the article. I really like the quote that Heidi pulled, and I think that it really would benefit a lot of graduates (and the rest of us as well) if they would take some time to ponder on this one.

"[We are] told to pursue happiness and joy. But, of course, when you read a biography of someone you admire, it’s rarely the things that made them happy that compel your admiration. It’s the things they did to court unhappiness — the things they did that were arduous and miserable, which sometimes cost them friends and aroused hatred. It’s excellence, not happiness, that we admire most."

Sticking to what you know is right, and persevering in the face of opposition is what will, in the end, help you to come out the happiest and most successful person you can be.

Good luck out there in the big blue world Lou! I am so proud of you!

...like it's my birthday

It was my birthday, shout hooray!

Saturday night my dear friend Camilla threw me an unforgettable party. We went up the canyon and made tin foils dinners, and had cake and s'mores! Cake AND s'mores?! Yes! I told you it was unforgettable. While we were waiting for the tin foil dinners to cook we pulled out a couple of guitars and sang some tunes. I don't think that there is any way I could have been happier. The weather was perfect, the food was divine, we had live music all night long, I was surrounded by the greatest friends in the world, and we all smelled like campfire. I could not have asked for anything more.

In fact, I didn't feel like I could ask for anything more. I was perfectly content to be done with my birthday celebrating. Besides, it couldn't get any better than Saturday.

Well, it kinda actually did get better...I was chatting with a good friend on Sunday and he asked what I was doing for my birthday. "Work and FHE.", I replied. He pretty much told me that I was silly for not doing more, and that we could easily arrange to have some more celebrating on the actual day of my birth. I was ok with that idea. So, I sent out the call - and it was answered. I invited a lot of people (mostly because I love a lot of people), but also because I wanted to make sure someone showed up, as it was last minute invite and my popular friends prolly already had plans. And guess what?! People came. Lots of people. To celebrate me! I feel so very loved! We all went to Applebees and had appetizers and just told stories, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company. It was PERFECT.

It wasn't anything crazy or complicated. It was just good quality time with some of the most incredible people who have ever graced the face of the planet. Wow, I am one very lucky girl.

I don't think that I have had a birthday party to rival this one since I turned ten and we got to stay at the pool all night for midnight swim and then had a big slumby at my house.

Many thanks to everyone who made this birthday one of the very best ever!

Special thanks to Tracy and Jess for the photos, and to Camilla for awesome party!

COMMUTE!

I am now an official commuter. I drive about 90 miles every day to go to my internship and it is fun. So. fun. Remember how I said that the commute would be the hardest part. I was right. But I am doing everything that I can to make it a positive experience. Like I said, on the way into work I listen to two or three conference talks, but then I just take some time to think. Don't get me wrong, I am thinking ALL the time - it is a hard thing to turn off. But I rarely take the time to just sit and think. It is a little hard to avoid when you are in the car though, in the car there is no one else around, and distractions are incredibly easy to mange. So, it's just me - me and my thoughts. I haven't spent this much time with myself for a long time. It might take some time to get used to so much of my own quiet company. I think I like it. I think I have needed it for a long time.

On the way home I have been listening to The Help. I LOVE it. It might have made me cry a little bit on my way in this morning. Almost done. Any suggestions for a good audio book? The great thing about a good book, is that at the end of the day I actually look forward to sitting in the car for an hour. I can do this. I can!

Oh, and today I may have sweetened the commute just a tiny bit with a hot chocolate from Hatch Family Chocolates. If you haven't ever had their hot chocolate you should go get one right now. I am not kidding, drop what you are doing and go get one. It is rainy and cold, and there is nothing to cure the rainy day blues like a hot chocolate dialysis.

I am really ready for the sun to come out again, by the way. I love this weather in April, but news flash Mother Nature, it isn't April anymore! Now that I am spending 2 hours a day in the car I am finding it very difficult to get up in the early morning to run. (Any ideas of how to make an invention that lets you work out and drive at the same time?) I mean, the morning and I don't get along super well anyway, but rainy early mornings?! This is really testing everything I have. So, universe, if you are listening, my life would be a lot easier if you would send me a little sunshine. Just sayin. Thanks.

Internship!

So, I mentioned in my last post, but did not elaborate on the fact that I HAVE A SUMMER INTERNSHIP! I say this in all capital letters because I was honestly worried that it would never happen. That part is a very long story, but let's just say that I am incredibly grateful, and I feel incredibly blessed. I am working for the Anne Stirba Cancer Foundation in Salt Lake. The foundation raises money for the Hunstman Institute to support breast cancer research. We will be putting together a 5k, working on a gala with the Hunstman Institute, and putting on a concert starting none other than Amy Grant. Oh yes, I give you permission to be jealous.

I am actually the second official employee the foundation has ever had. They just hired an executive director in December, and besides that, the law firm that the owner of the foundation owns has been taking care of everything. It is a great time to be a part of things, because I am treated like a normal employee, rather than just a silly little intern. There will be much to do, but also much to learn. I can't wait.

The biggest difficulty will be the commute. What an adventure. However, with general conference talks on podcast (hello, morning devo!) and some rockin' audiobooks, I should be able to make it just fine. It is only 4 months. It is only 4 months. Honestly, I am just grateful. Only a few weeks ago I didn't see how any of this was going to work out, and now, here I am. Did I mention that I feel very blessed?

Oh, and ps! The best news of the day?! Our last grade finally posted - I passed my stats class! Hooray!

Buster Keaton and the Race for the Cure

I have an internship! I am a real live, official, summer-interning grad student! I will be working with the Anne Stirba Cancer Foundation in Salt Lake. We will be planning fundraising events to raise money for the Hunstman Institute to support breast cancer research. I feel like it is going to be a perfect fit for me, and I feel incredibly blessed to be there.

Being up in Salt Lake proved helpful this weekend, as I was able to go pick up everyone's packets for the Race for the Cure! Kate, HRH, The Blur and I all decided to stay up in Salt Lake Friday night so we wouldn't have to get up at the crack of dawn to take Trax up to the race. So, I picked up all of our race packets after work and then headed over to The Organ Loft to meet the ladies for a silent movie. We saw Buster Keaton in "Our Hospitality". I think that the last time I went to a silent movie with a live organist was well more than a decade ago. We had a great time. The movie was surprisingly entertaining and well-paced. And of course, the organist was nothing short of a rock star. The venue was appropriately kitschy. The organ is bright purple and sparkley and is framed by a very classy neon green light up boarder. The audience was appropriately populated with a majority of geriatric patrons, but we all laughed together and had a wonderful time.

After the movie we went to Diva's. It is an ADORABLE cupcake place on 3300 s that has the most delightful deck with lots of cozy nooks for sitting, flowers and one great big magical tree with big lanterns hanging in it. When I grow up, I anticipate that my backyard will look exactly like Diva's.

Saturday morning we all got up, dressed in our matching running outfits and headed over to the race. There really is nothing quite like running with 16,000 of your closest friends. The greatest part of the race for me was the gradual incline that I remembered as a rather daunting hill from last year's race. I think I might just be a better runner than I was last year. Hooray!

I really do love this race. It is incredible to see all of the supporters who wear matching t-shirts, fairy wings, and boas, and sport messages of encouragement, love or even pictures of breast cancer survivors. The Race for the Cure is an awesome event and I am proud to have been a part of it again.

SUMMER!

I did it! I survived! Not being in school is a very interesting thing. I have been fighting an immense feeling of guilt that tells me I should be working on school work nonstop.

But I shouldn't be.

So, I have been fighting back.

Here are the highlights of my summer so far:

I read a book just for fun

I went to the zoo

I went fishing

I got a sunburn

I slept past 9 o'clock

I stayed out till 4am

I "hiked" up to Bridal Veil Falls

I signed up for an improv class

I spent a lovely windy afternoon out at Utah Lake

I visited Yogurtland about 1 million times

AND I have spent several days doing almost nothing

It has been lovely.

In other news, our ward boundaries changed again. We are going to be smaller. We have added some great people and it is so good to see the ward coming together to welcome them. I feel really good about it. In short, I feel really good about life. Being free from school is fabulous. Whoever invented summer break should get a free ticket to heaven. Thanks summer break inventor!

Still alive. Almost there.

This last week has been...intense.

Incredibly intense.

I have been existing in three places; my couch, a cubicle at school, and my bed. My finals are giving it their all to try and defeat me and my computer has recently decided to turn off every now and again just for fun. Yikes.

However! In the midst of all of this I have managed to squeeze in an adventure or two. I don't want to miss out on sharing them, and I would love to include all of the epic details here, but I should be working on my stats final right now, so I am just going to post a picture or two and call it good.

Adventure 1

Friday was our MPA closing social. We had a very exciting (albeit incredibly long) murder mystery dinner. I would like to say here and now that I guess every detail of the crime. Maybe I should quit public service and go into criminal investigation. Speaking of leaving public service, it is very possible that I won the most INCREDIBLE award ever at this closing social. At the end of the night they gave away a couple of superlative awards and I won:

*drum roll please*

Most likely to leave public service and become a stand-up comedian!

I was very happy. Not that I would rather be making people laugh than be working countless hours on my stats and accounting finals...but I would rather be out making people laugh.
Adventure 2

On Saturday Camilla and I decided to take on the Salt Lake Marathon after all. We both "trained" for the half-marathon and we both got injured in the process. However, we were not to be defeated. Camilla ran the half and I had to settle for the 5k. She was a rock star. I was just glad to be out and running again. I went out for a run the day before and it was the first time I had run in 5 WEEKS. But I am back in the game folks. Or I will be, once finals are over...

Anyway, tomorrow is stats day. Pray for me.

No really, pray for me. Please.

Getting Down the Mountain

A couple of months ago I went snowboarding with some friends. I had only been snowboarding once before, and was nervous and excited to try it again. You see, it had been about 4 years since I had been and I was a little worried about getting back on a snowboard after all that time. So when I told my friends that I had been only once before I thought that communicated how inexperienced I was, but somehow the only thing that translated to the group that I was with was "I have been snowboarding before". So, after getting suited up, surviving the chair lift, and scooting to the top of the run, I found myself alone *gasp* at the top of the mountain....um, bunny hill...whatever.

My friends weren't very far away, but I was alone. And I didn't know what I was doing. I sat by myself in the snow, not daring to stand up because I knew I would fall. Somewhere inside I knew that I had already done this, that I was capable, that I could make it down this mountain, but I just couldn't remember how. The danger seemed too great - whether the injury was to my body or my pride, I didn't think I could take it.

Well, one of our crew eventually noticed that I was sitting paralyzed at the top of the mountain and hopped back over to me to find out what was going on. I almost started crying. I knew how ridiculous I was being, but this seemed so insurmountable on my own. He smiled and told me I was being silly, that I was more than capable, and then reminded me of the simple things I had forgotten that would get me down in one piece. I took heart, dried my frozen tears, and took off down the mountain.

After about 3.5 seconds I face planted in the snow.

My pride was mortally wounded, but I was not. So I picked myself back up, and took off again, leaving my wounded pride behind me. (This was a very good idea and I tumbled down the mountain for most of that run) But by time I got the bottom of that mountain...um...hill, I was feeling pretty good. I did it. I survived! I went back for more!

Do you see where I am going with this?

School is almost over, but this bunny hill of finals seems like an awfully big mountain right now. I am sitting here at the top of this mountain and once again I am paralyzed. I don't know if I can do this. I don't know if I can complete everything that is required of me. I am scared. I know I shouldn't be, I know that I am capable, but it is just tough to shake.

But you know what? I am going to try. I have already face planted a couple of times, so there is no reason to worry about pride. I just need to keep getting up when I fall and enjoy those incredible moments when everything is as it should be. I just need to enjoy the ride. I can't wait to get to the bottom and realize that I did it - that I survived.

Another 2 weeks and I will wonder what I was so worked up about. I am really looking forward to seeing the bottom of this hill.