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Saturday, November 26, 2011

last stop...nyc

After 5 days in DC and 2 days in Philly, I took the bus to NYC. There was some crazy bad traffic, but it was still the best cheapest way to go. I was mostly there for work and a little fun too. I had work trainings all day the first 2 days but managed to do a few things after work.

stayed with college friend ginny (and took no pictures)

visited 9/11 memorial (deserves its own post)

saw occupy wall street (not sure what dressing like santa, mrs. clause, and baby clause will do to help this situation)

walked around times square (and took the must take picture)

saw Memphis (entertaining singing and dancing)

walked to central park from ginny's apartment (so very jealous of all the runners)


did a little shopping in the pouring rain

It was a great 10 days!


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Thursday, November 24, 2011

blessed

On this day of thanks, I cannot even begin to list all the things I am thankful for. I am so very blessed. I am particularly thankful for family and the rare opportunity to spend all day with immediate and extended family. We ate, took pictures, visited, and played.

the kids made paper rockets and launched them with an air compresser

grandma and grandpa mathis with all the great grandkids. the kids weren't really all that into this except karlee. have you ever seen anything cuter?!?

with cousin brittany who we haven't seen since kid #2 was a little babe.



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Monday, November 21, 2011

tour de east coast...philadelphia

after spending the work week in dc, i took the bus to philadelphia to spend the weekend with katey. it was a quick couple days and packed full of philly fun.

first stop...philly cheesesteaks with cheese whiz (seriously)
second stop...redding terminal market (more food)

liberty bell. line to go inside was way too long. perfectly happy to see it from outide.

independence hall

must take picture at art museum in front of rocky statue
city hall building

lifesize game pieces

so glad it worked to visit katey on this trip. it was so much fun! once the weekend was over, i took another bus to NYC.

Monday, November 14, 2011

sneak peek...Philly

I actually took real pictures with a real camera on stop 2 of tour de east coast. I promise a real post when I get home, but until then here's a sneak peek from my phone.


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Saturday, November 12, 2011

tour de east coast...DC

I'm on a 10 day tour of the east coast for a little bit of work and a little bit of fun. First stop...Washington, DC to visit Amanda and baby Cole and attend a work training. I had a great time with Amanda and learned a lot at my training. Next stop...Philadelphia.


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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Halloween 2011

Things I love about Halloween...
dressing up as a group
decorations
pumpkin anything (except pie)

Things I don't love as much...
spending lots of money to make a costume
going to big parties i don't really want to go to


Halloween 2011
dressed up as a group twice (work and chaperone stake youth dance)
had a pumpkin shake (after the month of no sugar was over of course)
spent a total of $1.27 on costumes
went to a total of 0 parties (hit the married friend's ward trunk or treat instead)

work costume (box of squeeze it drinks)

chaperon the stake dance (flight attendants)

complete success

Saturday, November 5, 2011

more inspiration

I promise I'm not turning into a deep thinker. Things keep happening in my life that cause me to think on a much deeper level. So, here goes another pictureless post. Sorry!

I had the opportunity today to attend the funeral of an acquaintance. I met her in my singles ward several years ago, and I haven't been in touch with her much since. I almost didn't go, but someone convinced me I should. I am so glad I went.

I remember the day I met Sarah at church. She was so warm and friendly. Later on in the Sunday meetings a note passed down the aisle inviting us to a cupcake party at her place later that evening. Looking back now, I remember feeling completely comfortable. She was so genuine that no one really felt awkward being there. That is the kind of person she was- genuine and kind and friendly to anyone she came in contact with.

As I have watched Sarah battle this disease, mostly from afar, I have been so impressed. From the beginning, she was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer, but she didn't let that stop her from living life. She lived everyday to the fullest. She approached this trial with optimism. She is such an example and an inspiration to me and so many others of how to rise above a trial.

There was definitely a theme at the funeral that Sarah had accomplished her mission here on earth. She learned the lessons she needed to learn, and she is now needed on the other side. Her short 30 years were a success, and her life, work, and learning continue.

Sarah touched so many lives in the short time she was here, and I consider myself extremely lucky to be one of those people. My hope is now in honor of Sarah and the life she lived I can strive to be a better person, to be more genuine and kind to those around me, and to approach each day with optimism.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

inspired

group photo with Kim Peek's dad and the Oscar for Rainman

Temple Grandin

co-worker Linda and husband getting book signed by Temple

I love my job! I love the children and families I work with. I love that I have the potential to change lives. I hope everyday that I actually make that difference. Tonight I saw what it really means to make that difference. The Utah Film Center presented Temple Grandin the Peek Award for Disability in Media. The award is named in honor of Kim Peek (the real rainman). We heard stories and saw videos of these 2 individuals with Autism who had a parent that pushed them to succeed. My eyes filled with tears several times as I saw the love and devotion between parent and child. I was so inspired! Thank you Kids on the Move for providing this unique opportunity.


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