Buh-Bye Turnberry

After 4 great years filled with lots of fun, friends, and memories, Nettie and I officially said buh-bye to Turnberry a couple of weeks ago. I don't think anyone really believed we would actually move. In fact I don't think we really believed it ourselves, but it happened. We had a caramel apple party a few weeks before the move to officially say buh-bye. It was a lot of fun, but I can't seem to find the pictures right now. We (with a lot of help from all our really great friends) loaded up the biggest UHaul you can rent and practically filled it up. I know that seems silly for 2 single girls, but you accumulate a lot of stuff in 4 years. The move left us with the biggest mess in our new place, but we are slowly getting organized. The house is looking much better than it did a few days after the move. Luckily the new house is HUGE compared to our apartment and has A LOT of storage space. After searching for days and days and looking at tons of dumpy places we found a really cute house. We're sad to leave all our friends at Turnberry but excited for new adventures and excited for you all to come visit us in our new house.



This is only a small part of the mess we created on moving day and only some of the great people who helped us move. We're so lucky to have such great friends and family!

Sample Anyone ?!?

I never used to be a big fan of dressing up or Halloween until I discovered how much fun it is to do a group costume. The past several years my friends and I have done group themed costumes. Each year the goal is to outdo the year before but still keep it simple, inexpensive, and funny. Most of the usual group is either married, out of town, or just Halloween scrooges this year so I pulled another group to together to try to top last year's oompa loompa costumes by being Costco sample ladies. We had tons of fun making the costumes and getting ready. We showed up to the party in our costumes complete with big hair, makeup, and of course samples. I couldn't stop laughing at how funny we were. Our costumes were a big hit and we had lots of fun doing them. Any good ideas for next year?

This...

...is what I woke up to last Sunday morning. I've already been dreading winter, and the snow made me pretty mad. So much for hello fall...more like hello winter. I think I need to take up a winter sport this year or consider moving. I hope I don't wake up to this again tomorrow.

The Trip We've Been Waiting For

This is old news, but I have been wanting to post about this for a while. Nettie, Michelle, Dyana, and I along with other friends over the years have traveled a lot. We always talk about doing a humanitarian trip. This summer we actually made it happen. We signed up with a group called Family to Family Humanitarian Expeditions not knowing exactly what we were signing up for. We packed our bags and headed to Ensenada, Mexico for a week of service. We got a week of service and so much more. Michelle wrote all about the trip on her blog so check it out for the details. We were a little worried before the trip because we didn't know any details. Once, we got there and worked for a couple of days all our worries disappeared. Nettie sent an email saying "It was one of those experiences that I will never forget. I will think twice before I complain about anything. We worked with families who had absolutely nothing other than each other and yet they were some of the happiest families I have ever seen. Material possessions do not equal happiness. Doing hard work with people you love makes the job a whole lot easier-I'll be more ready and willing to lend a helping hand AND I will look for more opportunities to serve those around me." We spent the week working on 4 construction projects, and Nettie summed up the trip really well. If any of you are thinking of doing humanitarian work I highly recommend it.

The Big 3-0 or the New 26!

I LOVE birthdays! I love celebrating. I love any excuse for a party. I love making people feel special. I love Katie White, and I wanted her birthday to be extra special. None of us really look forward to getting older so Katey and I got together and took the dread out of getting another year older.

I wanted Katie's birthday to be lots of fun. I started thinking of ideas a couple months ago. Katey and I decided to do her Day of 30 Favorites.

We went to Katie's at 6:00am Monday morning to start out the day of favorites with breakfast in bed. She was a little disoriented and very surprised, but once she realized what was going on, it was so fun to watch.

We set the day up so Katie would run into her favorites throughout the day. Coming up with 30 favorites was pretty entertaining. Some of the things were serious (favorite fruit, breakfast, etc.), and some were funny (artist-framed picture because who doesn't need a picture of their favorite artist? and store-homemade DI gift certificate). Thanks Nettie for the cute tags!

Part of the day of favorites included a surprise lunch with her favorite friends (Katey and me) at her favorite restaurant (Firehouse Pizza in Centerville).

We ended the day at Katie's house with a salad party complete with more friends and more presents. Katie's favorite conversation ender is "I Love You", and we even found some heart charms to go along with the phrase.

Katie had a great day. We celebrated. We partied. She felt special. Mission accomplished. I had so much fun celebrating Katie's birthday, and I hope she did too. Here's to the new 26!

Good-bye Summer...Hello Fall

I'm stealing this idea (almost word for word) from my cute friend Angie's blog. Fall hit with a boom today so this post is especially appropriate today.

Good-bye flip-flops...goodbye dirty feet...hello boots.
Good-bye BBQ dinners...hello baked pies and turkeys roasting in the oven.
Good-bye lawn mowing...hello raking leaves.
Good-bye bathing suits...hello cozy sweaters and that favorite pair of jeans...
Good-bye roasted marshmallows...hello candy apples...
Good-bye camping and summer festivals...hello scrapbooking, reading good books, and Christmas shopping!
Good-bye barefeet...hello warm socks and slippers.
Good-bye cool showers...hello bubble baths.
Good-bye air conditioners...hello crackling fireplaces.
Good-bye heat...hello crisp, fresh air.
Good-bye fresh-picked strawberries...hello crunchy, juicy apples.
Good-bye bug bites...hello dry skin.
Good-bye sunscreen...hello moisturizer.
Good-bye long days outside...hello early bedtimes!
Good-bye watering flowers...hello fall decorating.
Good-bye otter pops...hello pumpkin shakes and peppermint ice cream
Good-bye picnics...hello slow-cooking.
Good-bye lazy days of summer...hello cozy nights.
Good-bye pool days and biking and tennis and...

I love summer and always get depressed when fall starts coming because I know it inevitably means winter and snow. Angie's post got me a little excited for fall, and I am ready for a seasonal wardrobe change. Bring on the long sleeve tees and jeans. Hello Fall...

Changed for the Better

I love the musical Wicked! I love the music, and I frequently have the songs running through my head. Yesterday I was reminded that my life really has been changed for the better time and time again. I had the opportunity to attend a funeral for a little boy I have been working with. His sweet spirit was trapped in his sick little body. From the day he was born, he fought for every breath and spent his life hooked up to machines. His family completely put their life on hold over the past year to dedicate every moment to him. They continually exercised their faith in hoping and praying for a miracle. That miracle was realized yesterday as friends and family gathered to celebrate the life of this little boy and the lessons he taught during his short life here on earth. Here are a few of the things mentioned by his mother and a family friend during the funeral as well as a few things I learned by having the blessing of knowing and working with this sweet little boy and his amazing family.

*life is short. take advantage of everyday.
*God will always answer our prayers in our way or a better way.
*miracles still happen. we need to look for them.
*families are forever.
*no matter how bad things seem, it's always worse somewhere else.
*we all have a mission here on earth.
*don't put those things which matter most at the mercy of things which matter least.

A Few Thoughts from the Funeral
*even though he couldn't communicate, this little boy never complained about the challenges he faced
*the big sister loved her little brother and played with him like any big sister would even though he couldn't play back and machines got in the way
*the parents gave up everything this past year to completely devote their lives to their son. there is no better example of love and charity than this family
*everyone involved in the life of this child realized the miracle they had been praying for was the miracle of his life and the legacy he leaves behind
*there was a sign outside the chapel that said "because someone we love is in heaven we have heaven in our home". i love that

I feel extremely blessed for having the oppurtunity to work with this little boy and to know his family. I was reminded once again of those things which are most important in life. My life really has been changed for the better because I know them. I will forever be grateful for these life lessons that keep my life in perspective.

The Year of the Race

I thought I was all raced out after last summer, but I was wrong. This year has been a big race year for me. I keep thinking every summer that this is the last year, but I just can't get enough. Running with the running group has only motivated me to do more races.

I started out the race season with the traditional (and my favorite) Race for the Cure.


After that I was in serious race mode. About a month later Michelle and I did the Little Red Riding Hood century bike ride. We did the race last year and loved it. Unfortunately the weather was HORRIBLE this year. We had rain, sleet, hail, and major wind. We ended up getting a ride for about 20 miles right after lunch because it was pouring so hard. We rode the last 20 miles, and it was good to finish out the race. Despite the weather, Michelle and I still had a fun day.


2 weeks after the bike race, I, along with a team of 11 other people and 2 drivers, hopped in a van for 2 days to run from Logan to Park City in the Wasatch Back relay race. It sounds crazy, and it kind of was, but it was also tons of fun. I loved it so much I've already signed up a team for next year.


I kicked my biking into high gear (sort of) in July to get ready for the Spudman triathlon. I've spent a lot of time running this summer so I had to do a crash training to get ready. It was my first olympic tri and my best triathlon so far. I had goals for each of the events, and I was able to achieve my goals. I did realize that if I'm going to do more open water triathlons, I need to do some open water training.


I just finished out the race season (at least I think I am done for the season) with the Top of Utah marathon. I never thought I would do a marathon, and once I decided to do a marathon I thought it would be a one time thing. When people say races are addicting, it's true. I'm already looking for another marathon to do sometime in the future-hopefully somewhere outside of Utah.


This race season has been pretty good to me. My body has held up really well. I've had a lot of fun and made some great memories. Although I feel a little raced out, I'm already looking forward to the next race-whatever that might be.

I Did It!

First thing in the morning

Michelle(cheerleader), Brynn, myself, and Teresa. Brynn and Teresa ran the 5K that morning and stuck around to run miles 14-20 with me.

Nearing the end. I love Michelle on her rollerblades and L Lawlor on her bike

Those last .2 miles seemed so long, but I was really happy to see this sign

Running to the finish line

I did it! Despite all the worries, name calling, my mom offering to pay me not to do it, etc. I did the Top of Utah marathon last weekend. I was a little worried myself after taking a month hiatus from training, but it went really well. I was pretty slow, but I'm definitely not in it to win. I just want to finish, and I did. I have the best friends. Nettie and Michelle decided late Friday night to come up. Brynn and Teresa ran miles 14-20 and Crystal ran 20-end with me. I would not have survived without them. They helped a ton, and I am so lucky to have such great support. I was pretty sure I could finish, but I thought I might not be able to move for a week after. Surprisingly I felt pretty good during the marathon. I was sore for a couple of days but nothing like I expected. I'm so happy I decided to do it even if you all think I'm crazy.

Good News/Bad News

The good news is that after much begging the doctor cleared me to start running again. The bad news is the last time I ran was August 19. I decided to try running today, and since the Top of Utah marathon is next Saturday I decided to run 10 miles. It went so well I am going to run the marathon. Yes, I know I am crazy/insane/stupid and several other descriptors I have heard the past 2 days. I know what I am getting myself into, and I'm up for the challenge. So, if anyone wants to come to Logan next Saturday I would love to see you up there! Wish me luck!

Not What I Was Expecting

I got home from a week in Mexico (more to come later) last Tuesday night. I started getting a little stomache on Wednesday afternoon but thought I was suffering from a delayed case of Mexicoitis. I didn't think much of it until I woke up in the night with a sharp pain in my lower right abdomen. I got up Thursday morning not feeling well and still having the sharp pain. I called Michelle, nurse practitioner, on the way to work, and she suggested I go to the doctor. I went to an early morning meeting and made a doctor's appointment. I went on about my morning and went to the doctor. She sent me to the hospital for blood work and a CT scan. After 3 hours in radiology and having the tech tell me he would put my clothes in a bag, I knew I was staying. I got sent to the ER for 2 more hours of waiting before going to the OR to have my appendix taken out. Luckily my Utah family, the Martins, came to the hospital while I was still in the ER. My Utah/adopted mom, Carol Martin, is a nurse in the OR so she scrubbed in for the surgery. I felt much more comfortable and less scared with her there, and Tina spent the night at the hospital with me-so nice. I definitely wasn't expecting to come home from Mexico, work for a day and a half, have surgery and spend a day in the hospital, and be off work for another week recovering from surgery. Here are some pics of me in the hospital. Thanks for all the well wishes, cards, flowers, food, emails, visits, phone calls, etc. I really am doing quite well.

Waiting to go into the OR. I had lots of phone calls to make since this was so unexpected.

my appendix. sorry if this grosses you out. who knew it was so small?

getting ready to go home. i was so happy to have the IV out.

pretty flowers from my two good friends, Katie and Katey. thanks girls!

Race for the Cure

Bre and Laurann before the race

This is why I love this race.

Laurann, Bre, and me after the race

I LOVE the Race for the Cure. It's held every year the second Saturday in May at the Gateway. The race benefits the Susan G Koman foundation. Even though it's only a 5K it is my favorite race. This was my 3rd year doing the race, and I will not miss it for anything. There's something so inspiring about running along side people running in celebration/memory of "my mom", "myself", "my wife", "my daughter", "my sister", etc. Race for the Cure was my first race ever, and my good friends Ben and Kate had to sign me up because I was so scared of doing a running race, and look at me now. If any of you have any desire to do a race, get started running, or just participate in one of the coolest things ever, meet at the Gateway next May.

Chicago

We went into the city Laurann's first night there and ate at Grand Lux. We were starving and it was yummy!
Outside Wicked. It was amazing and I loved it just as much the second time.
We ate so much on this trip-hersheys, pizza, popcorn, ice cream, and lots more.

Laurann's flip flops broke in the airport. She found these pink slippers at a newstand for $5. It was a perfectly funny ending to our trip.

I went to Chicago back in May for the Autism One conference for work. My friend Laurann came along to take advantage of the free hotel and see the city. I didn't get the chance to do many touristy things, but we did venture into the city a couple times and got to see Wicked. I saw it in NY in the fall and loved seeing it for the second time. I love that show and the music! I've done my fair share of traveling the past few years, but I did learn a few things on my trip.

*Even when you're only gone for 3 days, take an extra pair of jeans

*Make sure to arrive at the airport in plenty of time (If you don't check in 40 minutes before the flight, they won't let you check in)

*Try to find some way to take a carry on only-haven't figured out how with the liquid restrictions but I'm open to suggestions

*American Airlines has the worst customer service. Do NOT fly that airline

*Ipods work wonders for loud people on airplanes

*I still LOVE Wicked!

*Chicago is a fun city and I would love to go back when I can spend more time

Generation Gap

Sorry there are no pictures in this post. I have been wanting to blog about this for a while and who knows when or if I will ever have a picture to post. I started running with a running group, Generation Gap, while training for Wasatch Back. This group really is a generation gap. Besides the newest 25 year old runner and one other girl probably in her 30s, I am the youngest by 20 years, and it just goes up from there. The oldest runner in the group is 77 and has run more than 50 marathons. I have NEVER thought I would be a runner and really NEVER NEVER thought I would run a marathon, but running/races really does become addictive. After running several 14, 15, 16 milers with these ladies I decided you don't have to be fast to be a runner. I am a runner even if I am slow. I'm running my first marathon, Top of Utah, September 20. I'm recruiting people to come run a few miles with me to keep me from dying and/or going crazy. These ladies are so great to run with. They are so motivating and encouraging. I couldn't train for or do this race without them. Thanks Teresa for inviting me to run with the group.

Blast from the Past or Back to the Future

Several of the HBLL shelvers. Amanda D, April, and I realized we all met 9 years ago this fall. Wow! Time flies.

A few of the KOTM group. It was so fun to get out of the office.

Most of the old roommates have been in town this summer. Too bad they didn't all come at the same time.


The past few weeks I have gotten together with old friends from different times of my life-BYU roommates, HBLL co-workers, KOTM friends. It's been lots of fun to see everyone and take a few trips down memory lane. It's fun seeing what everyone is doing with their lives-mostly something completely different than we predicted at the time. I'm grateful for every era of my life and the awesome friends I have. Even after 10 years we get together and have just as much fun if not more as we did our freshman year at BYU, shelving and reading at the library, working together at KOTM!