We all have stories... this is mine

Here are the things that I have learned, life changes fast, timing is everything and sometimes the very best moments are the ones you didn't plan.

June 15th, I sat on a plane heading for Utah.  Home, to run a relay race. The Wasatch Back, a Ragnar Relay that I say is my favorite race, yet every year I still have to talk myself into 30 hours of exhaustion.  I sat on a plane reading a book and letting my mind wander.  I thought about the race happening in 3 days and wondered why I hadn't flown out earlier, my lungs were going to burn in the altitude.  I thought about my aching back, sitting is the worst, I prayed it would just make it through this weekend.  I thought about Ben.  I knew we were getting married, he had talked with my dad, I wondered how it would all eventually come together.

June 18th -19th, the race was a blast.  The weather was perfect, my back and hip were sustaining the pain and 21 miles seemed to fly by.  As I ran my last leg of 5 miles, more like shuffled at 4am, I was excited my portion was almost over and it was party time here on out.  The end of the race is always the most interesting.  People are sore, they are tired and crabby -  they just really need sleep.  Chris always teases that no matter what he says on the last leg I will disagree with him, because I just want my way.  It's true, and this year was no exception.

When my van of 6 had finished their last legs and passed the trusty slap bracelet on to the remaining 6 on our team, we went to shower.  We had about 5 hours until our 2nd van would finish and it would be time to cross the finish line together.  We hobbled to the high school, grateful that PE is a thing of the past, we walked into the girl's locker room.  We showered, commented on our blood shot sleepless eyes and put on our matching shirts to go meet our team in Park City.

The finish line this year was at The Canyons Ski Resort.  My mom was coming to the finish; I was excited to see her there.  We rode a gondola to the top.  Well, some of my team walked to the top - which was so athletic of them - but I literally didn't think I would make it on foot.  The finish line was a serious party.  There were runners and families and families of runners everywhere!  When I finally met up with my mom much to my surprise my dad was there as well!  I introduced them to my team and they gave us their congratulations.  As we tried to find an open spot to visit my dad decided to go look around at the merchandise for sale.  About 5 minutes later, as we were all telling my mom stories of our last 24 hours, my dad came back.  He walked toward me and said, "I found this guy walking around".  Just then I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around.  There was Ben!  I couldn't believe it!  My words were filled with AHHHH and WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE??, big smiles and lots of hugs.  We hadn't planned on him coming to the race so he told me he was there to support me and the team.  Surprise! I was so excited to see him, I bought it.  He and I walked around and sat in the sun as I rambled all about how terrible, oh I mean terribly fun :-), the race had been. 

The time finally came for our last runner to come in.  We went to the bottom of the last hill to run the last 10 meters with her so we could all cross the team together.  We ran, hobbled and made our way to the finish line, flip flops and all.  Our team name was announced as we crossed the line and I looked up to see Ben standing there.  The flow of runners is set just right to herd everyone off to the side to get their medal and out of the runner's pit.  I walked over to him and said, "What are you doing? I think this is only for the runners." He asked me to come over to him.  "But I have to get my medal?", I said.   He replied, "Just come here, Amber." He grabbed my hand the MC announcing teams handed him the microphone.   As his free hand slid into his pocket and he got down on one knee my hand immediately went to my forehead and with a huge smile on my face I thought, "it's happening".  It went just as a perfect proposal would go.  He told me he loved me,  he asked me to marry him.  I told him yes, of course.  My friends were crying, my parents were snapping pictures like crazy and the crowd was cheering.  I didn't hear or see any of it.  I just saw Ben, I could only think about one thing, for a few seconds we were the only ones there. 

When we were done hugging and celebrating together, we celebrated with our friends and family, my team and strangers - of course took more pictures. 

Amber...

I love you...

Will you... 

Marry me?

Yes! Of course!    

This is funny cause my feet NO WHERE near touch the ground.

 Team celebration photo!

As I think about it now, I maybe should have known.  My mom was acting a little funny that whole Saturday morning and her place to meet me kept changing.  When I asked Ben why my mom had a photographers camera around her neck that seemed to resemble his and he answered, "I don't know." I maybe should have thought twice, but I am glad I didn't.  I didn't know what was happening until the moment it did and that was perfect!  Soon to be Mrs...

June 26th,  I flew back to Oregon and I reached for my book.  As I opened the pages I thought of the flight to Utah, the last time I touched this book and how much things had changed.  It was now one week after the proposal and 10 days after the original flight home. My mind was now flooded with reception and flower ideas - timing, details and food.  The past few days had been filled with big smiles and long conversations.  I had told my story over and over and over again.  I loved every second of it.  I hadn't planned it like this, I didn't know I would be on this plane home wondering how to host the perfect wedding.  But, I couldn't have planned it better, these moments- my story - have been absolutely perfect.

Utah in Review...

Oh Utah, you make me crazy and put a smile on my face all at the same time.  I love it here, I'd love to stay, but alas the time has come for me to head back to where my comfy bed and closets full of clothes await.  Since I have been a blogging- slacker in the 38 days (and counting) that I have graced this great state with my presence I provide a Utah in Review.  A few moments, if you will, to remind me why I love it here.

Let us begin.... I have a lot to say. 

I came to Utah earlier than I had ever expected.  It began with 2 of the most important people in my life undergoing some serious surgeries.  I wanted to be here to help, provide my support and probably more than anything ease my mind.  I gladly report that both Grandma and Grandpa are doing very well.  Grandpa has a vein from his leg in his heart and a brand-new pace maker.  Grandma has 2 new stents.  Both are recovering well while trying to take care of each other.  So cute!   Here is Grandma with my Cousin Angie's daughter Keiley.  This little girl has both Grandma and Grandpa - and my Mom - wrapped around her finger.  Who can blame them, really....

Grandma tells me Keiley reminds her of dark curly haired little girl who would sleep right in the middle of them when she had sleepovers and would remind them when she was told what to do that, "she was just a baby."  That little girl was me. 

I spent more than a few hours at BYU football games.  I love the company, but still struggle when it comes to cheering for that team in blue.  I wish them well, I do, but becoming a "fan" does not come easily.  BYU vs.USU.... at this game I almost got hit by a car!  Honestly - he was about 2 inches from me!

And of course, UNLV - which we have talked about previously.  Yes, I was so tired I slept through part of it.  Trust me, it's possible.

Speaking of Vegas, there was much running on this trip.  So much, in fact, that the running shoes haven't found my feet for a few weeks now.  Ha - Laaazzyyyy.... :-)  Ragnar Vegas has been discussed, I must include it in my review however.  So, let's describe this relay in one word - Hot. 

A week after the relay Traci and I headed to Moab for the fall addition of the Moab Half Marathon.  I love Moab, we had a great time. 

We both (unintentionally) brought the EXACT same thing to run in.  Man did we look cool!

Well, in true Moab style my calves started cramping the last 4 miles of the race.  That was the opposite of fun to run through.  Man oh man was I glad when this race was over.  My first stop - the ice guys!

Traci and I have been to Moab 4 times together.  Every time we have been yelled at by the hotel for being too loud.  This time it was quite the opposite.  I found myself yelling at the mean hotel man who wouldn't give us a late checkout so we could shower after the race.  He didn't budge, I tried to be nice, we showered at the local KOA.  Oh Moab...

My dear friend Jacie threw our favorite red head, Heidi, a baby shower to welcome Heidi's baby girl into the world.  Surprise, I was in town and so excited to go!  Jacie made this amazing cake.  Um, hopefully if I am ever on a cake challenge TV show (which I would love to do) Jacie will be on my team!   

I just love these girls.  These are some of my bestest friends from High School, I could tell stories for hours that could incriminate and also tell you how amazing each one of these girls are.  Heidi and Tyler welcomed thier new baby Avery into the world on October 20th.  Congrats guys!

Since we're on the subject of children... One of my other bestest friends, Ashley, who I lived with in college welcomed her second son, Daxton, into the world November 1st.  Ashley and I have such a fun relationship, I really don't know if I would have survived Cedar City without her.  Currently I believe I am psychic... the night before she had little Dax I had a dream she was in labor!  Crazy!  Congrats Ash and Brett!

The Halloween season began with a Witches Night Out.  Linds, Lace, Erin and I went to a fun Halloween play - Witch-a-palooza.  It was at Gardner Village which is always a blast during the holidays!

To continue the Halloween-esk festivities my friend Erica and her darling kids invited me to go to a pumpkin patch with them to pick out the perfect pumkins.  Erica and I have been friends for almost 10 years.  She and I used to work together, and have kept a great relationship ever since.  Erica and her husband Stan have always been so supportive and amazing to me.

 

The kids loved picking out the perfect pumpkin.  At one point we had about 16 pumpkins in the wheel barrow, but we each chose one we couldn't live without! ;-)

What is cuter than 3 kids running around a pumpkin patch thinking they are in heaven?  Not much to be honest.  Thanks for inviting me guys!

Since we are on the subject of Erica, let's talk about her amazing talents.  I think she is hands down the most creative person I have ever met.  You MUST check out Erica and her sister-in-law Lindsay's boutique.  When I realized I would be in town for Halloween, I went on a mad search for a great Halloween costume.  I knew that Erica and Lindsay made tutu's for little girls and I thought, maybe they could make one double the size!  Erica was more than willing to put up with my indecisiveness and they made me the perfect Halloween tutu!  (I decided on black - I could use it for ANY costume).  Camden was more than willing to be my tutu model.

 

Halloween went very well!  The festivites began at Ashley's annual Doughnut Day! 

She and her mom make the yummiest doughnuts and you even get to decorate them yourself with your favorite toppings...

After Doughnut Day, Bryce had a Halloween surprise and tickets to Thriller!  I was so excited.  It was a blast, we had awesome seats and the dancers were really amazing this year.  A Halloween show was the BEST way to celebrate!  Of course we had to finish Halloween by dressing up.  Bryce was the ever-famous

Gumby, but this year Gumby dressed up as work-out Gumby.  I, of course, wore my awesome tutu and Pay just happen to have all the accessories for a bumble bee.  Dream come true!

 

What a fun Halloween!  Happy Halloween to everyone!

We surpassed the one year anniversary of my Dad's motorcycle accident while I was in the Utah.  What a crazy year it has been for him and our family.  Four surgerys, 4 titanium plates, about forty screws, weeks and weeks in and out of the hostipal and months of absoultley no weight on his left leg - HE IS WALKING!!  Not only is he walking, but apparently he is now the poster child for Mountain Star.  You always wonder who those people on the billboard (or bus) are.  Well, that's my dad (and his doctor).

What a MONTH!!  I had such a great time with my family and friends and so glad everyone is healthy.  Love Utah - but now it's time to go home.

A Guide to Utah Driving

One must know that driving in Utah is an unique experience.  Not everyone is prepared for such an adventure.  Heck, I lived 25 of my years here and I am still not prepared for what I encounter when I come back!  To ease your stress level while behind the wheel, I provide to you... A guide to Utah driving:

• You must first know that there will be dips, holes and uneven roads everywhere.  This must be because everyone is driving like it's a racecar game and you can't have a racecar game without obstacles to avoid.
• As per number one, the second you hit Utah you become a racecar driver.  Typical road rules no longer apply - Speed Limit? People are still wondering what that sign is for.  The truth is only 75% of people here are playing the racecar game.  20% of people are driving WAY to slow in the fast lane - forcing the race car drivers to pass them on the right, and 5% of people actually know the real driving rules.  (If you are reading this and you live in Utah, I hope the 5% is you).
• When driving on the freeway you must know, although the law states to leave a car lenght between your car and the car you are following, in Utah that is an invitation to jump in front.  Leave space at your own risk.
• Running on busy roads is downright terrifying.  Just don't.
• "Shooting the gap" - I learned this term growing up, this is maneuvered by getting very close to the person in front of you, darting out in front of the person to the side of you, quickly passing the person who was originally in front of you and then cutting them off to get one car length ahead.  This happens often, and should not be attempted by the weak of heart - watch out.

You know I love it here, and if we’re honest I used to drive just like this. But now, I don’t understand what brings on this crazed driving.

Hello Utah.