That's what I love about words

A year and a half ago I put this quote on my blog.  I found it, I loved it and I was amazed how easily I related to it.  Now, every once in a while, I will be going through files on my computer, run across it again and be awed at how true the simple words are.  That's what I love about writing - nothing in this quote is a profound discovery, yet when the words are put together they stir something inside that makes me think.

"A couple of hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. Never leave that till tomorrow, he said, which you can do today. This is the man who discovered electricity. You think more people would listen to what he had to say. I don't know why we put things off, but if I had to guess, I'd have to say it has a lot to do with fear. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, sometimes the fear is just of making a decision, because what if you're wrong? What if you're making a mistake you can't undo? The early bird catches the worm. A stitch in time saves nine. He who hesitates is lost. We can't pretend we hadn't been told. We've all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time, heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today's possibility under tomorrow's rug until we can't anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin really meant. That knowing is better than wondering, that waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beat the hell out of never trying."  Grey's Anatomy

It makes me hope that I am saying and doing the things that are true to me, because even if I fail, at least I am giving myself an opportunity to try.  And if choose I learn, a failure won't have been in vain because every experience should allow me a chance to grow.

What I really meant to say...

A conversation in my head, the perfect response that didn’t put itself together fast enough, the things I wanted to say, but for some reason just didn’t. This happens to me day after day. Sometimes because I have to be politically correct, sometimes because I don’t want to make another feel bad and sometimes because I am just plain scared if I say what I am really thinking I might get a response I am not prepared for.

To the man who asked for spare change -
When you watched me walk by you I wondered what you were doing. When you asked me for spare change and I gave you the loose dollars in my wallet and wished you well. What I really meant to say is, “Are a couple dollars enough, where are you from, where are you going – what’s your story?” But I didn’t dare, maybe I was scared of what I would hear.

To the person who works (who will remain nameless) -
When you told me you were mad at me because now you would have to work the weekend I said, “I am sorry about that, I know how you feel and it’s a crazy time of year.” What I really meant to say was,” I have worked almost every weekend for the last 4 months. I work at 1am and 3am and then again at 6am.” I don’t feel sorry for you, you have a job, suck it up.

To the really cute girl working in the Anthropologie dressing room -
When you asked me to show you the dress I tried on, you shrieked because you loved it. I know because I loved it too. When I handed you the pile of clothes that didn’t make the cut and turned to walk away with my two items you asked, “are you sure?” I replied, “I wish I could get it all.” What I really meant to say was, “I will take it all! In fact, wrap up one of my size of everything in the store. Why not, right, you only live once I may as well look cute in clothes that are way too expensive!” But, I will keep dreaming.

To the 7-11 man -
You watch me come into your store multiple times per week. I get a vanilla diet coke and you don’t even tell me the total anymore because I would have to be a complete idiot to not have it memorized. You’re very kind and always tell me thank you in your broken English. I say, "thanks and see you later". What I really mean to say is, “The visit to this 7-11 that perfectly mixes the vanilla is this diet coke is a highlight of my day. Better yet, the sunshine in an Oregon winter and a perfect treat. So, NO, thank YOU.” But I don’t, because I would sound insane.

I guess we hold back for a reason, but oh how interesting if I said what I really wanted to say...

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.

No one sleeps in VEGAS

Especially when you are running a relay.  I have mixed feelings about this post for a couple reasons, one... this was not my favorite race in the world - the organization was awful, and two... a runner on another team was hit and killed by a drunk driver making part of me feel guilty for talking about the fun times knowing there are a lot of family and friends dealing with a huge loss.  I can speak for my entire team when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with them right now.  When we heard the news about half way through the race our minds could think of nothing else, it hit close to home for each of us.

When we finished the Wasatch Back Relay in June the great folks at Ragnar announced a new Las Vegas Relay and offered each of the finishing Wasatch Back teams free rooms at Red Rock to run the Las Vegas Relay.  Sure, why not?  We said and signed up.  Only 6 of our Wasatch Back team could make the trip to Vegas so instead of trying to talk 6 more crazy people into running we let Ragnar assign us another set of 6.  They were a hoot!

Our van was given (actually chose) the harder set of legs.  Our first van would run about 24 miles and then we would run about 43 - um, how is that for even?  Needless to say it was a lot of HOT (I mean 90 degree) Vegas running.   Here we are at the beginning before we head to meet our team for our first legs.  We were ready in true "Vegas" style!

  As we drove into The Valley of Fire, which is where our legs began, we suddenly had a Park Ranger right behind us with his lights on.  We were pulled over for having writing on our windshield!  I would like to add that in every relay we have written on the windshield and although it probably shouldn't have been there he could have been a lot more courteous and just asked us to remove it.  Instead he ran all of our information and when we asked if the runners could get out because we were about to be handed off to he said, "Listen I don't want a circus out here".  Um.... look around you sir, there are about a billion runners with writing all over their cars.  Needless to say we didn't get a ticket and we watched about 10 other vans of runners be pulled over.  Busy day for the Park Ranger!

Ready for my first 9 mile leg!   This leg would later be known as "The leg that ruined running for me".  Just kidding... but it was SO hot and I wasn't even sweating - in fact I was getting chills about half way through... just a little dehydration. 

Once that bugger was over then the real party could start (at least for a couple hours until I ran again)!  Traci and I were strinking poses while Jennie ran...

Jennie and Jolynn resting in the back of the truck after their first legs.

Practicing our punk jumps!

Traci and Chris' first legs... The darkness begins.  We have never had first legs in the dark before.  That was a new experience, but at least it had cooled off a little.

Here I am waiting for Jolynn to pass off to me for my second.  It is about midnight and she is lost (we didn't know that though) the course wasn't marked all that well and she ended up running through some sage brush to get back on track.  When my leg starts I will have a similar experience and also get lost in Vegas, in the dark.  Scary.

Chris catching some Z's before his second run.

And it's day again!!  Poor tired runners...  On Jolynn's third and last leg she was directed the wrong way and ran about 3 miles off course.  We were waiting for her to hand off to me and we couldn't find her.  We were so worried!  But she figured it out, turned around and made it to the exchange, safe and tired!

Finally at the finish!  Here is our team sans Chris.  We were waiting for him to come in so we could all cross the finish together.

After the race Bryce and I went to the BYU vs. UNLV game with Lynn, Brandon, Caden and Brad.  I was SO tired.  I feel asleep a couple times watching the game, which they all found very humerous. But BYU killed them so I didn't miss much with my eyes closed.

Will I do Ragnar Las Vegas again?  I don't really know the answer to that. I love a good workout, but I am not sold on that race. I sure am glad I have my team though -  they make every race a good time!

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.

A Utah man sir, will be till I die!

The Utah football team came to visit me last weekend! Too bad they just showed up to visit and not to play football...
Utah Utes vs. Oregon Ducks. I very much love college football and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to watch my Alma mater play in the very state where I live. Shannon and I went to the game, and had a ton of fun! Even if Shannon did accidentally wear the colors of the opposing team. (She is new to college football). HA, at least she looked cute! Now it has been beautiful in Oregon for the last 3 weeks. But the 4 hours that we decided to sit at a football game were the same 4 hours the Oregon skies decided to mist. So our once styled and straight hair was better suited under red Utah hats so it could frizz out all it wanted and we could enjoy the game! The Utes didn't bring home a 'W', in fact they lost 28-24. Even still, the game was great, aside from what felt like a million preventable Oregon interceptions. The Duck fans were very nice given we were the only 2 Utah fans on our side in a sea of yellow (plus they were ahead for most of the game). Shannon now knows the Utah fight song, that skill could come in handy - you never know when you'll need to bust out in perfect tune in a college fight song. And next time, Ducks - you better watch your backs! Go Utes!
I would also like to add that if I choose an Oregon team to cheer for, or even a PAC-10 team for that matter, I think I will choose U of O. This team is sponsored by Nike and oh my gosh I have never seen so much CUTE college paraphernalia. Let's be honest - I may already have a jacket! I'm still a Ute though! ;-)

Oh, for the love of shoes

I love shoes. I really love shoes. I especially love heels. I seriously can't get enough. I have really little feet. I have spent my whole life wishing my little itty bitty feet were just a bit bigger. In my younger years I used to by boots just a little too big so I would feel more proportional. (I am over that now). I am very picky about my shoes - the heel, the toe, the fabric and yes, even the comfort are all taken into account when purchasing a new pair. I have acquired many wonderful shoe companions over the years. Knowing all this, you can imagine my excitement when my friend Tara told me about a local store in town that sells designer shoes (sizes 5 1/2 - 6 1/2) for almost 75% off! WHAT?!

The next morning I woke up and went straight to this little gold mine of a store. It was nothing short of a Christmas Miracle! Designer sample shoes, 75% off. There were so many fabulous pairs that fit my little feet perfectly. I spent almost 3 hours in the store. The shop workers thought I was moving in, I would have. I wanted 5 pairs, but I left with one. I have to pace myself, heaven knows I will be back - hooray for these little feet!