Suzcat

The Craziest Thing That Has Ever Happened To Me...

2011-12-08T18:02:00.011-07:00

This is a really really long post... basically I had brain surgery because I had fluid on my brain. If you want ALL the details, keep reading. Also, I posted a picture of the incision on my head, don't look if you get sick.

1 month ago my world was totally rocked and not in a good way. This semester in school has been particularly intense. I have been taking 3 classes and working 2 internships 50 miles apart which means a TON of driving. Plus I have been so busy every weekend with no time to take a breath. Along with this crazy schedule I have been having headaches. They usually got worse throughout the day and by night I would be in a ton of pain and totally exhausted. No medication seemed to even touch the pain. The first of November, I had had enough so I went to the health center on My Campus. I don't really have insurance in CA but I can be seen at health services for $10. So I went in and talked with the Nurse Practitioner. She was going to treat me for migraines with headache medicine but because I have a crazy family history of Aneurysms and Brain Tumors she wanted me to get an MRI just be sure. Because I don't have insurance I was very hesitant to get the MRI, it was a lot of money and I would have rather gone on a cruise :) I scheduled the appointment for a few days later but I cancelled it because I wanted to wait on some lab results and not spend the money if something minor showed up. Nothing came back in the labs which shocked me because I had been so tired and I am usually always a little anemic. The NP was very persistent I get the MRI so I scheduled it and Meg went with me. I am so glad she was there. I had taken a xanax to relax me because I am a little claustrophobic. The NP left it up to the radiologist whether or not to do contrast and when I got there they told me I didn't need it. So when I was in the MRI I was surprised when they took me out and started an IV to do contrast. When I was done and had changed they told me the NP from the school was on the phone. I was slightly out of it when I took the phone. She was very nice and told me she was "very glad we did the MRI". I was like "Okay, ya me too" (still totally oblivious). Then she said they did find something. I was like "ya okay sounds good." And then I started to get it. They found something bad. She told me they had found "Fluid on the brain" and I needed to see a neurologist in the next few days and if this was left untreated, I could die. I told her I would talk to my parents and call her in the morning. I walked out to the waiting room, where my sister was waiting, and shook my head to tell her I wasn't ok. I still had to keep it together long enough to pay and walk out to the car.

When we walked out the door I lost it and just started to cry. I had no idea what all this really meant and I was totally drugged, adding to my confusion. We called my parents and the first thing my mom said was "we are flying you home tomorrow". We had to overnight the images to a Doctor my parents know in Utah to see if I need to take care of this now and if I was safe to fly. After we mailed the images and we went back to Meg's house I got the worst headache I have ever had and it didn't go away until Friday.

The next day was the longest day of my life! I just went about my usual Thursday activities by going to my internship. I told my director at Career services and she got very emotional. It was very sweet, she is not necessarily the emotional type. I was still in shock so I wasn't upset when I told her. After my internship, which was totally wasted because all I did that day was google hydrocephalus to find out what was going on, I went and hung out with Meg before I had to go to class. I was also waiting for DR in Utah to see the images and call my parents. Then I went to my first class and I love my professor in that class so I thought I would be upset when I told her but I was still in shock. She was very sweet and concerned. She even she kissed me on the checks! She is very motherly. By my 2nd class of the night, at 7pm, we still hadn't heard from the Dr. I was going crazy. Finally at 9pm CA time the Dr. called my parents and they called me to tell me he wanted me to get a lumbar puncture so they were flying me home in the morning. From that point on I kind of lost it. After class I had to tell my other professor what was going on and I totally lost it and was just sobbing. So embarrassing! Then I started yelling at everyone. My parents called me back and I was just yelling at them and then I yelled at Carin, which I feel terrible about because she was being so nice and even bought me a Christmas CD for my flight. I am jerk. By the time I got home, at 11pm, my head was still killing me and it was hard knowing that the pain was really pressure on my brain, I think it made it hurt worse. I had to hurry and pack for my 7am flight. I literally just threw everything in my suitcase. I am glad I actually packed decent things to wear!

When I woke up on Friday morning my head was still hurting and this was odd because I usually don't wake up with a headache. I think the added stress made the pressure worse. Carin took me to the airport and I made my flight. I was so worried about flying because I knew there were risks involved. I pretty much just waited for my head to explode. Luckily it didn't. Jessica picked me up with her kids and we went straight to American Fork hospital where I met my parents and had a lumbar puncture. I was really scared because anytime they stick a needle in your back, it can't feel good. But it actually wasn't too bad. The radiologist is in my parents ward and he was wonderful. We just chatted the whole time, I hardly noticed there was a needle in my back. After, he was really great and looked at the MRI with parents so they could see the Ventricles, which were/are HUGE. He removed 26cc of CSF but didn't expect me to get any relief. But about 2hrs later the most amazing thing happened... my headache was GONE! and it stayed gone for like 2 days. It was wonderful.

The Neurosurgeon was out of town so we had to wait until monday to see if he wanted to do surgery. It was a long weekend and everyone was just waiting. Monday came and we found out the Dr. wouldn't be back until Tuesday. Another long day of waiting and my headache had returned so it felt extra long. Finally on Tuesday the Dr called and said surgery would probably help and he could do it tomorrow. Finally the waiting was over and we could get a plan. My sister in CA really wanted to be here so her and her family got in the car and drove up that night. It was so great to have them here!

I checked in at 7am for surgery. They had ito draw labs and I had to give a urine sample. A little known fact about me is that peeing in a cup is super traumatic for me. I worried about it all night! Kind of a crazy thing to stress about the night before you are having brain surgery. But when I went in I was fine and gave them the sample. No problem, it was a miracle!

We were able to talk to the Dr before and he was really optimistic everything would be great and that this was the right decision. When I had talked to him on the phone he didn't make it sound like it was urgent but right before the surgery he said its a good thing we are doing this because the pressure would keep building and you never know when/what can push you over the edge and you can go into a coma and have brain damage. YIKES!! After he said that I felt at peace about the surgery. All my other options would have been risky and just delaying the inevitable surgery.

After the Dr. left I said good-bye to my parents. This was my 17th surgery. My mom said this is just like before except now I am bigger. She is a champ when it comes to this sort of thing. They wheeled me into the prep room and the Anesthesiologist came in. I had been having a lot of anxiety about seeing the operating room, not like it was my first time, but I was so nervous this time. I told the Anesthesiologist that and he gave me a shot of "Liquid Courage" and that is the last thing I remember. I woke up and I don't remember a ton because I had also made the Anesthesiologist promise I would not wake up in pain. Eventually I ended up in my room and my mom stayed with me the rest of the day. My sisters came down to see me with the Graham and Ava, 2 4-year olds in a hospital room isn't a good idea so they didn't stay long, plus I was pretty out of it.

When I woke up from surgery my right arm was throbbing which was weird, I had brain surgery not arm surgery. It was seriously the only thing that was hurting and none of the pain meds were helping. I barely knew I had had brain surgery because my arm was killing me! I had to prop it up on a pillow and keep a hot blanket on it. I had a few visitors including my brothers-in-law, Marty and Chris, they brought my laptop and set it up so I could watch a movie, I didn't but it was still sweet of them. Sleeping in the hospital is never great. They are always coming in to check vitals and I had to get up at least 20 times to go to the bathroom, no joke. Plus they put these annoying squeezing things on your legs to prevent blood clots. And then they took me for a CT-Scan at 1:00am. All of these equal no sleep.

Yikes! It looks worse than it is! My hair has already grown back like 1/2 in and you don't even notice is because my hair is so thick.

The next morning, Thanksgiving, the Dr came in and I told him there was still pressure in my head. He told me it would take time for everything to adjust. The CT-Scan showed everything was in place and so now I just had to give it time. He told me I could go home but I didn't see how that was possible because I felt so terrible. The nurses suggested I walk around and so when my dad got there we walked around. I was really drugged so this was really hard but I started to feel better and decided I could go home. I came home about 3:00 and my mom finished making Thanksgiving dinner and we ate about 6:00 that night. I didn't feel great but it was good to be home and spend Thanksgiving with everyone, especially Meg and Chris because they had driven so far. It was seriously one of the tastiest Thanksgivings I can remember.

Me and my great hat and cool sling made out of Penny's baby blanket, it worked like a charm

The next few days are a blur filled with lots of sleeping and pain meds. But basically, I wore a sling because my arm hurt so badly and my head hurt just like before the surgery, frustrating. By Saturday I felt good enough, on meds, to get a pedicure and go to dinner with everyone. I have continued to feel stronger every day and my mom took the staples out a week later and that helped. My head has continued to hurt off and on and some days worse than others. I have been reassured this is normal. I was able to finish my classes from here so I won't be behind when I get back. I have been in Utah for a month and I am going back to CA in 3 weeks. I hope everything is resolved by then. The Nurse Practitioner, at the neurosurgeon's office, is optimistic and has a few more things to try. Until then, I am just trying to hang in there!

At Dinner with the Family, trying to feel good!

Lake Powell, Napa Ragnar, and Palm Springs Girls Weekend!

2011-10-29T01:05:00.007-06:00

So this semester I may actually die. It has by far been the busiest few months of my life. I am doing 2 internships, taking 9 credits (6 is full-time for grad students), and nannying 1 day a week. Plus for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to have something going on EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND. This is the first weekend I have been home and I am literally still in my Pj's from this morning. I haven't left the house and I kind of love it!

I do feel like I need to do a little catch-up...

In August we went to Lake Powell as a family. EVERYONE was there. I don't think we had all been together for 2 years. The kids had a blast playing together, we ate delicious food, talked, waterskiied, and did all the amazing things you do at lake powell. I love our family lake powell trips! This year was special because Nick turned 8 while we were there. He was able to baptized in the lake. It was such a neat experience and the spirit was so strong. I am so proud of him! Of course I didn't take any pictures because I was having too much fun! :)

After Lake Powell I came back to LA and started school and this crazy semester!

The 2nd weekend in September I had a chance to run another Ragnar! I don't know why I love these so much but I do. They are perfect mix of torture and fun! My last leg was super brutal: 8 miles, middle of the day, long highway, and HOT. Other vans kepy trying to give me water, I guess I looked like I was going to die. Nope, that's just how I look when I run! ha ha! Once again... I love my single Ladies!

One of my dearest friends Rosey decided to get married and her wonderful Fiance put all of her favorite girls up in a condo for conference weekend. We had a great time in Palm Springs! The resort had a lazy river and I pretty much spent all my time in there. It was so great! I love my San Diego friends!

I think that is enough catch up! But I will hopefully post the rest before Christmas :)

Waterskiing

2011-09-21T23:15:00.003-06:00

I had another great summer of waterskiing. I had about 8 sessions with the NAC while I was in Utah and even made a special trip back to try some more. The first several times were frustrating and COLD but after I flew back in August I was able to get out of the water and actually stand up. The last day I stood up and STAYED UP.... it was AMAZING. Now that I can do it off the boom-bar I hope to master deep water skiing... next summer!

This is Erica, she was always in the water with me. She is amazing and pretty much my new best friend. She has the patience of a saint and is so positive.

This is the amazing Kristen who is director of the ski program and drove the boat throughout the sessions!

I had plenty of support throughout the summer. Jess was a champ and came with both kids. My mom and meg also came different times. But of course the time I got up and stayed up, no one was there!

Summer Roommate

2011-09-04T23:25:00.006-06:00

So once I got back from Utah the 2nd time I decided I needed to be a good student and hunker down (yes I just said that)! So I had to adjust to summer school and my new Roommate!!!

Remember this girl?

This is Carin. My roommate. My AMAZING roommate. We are 2 peas in a pod. Okay not really but we get along really really well. Well she jumped ship for the summer and traveled everywhere: Europe, San Diego, Utah, San Francisco, San Diego again, New York, San Fran... again and now she is saving the world in Uganda for 3 more weeks. I have a paper chain going around my room counting down the days. Not True, but I am thinking of making one. I miss her. She gets me.

But... because I am a nice and understanding roommate I let her sub-let her room so she can save $$$. Enter Hazel.

Hazel is a BYU student from Hong Kong. She is an animator and had an internship at Sony this summer. We got a long fine. She was very nice and I had fun showing her around LA (she didn't have car). I took her to her FIRST and LAST dodger game (she HATED it! ) and we went to the beach and to a food festival by our apartment. Because she worked at Sony we were able to go to some screenings of some new movies like Zoo Keeper and we got to see Smurfs before it came out. (I actually loved that movie and thought it was really cute)

She loved LA and Trader Joe's (Sorry Utah!) She hopes to move here when she graduates in April. Even though we had a good time there were definite cultural differences that I wasn't expecting (I expected some but not others) and that made the experience hard. But it was only 8 weeks and Carin will be back soon. Hallelujah!

4th of July and Kenny Chesney

2011-08-30T23:06:00.003-06:00

So I went BACK to Utah 8 days after I got back in June. I had to start school and be responsible but I couldn't miss the 4th of July in Utah and most importantly Kenny Chesney because in case you forgot, I love him.

Meg and Chris and their kids came up for the 4th and we had a great time doing all the normal AMAZING 4th of July things you do in Utah County. We watched the jets fly over before the stadium of fire and then the fireworks after, we went to the parade and had a BBQ and we also went to the Bees game on the night of the 4th. Usually Bees games are kinda slow but this won was so exciting! The bees were ahead by like 8 and they almost lost because the other team hit a grand slam! So exciting! But of course I didn't get any pictures of these events... I am the worst!

But.... I did take pictures at Kenny Chesney!

The concert was at USANA, my favorite place to see him. We had great seats and Kenny was AMAZING as usual. It was so fun to go with Shellie and her family. We always have a great time!

I am trying to get caught up on blogging, bare with me!

Utah Trip- June

2011-08-01T16:09:00.006-06:00

So I have been to Utah in May, June, July and I am going back in August. (and I wonder why I feel like I have no money)

Anyway, when I went in June is so great! I just hung out with Jessica a lot and played with Penny and Graham. I totally fell in love with that sweet baby and it is so hard not to see her!

The main reason I was there was because one of my Best Friends got married. It was a beautiful wedding and Liz looked stunning! I am so happy for Liz and Dan!

I will blog about the 4th of July later, because that deserves its own post!

Delaware

2011-07-28T18:25:00.004-06:00

After 3 WONDERFUL days in NYC I took a train to Delaware. The west coast needs more trains.

I always love visiting Brett and Jill and their kids. I wish I could see them more often. It was fine to finally slow down and relax after such a crazy few weeks.

The first night we drove down to the boat and had dinner and went swimming in the Chesapeake Bay. It is so pretty out there and it was perfect weather.

The highlight of the trip was going to a Phillies Game! I love baseball but I really love EXCITING baseball! Brett has great seats so we were really close to Home Plate. They played the dodgers, who aren't very good. So there were lots of runs.

Thanks Brett and Jill for such a fun time!

New York!

2011-07-23T23:28:00.009-06:00

I am never going to get caught up on my blogging if I don't finish blogging about my summer vacations!

After I went to Duck Beach I drove up the coast in a car with 5 strangers for 9 hrs! It was very very very long! But I finally made it to NYC!

The first day I was there Mallori had to work so I was on my own...

I decided to go to Statton Island because there are pretty views of the city there.

There is a cool 9/11 memorial over there and when I got there the Fire Department was there looking at it. It was cool to see them there remembering their friends they had lost.

When I got off the Ferry in NYC I just walked around. I found the Trinity Church and Ground Zero. There still isn't a lot there which is sad after almost 10 years. But the plans look really cool for what they want to do.

The rest of the day I spent in Bryant Park, which is now my favorite park. It is Small and there are tables and chairs throughout with grass in the middle. I spent a few hours there and could have spent a lot longer.

Then I met Mallor and we went to Queens and went to a Mets game. I love Baseball so this was awesome!

The next day we went to the bronx zoo. This was the hottest day ever! We seriously almost died. The heat + humidity could have killed us.

That night after we had cooled off we went to see the play Cast Me if You Can. It was fun to see it but the songs weren't as catchy and the acting was just ok, but I am still glad we went.

The next Day my friend Ashley, who works for Delta and flys for free, came and hung out with me!
We walked A LOT and just saw the sights. We went Bouchon Bakery, which is so yummy. Carin loves it and has brought me stuff from there so it was fun that I got to go there in person.

Then we spent like 10hrs in Chinatown. Ashley bought so much stuff and I just bought some purses and a "Tiffany" ring. I love chinatown!

Then we met Mallori for a yummy italian dinner and then we went back to Mallori's apartment because we were so tired and I had to wake up early to catch the train to Delaware!

It was such a fun trip and I love NYC! I really feel like it would be fun to live there for a year after I graduate... Just what my mother wants to hear!!!

Please Vote!

2011-07-13T20:56:00.002-06:00

I will continue updating about my adventures on the East Coast AFTER I write a 5 page paper about who knows what, due next week.

In the mean time... Jessica and Marty have entered a video contest presented by Rocky Mountain Power. There Video is really Fun and shows how much work they have done to their house!

You can watch and vote Here!!!!

Thanks!

Duck Beach

2011-07-02T00:32:00.003-06:00

After Dallas I flew back to LA for 10 days and then I flew to the East Coast. North Carolina to be exact. I went to Duck Beach. If you have never heard of it, it is basically mormon spring break with hundreds of LDS singles over memorial day. I agreed to go in a moment of total insanity in March when it sounded fun.

Don't get me wrong.... I had a blast, but it was very overwhelming. Luckily I had Carin there to help me navigate the sitch and luckily her friend Whitney was there too so I was able hang out with them.

What makes duck so great is you are staying amazing Mansions. They were Huge houses with amazing views of the Ocean. The whole weekend was spent at the beach, eating, mingling or dancing. You stay up until 4:30 in the morning every day just because people are still partying. I know people say that Duck is wild and not their scene but I didn't feel that way at all. I never saw anything happen that shouldn't have been, although I am sure it did somewhere. Plus the jokes of "Did you get ducked?" are still funny.

As usual I was terrible at taking pics but I have a few....

Dallas 2011

2011-06-24T23:49:00.005-06:00

Two days after I got home from Utah I headed to Dallas. I hadn't been since Scott graduated 2 years ago so my visit was well over due. I love Dallas, I think I love Dallas because of the people I know there but I always have such a great time. I think I can sum my trip up by saying we planned our days based on the meals we ate and boy did we eat some meals! Yummy!!!!

We went to the Dallas Zoo! They have recently redone it and it is cool. They do this show with Birds and I couldn't believe how big the owl was! The african section of the zoo was pretty cool. It made you feel like you were on an african safari or at least what you think it would be like.

We also went to a classic car museum. Pretty cool, if you like old cars!

Lastly, We went to my favorite place in Dallas! It is called Lee Harvey's. Named after Lee Harvey Oswald, the guy that assassinated president Kennedy when he was in Dallas. This "Bar" is supposed to be his house. Anyway it's not really a normal bar because you sit outside at picnic tables by fire pits and listen to live music. Both times I have been there the bands have been GREAT! They are totally Texas and totally country. My favorite combo! I had so much fun! I can't wait to go back!!!!

May Trip to Utah!

2011-06-12T23:04:00.002-06:00

The day after my last presentation in school I flew to Utah for a week! Meg and Ava came with me to see baby Penelope and spend some time with Jessica. It was so fun to all be together. Ava and Graham had a blast and didn't stop running and screaming the entire time. They were WILD! Baby Penny is a DOLL and I love her so much!!!! (I will post more about her later)

But....

The main reason for coming to Utah was for Shellie's wedding! The day was PERFECT and I couldn't be happier for Shellie and Mike. Shellie looked STUNNING! The reception was beautiful and I am so glad I was a part of it. The night before the wedding we hung out and got pedicures and went to dinner and then we watched Kenny Chesney's Summer in 3D concert that I had from Netflix. I know it sounds silly but that pretty much sums Shellie and I up, we love Kenny! I can't wait to see him AGAIN with Shellie in July!!!

Of course I didn't take pictures of my own so I stole these from Shellie.... Enjoy!

Easter 2011

2011-05-10T21:38:00.008-06:00

This year I spent Easter with Carin's Family. I was her +1. On Saturday we picked up her sister from the airport and headed to Balboa Island in Orange County. You can take the Ferry over for $1, which is a pretty good deal. We walked around and looked at all the cute houses and all the not so cute house. There were also the prettiest gardens. If you have ever seen Arrested Development (I haven't so it's ok) apparently the sell frozen bananas. So of course we tried some!

Then we met up with Carin's Mom and sister-in-law and went to the San Juan Capistrano Mission, also in Orange County. It is one of 22 missions in California. The grounds are really pretty and the history is pretty interesting to read about.

Then.... we went to an ANGEL'S game! They were playing the Red Sox and since Carin and her family are from Boston and HUGE Red Sox fan's they wanted to go. They were all in Sox gear and I of course wore my stuff Chris gave me for Christmas.

On Easter Sunday we spent the day with her family in San Diego. We went to church and had a YUMMY Easter dinner. Carin's mom was so cute and made everyone Easter baskets, including me. It was such a fun weekend!

Beach Photo Shoot

2011-04-26T22:59:00.002-06:00

I find that there is no better way to procrastinate the inevitability of final projects like blogging.... so here we go!

Conference weekend was BEAUTIFUL here! I mean really really great! And since I know Utah had snow then and more crazy weather today I may rub that in a little but more by saying... I LOVE CALIFORNIA WEATHER!

In between sessions on Sunday my friends and I got together for brunch. When we get together we really eat great food. My roommate is a bit of a food snob so you can GUARANTEE that wherever Carin is, there will be gourmet food!

After watching the second session of conference and a few people left the remaining 4 of us decided to take a drive up the coast in Carin's red convertible (my favorite way to travel the PCH these days). We wanted to check out this beach call El Matador where they shoot a lot of the Sport Illustrated photos.

Since the beach is basically made for taking pictures that is what we did.... My friend Brandon took these and I was so uncomfortable when he was taking them and very pleasantly surprised they were horrendous! If you are in SoCal definitely go check out this beach!!!!

All the Single Ladies 2011

2011-04-22T13:08:00.013-06:00

So I don't use the phrase "I had the time of my life" very often so when I do I mean it and I wouldn't describe last weekend any differently! I had the chance to participate in the SoCal Ragner Relay with 14 AMAZING girls! My friend Rosey asked me to be on the team and I was thrilled! I had been looking forward to it for months but had no idea I would have this much fun! All the girls were from San Diego so I was nervous because I wouldn't know them but we became instant friends!

Thursday night after class I drove down to San Diego to meet my girls! I hit traffic so I didn't get there until really late.

We all crashed on the floor to prepare for our 4 am wake up call! (Look at all that food!!! We pretty much ate it all too)

We drove an hour and a half to the start in Huntington Beach but even at 5:30 am we had tons of energy!

We were even on the NEWS! Go Single Ladies!
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news%2Flocal%2Forange_county&id=8074760

I was so happy to see my team at the end of this bridge!

My first Exchange was in the Angel's parking lot! A dream come true for an Angel's fan like ME :)

After we were all done with our first leg's what did we want? CAFE RIO of course! (some thought it was a better idea then others but I loved it!!!!!

Getting ready to start leg 2

The back of our shirts had our phone #'s!

Best part? Spontaneous Dance Parties!!!! Everybody LOVED the Single Ladies!

The finish was amazing!

I can't wait for next year! I love All My Single Ladies!!!!!

Great Idea

2011-04-12T21:48:00.002-06:00

So for my birthday my mom surprised me with one of these! They are are Curl Covers and they make it so you can put HOT curling irons or flat irons away without getting burned or ruining the drawer, etc.... I have really liked it when I stay at Meg's so I can put my flat iron away right after I am done and I don't have to worry about her kids getting burned. It also helps you clean the bathroom right away.

I have really loved mine! You can buy them at http://www.curlcovers.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

Penelope

2011-03-29T23:49:00.004-06:00

Jessica, Marty and Graham welcomed a beautiful and perfect baby girl on Sunday night. Her name is Penelope Kay Patch and I love her already, even though I haven't met her. And it is killing me I can't see her for like 5 weeks! Isn't she a doll????? And those CHEEKS??? Darling!!

Jess is still recovering and having a harder time then she hoped but she has done this before and she is the strongest person I know. Her faith could move mountains! Love you Jess!

For more pictures go here.
http://candy-graham.blogspot.com/2011/03/penelope-kay-patch.html

Quarter of a Century

2011-03-26T14:29:00.007-06:00

It is true... I turned 25 on March 10th! I feel so old! But I am over it because I have less then a year before I turn 26 and I'm really not ready for that! My birthday was so WONDERFUL! I am so lucky to have family and friends that love me!!!!

To START the month off right Rose and I went to Disneyland! (Only the best place EVER to CELEBRATE!!!)

My parents flew in for my ACTUAL birthday and it was so FUN! BYU was playing in the tournament in Vegas so my dad went to watch the game so... Just the girls went to lunch at the Landing! It was so yummy and its right on the lake which made it beautiful!

I had to go to class that night (because that is what happens when you are adult) but after we had cake and Ice Cream! Meg made me a FUNFETTI cake which is all we ate at BYU-Idaho... YUMMY!

Carin planned a BELLYDANCING class for me, which was totally awkward because I'm so uncoordinated it's ridiculous! but it was still a blast!

Carin also planned a "PI" party because March 14th (3.14) is PI day. We had a bunch of people over from the ward and all ate tons of delicious PIE!

THEN.....

On the last day of my parents trip I decided to go home with them. It was my Spring Break and Carin was in Columbia so I didn't want to sit around for a week alone so I just hoped on the plane! We surprised Jess and it was so fun! Since she is about to have a baby and in the middle of remodeling she needed some extra help. I was also there for one of her baby showers. Her friend made Cake Pops! They were red velvet and AMAZING! I can't wait until I have time and motivation to make them!

Because I wasn't there very long I only got to see a few people but it was still fun and I am glad I went!

Ava Weekend

2011-02-24T22:22:00.009-07:00

For Christmas Ava Girl got a TINKERBELL sleeping bag and as soon as she opened it she wanted to sleep at my apartment. Well that time came this past weekend! We spent for days together having nothing but FUN....

We went to the PARK......

We went to the MALL....

We went to TARGET......

We went to my ward MARDI GRAS party..... Where she got her FACE PAINTED!

(now everyone thinks I have a child)

We had a PICNIC and Ava met her best friend she will never see again and still gets upset about.....

We went to MCDONALD'S......

AND......

We had a SLEEPOVER at my APARTMENT in her TINKERBELL sleeping bag....

Talk about a happy kid!

But all good things must come to an end and 3 year olds are A LOT of work so I was HAPPY to return her!

Thanks Ava Girl! Let's do it again.... in a year or two!

Liz

2011-02-20T22:39:00.003-07:00

(This is a pic from the last time Liz and I went to CA)

This past weekend Liz came to visit me! It was so much fun!!!!! Since she is getting Married in June it was really fun to have ONE last girls trip! We Shopped, went to the Beach TWICE, laughed, Ate, and laughed some more. It seriously was a great weekend!

So I have this problem, I forget to take pictures. And If I do take pictures it is usually of food or about food something like that. It's SORTA embarrassing. But WHATEVER! So here is a pic of some AMAZING desserts we had at this YUMMY cafe by my apartment.

Thanks for coming Liz!

Food Trucks!

2011-02-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know what you are all thinking, what has Suzy been doing? Well let me tell you... School, Work, Babysitting, Cooking, Beaching it up, shopping, following food trucks and loving the fact that I LIVE in SoCal!

I won't bore you with all the details but I will say that if you come to CA plan on eating at a food truck. What is a food truck? They are a huge craze down here and basically a gourmet restaurant on wheels. A few weeks ago Carin and I set out to check them out. We went to the Crepe n' Around truck. I love crepes and to put it lightly, I have been dreaming about them ever since and have failed every time I try to find it (stupid Twitter)...

Anyway, we shared the chicken pesto Crepe, S'more Crepe and Banana Nuttella Crepe. Yes we stuffed ourselves and yes it was worth it!

Utah

2011-01-27T21:11:00.006-07:00

I was in Utah for 5 weeks! It was really fun to go back and see everyone. Unfortunately I only have a few pictures from my trip to Utah. No Christmas, New Years, or pictures of my family visiting. Let's just say I am the worst with my camera and I wish I could have someone follow me around with a camera and take pictures of my life because that would be easier...

I did go skiing twice when I was there. It was so fun and it was the only thing that actually made me miss winter in Utah

I also went to a Jazz game with Troy. The game was awful and we got killed but Jazz games are always fun

The last week I was there I watched Graham for Jess and Marty. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work.

I miss my little Buddy!

Utah was fun but I am glad to be back in School and sunny California where its like 80 degrees!

Sleepover and Disneyland

2011-01-01T19:36:00.005-07:00

BLOG CATCH-UP! SCROLL DOWN FOR ADDITIONAL POSTS!

Ever since I moved to LA Meg's kids have been dying to see my apartment but more importantly SLEEPOVER. Well, their wish came true the day before I flew home. I picked them up and we drove to Culver City. They were HILARIOUS in the car. I wish I had taped the conversation. We picked up In n Out for dinner and then went to my apartment. As I put the key in the door Nick EXCLAIMED, "I can't believe I finally get to see it!" It was pretty dang cute. Then, while we ate dinner they each kept saying Thank you for letting them come. They are pretty great kids. We watched movies and ate snacks and I think it was everything they hoped it would be.

Then....

The next day we went to DISNEYLAND! It was such a great day! I am so glad I have an annual pass and get to go a lot. Rosey Happened to be going that day as well, so it was so fun to be with her and her cute friend Denise, they are pretty much the greatest and Disneyland was so fesive decorated for Christmas!

(I am really glad Rose had her camera to capture some of the pics, I am the worst at that)

Christmas Time in LA

2011-01-01T19:25:00.003-07:00

It was really hard for me to get into the Christmas Spirit in LA. It is hard when the sun is shining and its warm. Cry me a river, I know! But they do try to make it feel like Christmas. There is a great shopping center called The Grove, its where they film Extra, they have a HUGE tree (30 feet taller then Rockefeller center in NYC) and they make make fake snow. Anyway, Carin and I went and checked it out and it was pretty cool and make it feel a little like Christmas!

I also made batches and batches of peppermint popcorn, which everyone loved and made me homesick!

Thanksgiving

2011-01-01T19:00:00.003-07:00

My parents came to LA for Thanksgiving and we had a great time! I didn't take any pictures of Thanksgiving dinner but I did take some of the day before they left. We had been at Megan and Chris' house with kids but after church we drove back to LA and walked around the LA temple grounds. They try and decorate with Christmas lights, but having seen Temple Square in SLC it is hard to compete. We also spent some time at the visitor center and the church has recently redone the entire center. It is very cool and has lots of different information. It was really fun to have my parents come down and see where I live and go to school for the first time!

Caramel Apples

2011-01-01T16:22:00.009-07:00

In November my ward had a service auction and I really wanted to donate something. Meg gave me the idea of Caramel Apples. I had never done this before but how hard could it be... right?

Well it took me all day! and I couldn't have done it without Carin's moral support.

The tool that made it all possible!

The prepped apples

Topping Station

First 1/2

2nd Half

A few of my favorites!

I am glad I made them! They turned out great and I know the people bought them LOVED them!

I LOVE THIS GIRL!

2010-12-08T01:15:00.003-07:00

And she's getting MARRIED!!!!!

As you can see we have done ALOT together... these pictures don't even scrap the surface!

I am SO happy for Shellie and Mike and know they are going to be so happy together!

Shellie and I have known each other since kindergarten but it wasn't until 7th grade we realized we were best friend material.

We have had so many adventures together since then! We have gone to Countless concerts, (Rascal Flatts, Tim and Faith x 3, Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, BSB x 2, NSYNC, Brittany Spears, and of course KENNY CHESNEY X like 7!) We have been on several awesome vacations (Chicago, LA x 3, Las Vegas x 4, San francisco, Jackson Hole x 2, Arizona x 2, Fish lake, Lake Powell and probably a million places I am forgetting!

We have spent millions of hours talking. I know that I can tell Shellie anything, she is the best secret keeper. Shellie is the person I call when I just want someone to know what to say. She is really good at celebrating good news with me and making bad news not seem so bad. She has the kindest heart and doesn't hold a grudge. That being said she has the memory of an elephant and never forgets....

I hope Mike knows what a great wife he is going to have and he also knows that when it comes to concerts, especially Kenny Chesney there is no price limit!

Congratulations Shellie, I love you so much!

Do you know?

2010-12-08T00:31:00.004-07:00

So I am headed into finals and spent 8 hrs yesterday writing/editing a 20 page paper! Boo!!! Anyway, I promised someone I would post so here it is! I will try to post something else tomorrow too so check back!

So back in October I was in the kitchen at my apartment, minding my own business, when I noticed a pile of brown "dust". I honestly thought my roommate had spilled spices or seasoning on the floor. So I wiped it up and continued with my life.

The next day, the pile was back. As soon as I saw it I got this uneasy feeling of you are not alone, as in... there something making this pile that is unwanted. I went and hid in my bedroom until Carin got home and proceeded to frantically tell her about and show her the pile. She looked at it and calmly said "Oh, looks like termites."

My first thoughts:
Termites? Termites? What?
I am from UTAH, I don't think we have those there.
Houses covered in white tents while they are fumigated.
Being homeless for weeks, etc.
All things dramatic basically.

(I'll leave out the part where someone convinced me it was a mouse not termites, then I really freaked out!)

Fortunately my landlord had the same reaction as Carin and scheduled an exterminator to come. But we were supposed to sign these papers that said we can't be there for 2 hrs after they spray and the chemicals can do who knows what to us if we are.

Well we didn't sign the paper and Carin probably came back 15 min after they sprayed because we don't know when they came. (we are watching her for signs of illness and hoping she doesn't develop cancer)

The termites were not gone after 1 spraying and they came and sprayed again, I hoping this really solves our problem!

Beach and Tacos

2010-11-09T16:31:00.004-07:00

My relaxing weekend of doing nothing went well for the most part. But Friday was way to nice outside not to take advantage of it. I think it was 85 at the beach, which was amazing because I'll previous experiences at the beach made me wish I had a sweatshirt. But Friday was BEAUTIFUL and WARM. I even saw Dolphins! I was so excited. It always amazes me when I look at the ocean how much goes on under there and we can't see it.

My second outting for the weekend was Tito's Tacos! My roommate and her friend had never been there so I was more then excited to take them. They have delicious salsa, drinkable really! Just ask Jessica :) It is a total dive but if you are ever in LA it is MUST! As you can see we had quite the spread of yummy food!

Another fun weekend!

Cheers!

October

2010-11-04T21:01:00.010-06:00

I really can't believe it is already November. It's hard for me to believe that 4 1/2 months ago my life was completely different. I was very happy but not progressing anywhere with my job that made me dumber each day. Its hard to believe that now I live in Los Angeles and I only know a handful of people, I am not really working (which I am not complaining about), I go to school and I LOVE school! I have a very simple life now but I am happy and I know that everything takes time and the more time I spend in LA the more I will like it. Here are some pics from my crazy October...

The first weekend of October was of course General Conference. It felt weird for me to be so far away from "The Motherland" as I have come to refer to Utah as. I watched the Saturday sessions on my computer and that was definitely different then flipping on channel 5 but I got the message. Luckily I was able to watch Sunday session with Meg and her kids and that made is feel more normal to be around family. I just love conference and listening to the important messages!

The second weekend in October I drove to San Diego for Rosey's Birthday party. She is such a doll and I am glad that she lives "close". I left too late on a friday and it ended up taking me an extra 1hr and 20 min... but that is the story of LA and I figured out how to listen to conference on my phone. A very calming way to be in traffic!
Her friends threw her a great Black/Gold party. It was so cute! They even painted dolls gold and The Roseys instead of the Oscars. So cute! Meredith, Rose's sister was in town so it was so fun to hang out with her and get caught up. It was fun to see them interact as sisters because they are so close in age and it made me miss Jessica a lot. The next day we went to the beach and can I just say I LOVE San Diego beach. In all fairness I haven't experience LA beach yet and hopefully will get to with the heat wave this weekend of 90 degrees!

The 3rd weekend I went to San Francisco and ran the Nike Women's Marathon. I spent friday sightseeing by myself and I went to Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate park. They were so pretty and peaceful. Then I went to the Aquarium and the coolest thing there was the tank of jellyfish... I guess I was expecting a whale or something :)
The race was really hard. I had just developed my cough (which I still have) and running 13.2 miles with a barking/hacking cough plus it started to rain... awesome. But I finished and I am glad I went. It is always so fun to be apart of something so big.

The next weekend I flew BACK to San Francisco to be a bridesmaid in my old roommate Michelle's wedding. It was a great weekend and great day. She looked so beautiful and happy! Congrats Michelle!

The last weekend in October my friend Kari from my last job came. She loves Disneyland so the first thing we did of course was go to Disneyland!!! It was my first time going since I moved here.. I cant believe I live so close! I love how they decorate it for Halloween. We took a tour of the Kodak Theater where they hold the Oscars and I had my FIRST Celebrity citing since moving here.. We saw Jane Lynch who plays Coach Sue on Glee... we walked right by her and made eye contact... so fun! We stalked celebrity houses, ate good food and went to a cool movie theater. It was a busy but fun weekend!!!! Thanks for coming Kari!

And Lastly my favorite part of living in LA is I get to see these cute kids more... I took them to Shave-Its last week and we had so much fun. They say the most random and hilarious things! Love them...

There is my October. Congrats if you are still reading. After recapping my month I realize no wonder I am still sick... So this weekend I am doing NOTHING and couldn't be more excited!

Cheers!

1st September in California!

2010-10-01T22:39:00.007-06:00

It has been a Crazy and busy month that has felt like a year! I started school exactly a month ago today. It has gone by fast as far as school is concerned but everything else has gone slow. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my classes! I just know this is the program for me and I know I am supposed to be here...

Troy and I drove down on Aug 30th. It took us 13hrs with the trailer and I don't think Troy realized how long it would take us. But he is a champ! Even the next day when we had to take everything to my storage unit he didn't say anything. I seriously couldn't have done this with out him! Thanks Troy!!!

The first weekend I got here my new roommate, Carin, had planned a huge party at Pismo Beach with about 60 LDS singles. It was Crazy and Fun! I only new Carin so I had a lot of people to meet who all had their friends. It was overwheling at times but mostly fun with lots of dancing, great food and people. Pismo Beach is the only beach in CA that you are allowed to drive on. I have never seen anything like it! you are looking at the beach and it literally looks like the the 1 has moved to the beach. A constant stream of cars all day and all night. With the sand dunes there it is like W.T. Heaven!

One of the days we were there a group of us drove up to Hearst Castle. It is amazing and in the middle of no where. But if you ever have the chance to see it...go!

The 3rd weekend in September I drove down to visit my cute friend Rosey and her friends to see the wonderful Darius Rucker and Brad Paisley in concert. I love concerts and this one was so fun! It was a little crazy with all the drunk people and let's be honest no one does White Trash like Country Music! So Fun!

I got to San Diego really early because I didn't want to be in traffic getting out of L.A. so I found the San Diego Temple and walked around. It has always been my favorite temple. I think it looks like a castle and the grounds are so BEAUTIFUL!

I did get moved in so I will post pictures of the apartment and area soon. I love my roommate. She is really easy to live with and a lot of fun. I feel like there was divine intervention in having us live together. The ward is good. Lots of people but I am excited to get involved and meet people.

The hardest thing about leaving Utah is not seeing My Cookie Face everyday! I love that little guy and I am glad that he is starting to talk on the phone. He told me the other day he wants to me come home! And today he sang me songs (ABC's, Ring around the Rosie, Twinkle Twinkle, and Dinosaurs go Stomp Stomp Stomp) I am not sure about the last one but the others were sang perfectly! I miss you Graham!

P.S. The battery died in my camera so I didn't have any pictures luckily Rosey had hers and google images is a great thing.

CrAzY MoNtH

2010-08-22T22:37:00.004-06:00

This has been a crazy month and possibly the longest one of my life! Almost exactly a month a go I got some great news! I got accepted into the Guidance and Counseling for College Students Masters Program at California Lutheran University! It is a 2 year program. I Start September 1st. I move next Monday. I drove my car down to Megan's house a few days after I found out and I checked out the campus, where I want to live, and the ward. It was a very busy week. I don't think it has totally set in and I am trying NOT to think about it because it makes me an emotional wreak. I always thought I wanted to leave Utah and now that I have the chance I am really torn.... But nonetheless in a little more then a week I will be a resident of SO CAL! So here is to a new ADVENTURE!

Pioneer Trek

2010-08-14T22:17:00.003-06:00

The 2nd week in July I had the amazing opportunity to go on the Pioneer Trek in Wyoming with my singles ward. I had no idea it would be that amazing! I was called to be a Ma so I was "married" on trek and my "Husband" was nothing short of adorable and we had the best "children". I really grew to love each of them! As my roommate would say, "We didn't have much, But we had love" and that pretty much sums it up. The picture is of our little family "The Trekkies" minus my oldest son Karl, who is actually my roommates dad and possibly the coolest guy on the planet. We love Karl! When I got home I was asked to speak in church about my experience. Bro. Davis called me at 9:30 Saturday night and I was not happy but I had such a wonderful experience that I really did want to share. Martin's Cove is one of the most sacred places I have been. We walked 5 miles the first day, 15 miles the 2nd and 15 the 3rd. I have done hard things but this really challenged me. I really loved every second trek!

July

2010-08-12T23:49:00.002-06:00

July was a crazy month! My favorite Holiday is the 4th of July so all the festivities make is so busy and so fun! I am pretty sure that their is nowhere better in the country to celebrate the 4th. Utah county knows how to throw a party! We went to the stadium of fire and Carrie Underwood was great, I could have done without the rest but she puts on a great show! Then we went to the parade and I thought the parade was actually pretty good this year. But the best part of July was that Megan and her kids, who came up for the holiday, stayed the entire month! It was so fun to have them here. Since I quit my job I was able to spend a lot of time with them. It was so fun!

Las Vegas

2010-07-22T02:28:00.005-06:00

Because it is 2:30 am and I have a headache and I am waiting for the Motrin to kick in and my apartment is just shy of 100 degrees I am going to blog...

A few weeks ago Shellie and I went to Las Vegas to see Kenny Chesney. By now I know that you know that I LOVE him! I would like to think if I ever met him that I would be normal but we all know that just is not true. He is so awesome in concert! I seriously love him!

We left Wednesday after work and flew down there. I have never flown to Vegas before but I will have to say I enjoy it! We got there really late and just went to sleep. The next 2 days we spent by the pool at the Hard Rock Hotel. I thought the pool was pretty to look at but boy did it have hot sand. I didn't even know sand could get that hot. Even flip-flops didn't protect you!

We went on the strip once and that was fun, except for the ride over with our creepy driver, we shopped and ate dinner at my favorite restaurant ever! The Grande Luxe, I don't know why I love it so much but I do!

The day of the concert was long. It was General Admission floor seating so we had to stand in line from 4-6:30 and then they let us in to stand from 6:30-8 when the concert started. And then we stood through the concert for 2 more hrs! I was so tired and people were so drunk but Kenny was amazing as always.... did I mention I love him? :)

Mama Jan

2010-06-28T23:27:00.003-06:00

I stole ALL these pictures from Jessica's Blog... she was the one with the camera!

My Beautiful, Wonderful, Amazing, Strong, Spiritual, Spunky, closet of a comedian Mother turned 60 yesterday! (Jess threw her under the bus first so she can't be mad I disclosed her age). I love my mom more then words can describe. She is my best friend and the glue that keeps our family together. She has been through a lot with me and for me and I owe her everything! I love to listen to my mom tell stories because I can usually help her finish it. As she says "She gets me!" and I really do. Thanks mom for being beautiful, Wonderful, Amazing, Strong, Spiritual, Spunky, and a closet comedian. You make me laugh harder then anyone! Keep being sassy! I love you Mama Jan!

We had a great party for her yesterday and Jessica had the cutest decorations! It looked great. My Mom's brother and sister came to help her celebrate.... We missed you Jody!

"R Wii There Yet?"

2010-06-20T17:54:00.003-06:00

This past weekend I completed the Wasatch Back! It was CrAzY! We left at 3:00am on Friday morning so we could be in Logan at 5:00am and Runner 1 could start at 6:15. I only got an hour of sleep and was so tired. I was also nervous about my fist leg. It was 6.7 miles and classified as hard. I started my run at 7:30 and my ankle was aching as soon as I started running luckily after a few blocks I felt great! I was running 2 min/mile faster then I planned. Everything was AwEsOmE! Logan is gorgeous and I was having a great time running, listening to my music and admiring the scenery. Then BAM! I fell. Flat on my face. I really don't know what happened. I know that I was running near the edge of the shoulder and the soft gravel shoulder and I might have stepped wrong.

As soon as I landed my thought I need to get up fast before this starts to hurt. My shoe fell off so I needed to grab that and then these people from another team helped bandage me up at their van because my elbow was bleeding. I was starting to black-out as I was standing there because I was in shock. My team was at the exchange so I had no choice but to keep running the 3.3 miles I had left. I think the shock and adrenaline helped me get there. I was so embarrassed! I mean really? who falls like that? 80 year old women walking around the block... not people running races. I haven't fallen since October 9, 2007 when I sprained my ankles and couldn't run my first marathon. Basically my running curse is getting worse and I am reconsidering my retirement....

The next leg was 3 miles that night and it wasn't too bad. I was still shaky from fall but I made it through it and then the next day after 4 hrs of sleep I ran the last 3.3 mile of my legs. Then I got to relax but I really wanted to shower and sleep but that came later. Our team finished at 8:15pm on Saturday. So 38hrs... We weren't fast but we finished! I am glad I did it and would do it again with a few different people!

Delaware Pics

2010-06-05T21:46:00.002-06:00

Here are some pictures from the Delaware portion of the trip!

New York Day 2

2010-05-30T19:19:00.003-06:00

Pictures of the Delaware leg of the trip to come soon....

New York Day 1

2010-05-29T10:54:00.005-06:00

It's Memorial Day Weekend and I have food poisoning! I got sick at 5am on Friday so I missed work yesterday. I have too many things to do to be sick! But since I can't really move yet I thought I would post about my trip to NYC and Delaware! It was a blast! I took the red eye out on Wednesday night and arrived at 6 am NYC time. When I got there Mallori informed me there would be no time to nap so the 2 hours of sleep I got on the plan would have to be enough. Here are some Pictures from the first day... It was a crazy Vacation but so much fun!

View

2010-05-03T20:13:00.002-06:00

I have lived in the basement for a really long time. My past 3 apartments have been in the basement and my last one had an ugly view of a car port so I never opened my windows! I love living on the 3rd floor because of the awesome view. I can also see the fireworks from the bees stadium! I love fireworks. So even though I may complain cause hiking up 3 flights is no easy task with an arm load of groceries it is alway worth it when I get to the top!

P.s. My neighbor is sitting on his room and I think he thought I was taking a picture of him! Ha ha!

A Long Time Coming....

2010-04-25T22:02:00.003-06:00

This post has been a long time coming. I just needed to put a little time between the event and this post. Not that I didn't think it was HILARIOUS when it happened but I was (and still am) a little embarrassed about this. If we are close and you haven't heard this story don't be offended only a handful of people know..... until now!

You may know that I love to ski. I skied pretty much every saturday this last winter and I LOVED it! I like to ski blues with an occasional black. Skiing is the most challenging thing I like to do. It is physically hard and mentally taxing. Earlier this winter (I can't remember when, I blocked it out, I think January) My friend Leah and I decided to go skiing. We had heard such great things about Snow Basin that we wanted to give it a try however I am a Park City girl through and through but I was willing to try.

The day started out with us realizing the DEW tour was there that day which means a bunch of punk-a** teenagers thinking they were on the dew tour and recklessly skiing/boarding down the mountain. I almost got taken out by 3 boarders the first run... it was intense and it rattled me. We continued through our day on blue runs that were steeper then the blues we were used to but we prevailed. Leah fell a few times so she was feeling shaken. After lunch we skied a run that took us to this lift that we had to take back up to the top of this really steep part of the mountain. We were tired and it was getting late so we followed the signs that said EASIEST WAY DOWN. These two guys on snowboards were having a very hard time and one almost went off the cliff. There wasn't a lot of snow so we were skiing on rocks (it cost Leah $50 after to fix her pitted skis, luckily I rented). We got to this run called Dan's. It was steep and narrow and a few weird pitches. I was not looking forward to this and Leah looked down right terrified. I didn't know how I was going to make it down without breaking a leg and that is just not an option for me.... ever. So Leah, being much older and wiser then me, decided she would just call snow patrol and get a snowmobile to come get us down the mountain all in one piece. I was not loving this idea but I was really not loving the idea of skiing down and possibly breaking something. So I let her call.

As we waited for the snowmobile we laughed about how funny we are and how embarrassing this is and then the ski patrol showed up pulling the toboggan. I looked at him and said and where is the snowmobile? He told me we were too high up to get them up there so this was our way down and his partner would be hear shortly. Well Leah just got to sit on the padding and hold on while he pulled her down but because I only have 1 arm and can't hold on he made me lay down and get wrapped up in all the covering so I wouldn't fly out. I was mortified but I couldn't stop laughing. The guy was super nice and we got down the mountain very fast. I couldn't wait to get out. And then he stopped. In the middle of the DEW tour crowd. THOUSANDS of people staring at me thinking I was unconscious, broken, bleeding, etc. anything but just a wuss. He told me he couldn't get through the crowd so I would just have to ski the last .25 mile to the lodge. So... Still laughing in hysterics I popped my skis on and skied down and found Leah (Her guy took her through the crowd and saved her the humiliation).

So that is my story! I had to be brought down from the top of Snow Basin bundled in a Toboggan pulled by ski patrol. I am cool I know!

I think I'm in LOVE!

2010-04-11T22:23:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago Shellie and I went and saw Michael Buble! I had heard he was great in concert but I had NO idea what to expect. He is adorable and so cute with the audience. My favorite part was when he started singing Michael Jackson and moonwalked across the stage. My cute friend from work, Marianne, came with us last minute and it was so fun... I think we are all just a little obsessed now! Too bad he is engaged :)

His opening act was Naturally 7 they were cool. They made all the music A cappella. It is crazy people are that talented.
Here is a link to a video of them here.

Thanks Shell for the pictures :)

My Birthday!

2010-04-03T22:15:00.004-06:00

I turned 24. I didn't want to and I don't even know why. It's not old but it sounds old. When someone asked how old I was and I responded 24 I felt sad. I know I am a little crazy because I hear 25 is pretty awful too. So I think I am going to keep telling people I am 22, I liked that age.

Despite the whole age thing I really did have a great birthday. I believe in birthday weeks so I celebrated for a week and had a great time and because I was having such a great time I forgot to take pictures, well that and I always forget when Shellie isn't around because I steal all my pictures from her.

On my birthday (Wednesday Night) I went to dinner with my friends. We went to the Red Iguana and waited 1 hour and 10 min and then we went and saw Alice and Wonderland 3D. Fun night, no pictures.

On Thursday I went to lunch with the girls from the office. My co-worker who I spend 8.5 hrs a day with has her birthday the day before mine.... what are the chances! So we went out to celebrate. We usually bring lunch or go get it and come back so it was fun to go out to lunch together.

Then that night I went to dinner with my marathon friends for the past 2 years we have gotten together every month and I love it!

Friday night my roomies got together, I hardly ever see them at once, except for church, so this was fun to be together. We went to The Dodo... Amazing!

Sunday I got together with my family and had dinner and cake. I got an iPod touch which was much needed since I threw mine off the treadmill. Graham was so funny and didn't want to play with me or look at me until the candles got lit and then he was my best friend. I love him and and will take any attention he gives me!

The next Wednesday ( I told you I celebrated for a week) Shellie and I went to dinner at Cafe Trang and a Jazz game. I love jazz games! They are always so fun plus we WON!! Go JAZZ!

I know this post was long and boring but I really did it so I could look back and remember.... Thanks for reading!

Apartment

2010-03-28T21:41:00.005-06:00

This post has been a long time coming as are many posts! I am so far behind. Anyway, I moved Jan 1st. As you may remember I used to live alone. I liked it most of them time but my mom hated it all of the time. I moved into this charming little house with 5 girls from my ward. The house is an old victorian. It is beautiful. Sometimes I can't believe I live in such a cool house!

I live on the 3rd floor which has been turned into its own apartment. I have my own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. It really is the best of both worlds. My apartment reminds me of a flat from England. It has such a great feel to it and I really love it!

Vegas

2010-02-24T21:24:00.004-07:00

Here are some pictures from Vegas! It was a blast!

Pictures

2010-02-23T19:11:00.002-07:00

Does anyone know my computer won't let me upload pictures? I have things to blog about and pictures to post but I can't get it to work. Everything loads great until I hit done and go to my blog and then there are just crazy letters and symbols instead pictures. PLEASE HELP!

Gracias

The New Year!

2010-01-27T22:32:00.007-07:00

I didn't make a resolution to be a better blogger.... I knew it wouldn't happen!

But I did make a resolution to exercise for 45 min a day 6 days a week. Its the 27th and so far so good, minus 2.
I also gave up sweets... I LOVE sugar. Me and Buddy the Elf are 2 peas, 1 pod. But I did it... kind of. Maybe I didn't eliminate it but I have totally cut back! Like to the point of covering my mouth and nose in the presence of doughnuts (that was a rough day)!

I am in it for 12 weeks. We will see. So far its slow and painful. After 12 weeks I get to quit and sit on the couch like a bum everyday after work! Sounds exciting but I am sure it will work cause i've already lost 5 lbs so that day will never come!

Since I gave up all things I love I have improvised with a few things that help the cravings. I eat fat free strawberry cream cheese with graham crackers and carrots with peanut butter. It has really gotten me through some tough days!

P.s. I tried to post pictures it won't let me!

Finito

2009-12-31T01:16:00.004-07:00

I am happy to report I survived my first Graduate Class! It was really hard and overwhelming especially when I missed 2 weeks due to surgery! But I came out alive and with an A-! Maybe I can go to Grad School after all!?!?!?

Christmas Time

2009-12-13T18:39:00.002-07:00

Since I have my own place this year I decided I needed a Christmas tree! Its 's nothing like my mom's tree but I love it!

Addicted!

2009-12-07T19:30:00.004-07:00

So I should be writing a paper but instead I am bundled up in my FREEZING apartment and thought I would update my blog!

Pumpkin Spice Whoopies

These were posted on this little blog. I couldn't wait to try them because let's be honest Pumpkin and Cream Cheese were meant for each other! They di

d not disappoint. I have made them 4 times for different things and haven't met anyone yet that doesn't love them! Give them a try!

These are my next attempt. My cute friend Jennie brought them to work and they were Fantastic! No wonder people gain so much weight during the holidays! Yummy!

Recipe Found here!

White Screen of Death

2009-12-01T21:00:00.002-07:00

Have you ever seen this screen on your iPod? I have. I saw this screen right after I flung my iPod across the room at the gym. I was 3 min into my workout and this was very upsetting. It was a LONG and PAINFUL 27 min!

However it was more upsetting when I realized that this screen should have said "You're Screwed" or "You are shit out of luck!" My iPod is broken! I shook its brain loose!

I am so mad at Apple for giving me false hope that I'll I have to do is plug it is and it will be fixed..... SIKE!

I'll get over it I am sure... like right after I get a new one! Maybe a touch????

Catch Up: Halloween

2009-11-29T22:25:00.005-07:00

So these pictures are only a month late but Jessica threw Graham a birthday/Halloween party. It was amazing as usual! Jess really out did herself! We had such a blast dressing up!

Happy Birthday Cookie Face!

And This Is Where I Found Them!

2009-11-15T19:09:00.004-07:00

According to my mother I live in the GHETTO. I could be murdered at any moment and people are lurking outside my door all the time. Considering my keys were left in the door all night long in the "GHETTO" and I wasn't murdered and my car wasn't stolen I think I am safe.... or lucky! Either way I am grateful!

P.S. Please don't tell Mama Jan!

Desert Island Movies

2009-11-08T19:09:00.006-07:00

I love movies! One of my favorite things to do is curl up with popcorn and a cute boy (if ones around, but that is a different post!) and watch a movie! I started to think about the movies I would take with me if I was going to be stranded on a Desert Island. I couldn't narrow it down to less then 10!

I want to be just like Kathleen Kelly and own a children's bookstore!

I grew up watching this movie! I love Bill Pullman!

Hugh Grant? No need to say more!

Jack Black and Jude Law are adorable!

Don't Judge... Kevin Costner is a Babe!

This movie is hilarious!

Who couldn't use some relationship advice!

Pretty much sums up my life right now!

Kevin Costner + Baseball = AMAZING!

I am counting these as 1 but they are both funny! Collin Firth is yummy!

Marathon... or NOT

2009-10-13T22:05:00.004-06:00

In case you didn't know I have been training to run, yes run, the Portland marathon since February. I started training when it was snowy and cold. Waking up at 6 am on Saturday's getting my miles in and then skiing the day away! I was tired but I loved it. Then I trained through the hot summer sometimes waking up at 4:30 am to beat the heat. I started lifting weights with a trainer because I wanted to run this race and run it well. I went to Disneyland and ran the half to prepare. I did the 14 miler and almost died. But I kept going. I did the 16, 18, and 20 milers and was READY! Ready to be done!

Well I never got to Portland. God said No. AGAIN. I had emergency surgery instead. On the of day my marathon I was in bed watching General Conference and following my friends running the race online waiting for them to finish my race and they did!

In case you forgot this is not the first time this has happened to me. I trained for the 2007 Nike Women's Marathon and sprained my ankles 10 days before. I finally did the 2008 Nike Women's after I re-trained. So I am 1 for 3. Not great stats. It is because of these low stats I have decided to retire. I am clearly not destined to be a runner, at least not long distance. I may run a few halves but never a full. Now even though I seem to have a bit of bad luck another huge reason for my retirement is that I don't really like to run. It is hard, time consuming, and my body doesn't like it. So farewell long distance running! I don't think I will miss you!

Airport Trauma!

2009-09-18T23:15:00.002-06:00

So I kept looking at my blog wanting to update. But my life is so currently consistent with the same activities everyday that I don't have a lot to say. But I did tell Jess that I would post about this story because well you will see its pretty unbelievable and hilarious!

It goes like this...

When Jessica and I arrived at LAX I left her and Graham off to the side as I went to get our bags. I got my red bag and the car-seat and had placed them next to Jessica and Graham. Then I went back for her bag. I saw her bag coming on the carousel. Well nobody was letting me through so I finally said "oh there goes my bag" and these 2 nice men quickly pulled it off and handed it to me in unison. Well I was standing fairly close to one of the men who was quite elderly. As he handed me the bag our arms touched. The forearm from the elbow to the wrist. And it was WET.

So I am walking back to Jessica saying to myself "Ew EW EWWWW dirty old man sweat ALL over my arm!" I finally get to Jess and by the look in my eyes she new something was wrong. So I say "Jess that mans arm....."and i look down to see a BIG CHUNKY BLOOD SMEAR all over my arm! My sentence is finished by me screaming, quite loudly, and Jessica exclaiming "There has been a crime!" (she thought someone had been murdered and the blood was all over the bags) I can't breath because all I can smell is blood but finally calm down to point to the man who we then see has blood dripping down his arm. She then tells me to go wash it off to which I reply I can't (it was in an awkward place and physically I couldn't manage it). So I am literally hyperventilating and Jessica starts to dig through her backpack to find baby wipes followed by antibacterial wipes followed by hand sanitizer. During which I say I am now going to get AIDS and Jessica assures me I am not because I have no open wounds and she doubts that old man has adds. This all happened in maybe 2 min and the few observers were kind of laughing at my reaction, which now I see was intense but there was BLOOD on my arm... and somebody else's blood I might add.

Now I know you are wondering about the old man. I wish I could say I calming went over and informed him he was dripping but I was in shock. I am sure he was fine. We think he had been snagged by someone else getting there bag and it tore his paper thin skin.

So I hope you weren't too grossed out and laughed as hard as Jessica and I do when we talk about it. Sorry there are no pictures (I know you are disappointed) but well there simply was no time and that would be gross!

Cheers!

Disneyland 1/2 Marathon

2009-09-11T20:52:00.004-06:00

So California was a blast and the race was great! Hot but great! I finished in pretty good time and felt ok about it! Here are some pictures from the race. I took them while I was running so sorry if they are blurry

Mickey and Minnie were off to the left cheering us on!

12,000 People at the start!

I love the entrance of Disneyland!

Favorite ride! Too bad I didn't get to go on it this time!

Home Plate at Angel's Stadium...Sooooo Cool!

Ahhh the Angels! Love them!

Finally done!

Jess and graham were great to be at the finish. Graham is a trooper!

My old roommate Emily lives nearby and came to see me finish! Seriously love that girl!

After we went back to Meg's house about 1 1/2 hours away. It was Noah's 9th Birthday so we had a great party! Then the next day we just hung out and had a blast!

Such a fun trip!

We're Off

2009-09-03T22:57:00.006-06:00

Tomorrow Jessica, Graham and I are headed to California so I can run the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon on Sunday! (So all of you at church.... Pray for me PLEASE!)

We will also get to this little lady and I am so excited! I have missed her so much!

So until Wednesday......

New Apartment

2009-08-28T19:47:00.005-06:00

The Biggest thing that has happened this month is that I have moved into my very own apartment! I LOVE living alone . After years and years of great and crappy roommates I am not only ready to write a book about it but also ready to live ALONE. It was a bit of an adjustment but I really do love it now. My mom/family hates it and think I live in the GHETTO but its Sugarhouse not Kearns, I think I'll be ok! As you can see it needs some decorating help but it will come together soon enough!

Lake Powell

2009-08-28T19:35:00.004-06:00

So I haven't had the Internet for awhile and I have been really busy but here are some pictures of Lake Powell! We had so much fun! I hadn't been in about 4 years and have missed it so much!

On the way home we stopped in Bryce Canyon. I had never been there and it was BEAUTIFUL!

Kenny Chesney!

2009-08-02T19:42:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago Shellie and I went to see Kenny.... Again! It was AMAZING as always!!!! Ridiculously hot but amazing nonetheless. I seriously love him! Ha Ha!

4th of July

2009-07-12T13:34:00.005-06:00

These past few weeks have been crazy busy and so much fun! The 4th of July is my favorite holiday! I didn't take very many pictures with my camera but if you live in Provo you have a pretty good idea of what all the festivities look like!

My Mom's Birthday Dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory!

Megan and Chris and there 3 kids drove up from California to spend the week in Provo. We went to Park City, Boating, 7-peaks, and of course enjoyed the 4th of july to the fullest (like any good Provo Native should!)

This year Shellie and I ran in the Freedom Run. I was so nervous, running is so new to me and I didn't want to embarrass

myself. It was actually a lot of fun and I am so glad that we did it.

Then I met up with my family and we watched the Grande Parade. In case you missed it, it is the same as it has been for as long as I can remember. But tradition nonetheless.

Then we had a great BBQ/Pool Party. I think hot dogs taste better on the 4th (maybe its just me).

Then to top off the day we went to the Stadium of Fire! After last years disaster with Miley Cyrus we were all nervous but the Jonas Brothers were so fun!

It was a long day but I can't wait until next year!

California Pics

2009-06-21T21:58:00.005-06:00

Here are some even longer overdue pictures of Jessica and I's trip to California to watch Ava! It was a looooooooooong week, but we made it!

This is how Ava greeted me... followed by 10 mins of uncontrollable sobs... She warmed right up!

The Beach was FREEZING!

Ava trying on my shades at the zoo!

Graham and Ava checking out the Giraffes

Ava Decided she needed a snack...nevermind the Giraffe 3 ft away from her head!

Look at the Flamingos!

I just came out with the food... they were excited!

(I can appreciate that :))

Ava showing Graham how to get around the baby gate!

The Choo Choo

"Excuse me, I am on the phone"

Dallas Pictures

2009-06-14T13:55:00.004-06:00

Here are some long over due pictures of my trip to Dallas to see my brother Scott Graduate with his Masters of Architecture ! I am so proud of him!!!

My handsome Brother Scott!

Scotty and I

Jessica and Graham (Chopsticks are a great toy for a baby!)

Eating our Blue Bell Ice Cream! One of my favorite things about Texas!!!

Yes I took a picture of the ice cream..... Deal with it!

Graham running through the airport with his Dada! So Cute!!!

How do you keep a 20 month old busy on the plane? Thomas The Train, a MacBook, and Headphones... Pure Genius!

It was such a fun getaway and I am so glad we got to share this big accomplishment with Scott!

Las Vegas and Taylor Swift

2009-05-31T22:16:00.005-06:00

So I know I am a lame blogger but I am trying! I read some old posts and I used to be funny...I don't know what happened!

Anyway,

Over Memorial Day Shellie and I decided to head to Vegas! We left

Friday after work and drove down, stopping at In N Out in St. George, of course! (I am addicted!) The rest of the weekend was spent laying by the pool, eating, shopping, clubs, The Stratosphere, The Phantom of the Opera, In N Out (we ate there 3 times... no comment) and of course walking the Strip

What is a road trip without TREATS??? Yes that is Shellie's hand in the Chex Mix... and we are still in Utah County! LOL :)

My Favorite Restaurant...The Grand Luxe!

Going to Phantom

Going to a Club

Getting ready to go on the Big Shot on the Stratosphere... Scariest thing I have EVER done!

The Next day was the Taylor Swift Concert! Kellie Pickler was supposed to be there but she was sick! We were so bummed! But Taylor did awesome and we had GREAT seats!

Fun Weekend!

2009-05-10T21:53:00.005-06:00

Liz and Laura!

Lance and I

Jake and Mallori

Liz and I

Lizzie

This weekend was so fun! Friday my Best Friend Liz graduated from Nursing School! So that night we had a party for her. It was a black and white party. We ate great food, played games and of course laughed hysterically!

Then on Saturday I had my Team and Training workout. I did 12 miles! It was really fun and after we went to breakfast at The Original Pancake House! It was DELICIOUS! GO TEAM!!!!

And then Saturday afternoon, despite being sooooo tired, Shellie and I went to the driving range. I had never been before and was a little confused! I golfed backwards and with the wrong club because that is what I thought a lefty should do! But apparently I should have just left it... Anyway I am going to go with Lance sometime and hopefully figure out what the heck I am doing!

Then today was Mother's Day and I spent the day with my mom and went to church with her! She is so amazing and I am glad that I got to spend the day with her!

Poor Baby Flo!

2009-05-06T23:40:00.003-06:00

My car Baby Flo was victimized Tuesday Morning and I was robbed! I walked out to my car and found things in disarray! Apparently it wasn't a quick grab job they took their time and only took the "valuable" things! When I got home Monday night my hands were full so I don't remember if I locked the door....I tell ya the one time I leave it unlocked.... Geez!!

So far here are the things that were I have noticed were taken: (They cleaned out the middle console and I have no idea what was in there)

CD's (which I didn't think had any value, but apparently there were a hot item) Luckily most of them are on my itunes so I should be good!

Owner's Manuel (I guess it can fetch a pretty penny on ebay)

Car Charger

Roadside Car kit

iPod connectors

Gym Pass

Insurance card

Gateway Parking Validations

They did not take:

Umbrella

Ice Scrapper

Aquifina Flavor Splash

Costco size Laundry Detergent and 48 pack of V8

Car Registration

Air Freshners

Trash

TNT cards

and the Clincher.....

They didn't take my fortune that was mixed in with the Gateway parking validations. They pulled it out and left it where it belongs... Thanks! The fortune said "You will never need to worry about a steady income".....I'm thinking that they should have taken that! But that's just me!

So to the Police...I bet you will find them in the Gateway Parking structure listening to Country Music while charging their phone.... Can't Miss them!

As a side note... This is my first post from my new MacBook and I LOVE

it!!!

Go Jazz!!

2009-04-30T14:59:00.003-06:00

So this post is a little late considering that the Jazz are no longer in the Playoffs, but nonetheless I got to go to the 2 home playoff games! They were so fun! Shellie and I went Thursday night and bought jerseys, that was an experience in and of itself and I think the people at the Fanzz store thought we were drunk or crazy...maybe both! But that game was sooooo awesome! We won with 2 seconds to spare...very intense!

Then on Saturday night Shellie, Lance, and I went to the game! That was a sad game but we still had fun. We sat in a funny section with Laker fans and Jazz fans yelling at each other! The poor security guards!

I am sad that they are out cause I love Basketball.... but now it is BASEBALL season! Which is even better!

Suzy Pulled a Suzy

2009-04-21T22:20:00.004-06:00

I do STUPID things all the time! When Ashleigh and I were little we came up with a song that illustrated this point exactly, thus the title of this post. (I spent a week in Cali babysitting my neice Ava with Jessica and Graham and I will blog about that soon) I just thought that these stories were too funny to NOT share! Ha ha!

This first story is really too embarrasing to share but if you can't take one for the team and let others laugh with you or at you... what's the point to life?

So when I come home from work at night the first thing I do is frantically put on my work out clothes so that I am already to go when I get my second energy... So a few weeks ago this is what I did. Then I set out to go running. yes RUNNING. I am a walker. I love to walk... hate to run. But I really want to like it so I am trying it out.

Anyway, I started running and about 2 min into it I realized that my bra felt funny and I was having to pull and adjust while i was running. I was trying to be descrete. At one point things were totally falling out and I was just miserable. I could not figure out what was wrong. I was all stressed that my boobs had gotten bigger and for me that is not a good thing. So after my 3 mile run/walk I went home, still very distraught.

After awhile I went and got in the shower as I did this I glanced in the mirror and noticed that my bra was on BACKWARDS yes that is right I ran with my bra on BACKWARDS... I think my blonde roots are showing through! I am posting a picture so that you don't totally think I'm retarded and I was in a hurry... It could happen to anybody right?...

Back...

Front....

ha ha no you are right...only to me!

This next story happened yesterday....

I had to go to Trolley Sqaure after work to get my dad a birthday present. I called Brookstone to see where were located. The guy said the east entrance. So I park and walk in and immediatly see the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory... At this particular moment they were making big things of FUDGE... I couldn't take my eyes off of it... eyes big and mouth watering I manage to keep moving.... I then proceeded to walk around the maze which is Trolley Square looking for Brookstone for about 10 min...I even looked at a map. Would you like to know where Brookestone is located? DIRECTLY ACROSS from the FUDGE. I was too busy drooling I didn't even notice! Ha Ha

Moral of these stories....

I think I am really a BLONDE

and

I will ALWAYS be a fat kid at heart!!

Goodnight!

Rock For A Cure!!!

2009-04-04T14:36:00.002-06:00

I want EVERYBODY to come to this (even though I will be out of town!) this is a little fundraiser for the Team in Traing summer team! You get to listen to great music and help CURE cancer!!! Contact me for tickets!!!!

New Job!!

2009-04-03T19:51:00.004-06:00

I finally got a job!!! My very first full-time job with benefits!! I am a Health Information Technician... aka medical records, on the U campus. Its not my dream job and I won't be there forever but it is a job and right now that is what I need. I have been a temp there for 5 months and there was some SERIOUS drama in getting hired full time... but everything worked out!! The majority of people there are nice and if I ever get into Grad school it will be a good place to work!

Lizzie

2009-03-22T22:22:00.003-06:00

(Disclaimer: I usually don't do people tributes because they end up all sounding the same, but I feel that this deserves to be an exception to the rule! )

(She had never been to Disneyland and was so excited to be there! I love this Picture!!)

This is my Best Friend Liz!!! She is the most amazing person I know! She is beautiful inside and out. We were roommates for a year and a half and NEVER fought once!! She could honestly get along with a rock! She is going through a really hard time right now and I want her to know how much I love her and KNOW that everything will eventually be ok. As I commonly say Shit happens and this is no different. You didn't deserve it and it doesn't make sense right now but someday you will understand! And when that day comes I definitely think SOMEBODY deserves a HUGE Junk Punch! I love you Liz!

What I Never Knew I Always Wanted....

2009-03-19T19:07:00.011-06:00

So for my Birthday my Parents (with a lot of help from Jessica) gave me a book of pictures! At first I thought it was a little funny but I actually think its really cool now! It is called the Year of Wonder because if you have actually read the real Year of Wonder you will know that my year was much more wonderous!!! (Don't read the real book, very dissapointing!

Anyway...Here are some pages from the book!

Jill can you tell me where this was? I have no

memory of this? lol!!

Thanks Mom and Dad and Jessica!!!

23rd Birthday!!!

2009-03-13T21:55:00.004-06:00

My Birthday was Tuesday... I turned 23! I think that is old because I feel like I graduated High School yesterday and should still be 18...anyone with me?

Anyway, Last week I found out my mom wasn't going to be here for my birthday...she was going to my sister's house in California. I was really upset. But she just kept saying it would be OK... and I didn't see how. Well Sunday I went down to Provo for a delicious dinner at Jessica's! After we were going to eat cake at my parents. Well my Mom and Jessica totally surprised me and threw me a party! I have never had one and was totally shocked! I was a little uncomfortable at first cause being the center of attention has never been my thing but it was a great night and even my friends from Salt Lake came down! It was great!!! Here are some pictures from the surprise party!!! Thanks Mom and Jess for all your hard work!

The Cakes were from this great place called "Nothing Bundt Cake" They are really delicious!

This picture is really bad of me but I posted it cause right as I was about to blow out the candles Jessica said "Wish for a job" It was really funny and I could barely blow them out without laughing! Thanks Jess!!!

Jessica, Rosey, Shellie, Me, Liz and Mallori!

Some of the Party!

My Cousin Sydney and Grahmer Cookie Face! He is so cute and was LOVING all the bubbles!

On Tuesday I went to dinner with all mt friends at my favorite restaurant The Red Iguana. It was a 90min wait so my friend Jake went and got our name on the list so that by the time we all showed up it was only about 30min. Thanks Jake!!! (No Pictures, I forgot my Camera!!!)

Then on Wednesday my TNT group went to dinner at the Rio Grande by Gateway for our monthly dinner but also my birthday! They surprised me with a cake!! They are the best!

It was a great Birthday! Thanks everyone for making so Awesome!!!

Elastic Bands and A Yellow Purse

2009-03-03T21:56:00.003-07:00

Dear Goody,

Thank you for creating your stayput hair elastics. You have allowed me to finally be able to put my own hair up in a ponytail and really changed my life! You have also helped me avoid akward moments with my roomates that I do not know very well. For this I am eternally grateful!

Thanks again! You are amazing!!!

Suzy

Also....................................

I had this yellow purse... it was amazing... it was from target... it was crap and broke!

But I finally found a relacement... and I LOVE this purse! I just hope it doesn't break!!!!

Celine Dion

2009-02-23T21:34:00.003-07:00

Last night Shellie, Stacy, Kathy and I went to the Celine Dion concert. It was AMAZING!!!! She has such a great voice! We had great seats... I love sitting that close!

Grad School

2009-02-19T21:09:00.002-07:00

It's a NO GO people... I will not be going to Grad School this fall... Life moves on!!!

Please Watch

2009-02-04T12:16:00.002-07:00

I heard about this on the radio this morning. If you need a good laugh... Click Here!

I've got nothing.....

2009-01-27T20:35:00.004-07:00

So I know that I have been a total slacker when it comes to blogging but that is because I don't really have anything to say! I actually don't think I have taken my camera out of the case all month. I have been really busy...I just can't quite think of with what!!!

Every Tuesday I have been going to a Zumba class. For those of you that don't know what that is I will try to upload a video. It is so fun! and those of you that know me and know my dancing skills can just imagine how lame I look when I do it but it is exercise and it is FUN! So thats all that matters!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwVdBH4vjLU&feature=related

Also, I am totally addicted to Aquafina Flavor Splash water...Grape flavor! I drank them all the time when I was in california at Megan's but I could never find them here....well I found them! I just bought 6-6packs to keep in my car! I have only found them in Salt Lake and Jessica is addicted too so everytime I go down to Provo she usually swindles me out of 1 or 2 of my 6-packs! So if you find them in Provo...let her know!

Lastly, I am going to be a Team Captain for Team and Training! I am not actually doing a race but I will train like I am going to...and I plan on running...well more like jogging! Which to me sounds like a fate worse then death but we'll see how it goes!

So if any of you are interested in getting involved and training for a marathon and helping cure cancer! TNT really changed my life and showed me that I can do what I set my mind to! So let me know and I'll let you know about the info meetings!!! There is actually one in a couple of weeks in Orem!

Sorry for the boring post! But I am sure all of you were getting sick of looking at my blog and seeing that picture of Lance and I....I know I was :)

December!

2009-01-04T17:47:00.005-07:00

December was a crazy month! Where did it go?

Lance and I temple square

My cousin Lauren's Wedding! Her dress was AMAZING!!!

Graham trying out Papa's new cowboy hat!

Christmas was great! Brett and Jill and the kids were here for Christmas and Megan and Chris and their kids drove up after! It was a lot of fun!!!

The after Christmas Ford Family Party!

Ava, Nick, and Elle in Max's house

Nan and her Grandkids and Dog!

Ava feeding Max!!!

2009 Baby!

2009-01-01T23:46:00.002-07:00

Ok so I know that I have been way bad in my blogging and I will write about the holidays soon (after I get my camera cord and upload the pics). But until then here is a list of things that I learned in 2008!

Kissing is fun! (Even when he turns out to be lame)
Pain caused by a boy sucks, but you can recover from it (surprisingly enough)
Turning 22 is sad and I anticipate 23 to be worse!
Spending spring break writing a research paper is not the worst thing in the world because it all paid off in the end!
Disneyland is still FANTASTIC
I can survive anything for 3 months (AKA my internship!)
Kenny Chesney is still AMAZING
Graduating is weird but awesome at the same time
Time for me to get some hobbies
Quitting Home Depot will set you free! (Best move of 2008)
Moving away from someone you lived with for over a year is very hard L
I actually really do like tennis
California is the place of my dreams, but for some reason doesn’t want me to live there!
Living with your parents AGAIN is not a good idea
Waking up at 5:45 on a Saturday doesn’t get easier week after week
26.2 miles is a LONG way
Don’t settle for something that doesn’t make you happy
Good things come to those that wait
Being an adult is not all its cracked up to be
Boys are dumb and WAY more confusing then girls
I am addicted to the show House!
Graduate School applications are tough (Thanks Marty!)
Christmas is a MARVOLOUS time of year
Thursday is still my favorite day of the week….SUSHI
My family is still amazing and fantastically fun!

2008 was a year of firsts for me and it is all still very new/confusing/great!

I hope 2009 is as EXCITING as 2008!

I always make New Year’s resolutions but never write them down (or at least somewhere I can find them again). So this year I am making them public… maybe I will really do them now? HMMMMM!

Goals for 2009:

Train to RUN a marathon
Go on a cruise
Lose these last 30 lbs (maybe 35 now after Christmas)
Play more tennis
Read more books
Work out Regularly
Get Scuba certified
Learn how to cookTake a Spanish class!

Happy New Year!!!

Good Advice....Ignored

2008-12-10T18:01:00.004-07:00

So I have heard the advice "Don't go to the grocery store hungry" about a million times... But I never really paid ANY attention to it untill now....

The other night I stopped at the store on my home from work, I needed milk.....JUST milk. I will insert that I was STARVING... so starving that I almost ate Grahams last cheese sandwhich cracker, but I didn't because that is just rude. So I was in the back of the store reaching into the case when they caught my eye

...
as soon as I saw them I knew I wanted them. I was so hungry that an attractive display of brussel sprouts would have probably had the same effect, ok not really but I could have been taken by anything. But honestly... what goes better with milk then cookies?... and not just any cookie a cool mint oreo cookie! So yes I bought them and ate them and they were delicious. I feel like I was tricked and taken advantage of at my weakest point. Hat's off to you Albertson's for your product placement tactics!

I also want to add that I have not purchased my own bag of Oreos since my freshman year of college when Ashleigh and I tried to eat a bag and and drink a half a gallon of milk all in one sitting... I can't remember who threw up first but it was NOT pretty!

HILARIOUS

2008-12-08T23:24:00.002-07:00

So my friend Lance emailed me these and to say they are hilarious is the understatement of the day. I laughed so hard I cried. He stole the pictures off of facebook. And now mom thinks he is even more adorable/funny then he already was! *Sigh*

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/20QdCy7dBuAPPX179yjV

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/8yqvluB8imHXYNLsVgwK

Enjoy!

My Work

2008-12-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yes this is where I work:

http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/news/1.1043862

A Scale and A Crazy Neighbor!!!

2008-11-30T22:12:00.005-07:00

So I do embarrassing and stupid things every once in a while! I just wanted to share a few of these experiences with you all because sometimes you just need to take one for the team and let others laugh with you! So here we go....

1. As you know I just moved. I share a bathroom with Andi. Well she has a scale in the bathroom and I haven't brought mine up yet so I got curious and wanted to what I weighed on her scale, to see whose is right. Well the scale just looks like a simple digital scale, not complicated. Well it is... its actually pretty hi tech! So I got on the scale and it showed me a weight that CLEARLY was not mine... like I would need to go eat some chocolate cake to celebrate if that was my weight! and then it showed me a weight that was more like mine and then it showed me the difference between the 2. So basically what happened was it showed Andi's SAVED weight and then mine and then the difference. So it said that Andi had gained that much weight since her last weigh in.... and then the next time she weighed it will tell her she lost all that weight.... I know that was hard to follow and I hope you got it because it really is so funny! Trust me to get caught using someone else's scale!! Ha ha ha!!!

2. Jessica has a neighbor that is a little bit off and he comes over to visit her ALL the time like 3 or 4 times a day. Well, I was babysitting on saturday and Graham and I had just gotten home from a walk when he knocked at the door. I looked and saw that it was him and I didn't want to answer so I let him knock. Well after a minute I heard the door start unlocking and I just started thinking "They gave him a key? are you even freaking kidding!!!" so I hurried and opened the door, because I didn't want him to get it unlocked and see me standing there dumbfounded, and I blurted something out like..."Oh sorry I was in the back and didn't hear you" Well after that he proceeded to hand me the keys that I had just used to get inside and left them in the door... HELLO, I'm a dork!

If you finished reading these I hope you at least got a chuckle!!!

New Apartment!!!

2008-11-24T19:10:00.002-07:00

So I finally moved back to Salt Lake! My sweet friend Lance came and helped me, I honestly couldn't have done it with out him!!! I really like my room. I live with 4 other girls that I am trying to get to know. They all kind of do there own thing and aren't home very much, but I'm ok with that! Here are some pics of my new place!!!

What a week....

2008-11-08T21:56:00.002-07:00

This has been quite the week for me! I know that all of you that work full time will want to tell me to cowboy up, but this my blog and I can post what I want :)

A few weeks ago I got hired at The University of Utah in there temp department. I decided to go this route because I can't get seem to get another job that I want and I honestly don't know what I want to be when I grow-up. Well they needed to do a background check and I had to take a drug test (which was easier said then done, but eventually I did it). So all of this was taking a few weeks to process and then once this came back I had to wait to find an assignment that I liked.

So Thursday I applied for this temp job at the Utah Diabetes Center in Research Park and they called me Monday and told me I was chosen (I honestly think I was the only one that applied, but that doesn't matter). She wanted to know when I could start and I told them Wednesday because I wanted just a few more days of freedom. So I spent Monday and Tuesday with Jessica and Graham. We went to Wal-mart, which she will only go to with me and a delicious lunch at Cafe Fresh!

When Wednesday came it was a blizzard!!! So my sweet, wonderful, fabulous brother in law Marty decided he would drive me up to Salt lake for my first day, he saved my life! The roads were so bad and it was snowing so hard I was terrified! Thanks Marty!!!!

My first day was overwhelming, like most 1st days are. I left feeling like I was never going to remember that. But it is slowly coming. I work in Medical Records at the Clinic on the pediatric side and basically get all the charts ready for the doctors. Its more confusing then it sounds, but it will be fine!

After work on Wednesday I went to dinner at a friends and then hung out with another friend so I didn't get home until late and then the next day I decided to take the bus up and that was ok but very long. Then that night I went to the friends and family night at the new theater in Orem that my brother Scott designed. It is amazing and I am so proud of him!!!

Needless to say, going to bed at 11 and waking up at 5 is NOT enough sleep for me. I think it is slowly killing me! A 3 hour commute is a little much for me so I will be moving to Salt Lake again on Saturday and I am soooooo excited! It will save me so much time and I am pretty sure that working full time won't be as bad when it isn't as long.

Ok, I am done rambling and complaining and will try to post something more exciting soon!

Happy Halloween!!!!

2008-11-01T12:02:00.004-06:00

I really love Halloween and this year was one of the BEST that I can remember since I stopped trick-o-treating!!! To start off the season Jessica had a HUGE birthday/Halloween Party for Graham because he turned 1! Everybody dressed up and it was a blast!!! Here are some pictures that I stole from Jessica's blog:

Graham was REALLY not in to the giant cupcake or all the people watching him!!!

And then last night Liz invited me to her friend Laura's family Halloween party. And it was a blast!! Everybody dressed up and had really cute ideas!!!

Me, CC, and Liz

CC was the $700Billion Bailout, it was a really clever Idea and Liz was a Pirate Wench, and looked So CUTE!!!

It was an AWESOME PARTY and a GREAT NIGHT!!!!

Tiffany's Necklace

2008-10-26T15:52:00.002-06:00

Here are some pictures of the necklace you receive at the end of the race!!! It is different every year and I think this year it is just BEAUTIFUL! Plus its Tiffany's, how can you go wrong?

1st Marathon

2008-10-22T23:26:00.005-06:00

So Sunday was that day! I finally did it!!! I really don't even know how to begin because it was a CRAZY weekend and you all probably stop reading before the end....but here it goes anyway!

I flew out early early Friday morning! My body gets mad at me when I have to wake up before 3:30 and I got sick on the way to the airport and threw-up on the shoulder of I-15....kind of a rough start!

Once we got there and checked in we realized that our hotel was in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. If you don't know what that is basically it is the part of town with a lot of "Gentleman's Clubs" and homeless people. I was a little irritated at the location because it was kind of far from Union Square and we had to walk and I wanted to conserve my steps until Sunday!!!

Michelle and I after she painted my nails!!!

After we checked in we went to the Expo in Union square. This Expo/Packet pickup is AMAZING. It is unlike any other in the world, so I'm told! There are huge white tents full of sponsored booths. One of my best friends Michelle goes to Hair school there and her school was at the Jet Blue sponsored manicure booth! It was so fun to see her since it had been so long.
We also went to Niketown which is the main sponsor of the event. They have this wall that has all the Participants names on it, kind of like the Vietnam Memorial. It is so cool to see that you are apart of something so big!

The Nike Wall with ALL the names

After that I met up with my parents that had made the trip to support me!!! We did a lot of sightseeing and saw a lot of the race course accidentally! (I was having major anxiety and would stress out anytime talked about it or I saw a map of the course, so I REALLY REALLY didn't want to see the actual thing, but it was okay).

Sightseeing

Saturday I went to see Michelle again and hang out at the expo and was waiting for my parents to come from there hotel in Emeryville, which was across the bridge and "so much safer then the city". I got a phone call from mom saying that their rental car had been STOLEN! OOPS!!!!! So they were at the mercy of public transportation the rest of the trip. It was all okay until they had to take the BART back to Emeryville at night, a very scary experience for my mom!!!

Saturday night was the pasta party. This is why I participate in Team in Training. There are THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of people there and a great speaker and it really helps you remember that we are trying to KICK CANCER'S BUTT!!! I wish everybody could be there to really understand, I know my parents did after they saw it!!! (we were having camera issues so I didn't get pictures, but my friend Dani did. Click here to see her pictures of the event).

Race Day:
I woke up ready and not too nervous, after all I had trained since June for this and was going to be fine...right?

Because we are walkers we did early start, which means that the gun went off at 5:30am. It was dark when we started and so we missed a lot of the sights in the city. The first half of the course was really hilly but I had so much adrenaline going that I just sped up them.The rest of the racers started at 7:00am led by the elite runners and at about 7:30, around mile 8 we heard the Elites run by...That was amazing. I didn't really see her because she was going soooo fast but I know she was petite and had NO fat on her!!!

Mile 13!!!!

Miles 11 through 16 were great. They were in Golden Gate Park and I saw my parents at mile 13. The park so beautiful that you forget where you are! Mile 17 is where Hell began. After you leave the park you get on the Great Highway, I have yet figure out what is so Great, and walk on a straight flat road staring at a mountain in front of you. Well at mile 19.something you get to that mountain which isn't that bad but then you see this lake, Lake Merced, that is HUGE! and you know you have to go around it but you can't see anyone of the other side to confirm this for you. At mile 22 or 23 you get Ghiradellie Chocolate, I think they should give it to you when you actually still care like at mile 16! After the lake you walk back on the Great Highway to the finish.

And Finish I did!!!!

I will openly admit that I was a mess miles 17 to 24. My entire body hurt and was SCREAMING for me to stop and I cried the entire way around the lake because I didn't see any possible way I was going to finish. My sweet family kept calling and texting me, which made me cry harder. And crying that hard makes breathing difficult...FYI. My Brother Brett got a really awesome conversation right before mile 24... sorry Brett and Jill :) But at mile 24 something amazing happened, something they told me would happen but I didn't believe them. I realized that I was in fact going to finish this and also that I wasn't going to be LAST!!! 2 goals: DONE!

I was so excited to see my parents and cross the finish line that the beautiful Tiffany's necklace I got handed to me by the handsome firefighter was not important, it is now but not then :) Once I stopped I couldn't walk anymore and started to shake from the cold, it was a freezing day the sun never shined and I didn't bring a jacket because it was warm at the start. I actually wore a sock on my right hand to keep it warm.

AHHHH I can see the Finish!

I was EXTREMELY sore the rest of the day and night but after 800mg of Motrin and a good nights rest I was good to go and only minimally stiff the next day and Tuesday I had forgotten I had done it, well not really :)

I said I would not do another full marathon, but now I kind of want to...I don't know why. But now I want to work on getting faster and even start jogging a little bit. But even if I never do I can still cross this off my bucket list!

Dani, Meg, Sandi, and I

I am impressed if you are still reading this, that must mean you love me lots! Thanks for all your prayers and support, I sure felt them a long the way and witnessed several tender mercies of the Lord. I will post about these later.

Me Freezing

P.S. If you really want to stalk me you can look at the photos here. My bib number was 21. They aren't that great!!!

Parking Enforcement!

2008-10-12T19:45:00.003-06:00

There is honestly NOTHING that gets me more angry then being booted or towed! My car was towed twice in Idaho by a tow-man on a power trip...$80 each time.... so frustrating! Then a few weeks ago Shellie and her sister Stacy and Stacy's husband Cameron wanted to go to the new Spoon me in Provo (so good BTW!). Well I parked my car at the Del Taco that is just a little east of Spoon me. When we came out I had a big fat boot on my car. Apparently the ten spots surrounding Del Taco are for THEIR customers only!!! RETARDED! So $50 later I got the boot off my car. Talk about ruining a fun night!

Then on the new the other day I heard about people that had parked their cars in an abandoned Lowes parking lot (the one off 9000 S. in Sandy) and walked to the new REAL stadium. They were ALL towed, over 20 cars and the price was $227. I was so angry for the people that this happened too you would have thought that it happened to me! I mean really, give me a break. Lowes has been out of business and the parking lot has been abandoned for over 2 years!

My conclusion: Tow-Men/ Tow Companies must be the most HATED People in the world, I bet they get hate mail!

THE END

Tagged by Jana

2008-09-29T21:32:00.002-06:00

I was a tagged a while ago by Jana and never got around to doing it...so here it goes.....

Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours

1. I am obsessed with checking my email, blogs, and facebook. I look at all of these several times a day. This stemmed from having a very very boring internship this summer where all I had to do was check my email, all of my friends blogs, and facebook...sad I know

2. I can walk really long distances but can't run a mile to save my life. I hate to run it is way too tiring, but I love to walk and just walked to 20 miles on Saturday for my marathon training.

3. I hate my feet and everybody else's for that matter, but a pedicure is definitely something I am willing to pay for. My feet are Huge, size 11 in girls, very skinny and I have freakishly long toes. I had to by shoes for my marathon and they were a size 10 1/2 and I was stoked because they fit and I thought my feet had shrunk but then the girl told me they were a 10 1/2 in mens :( It was a very sad day!

4. I love to clean the kitchen, it is my favorite household chore. I think it is because you can really see how your work paid off.

5. I learned to make cheesecake to impress a guy. The verdict is still out on whether or not it worked.

6. I sing ridiculously loud when I'm in the car, especially alone. Even if I don't know the words I still belt it out. I really wish I had a good voice because I love to sing!

I tag anyone and everyone!!!

Jessica's Birthday

2008-09-21T20:28:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Jessica's Birthday so today we had a family dinner. She had requested that I make my mini-lemon cheesecakes for the occasion, which I was happy to do!!! Happy Birthday Jess!!! Love you Lady!!!

This is just a random picture of the Cookie. He climbs up on EVERYTHING these days, Marty's leg just happens to be his target in this photo!

Cookbooks...

2008-09-14T11:43:00.005-06:00

You may or may not know that I am training for a marathon this October. You also may or may not know that I trained for this SAME marathon last year but 10 days before the race fell and sprained BOTH my ankles. So now I am even more bound and determined to FINISH this race...

Because I am doing this marathon to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society I need to fundraise. I have $660 dollars to raise by October 4th, that is less than 3 weeks away. I know that money is tight right now and gas is expensive and groceries are getting more expensive but people are still being diagnosed and dying from this horrible disease.

So to help the fundrasing efforts of my team, we compiled a cookbook of OVER a 100 recipes! I submitted a lot of my mom's own recipes so I KNOW they are good. I am selling them for ONLY $15 and WOULD love your support! So if you are interested in buying one, or two, or a hundred :) let me know. You can leave a comment or email me directly at sumsions@gmail.com. Also, please pass this information on to your family and friends! I would REALLY REALLY appreciate it!

And if you are feeling extremely generous you can always donate directly to my website at:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ut/nikesf08/ssumsion

Thank you for your support!