More pics of Ireland

The Isle of Green

So I think that most everybody knows that I went and ran a marathon in Ireland. Well, I mean I couldn't just go and run...I had to sight see also. My friend Diane offered to go with me. So off we went a week before my marathon at the end of October. What a beautiful country...it really is every shade of green one can imagine!!! We had alot of good times...and if you have a REALLY long time I can tell you all the stories as well as show you all of my pictures! The country was rich in old architecture (which I love) and ancient runes. Pictures highlights include:

Kissing the Blarney Stone
Blarney Castle
Cliffs of Moher
The Burren
Castles
and much more...

As far as the marathon...well let's just say I finished. I injured my knee around mile 17 and finished an hour after my first marathon. Maybe not enough training, or hard enough training...well better luck next time. Just disappointed that I flew across the Atlantic to do so poorly.

London, England

On the way to Ireland...Diane and I planned a long layover in England. We rode the underground into the city and got to see:

Big Ben and Parliament
Buckingham Palace
Westminster Abbey

as well as a few other things...we had a lot of fun especially when we found ourselves running through Heathrow Int. Airport(which IS the most confusing airport ever!)to catch our connecting flight to Dublin which we missed by minutes...what a workout!

Halloween Party

Since I wasn't going to be in the U.S. for Halloween I thought I would throw a party before I left. Here are a few pics from the event. I was a geisha if you couldn't tell. I was worried no one would show up but hey, I actually made some friends while I was in Utah!

State Fair

I went with Vicky's family and my friend to the Utah State Fair...it was so much fun! Zac and I bought "all you can ride" passes and I think we made ourselves sick with endless spinning,turning, and twirling rides. We then got to see a free SheDaisy concert (which I dragged my friend to) and am pretty sure the reason why he stopped talking to me. Enjoy. All these pics I took myself.

Highlights from the Past 3 months...

So this has got to be a record in non-blogging history...I'm sorry that I am such a slacker...so now...you're in for it! Here are a few...ok more than a few highlights from the last three months!

Where Does Time go?

It's early in the morning and I can't sleep. Who am I kidding...I work nights. Anyway, I sit here thinking it's been 11 years and 6 days since my father passed away. Wow...11 years and 6 days. And as each successive year passes my memory of him fades little by little. Sad that at age 23 the only memories I have are that of a 12 year old little girl. I don't feel sorry for myself because I believe experiencing these types of difficulties and trials influence and help to shape my best self. Though I can't deny the occasional pangs of emptiness I feel when I see a father and daughter together or think about all my father has missed out on in my life as well as my families'. I look forward to my children having a close and long relationship with their father that I only enjoyed for a short time. What ways help you all remember dad?
Thinking about losing my father is hard. But comprehending my mother's strength through it all is even harder. At the time I don't think I realized the depths of all my mom had to carry on her shoulders. I am grateful that she didn't just give up. My mom is the greatest, most patient, loving, caring, selfless, sacrificing, charitable (and the list could be A LOT longer) person I have ever encountered. If I am even a little bit like her I'm pretty sure my exaltation would be guaranteed. Even to this day she always puts her children and grandchildren first. I look forward to the challenge of becoming a mother like her someday. I LOVE YOU MOM! You are the bestest mom ever! Where would life be without the sacred innate responsibilities endowed to women and mothers?
Don't want this to be a "downer" blog just one that remembers those I've lost and love. Thanks for listening. Love to all.

Excited for Halloween

So I decided that Halloween is probably one of my favorite holidays! Who can't appreciate the tradition of All Hallows Eve when the demons were thought to roam the earth freely on this day. I won't lie and say that I don't like dressing up and having an excuse or rather a guilt free day when I can indulge in all the candy eating I want. In fact...I can't believe that when we were all younger we used to have pillow cases as our candy bags. No wonder I looked the Alvin, from Alvin and the chipmunks when I was younger. LOL This year I get to experience this holiday in two countries...Ireland and the good ol' US of A. Some of my favorite Halloween memories include:

" Here you go fatso." - said by one of the neighbors to Andrew...it still makes me laugh so hard!

Getting money from the Saustries

Getting a coke can from "that mobile home" randomly situated on Burke Station Rd. whose inhabitants were so drunk they forgot it was Halloween and gave us the only thing they had.

Having mom drive us around to the townhouse neighborhoods so we could do as much damage as fast as we could.

Having dad say every year, " Now let me see all of your candy to make sure that it is safe to eat."

Setting up, strategizing, and having candy wars.

Making Zac wear women's pants from DI to be the Tin Man...whatever, who cares, that costume was the shiz!

Anyway, I am sure there are many more but I've had a good laugh thinking of these few. This year I have decided to have a Halloween party of my own! It is going to be alot of fun, if you have good ideas pass them along! Also, I think you should share your favorite Halloween memories in response to this post. Here are a couple of Halloween pictures from years past.

Soccer Mom...

For those of you who don't know...I got in a car accident 2 weeks ago. Stupid really, or at least that's how I feel. Anyway, ALOT of work is needed to fix my car. So into the auto body shop on Monday it went. Well in the meantime my insurance company arranged for me to have a rental. I get to Enterprise...and well they had run out of economy size cars. Yes, right?! I get a free upgrade at least that is what I am thinking in my mind. Well, wait for it...They proceed to ask me if I am married or have children. (This is after the guy asked me if I gambled with my lucky number birthday)It turns out that my free upgrade was a minivan. YES! There it is. I have been driving around all week in a tricked out minivan. Feeling a little like a soccer mom minus the husband, kids, and soccer. LOL. I am however taking applications in that department if you know of anyone who is interested. Ha Ha, totally kidding. It's funny how differently drivers on the road treat drivers of minivans. They make every effort to get out in front of you if they can! I can't deny that I haven't enjoyed the pick up and go this 2007 Toyota Sienna 6-cylinder has compared to my 4-cylinder corolla. Although...I do appreciate the gas mileage my corolla gets. I thought that the Federal Reserve was going to do something about that...hopefully sooner than later so it won't take all of my savings to fill up this rental. Love to all...moral of the story...don't get into car accidents!

Besito...Besito

Who knew that taking care of a 90 year old spanish speaking patient this weekend...would renew my resolve to learn spanish and speak it fluently! This cute old man whenever I would come into his room would pucker up his lips and say, "Besito...besito, Mamacita. Que linda." He was confused, what can I say?! I did my best to communicate, being a gringa and all! I can safely say that I got more action this weekend from this cute old man than I have in a long time. So be prepared for my awesome Spanish speaking skills in the near future!

A Show of Gratitude

So I am rereading the BOM hoping to finish before Conference, which is soon. Yea, for conference I am sooo excited!!(I might actually see it in the conference center this year!) Anyway, in Nephi whenever a task is completed/commandment obeyed, Lehi and his family offer up burnt sacrifices and a prayer of thanks. This got me thinking about the things I am most grateful for in my life. Wanted to mimic their actions and show my gratitude, so here goes:

My HF, Jesus Christ and the spirit that helps guide me everyday
The Atonement
Prayer
My mom (she is a saint and someone whom I aspire to be like) and family. I love you all!
The scriptures
My life, my health, my job ( I really do love my job!)
Good Friends
Personal Revelation
Education
The Temple
My car
Good Food
Vacations and travel
Liberty and freedom
Agency
Big chunks of cookies in Cookies N' Cream Ice Cream
Good Hair days
Joy
The Internet
Peace
Books even though someone thinks I'm not a "reader" (love ya Nanc)
Hammocks
Dancing (Just ask me to do the Carlton from Fresh Prince) and music
Earth, nature, stars (I love astronomy and star gazing)
Dating and men who treat me with respect and kindness (where are you? LOL)
Intellect
Laughing and good humor
Love
Babies
my singing voice
Kissing
High Heels
Milkshakes
Rain (I love listening to the sound of rain hitting the rooftops)
Days when I can sleep in!
Musicals
Movies
cameras and pictures
A smile
Good running shoes

I am sure I have missed a lot of things I am grateful for but the list had to stop somewhere I guess. Thank you for all who are a part of my life. You all truly make me a better person just by knowing you!

Night to day...or should I say day to Night

Here is my latest event. That's right...I've done it again...dyed my hair. Not the color I expected but I'm ok with it. Should lighten a little with time. Now I will truly know the answer as to whether blondes or brunettes have more fun?!!

Camping in Aspen Grove...yes that's right Aspen

This past weekend Vicky's family, Beth's family and I went camping in Aspen Grove just outside of Heber, Utah. It was beautiful and we all had so much fun! It was hilarious because when we arrived the Host told Vicky and Zac that bears frequent the camp sites about 2-3 x/week. This made Vicky paranoid and the rest of us were made to lick up any spills or crumbs that dropped on the table or ground to decrease the chances of an attack. LOL. Since the campsite was so high in elevation (~ 8000 ft) the nights and mornings were chilly. I turned my car on one morning and it registered 36 degrees. I was all set though because I bought this zero degree sleeping bag that kept me nice and toasty...one of those mummy contraptions. We had camp fires, s'mores, and dancing a plenty. We were even treated with a shirtless dance from Chris. The food was great. Vicky put alot of effort into planning the menu. We had foil dinners and dutch oven cobbler the first night. The next AM we had pancakes, which yours truly cooked over an open fire(I still have all of my eye lashes but did sustain a few scalds to my hands, arms and face)sausage, and eggs. Beth and Chris had to leave so they packed up camp and headed home. Vicky, Zac, Jonathan (Zac's Brother), the kids and I all headed down to the resevoir to swim, catch crawfish, and fish. Okay so let me say that this water was freezing! I mean the kind of cold that when you jump in it's hard to catch your breath. Proud to say that I was the first to go in and stay in despite the cold and choppy conditions. I then proceeded to try to fish. Never have done it before but I think I have the basic concept down. I would love to learn more and go fishing again. We all got a little sun and Zac and I got a moderate amount. Just ask Zac about his sunburn...he he he. We had chicken and vegetables in the dutch oven for dinner then s'mores-which are some of my favorite things when camping- That night we were treated with loud neighbors, who were obviously drunk and repeatedly said "Toy Boat" to see who could say it the most times without becoming tongue tied. We were treated to this craziness until about 2 or 3 in the morning. Also...I mean, I like country music, but these folks took it to a whole new level. Lets just say I've had my country fix for the year...maybe two. Woke up made a fire, then had yummy biscuits, sausage and gravy. Packed up camp and we all headed out. Camping was SOOO much fun and I can't wait to go again. I am a little disappointed that we didn't encounter any bears as I'm sure Vicky would echo this sentiment.

Star Treatment

So...Vicky and I went to see WICKED in L.A. almost two weeks ago and it was a lot of fun! Went to Huntington Beach, Hollywood and had great food! We had some really good times and one really bad one :) It was a miracle that we and my car survived the trip. Probably thinking..."why was she worried about her car, it's a 2004?" Well I'll let you in on one of the secrets to why I never want to live in Cali:
Vicky and I are driving along- I was driving- and we come upon an active construction zone. They have blocked off one lane and even have a construction worker holding one of those "SLOW" signs. Usually I interpret that to mean I should slow down, right? Well this truck behind us thought differently. He came up on my tail fast, flashed his brights and continued tailgating. I'm guessing to signal me to speed up or change lanes. Well since I couldn't change lanes nor go faster (hence the ACTIVE construction zone) I kept at my same steady pace. As the zone was ending and the lanes changed from one to two this big diesel truck speeds up, comes even with me, flips me the bird and proceeds to throw something directly at my car. Now you all know how much I love my car. I immediately had this sickening feeling in my stomach when first, I realized that something had hit my car at the speed of 60 mph and second, that there are such ignorant and dangerous people driving the highways.

Moral of the story:
Don't live in L.A. and I don't recommend driving 18+ hours in the span of three days (more if you count the hours once we got there) Maybe this experience was payback for when Andrew and I were little and got caught throwing berries at passing cars at the bus stop.

Jumpin' on the Bandwagon

So I was hesitant to take part in the whole "let's start our own blog thing" that was posted on the family website until well...everyone created a blog and then I just felt left out. A second thought that came to mind was...who wants to know about my life? I mean, I don't have cute kids to post things about, I don't have a man to ga-ga over, and well to be honest I don't know enough spanish to have a bi-lingual blog site so what's the point, right? Then a certain Saturday Night live skit came to mind...I ran to the mirror and said I am Rachel Palmer I'm worth it and gosh darn it people like me(it went something like that). So here I am jumpin' on the bandwagon and creating the most wonderful blog site ever! Enjoy...at the very least I can probably promise an interesting RN story every now and again!