My So Called Life :)

Hey there! Firecat Maren here. This whole blog thing is new to me, but am finding that it is quite fun!

About me recently....well going back a couple months or so....I finished my Associtate of Science (AS) Degree at the Salt Lake Community College during the summer. Boy am I glad to have that done (no more math classes EVER!!). I will begin working on my Bachelor Degree come Spring as am taking the fall semester off because I deserve a small break from school...that and I also got a new position at my job. One highly coveted position that took over a month of interviews and presentations to obtain. Therefore I didn't want the stress of school and a new job especially after the huge stress of my last semester. I work at a company called Harland Clarke (formerly known as Clarke American, which then purchased Harland, thus creating the new name). My new position is that of a Performance Development Specialist, which is a fancy way of saying that am a trainer. I train new consultant classes and am over cross training associates etc. I love it. Its very enjoyable and I love teaching others. Oh, back to school. I am pursuing a degree in Secondary Education. Currently I am majoring in History with a minor in ESL. But we'll see how that goes for now and if I decide to continue on that path. Ultimately I want to teach seminary, but I know how difficult of a job that is due to many people pursuing said position. So I figure, am fine with teaching.

Going back in time...to March...I decided on a whim to buy a plane ticket to Michigan to visit one of my best friends, Tara, and her cute little family...and go to a concert while there. It was so fun, I flew in, spent a couple days with her, then rented a car and drove to Grand Rapids and stayed there the night. While there I met some super fun new people, saw Pete Yorn in concert (after getting his autograph he hugged me and kissed me on the cheek!!!). Then I missed my flight, stayed for a couple more hours, then headed home. It was a good whimsical trip and one I shall not easily forget.

Lets see....also back in April I went to Brazil with my friend Joe. We went back to the mission. I loved seeing many people that I taught and baptized as well as the families in the wards that I had formed great relationships with. I also visited my "daughter" (the sister I trained). We went to this awesome beach house in a small city called Mongagua, just outside of Sao Paulo. I loved it. I love Brazil and the Brazilian people. It was so fun to go again. I can't wait to go back next time...whenever that will be.

During the summer I enjoyed our family vacation to San Diego. Eric and I traveled in my car which was super fun....except for the lack of air conditioning in 120 degree weather in St. George and Vegas. Talk about HOT!!! It was pretty miserable. The rest of the trip was great visiting Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Mission Beach and Knott's Water Park. I love family vacations, I hope we have more in the near future!

I also went on a trip of fun in the sun with my good friend, Suzy. We decided to take one last trip before she left on her mission. We went to San Diego. While there we went to Ensenada, Mexico, Sea World, Mission Beach, The San Diego Temple and the Del Mar race track to see Pete Yorn in concert. And keeping with tradition we met some more random people (new friends!) going to see Pete in concert. :) We then drove up further north and went to Six Flags and then to Santa Barbara to again see Pete Yorn in concert. It was quite the enjoyable trip. I love traveling!

I recently entered a contest that KUTV was having to promote Utah's Own products. Mom actually came up with this awesome recipe but she didn't want to be on TV so she submitted me in the contest. I was chosen as one of the finalist and was on television. Then because of many votes from people clicking on my recipe on KUTV's website I was one of the two finalist that was again on TV, but this time at the State Fair. I received 2nd place and won $200 in groceries to Harmons (Utah's Own people will tell you that I should've won). It was so much fun and KUTV said they might have me come on again because they loved my recipe so much! It was so much fun, I rather enjoyed it...so watch out for me on TV!!

I've been playing on a softball league with some friends of mine from high school. Its been a lot of fun. We have some pretty good players, so we've had some pretty good results. I definitely enjoy playing and hope to do so again come spring. Also this summer I have been training with my sister, Teresa, and my brother, Tom, for the St. George Marathon. This will be my 3rd marathon and I'm quite excited for it. Training is quite brutal, but the race is worth it. The marathon is next Saturday, October 6. I'm hoping to have a PR (personal record) with this race.

Then the following day will be my 25th birthday! Life just keeps on happening, and I enjoy nearly every moment of it. Can't wait to see what is around the next corner!