The Fierce, Feisty, Frisky Firecat

The New Niece!

2011-12-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

The phone rang around 4:00 am on Saturday, December 17th. "This is your wake up call!" Wha!?! Oh! Tami was in labor! My new niece was arriving! And I was going to be able to be there for her entrance into this world!

My mom and I quickly got dressed and headed out the door to the Riverton Hospital.

After conquering a few obstacles - not having the correct security code and getting past the controlling "labor and delivery" access nurse - we made it to the delivery room. The epidural was taking effect, the contractions were coming on strong and the doctor had arrived!

I'll spare you the bir-thing details - but I will say that it is amazing!

I cried.

During the birth and as they whisked my niece to the exam table, I took in all of what I had just experienced.

"Does it make you more excited to have babies?" Tami asked.

YES! It definitely does.

Contrary to everything I have seen on television or in movies, the birth is not loud or full of screaming, blaming or contention - much better than the distorted view the media has given me.

Back to the baby.

They cleaned the little girl off, weighed and measured her, then handed her to her beaming father, my brother, Tom. He then took her to Tami and they announced her name:

Sophie Adair.

She is beautiful!

She looks like her brother with lots of blonde hair and just beautiful!

Barefoot and I were talking yesterday and we decided that being present at the birth bonds you even greater to the niece or nephew than you would otherwise. I hadn't really thought about it until our conversation, but its so true. I feel very close to Sophie already.

I am the very proud Auntie. I couldn't wait to hold her and talk to her.
And I can't wait to do so again.

Another One Completed

2011-12-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

Oh hooray! Yet another semester completed! I love the satisfaction of taking your last test or turning in your last assignment for the semester. Now I just have to wait for my grades.

I just can't wait until I take the last test or write my last paper for my bachelor's degree...HA! THAT is going to be awhile.

I was thinking I only had three classes left at SLCC before I could move on up to the University of Utah to take my final teaching courses...and I got excited because it looked as though the end was in sight...
But then I reviewed my course requirements. Bad idea. Now I'm depressed - err - discouraged as I found that I still have, are you ready for this?, TWELVE classes to take before I'm done with SLCC. TWELVE! At the rate I'm going of 2 classes per semester (because I am also working full time) - that will take me six more semesters! SIX! That is THREE LONG YEARS (or two if I take summer classes). Something has got to change. I could take the same classes at the U, but then they will be more expensive and probably harder, so I might as well take them at SLCC.

My advice for all of you just starting college, high school and younger folks out there - Take as many classes per semester as you can! Don't stop (unless its for something good like a mission). Going to school for many years beyond the normal time frame is ridiculous and discouraging! Don't put yourself in my same situation!

Okay, deep breaths...I'm okay now.

I will say that I do recognize that it has taken me this long to complete school due to the following factors: 1) I didn't want to go into debt for school so I started off taking only the classes I could pay for myself 2) I've worked full time the entire time I have been in school, averaging 2-3 classes a semester 3) I served a mission to Brazil for 18 months: from June 2004 - December 2005 (so easily missed 4 semesters of school there) 4) I took a much deserved semester break after completing my Associate of Science degree 5) That one semester break turned into 3 as I got engaged and married (taking up 2 more semesters).

Regardless of how frustrating my discover today can be, I will continue to go to school (its good for me, right?). I want to complete at least a Bachelor degree, if not Masters (aargh). And maybe eventually (like when I'm 50) go on to get a PhD. That would be cool. Ahh, wishful thinking.

Firecat

2011-11-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

Me. The Firecat.

Are Mormons Christians?

2011-10-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

The question "Are Mormons Christians?" is a question that is seemingly endless in the media.

Right now there has been some extra talk in the news due to comments made by Robert Jeffress:
"Texas evangelical leader Robert Jeffress, the Baptist megachurch pastor who introduced Rick Perry at the Values Voter Summit, said Friday afternoon he does not believe Mitt Romney is a Christian. Jeffress described Romney's Mormon faith as a 'cult,' ... [When]asked by POLITICO if he believed Romney is a Christian, Jeffress answered: 'No.' "
(http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/65445.html)

I was listening to someone on talk radio today in reference to this statement, and they also ignorantly stated that Jeffress is right, that Mormons aren't Christians.

Let's talk about this.

First of all, let's visit our good friends Webster and Wikipedia. That way we can get an official term, and a term that comes from our fellow Internet users.
Their definitions of a Christian are:
Webster says:
1a : one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ Wikipedia says:
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament. "Christian" derives from the Koine Greek word Christ, a translation of the Biblical Hebrew term Messiah.[1] Central to the Christian faith is love or Agape. Christians also believe Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible, the Son of God, and the savior of mankind from their sins.[2] Most Christians believe in the doctrine of the Trinity ("tri-unity"), a description of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which retains the monotheistic belief of Christianity's Abrahamic heritage through an ineffable confluence. This includes the vast majority of the churches in Christianity. The term "Christian" is also used adjectivally to describe anything associated with Christianity, or in a proverbial sense "all that is noble, and good, and Christ-like."[3] It is also used as a label to identify people who associate with the cultural aspects of Christianity, irrespective of personal religious beliefs or practices.[4]

Does this give you a good understanding of what a Christian is?

How would you define a "Christian"?

Secondly, let's see what the Mormons, or rather the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (as that is the real name of the religion) believe in relation to Jesus Christ.

"Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God. He is our Redeemer. The Holy Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ's mother was Mary, His father on earth was Joseph, that He was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, and labored with Joseph as a carpenter. When he turned 30, He began a three-year ministry of teaching, blessing, and healing the people of the Holy Land. He also organized His Church and gave His apostles "power and authority" (Luke 9:1) to assist in His work.
"But what do we mean when we say He is the Savior of the world? The Redeemer? Each of these titles point to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way by which we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. Jesus suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of God’s children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only by His mercy and grace can anyone be saved. His subsequent resurrection prepared the way for every person to overcome physical death as well. These events are called the Atonement. In short, Jesus Christ saves us from sin and death. For that, he is very literally our Savior and Redeemer. In the future Jesus Christ will return to reign on earth in peace for a thousand years. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He will be our Lord forever."

Now remove any biases or previous prejudices that you may have surrounding this church.

Does the information given from Webster and Wikipedia coincide with the beliefs of the Mormons? Yes.

I firmly state that Mormons are Christians.

The title of the church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, states that they believe in Christ, and that it is His church. The "of Latter-day Saints" portion states that they are members of Christ's church in the latter or last days.

The members of this church are given the nickname of Mormons because of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. "It is Holy Scripture, with form and content similar to that of the Bible. Both books contain God's guidance as revealed to prophets as well as religious histories of different civilizations." (http://mormon.org/book-of-mormon/)

Part of being a Christian, means being Christ-like, or trying to be like the Savior Jesus Christ. And that means being kind and respectful of others and their beliefs.

Before we jump to conclusions, or negatively place someone in a category, we should do some valid research. Go to the source of this Christian belief, find out for yourself what Mormons really believe. Go to http://www.mormon.org/. You will get the facts from the members of this church, not someone else's interpretation of what they believe.

If you really want to find out for yourself what this church is all about, take a challenge and read The Book of Mormon (or re-read it for that matter). Get it free here.

Again, I firmly state that Mormons are Christian.

I am a Mormon. And I am a Christian.

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the only Begotten of the Father. I know he came to this earth, lived a perfect life, taught and followed God's commandments. He taught how to love and serve each other. He was the ultimate example of how we should live our lives. Before Jesus was crucified, he knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane, and prayed to the Father on our behalf. He suffered the pain of our sins, for us. All of us. Jesus Christ did this so that we could be made clean and return to live in with our Heavenly Father.

I know that Jesus is the Christ. I strive to live my life as he lived his. And that makes me a Christian.

I Can't Walk

2011-10-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 1st, I ran the St. George Marathon. It was my 4th time running that marathon, my 4th marathon this year and my 8th marathon overall.

I rocked the marathon - my time, my pace etc....until mile 16. And with about 10 miles left to go, I hit my wall. I couldn't get over it. So I didn't finish in as good of time and I had hoped.

But I finished.

I think my legs stopped working because they decided that 104.8+ miles was plenty for the year. I've been tallying all the miles I've run this year and it is well over 400 - if you count all the training and race miles.

And today, two days after the race, my legs still don't want to function.

I'd be walking down the hall at work and my leg would give out on me and I'd nearly come crashing down. The slight slope in the parking lot to my car was grueling. And then the stairs up to my condo. Death.

Not to mention my ankles are swollen. You'd think I was 8 months pregnant, not that I'd just run a marathon!

I think I will definitely be taking a break from racing for the remainder of the year.

But in the meantime I will enjoy my 5 medals and my award from coming in third place for my division in the Utah Grand Slam.

Poor feet.

Go me.

More Running - Top of Utah Marathon

2011-09-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

For the 3rd of my 4 planned marathons this year, my brother, Tom and my sister, Teresa, and I headed north to Logan, UT to participate in the Top of Utah Marathon. I was looking forward to this race. The course drops 1045 feet over the 26.2 miles but is only a 1% to 2% grade. And my last long and short run before this race were really good, so I felt more prepared for this one than for the others.

However, when we arose at 4:00am the streets were wet from rain with more possibilities coming our way. I was prepared with my jackets and big black garbage bag (which keeps you not only dry but quite warm - I've used them even when there was no threat of rain, just cold temps). We got to the starting line, got in line to use the port-a-potties one last time and then it came. Loads of rain started falling. So we stuffed what we didn't need for the run in one drop bag, while we kept our jackets and garbage bags on and another drop bag with us so we could ditch our warm clothes when it stopped raining - because we were convinced that it would stop before long. Which it did. About mile 5 the rain had stopped and it was starting to warm up a bit. Tom and I put our jackets in the drop bag and held onto the garbage bags for a bit longer - just in case. But by mile 7 it was still fine so we ditched those as well.

Big mistake.

It started raining around mile 9. Scratch that. It starting downpouring around mile 9. It appeared as though we should be searching for an ark with the extent of the rain. We were soaked through in a matter of minutes - if not seconds. And it was COLD. It then proceeded to hail on us - as if the rain wasn't dreadful enough.

It continued to rain.

And rain.

And rain.

Around mile 18(?) It started to clear up. But I was still soaking wet and freezing cold.

And then I saw an angel. Well, really it was an older gentleman standing outside his house with a box of garbage bags. He was cutting holes in them for the head and giving them to the runners. He was my hero! I admit that I hesitated a bit because I didn't think it was going to continue to rain, but then I decided I wanted it to help warm me up.

And boy am I glad I took it. Not a mile later it started to down pour on us AGAIN.

Tom's iPod stopped working. Mine stopped shortly after. And then his GPS watch also stopped. Misery. Pure misery.

I nearly missed enjoying the beautiful scenary or the ease of the course...the rain tried hard to ruin it for me. But it didn't completely.

Around mile 22 the sun came out and it started to get warm! Oh glorious day! The rest of the race was pretty awesome, and we came in under 6 hours which is what I was really hoping for (I do think the rain slowed us down a bit as we were hoping for about 5-5:30 on the time - dang).

And now I have another medal added to my collection, and only 1 more marathon to run this year.

The Great Park City Marathon Injustice of 2011

2011-08-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 20th, I arose at 3:30 am to prepare for and travel with my brother, Tom, and my sister, Teresa, to Park City for the marathon that would begin at 6:30 am. This was my second of four marathons that I planned to run (and complete) this year. Why would I run four marathons in a year? Two of which are just two weeks apart? Because I am a little crazy, ha ha! Also because my sister, brother and I signed up to participate in the Utah Grand Slam this year.

The Utah Grand Slam is organized by Wasatch Running Company, and it is a program in which if you run 4 qualifying Utah Marathons during the calendar year, you will receive an extra medal.
I'm a sucker for extra medals. So I signed up for it.

We arrived in Park City that morning with plenty of time to make sure we were in the right place, know where the start was located and use the restrooms one last time.
With about 10 minutes to spare, we went to find the restroom, which was located right off the start in a local hotel lobby, so we waited in the fairly short line...we came out with many runners still around, so we stopped for a "Kodak Moment" then went to start the race. When we got to the start...there was no big group of runners about to start the race...only the random runners standing around like they had a ton of time to kill. Not a good sign.

One race volunteer noticed that our number bib showed "Marathon" and they told us the marathoners had started about 10 minutes ago! Oh no! So we took off running to try to catch up to the rest of the group. We ran, and finally mostly caught up to them by the end of the first mile. At that point, my sister decided to run on ahead. Tom and I wanted to take our time during this race and the next as to not push ourselves too much before our final race in which we planned to run our hearts out.

We were averaging about 13 minute miles, as I was struggling a little because of the altitude (crazy!) , the many MANY hills and the wretched runners trots as it is called. =( We had passed two runners, and according to Tom's GPS watch, were right on track to finish the race in a little over 6 hours.
We also had a race volunteer who was the "race cleanup" that would ride pass us, come back, then ride ahead. He never said much to us, but to tell us who he was and to ask about the runners we had passed.

Now for the injustice.

A little after mile 15 there was a water stop right before a hill and a 2 mile loop. As we arrived, being anxious for the upcoming downhill that we knew was coming, the "race cleanup" man was there and said, "hey guys, sorry to tell you, but I have to take your numbers."

WHA!?!?!

Tom and I were perplexed. What was he talking about?

He continued to tell us that the race had a cutoff at that water station that if you weren't there by 10:00 am that you had to turn in your number and either 1) finish the race with no number and no finishers time 2) ride back to the start in the "suburban of shame" (as I have titled it).

This is where the ridiculousness is. They told us we had until 1:30 pm to finish the race, which was in a little more than 2 1/2 hours. And we had just about 11 miles left to complete the race. One can EASILY do that in 2 1/2 hours by WALKING. And the rest of the race was down hill (pretty much).

If we did not finish this race we would not qualify for the Grand Slam, and not get an extra medal (which was the reason for me to do all this running!)

We tried to talk to the two guys there about letting us go. One was more sympathetic, the other that was not (the race clean up guy - RCUG). He even pretended to ask his boss about if we could finish the race. His conversation was as follows:
RCUG: Hello. Uh huh. Uh huh. Yeah. Okay. Thanks. Bye.

No question to his boss about us finishing the race.

At this point we were losing time. I asked them to let Tom go as he is super fast and was just running slower with me. They conceded to this request and let him go. The RCUG then rode off and the other guy asked me, "do you really think you can do it?" "YES!!" I responded. So he let me go. So I started running my little heart out because I wanted to finish.

Not 5 minutes later the RCUG came riding up to me on his bicycle and said, "um, you need to give me your number. If you want to keep running you can, but I need your number". I asked if I finished in time without my number if they would give me a qualifying time and he said that because we didn't make it to that table in time, I would not.

LAME!!!

So I let them take me back to the start in the "suburban of shame".

This is something that I have never heard of at another marathon. Even my mother was allowed to finish the St. George Marathon in over 7 hours - and she still received a medal. Ridiculous!

The guy that was going to let me go, took myself and a couple of other runners to the finish line and took our numbers.
I called Husband and bawled my eyes out. The guy returned my number to me as I was sitting there crying. I could tell he felt horrible about it.

After I composed myself I went to wait at the finish for my sister as I knew she would be finishing fairly soon.

She came in at 5:20:30. I went by the finish line to cheer her on, then stepped back while she received her medal. I then called her name and she came over to me, perplexed. She thought we'd passed her.
I told her what happened and we sat there upset together. We then went and waited for Tom. I so wanted to go around the corner and wait for Tom and run in with him (it is not unheard of for family members/friends to finish the race with the runner). And as I had my number, I was hoping to get a medal that was super cool, and I had paid for and earned it (well, would have, had they let me). But I kept worrying that some alarm would sound when I went across the finish line or that RCUG would appear and tell everyone I didn't deserve it.

So I didn't.

But when Tom came in to the finish, I cheered him on, then went to hug him in congratulations as he came in at 5:45:19.

We hugged and cried together.

We then allowed Tom some rest time, then we gathered our stuff and left.

The rest of the day was an emotional one. One of major injustice. One that the Park City Marathon will be hearing about.

The next day my sister sent me a text and told me something I did not expect.

I had a finishing time of 5:20:48.

Wha!??!

How I got a finisher's time is beyond me. I was expecting the horrid. DNF next to my name.
Whether my bib registered as I went to congratulate my sister, or the nice race volunteer had compassion on me and gave me a random time, I'll never know.

At this point, although timely feedback is most impactful, I have decided to let my feedback wait.
I'm going to take my finisher's time to the Top of Utah Marathon and the St. George. And hope that I will get my extra Utah Grand Slam medal. Once I receive it, then they will be getting my feedback.

But I will not be running another Park City Marathon in the future. And I ask you to do the same.

New!

2011-07-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Friday marked my last day at the employment I've had for the past 5+ years. And tomorrow is my first day at the employment I hope to have for years to come.

Goodbye Harland Clarke.
Hello University of Utah Healthcare.

Wish me luck!

I'm A Runner

2011-04-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

In January I participated in a 5K in St. George, UT. Today I finished the Thanksgiving Point Half Marathon in Lehi, UT. In June I will run the Utah Valley, Marathon. In August, the Park City Marathon. In September, the Top of Utah Marathon in Logan, UT and in October I will run the St. George, UT Marathon for the fourth time.

Yes, running has officially commenced for the year.

I'm sore, I'm exhausted...but I'm excited. Its that adrenaline that shoots throw the veins that make all the many, many miles worth it. People say I'm crazy, and some days I agree with them and I dread the next long run, but there is something indescribable about how you feel when you cross that finish line. It's incredible.

With my races alone this year I will run 121 miles. I've decided to track ALL the miles I run this year, training and races. Every one. I'm excited to see what I accomplish!

Let's see how far I go!

I Heart Podcasts

2011-03-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

I am crazy into podcasts right now. They are fascinating! Err...at least the ones I've been listening to. My brother, Eric, and his wife, Carlee, introduced them to me on our trip to Vegas in February and I have been a faithful listener ever since!

The podcasts I've become glued to are two from howstuffworks.com. One is titled "Stuff Mom Never Told You" and the other is "Stuff You Missed in History Class" and the topics are interesting. The people doing the podcasts do their research, and, for the most part, remain non-biased. I've learned about "How Typhoid Mary Worked", where the term "Peeping Tom" comes from, about the most two famous female pirates, about Barbie's secret past, what the deal is with pink and blue and about the ever intriguing Winchester Mystery Mansion.

I highly suggest you check these out. And the best part!?!?....they are FREE. Just go to itunes or to the howstuffworks.com website and you can download them to your iphone at no cost.

I'm off to learn about Lizzie Borden and her axe!

Woohoo!

2010-12-10T00:06:00.000-08:00

I just took my last test for the semester.

Thank goodness.

A celebration is now in order.

Strawberry Shortcake

2010-10-31T21:58:00.000-07:00

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love dressing up. Its fun to be someone else for a day. However, I am very particular about authentic costumes. I don't want to just be a generic character of some sort. If I'm going to be a witch, I'm going to be Winifred Sanderson from Hocus Pocus or The Wicked Witch of the West. Don't just be a doctor, be Doctor House, you know? Also, I think that you should dress as closely to the actual character as possible - meaning I quite disagree with women distorting the classic costume of Alice In Wonderland to be some sort of a whorish outfit. It appears that dressing up for Halloween has now somehow come to mean dressing like a slut. I find it fascinating that all these women allow Halloween to degrade themselves - unless they are glad to have an excuse to let their true colors shine...I'm just sayin'....

This Halloween I decided to borrow my friend's costume from last year. I tried it on and found that unfortunately the main dress didn't fit. The hat and the apron would be perfect, but I asked my wonderful mother to make a new main dress for me, which she did. She also made some super cute bloomers and a fluffy slip to add some whimsy to the costume. I found some perfect green and white striped tights at the Halloween store and did my hair in pin curls to look as much like the character as possible.

The result was me as the adorable Strawberry Shortcake.

I decided to celebrate the festivities and dress up not only for the actual event or for parties, but for work (at both jobs). I had many compliments and even won a costume contest. But what I loved most was when little girls would see me and ask to have their picture taken with me! "Strawberry Shortcake!" they would exclaim! "Can I take a picture with you!?" It made my day! I felt like a Disney princess in Disneyland! Oh, there is nothing better. A few years ago I was Snow White, which was also a hit with the little ones. Its so fun to see their little eyes brighten and the smiles break across their faces. Oh, I'm so glad I decided to be Strawberry Shortcake.

Temptation

2010-10-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

I'm tempted. Should I?

Started

2010-08-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

School started this past Thursday. I'm taking two classes this semester; US History to 1877 and Microeconomics. Taking only a couple of classes each semester is slowly marking off my lower division classes on my way to my teaching degree, but I'm making progress at least.

Wish me well!

Rosemary Focaccia Rolls - Recipe

2010-07-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

So I've had a few requests for the recipe of these delicious rolls. I got the recipe from www.ourbestbites.com. You can find the recipe and other DELICIOUS ones here.
Or you can see below. Though their website has better directions!

Rosemary Focaccia Rolls

1 c. warm (105-115 degrees Fahrenheit) water
1 Tbsp. yeast
1 Tbsp. white sugar
1 tsp. Kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 Tbsp rosemary (dried or fresh), divided
1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 1/4-2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow to stand for 10 minutes or until bubbly. While the yeast is getting bubbly, combine 2 C of the flour, salt, 1 1/2 Tbsp. rosemary, oregano and garlic powder.

Add flour mixture to yeast mixture along with 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Mix well. (I put it in my stand mixer with the dough hook on). Slowly add remaining flour to make a very soft dough--try and resist the urge to add too much flour. You want a soft, wet dough.

Cover and allow to rise 45 min- 1 hour or until double in size.

Lightly flour your work surface and transfer dough onto this surface. Divide into balls for rolls and place on a greased cookie sheet or pizza stone. Cover and allow to rise another 45 minutes.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Use remaining tablespoon of olive oil to brush over tops of rolls, discarding excess if you have any. Sprinkle with remaining rosemary and some Kosher salt.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until very lightly golden-brown. Serve immediately (if you can) with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Enjoy...I did.

Rosemary Focaccia Rolls

2010-06-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

My visiting teacher, Vanessa, brought me a loaf of this fantastic bread once, and both Husband and I keep wishing we had more, so I asked her for the recipe. And I didn't have it for more than 48 hours until I broke down and made them (more like was bursting at the seams to make it). And we enjoyed them with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Yum. It was heavenly!

The Sprained Ankle

2010-06-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

Two blogs ago I listed all the races I am wanting to participate in this year. And even though I never did find a spot for the Utah Valley Half Marathon, and the Park City Half Marathon is full, I am still planning on the rest....hopefully.

Last Saturday I was doing my weekly run, with 5 miles to go and I was trying to figure out my ipod whilst running - and I wasn't paying much attention to where I was running and I stepped off the asphalt where it dropped 3 inches to the gravel and sprained my left ankle something fierce. I kept walking on it thinking that if I just walked for a few minutes it would be okay. So when I got to the point where I wasn't necessarily limping I started running again...and continued to run for the remaining miles. Afterwards my ankle wasn't so bad...until I sat down and didn't walk on it for an hour, and then I really couldn't walk on it. It wouldn't support any weight whatsoever. I even had to pull out Husband's hiking stick to support my lack of left leg, at which time he so lovingly began to refer to me as "Gandolf". Needless to say I ditched the "staff" as soon as I could, the next day.

I found that once I iced the ankle on and off for 15 minutes, it started to get better immediately. Though better is not best. With today marking a week after the bad sprain, I can walk okay, but running is not yet an option. All week I've been missing being able to run. I'd get home from work and think, "boy its a great day, I wish I could go running" instead I've made my way through 2 seasons of Gilmore Girls. Quite pathetic. I'm hoping this coming week the ability to walk will turn into the ability to run. Cross your fingers!

My First

2010-06-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I decorated, really decorated my first cake.

We learned how to level, fill, frost, smooth and decorate a cake.

For the class I had to bake a 8 in. x 3 in. cake, bring all my supplies, and a batch of decorator's frosting (which when made from the recipe isn't too bad...but if you were to buy the actual Wilton's Frosting from the store, its quite disgusting, so recommend making it yourself or no one will eat your cake once they taste your frosting).

At class we learned to level the cake (cut it in half), then fill it (which I did with Nutella), then we learned the right way to frost a cake without getting crumbs in the frosting and then how to smooth out the cake.

We learned about adding coloring to frosting, how the color affects it, how to make different consistencies of frosting and when to use them.

We then decorated the cakes using a piper gel pattern transfer, I decided to decorated a the cake with a tie because I was making it for Father's Day.

I learned a lot and I must say, my first cake turned out pretty good....for a first.

Races in 2010

2010-05-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

My upcoming 2010 Races:

June: Utah Valley Half Marathon (if I can get someone to give me their spot)

July: SpudmanTriathlon

August: Park City Half Marathon

September: Disneyland Half Marathon

Top of Utah Full Marathon

October: None as we didn't get into the St. George Marathon (stupid raffle) - but we are guaranteed for next year! Woo hoo!

Spring has arrived...well, kinda. The cold weather is hanging on in Utah, but I am done with allowing it to confine me to a treadmill.

That said, it is time for training to being! Well, almost.

I was going to run the Ogden Marathon this weekend. I wasn't as trained as I should have been, but I was ready - except then my ankle decided otherwise.

When I was a sophomore in high school, during basketball season my left ankle started to hurt so bad, sometimes I couldn't walk on it. I went to a podiatrist and found that I had what appeared to be a cyst on my ankle. We first did an MRI on it, which thankfully let us know that it was nothing scary but a "ganglion cyst". So the podiatrist drained it. My ankle stopped hurting, I was able to continue my sports.

Two years ago however, while in a play at a local theatre, my ankle started to hurt again.

I went to another podiatrist (who happens to be my best friend's father). He determined the same thing, a ganglion cyst. So he also drained it. I had to miss a couple of nights of the play for it to heal.

And now it is back.

My ankle started hurting about 2 months ago. I wrapped it with an Ace Bandage and tried to ignore it, but it was too much. So again, I went back to the doctor. I want it removed, but if I did it now, I would be "in recovery" for about 2 months, which would completely disrupt my training schedules. Not cool.

So I decided that it was best to miss out on this weekend's marathon (which I haven't paid for as I was taking another girl's spot), and get the cyst drained yet again.

So now I have to give my foot time to recover for another week, but then I can start my training.

Bring it on!

Baking

2010-04-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was little I have loved baking. I loved every Sunday afternoon when my momma and me would make cookies or other fantastic baked goods. I loved the smell of her fresh baked breads and the Viennabrood (Danish Pastry) that she would make that would be gone nearly instantaneously.

Today I still try to find time to bake things. Sunday afternoons are filled with making sugar cookies or other tasty delights, which, I think our neighbors quite love, as we always give them a plate of whatever I've made.

For the last several weeks there has been a re-occuring baking theme in my life - cakes.

My friend, Christie, and I decided we wanted to take a cake decorating class together.
My aunt emailed us all to let us know that my cousin, Chef Tess, is coming to teach some classes at Gygi's (one of which is making cake flowers) in June.
One of the girls I work with just took a cake decorating class at Gygi's - with fondant.
My brother got married and there was the focus of the beautiful wedding cake.
My friend, Heidi, is making the groom's cake for her sister's wedding and has brought in sample cupcakes and told me about making marshmellow fondant last night.
My aunt taught a few of us cousins how to make marshmellow fondant tonight.

See! Lot's of cake!

Is the Universe trying to tell me something? Are cakes in my future?

Yes. Yes they are.

I've always wanted to learn to make and decorate fantastic cakes (though for birthdays I have always preferred birthday brownies as I have always preferred them over cake), and now I think that I will have to actually learn to be fantastic at this art.

I have some of the fondant that we made tonight. I plan to make a cake for when Husband's family comes in town. And I will have to try to be fancy.

Mark my words, in the near future, I will take a class. I will make a fantastically delicious cake. And I will be a cake lady. Wait. Scratch the "cake lady" part. I'll just be famous for my amazing cakes.

*Grin*

Book Club

2010-04-01T11:32:00.001-07:00

Barefoot and I decided that we wanted to have a book club, so we invited friends to join us! I've never been in a book club before, so I was pretty excited!

Our first book was The Virgin Queen's Daughter by Ella March Chase. Its an historical fiction about a girl who is possibly Elizabeth I's daughter .

I had a difficult time getting into the book at first. The author likes to get carried away describing things and at times and I got bored and stopped paying attention to what I was reading.

Also, there weren't specific breaks in the paragraph etc. that would "hint" that she was changing the topic, or that it took place a little later. Sometimes the sentence would end with a period during one event, and begin with a different event with the next sentence. I had to learn to recognize the change in conversation/what was happening so I wouldn't get confused and bored.

I also got confused about some of the characters in the book, but I don't think that was her fault, historically its confusing which monarch ruled when or how, who the succeeded, killed whom, and gave birth to what child.

After re-reading the first few pages several times, I started to get into it and really enjoy it . It was woven with interesting factual tidbits and the fictitious story that had a basis of rumors from back in the day. I had a hard time putting the book down after a little while. And when I finished the book, I was glad to know what had happened, but I was sad that the story was over.

That happens to me a lot with books. Sometimes I start to feel like I get to know the characters so well and then the story ends, and I miss them. Does that happen to you?

We met as a book club this past Saturday and met for tea downtown and talked about the book and just had fun! I loved my first book club meeting!

Our next book, The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. I hope its good!

Yum!

2010-03-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Husband and I are trying to be really healthy. And even though I have discovered a ton of awesome healthy recipes, some days I just want to eat something sweet, fattening and completely NOT good for me.

Something like these:

HOMEMADE OREO COOKIES

Ingredients:

1 Devil's food cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil

Filling Ingredients:

1 cup shortening
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Mix the cake mix with the eggs and oil until smooth
2. Roll dough into round balls about the size of a golf ball
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes
4. Let cookies cool to room temperature
5. Mix all frosting ingredients together
6. Frost backs of cookies and place together to make a cookie sandwich

Oh man....just the directions are making me hungry.

Why don't you make them and enjoy them for me.

One day, you, Homemade Oreo Cookies, and I - will be together again.

Notices

2010-03-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Over a month ago I said I would write about our cruise. I will still do so, however, you will need to go here to read about it as I have started to blog about it there. I will commit to having it posted by the end of the month...I think that is do-able.

However, now for the important part:
If I can draw your attention to the right side of this page, to my blog links. You will notice that there is one titled "Black Iris Photos". I recommend you click on it and behold the great artwork of my brother, Eric, and his super-soon-to-be-wife, Carlee.

They are attempting to break into the photography business and they are looking for more opportunities to build their portfolio. They are currently doing some "pro bono" shoots, so if you have any photo ops that you are in need of, Easter, family pictures, new babies, children, engagements, bridals, etc. Check out their blog and contact them and they will get you taken care of!

2010-02-02T11:58:00.001-08:00

Here is a map of where we cruised. Details to come.

Anticipation

2010-01-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

Here in a short while Husband and I will be going on a cruise in the Caribbean. This is my first cruise and I am SOOOO excited, I can hardly contain myself. The only other times that stand out in my mind that I have had this much anticipation for an event was when I was coming home from my mission and when I was getting married.

I have purchased a new swimsuit, have pulled out the suitcases and am planning on what I am going to take (though one of my brothers is already PACKED...wish I would've thought of that). I have a count down chain at work and a very obviously marked calendar of the days that I will be gone....obviously, I can't wait.

We Also Sing

2009-12-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year my Brothers and my Father were in a men's choir called, "Because We Sing". They all had such the enjoyable time that when the women's choir called "We Also Sing" was being organized my Mother and Sister-in-laws, Sara and Tami, all signed up to participate.

We began practicing in late September and have met every Sunday evening since. It is an amazing choir. 364+ women sign up for the choir, though because we preform in the Tabernacle on Temple Square, we have to stick to that number of women.

Women travel from Logan and Ephraim to participate each week. Our incredible choir director, Merrilee Webb, travels from St. George herself each week to conduct the choir.

Merriliee is quite the wonderful woman! I love her attitude, her passion for music, her animated spunk and the penetrating spirit that emanates from her. She taught me so much. And most of it had nothing to do with music. I learned about the importance of listening to the Lord, trusting in Him, letting go of pettiness, realizing the role that others play in our lives....and so much more!

Some of my favorite things that she would say was, "to touch the soul of another is to stand on holy ground" and "don't be you, be what we need" (which was perfect for us as a choir).

She taught that sometimes the Lord is trying to tell us something, but we are too busy with texting or blogging (ha ha) that we don't hear what He has to tell us.

She also shared with us that when we give up who we are to be more like God, we are setting ourselves apart from others. However when we try so hard to "express ourselves" with trends or dressing in our "own unique styles" etc., that we are actually being like everyone else and lose our individuality. Its being like God that makes us individuals and sets us apart from others.

At the beginning of each rehearsal we'd sing this awesome Hawaii'an Chant called the Hiki Mai Chant. It was one of my favorite parts of the rehearsals.

Here it is:

HIKI MAI CHANT

HIKI MAI E NA PUA I KA LA’IE

KE PI’I A’E LA KA MAUNA KI’EKI’E

HA’A MAI NA KAMA ME KA MAKUA

HE WEHI PULAMA AO’ KE KUPUNA

E KA’I MAI ANA E KA’I MAI ANA

E HAHAI I KA LEO O KA HAKU E

Translation

Come forward and appear you precious flowers arising in the calmness of this special day.

Each of you are taking up the challenge of not simply climbing a high mountain, but you have chosen to climb the highest and most majestic mountain of all.

Dance forward you children of your Heavenly Father, for is it not so that you, our children, are so very precious.

In fact, you are the most precious adornment worn around the neck of your ancestors.

Come forward, come forward for there are many roads for you to choose.

Be sure to follow the voice of the good shepherd, for he will always keep you, protect you, and show you the way.

And for the concert we all made leis out of Fun Fur that represent a hug from our ancestors and our posterity. Mine was red (of course).

This last Saturday, November 28th, was our concert. We were the premiere concert for the Christmas Season on Temple Square. We preformed twice, which I am so glad we were able to, it was doubly and incredible experience.

My favorite songs were "Il est ne, la Divin Enfant" (surprisingly - I was sure I wouldn't like it), "Thankful" and "In The First Light" oh how they are powerful songs. I had a hard time not getting emotional during the last two - EVERY time.

This was such an awesome experience. I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone interested.

Here is an after concert photo:

When I Grow Up, I Want To Be Like Elizabeth Bennet

2009-10-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Last night Barefoot and I went to a Murder Mystery Dinner at The District. It was quite enjoyable, though we were much saddened that we did not know we could have dressed up, because she, like I, love to dress up any opportunity we get!

On the way home the conversation moved from the theatre to books. We discussed the many novels we have read and loved, the ones we have read and enjoyed, and the ones that were just awful. And then we began our rant.

Warning: If you love the Twilight Series and take offense easily when one has a differing opinion as yourself, do NOT continue reading.

You have been warned.

Both Barefoot and I have read the Twilight Series, and we both enjoyed it. However, we began to discuss (or shall I say, passionately rave about) the characters and the author, how we felt about them, what role model they are becoming to the next generation and how it is just disappointing.

Here are our conclusions.

Bella Swan - We whole heartedly can't stand her. She is whiny, weak, submissive, has no mind of her own and has no self confidence or self worth. She doesn't know how anyone like Edward could ever want to be with her (c'mon...give yourself a little credit honey!). Her life is over because a man decides to leave her, and then she can't get over it and move on. She whines about it for a whole freakin' book! Move on! You are still worth something without him. Plus, you are in HIGH SCHOOL! And then she only finds happiness when he comes back to her. To make matters worse, she thinks she is all noble and self sacrificing, but in reality she makes everything worse for those around her. Annoying, right? Right.

Edward Cullen - We admit that we enjoy his character and that is he is interestingly attractive (and I am an "Edward Fan" all the way). But we find the fact that he finds Bella so fascinating because of her mind and who she is, ridiculous. I honestly believe that if he could hear her thoughts he'd be so utterly turned off by them because of how little confidence she has. I much preferred reading Midnight Sun, written from Edwards perspective than Twilight, written from Bella's. Her attitude and personality drove me crazy.

Stephenie Meyer - She is very creative and writes well. However, we think that what she has created as the new heroine for the next generation is disappointing. Girls are going to grow up thinking that if they have no opinion or no confidence whatsoever to speak their mind, that men, like Edward, are going to fall madly in love with them.

WRONG.

MEN LOVE STRONG WOMEN!!!

Girls need to grow up knowing that if they have confidence, know what they want, head out to conquer the world and speak their mind, that men will be attracted to them and they can get whoever they want. Not just the first man that pays attention to them in high school.

These girls need heroines like Elizabeth Bennet, Anne Shirley, Scarlett O'Hara and Jo March!
They need to know that they can be strong, confident, intelligent and successful! Girls need strong female role models who can help them build self-esteem and confidence, not ones that depict a teenager willing to dispose of her mortal life for the crush she has on her high school vampire boyfriend.

Bella has become the new role model, and I'll be damned if I let my daughters grow up thinking that is who they should be like!

We also agreed that there is an incredible abundance of grown, married women who are OBSESSED with Twilight. They have Edward decals all over their minivans and SUVs. They've read the whole Twilight series 15 times but have not once read Pride and Prejudice or Gone With The Wind (or they find them (by them, I mean the movie versions) dull and the characters not to their liking). These woman need to educate themselves and read these books to help be a greater heroine for their own daughters!

We find that in most of these cases, these woman are most likely using Twilight and their passion for Edward to compensate for what is lacking in their own marriage. But ladies! You could be so much more! Don't settle for Bella being your role model and having all the passion you get in your life what you get from reading Twilight. Really. You can!

We are not Twilight haters. We are just realistic about what it really is. We like the books, they are enjoyable for some entertaining reading. But we are not so obsessed that we are going to ask Robert Pattinson what it is like to be a vampire (really? Is this the intelligence level we are looking at here?)

Speaking of Robert Pattinson. Who thought he was a good choice for Edward? He is skinny and honestly looks like some big dumb oaf. He looks like he has no idea what is going on and can't form an intelligent sentence if his life depended on it.

And don't get me started on Kristin Stewart. Talk about an annoying actress. But I guess that makes her perfect to play Bella.

But that is off the topic.

Please. We ask you to please go home and read Pride and Prejudice. Read it to your daughters! Help them to know what a real heroine is, and what they can become in their own life.

We don't need any more women who define themselves by the man that they date, or think they are only worth something if they have a boyfriend.

We are women. We are God's crowning creation. Act like it.

Domestic Me

2009-10-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of my most recent amazing domestic abilities.

Yes, I am aware that I am amazing. *Wink*

Aww...Pete Yorn

2009-09-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos (you, know the high quality phone photos) from our last outing to the Pete Yorn Concert.

The other day I was at the grocery store, Smith's, and Pete was playing over their musik station, I promptly sent a text to my younger brother, Eric, and told him, "Pete Yorn is on the radio at Smith's!" His response was, "Wow, he's hit the big time now!" Funny. Though, other than in my car, I hear Pete at stores or restaurants more than the radio. Sad.

If you sadly don't know who Pete Yorn is, you should check him out! www.peteyorn.com. He is my FAVORITE singer.

Jog Safely

2009-09-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

This morning a woman in Sandy was hit while she was jogging. Not long after she died from injuries sustained from this accident. This afternoon I found out she was the mother of a fellow runner, with whom I work. I had never met this woman, but I knew that she and her daughter were training for the upcoming Moab Half Marathon. Not only does my heart ache for my co-worker, but my heart aches that she died doing something that she loved.

I do not know how many runners/joggers are killed while training each year, but I know that each one is tragic and unfortunate. Especially with this one so close to home.

Her loss has taught me a few very important things to remember as we run our hearts out:

1: Always carry identification with you when you run, even if you think you are just going around the block. She was not carrying any, she was hit at 6:30 this morning and it wasn't until 11:00 that her family was informed of this tragedy.

2: She, like most of us do, was listening to her ipod. I have no objections to this, but I learned from participating in the Spudman Triathlon that music can be distracting to your surroundings, and you need to be aware of what is going on around you, whether it be a car turning or a man lurking, awareness is so important (I am not saying that this is the cause of the accident, but it is something to keep in mind that could contribute)

3. If you are going to be running in the dark, where something reflective. The driver who hit the jogger this morning did not see her as she was turning. We want to be seen!

4. Let someone know you are going and about what time you will be back. Take your cell phone (this can be used to identify you) and if you are taking longer than you should, you can let someone know so they don't worry. There are a lot of things to think about when running, and safety should not be compromised.

I love running. I know I share that love with many. And to be able to continue that love, we should take care of those things that are most important.

My heart breaks for this family's loss. And I pray for the continued safety of us all. Please, jog safely.

A Participant Once Again

2009-08-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

As I awoke at 6:40 Saturday morning, I dreaded what was ahead of me. My 10 mile run. Ugh. However, just a week before, as I awoke at 3:30am to get to the Park City Half Marathon in time, I was all nerves, and looking forward to the 13.1 miles I had ahead of me that morning. It is funny how 13 miles one day is something to be excited about, and 10 miles the next is absolutely dreadful. All it is, is the fact that training is the worst part of a race. Not meaning its horrible, but it is the necessary evil for sure.

And next weekend, I shall be racing again. My brother, sister and myself are running in the Disneyland Half Marathon, our 3rd Disney Park race this year. I have never to been to Disney more often in my life, and I quite like it. Even if it requires me to run at least 13 miles. Which actually, connects me more to the Disney experience, as I love running and I love Disney. 2 for 1!

So while I train this week, I'll keep my eye on the double medal I will be receiving next week as I cross the finish line at Disneyland!

This Week's Lessons

2009-07-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

This past week or so I have learned quite a bit. And hoping to help those around me, I am posting said lessons.

1- Getting braces aches. They ache again when they are tightened each month.
2- Having a car with excellent gas mileage is wonderful.
3- Having a parking stall next to the lawn which gets watered every night calls for more often and futile car washings. You get nasty hard water stains on the car, which is eliminated washing the car, but then return the next morning when you park in your stall for the evening. Blah.
4- Participating in races, ie triathlons and marathons, is much more enjoyable then watching them. Participate as often as one is able!
5- My husband does odd things in his sleep, like unplug the CD player and place it on the floor while getting angry at the fact that it was up there and plugged in. **See previous post for more examples of my husband's interesting sleep habits**
6- I miss my DVR. Please come back soon!
7- Utah is a HOT state to live in (in the summer that is). Pack your shorts, sunscreen and sunglasses folks!
8- Working is overrated.
9- Having an ipod adapter in one's car is fantastic. I am definitely getting my money's worth now!
10-Don't take classes during the summer. It is NOT worth it.

My Current Babies

2009-06-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

I take more photos of the cats than anything else. Sad.
Bruce Wayne and Peter Parker are the most photogenic. Carl, however, obviously to me, hates it when I take a picture of her...she always turns away last second or gives me the, "don't you dare take a picture of me" look.

Russian Red

2009-05-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin.
That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."

-Gwyneth Paltrow

The Sea Vision Society

2009-04-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Today I was researching a question at work and came across quite the Internet gem. We donate a part of the proceeds from our "Ocean Beauty" checks to the Sea Vision Society, and I was attempting to find out exactly what that society supports.

Granted, I never did find out about the Society, I did, however, find the Grammar Geeks worst nightmare. I pride myself (generally) in my knowledge of the English language and the use of correct grammar. So when I read the horrid misspellings or terrifying grammatical mistakes of others, I find it quite humorous (probably because I deal with such atrocities on a daily basis).

When I came across this website, I was ROLLING at my desk. The man that created it, Christian Reise Lassen, is the founder of The Sea Vision Society and an artist (and come to find out a musician as well....oh, I cannot WAIT to get my hands on his album, "Turn the Tide").

His grammar is beyond atrocious. Half the time I have no idea what he is trying to say. There are ridiculous run-on sentences and a comma, placed, after, almost, every, word,.

To give you some samples of the jewels this website contains, here are some direct quotes:

"Don't dream your life, life your dreams"

"Rules of Behave"

"Wizzards also is called Wiz those members who have the super user rights. One recognizes it as a starlet at the beginning of its nodding name. Every member the tasks of a Wiz are various, they care that yourself also on this that the palace is in the business, on the other hand they care that yourself is also to the rules of behave keep and they respect that the member are consistant under each other. You care on the one hand that the Palace perfectly runs and on the other hand they provide it that the Wiz whole work, have, however, the tasks of the Wiz simultaneously, too they."

"If one thinks of Greece as a vacation-goal, occurs a place prominent immediately like Athens or Rhodes then."

And that my friends, is just a sample. I am not making this stuff up.
Be sure to check out the "Babies" tab and read the picture captions.

Oh, and below are a couple choice photos for your enjoyment.

Gimme Sunshine!

2009-04-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

I admit that I absolutely love snow. Its beautiful and has enjoyment factors i.e. snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, et cetera.

However, I 100% object to snow in APRIL! Good grief.
And what is worse, nature keeps teasing us with wonderful Saturday weather just to stick its tongue in our face the next day and the next.

I am getting the cabin fever and want sunshine for the following reasons:

1) Running. I need to run outside. If I have to run in the Olympic Oval or on a treadmill for much longer, I just might scream. Not to mention I have a race coming up in a little over 2 weeks and it had better be good weather

2) Climbing. I purchased some new climbing equipment, and all it has done is sit in my closet. If I don't use it soon, I think it is going to get mad at me, become faulty and kill me

3) Clothes. I am tired of my Winter attire and I want to pull out the flip flops without freezing my toes off

4) Lunch. I am beginning to go crazy being cooped up in the lunch room. I adore sitting on the grass and eating outside with a good book during my lunch hour

5) Swimming. I decided that I would like to swim much more this year to be my strongest for the Spudman. And I pretty much refuse to go swimming in the Winter as my hair will freeze and probably break off, ruining the years I have been attempting to grow it out

6) Running. I know I mentioned this before, but I really want to run outside. It has been too long, and I LOVE running the fresh air with actual scenery. Training for races indoors is the absolute pits. This is why I tend to avoid Marathons, Half Marathons, Triathlons and all other such races in the winter months. Even if said race is in some warm location such as Florida. I still have to train indoors, and doing 20 miles on a treadmill? NO THANK YOU! And I am quite anxious to get to training for the St. George Marathon early this year. I've caught a bug!

Yes yes, due to all these reasons, I petition that Nature should stop being such a beast and bring on the sunshine. Are not you in agreeance?

Pictures

2009-03-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Here are the rules: You have to answer the questions with a Google image search. NO using your own pictures. Even on the picture of you. You can't use any words to describe anything either. Let's see what happens.

Favorite color:

Favorite animal:

Bad habit:

My job:

Favorite food:

Place I live:

Favorite treat:

Favorite place:

Favorite author:

Favorite hobby:

Me:

The Touchy Subject of Being Humane

2009-03-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

There is much information out there pro and con declawing cats. As I have researched this much debated topic, I have found that most people declare that declawing cats is "inhumane". That when you declaw a cat you change its personality and identity etc. However, it is proven that individuals are more likely to keep their cat if they are declawed, and that declawed cats are more likely to be adopted. I could go on and on debating both sides of the topic, and am not bias one way or the other.

But as I began to think about whether or not it is humane, I got to thinking about the issue of neutering or spaying your animal. Because, honestly, isn't removing a cat's testicles inhumane? All men that I know would much rather have you remove their nails (and nuckles) than to have you chop off their balls. If there is something that will change one's personality or identity, I would think that it would be the removal of ones sexual orgins.

Regardless of your belief (again, I respect everyone having their own opinions, and I will not say who is right and who is wrong), I firmly believe that we need to show love towards our pets, and care for them completely.

I love my cats, all 3 of them.

The Destruction of Check World....Please!!?!!

2009-03-03T14:14:00.001-08:00

I have reached my capacity of check knowledge. My brain will no longer accept any more information regarding checks or the ordering thereof.

The Possibilities Are Endless

2009-02-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Pickle...and Z -- here is my offer and request to you. Heaven help me.

Lucky you! The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year. {might be a little while}
4. You will have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or maybe even some creation I haven't even invented yet (but Heaven knows it will most likely be totally fabulous and creative... :). I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

* *Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!* *

All Dogs Go To Heaven

2009-02-23T17:08:00.000-08:00

This Saturday evening my family experienced a great loss. Our little dog, Sir Walter, passed away.

He came into our family as a present for my 15th birthday. He was just this little runt, and I kinda didn't want him because he was "too small" but he quickly won me over, he was just a little sweetheart.

He was such a good little friend, he was always excited for us to come home, he knew when you were having a bad day, and he loved anyone who sat on the couch, they immediately became his friend. He had so many funny quirks. He once even developed this crazy habit of hiding things in my bed. I would lie down and find a bone, or a corn dog or some other odd item (usually food) underneath my pillow. Oh there are SO MANY memories.

I loved him so much. And now after 11 long years, he's gone. Boy, I'm going to miss him.

He's Just NOT That Into You

2009-02-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday evening, the Husband and I attended the cinema and joined the many couples and single ladies viewing the film, "He's Just Not That Into You".

As the plot began to enfold before us, and I saw these women (and men) rationalize that this other person was interested in them...and then their friends just encouraged said rationalization, I was embarrassed for these individuals. Mostly because I have been in oh to familiar situations in the past. In fact, I found myself wishing that I had read this book when I was 13 and had re-read it every year just to remind myself of these fundamental and undeniable truths. Honestly, this book would make the whole dating experience much easier, with much less heartache and embarrassment.

I realized that time and again in my past that he really was not that into me. Why did I analyze what he said or did and made it out to be something it wasn't? And why did my friends encourage me? What is so hard about saying, "Honey, maybe he's just not that into you."? We'd be better off! "Wasting time with the wrong person is just time wasted!"

However, as I thought about the ridiculous experiences I fell prey to, I also began to realize the difference between when he wasn't that into me, and when he was. And of course, my thoughts turned to the man sitting next to me.

He's just that into me.

When he and I began dating, he pursued me from the beginning. He called when he said he would (and sometimes even when I wasn't expecting it, "just to see how I was doing"). He preferred talking to me on the phone unlike most men that avoided the commitment of a phone call and only sent texts. He established our next date on the current date or within 48 hours if I tried to play coy and say, "I might be busy". He dropped by to give me an item because "he was at the store and saw it and thought of me."

Though the time that I knew that he was that into me, or better yet, that he loved me, was the time that I realized that I loved him right back.

One horrible day in December of 2007, I fell terribly ill with food poisoning. When he discovered that I was bed stricken he left work to come take care of me, and was by my side and held me for nearly 2 days straight.

From there the reasons why he's just that into me continued to pile up, and the rest is history.

As the tears streamed down my cheeks at the close of the film, I left happy knowing that I no longer would have to wonder if he's just not that into me, for he has proven to me that he is just that into me.

Random Thoughts

2009-02-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

* "Free trips" are not really free. Liars.

* I don't agree with some of the refs' calls during the Superbowl.

* Math sucks.

* The Big Bang Theory is HIL-A-RIOUS!!! Now one of my fav shows on TV.

* Peter Parker eats to much and shall soon be re-named "Fat Louis" and this could possibly cause Bruce Wayne and Carl Weathers to starve. Not cool.

* The reason anyone would watch Battlestar Galactia eludes me.

* I hope the groundhog does not see his shawdow this year. I want Spring.

* I need new clothes.

* Have not practiced my expensive guitar for months!

* 26.2...gotta run!

* Weekends pass by way to quickly.

* I like the brother's new lady. She's fun.

* Can't wait for that tax return!

* Sometimes I wish I could apparate like in Harry Potter.

* The Cafe Parisian salad from Costco is my favorite.

* I need a new glasses perscription.

* I can't wait for Suzy to come home.

* Being married is delightful.

* I need to go to bed.

All Done

2009-01-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple of weeks I have thought of at least 10 ideas to blog about. But because of limited time and motivation to actually sit down at the computer and blog, I haven't done one of them. But as I just completed one of the greatest accomplishments of my life, thus far, I decided that I would write about that.

Last Thursday I traveled with my brother and sister to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The sole purpose of the trip: Complete the Goofy Challenge.

We signed up for this challenge back in January of last year. At the time it seemed like a good idea. But as the training began to be more intense and my knees wanted to function less and less, I began to wonder what I'd been thinking when we signed up for the race.

In October I hurt my knees in an 8 mile run. This preceeded to put me back BIG TIME on my training. When we left for Florida I had only trained up to 12 miles. The least you should for a full marathon is 18. And I was about to attempt 39.3 miles in 24 hours. I wasn't ready. But I was ready. I felt great after my 2 twelves that I ran and I was optimistic for the race.

After spending all of Friday walking around The Magic Kingdom, the nervousness for what I was about to do set in. Saturday morning we arose at 3 am and went through the pre-race motions. The race began, and we began strong.

We somehow missplaced my sister after mile 6 (she thought we kept going when she stopped for the bathrooms when we really had stopped, but she just booked it out of there to catch up). So Tom and I completed the 13.1 mile race in 2 hours and 45 minutes or so. We felt great! We even enjoyed Epcot the rest of the day, and retired early as we had a marathon in the morning.

So again, Sunday morning we arose at an incredibly early hour to run yet again. Though this day, was not the ease the 13 miles gave the day before, but this day was a long 26.2 miiles that had to be endured. And endure it we did. We did enjoy the stopping for photos with Disney Characters throughout the parks. The miles did wear on me a bit. I was ready for the race to be done about 13 miles before it was. =) With about 8 miles to go it was only the thought of finishing the race and getting the Goofy Medal that kept me going. I actually cried each time I thought about the medal. I wanted it so bad!! And you know what!? I got it! As we finished the 25th mile and were finishing the .2 that were left, I sprinted when I saw the FINISH line. I had to slow down to be able to have Tom and Teresa at my sides as we crossed the finish line. And finish we did! Yes, it did take about 6 hours and 4 minutes, but we did stop and take many a photo to document our race. We all hugged and cried and were overjoyed that we were going to be getting our Goofy Medals. So we hurried over to be awarded with the coveted medals. And now am a proud owner of One Donald Duck Medal (for completing the half) One Mickey Mouse Medal (for completing the full) and One Goofy Medal (for completing both....that's 39.3 miles in 24 hours!!)!

We finished the trip with a few days at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. I can't say I was walking so great. Getting onto the rides was a chore, but it was a good time. Other than the fact that my husband was back at home, the trip was great! We enjoyed the magic of Disney and completed the race that was the reason for the trip.

I came home to a surprise! My sister and parent deviously planned to have Timothy pick us up from the airport. I was so thrilled to see him! The poor man was so bored without me, we are now the proud owners of Battlestar Galactica due to his boredom. =)

It's good to be home again, and its good to be done with the race. I enjoyed sleeping in on this fine Saturday morning for the first time in a long time.

Races have saturated my blood and I can't seem to stop running them.

Misunderstood Tradition Just Wanting To Be Understood

2008-12-23T14:57:00.000-08:00

We all know the song, "The 12 Days of Christmas". We've recognized it since infancy, it's quite the catchy tune, that ultimately people know what "My True Love gave to me" for at least most of the days. However, often, if not always, this tradition is completely misunderstood, misinterpreted and miscelebrated. I remember my mother doing the 12 Days of Christmas for family members or friends, always beginning on the 14th of December and going to Christmas Day. I saw no problem with this, as this is how everyone celebrated it.
It wasn't until the Christmas of 2005 that a dear friend of mine, Cassandra, opened my eyes and educated me on the origin of this tradition and when it truly should be celebrated. She was quite passionate about it, and I have too become quite passionate about educating all the world of the TRUE tradition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. This event BEGINS on the evening of Christmas Day (December 25) and goes through January 6, which is Twelfth Night (ever heard of a play by William Shakespeare?). This period of the 12 days is known as Christmastide. The 12 days has its origins in the pre-Christian Scandinavian Winter Solstice, in which the Midwinter Feast lasted at least twelve days, hence the twelve days of Christmas. Currently, the 12 days and nights are celebrated in widely varying ways around the world. For example, some give gifts only on Christmas night, some only on Twelfth Night, and some each of the 12 nights. To me this all makes more sense for the 12 Days of Christmas. We get to celebrate the greatest holiday of the year for much longer, and we get to hav some sort of a holiday in January. And this is how I shall celebrate it from here on. Just like Cassandra, I like it better that way.

Wearing A Mask

2008-11-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the festivities of Halloween was upon us. Many of us dressed up as a character of some sort, participated in a party, went Trick or Treating or performed some other form of celebration. It's always fascinating to see people's imagination or lack there of with costumes. That perhaps is my favorite part of Halloween...the costume. There is something enjoyable about putting on a mask, or clothing that makes you someone (or something) that you are not.

Some of my favorite costumes this year included:
Eric's: Chuck Norris
Cassie Pickle: Juno
Sheena and Blake Hendriksen: Wendy and The BK King
Cassie: Giselle from Enchanted
Me: The Morton Salt Girl

Seems like the imagination for costumes is going to pot...that was about all for this year. Be more creative next year folks...and those who were creative this year, congrats and I look forward to your creative ideas next year.

Reminiscing

2008-10-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I had my birthday last week (I turned 26!!!), I got married the week before, and so with such events happening in my life, I decided that I would actually do some blogging.

Sixteen days ago I married Timothy Day. It was quite the fantastic day. Though the festivities and the memories began a few days before. Therefore I cannot talk about the day, without mentioning all that led up to it.

Tuesday (Sept. 23) We were busy moving things into our new home. And then I was nervous about meeting Tim's parents...but I had nothing to be nervous about, they were quite wonderful (as is the rest of his family which I discovered over the next couple of days).

Wednesday (Sept. 24) I decided to pamper myself and I had my eyebrows and my eyelashes tinted by Cassie (I owe much of the success of my day to her. Well, she is the one who set me up with Tim in the first place...and she was such a great support during all of the events leading up to the wedding, and on the wedding day!!! I can never appreciate her enough).
Then one of my oldest and dearest friends, Tara, arrived from Michigan and she and I went and had a pedicure and caught up on our lives. It was so wonderful. Tara is one of those friends that you may not frequently talk to, but when you do its almost as though no time has passed at all. I love it. And it meant so much to me to have her there on my wedding day!

The rest of the day was mayhem...with trying to pick up everything, and set up everything for the wedding and reception. I was a little stressed, but by the end of the day, things were going well.

Thursday (Sept. 25...THE BIG DAY) I awoke quite early (4:30am) after only a couple hours of sleep (I stayed up late with my younger brother/friend, Eric...and am so glad I did. How I love that man. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love him). My good friend, Sheena, was so kind as to do my hair at 5:30 and my dear friend, Cassie, was wonderful and came and did my makeup at 6:15. I have such great friends. They were heaven sent.

Then a little after 7 I rushed off to pick Tim (I decided that we had to ride together so that way I knew he was going to show up), and then head to the Salt Lake Temple.

As I arrived, I was the first bride/marriage of the day, so all the sweet little ladies at the temple were focused on me and helping my mother and me get ready. It was one of the most wonderful occasions of my life, to have my mom be there with me as I put on my dress in the bride's room and prepare for my sealing. How I love my mom...she is so absolutely wonderful. I love her so.

I then met up with Tim and we entered the Sealing Room and greeted our families/friends that were in attendance. It was a beautiful ceremony and I shall never forget the feeling that was there as I was married.

We then had millions of pictures taken with family and friends. Enjoyed a luncheon (in the which a semi jellybean fight ensued. It was classic to see Charlie pegged square in the forehead by my roll. =)

The reception that evening is pretty much a blur. We arrived and again, my dear friend, Cassie helped me get ready, including re-enacting a scene from "27 Dresses" (he he he). We had some family pictures, then greeted our guests for a couple of hours. As far as I could tell the reception was beautiful, I have to keep asking those in attendance how it was, because I honestly don't remember. I hope everyone enjoyed it.

We then cut the cake, threw the bouquet and garter, said our goodbyes, and rode away in style on a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan. It was awesome.

The day was long, but it was the PERFECT day, therefore I loved that it was a long day. The weather was perfect and all the events went smoothly.

It was the best day of my life, to go with the cliche of it all. But it was the being able to share the day with my Tim, my family and friends that made it the day that it was. And I loved it.

Now I have been married a couple weeks already, and I absolutely love it.

-Maren Day

Under Contract

2008-09-11T18:36:00.001-07:00

Well, we did it. We found a condo that we love and the seller wasn't a pain in the rear. In fact, this place we found came on the market 30 minutes before we went and looked at it, mostly with the intent that we would use it as a bargaining chip to get the seller of the other condo we were looking at to not be so stingy. But, we walked in and I was sold. The condo had new paint and carpet and looked lovely.

Our realtor (Jason ROCKS!!! He is THE best realtor EVER) called the seller that moment and made our offer, he said, "write me up an offer!" We did, and he accepted and within 48 hours, we were under contract to purchase it and are attempting to close by next Thursday at the latest! I am going to be a homeowner!!! Hooray!

But I don't recommend waiting until the month before you get married to decide you are going to buy a home...try to take care of that months in advance....too much stress. =)

Wedding plans are going well, we are trying to finalize everything. Final payments are being made, and things are falling into place. My mom is even making cute little red bow ties for all my nephews (and Tim's...the ones that are coming).

Oh, and if you haven't had a chance, go check out my bridal pictures, if I do say so myself...they are BEAUTIFUL! Just follow the directions from my last blog, and you're there!

Beijos! (That means 'kisses')

Engagement Photos Have Arrived Take 2

2008-08-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

ALL of the engagement photos are now available on www.pointedigital.com. Select "Wedding Website", then "Proofing" on the upper right side. Select "Maren and Tim" then the password is "larsen"
Enjoy!!! =)

The Engagements Photos Have Arrived!!!

2008-08-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-15T21:26:00.001-07:00

Soon To Be

2008-06-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Yes yes, last you heard my man and I had broken up, but if you notice the date, much has happened since then.....

Now....My left hand seems to be a bit heavier and more sparkly these days, my cheeks hurt from the constant grin on my face...and my last name shall be changing to "Day" come September 25th. So, do you know what this means!?! Yup, you guessed it, your favorite, beautiful, single lady is getting married!! So mark your calendars and join the fun!

I shall tell you the fantastic details soon! =)

Love you all!
-Maren (the future wife of Timothy Day) =)

Apparently am not a blogger

2008-03-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

I often get chastised when I don't blog very often. Yes, yes, am a slacker. Honestly, sometimes sitting down infront of my computer for more than the 2 minutes it takes me to check my email is boring and not worth my time. I used to be on the computer ALL the time, then life got busy and it wasn't my priority anymore. Life is still busy, so finding time after the 40+ hours of work, the play am in, attempting to train for my "halfathon" and having "me" time, isn't something that happens very often. I do apologize to my friends and family who care about knowing about my life's happenings.
So to give you the update on what's going on....
Work is quite busy and is requiring many early and some late hours. Am on salary, so when I put in more than the 40 hours required, I don't get paid overtime, which pretty much bites. Though, I should be getting a couple of "comp" days for the extra hours. So that is good. Though, starting next week, I am going to be training the new hire class so I cannot take a day off for 6 weeks. On top of that we are moving to a new building...oh the joys. I like my job, and the people I work with (for the most part), so its not all bad. Am not currently going to school because am attempting to pay off my debt this year so that come January I can finally do what I've wanted to do for the past 2 years, and go back to Brazil to live for a few months and teach English. It should be an adventure that I hope will actually happen. Then I'll come home, finish school and re-join the daily grind with everyone else. Also it's been a little over 2 weeks since my "boyfriend" and I "broke up." Blah! That's all am going to say about that. Am currently in a musical in Magna, UT. It is a lot of fun. I enjoy it, though with everything else I have occupying my time, I am quite exhausted after the show.
Perhaps today isn't the best day for me to blog. Its just one of those days, that is even more emphasized because it is snowing and it is nearly April. Not cool.

Eventually I shall blog again. Promise.

Goo!

2008-01-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

Wow. So I just found out that the Disney World Half and Full Marathon (39.3 miles in 24 hours!) is going to cost me $235!!! The Half is $100. The Full is $110. So you don't even get a discount for doing both. Lame-os. Not cool.

What've I got myself into?

2008-01-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

*Sigh* I do things sometimes thinking that I want to do them, then I get thinking and realize how crazy I am for having done them. Monday I signed up for my first Triathlon. I'll be doing the Spudman Sprint Triathlon in Burley, Idaho in July. And come Monday, pending some sense being knocked into me, I'll be signing up for the Disney World Half and Full Marathon that takes place next January (half marathon on Saturday, full marathon on Sunday...yikes, that is PURE craziness). I'll be signing up for the Salt Lake Half Marathon here soon that will be in April, and then the St. George again in October. Yes, all that is just being one of the crazies yet again, but at the same time, its such a great accomplishment with amazing bragging rights (I can say that am a "triathlete" now as well as the fact that am already a marathon runner!!) that I have to do it. I DO NOT look forward to the training, but the event will be quite the memorable occasion...especially when I get to spend the time with my siblings. So running those many miles does have its perks.

P.S. I Love You...and the Cardio Cinema

2008-01-06T16:10:00.000-08:00

This past week I went on a "date" with one of my dearest friends, Barefoot. It was a much needed night out with just us girls. As much as we love spending time with the men, girls need some time for just us. Our first stop was the much required stop at The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a carameled apple. Your life is not complete until you've had one. My recommendations are either the Apple Pie Apple, or the Cheesecake Apple. Both are heavenly and should be enjoyed to its fullest. Our choice of films that evening was "P.S. I Love You" starring Hilary Swank and the oh so handsome Gerard Butler. With some other fantastic supporting actors such as Lisa Kudrow, Harry Conick, Jr. and Kathy Bates. Oh how we loved the film! It was so fantastical! It was a great romantic comedy that wasn't your typical, mushy, "am trying to hard to be the perfect chick flick" flick. The characters were lovable and just down right fun, sporting pink lipstick, super cute fishing boots, and watching old films. To top it all off, it had the oh so attractive and lovable man of my dreams, the well toned, singing Irish accented Gerard Butler who was the bonus of the evening. As Barefoot said it, "What's the point of getting married if its not to Gerard Butler?" And oh do I agree whole heartedly.
I am recommending this film to all who, like Barefoot and me, are tired of the pointless chick flicks and is looking for a great film to love.

We ended our date at dinner, planning a weekend away. Oh how I love girl's night out and can't wait for more in the future.

Saturday Barefoot and I also had an incredible outing to the Best Gold's Gym within driving distance of my house. =) It is arranged so marvelously, they have stretch out mats (unlike the lame Gold's near my house). But the most incredible part of it all, is the the Cardio Cinema. You walk in the room and you are magically in the world of films. Its just like a movie theatre, but instead of seats, you have your choice of cardio machines. Barefoot and I used the treadmill, bicycle and elliptical machines and before we knew it we had been doing 55 minutes of cardio. We didn't even notice time passing as we were too distracted by the film being shown. I plan on making many a more trips to this incredible Cardio Cinema. There is no better way to run, then to run to a film and not even notice you are running.

-Firecat

Photos From The Last Few Months

2007-12-27T17:28:00.000-08:00

The Last Three Month's Happenings

2007-12-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry all! I’ve been ignoring my blog as of late and have heard many complaints. So am repenting and am blogging.

Since my marathon in October, life has been less active in the running aspect (I took a month off from running due to deserving rest after those 26.2 miles). The rest of October was a month for attending concerts. I saw The Format twice, Dashboard Confessional, Muse, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Colbie Callet and a few more. It was quite fun.

The end of October I enjoyed several Halloween Parties with friends. One of which ended with a crazy trip to the Salt Lake Cemetery where my friend recorded her own EVP on her cell phone. It was creepy but SO cool.

The first weekend in November I went on a last minute camping trip with 4 of my brothers. It was so much fun. We drove out to a spot near Strawberry Reservoir and hiked 20 minutes into the woods. We ate dinner and chatted by the camp fire. We then slept in quite the cold temperature (my feet were freezing all night)! We hiked out the next day. It was a quick trip, but it was so fun to spend the priceless time with the brothers.

On Thanksgiving I played football at the Turkey Bowl with the brothers and was the only girl playing. I even scored a couple of touchdowns. Oh how I love the brothers and the boys. They are so fun.

Am currently the newest Performance Development Specialist (AKA Trainer) at a check printing company now called Harland Clarke. It’s the position I’ve had my eye one since I began working there and I was promoted to back in August. I love it.
At the end of November I began my first New Specialist training class. It has required a lot of patience and lots of studying of notes to teach the 8 woman newbies as they start their career there. I absolutely love training though.

Also during the summer I took a full load of school at the Salt Lake Community College and FINALLY graduated with my Associate of Science Degree in Generals. Its quite the relief…though the next two years seem pretty daunting. I took the fall off and am tackling it yet again come the spring semester.

Last week I got food poisoning (well, am PRETTY sure it was). It was NOT pleasant. When I was not vomiting, I laid in bed and wanted to die. So just a word of caution….make sure you only eat thoroughly cooked chicken. 

And as am sure all of you are dying to know…..am I dating anyone?
Well, am dating several men, as I like to keep my options open. Though I do have one male caller in particular, that I’ve been seeing since October. He seems to fancy me and is keen on occupying most of my time. He treats me rather well and I admit I am a big fan of his.

Am excited for Christmas next week, and being with my family. I love this time of year. It’s the greatest!
Hope your Christmas is great!

The Marathon

2007-10-07T18:35:00.001-07:00

26.2 Miles

2007-10-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Its Sunday evening, my 25th birthday, and nearly every muscle in my body is sore. I am sore because yesterday I ran my 3rd marathon, in St. George, UT. It was quite the experience to be had. I ran the marathon, 26.2 miles, with my brother Tom, and my sister, Teresa. I decided that I was going to run it in my personal record time, and with some major persistence and some pushing of myself, I accomplished that goal. We came in at 4:59:02! Running a marathon is no easy feat, but it is very satisfying because it is an accomplishment that not many can say they have done. I do owe most of my success at setting my own new record to my brother and sister and their encouragement and company during the race. I love those two so much. And though today I am in a lot of pain due to sore muscles that aren't very appreciative of what I did to them yesterday, I shall not stop. This is not my last marathon...I will again run those 26.2 miles.

2007-10-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

My So Called Life :)

2007-10-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

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!