a really random list of latest happenings

I'm not going to apologize about how I've been terrible at blogging. . . so just forgive and forget ok?

Outside of spending most of my time working on my other (teacher) blog or grading papers or stressing about how much I have to do/how difficult everything is all the time, or why that boy has NOT called me back or pursued me (hello, I'm awesome, I think) I've fit in some pretty fun things lately. So here's a random list of things as of late.

1. One time I did a half marathon in Heber City, Utah. You'd think with such a cool website, the t-shirts would have been cool and vintage, too, right? NOPE. They weren't cool. Buuuut we did get a free ride on the Heber Creeper train to the start line (so cool) and the scenery was beautiful. It was the hilliest half marathon I have ever run, and I was very ill-prepared but I actually finished it running, which I was highly doubting around mile 8. Go me.

I also got to run it with my great friend Bethany. She is a first grade immersion teacher in Draper that I got to know at our first training in August. She served in my mission but I didn't really know her until recently. She's bomb.

Around mile 11, my childhood friend Jami Peets showed up to be my paparazzi and take pictures of me while running, which, can I just say, are moments that should have never been captured on film (um, unattractive much?) We enjoyed some nice Heber City burritos and tacos after.

2. After my half, I pretty much stopped running completely for three weeks and then my stress levels built up so insanely much that I decided this past week I should probably start exercising again or I might implode. Once I got up the canyon, my motivation returned...

running is seriously my sanity these days (unless it's a crapball running day like today)

Lest you think running is all I do...don't fret. I've also done lots of fun things with my roommate, Sarah, (who I think is awesome), and some other people in my ward. I am starting to feel like I'm making (girl) friends in the ward, which is soooo nice.

3. This past week we celebrated Halloween by watching Psycho (Hitchcock's) and dressing up for a Stake Halloween dance/party.  I was a lumberjack. Although the beard was itchy and really hot, I was pleased that my costume cost me $0.00 and only 15 minutes of time. People seemed pretty impressed with my beard, too. 

I have to admit, it only took one night of facial hair for me to be eternally grateful that I am a woman.

4. I spend about 90% of my time outside of work in black spandex and a my new REI softwarm hoodie. I have decided that I really could be content wearing these two items of clothing for the rest of my life.

5. A lot of times I wish I could be doing this.

instead of doing this

6. Today I went to Temple Square. I don't actually go downtown a lot because I hate driving. A lot. But today I went to the temple and I loved it. Minus the driving, I love living close enough to a big city to go explore/have fun.

7. Last week I went out to dinner with two of my mission friends. We ate Korean BBQ (OHMYGOSH so good). I loved laughing with them. They are such good people and we are all going through such similar things. I feel blessed to have people in my life/relationships that build me.



8. Utah has unofficially said good-bye to fall. We had the first snow of the year two weeks ago. And now all of these leaves are gone. :(

9. I still really really love peaches

 

10. Sometimes I miss my sisters.

 

Why dual immersion?

This video answers a lot of questions I get about what I do.

Why learn a foreign language? Why does Utah have so many programs? Does it work? Here is a video that I find pretty interesting/helpful.

My sister is in labor RIGHT NOW!

My niece Liesel is a doll. The end. 

Liesel and her mommy at the park

Liesel's application of chapstick= adorns

She loves bubbles

We went on a hike to jump-start Ang's labor.

oh hey!

about to bust!

Pondering

Angela is an adorable prego lady!

sisterssss

Yep, I live here.

ikea rant

grumble grumble

one question for you:

HOW ON EARTH IS IKEA SO POPULAR WHEN IT TAKES 5+ HOURS TO PUT THEIR FURNITURE TOGETHER?

Did I mention that their instructions are PURELY PICTORIAL? what?

Did I also mention that they never tell you that you have to assemble it yourself and that it will take 5 hours???

[Nevermind that, through basic logic, one could deduce that if a large chest of drawers comes in a small package, there will be some assemblage required.]

BUT STILL

they really should tell you that it will take five hours

FIVE HOURS of time that should have been spent eating, sleeping, and planning (in that order).

Oh and what's the worst thing that could happen after five hours of assemblage?

What's that, you say? THE DRAWERS NOT FITTING IN?

yeah I could only imagine. . . until it actually HAPPENED JUST NOW. so funny.

ha ha ha....


Dear ikea, dear dear ikea.

I don't care if everyone likes your meatballs. I don't think I'm ever going to buy anything from you again. Unless I'm really bored.

Or unless I have a sudden urge to eat european chocolate.

Cordially,
Callused-hand L

Sunday thoughts

Today has been a contemplative day. I went on a Sunday stroll up the canyon and it was beautiful. I feel more peace in nature than I do almost anywhere else. My mind and heart are full of all sorts of things and feelings and yet empty at the same time.

Mnt Olympus

One time I went hiking up Mnt Olympus and my friend Bethany came.

And the leaves were absolutely gorgeous and I was happy.

And I got to see Aspens, which I love.

And lots of pretty leaves, which I also love

And after 4 miles up steep uphill, I was on top of the world!

There was an amazing view on the top - you could see for miles all the way down to Draper/point of the mountain.

And you could see all of Salt Lake Valley

Me on drugs on the top of Mnt Olympus

The group: Me, Bethany, Jason, & John

I decided to take a "Mom" picture. You know how she always does this?

The trailhead - just miles from my house! How cool is that!