Take Two

me-crystal-marci

Training for the St. George Marathon kept my emotions on a roller coaster ride. Since it was my first big race, I didn't know what to think. The longest I ran prior to the race was 20 miles. At the end I remember feeling excited, scared, competitive, anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, and determined. I think my thoughts were focused more on the nervous/anxious/scared feelings all the way up until the gun went off at the starting line. When I signed up for the Provo Half-Marathon, I thought it was going to be simple compared to the full marathon....it was still tough.

As I ran yesterday, I couldn't help thinking about the pros and cons of this race.

The pros were: I was in a familiar area and so I knew where I was the whole race, I had great music to listen to, it wasn't raining, I recognized faces on the sidelines cheering us on, we ran through neighborhoods and I found my favorite house, and I pushed myself to make it in 2:10 but ended up crossing the finish line after running for 1:59.31!!!

The cons were: I was in a familiar area so I knew just how far away from the finish line we were, my shuffle wasn't fully charged so I ran half the race listening to my own thoughts, instead of rain we had snow and wind blowing against us, I was embarrassed to have people see me run (stage fright, I guess?), my favorite house had an older man watching us through his window without a shirt on, and now I have to beat my time next race!!!

Can't wait for the two other races left this year! Once you start it's like heroine....seriously....runner's heroine.



FINISHED!

Call Me Tootsie

Yes, as in pop. Tootsie Pop. I have come to realize that I am a S-U-C-K-E-R!!! Maybe everyone already knew that, but it seems to be news to me.

Why am I a sucker? Well, for starters I need to confess my recent addiction....I love American Idol! (enter sucker explanation) I love Scott McIntyre! I know that he is not going to be the next idol, but I love that he is taking his challenge in life and making the best of it. He is blind and very talented when it comes to playing the piano and singing. He may not be exactly what America is looking for in an idol, but anyone that makes the best of poor situations, is my idol. Each week I cringe as the judges deliver their thoughts. Each week his number is on my speed dial and I vote. Not just one vote. Not just two votes. I am talking about 100 plus votes are cast from my verizon number each week.

The underdogs always have my vote. I don't know where this all stemmed from..... Scott, if you are reading this, don't worry. You have a fan. A true, cd-purchasing fan.

.....this is where the dial would stop

If I could turn back time.............










One of my favorite summers full of firsts:
*first race
*first rodeo
*first pack trip
*first time on a dude ranch
*first time hiking timp
*first time laughing so hard at fajitas
*first girls intramural softball team

Thank you summer of 2007

a VERY tardy update

So, the disgusting snake was on the loose for two days and two nights. Too long if you ask me. I know I have caused some traumatic nightmares and uncomfortable thoughts, and believe me I was no stranger to either of those situations. The dang thing was coiled up under their water heater--sick! I peeked on the thing to make sure it was where it belonged (even though I think it belongs in the jungle far away), and it is in the cage with books piled on top so that this doesn't happen again.

P.S. It is actually a LOT smaller than I thought it would be, but still....

Tonight

Days come and go. Some things change. Some things stay the same. Everyday since I can remember, I have hated three things. I have hated cancer, snakes, and onions--in that order. Those things have never changed.

Lets talk about today.
Today was a good day in Biology.
Today I found out that I got a 95% on a difficult test.
Today the career counselor gave me excellent guidance.
Today I finished my homework.
Today I ate some chocolate covered cinnamon bears.
Today I ran four miles and ten sets of stairs.
Today I had a good hair/clothes day.
Today I got my homework done.
Today I helped make dinner for our second counselor and his family.
Today I smiled.

Lets talk about this evening.
This evening everything ran smoothly at work.
This evening I got to hold a baby.
This evening I had two friends come and visit me at work.
This evening I received an unexpected bonus check.
This evening I found the perfect pair of jeans.
This evening I had lots of energy.
This evening I smiled.

Lets talk about tonight.
Tonight we finished with work earlier than expected.
Tonight I helped a guy jump his car.
Tonight the guy's car didn't want to be jumped.
Tonight I drove a guy to his girlfriend's house.
Tonight I had a great phone call.
Tonight my next-door neighbors seem to live too close.
Tonight I learned that my next-door neighbor had a pet snake.
Tonight I learned that the snake was a boa constrictor.
Tonight I thought my next-door neighbor was sick.
Tonight I learned that the snake is not in its cage.
Tonight I learned that next-door neighbor doesn't know where her repulsive pet is.
Tonight I am not smiling, amused, laughing or getting out of bed to use the bathroom.
Tonight I hate snakes, cancer and onions--in that order.

Next week I hate cancer, snakes and onions--in that order.

Thank Heavens For Moms!

My mother came to Provo for almost three weeks. I forget how much easier life is when your mom is around. Meals taste so much better, stress levels are down, babies' cries are softer and less frequent, stains come out of clothes instantly, kinder words are spoken and shopping is more fun when mom is around.



I wasn't the reason she came to Provo. Koby was the reason, I was a perk. I got to spend time on the tredmill next to hers bonding as we watched the Bachelor, run around the track too many times to count, but giving her booty random smacks as I passed her, shop with her, learn all I need to know about babies, nursing and all the other extra details you don't want to hear about, eat her amazing meals, visit family, and travel to and from the airport with her a couple of times.



My mom can sew anything, cook anything, shoot anything, clean anything and love anything/anyone. I love my mom and I am so glad she came to stay for three weeks! Thanks mom for all you do and did!

Pink Icing, Flowers, Chocolates, Poetry And More!

I have had wonderful valentine experiences. I remember growing up and having my place at the breakfast table decorated every February 14th. My parents were great valentines. Since I have lived away from home with other single ladies, it has been fun to collect the various items left on our doorstep throughout the day/night. Last year my family was going through a difficult time, and it was the year I received my favorite valentine.

Before I share the poem, I need to give some background. My grandpa had lost his struggle with Lymphoma just a couple of days before and I was heading home the day after Valentine's Day for the funeral....not the best situation. My ward did some creative name exchange for the guys to be our valentines. Later I found out that my friend Kyle Petersen had my name. This is only a small part of the gift I received, but it was my favorite!

February 13, 2008-this was on my door.

I've heard a little rumor,
that you're leaving town.....
On Valentine's Day.
It caused me to frown.

Sunday night at ward prayer,
I spotted Annie's shoe.
Stuck my hand in one next to it.
Your name, from which, I drew.

So I made the executive decision,
to give you time to travel and pack.
Valentine's Day will be delayed,
till the day that you come back.

This next one was left with a basket of goodies on Valentine's Day after he realized that I was still going to be around.

Well....
My first poem was in vain,
very much to my dismay.
My "inside" sources were slightly wrong.
So Valentine's will STILL be today.

Nothing that I could buy
would be good enough for you.
So please accept these treats.....
And don't forget to chew.

Everyone says that you're AMAZING!
And I whole-heartedly agree.
Hope you have a lot of pillow-talk.
Your friend, K.P.

That definitely lifted my spirits last year. Thanks K.P.!

This year I had a secret admirer. Monday night I got this note and some flowers. So sweet.

Hey Hot Bowl of Oatmeal,
Hope you have a good week.
~Secret Admirer

Thank you Saint Valentine and Quaker for another fun Valentine's Day!