simply stated

On a Mission

2010-10-11T13:42:00.001-07:00

As for now, I'm signing off of my blog! I am gone on a mission to Ecuador for the LDS church and won't return until March of 2012! So until then, buena suerte!

My MTC address:

Sister Katie Salmon
MTC Mailbox # 273
ECU-GUAS 1213
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

Ohio

2010-09-30T19:24:00.000-07:00

I went to Ohio for about a week and a half and had so much fun spending all that time with my sis and her family! Below are pictures of me and my best buddy that she insisted on taking. I feel like I just had to post them on here so everyone could see her talent in photography and hair-doing skills. She loves to take pictures and to braid my hair. I love it too.

This is a pose she put me in...

This is my lovely hairdo by Gracie herself.
This is with Jack and Gracie the day we went to Amish Country. So fun! But I must say that my sis, Lara, could rival with the best of them in making Amish Friendship Bread. So yummy!
Another day we went to an outdoor market and we ate fresh corn just like Nacho Libre style. Gracie kept saying, "Get that corn out of my face!"
Sammy digging right into a juicy peach. Can't blame the kid.
I think this is the biggest swing I've ever seen.
Just the girls.

I was able to spend lots of quality time with Matt at the dental school because he did LOTS of dental work on me! Thanks Matt, you are a pro and I'd recommend you any day (seriously)!

The last little while in preparing for my mission, I have had a really hard time finding non-frumpy, cute skirts for my mission. So Lara decided to make my life a little easier and sew some for me! She is amazing at that. She made about 7 skirts in one week and so all us girls had to model them for church on Sunday. Thanks Lara! I am glad I don't have to wear any jumpers ;)

Simply Stated: you know it's a good trip when you've got a new wardrobe and a new smile to show for it!

u-haulin with dad

2010-09-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

Dad and I made another famous cross-country trip in about 36 hours, but this time it was from Virginia to Arizona. I don't know if you've heard the news, but my parents are moving back to AZ and they are moving right back into our old house! As for me, it's off to Ecuador. But, Dad had to be back in AZ sooner than Mom, so we loaded up the old U-Haul and drove. Of course I had to take pictures along the way to document our course.

I thought my brother, Jake, would like this sign...

On a road trip with Dad, these are the kind of signs that usually reel us (ehm...him) in. Honestly, I don't mind all the little stops at the Indian trading posts, boot shops, knife shops, or Harley stores because Dad likes it so much and I just like to be with Dad. And it's all the more fun to see the cowboy side of every state. I wish I had a picture of the coon-skin hat he bought me to wear while sittin' in in U-Haul. It was pretty sweet and kept my head warm the whole trip!

I joked with Dad after a few little stops that Dad insisted were tradition when traveling across country and said, "I'm a little worried we're never going to get out of Tennessee."

I must say though, my favorite stop was Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Dad LOVES Elvis. He is practically the man himself! I remember watching Elvis movies with Dad growing up.

I have to admit that I gained a greater appreciation for Elvis and Dad that day. My favorite was when Dad said that he felt so fulfilled now that he had taken 3 of his 4 children to Graceland. Lara... your the last one!

Along the trip we stopped at our favorite Cracker Barrel 3-4 different times. Nothing beats good country home-cookin' on the road. And I bet you didn't know this (I didn't because I'm not usually gearin' to go out to eat that time of morning) but Cracker Barrel is open at 6 a.m. for the early birds. And at that time of morning on our trip we had usually already been on the road for about 1 1/2 hours and were ready to stop for some grub. Like I always say, "The early bird gets the squirrel."

On our trip we loved singing loud and proud to The Beatles and The Beach Boys...Oh, and Elvis of course! I had so much fun just being with Dad and enjoying the open road together.

New Mexico was another treat! Dad was raised in Albuquerque and so he took me back to some of his favorite hot spots as a kid. We did not, however, plan to encounter this snake on the way into the motel. We drove our u-haul 2x over that beast to flatten him to a pancake but he was a fighter. He was still alive after being run over twice! Eww, I hate those things.

This is where Dad had his first taco ever and that is something to be remembered! I don't remember my first time because I think I have had them ever since I could eat normal foods. It is one of Mom's staples. But I do remember a picture of Dad when he was young, standing next to an Indian in full headdress and that picture was taken here at Old Town.

These little monkeys reminded me of my cute nephew, Sam, who can't go anywhere without his sock monkey.

After we got to AZ, I went with Dad to this luncheon that he thought he was going to speak at. Little did he know that he was being honored at it. It's a good thing his secretary is one of my closest friends! Thanks Em! But it was so special. He was given the first Distinguished Advocate award to represent the newly founded Mitch Menlove foundation. Mitch was one of my Dad's closest friends and associates and he suddenly passed away of a heart attack at age 36 in July, leaving his wife and 4 children. It was devastating. So when they awarded this to my Dad and when his and Mitch's picture flashed on the big screen, we were all a little emotional and so touched. What an honor and what a good man to remember.

I had a lot of fun with Jake, Sarah, and Charlee this trip. Thanks for spending so much time with me!

Little Charlee Horse is such a pleasant baby and I LOVE her to death!

I'm so sad I didn't get pictures with Kim and all my other friends that I spent time with! Until next time! Thanks guys!

Simply Stated: Sometimes U just need to Haul yourself across country to experience the finer things in life... like walking where "The King" has walked in his "Blue Suede Shoes".

i hope they call me on a mission

2010-08-13T20:21:00.001-07:00

The BIG moment finally arrived! My parents called me on my way home from work with the words I'd been waiting to hear, "It's here!" I was so sure since deciding to go on a mission that I was going stateside and somewhere VERY cold. The above picture is me playing it cool while shaking in my boots.

This is me so happy and in shock to find out that instead of going somewhere freezing (of which I was so sure), I am going to Ecuador baby! The Ecuador, Guayaquil South Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as the Mission Nurse Specialist to be exact. I have no idea what that means, but I am SO excited! Mom and Dad were behind me, while Jake and Sarah were Skyping with me in the background and Matt was on speaker phone (I love their happy faces in the background). I report October 13 and will be gone for 18 months preachin' the gospel to the people of Ecuador!

Jake and Matt immediately got on the internet to show me pictures and tell me everything they could find about Ecuador. Above is the delightful city of Guayaquil. I also found out the Gallapagos Islands are in my mission.

My guess is I won't be spending much time there, but a girl can dream.

This is us being so happy and Jake telling all about how

great the mission is going to be.

This is me calling everyone and their cousin after I got my call. I am so excited and I really can't wait. I've wanted to go on a mission for so long and it never seemed to fall into place until now. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Simply Stated: Patience in life is never easy, but oh so worth it. Hasta!

newport, ca

2010-08-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Our family had such a fabulous vacation in Newport this summer and it felt so good to be back at one of our favorite spots. We lounged on the beach, played in the waves, watched movies, played cards, ate at Jane's Corndog's (my personal fav), had BBQ's, did fit tv workouts, played catch, squeezed the babies, soaked up the sun, and enjoyed every aspect of beach life.

Simply Stated: The Salmon's really know how to vacation.

a good day

2010-07-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Emily's friend, Todd, is a certified sailor so we commissioned him to take us out on the Potomac and teach us how to sail! We had a blast learning to catch the wind at just the right angle to gain speed and fly across the water. Aparently that day there was hardly any wind, but us amateur sailors didn't know the difference.

Steph and I had to duck quickly as the sail flew past our heads in attempt to change direction. Off with our heads!

After we went sailing out here in the DC humidity, we were so hot and did not have access to a pool (and no, there is no chance of swimming in the Potomac, that thing is nasty!), so we went into the center of Crystal City to the community fountains and had ourselves

a little dip.

We probably weren't the best examples to the on-looking children, but it felt so good!

Looks exotic right?

Never too old for a little water fun

(check out Em's face here. Love it!)

Simply Stated: Do you technically have to drink the water from the Fountain of Youth or just play in it to remain young?

Palmyra

2010-07-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to Palmyra, New York to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant for the first time and it was wonderful! We brought along my two great friends, Emily and Stephanie, and met up with Lara and her family.

We first visited the Palmyra Temple and enjoyed all the lovely flowers on the grounds.

Then we went to save spots at the pageant and Stephanie had the wise idea of saving our parking spot with a little orange cone we found lying around.

We then saw the Toma family right when we got there! My mom works for Brother Toma and he is also my institute teacher and so it was fun to see him as Abinadi and Sister Toma as a Lamanite warrior.

Emily, Steph, and I came across these young Nephites and couldn't pass up a chance to snag a photo. The funniest part is that they asked us our age and were a little taken back to find out that we are all 25.

The pageant was so AWESOME! It was all about the Book of Mormon stories and about Joseph Smith finding the plates there on the Hill Cumorah. It was so cool, I mean there were flames, earthquakes, and people falling over waterfalls. Grace sat on my lap the whole time and told me what was going to happen to each of the characters before it happened. Kudos to her parents for teaching her so well about the Book of Mormon!

The next morning Stephanie, Emily and I took a trip ourselves out to the Sacred Grove. It was so lovely and there was such a beautiful reverence all around.

We went to the E.B. Grandin Print Shop where the Book of Mormon was first printed. Wow, that was some process! This little monkey will do anything to get out of walking...

Afterwards, we enjoyed a stormy visit to the statue of Moroni on the top of the Hill Cumorah. We were actually soaked, but it looks here like we are enjoying a fine day.

Nothing like T.G.I. Fridays to escape the rain!

Then back to the pageant in the rain for round 2. We figured we may never get to see it again, so we took every opportunity to go. This picture is blurry, but it's a picture of when Christ came down and appeared to the Nephites.

Our last day there we wanted to go back to the Sacred Grove one last time. It was so beautiful the way the sun shone through the trees. It's amazing to me how one prayer in this special place changed everything, including me.

On our way home we drove through Canandaigua which appeared to be a sleepy lake town. I could definitely go back for a nice vacation there.

Simply Stated: The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask it from books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 191.

visit www.mormon.org to hear more!

3rd of July

2010-07-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

My friend Stephanie and I went to the rehearsal for the huge 4th of July concert on the Capital lawn. We enjoyed our independence with Reba McEntire and David Archuletta. We figured out that we weren't the only ones with that great idea.

Simply Stated: It feels good to be an American

girls camp

2010-07-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

This is our little ward and we had a wonderful time in the woods of Virginia for Girls Camp.

Our theme was BE ALL YOU CAN BE.

Jessie, one of our YCL's, braided my hair a few times during the week so I could officially feel like I was at Girls Camp.

The girls were so enjoyable and we laughed the whole week. There is no replacement for Girls Camp.

Audrey and I were partners in crime as the camp directors of our ward. The joke of camp was that everyone thought that we were one of the girls. One day Audrey forgot she had to be at one of the meetings for the leaders and when she arrived late she said,

" Sorry, I keep forgetting that I'm not one of the girls."

Simply Stated: you're never too old to become younger.

you-tah

2010-07-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

I finally returned to Utah to visit after being in VA for officially ONE YEAR now! It was full of all my favorite things... of course one of the favorites was a picnic and longboard ride down the canyon with Emily.

I look like Gollom on the rock here...."my precious"

I met up with Donna and Elder Tye\Kevin and we had so much fun being back together again. Donna just thought it was so great that we could talk to Kevin about girls and dating now that he's not a missionary-even though that didn't stop Donna too much when he was one :)

Of course I had to catch up with Kayloni and Shay. Ah, I miss them.

And the whole trip I stayed with Tate and Syrell and this is the beautiful ride we cruised around in. I sure loved staying with them and it felt like old times living with Syrell with the added benefit of Tate! I also got to see my Lovin cousins in Salt Lake and I'm sad I didn't get a picture with them.

Simply Stated: No matter where you go...it can feel like home.

girls

2010-07-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be nice to put some faces with two of my closest friends from work here. Jasmine (in the black) and Andrea (in the polka-dots) are my sanity at work. Andrea is expecting soon and we are so excited for her baby boy!

fireflies

2010-06-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight I officially spotted my first lightening bug of the summer. I don't know why I love them so much. I think it may be because every single time I see one, I think of the summer my family lived here in DC when I was ten-years-old and my dad was back here for a long session of Congress. We lived in a two-bedroom apartment in Crystal City and all the kids slept in one room in sleeping bags on the floor next to each other. It may sound like interesting living conditions to most, but it was so much fun. We would play hopscotch on the balcony and lay awake telling funny stories all night. I remember visiting an underground mall for the first time and being allowed to walk to the mall by ourselves without an adult! I remember walking to the grocery store with our own shopping cart from home and I remember going to church in a high-rise building. I remember swimming in the complex pool for hours and I remember going to see "Free Willy" in the theatre and Lara running into the "Free Willy" actor who we thought was oh so cute! I remember seeing fireflies for the first time that summer and catching them in a jar. For some reason, though, they did not glow at night (maybe due to a slight oxygen problem?). Hmm, I still wonder about that. But tonight I spotted the first bug. It made me so happy to live here. Who would've thought? But I do miss, a little more than ever, Lara, Jake and Matt...

Simply Stated: I get a thousand hugs from ten-thousand lightening bugs.

memorial day

2010-06-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Mom, Dad, and I went to Ohio for a quick trip over Memorial Day and we sure had a lot of fun with Lara, Matt, and the kids. Sam is getting so big now (almost a year!) but he has stranger danger with mom and I. He only likes his papa to hold him (tear-sniffle).

Grace is just like her mama with all her craftiness. She had me sit at the sewing machine so my long legs could reach the sewing pedal while she guided the fabric. We made the lovely polka-dot skirt and she made- all by herself- our matching scarves. During our time sewing, she asked me about the man I'm going to marry (I don't know why but she is quite interested on this matter and likes to talk about it often) and had this great idea that we wear our matching scarves on my wedding day! How wonderful! After that talk, she hopped right back on my lap and said, "I love you Katie. And every time we wear our scarves we will remember this day and how much fun we had together." She is my best little buddy.

Jack-Jack is as cool as ever. He just got this new little motor-cross bike that he can seriously cruise around on...even Papa enjoyed it for a spin around the yard.

My sis and her little man.

Simply Stated: Memorial Day is rightfully named...a day for making memories and scarves.

georgetown

2010-05-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Emily Hafen, and I went down to Georgetown yesterday and found

Jack's Boathouse on the Potomac and we wanted to rent kayaks. Sadly, right when we pulled into rent a boat, a rain storm blew in. But we really thought the boathouse had great personality with the Chinese lanterns and Crayon colored kayaks.

After we left the boathouse, we went up to M Street in Georgetown to find a place to eat.

The fun thing around town is all the quaint restaurants and we found the perfect French place to sink our teeth into.

It was so yummy and I completely felt like I stepped back into Paris. It reminded me of the time Mel and I were in Paris on study abroad and we dedicated one whole day as Pastry Day. The pastries here were just as decadent as I remember them being there.

It started to rain nice and hard and we were without an umbrella... I mean we went to kayak! We were walking down the streets with the rain coming down and it was so enjoyable. The only thing that could have possibly made it more enjoyable is if Gene Kelly would've strolled down the street "just singin' and dancin' in the rain."

Emily pointed out this yummy frozen yogurt place and I must say....I FOUND MOCHI! For anyone who has not lived in Provo around the million frozen yogurt shops or had the pleasure of savoring Yo Zone, there is the BEST topping called MOCHI. My friend once referred to them as Asian marshmallows. My favorite toppings are mochi and Fruity Pebbles. So finding a place with these delectable toppings was a perfect ending to the day.

Simply Stated: Let the stormy clouds chase

Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I've a smile on my face

Just singin' and dancin' in the rain.

Going Private!

2010-04-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

I will soon be going private, so if you would like access to my page, drop your email!

Tutt and Salmon

2010-04-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

Krissi, Dallen, and Emery came to visit us here in old DC this past weekend and I'm so glad they came. The first day we met up (April 15th, Tax Day), there just happened to be a "Tea Party Against Tax" going on at the Washington Monument. Of course we had to go and support, and mainly just see what these "Tea Parties" are all about.

There was definitely no tea being dumped into the Potomac.

Emery was so funny at the rally, because every time the crowd started clapping for the speakers, she started clapping along with everyone. Other people in the crowd even commented on her dedication to the cause.

On Saturday, my dad took us on a backstage tour of the Capital. It's been so long (when he was in office) since I had done the full tour and it was great to see it now and relive it. I have so many vivid memories of it all and it was fun to have Krissi experience it all too, because she lived through much of that time in my life with me back in Arizona.

The center of the Capital where the dome covers.

My dad's old office door...just me being nastalgic. I remember many days during the summer that we lived in DC and coming to Dad's office to pester the interns and explore the Capital. Mostly it was fun to watch Dad on the House Floor when it was time to vote.

We lucked out with such lovely weather.

I just really enjoyed having Krissi and her family come to town and stay with me.

cherry blossom festival

2010-04-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

Last week, here in DC, the cherry blossoms were in their fullest bloom. The interesting thing, I didn't realize, is that they only come in full bloom for a week or two and then fall off. So if you really want to experience them, you have to go down to the "Tidal Basin" around the Jefferson Memorial for the full effect. There are literally hundreds of cherry trees planted around the basin. Little did we know it was going to be a HUGE crowd and everyone else had the same idea. I've been into DC several times, even on Spring Break, and never saw so many people down there at one time.

We thought the "Bike Valet" was pretty clever.

I had to sneak a picture of this little monkey in the tree.

I found this story of George Washington and Cherry Tree because I hadn't heard it in some time... enjoy!

When George was about six years old, he was made the wealthy master of a hatchet of which, like most little boys, he was extremely fond. He went about chopping everything that came his way.

One day, as he wandered about the garden amusing himself by hacking his mother's pea sticks, he found a beautiful, young English cherry tree, of which his father was most proud. He tried the edge of his hatchet on the trunk of the tree and barked it so that it died.

Some time after this, his father discovered what had happened to his favorite tree. He came into the house in great anger, and demanded to know who the mischievous person was who had cut away the bark. Nobody could tell him anything about it.

Just then George, with his little hatchet, came into the room.

"George,'' said his father, "do you know who has killed my beautiful little cherry tree yonder in the garden? I would not have taken five guineas for it!''

This was a hard question to answer, and for a moment George was staggered by it, but quickly recovering himself he cried:

"I cannot tell a lie, father, you know I cannot tell a lie! I did cut it with my little hatchet.''

The anger died out of his father's face, and taking the boy tenderly in his arms, he said:

"My son, that you should not be afraid to tell the truth is more to me than a thousand trees! Yes - though they were blossomed with silver and had leaves of the purest gold!''

Simply Stated: I cannot tell a lie... the cherry trees were lovely

arizona and the BIG 25

2010-04-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my parents were SO NICE and flew me out as a birthday present to Arizona for baby Charlee's blessing. It was such a fun weekend, packed of everything necessary when making a trip to the old AZ.

First off, my dad invited me to a SUNS game the first night I got there. His awesome friend, Tom, has these front row tickets and so in the past when my family was in town, they always made it a guys night out. This time, after my subtleties of wishing I could go after the last game, Daddio took me! It was SO stinkin' awesome! I have not nor will I probably ever sit that close again.

This is Tom chatting with his old buddy Ronald.

Yeah, look how close we were! We could see the sweat on their heads. (Ok I must admit I may have used the zoom on my camera here, but still..).

Then on Saturday morning, Julie invited Melissa, Kim and I over for breakfast. It was so great to see baby Ruthie for the first time and hang with the girls.

And Sunday, Charlee (Charlotte) was blessed! It felt so good to be together and to add this little girl to our family.

She is amazing, so beautiful, and just perfect.

This is Nana with her new grandbaby.

Both of my lovely Grandmas.

The new happy family.

and an even bigger new happy family

I completely fell in love with little Charlee and loved to kiss and snuggle her. She is such a good little girl and could seriously sleep through a hurricane (notice her sleeping in all the pictures).

I had the chance on Sunday to go visit Grandpa's grave site, with Grandma and Dad, and see the new headstone that was recently placed. I miss Grandpa and this picture of the temple reminds me that it's not at all over.

This is a painting that Tom (mentioned above) painted for my Grandma after my Grandpa died and he had a copy made for each of the children. It is incredible how life-like it is and just having the painting in the center of the kitchen in Grandma's house made it seem like Grandpa was that much closer.

On Monday was my birthday, the BIG 25! Crazy, right? Donna tells me that by the Chinese calendar this is my year of luck. Oh, and I believe it. So on my birthday Kim took me out to get ice cream and pedicures. It was so wonderful to be with Kim again in AZ and it felt like we still lived right down the street from each other.

That night, I know it's hard to believe, we went to Rosa's. This has always been my choice of a birthday dinner for the last several years that we lived in AZ, so it felt like old times.

Jake and Charlee.

It was a FABULOUS birthday thanks to my fam. They are pretty great. We missed Lara and her fam even though I saw them not too long ago. Not seeing them everyday is still too long.

Charlee and her proud Auntie.

Yes, she's actually awake here cause I was cruelly designated to wake her out of her hibernating sleep to eat.

Simply Stated: Family is all that matters...not much else does

campfire

2010-04-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

These are some fun pictures from a recent mutual activity we had in in the backyard of one of the members of our ward. It's fun to drive around and explore the back roads of our neighborhood because it feels like you've completely escaped the city and are smack in the middle of the country. I've lived here since last July and I just discovered that the other end of my road led into the country with cows, dear, and everything in-between. Ha! Go figure.

I love being a Beehive advisor and I feel like they teach me so much. And let's be real,

I still feel like I'm their age.

These are the other fun leaders in Young Women with me that have

ended up being really great friends.

Simply Stated: sometimes the greatest treasures are in our own backyard!

bye to donna

2010-03-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

Donna moved to Utah to go to school and I am sure going to miss her around!

These are some of the things we did on her last weekend in VA...

SIMPLY STATED: Miss you Donna!

DC and the fam

2010-03-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my sis, her family, and my cousin's family came

to stay with us for a few days.

We had a fun time being out in DC with the sun finally shining!

This squirrel was seriously a brave little creature. He came right up to us and I was a tab bit scared that he was going to come and park his little self right on my shoulder if I let him.

I seriously love this bunch. We had a great time. Here's one favorite story from the trip:

My mom took Grace, Jack and I to see the "Squeakqual" and afterwards we were coming out of the movie and Grace looks up at me and says, "Someday, Katie, maybe you can find a boy who's at the movies with his Nana, niece, and nephew and then marry him." I said, "that sounds like a great idea." And then she went on to say, "It's okay, I know you haven't got married because you haven't found someone who loves you as much as you love him or because he loves you more than you love him." She's right. I'm glad she understands me. That's why I love my little outspoken Grace.

Simply Stated: kids make such good friends because they're honest.

snowmageddon

2010-02-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

Back here on the news we have heard funny titles like "SNOWMAGEDDON" to describe our tempermental storms here lately. I think this picture depicts the way we all are feeling about the snow right now.

I seriously have never seen so much snow in my life! Apparently, this is the most snow DC has ever seen since it was created a district! This is nuts...and more snow is on it's way tomorrow. I think global warming is over.

Mom and Dad on snow shoveling duty. This is not my favorite duty. Poor ole' dad did most of the shoveling...and it was an around the clock job. On the intense days, the power went out and some didn't have power for the entire weekend! Luckily we only went about half a day, and I spent it next to the fire with a book. Oh, nothing better.

When it came time to dig out my car, it took four people to dig it out. We have wonderful neighbors and everyone pitched in to dig out the entire neighborhood!

There is just so much snow, we don't know where to put it.

The schools closed down for an entire week! Lucky kids! It was fun to watch them have legit snow fights behind mounds of snow and watch them tie ropes to the neighborhood golden retrievers, Tuba and Lacy, and ride behind them on sleds.

The hood and the plow.

The government shut down for a whole week along with just about the entire city! I finally got to enjoy a true "Snow Day" that I always wished we would've had in Arizona.

Simply Stated: There should be an official redo on Groundhog's Day. I think the old "hog" was snowed in his hole and couldn't get out.

I'm ready for spring!

Notes on Nursing

2010-01-31T12:04:00.001-08:00

I hope you're enjoying all my posts lately. I have had the stomach flu and don't feel like getting too far from my bed, so I thought I would take the chance and update some things I've been up to lately since I use this as kind of a semi-journal (yes, I am so terrible at keeping a real one). I like to write down the funny stories that happen at work because they are so classic. I hope you don't mind all the stories.

Story #1: I took this cute little 6 year-old black boy (I like to describe them because it helps me remember the situation) back to a patient room to take his vitals before seeing the doctor. I asked his mom, "Does he have any allergies?" He then replied quite seriously, "Yes, I'm allergic to Lama beans!" I said, "Oh really? Lama beans!" His mom said, "No you're not." And then he said, "We they sure smell awful!".... I must say, I've never tasted a "lama" bean.

Story #2: I was, once again, taking the vitals of a 6 year-old, round face, chubby little Asian boy wearing his karate uniform. He struck me as so cute because you usually don't come across overweight Asians and plus, he was so polite to his dad. While I was taking his blood pressure, he looked at his dad in all seriousness and said, "Dad, while I was at karate today I tried really hard to do a sit up like the other kids." His dad then said, "Yes, you keep trying hard." And he replied, "Oh, I will. One day I'm going to be able to do one."....Working with kids really has it's benefits.

Story #3: This is one from a while back when I was working on the medical/surgical unit of the hospital in Utah. I cam across it and thought it was so funny and I can't believe I'd forgotten it. So I had this patient who was this older, very big, bed-ridden woman. She had quite the fiery personality. She also didn't believe in using the call light to ask for my help since she figured her voice was loud enough to just yell for me down the hall if she needed me. I was sitting and charting at the nurse's station and I hear, "Nurse! Nurse! I need you!" So, I run down the hall, thinking something terrible has gone on for her to yell for my help, and found her sitting fine in her bed.

She then said "I need a razor!"

Me: "What for?" (we aren't allowed to leave razors in the rooms of patients who are a little unstable for fear of hurting themselves or others)

Patient: "I need to shave my chin!"

Me: (A little confused) "What for?"

Patient: "I have wiskers on my chin and i need to shave them now!" At this point she started to pound her fist on the table with every syllable. She was not messin around about the wiskers.

Me: "I'm sorry, I can't give you a razor."

Patient: "I need it NOW!" and she started to get out of bed and come at me. Holy cow, I was just a little scared. And then all the other nurses came running in to see if I needed help. She just kept yelling, "Shave my chin!"

Now I was not about to shave her chin after our little incident, besides, I had never even shaved a man's face before. So luckily one of the sweet CNA's offered to do it and we had peace and quiet the rest of the day.

Simply stated: The joys of nursing... It may be one of the few professions where you feel you need to wash your hands before going to the bathroom.

Age Smage

2010-01-31T11:35:00.000-08:00

A few funny stories lately relating to age:

Emergency Exit: So over Christmas my family was flying back from Arizona and we were sitting in the emergency exit row. The flight attendant came up to me and asked if I was old enough to sit there. She said, "You have to be 15 to sit here." Ha, she shaved a whole 9 years off my life. I mean, nice!

Dance Partner: Two weeks ago at a mutual activity for the youth in our ward, we were learning how to swing dance. I had to fill in as a dance partner because we didn't have enough girls to go around. So I was having fun getting to dance with all the boys because I still hadn't met all of them yet. One deacon and I began to dance and I told him how good he was and then asked him how old he was and when he could be going to the stake dances to show off his moves. He said "I'm 13, how old are you?" I started to laugh and told him I was 24. He started to awkwardly laugh and seemed a bit surprised. I think they are all still very confused about me. Am I in college? Am I married? Ha, it was quite funny.

I have always been given a hard time about the age I am versus the age I look. The only time it's really been a problem is the times when I walk in a patient's room at the hospital and introduce myself. My patient's never fail to ask, "who is our nurse today? You?" And seem a little nervous that I look like someone who still watches "High School Musical". Oh, but wait, I do!

Simply Stated: Here's to 24, the new 15!

Ode to Robbie Burns

2010-01-31T11:20:00.001-08:00

Last Friday, Ashley Stoker put on an evening dedicated to Robbie Burns who was once a famous poet from Scotland. Each of us brought a date and the dinner was full of the finest Scottish foods (including Haggis which apparently is made of lamb lung?). The night started out with bagpipes playing in the background and a recital of poetry from one of the friends who had this stellar Scottish accent. It was hilarious.

Ashley in her Scottish garb. It's so nice to have her out here.

This picture is way blurry, but I think it's a funny picture. My date Steve (the same guy involved in the rolling car in the parking lot incident) was asked by Ashley to make a toast during the dinner. I must say, he surely pulled a great toast out of the air that included shepherds in Scotland creating the game of golf by putting rocks into rabbit holes (not sure yet if this is really true), Tiger Woods, and Mr. Burns from the Simpsons. It was a really fun night! Thanks Ash! And blessed be Robbie Burns.

Simply Stated: It's a wee bit grand to eat dinner like a Scot!

NYC: 3 ladies and 1 big city

2010-01-18T19:22:00.001-08:00

Krissi and I went out to NYC to visit Mel for a long-overdue girls' weekend. It was packed full of shopping, eating, more eating, a girl movie, and good company. No, I couldn't have imagined a better weekend. And I must not forget to add in, the weather was perfect!
And yes, we actually went to "Serendipity" for the real deal...frozen hot chocolate and a mountain of a brownie sunday. Holy cow, it was awesome! We couldn't have eaten that sunday faster if we had a funnel.
It felt so good to chat about anything and everything with two people who know me better than most. Thanks for a great weekend ladies! It was the first, but will certainly not be the last (hope you're okay with that Mel). And a huge thanks to Mikey and Dallen for watching the little girls so the big ones could go out for the day.

Simply Stated: Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget...so don't

Library of Congress

2010-01-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

A couple weekends ago, I met up with my friend Marcus in DC for the day. He was actually from my BYU ward and we ran into each other in the airport right after Christmas. Small world, I know. So one thing we were both DYING to do was to go to the Library of Congress. We rushed over there, only a short bit before closing time, and looked down into the reading rooms like boring tourists. It was absolutely amazing, but we wanted to go into the reading room. So we hurried across the street and got our very own official library cards with full access to the reading rooms, just in time. When we walked inside the huge room full of a million old books, I felt like a kid at Disneyland, and was exercising ever ounce of control I had not to scream from excitement. We found the librarian and asked him a ton of questions...including questions about "National Treasure" and when it was filmed there. One lady went off about how handsome Nicholas Cage was. Ha, it was such a great day. I look forward to days in the future of reading in those Amazing (Amazing with a capital "A") reading rooms. Oh, the history!

Simply Stated: One "National Treasure" accessed with one little library card.

west to the east

2010-01-15T18:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday and today the weather has been absolutely AMAZING! and you know what I'm seriously missing most? I'm sure it's not hard to guess...I miss longboarding. I'd do it here, had I a smooth street that didn't wind and a buddy to go with. It would've been the most PERFECT day for a picnic in the canyon and a ride down it. Now don't think for a minute that I'm loving every ounce of VA, it's just sometimes there's a little west-coast homesickness for longboarding with the ipod in my pocket, relaxing and playing the guitar with friends after a busy day, playing some Super Nintendo with my buddies, or just being outside. But don't worry, I've already committed the girls in my Beehive class to learning to longboard for one of our activities when it warms up!

But until then, tomorrow I'm going to NY to meet up with Melanie and Krissi (see, already a little West Coast over here) and I can't wait! It's just one more thing going for the E.C. and it's going to be so awesome to go to the City with my girls. It's every girl's idea of a perfect trip; at least one that us girls used to talk about in high school. Don't worry, I'll be sure to take a million pictures.

Simply stated: LONGboarding....it's been way too LONG.

miss bennett vs miss salmon

2010-01-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

Lately I have become completely entrenched in reading "Pride and Prejudice". It is so much so that I find myself thinking "what would Elizabeth say if she were in my situation?" I LOVE, love, LOVE this book and it is easily one of my most favorites of all time. I love everything about it from Elizabeth's bluntness to the foolish and hilarious pride of Mr. Collins. Another thing I love so much about it is that while I am reading the book, the character that I imagine as Elizabeth is someone between Keira Knightly and my close friend Krissi Mill (she'll probably laugh to know that, but I don't think she'll be surprised). But on the matter of my identification with Miss Bennett of late, let me expound.

I feel I have, at last, found a character in a book that truly describes bits of my life to some extent, and exaggerates all the best parts. Elizabeth is 23 years old, not married, and ever so satisfied with her situation, regardless of the social expectation that she has to be married before reaching the status of "old maid". But the part I love most about her is her bluntness and complete honesty in a society where ladies are expected to "hold their tongue"!

You see, in my dating life in the past, I had the misfortune of being titled "too nice", which is only due to the fact that I never used to express my thoughts (however nice or fiery they really were) out loud. I used to swallow them until I felt at the point of an emotional explosion that was likely to come out on some undeserving soul. Then, I had some schooling in the department of "healthy expressions" and "standing up for myself" from a close cousin, Kelsie, whom I love dearly for it. I had felt at that point that my "openness" was at a healthy level: like being decisive and really giving my opinion on the choice of restaurant on a date instead of acting like I really didn't care. Now that example may not seem like a life-changing alteration, but it was for me. So back to the "healthy level of openness" I felt I was at....

I felt a new self-discovery was made with the fact that I really enjoyed stating exactly how I felt inside (and not offering it obnoxiously, but when it fit) and so I never had to regret words left unsaid. But then Elizabeth Bennett happened. She has given me a heightened sense of expressing myself and I think it is breaching "un-sweet" and "un-lady-like". It's like in the movie "You've Got Mail" (and if you will remember that Elizabeth was also the role model for the main character "Kathleen Kelly") when she wishes so often to have the perfect words to express herself at the exact moment of needed delivery. She then finds that, at one time imparticular, the right words actually come when needed, but then she goes home to regret what she said because although this man may have been deserving, she worried that what she said may have actually hurt him. But that occasion was not just a one-time "zing". She continues to spout out her thoughts during several encounters with "Joe Fox", and regrets her words every time.

This is how I feel. I feel that I have come so far as to be able to actually say things with adequate description when I'm feeling them. It's not just on matters of where to go for dinner or what movie to watch, but in matters of all kinds of relationships in every aspect of my life. I wish I could find a happy medium between "miss nice girl" and "miss bennett." Between regretting what I didn't say and regretting what I did say. Such is the predicament. Mr. Darcy seemed so deserving of every harsh comment made by Elizabeth in the beginning because he seemed so darn prideful, but come to find out that he was greatly misjudged. So I'm sending this out into the void...any thoughts on the matter would be welcomed.

Simply Stated: freedom of speech comes with a cost

grace

2010-01-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

A note to Grace:

Grace always makes me feel like the most important person in the whole world and tells me every time I see her that she loves me more than it. She doesn't care about my job, what I wear, who I know, or where I'm going; she just loves me. I love to play with her, sing with her, listen to music on my ipod with her, dance (hop) with her, and hug her. I love to tell her stories, but have her take over half way through and tell the rest of it with more imagination and twist than I could have mustered up myself. I love how she talks to me like big girls do, but then snuggles with me like little girls do. There really are a million and one things I love about her...her independence, free spirit, spunk, personality, curls, her hands, how she walks on her tip toes, her high voice, her giggle... sure love you Gracie. More than the whole world.
Simply Stated: Everyone needs a Gracie

randoms of 2009

2010-01-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

These are some random pictures from this last year that I thought would be fun to add in, in a last attempt to summarize the year. Some of them I may have added before, some got left out due to their randomness or lack of space, and some I have since come across. Enjoy!

Simply Stated: it's the little things that add up to the big things

christmas vacation

2010-01-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone when I say that I am sentimental and traditional (maybe just a bit). So it's been fun this year here in Virginia, creating new ways to enjoy every aspect of the season like:

Christmas at Mount Vernon. The Washington's really know how to throw a party. They celebrated for 12 days! I think we should find our way back to that. And don't mind our cute, matching headbands. It was freezing!

Donna's 21st Birthday!! She's never had a birthday party and it was SO much fun to watch her get so excited with every aspect of a true birthday party with the candles, the cake, and all the fabulous guests.

The CrAzIeSt snow storm that kept us in our house for 3 days! It snowed 30 inches and broke the record for the most amount of snow during this season in 50 years... yeah, imagine me picking such an epic year to move here!

Our neighborhood Christmas party during the massive snow storm. We all put on our snow boots and party dresses and walked down the snowy street to our neighbor's house. The party was perfect with Santa (who had an individual present for everyone), dancing (mom was really getting into the Electric Slide and dad even did the Chicken Dance), great food, the Nativity Story performed by our neighborhood children, and good friends.

A trip to AZ that included an awesome talent night with our friends at Sweetcakes on Main St. The talents ranged from Brenner's story about our Mesa heritage, poems (Matt Olsen), songs about saving the planet, guitar jams (CJ Eagar and many others), displays of graphic art (Angela Hardison), photography (Ryan Hoffman), to Santa (ehm...Brady) gettin' down to his favorite holiday jams. It was a great reunion and it ended with, nothing better than, a true Mesa dance party. (Sadly I only got a few pictures that night)

The Mesa Temple lights and buying tamales on the street corner. Ah, nothing is better than the Mesa Temple at Christmas.

Visiting with Mel and seeing her girls (and plotting our upcoming adventures in NY and on the East Coast...who woulda thunk...us Mesa girls on the EC?).

The traditional Christmas Eve at Grandma Salmon's house. Sure missed you Grandpa!

Nacho visited this year...

(notice Jack is cross-eyed; his new favorite thing)

Can't wait for baby Charlotte!

Being with Grandma and all the family, shopping, eating, movie watching, going to the cabin, talking/singing with Matt late at night cause we couldn't sleep, building gingerbread houses with friends, gathering wood with Mom, and much more.

temple lights

2009-12-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

I feel like the holidays are not complete without seeing the Temple Lights. It was such a great start to the season to be there the night the lights turned on. Never gets old.

let it snow

2009-12-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

Out with the Fall and it with the snow!

(I have a feeling I won't be thinking this for very long....It's freezing here!)

Our first snowfall was beautiful and it covered everything. Everyone is happy that we are enjoying a "White Christmas."

turkey day

2009-12-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was so much fun this year out here in Virginia and we had a lot of fun having Lara and Matt's family to visit. Sadly, we did miss the rest of the family being out here with us.

Simply Stated: Thanksgiving day is too short to try to fit in all the things we're thankful for.

funny story

2009-11-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I was on a date with one of my friends named Steve and we were going to a musical event. While we were walking from our car towards the building, Steve looked over and said, "Is that car moving?" I looked over and sure enough, the car was cruising right past us without a driver. I was a little shocked at first, but he, having his wits about him, ran over to the front of the car to stop it from hitting another car. So then I ran to the unlocked drivers door to jump in:

me: "Do I have to get in there? It really smells." (while we're both laughing hysterically)

Steve: "I think I can hold it." (at the front of the car holding it as it's still rolling forward)

me: "I can't drive a stick shift!" (while I'm sitting in this nasty car)

Steve: "Okay, 1...2...3... Switch." (yeah like I was going to hold the car!)

me: "Why are my hands all sticky?" (pretending to try to hold the car)

Steve: "Sick! I just stuck my hands in a pile of Kleenex, and they are NOT clean!"

Basically it was so funny and the most random thing. We really wanted to see the owners come out confused and say, "I thought we parked over there," as they pointed across the parking lot. Needless to say I didn't get much out of the musical event because we were laughing so hard.

Simply Stated: If you leave your car in neutral, make sure to leave the driver's door unlocked.

lovely day..

2009-11-13T17:51:00.000-08:00

Simply stated... A day at the temple is always a lovely day.

halloween in america

2009-11-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

Once again, I have had so much fun teaching Donna all about American traditions.

Of course, pumpkin carving was involved.

and picking out just the right pumpkins..

and turning into pumpkins!

or Harriet Potter

Simply stated: Your never too old for Halloween festivities.

Grandpa

2009-10-25T17:54:00.001-07:00

This past week, October 20, my sweet Grandpa Salmon passed away. His last day was spent eating ice cream with his lovely sweetheart.

I never imagined life without someone who has been such a huge part of my life, as Grandpa has. I have truly been blessed to have grandparents who have been there for me in every phase of my life and there are so many sweet memories that I will hold onto always.

I wish I could describe him just perfectly, in every detail, so that everyone could know and love him as much as all of us do.

The funeral was full of emotions; laughing and crying. All the cousins had the chance to share a favorite memory of Grandpa and it seemed like every story was shared with laughter of the memory through tears because we'd never experience it again. My grandpa was an amazing man that I could only hope to find for myself. Hearing stories of him, makes me want to be better, love more, and serve always. A story that was shared at the funeral touched me so much and portrayed the very person of Grandpa perfectly.

My Uncle Bob contracted polio when he was a young boy. He had to stay in the hospital for 3 weeks and at that time parents were not allowed to stay overnight. Bob told his father (my grandpa) how he was scared to stay alone and wished for him to stay. My grandpa told him that he would never leave him. He then went on to sleep on the grass outside of Bob's hospital window every night for 3 weeks so that every time he looked out the window, his dad was always there.

Things I love about Grandpa:

His laugh

The twinkle in his blue eyes

How he'd hold my hand and tell me "Kate, you get prettier every time I see you," and mean it

Tea Parties

The way he'd haggle prices at Saturday morning garage sales

How he could wiggle his ears

"Hot" mints

His gruff voice

How he teased and loved to be teased

His love for the roses in his front yard and how he'd gather them in a bouquet for Grandma

His and Grandma's attendance at every single performance, concert, and game

When he took me to my "Daddy-Daughter Dance"

The alley

The way he'd pull me on his knee and kiss my cheek

How anytime I went shopping with Grandma, he'd make me model all my clothes for him

His love of ice cream

"Mmm Boy" and "Don't be bashful just cause I am"...

His jokes

How he'd wake me up from sleepovers at their house with tickles

His selfless service

The way he'd look at Grandma

His love for his family above all else

How he'd make Taryn and I sing for him and Grandma

The way he made each of us feel like the most important person in his life

Seeing him dressed in white in the temple and telling everyone that I belonged to him

McDonald's

"Sure do love you, Kate"

Grandma is truly an amazing and wonderful woman. The two of them are perfect exemplars of Christ. I sure love my Grandma and she means the world to me. My heart hurts for her loss, but I know they will be together forever again after this life. That thought brings me and my family such peace and comfort. "God could not be everywhere, so he created grandmas."

All the cousins came down and it was so wonderful to see everyone because it's been so long since we were all together. We enjoyed our time spent together and I know Grandpa was looking down on us, happy we were all together, just as he would have wanted it.

Being with my all family together makes me want to do whatever it takes to be a family forever. It would not be heaven with any one of them missing. I am so grateful for the knowledge that families can be together forever.

Simply Stated: Sure do love you, Grandpa

"rounds on the end and 'hi' in the middle...OHIO!"

2009-09-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

My last weekend of freedom before starting work, Donna and I decided to go on a road trip and visit my sis, Lara, and her cute fam in Ohio. These are some fun random pictures of the trip. We had a great time picking fresh raspberries and eating them right off the vine and enjoying the beginnings of the beautiful fall air. It was perfect.

Funny story:

We passed many large semi trucks on our journey to Ohio and so I took the liberty to teach Donna how to chug her arm out the window to get the trucks to honk. It is one of America's favorite past-times on the road you know...or probably just my family's favorite and so I felt a huge responsibility to take her under my wing and teach her all the correct traditions so that she fits in on her next road trip. It is just so fun being with her and teaching her things for the first time because she laughs so hard and says "Americans are so funny."

A favorite moment of the trip:

Oftentimes in trips past, before the kids go to bed, I love to make up silly stories to get their imaginations running as wild as my own. So the second night I was there, I started to tell a story about a colony of ants (I know, not my most clever story) that was about to be taken over by an evil ant colony and it was up to the three of us to save it. In the middle of the story, I would say "Popcorn Grace, or Jack" and then it was left to them to continue the story from where I left off. So, continuing on... after we shrunk ourselves to be "ant-size," we set off to save the colony. When I popcorned Jack, he continued the story with us destroying all the evil ants with squirt guns filled with toilet water. Then, Jack popcorned Grace and the story was so nicely ended when (and I quote) "The nice Jesus ant came."

It was so cute and so funny at the same time and I had to try really hard not to laugh. It was just so clever! Good job to her parents and Sunday school teachers for getting through to her on that lesson. Then, laying beside her that night before she fell asleep, I had to keep myself from laughing out loud at her perfect ending to the story.

Raspberry pickin' buddies...

Other cute story:

This morning when I walked upstairs to eat Lucky Charms with "smarshmallows," I saw Jack and Grace and said, "Oh look, it's my favorite children." Then, later as I was getting ready for church, Jack came down all dressed so handsome in his suit to talk to me.

He then said, "Remember when you said that we were your favorite children?"

Me: "Yes, I sure do."

Jack: "Well I will remember that forever."

"My favorite children" bring me feelings of complete happiness.

How to just let go and enjoy yourself...
Last favorite story:

The last night Lara, Donna, and I had a girls night out that ended with Lara telling us the story of how she met and married her loving hubby. Donna has never experienced American dating and weddings before, so we had so much fun talking about all the juicy details. She is such a hopeless romantic, like one may call me, so of course I loved adding fuel to her fire. But I did feel at a loss for words when she so hopeful asked if there are really boys here in America like "Noah" in The Notebook.

Look at that cute, happy boy. He smiles all the time and we love it every time. He is a remarkably good baby and loves to be held.

It was such a fun get-away and we had a great time. Thanks Lara and Matt!

I know I get so cheesy about things like this all the time, but I just don't think anything in the world is meant to bring us greater happiness than our families.

These pictures are brought to you by: Lara, Donna, Jack, Grace, Sam, and Katie.

Sorry Matt! We didn't snap a picture with you!

Simply Stated: the happiest story is the one that ends with Jesus.

The Terminal

2009-09-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I went for a little vacation amidst the vacation I have been on since moving here. I had a Terminal experience that was actually quite comical. I felt the whole thing could be narrated into an entire movie alongside Tom Hanks. My day as follows:

-Got to the Washington Dulles airport in time to catch my flight at 6:50.

-Entered the plane as the very first person on the flight and took my seat as the very last person on the plane (not to my planning...wish I was on Southwest).

-Sat on the tarmac for an extra 40 min and then slept once we were safely in flight.

-Arrived to Atlanta ten minutes before my connecting flight was to take off and so needless to say, I, being the last person on the plane, had to run like the dickens to attempt to catch my flight out to Phoenix. (For those of you who have never been to the ATL airport, it's a nightmare).

-Ran past the shuttle in attempts to outrun it to get to the neighboring terminal in time...the shuttle was faster...

-Arrived to the gate, deprived of all oxygen, just moments after my plane took off. Had a flashback of Dumb and Dumber.

-Was told by two employees that the next flight out wasn't until 9:50 that night. Sadly, it was only 9:30 a.m. They told me there were no other options. So I began to explore the airport.

-Being stressed, I passed a spa and massage parlor. Never had a massage before, so stopped to enjoy one (Yeah, sad that my first real massage was in the airport!).

-After feeling like the new me, went back to reason with yet another employee to see my options. I was then told they had just sent a group of the Phoenix fliers who had missed their flight, like me, on another plane at 10:30 a.m. It was 10:35. I don't know how I was misinformed, but I had been enjoying a massage while my flight was taking off. I started to laugh at this point. They thought I'd snapped.

-New flight set for 7 p.m.

-Discovered a miscommunication between airlines and I was sent as the in-between. Rode the shuttle 5 times and was escorted by staff on the 5th try.

-Sat to read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society to escape my current life in the terminal.

-Called Taryn, who is living about 1 hr and 40 min outside the airport. She, so graciously, came to rescue me.

-Sat on the curb outside to wait for Taryn.

-Taryn picked me up and we ventured down into Atlanta to go to the Central Olympic Park (I think?) and I am proud to say that Taryn was quite handy on the directions (way to go Tar!) which is something to say considering our lack of any sense of direction with the two of us in the past.

-Enjoyed a stroll around the park and sat in a little outdoor lounge to enjoy some cool drinks and wonderful chatting. Nothing more lovely than spending an afternoon with Taryn, whom I miss so much.

-Back to the airport and through security...one more ride on the shuttle...I think that

makes 6 (actually 7 if we are including the time I ran past it in attempts to outrun it).

-Happily seated on the airplane going to Phoenix at 7 p.m.

-Arrived at Phoenix...baggage lost...started laughing again.

-Picked up by Matthew in time to enjoy a wonderful meal and a good laugh at the day's events at my grandparents home with my brothers and sister in-law.

-Slept in my brother's clothes.

(This is us being ridiculous after stuffing ourselves to the brim at Rosa's. I must say we had a great time. The funny thing is that we could read each other's minds and kept laughing the whole lunch even though we never had to say what we were laughing about. Good day).

simply stated: when in doubt, forgo the tempting massage at the airport

day in DC with Donna

2009-08-29T17:39:00.001-07:00

Donna and I took a day to go into DC to have a look around.

Here are some of the fine things we enjoyed...

lovely flowers...

my favorite dish straight off the stand (they make the best kind)

dinosaurs!!!

and even more crazy dinosaurs...

check out the ancestor to the moose, I think?

a caveman trying to catch a cab (Geico must be missing their spokesman)

The "Hope Diamond"...over 45 karats with a security guard armed and close by

A huge elephant inside seeing the sights

simply stated: plans made on a moments notice usually turn out to be the best plans

wedding bells for syrell

2009-08-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

...From my window in the airplane. It was the most amazing view and it was so peaceful looking at all the nimbus and cumulus clouds...I just remembered those names from 9th grade science class and had to throw them in. Who knows what kinda clouds they were.

But it was so beautiful.

(I must admit that I imagined myself in "Saturday's Warrior").

My trip to AZ was for the anticipated wedding of Tate Ash and Syrell. They were so happy and they are truly two best friends. (Note: Syrell's veil was so classy and definitely ALL Syrell, check it out. She designed her dress too! The girl is amazing).

Taryn and I outside the temple. If it looks like we're sweating, it's because we were.

I do often forget how my love for Arizona is sometimes overshadowed (or overburned) by the intense temperatures.

At the reception with the most handsome guy there...Grandpa Salmon.

My lovely Aunt Dana ... I just have to show off my wonderful family.

Grandma Salmon is the classiest lady I know. I have to make a plug here for her and her cute style. Grandma has always been up on the latest fashions and anytime we go shopping, she always knows just what I need to be in style. And she is always right! If she says "Red high heels," I buy red high heels. I do miss Grandma and Grandpa while I'm miles away. Two of the most loving people on the earth.

Sarah, my cute sis, and I spent lots of quality time together this trip. I kinda trumped all her time even if she wanted to be doing anything else, but she never let it show. I'm glad Jake married such a good friend for me to have.

Victoria and Serena, my lovely friends from Utah were also there.

Oh, it was a fine night to be had!

simply stated: you can take the girl out of Arizona,

but you can't take Arizona and out of the girl.

day in the country

2009-08-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday my parents and I took a lovely trip to the country and it was by far my favorite day here thus far. We meandered through the Virginia country roads and along the way we enjoyed many of life's most simple pleasures....

A farmer's market with friendly hands that let us sample all the fruits before buying a bundle.

Nothing like dusting off the fruit on your jeans before biting into a delicious juicy peach.

"The Ole Country Store" where they sold the softest honey wheat Amish bread

and where the owner asked to know our names.

Common friends on the road who preferred riding with their

heads out the window just as I.

green hills, wooden fences and the air that smells of cat-tails, clovers, and ladybugs....

it brought memories of tree houses.

Saw a sweet widow in the town grave standing alone near a head stone.

the most delicious little diner/cafe in the quaint little town of Charlottesville.

There are no finer foods on the American menu than a hot dog, pickles, and french fries.

My mom is demonstrating it all so nicely.

a true Coke machine... nothing like popping the top of an "ice cold cherry Coke"

just like Mayberry

a rising musician playing in the town square (I had to creepily take this picture from a store window so I didn't scare him).

a cute pair of overalls that are only worn by the truest of farmers

dresses bought from a kind street vendor

simply stated: life is sweeter when the little things are enjoyed.

true happiness

2009-08-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight was one of the most special nights I have experienced in awhile. Let me give some background info so I can include you on the specialness of the night.

About two weeks ago, the Mormon missionaries found out that my dad speaks Chinese, so they asked him to help teach a Chinese girl about the Gospel. So this past Sunday she came to our house for the second time and we had another discussion about repentance and being forgiven for our sins (wiped clean) because of Christ's Atonement for us. It was so amazing to hear it again and to hear it explained to someone who was learning it for the first time in her life because she never knew she could be forgiven. She has such pure faith and it strengthens me.

Tonight, my parents, Donna, the missionaries (Elder Liepmann and Elder Tye), and I went to the D.C. Temple to watch the Joseph Smith video about the Restoration of the Gospel. The feelings were so strong and Donna was glowing. We all talked about how it really hit home with each of us tonight, even though most of us had already seen the video. My own testimony has been strengthened and tonight it was lifted even more as we learned of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the truthfulness of this Gospel. Donna says she has already seen blessings in her life and I have seen so many in my own life. Donna is getting baptized in two weeks and we are so excited. I love this Gospel and I know it's true. I don't just believe, I know. I love my Savior and I am so grateful to know I am a daughter of God and that this Gospel is for everyone. Heavenly Father does hear and answer our prayers, just not always in the time and way we think. I was having an adjustment period lately with changes and such, but the Lord has picked me up and reminded me of His love for me. I'm grateful to be even a small part of all of this.

More info go to www.lds.org or www.mormon.org

simply stated: true happiness comes from knowing who you are and who you've been all along.

FLORIDA!

2009-08-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Jack and the crazy birds outside our hotel

Happy at the Magic Kingdom at DISNEY WORLD! Yeah baby!

Splash Mountain

The light parade...nothing warms my heart more than the castle all lit up.

Me and my best little buddy, Grace, at the Epcot Center.

Cocoa Beach (yeah, recognize the name from Mario Kart?). The water was so warm and nice but the scary thing that I found out this week during "Shark Week" is that the Florida beaches are #1 in the world for shark attacks. Good thing I was unaware before putting my life on the line while having a fun day at the beach.

Kelsie, Jordan, and Stetson came to see us since they just moved to Florida.

Kelsie and I had an encounter with a huge sting-ray while casually swimming in the waves. When it hit kelsie in the arm, we ran in towards the beach screaming and the other swimmers around us were wondering if they should be heading for the shores by our screams. Every man for himself when it comes to sea creatures, you know? Except no one believes me and Kels in our encounter. Always the case for some reason...

It was so good to cuddle baby Sam. Look how stinkin' cute he is resting on his fist there.

The last night we went to CHEF MICKEY and we got to see all the characters. It was the BEST buffet and I think the best part was seeing Grace jump up and down when every character came around.

My two favorite boys...

Thanks Mom and Dad! It was such a fun trip between Disney World, Cocoa Beach, the movies, yummy buffets, and swimming pools. Love you!

utah to virginia....across the miles with dad

2009-07-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

my dad flew out to utah for business and so i loaded the car and picked him up for our adventure across the states. I took a few pictures to illustrate our journey so I hope you enjoy the ride (minus the 35 hours in the car). Our first favorite stop was Cracker Barrel in Nebraska. Nothing like good home-cookin when you're on the road eating jerky and candy all day long.

This fine hotel was our place of stay for two nights. It was so fine that many truckers and motorcycle gangs stayed there as well.

and of course, for those who know my dad, know that he must stop at the Harley stores...

and I missed getting a picture of Cabella's. We actually joked about doing a Cabella's cross-country tour. We passed about 6 on the way. Thank heavens we forwent that idea.

We visited Notre Dame and just being on the campus made me feel inspired to do great things. I also loved seeing the football stadium and dad and I gave a shout out to Rudy.

The entire ride we listened to Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow. They are awesome books and I really quite enjoyed them.

Thanks for a great time dad. I had a good time!

last ride

2009-07-16T14:38:00.001-07:00

Em and I went for our last ride (for now at least) down the provo canyon. I know I have a million longboarding posts, but its just my favorite thing to do. We had a picnic by the river and then one amazing ride. And no, we did not go down on our stomachs. (These pictures were taken for dramatic effect).

Things got a little intense.

Look at the awesome path. So beautiful huh? I love the way the trees bend over the path.

virginia....east coast anthem

2009-06-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

Big news! You guessed it. I'm moving to Virginia! I have been thinking about it for quite some time now and on Friday I made the big decision and so I'm heading to VA in 2 weeks! Crazy,huh? I am so excited about it and I think it will be a completely new adventure. My dad is coming out and we are going to make the drive cross-country, which I think is going to be so much fun. Wish me luck!

There it is....I am a lover so to Virginia I go.

Silver Lake

2009-06-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Brenner had the best idea to hike up to Silver Lake in American Fork Canyon. We were all a little hesitant because it was quite cloudy and looked like rain was on the horizon.

But as soon as we got to the reservoir to start our hike, I was so glad I went.

It's times like being in the middle of a vast canyon surrounded by the most breath-taking scene that one can't help but feel his nothingness and the amazingness of God. One of my favorite songs has the lyrics to describe exactly how I felt..."Through the years and the days though we're so far away, He created a way to be close." I can't help but feel close to God when surrounded by something so incredible and it's in those moments that I know that only someone full of majesty and love could create such a place. It just goes to show that this earth is really meant for our joy. (Do yourself a favor and click on it to make it big...then you may feel a little more of what I'm describing).

The boys crossing the first stick bridge...we felt a little like Sassy, Chance, and Shadow during Homeward Bound.

Let's introduce the gang... Mesa + 1. JJ Bittner, Brady Freeman, Me, Brenner Freeman, and Derek Clegg.

Scene from Twilight...anyone? This was Silver Lake yesterday. The clouds were so low, there was snow (yes, snow!!) still on the mountains, and a waterfall below. So lovely. I contemplated moving in.

Brenner let me borrow his Marmot. It got a LOT wet on the way back...it looked like we took a swim in the lake by the time we trekked back through the rain. It was an adventure I'd say.

This is my favorite picture of the day. We decided this picture looks like it belongs under Brenner's bio in the front cover of his first novel.

AZ/Wedding

2009-06-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

Taryn and Russell Cowley are officially married! Last weekend I went to AZ for the long

awaited event. It was so much fun to be home and to see Tar and Russ get married after knowing each other since kindergarten (great story eh?). I was so happy to be there for her and to be apart of it all. I loved seeing all the family and friends that I haven't seen for song long since AZ is no longer my official home. You can take the girl out of AZ but you can't take AZ out of the girl.

Here are the 3 lovely roommates for the last 2 years. It's been so fun and a dream, really, to live with Taryn and Syrell. From dancing in the kitchen, to music videos, to prank calls on weekend nights when we are bored....love it all.

And no, it's not a wig...it's for reals! Thanks Sarah. We are Crazy!

Brittney, Ali, and Me; the old gang back in action

Syrell and I practicing for our softball team this summer. Fierce, I know.

Overall, it was a great weekend and I want to go back already. It was so fun staying with Jake and Sarah and "teaching"/babysitting nursery on Sunday, watching some good movies, going to Tia Rosa's (oh yeah baby!), and sleeping next to Marge and Homer Simpson (thanks Jake). It was oh so good to see the fam....matt, kelsie/Jordan/Stetson, Grandmas/Grandpas.....oh everyone.

harry potter...an old friend

2009-06-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

You know you're a Harry Potter nerd when:
-You are sad when you realize you are just a muggle
-You think of using magic to shorten your tasks around the house
-You use words from the wizzarding world in a normal conversation with your muggle friends

I am proud to proclaim that, yes, I am a Harry Potter nerd. I am reading "The Half-Blood Prince" again right now before the movie comes out and I can't wait for it! Honestly, I think J.K Rowling is brilliant and I truly love reading her books. When I read the last book a few years ago, I felt like I had lost an old-friend after finishing it. My love for Harry Potter started a little later than others, but I do consider myself a true fan. These books have really been a good companion over the years. I am most excited for the midnight release of the movie so I can wear my Griffidor robes instead of just wearing them around the house at my leisure. It will be nice to take them out for a night! (I only actually wore them once around the house, just incase you were worried).

Happy Birthday to Mom!

2009-05-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend our Dad flew all of us kids out to VA to surprise my mom for her big birthday!

She had no idea we were even coming! It was so much fun and I think my most favorite part was my dad trying to stall for us all to get there by taking my mom all over town. Good job Dad! We had a great time.

And here's a little ode to my mom. She is the most talented and amazing lady and I love so many things about her. She knows this, but one of my very most favorite qualities about her is how she cries when she laughs. It makes everyone laugh even harder. Thanks Mom for all your sacrifices for me over the years.

This is the Salm Fam home for anyone who has wondered our whereabouts since leaving AZ.

more boarding...

2009-05-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

Sammy, Deric, Elliott, Cameron, Dallin, Stuart, and Me

As you know, one of my fav things to do is longboard the canyon. One day this week, my friends and I decided to go but the day kept getting later and later until it became a tad dark. So we got up to the canyon and we all put on glow bracelets so we could see each other on the path. It was kinda cool to see FLoAtinG LigHts in a line-up down the path. Usually the path is lit up well by the moon, but it just so happened to be cloudy. So it was a fun run, but I don't think I'll be doing it in the dark again. I just saw myself crashing and getting devoured by wolves.

an angel with a curse

2009-05-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

When I was born, I think i had a curse put on me by my Dr. who, I believe, was really a witch doctor. Either that or I was hit nice and hard with the clumsy stick. I have never been graceful or had balance really. In fact, in high school, my nickname was "Miss Grace" because I couldn't help from falling over anything, even my feet. So I figured that the last little while the curse had been lifted because I hadn't done anything too catastrophically embarrassing for some time. I think I was getting a little too sure of myself or something. Then the other night my friends and I all went to the midnight showing of a movie. There was quite a big crowd (as manifested in the picture) of our friends. Everyone had taken their seats in the theatre and we had about 3 rows reserved for all of us. I came into the theatre with a the biggest size popcorn that one can buy and as I was walking up the stairs (in my dress and heels) I tripped and the popcorn flew everywhere while I layed my face in the ground with my hair in a tangle over my face. The whole crowd at once made the sound "Oh" and no one really said anything while I continued to lay there, thinking of finding a nearby hole to crawl into. Then I realized I had to stand up at some point, so I stood and everyone clapped at my performance. It was quite the experience.

It was a fun night overall really. The girls dressed up like angels and the boys dressed like demons for the midnight showing of Angels and Demons. Oh good times, eh? The bottom picture is of my friend Deric and I in our garb.

new me....

2009-04-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

the day that I left the campus of my nursing school days, i swore they'd be my last. But surprise, surprise (i feel like i say that a lot) I'm going back to school! it is funny how it hasn't really crossed my mind too much until now and I live in a college town and am one of the few that doesn't go to school. It just goes to show how important timing really is. I met this girl a few weeks ago at our dr's office who was doing her clinicals and it just so happened that she works as an RN and has gone back to school online through BYUI's program of RN to BSN. I started to look into it and now i'm really doing it. I have to finish quite a few generals that I don't have so I will be attending school on campus through the fall, then in January I hope to start the online program. I have just felt lately that i am just working to pass the time, so why not grow some more brain cells with the extra time? I am actaully really excited about it and I start next week. Come finals I will be cursing the day i had this bright idea...but until then...i study. I enjoy learning and reading good books, even though i have been in the middle of the Chronicles of Narnia for way too long now. I actually got made fun of for that one....I was told in Narnia there's only a beginning and and an end and becuase they are so short. So it's high time i dust off the books. Here goes nothing!

Camping in Zion

2009-04-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend Kyle, Casey, Janice and I all took a camping trip down to Zion's National Park in Southern Utah. It was the perfect getaway and it had been too long since any of us had actually gone. Above is us at an Indian Trading Post store at the nearby town. There were some fine hats to be worn and they had some interesting trinkets.When we got to camp we set up our tents and enjoyed sitting by the fire while kyle serenaded us...what kyle does best. Casey played the ukulele while Janice and I rocked out on the egg shakers.
Tent buddies
We made some tin foil dinners to roast in the campfire and they were by far the best meal we've had away from our mothers all year! We weren't sure if it was the fact that we were starved or that they were really good.
The next morning we got up and packed our backpacks for a hike in Zion's called "Angel's Landing." We had originally planned to hike the "Narrow's," but when we told the rangers where we were headed, they laughed and said that we'd better take a kayak because the hike was well under water. So we ventured on to hike "Angel's Landing" and we all underestimated the hike. I worked muscles I didn't know i had. The hike went pretty high with parts of the hike being next to sheer cliffs. This sign (in the picture above) we saw a few times on the trip...."watch for falling people." Ha, just kiddin, but it should've said that.

We look high here, but we found we were only half way up! And yes, we were in swimsuits due to the fact we planned on hiking in water.
Towards the last part of the hike there was no trail, just rocks. So we had to hold onto these chains that came out of the rocks so we wouldn't be one of those "falling people." Not gonna lie, it was kinda scary. I figured the reason it's called Angel's Landing is because you hike so high you feel you are practically in the heavens.
The steeper part of the climb...we look like lizards here. This is actually the top!
The best part of the hike was the top, not only for the view, but for the smashed PB &J's we packed along. We all agreed the best sandwiches are the smashed ones.
It was the most BEAUTIFUL scene and we felt our nothingness compared to it all. We sat at the top for awhile, looking over the amazing landscape. It was one of those moments, as we all talked about, when you can't help but know that God does exist and that the earth was made for our joy. It is too magnificent to be anything else. We all decided that camping is the best medicine for those times when we get too wrapped up in the things that don't matter and forget about the things that really do.

This is our mountain we conquered. It looks a lot smaller here.
After the hike we went swimming at a nearby motel and found our way back into town where we found some ponchos. It was definitely the best purchase of the day. And we looked really cool walking around town in them.

Zoolander anyone?

this weekend.

2009-04-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

We threw a little bridal shower for Tar at TGI Fridays and we certainly had a great time. Taryn sure makes for a lovely bachelorette.

This may sound strange, but the nearby hospital here has the BEST food and it's so cheap. I had to show this picture as proof that these are possibly the largest corn dogs on the planet. They are the best I have ever had and I am a corn dog connoisseur.

mr. sun part 2

2009-04-12T20:25:00.001-07:00

After me and Emily got back from the canyon, Casey happened to call and invite me to go play in the park up in the canyon. I think I left all my shorts in AZ and I HAD to wear shorts, so I cut off some of my jeans and threw on my favorite T from walmart. When we got there we played Nerf football, Frisbee, drank Capri suns, and ate fudgsicles. It was one of those days that you just felt truly happy to be alive. These two pictures we loved and felt like they belonged in the New Era. It just looked like one of those with the single adults having fun in the park. Here's to summer days.

Left to right: Casey, Janice, Me, Kyle, Ryan and Cody.

So we hiked up again to the falls and I wanted to see how close I could get. It was a little chilly!

On our hike to the falls, we found these old nasty couches and decided to catch a picture so we could find them on our next camp out. I'm pretty sure there are small animals living inside.

Janice and I are posing with the falls in the back. Janice and i became instant friends and it was the most perfect day.

oh mr. sun

2009-04-07T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today the sun actually came out and it was so surprisingly warm. And the only two things you need for a good time are feet and a longboard and we have both! So emily and I picked up our longboards (which I have been dying to do since the last time we went) and drove up to the canyon. What we do is we drive two separate cars and one person parks at the bottom and then we both hop in the other car and drive to the top. Then down we ride through the canyon on this paved trail. It is the BEST ride because you hardly have to push at all and you board right next to a river with trees bending over the pathway. Nothing makes me happier. In fact, every person we passed by was so happy. How can you not be on a day like today?

Hope this gives you a little taste....this is em. The picture doesn't do justice.

So we saw this waterfall right off the trail and so we decided to see if we could hike to it. We came to find out that this waterfall only falls a few times a year and today being one of those few days. It was so pretty and it felt so good. Emily is posing herbal essence style.

It was seriously the best day. Thanks em for always being up for adventures!

There are more pictures to come from my other adventure today in the canyon.

24-but not jack bauer style

2009-04-07T21:31:00.001-07:00

For my birthday Taryn and Syrell were so good to me and threw a dessert night for me. They made my favorite treats; mud pie, cupcakes and Emily made yummy brownies. I love this picture. And the small bonfire on the table was just my candles. You'd think I was 100. Kara, Betsy and Syrell are the lovely girls next to me from left to right.

Let me introduce you to some of my closest friends that I am around the most up here. First up is Kara and Syrell.

Next we have Taryn, Mark, and Tate. Mark is my home teacher and his roommate Tate is a frequent flier at the Salmon apartment. I forgot to give Tate credit for helping make the mud pie.

Me and my lovely Taryn. It's not going to be the same up here minus our Taryn.

Overall, it was such a good day. It was so relaxing and I got to be with the some of the people I love most. Nothing better...And I must say, I feel younger, wiser, and better looking! I can feel this is going to be a rockin' year. It's my year. I can't believe how life keeps gettin better everyday. I am really one lucky girl and I am excited to see what's in store this year. I know I should start feeling older, but I really don't feel an ounce different than I did when I was 18. I just keep feeling that any age I am is the new 18. Here's to 24, the new 18! It's funny if you would've asked me years ago where I thought i'd be today, I would never have thought here. Today I was talking to my roommate emily and wondering if i should just come to grips with the fact that I am 24 and need to do something "older and more distinguished" and she reminded me that there is no better time than now to live out our dreams, no matter the age we are. Do what makes us happy, even if it doesn't fit the norm. So here's a little shout out to everyone who still feels 18 and has many adventures to still be had! And because of that, I'm lovin life and feel happier than I could ever hope for.

krissi and emery come to utah!

2009-03-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

For the first time I had the privilege of meeting the lovely miss emery. She is so darn beautiful and I had so much fun cuddling her. Kris came in town and we spent the whole day together. I met her and her family at this cute little village filled of all kinds of cute boutiques....such a girl's paradise.

Then I kidnapped Kris and Emery and we went the the dinosaur museum that I have wanted to go to every time I pass by it. We didn't get to look at the exhibits (don't worry, I will be going back!) but we saw this awesome 3-D movie about the ocean. I was loving it.

We actually looked pretty stinkin' attractive in those 3D goggles. I think they should have been a little bigger personally.

Then that night we went and visited Christa and her new baby boy, Harrison. It was so good to be with the girls again and talk about our fun summer together up here in Utah before everyone went on to experience the rest of their lives. What a good day it was! And it was so good to see Kris and Em. Chicago is just not close enough...and emery is a lucky girl to have kris for a mom.

going to the temple

2009-03-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

Kayloni and Eric finally tied the knot in the Timpanogos Temple last week!

The lovely girls at the office. Different seeing us without elmo scrubs on eh?

Shay and I. Sure love this girl.

More flowers.

Dr. Whiting and Berkley Jo. Its so nice how much of a little family we are at the office.

The bridal shower for Kay.

This is Janet and I and we are the only two nurses in the office on Wednesdays, the only day I work at the office sadly. And we work under our fabulous nurse practitioner Kim. We have a good time together and have some good bonding times...love you janet!

rommates with Red

2009-03-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

Many of you may not know, but I am roommates with someone you may know as "Red Robin". Emily works for Red Robin and when they told her they were bringing "the Bird" back, she was so excited and asked to be the first to wear the suit. So Syrell and I went down there to see her in all of her glory, and I tell you what, she is one fine bird! She just really made me laugh so hard patting all the little kids on the head. Now Emily and I have had many adventures together these last few weeks that I think are so worth mentioning. The last few Tuesdays it has been AMAZING weather and for some reason, she nor I had much to do those days. So one day we packed a healthy Taco Bell lunch and went up to the canyon to have a picnic. Sadly, we found there were mostly dead trees and heaps of snow still on the ground, but it was so lovely nonetheless. I felt it so odd that now that the weather is changing, the green has not instantly blossomed on all the trees. But we loved sitting and basking in the sun.

Then the next Tuesday, it was even more beautiful outside! So we took our longboards and went for an adventure. We explored areas around our complex and rode onto 7 Eleven and purchased the finest slurpies. We reminisced about the days when we were little and got to play outside without a care in the world until dinner at 5:30. And how we would rush home and hope our moms got pizza so we could sit and enjoy TGIF on tv in the best way. It was such a perfect day. I enjoy having a roommate who loves to play as much as I do outside. When the weather is so wonderful, it's too hard to be indoors. Thanks Em!

flowers!

2009-02-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

Here comes the bride! My friend, Kayloni, is getting hitched and we are so excited! She had her bridal pictures taken this week and so Shay and I had the fabulous task of playing "Flower Designers", actually I prefer "Flower Divas", in creating her a bouquet. It's been so long since I did a wedding bouquet and man, have I missed it. For those who may not know, I used to design wedding arrangements out of my house for a small business hobby. I just love to create beautiful things and try to match the flowers with the personality of the bride. I know it sounds cheesy and far out, but it's the truth! This lovely picture was taken of the flowers inside our fridge at work. Yes, I've seen better backgrounds but next to Kayloni, it's going to look even better. But let's face it, we won't be looking at the flowers, we'll be looking at the bride.

lately

2009-02-07T05:34:00.000-08:00

Lately things here in Utah are going pretty darn good. It has been raining the past couple of days and even though it may be unpleasant to others, it makes me quite happy because that means it's warm enough to rain and not snow! It has been a pretty mild winter and I am exceptionally happy about that. I have not hit the slopes yet and I feel it is quite sad that I haven't gone because it's hard for me to get motivated to go out into the freezing cold all day versus staying bundled up in my nice, warm apartment.
Other than that, I am just working and trying to stay motivated to go to the gym. I have gone to a yoga class 2 times now and I really like it. It's fun to fold yourself in all sorts of positions and feel muscles stretch that you never knew you had. It's also good for comic relief because everyone looks really odd doing the different exercises like "the warrior" and such. But I am a fan for sure. It's probably hilarious to watch me at the gym because I go directly to the elliptical machines where I know what I'm doing and then when I try to go do weights, I feel quite ridiculous and like a fish out of water because I don't really know how to use any of the machines. I bet everyone around me gets a kick out of watching me.
I am reading "The Magician's Nephew" from the Chronicles of Narnia series and I am rather enjoying it. It's a nice and simple read and I am a person who LOVES stories like those, packed with adventure, magic, and fantasy. If anyone has anything other books to refer, I'd love to hear it. I saw a preview for Harry Potter last night and I am SO excited. Is it just me or do you just feel this surge of excitement when you hear the theme song come on during the previews. I know, it's a little nerdy, but true.
Well that's pretty much for me here. I'm doing great! Oh, I did just buy a new camera because mine has been broken for quite sometime, hence the lack of photos. Have a good one!

Dear Void,

2008-12-27T17:21:00.001-08:00

I know this may be a little premature to New Years, but I have been doing some thinking...I know, dangerous right! So I know I mentioned earlier about making some new goals to broaden my life, but I want to go a little further with that. I feel like I am getting a little stagnant and that I'm not really challenging myself enough. I get up, go to work, and come home in time to visit with my roommates as a small attempt to be social before I crash for the day. But I want to be doing something more. So, as of now I have decided to turn this blog into a space to throw my thoughts. I want to throw around my thoughts about new things that I learn and experience, ideas I may have, or opinions. It's going to be a journal that I will have to live up to and one that comments back to me. Yes, I will still blog my fun happenings, but I feel I have much to say and want to have a place to say it. 2008 was a good year, but one of too many hospital visits and one of trying to figure myself out, which is always needed. But I feel I have been a little sloth-like and I have been too complacent. So 2009 will be one of bigger adventure, more learning and exploring, and discovering new talents. I would like to send my thoughts and happenings out into the "void" because it actually reminds me of one of my favorite movies "You've Got Mail." When Kathleen Kelly is writing emails to NY152, she titles one of her emails "Dear Void" and sends her thoughts to him to vent and be heard, even though they are nothing monumental. Sometimes I feel like that too. I have nothing major to say, but I want to say it and be heard. So I hope this new idea works! Wish me luck!