Hey it's me Janel!

"The Incident"

2012-01-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

I'm currently working for an adult drug and alcohol rehab in Utah which has been both rewarding and challenging. I enjoy helping people, especially those who are trying to improve their lives and progress to reach their potential. It's not always easy but I feel needed for both patients and therapists and I have learned a lot and grown.

However last week was by far the worst day in my year of working there. I took half of the group to a recreation activity at a local trampoline gym. Unfortunately one client had smuggled drugs into the facility after a weekend pass (he had almost completed 60 days of treatment). He shared it with two other clients on the way to the activity and then decided to elevate their high by taking more when we got there. The used a synthetic drug that can't be traced in your urine but took way too much and by the time our session was over one client was babbling and acting stupid. He is a total jokester so I thought he was messing with me and after prodding him and telling him it wasn't funny anymore I told him to follow us out to the car.

When I got outside I found another client just sitting on some steps near the van and when I told him he needed to always wait for me he turned around and starting slinging a bunch of profanities. This didn't face me just caught me off guard but I don't think I'll be able to forget the look of his eyes. His pupils were the size of pins and it was as if he was possessed. I mean I could not even glimpse a part of his goodness or anything true to his nature. When I looked back inside and realized the first client had not "snapped out of it" I knew something was really wrong. I'd love to say how strong I was and how I heroically controlled the situation and made everything better.

In reality, I was completely overwhelmed and out of my comfort zone. The clients continued to be aggressive and incoherent and although the other clients were trying to help I was so lost. I started calling my supervisors only to completely start crying and already being sick and losing my voice they couldn't even understand me. We eventually got them the info and were instructed to load everyone up and head back to the house immediately.

Easier said then done, the client who was sitting out side was hitting and biting and cursing as two boys guided him into a bench seat. The other client was holding onto a fence and screaming and when they tried to lift him up went crazy swinging at anything he could. Finally once he calmed down they tried again and this time he started to pass out and go unconscious on us. Now I knew we had a bigger problem and that these boys were in danger of an overdose. Another call to my boss and we were now headed straight to the hospital. Oh it gets better, on the way to the hospital the unconscious client is turning grey and not breathing well and another client leans forward to inform me that she is positive a third client is high as well - I look in the rear view mirror and she similar eyes and know that we'll have to take care of that soon as well.

I pull up and have everyone wait in the car - come inside and while yes still crying explain my situation to the nurse who grabs some friends, I don't want the clients to hurt anyone, and they come out to the van to help get the clients onto beds. From there a lot was happening fast and slow at the same time, I'm trying to provide information to the hospital while keeping my other clients in sight, and giving co-workers updates and directions to the hospital.

The first client has a strong reaction and after not breathing well on his own is eventually intibated and moved up to the ICU. The second client when he wakes up is so violent (and a strong person) so he is eventually restrained in the ER. The third client eventually had a gradual reaction in the waiting room, passed out, wet himself and also landed in his own room.

So on my watch 3 of the 7 clients ended up in the ER. I cried pretty much consistently from 3pm - 10pm when I finally was home and went to bed. They say I saved someone's life by getting him to the hospital but I was so frustrated/hurt/and scared that it had to even come to that. All three clients were discharged and although I still hope for their recovery I personally can no longer be involved.

Addiction is a real disease and it kills people, lots of people, everyday. From my observations there is no "high" or "buzz" that is worth even an once of the pain, sadness, hopelessness, aloneness, fear, and frustration that it causes to all those who have to share the consequences. I just needed to share my experience to try to let it go. I won't blame myself for someone else's choices and I don't have to hold onto any of the emotions that I felt that day. I will not be able to forget this experience but I pray that I never have to be present for something like this again. I choose to be clean and sober because I want to be present for my life and I never want to let something control me and take away everything that I am.

We end every AA/NA/CA 12-step Meeting with the serenity prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Everything is better with Friends!

2012-01-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

So this year started out great I was able to head up to Washington for my brother's reception and see a bunch of family and friends. Unfortunately it seems like every time I get to visit with someone it is not enough time. We try to catch up and share some laughs but I just wish we all could take a month off and just be together.

So every October Southwest Airlines has this great deal and if you fly the beginning of December or sometime in January or February you can get great rates. I really wanted to go visit my friend Katie who had just done a full year internship with Walt Disney World and since I had never been there before I couldn't pass up the opportunity. And luckily my work appreciates what I do and how hard I work so they allowed me to take a full week off so that I could take the Am Track with Katie up to Washington DC to visit her sister Anna too. I loved that I just got to spend TIME with them and we did just enough sightseeing but enough relaxing to still call it vacation.

The photos loaded backwards and I'm too impatient to re-do it or move them around. But enjoy!

In front of the Washington Monument - thank you random man who took our picture and got none of the Monument (the whole point). Don't worry he cut out the baby in the first picture too.

At the Lincoln Memorial - it was pretty cold this day with some good wind - add that to my eye itching and watering all day, hence the squint. But we still had a great time. And yes I forgot a hat so I'm wearing my scarf like my grandma used to.

We went to Gettysburg one morning - Katie and I climbed an observation tower. It was so cold we stayed up there just long enough to take a picture.

The canyon location where the union Army held the high ground.

We were on a self-guided driving tour and when I got out of the car the map blew away - and I'm talking it was incredibly windy so it was like gone. It blew about 60 yards away through this fence but I saw it get stuck in these grasses so I chased it down and jumped the fence - tons of prickly bushes I didn't see (oops) and retrieved our map so we could continue the tour. Abe would have been proud.

The other observation tower check out Anna's scarf and hair the wind was so strong.

Our walking tour of downtown Fredrick. These towns are so fun with so much history and personality it was great to walk around.

Katie and I took the Am Track up to DC from Florida, not as scenic as I would have liked but still a great experience. This kind gentleman rode with us from Orlando and would constantly come talk to us about places to go in DC. I think he kept trying to think of more so he could stop by our seats again. So nice!

Wildlife Kingdom Walt Disney World - by the Tree of Life

Epcot - Katie works super close to this and she took me on a backstage tour of the hydroponics greenhouse she had been working in. It was so fun!

Had to get a picture with a character! Katie's roommates came with us and we all had such a great time touring the parks.

Thanks again girls for taking the time to let me come visit. I'll be buying another ticket I'm sure next year in October so let me know if you'd like a visitor coming your way.

Year in Review - 2011

2011-12-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

So 2011 wasn't my best year for blogging, in fact I posted once until now. However I don't want to give up on blogging I like to get little updates from friends and share a few pictures from my life and what I am up to. So I am taking the time (while working over the Christmas weekend) to post a glace at 2011 for me. Nothing big but as a quick way to get caught up so I can continue to post from the present and not get overwhelmed with what I didn't get done.

Last year ended with an amazing trip to Spokane for Kurt's wedding and then traveling with two of my best friends to catch a cruise out of LA. We were able to visit friends along the way and stay at the "Bro-mansion" out in Claremont.

The cruise was so much fun we went down the Mexican Riviera and had so many laughs along the way. Falling out of THIS boat actually, zip-lining through the canopy or Puerta Vallarta, eating guacamole, and watching some awesome and not so awesome entertainment.

Then I moved down to Utah to live with my cousin, got a job at a drug and alcohol rehab center for adults and moved in with this house full of girls. It is so fun to come home and have great people to talk with, play games, or go for a hike with. I feel very blessed.

(Picture taken from recent Christmas Party)

Then in April when Joe and Damon were visiting from med school we all headed down to St. George with some new friends to go canyoneering and I got to climb down these canyons and repel from this huge rock face. It was a little scary but very fun.

I visited Arizona for spring training and a friends wedding and we were able to attend all the festivities and still meet up with the boys at the Cubs game!

GO CUBS GO!

We stopped by Horseshoe Bend on the way home which I'm pretty sure has to in some way be part of the Grand Canyon.

Later that summer I ran in an Epic Relay Race that went 205 miles from Layton, UT to Jackson Hole, WY. We ran in teams of 12 and it was so fun I'm so glad I was able to run with friends and the race was awesome, not to crowded and some beautiful scenery.

Then I flew up to Juneau to visit Hana who worked their this summer and finally saw some of the inside passage of Alaska. We had so much fun and went to the glacier everyday naturally!

I think I wore Red to my first football game ever because Amy got a job up at the U! And I told her I loved her more than any team so I would always support her - plus I couldn't let her lose her season tickets. They are intense about it!

And we got to spend some time hiking up some of the SLC canyons and near our house, this waterfall up Big Cottonwood was a great little hike one evening.

And to top it all off we even saw a moose on the way down!

And in December I traveled down with Kaiizen to Mexico one more time to help with the Christmas trip with the orphanage. Josh is moving to California so things will change (they have been changing for a while now) but Kaiizen will always be in motion in some way or another. This was just a great way to see the kids and spend time with great friends.

And a few things I don't have pictures of for one reason or another that are still noteworthy:

> I bought a car (Honda Civic) back in February and it is running great.

> I'm starting an application for a Masters in Teaching program for fall 2012

> I was able to stop and visit friends along my trip and some even came to visit me (Amy Lou I don't know how I don't have pictures of our trip did we only use your camera>)

> My little brother got married - this one just happened so no pictures yet

I'm sure I'm forgetting tons of things but I think this is enough for a glimpse at 2011. I hope all my friends and family have been blessed this year and that 2012 brings you blessings and joy.

Love you all,

Janel

Where? And Where Now?

2011-01-15T21:02:00.001-08:00

Where have I been? - absent from blogging for a while yes, I just didn't make the time not that I didn't have the time that's for sure! I have for the last few months actually been spending some time with my G-parents. It has been great I was learning some cooking skills, oil painting, how to be a card shark, crocheting (sp?), and just having a good time overall. However it's hard for me to sit still and I had taken a part-time job as a nanny but lets be honest I felt like I wasn't progressing in life at all which I've been trying to think more about.

Then I got this lead for a job from my brother filled out everything, had a great phone interview, flew out to Chicago and thought I was for sure on my way to being a full on Adult. Unfortunately the company wasn't ready to move forward with me at this time. TRUTH: I had prayed that if the job wasn't right to NOT let them offer it to me because it was too good to pass up and I would for sure say yes.

Now I'm just trying to pray for understanding at this time in my life as to where I should be and what I should be doing? I'm headed down to Utah because it seemed the most obvious place of friends, family, and job opportunities for the time being.

But now I face this dilema - and please feel free to comment WHAT DO I DO NOW? I am trying to look for full time "settled" jobs and feel like maybe moving every 6 months is not what I should be doing anymore. At the same time I love working in Alaska it's beautiful, it's good money - but I've already done it twice now and I feel like I've had a good run and would not regret leaving it for now and what it's been. I will be 26 this Spring so what do I do now.

Family + Football = Forever?

2011-01-15T20:55:00.000-08:00

After I got back from Alaska I spent a bit of time visiting my family in their new home. Then Dad got the great idea to drive down to Utah for a little football. It had been a while since I watched a game at the stadium but it was fun to visit campus and cheer on the Cougs!

Alcan - we meet again!

2011-01-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

For the third time thus far I was able to drive the Alaska - Canada Highway! It is beautiful but what a different trip this time. We slept in the car every night - sorry Benji the first night I picked a terrible place and we were woken up by these loud groups of people that we were afraid were going to steal something from the back of the truck). But of course once we got into Canada first chance we got we bought ourselves some Wonderbars, this same gas station said they didn't have these back in April - lame.

We just drove through the day and it was beautiful - luckily we only went 65 mph so that the car wouldn't break down again and we got great gas mileage but this FAKE cop car cut out did give us quite the scare still. We had to turn around to get a picture!

Of course we saw lots of animals on the way

We finally got to milepost zero

And in quite the oppostie of last year when it was warm and beautiful most of the way down - this time we hit snow!

The waterfall was pretty but freezing!

The Columbia Icefield wasn't as beautiful because there wasn't really a contrast in the landscape.

And Lake Louise was all clouded in, I tried to describe it for them but they promised they'd come back too.

But even so the trip was still completely beautiful and we were blessed to have the opportunity to drive it yet again!

Turning Out the Lights in Alaska!

2011-01-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

My very last week this summer I was assigned the longest tour. We literally were the last ones from our company still working and the last ones to leave Fairbanks, AK - so it's essentially the tour the turns out the lights. My boss was so nice to pair me the last week with my Tour Director B.F.F. and it turned out to be the best way to end the season and one of my favorite tours.

We had a boat tour the first day in our itinerary and the weather was beautiful (the last time it was pouring). Still no whales but it was so nice to be on the water with unbelievable clear blue skies.

Then after we got back to the lodge my roommate came down to visit and we drove to the Exit Glacier right there in Seward which was beautiful and I can't believe I had never taken the time to go before.

One of my last train trips I was on with one of my favorite conductors and finally got a picture with my own camera (we joke about how many pictures there are of us floating around peoples photo ablums in their homes across America).

Mt. McKinley was out and stunning the whole time (the last time I had seen it from Talkeetna was over summer soltice when I was with Laura the last time - she must be lucky).

We saw the Northern Lights both nights we were in Denali because it had actually gotten dark at night - our groups saw tons of animals in the park, and best of all we had the BEST groups EVER. They were so nice and everybody from both busses got along great with each other and were just truly appreciative oh how much they were blessed on the last week of tourism. It was an amazing way to end the summer!

Riley Creek Bridge

2011-01-15T19:31:00.000-08:00

I am "one of THOSE people"! The kind that had been given great opportunities to travel and visit places all over the place and do some really cool things but I totally take for granted the areas that I live. My friend A.L. got so mad at me when I lived in Utah for over 5 years and had never been to Moab (finally went with her), Zion's or Bryce Canyon (still never been).

Alaska was kind of the same way I see a BIG part of it - but it's usually the same part all the time and I can get in the habit of not making an extra time to get out and explore just for myself. But the fall colors were too perfect and with some great company we had a great hike down by the Riley Creek.

Helicopter Flight in Fall

2011-01-15T19:15:00.000-08:00

I was on tour in Denali on a hold over day just after the height of the fall colors and a tour director was able to get on a helicopter flight in the morning while I helped some of her guests with their excursions so she offered to return the favor and I put in a request - luckily after the weather cleared they were flying and had one spot left so I literally jumped at the chance and I'm so glad that I did, seriously one of my highlights of the summer. (The pictures don't even do it close to justice)!

Alaska State Fair

2011-01-15T19:02:00.000-08:00

Of course we had to go out an afternoon to Palmer, Alaska for the State Fair - my ulitmate favorite are the giant vegetables they grow with all the sunlight that they get during the summer. (unfortunately the family musical group that I LOVED last summer didn't make it back - tear!)

We then had to get some fair food and take some pics in the cut-outs provided (oh we went to the lumberjack show - Yo HO - it was the same as last year I didn't take any pictures).

Finally we went into one building after looking at the art displays and animals too and I leave for a few minutes to go to the bathroom and when I come back all the boys have been enticed to try this muscle stimulator machine. Later they got talked into this meditation booth as well (I think I watched the vit-a-mix demo while I was waiting - and the guy was creepy), I was afraid if I left them again they might join a cult - But you know the usual fair experience.

All by myself - SURPRISE!

2011-01-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

So I picked up a tour where it was only going to be a one bus move so I was going to be the only tour director on our pattern - not really a big deal except that one night I would be all by myself at the Alyeska Resort (no other tours were there and my bus driver left too). Luckily my roommate and friend Hana had the night off so she drove down to stay with me and we got ourselves tram tickets up to where the ski lodge is! Nice to kind of be a tourist while your on tour and thanks Hana for coming to hang out!

We took the tram up to go for a little hike - who knew it'd be dangerous!

Thanks for driving down Hana - view of glaciers and hotel below!

To Share is Sweet

2011-01-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

My friends Levi, Mandee, and Joe came up to visit me in Alaska (Levi once lived here). It was so fun and we had some great friends that let us stay at their house while they were out of town. We spent the little time that we had doing as much as we could, and we took way to many pictures so I'll try to sum it up!

We started with the Trolley tour of Anchorage then drove to Potter's Marsh

Then we went to the Wildlife Conservation Center to check out some animals!

We headed to hike up to Bryon Glacier

The next day we went to the Alaska Native Center to get our "totem on"

And tried on some native sunglasses

Then we stopped where Levi could've stayed the whole trip - The Aviation Museum!

Levi is in Heaven and told us about EVERY plane and small detail - but it was really cool!

We went down to Girdwood to hike the Winner Creek Trail and went across the tram over the glacial runoff

We stopped by the Anchorage Museum (no pics) and then rented bikes from Paublo to ride along the coast and watch planes take off overhead!
(By the way Uncle Paul happened to be in town and so he game with us)

Thank you so much for coming it was a great couple days and I'm glad I was able to share some of my favorite things with you!

Finally A Boat Tour

2011-01-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

So we have a few tour patterns that include a boat tour into Kenai Fjords National Park, and I finally got one of those tours! I was soooooo excited and of course it was pouring rain the Friday that I got to go, but that couldn't bring me down. We saw some great birds, Stellar Sea Lions, sea otters, and made a fun stop at Fox Island. Unfortunately it was too late in the season for whales (but maybe next year)!

Luckily too I got to be on the boat with some of my fellow tour directors and we had a great time!

Denali & Visitors

2011-01-15T16:01:00.001-08:00

Hana's dad came into town and they were passing through Denali while I was on tour so we were able to take him to the local hot spots - The Salmon Bake, Prospector's Pizza, Cabin Night - we even got him to participate as the Moose, and then Hana and him were able to go into the Park and enjoy a tour. It's fun to have personal visitors to share Alaska with!

We're only in it for the HALIBUT!

2010-08-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

This week I have a lot of down time on tour and things have been pretty crazy lately so I thought I'd bring my computer along and catch up with some of the latest Alaskan Adventures.

We had a week off toward the end of July because a company rented out one of the cruise ships so I was able to go on a Halibut charter with two of my friends and one even had his Dad and Grandpa in town. We went this summer again with Frank and Wild Rose Charters out of Ninilchuk (seriously highly recommended he is so great!).

After an early start and a small boat advisory we made an adjustment and drove down to Homer instead to stay safe, and luckily we got BEAUTIFUL weather and had so much fun on the boat together reeling in the fish!

Fun story the first two spots we caught only two small guys that you couldn't keep and a mother-in-law fish (that's what they called it, it's really ugly)! So once we moved to the 3rd spot and we're fishing 250 ft. down and Grandpa had the rod that's called a "jig" I think but he was tired of it so we switched this round - well within ten minutes I felt a strong bite, hooked my first Halibut and reeled it in -It was so hard to reel about 30 lbs. up 250 ft. but I didn't want to seem like the girl so although my fore arms burned I caught the first keeper of the day.

Then we got him in the boat and re-baited my line and I let it down. Within ten more min I hooked the second keeper of the day. About half way though I had one of the boys help me out it hurt so bad on my arms. Then I gave up the "hot" pole and moved to the other side of the boat by two poles just sitting in the holder I did a half reel on one pole as Frank instructed to move the bait a bit and within 30 sec I saw a halibut take the bait so I started reeling the 3rd KEEPER of the day. I didn't want to lose the fish which is why I started reeling right away but I also turned and stated - "Someone come take this I'm NOT reeling this one it!" I turned it over and was officially dubbed the "lucky" one of the day!

We continued for the next hour or so catching keepers and the occational Scate (sp?) which is like a sting rayish fish that spins the whole way up - poor boys had to reel that one in. But we caught our limit of two a piece and I think maybe Grandpa got the biggest of the day (it was between him and me). And it was nice to see that the boys were struggling to reel in the fish all the way from 250 ft down too! Cohen's Dad just sat there and laughed at us at first so we were more than happy to return the favor once he finally felt the "forearm" pain.

Then after we had a successful morning we went with Frank to check his two crab pots in the bay. I became the official crab measurer - which may be my future career calling (here I come Deadliest Catch)! But in the first pot we got an additional starfish and in the second pot AN OCTOPUS! Apparently they make great Halibut bait so we kept him but had to put him in with the fish and seriously five of us had to PEEL him off the boat and after we were done it was like someone with really bad allergies just sneezed all over your hands. We got 5 keepers and threw back about 13 others that weren't quite big enough and not worth the $110 fine but Frank was so nice and let us take a half a crab for each one of us!

We took back our catch and although we each only got about two hours of sleep we stayed awake long enough to watch Frank filet the fish and help to vaccum pack them, and even watch them disect the Octopus down too - * Did you know that Octopus have a beak? Like a bird, it's so cool I actually got to hold it - so crazy!*

Grandpa, Benji, Cohen, Brian, & Me (check out the octopus hanging up in the back behind Benji)

Overall it was such a great day and there is nothing better than good fishing with good people and we headed back to our friends cabin to enjoy our crab and "poor man's lobster" = Halibut cheeks + sprite + melted butter. The boys even caught a few Sockeye Salmon right on the backs of the Kenai as well and we all crashed that night after such a full day - true Alaskan Goodness!

Summer Solstice

2010-06-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

So I was in Talkeetna for the first day of summer and the mountain was beautiful - somehow I was so busy watching it I didn't take a picture. However I did get up the night before at 12:30am to take this beauty once the sun finally set behind the Alaska Range!

Total Tourist

2010-06-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Even though each week I work with a different group of Tourists - I can't help but do some of the things they do. No I don't complain about not having a "view" room every hotel when there is only a 50% chance I'll get it. No I don't pack 10 bags for a 12 day vacation. No I don't wear a fanny pack.

But I do always have my camera on me and I love to take those classic tourist pictures.

For instance we went to Talkeetna (a small town between Anchorage and Denali where all the climbers of Mt. McKinley fly out of) and of course I had to take these photo ops.

Plus who turns down the chance to go to North Pole, AK and meet Santa Claus - not me!

Who knows maybe I'll be rocking the Alaska sweatshirt with the wolf howling at the moon and the fanny pack by the end of summer. Oh well I don't feel bad!

Fun with Friends

2010-06-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

Now I do get a few days off even though I work hard when I'm actually on the clock - and on those days we usually try to get together with friends and do something together.

These last few weeks I've really enjoyed going down to the Winner Creek trail and hiking into the hand tram across the river.

Jared, Conner, and I on the trail

Fun on the Tram across the River

Also we headed out to Bob's cabin (my cook from last year) and took a little cruise around the lake on a beautiful evening and enjoyed his wonderful cooking and oversized campfire marshmellows that made the biggest smore's I've ever eaten.

Crusin on the Dock w/ a trolley motor

The group on a nature hike

Good Times

Alaska FAM

2010-06-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

So at the start of the season we get to do a FAM trip, which is basically a familiarization trip so that we know what properties have what layout and policies and what are different vendors offer to our guests for their optional land excursions. This year it was really fun to get to know the new tour directors while visiting parts of Alaska again and learning even more.

Sea Life Center and Iditarod Puppies at Jeff King's House

Viewing of the Alaska Pipeline

Flight up to the Artic Circle

Read the sign closely:

Please Don't Climb on the Pipeline, it is difficult to maintain your footing and you may fall - not that it's actually dangerous for the pipe!

Denali National Park - Tundra Wilderness Tour

Caribou and Moose

The Grizzly Bear and the state bird - Williow Ptarmigan

(don't pronounce the P in Ptarmigan)

Dr. Dad

2010-06-22T17:35:00.000-07:00

I was only in Alaska less than a week before I was on a plane back home to celebrate two things. The first is that my cousin Amy got home from her mission to McAllen Texas, and the second was that my dad graduated from Gonzaga University with his PhD in Leadership Studies. Everyone came into town and it was so fun to spend time together - of course I wanted more but I had to get back up to Alaska for my first tour!

Papa with Gage

It was so good to see Amy and it seemed so completely normal right away. I'm so glad that she's been able to have this amazing experience but I'm thrilled that she's only a phone call away now and that we can still have many more adventures to come.

The graduation was a typical ceremony, although I thought both the speakers were "interesting." The first promised to be brief but droned on about nothing that really related and the student speaker seemed like he hadn't even prepared - it was rough. However we finally waited and cheered Dad on as he received his doctoral hood. Then in true Munson (my mom's side of the family) style we headed out for loads of pictures.

Finally we all went home and called Ryan on his mission and just had a great time. Amy spoke in church the next day and after lunch everyone kind of headed their own way and I went straight to the airport for the land of the North. I also pretty much said goodbye to the house because a new family will probably be there before I get back. At least we had one more great weekend together all at home!

Break Downs and Black Bear - Oh my!

2010-06-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

So right after Mexico I left to drive up to Alaska for this summer season. We had a great start until just after the Canadian Border when we broke down in Lethbridge. After a nice gentleman stopped to help we asked if we could find a phone book to call a Bishop from our church - once he found out we were mormon he called up his "mormon friend" they gave us some numbers but they lived closest to the mechanic so we asked and they were so nice to let us stay with them Monday night.

Well Monday night turned into Tuesday for the evaluation, Wednesday to fix the car, Thursday to finish it and have the highway close north of us for a freak white-out snow storm and we finally left Friday.

This family was so nice they not only housed us but also gave us food, took us on multiple tours of the town, insisted we go to the town auction, watched american idol with us, and introduced us to some boys from their home ward. And come to find out the Dad is SANTA CLAUS - seriously in the winter he dresses up like Santa for the local mall- complete with Reindeer and he had some great stories. He also invented a brand of Cheetos that they only sell in Canada too - so crazy.

Yeah he invented these, and we tried on the Reindeer Bells too!

Now we didn't just take and take, we were able to clean and polish their cabinents after we insisted on doing something, also got grease off the ceiling and wiped off the blinds. And Hana was able to call her sisters in for help too - their daughter was living in Texas and needed a ride for her board examinations for dental hygine school and Hana's sisters lived on either side of her so one picked her up and took her to the other's house for the weekend and got her to her test on time too. Now up here in Alaska we were able to pick up their niece from the airport to get them on a bus up to Denali for their summer jobs and swing by and say hello as well. The connections have just been crazy but we were so appreciative of the help.

The rest of the trip ran smoothly, driving up the Alcan and into Alaska - we saw lots of animals and did pretty well on gas and although we were a little stressed we all made it in time for work.

Feliz Cumpleanos Leo!

2010-06-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

More catch up like usual - but anyway here goes. Right before Alaska I headed to Mexico for a Kaiizen trip which was nice and small with a group of people that are great. I loved everything from the traditional drive, seeing the kids, staying at the beach house for my first time, and just being back in Mexico.

Some of the highlights:

1) Josh buying the new Double Chicken Sandwich or something from KFC, which is like cheese and bacon between two huge pieces of chicken (gross) AND then making everyone try at least one bite to get back into the car!

2) Getting to the beach house and Josh "surpervising" the rest of us weed his personal house! (J/K he helped a little bit himself and it went pretty fast for the "forrest we found).

3) Tacos, tacos, and more tacos at our favorite stands!

The RV behind me makes great tacos!

4) Having the kids do a fund run and meeting two of the newest kids like "cousin amigo" - (we have a volunteer bring down her 5 yr. old son who watches Dora the Explorer so that's what he calls Iban!)

Cousin Amigo - Iban and the Group photo

5) The kids "surprising" by having us fill drained eggs shells with confetti and flour and having an all out war - some of these left welts (and I'm pretty sure Josh instigated a huddle before and said "I don't care if they're kids, take no mercy!")

The Calm and The Storm

Sarah takes no mercy!

Calling finish (he got hit right in the face 3 sec later)

Oh yeah we got to clean up everything too - surprise!

6) Just being silly with the kids

7) Leo's birthday party where we had great food - fun games (the Americans vs. the Mexicans and we won the first one so we got to paint their faces with charcol)

Leo making his way to the surprise (I'm pretty sure the boys just hit him in the nuts right before this picture - happy birthday to you!)

We love it when we win!

The hugging game - group of 3 (down to the finals)

It was such a great trip and it's always so nice to have a weekend surrounded by great people.

Still to come

2010-05-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry to leave you hanging but my drive to Alaska included some more unfortunate events and then when I finally got to work I've been playing catch up and trying to get moved in and meet/hang out with friends while I can and now less than a week later I'm back home for a big weekend with the fam to celebrate my cousin AMY getting home from her mission and my DAD becoming a DR. - well he's getting his PhD from Gonzaga at least. So I will give details soon but I need all the moments I can get right now to just be present in my life so pictures and stories still to come!

Be Back Soon!

2010-04-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

Ok so just a temporary leave while I pull a Janel! I left Washington to go to Utah for a few hours drive to Vegas, sleep a few hours, drive the next day to Mexico - spent the weekend playing with the kids and chilling with friends and even a surprise birthday party (more to come with pics soon) and now after a passport fiasco (as in mine being taken to California while I'm still in Mexico) we made it out of Mexico and back up to Utah tonight.

Now it is 2am and I leave in 5 hours to start the drive up through Canada to Alaska for the summer so give me a few days to make it and recover and I'll post an update.

Oh P.S. coming into SLC my plane got struck by lightening, a little scary but I was surprisingly calm (mostly because there was nothing I could do anyway). I'll go into a little more detail soon too.

You Know You Love Someone When . . .

2010-04-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

Now don't get too excited this is about a boy, but not "About THE Boy" - not that there is "A Boy" - oh man this is not going where I wanted it to.

ANYWAY - You know you love someone when you dress up like a Lion for a 1 yr old's Zoo themed birthday party. That's right we celebrated Gage's birthday this weekend in Portland and he loves characters (or so we thought) so when I found Ryan's Lion costume from a Halloween dance Emily asked me to wear if for the party 1) because Gage we thought would love it and 2) because Maisey kind of has a fear of people dressed up (unless maybe Disney Princesses) so we asked her if it was ok if it was me in a Lion costume and we let her name me (Tallula I think) so we had this planned for weeks.

Well Gage didn't find it so appealing (I'm sure Emily will post that picture on her blog here soon) but at least we accomplished #2 - Maisey told me she loved me as the Lion! The party was really fun the kids made masks and got their faces painted and pinned the tail on the Zebra and then we took their masks and I led them in an Animal parade around the neighborhood, then read them a Zoo story before cupcakes. It was really fun (I WILL charge for additional parties so don't get any ideas)! But for these two it seems I'll do just about anything - Love them! [more pics on Emily's blog soon].

Truck Driving - potential Career move!

2010-04-01T23:11:00.001-07:00

So this last weekend we headed down to Rexburg to do a little pre-move after my parents closed on a house. Of course in all the excitement I didn't bring my camera but Aunt Audrey took enough pictures for all of us I just haven't gotten them yet. Anyway not to toot my own horn but I did successfully drive a 17 ft. U-Haul truck about 500 miles and it really wasn't that bad, except somewhat painful to go only 65-70mph through Montana.

However a HUGE thank you to my friends who came over and helped out both to load and unload the truck it went so fast and I really appreciated the extra muscle. As far as the new house/town are concerned I'm still a bit distant. The house is nice and has a lot of space and light so that's good and the new ward seemed really welcoming yet down to earth and the town is quaint yet has enough things to still be comfortable and I'm sure offers more than I even know about. I think at this time however I'm just choosing to remain a bit reserved because it's just different and being down there only made the whole move seem that much more real. I know it is a huge blessing and things really are just falling into place but my friend said it best - "moving is like ripping up roots!" Well I think I'll always feel a majority of my roots are in Spokane but home will be where my family is, even if that is Rexburg Idaho!

Spokane Tour Guide

2010-04-01T22:52:00.001-07:00

So most of you know I'm heading back up to Alaska this summer to be a Tour Guide for the land tours of the cruiselines and so what better way to get back into the swing of things then to host my friend Mark on his visit to Spokane. The only problem, Mark came up on business and only had one day to see the sights so I kind of rushed him.

We started downtown - he stayed at the Davenport (high roller) so we first went to Dick's Hamburgers for a Whammy, fries, milkshake appetizer which I made him take down to Riverfront Park so that we could feed the ducks the leftovers.

WHAMMY!

Of course he had to visit and ride the largest radio flyer wagon in the world while he was there.

He's having so much fun!

Then he fed the remaing garbage from pre-dinner to the trash eating goat, I forgot to mention that this was a sculpture so he got really excited for a real goat - my bad. And unfortunately we missed the carousel by about an hour, it's not quite summer yet so the hours are short but he got to look inside the window at the 100 yr. old treasure.

Still trying to be excited even though it's not a real goat!

We took a quick walk down to the falls that were a little low this year due to lack of snow, but then we made sure to stop by the Bloomsday runners and Mark joined in the fun.

Running with the "pack" and getting mowed down by the wheelchair!

Finally we tried to beat the Sunset and raced over to Coeur D'Alene where we walked around the world's longest floating boardwalk and went and had real dinner in Dockside (with the just about the worst waiter ever) and finally finished with a tour by my house and then the temple on our way back to downtown.

It was a full night and I told Mark he definitely has to come back and hit up the carousel when it's open, go boating on the lake, and even go to Silverwood if at all possible - he's excited for the potential return and I think he got a good taste of Spokane at least!

Sun River

2010-04-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

The other weekend I flew down to Portland to visit the kiddos and got to go on a fun adventure over to Sun River, OR (right near Bend and Mt. Bachelor) to spend the weekend at this fun little resort park thing to celebrate Shaun's birthday. It's up in the mountains so even though we got one beautiful day where we played tennis and rode bikes it ended up raining and eventually snowing a little.

Beautiful view on the drive!
Good thing Mais wore a helmet so it could protect her head from rubbing against the tire when she fell asleep!

But the highlights of the trip were riding in the car with Maisey and teaching her how to wear ear phones so I didn't have to listen to Dora the Explorer for 3 hours, remembering how much I love bikes and my bottom remembering how much I hate bike seats after not riding them forever, playing games with Shaun and Emily and how competitive they get, reading books - I love the new pinkalicious book, and just spending time with my family.

Loving the ear phones and stories!

The weekend was just what I needed to charge up for the first pre-move down to Rexburg.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

2010-04-01T22:26:00.001-07:00

So since my life is both busy and seemingly dull at the same time I've avoided really posting too much - sorry I guess, but the last month has been a lot of fun and a lot of work at the same time.

In between organizing, de-junking, and packing up some stuff I snuck in a day of girl time with some of my best friends and their kids. It was seriously a girls day, there are five of us that have been friends since 6th grade and then 3 of them have had 5 girls and 2 boys. So seriously I borrowed my mom's van and loaded up four carseats with two of my friends and headed down to visit four of our favorite girls (the only one missing was Lisa - we sure missed her). The little girls played dress up and we all painted and even rode bikes for the boys.

Celeste joked that since we forgot to take pictures we wouldn't blog about it but I just wanted to say thanks again girls for making time to get together it was so much fun, Katelyn thanks for the yummy lunch and for hosting your new house is great, DaNae thanks for helping me strap in all the carseats and having such mellow kids to ride in the car, and Celeste thanks for all the snacks and that kid's CD that kept the kids happy even after the 5th full time (I was singing the squirrel song in my head the other day).

More Weddings

2010-03-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

So just a few pics from my trip to Utah - I actually lost my camera in a "secret" pocket of my bag and couldn't find it so I borrowed Anna's this first night. Unfortunately I don't have any other pictures from my trip down there but it was just the usual visiting friend going to wedding receptions. The highlight of this trip was Mario/Sonic olympic and on Valentines night we had about 20 people in one apartment swimming and running for gold. And we also got to celebrate the wedding of my TA from my study abroad and a group of us got together to play games afterward too, that was really fun. All in all it was another great trip!

Marilyn and I - good friend I met in Alaska

And Alaska friends at Tyler's wedding!

99 Things

2010-02-26T17:24:00.000-08:00

So I saw this on my friend Tara's blog and I figured it had been a while since I posted and my life isn't exactly super exciting or full of activity right now, however the idea behind this is to list these 99 things and BOLD those that you have already done. I was a little surprised by what I have accomplished so far and look forward to continuing to live a full life and hopefully keep going after dreams!

1. Start a Blog - obviously
2. Slept under the Stars - camp, trampoline, we love this!
3. Played in a band - I can actually play the piano and Trombone!
4. Visited Hawaii - In High School but I want to go back!
5. Watched a meteor shower - camp & "Who saw the Northern Lights?"
6. Given more than you can afford to Charity - I'm counting Kaiizen trips that I funded still as a student and all the time spent helping - but these are the best times!
7. Been to Disneyland - not till I was 19 but still fun!
8. Climbed a Mountain - Want to climb higher ones though!
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a Solo - 6th Grade D.A.R.E. performance "You can stop smoking, yes you can. Just reach out for a helping hand" - oh and how could I forget the 4th grade Napoleon Bonaparte!
11. Bungee Jumped - Queenstown, New Zealand
12. Visited Paris - not yet but hopefully
13. Watched a Lightning Storm at Sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had Food Poisoning - While driving back from Mexico - ZERO FUN SIR!
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own Vegetables - Corn and Tomatoes as a kid
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight Train - been to the Engine in Alaska but never slept on board!
21. Had a pillow fight - Oh yeah!
22. Hitch Hiked - always a dream but I have yet to do it!
23. Taken a sick day when your not ill - For a perfect day on the Lake!
24. Built a Snow Fort - Neighborhood Igloo complete w/slide winter of '94-95
25. Held a lamb - petted yes, never held
26. Gone Skinny Dipping - My first time in Australia (I'm an International Dipper)!
27. Run a Marathon - this needs to be sooner than later
28. Ridden a Gondola in Venice
29. Seen a Total Eclipse - of the heart? Bonnie Tyler?
30. Watched both a Sunset and Sunrise - many a times, more sunsets though for sure!
31. Hit a home run - Inside the park, good thing I was fast and they made field errors!
32. Been on a cruise - First one this fall to the Caribbean!
33. Visited Niagara Falls
34. Visited the Birthplace of your ancestors - Scotland, England, Norway & Germany
35. Seen an Amish community - this is a To Do
36. Taught yourself a new language - I NEED to learn Spanish!
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa
39. Been Rock Climbing - this is a great full body workout
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung Karaoke - I'm not good but I have fun!
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - A long time ago I should visit again!
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - Big spender - it was at Dick's Hamburgers!
44. Visited Africa - South Africa and Swaziland
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - beautiful
46. Been transported in an ambulance - but only to McDonalds after a roll-over accident!
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone Deep Sea Fishing - Halibut in Alaska, not too deep though
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower
51. Gone Scuba Diving or Snorkeling - Yes but want to get certified to Dive
52. Kissed in the Rain - can't say I have
53. Played in Mud - Ah yeah!
54. Gone to a drive-in theater - so fun (West Valley, UT)
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a Business - I don't think lemonade stands count!
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup Kitchen

61. Sold/Bought Girl Scout Cookies - Thin Mints
62. Gone Whale Watching - this summer hopefully
63. Got Flowers for no reason
64. Donated Blood

65. Gone Skydiving - Sometime soon right after Callie graduates
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check/Overdrafted your account - Unfortunately yes!
68. Flown in a Helicopter
69. Saved a Favorite Childhood toy - my mom keeps everything so probably!
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a Quilt - YW project
73. Stood in Times Square - for a day stop in NYC
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been Fired or Let go from a job - Kind of, they couldn't give me time off for two back to back humanitarian trips.
76. Seen a changing of the guard in London - a quick lay over trip to the city!
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle - for sure!
79. Seen the Grand Canyon
80. Have been published
81. Visited the Redwoods - I was real young and want to go back
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the Newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - Only fish no big game
88. Had Chickenpox
89. Saved Someone's Life
90. Sat on a Jury
91. Met Someone Famous - not that I can remember
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a Tatoo - this will never happen
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person - Remember
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone - when was this written?
99. Been stung by a bee - I sometimes still freak out from a traumatic sting when I was 5!

So I'm going to add my own Number 100 to the list:
100. Make you own list of things you want to do in your life

This list was fun to look at but really I'd rather make my own and fulfill things that are important to me, so this is one of my Goals for this year is to start to list things that I want to do with my life and then just start doing them. Lately I've surprised myself with what I can actually do if I make it a priority - so here's to my number 100 and let me know if there's something you think I should add to the list!

Whatcha Gonna Do When They Come For You!

2010-01-29T23:58:00.000-08:00

Well apparently the Sheriff's department here in Spokane is out in full force because exactly 20 days after my friend got her speeding ticket, I rushed to get one of my own - I'm such a follower! (This post is inspired by DaNae's previous post)

So Thursday afternoon we were waiting for the workers to finish the new granite countertops and then we were in a rush to go watch my brother's school basketball game - we needed to get there fast so naturally I was driving! Sidenote: everytime I ride with my mom she always tells me to watch me speed going down our hill because cops love to sit there - they got my dad last year too same spot! So this time I'm come around the corner going average fast I would say and ride out the first part of the hill no brakes (like USUAL with every other person who lives by us!) then just as I started to brake my mom spots the undercover cop car or as my friends and I like to call them "Scott's friends." I brake to 25mph but no luck he turns on his lights before I even pass him.

Now this is not my first ticket, although I've only had one when I was 18 and then one internationally which is another story itself, so I had the whole license and registration ready to go by the time he got to the window - he tells me he clocked me at 38 then assumes I saw him and braked to 25, I replied "Yes sir it's a hill and I normally brake on the second part!" - What I wanted to say is NO DUH I used to go 25 mph on my bicycle riding to Elementary School do you realize how ridiculous it is to expect a car to keep it at 25 the whole way down - and too bad it wasn't icy or snowing because then it's actually a hazard to try and stop and so much better to just let it coast and occationally pump the brakes a bit.

Anyway he quickly issused me a $150 ticket and brought it back asking if I had any questions. Yep how do I pay to defer this so that I can keep my record clean - I'm moving in a few months and all I have to do is avoid getting a ticket until then and this one never goes on my record. Although luckily for me the last time I deferred a ticket it was the ticket price plus $100, now I think it's only $50 and you don't have to pay the ticket as long as you stay clean - so hopefully that's how it works otherwise I may just go to my court hearing and play the whole good kid card and see what happens!

So needless to say he gave me my stuff I carried on my way and of course he met his quota and followed me out of the neighborhood or off somewhere else where he can really SERVE and PROTECT! Or should I say boost the budget! So Celeste beware because you're the next one in the vincinity of these officers and hopefully this is not a trend that is here to stay!

(Thanks for the inspiration on the post DaNae!)

Skate City USA!

2010-01-26T18:21:00.001-08:00

So apparently Spokane has been labeled Skate City USA! We hosted the US Figure Skating Championships in 2007 and they came back here for 2010 - apparently they like that they sell tickets here. So since it was right before the Olympics started we decided to buy tickets for the Women's Championship or long program this last Saturday.

Mirai Nagasumi (?) squeaked into second with this lay back spiral

We watched about 20 skaters compete and although quite a few (like all but 4 maybe) fell in their routines - of course they were 4 min long and they had some ridiculously difficult jumps to give them credit! The last six were the best and unfortunately since the women didn't compete super well at the World Championship the USA only gets to send 2 women to the Olympics. The skating was great and we got to personally witness Sasha Cohen's comeback attempt - although she placed 4th and won't be performing in Vancouver.

Sasha Cohen in a triple something!

Rachel Pratt (?) She won first and will be in Vancouver!

Now one of the best things of the afternoon was that this little 9 yr old I sat next to became like my BFF after 4 hours together. She is a little skater and had event tickets so she'd been to quite a few events and bought "the book" with info on the skaters and areas to keep track of their scores and make notes just like a judge, so for each skater she'd tell me where she was from how old she was and which music she would be skating to - I didn't have the heart to tell her all that info was up on the Jumbotron! Then she would say "Wow look how many coaches she has" or during the performance speculate "Oh yeah she's going to be in first"! She was super cute and fun to sit next too and all in all we had a good time and can't wait to watch the 2010 Olympics!

My new BFF Madalyn took this pic of us!

Family Weekend

2010-01-21T17:20:00.000-08:00

Shaun, Emily, and the kids came in this last weekend to hang out for a few days. We were really excited to see them again and after we picked them up from the airport we headed downtown to the carousel for a few rides! Maisey loved the horses and rode all by herself while her daddy reached for the rings and made sure we all knew that he was one who made the bell ring with his accurate throw!

Sunday we just hung out and went to church but once we were done with dinner it was time to Rock out and we all had fun playing rock band. We put in on no fail mode so that Maisey could play with us too and she loved the microphone and the drums!

Shaun rocking the drums, Emily in her rock stare, and Maisey on vocals!

Then Monday as Grandpa promised we all went down to Chuck E Cheese - Maisey is scared of the big mouse (who wouldn't be he's creepy) so Shaun said he talked to him and told him not to come near her and then we were off to play games. Now we were all about letting the kids have fun but when there's a chance for some competition we're in. Nathaniel I think got the highest score on skeeball, actually I'm pretty sure Emily beat him right before the pizza came.

Skeeball champ for a moment at least!

We teach them real young to do what you can to win!

How could you call someone this cute a cheater!

Then it was all about basketball - I beat Shaun's high score to dominate Street Hoops and then Shaun finally hit the high score on the real basketball game for a 100 ticket pay out - we derserved it for all the tokens we used there.

High Score 207 after 4 rounds!

Shaun beat me though with a solid 50 pts on the other one though!

Grandma stayed with Gage while we played

And Maisey hated Chuck E but was ok with the princess carriage frog!

All in all it was a great weekend and hopefully we'll get to see them again real soon!

Big Birthday Ah Yeah Big Birthday, Big Birthday, Big Birthday!

2010-01-13T23:57:00.000-08:00

So that title was to be sung to the tune of Big Booty - if you don't know the game just ask a girl who went to girls camp to tell you all about it in a high-pitched super excited fast talking thirteen year old girl voice.

Well this last week we were able to celebrate Celeste's quarter of a century Birthday! Celeste is one of my best friends and someone who I always enjoy being around. She is so fun and so real and just such a great friend. I know I've said it a million times but I don't know what we all did to get blessed with each other and I don't care because these friendships have defined me! I love you Celeste - Happy Birthday!

Robbie's Rockin' New Years Eve Party

2010-01-13T23:36:00.000-08:00

Peter, Karen, Andrew, Mike, Jessica

Callie, Spencer, Me, Chris, & Joe

Robbie's Rockin New Years Eve Party 2009-2010

Every year my friend Anna usually hosts a great New Years Eve party where we just all get together, play some games, laugh a lot, occationally read Russian Fairy Tales, and whatever else just develops (good clean fun)! Well last year her fioncee was in town and jokingly referred to the party as his own Robbie's Rockin New Years Eve Party - well unfortunately for Anna it just stuck and unfortunately for me I had to miss it last year since I was already back out in the wilderness of Arizona (we did get trail mix and hot cocoa as a special treat though).

But this year even though none of the kids were home we called up Peter and Karen and they were ecstatic to still have us come over and ring in the New Year with them. Our numbers weren't the usual turn out as unfortunately more friends were visiting in-laws or back to their respective "homes" but we still had a great time and we even made sure to call Anna and Robbie who were hosting the alternative location of Robbie's Rockin New Years Eve Party in Denver - maybe next year we'll expand to all time zones! Or maybe with all the kids back home next year we'll just have one more great party - and that I'll have to be sure to come back up for!

Joe LOVES playing Apples to Apples (just kidding he said it's a mormon party staple we didn't even play it but he still had to pose with it)

Cousin Time

Above: Hawkins Cousins (this picture of Josh has been to two weddings and many Saturday morning pancake gatherings, Josh come home soon!)

Below: Callie and I ringing in the New Years (can't wait for Amy to be home in May)

Karen said she was disappointed with "the lack of action" after we counted down with Dick Clark to midnight (anybody see it 14-13-10-11-8-7 poor guy) so this is a reinactment of what happened next.

Welcome 2010 man has it already been ten years since I was wearing my "I survived the Y2K T-shirt" at the dance that night. Check out Lisa's blog for that photo from when I was 14 - Yikes!

Christmas and Crazy Hats

2010-01-13T23:23:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas morning was pretty chill, it was just me and my two youngest brothers and since we are all a bit older and "There's only one fat guy who brings us presents and his name aint Santa!" the morning was rather uneventful. Of course a bit funny because this year my dad told my brothers - here's your budget e-mail me exactly what you want with the link so I can buy it online and have it shipped to the house. So they picked it out, Dad paid for it, then my job was to wrap it all for them so Christmas morning the only one who was surprised by anything or should I say the only one who didn't know what they were already opening was my mom who kept saying "What did you get? or What is that?"

Some of the cousins and our hats for the evening!

Later on that afternoon some of my mom's family came over for dinner - well we were planning on 9 people total Christmas Eve and by morning it had jumped to 19 so luckily we still had a few extra tables and chairs. But as kind of a fun twist my one aunt brought all these crazy hat and headbands that she gets to wear to work the whole month of December - so she passed them all out and of course we had to pose for some pictures before dinner - typical Munson behavior, oh and did I mention that we ate an hour and a half later than planned too also typical Munson behavior. But all in all we had a good time and finished off with some Cousin bonding over Rock Band - so Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!

Aunt Audrey, Sabrina, Brittany, Aunt Cora, Aunt Carol, Mom

Amanda, Callie, Me, and Danielle

BUNKO

2010-01-13T23:09:00.000-08:00

As an excuse for getting some friends together we decided to play Bunko over break - for those of you who don't know it's a dice game that actually can get pretty funny especially with over 20 people playing. We put our studio to good use and everyone who came helped by donating card tables, treats, and a white elephant gift to use for the prizes! It was really great to see everyone and a bit sad because I'm not sure if I'll be back next year to visit over break but I'll see what I can do when the time comes!

Top Row: Cole, Trenton, Tim

Back Row: Kurt, Ben, Bryan, Kellie, Joe, Ryan, Blayre, Jacob, Damon, Tara, Tyler

Front Row: Hayden, Me, Katelyn, DaNae, Bethany

Front & Center: JOE

Damon and Tara got A Touch of Gray beard cream and Beano

Joe LOVED his Tomato Soup Can Piggy Bank

Kelly totally STOLE the Girl Talk books from Tyler!

This picture is probably a little better representation of the group that night!

And Another One, And Another One, And Another One Bite the Dust!

2010-01-13T22:58:00.000-08:00

Whenever I pass through Utah I try to get together with a few of my friends from my study abroad since we usually have a bit of a group stationed in the Salt Lake & Provo areas. This trip too I was even spoiled and stopped by just at the right time to see Patti in her new offices at "The Marriot School" (say it with the same tone of "The Grand Hotel" - it's an English Queenish accent for those not from the NZ group).

Now naturally when there are 30 girls in your study abroad group marriages are bound to happen and if I'm lucky I'll try to be there. This time I was able to make only the pre-party and the night I flew in from Brazil I went to my friend Rachel's bridal shower since I was going to miss the wedding over break! We were lucky enough to have a good group there and all be there at the same time so of course we snapped a quick picture!

Amy Jo, Liz, Rachel, Brita, Steph, Me, Emily, & Hannah

I'm sensing a pattern here since the two others on Rachel's left are also counting the days until they also get married, Liz in February and Amy Jo in March! So congrats girls we're so happy for you and really I should say congrats to the guys who have been truly inspired to choose some amazing women!

Catch Up!

2009-12-30T23:58:00.001-08:00

So the last week or so I've updated the blog to include the last two months of travels and "adventures" if you will. Unfortunately you'll have to skip ahead and read backward to get them in order. Sorry it's all at once but I wanted to post pictures with the updates too - so if you want to feel free to catch up from the Texas wedding, Caribbean cruise, Mexico, Brazil, and a few in betweens. Hope your holidays have been great and see you next year!

Brazil

2009-12-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

Right after Mexico I was able to travel with the "Josh's" to Brazil to celebrate the graduation of the seven kids that we have sponsored through an educational program. I met the kids last August so it was good to see them again, unfortunately we didn't have tons of time because both of the boys had to get back for work! But Teresa was a master organizer and event planner this trip, Friday we ran around getting the table clothes and some other errands and stopped by the town of San Luis to see the Director of Education and say a quick hello to the kids and make sure all the plans were coming along.

The table settings, all the great food, and our new friend Cynthia who is studying English right now we got to practice a bit but she had to keep telling me to slow down!

Then Saturday some more errands and finally out to San Luis for the fiesta. We worked with the kids to wash the tables and chairs, Josh was a taxi driver still running heaps of errands, we got the food all together, and everyone looked great! Bruna Gabrielle spoke in behalf of the kids and both Josh's gave a few comments just about how proud we were of them and how they now need to keep working to pursue their dreams. One of the girls already scored so well on her tests the Government offered her a job that she can do while she goes to University - so that is amazing!

All the kids Alaine, Elaine, Adilson, Geverton, Bruna Gabriella, Hudson, Adlane

The boys being "tough guys"

Sunday we just went to church and actually got to listen to Sister Beck, Elder Scott, and President Erying give a country wide conference and of course we were a big hit with the americano missionaries especially the ones new to the area who loved hearing some English.

Finally Monday we met up in San Luis again and the Mayor let us take his bus with all the kids in it and a few friends up north to a few of the beaches. We swam, played this dodgeball like game, king of the raft, and of course soccer. Oh and we went up and found Gomino that morning so he came to the beach to with us. The bus was so funny that day too because on the way we were singing to some of the kids phones that really just play music and we did a little freestyle too - they would sing us a song in Portuguese and we would have to sing in English. But on the way home we were all so tired that half the group fell asleep - it was a great day! Then unfortunately our short stay had ended and it was time to go back home!

The dodgeball battle: Boys vs Girls

The boys are the King of the Raft

Why do we like throwing children in the air?

Our last lunch together with all the kids!

We had one last dinner with Teresa and her family and I had to say goodbye to my little friend Sophia who was the only one who didn't care if I spoke English or Portuguese, we got along just fine! Also side note as we walked around with them to look at some "Papa Noel" lights by this one hotel we totally saw a guy get robbed for his wallet - the kids on bikes lifted up there shirts to show a gun but luckily the guy threw the wallet and ran and the kids rode off - it was really fast but to be honest we were far enough away and with such a big group that we weren't even that scared it was just crazy though - and for when my parents read this I promise that we try to be as safe as possible!

Hello SNOW!

2009-12-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

Apparently I like jumping from extremes - lately it's hot weather to cold and my body (well really my skin) is hating me a little! But we came home from Mexico to some good ol' Utah snow - just wanted to so AL "The Best Snow on Earth" before she left back to Tennessee!

Kaiizen Christmas

2009-12-30T12:04:00.000-08:00

The next adventure after making a home base in Provo (thanks Robbie and Anna for EVERYTHING!) was to head down to Mexico for the annual Kaiizen Christmas Trip. This year is was a little different we left Wednesday night to stay at Whiskey Pete's so that we could drive in Thursday morning and have more time to play with the kids.
This is what I call addiction - just kidding it was like midnight and she fell asleep while we waited to get our room keys!
Yeah when you've been on a few trips this is bound to happen, unplanned!

That first night we had a great soccer tournament that had eight teams they played for 5 minutes each and the winner advanced while the losers battled it out for a double elimination tournament. The little boys won the loser's bracket and we had a proper Mexican vs American championship game but before what do you have to do - eat Gorilla Feet pizza of course! We ordered all this pizza from this place called Gorilla Feet they were huge and it was hilarious but surprisingly good.

The finish of the computer lab we built at the Kindergarten!

The next day we went up to the school and taught classes - my group was third grade math and fractions, and then of course we put on a carnival - I was stationed at the human parachute and we got the kids flying - sometimes too high but we caught everyone of them! There faces were the best some were so surprised and we were too when the first kid flipped in the air totally unplanned - Once again NO CHILDREN WERE HURT IN THIS STUNT! Then it culminated with a giant flour war - what a great idea, we passed out bags of flour, not dyed just plain white and when they said go it was on - the worst was after the flour was on the ground and some kids tried to pick it up and recycle it with another throw so then it had like sand and pebbles mixed in - no bueno!
The Human Parachute!

Flour War Fun! Me, Kat, and Brittany!

That afternoon we got the kids all dressed up by clothes that had been donated for them and then the real surprise - four limos pulled up! We took the kids through Ensenada to Wal Mart where they had a pillow case (on the outside was there name and on the inside was the name of who they were shopping for) each kid had a volunteer with them and they were given a budget of $500 pesos so about $50 US and we went shopping for about 45 min. Then they came home to a red carpet and a five course meal (mozzarella sticks, soup, salad, lasagna and bread sticks, and dessert of their choice). While the volunteers ate the kids quickly changed and then we got everyone together for the present tunnel of volunteers where they announced the kids names and they run through the tunnel of cheering volunteer to the end where we had organized it so each kid received a gift from the person who bought for them and then turned around and gave the gift they had bought for the next kid - that was great! Then it was a mad opening of presents and a lot of smiles and shouts from the kids to each other like thank you for the gift!

The kids were so surprised!

My Shopping buddy Jose!

The Red Carpet and "The Tunnel"

Saturday we woke up and had breakfast with the kids and cleaned up but then they had another group coming down so we left them just before lunch to go to a very poor community near Ensenada where we met twenty very impoverished families that we donated rice/beans/hygiene kits/and T-shirts too. Some showed us their houses and some of our volunteers walked up these very steep hills to get to the homes of these ladies. This is always a very eye opening experience for our volunteers - I always hate it just because it seems like we never have enough, there are so many families in need and it sucks to have to turn them away sometimes! But still you have to take the small victories when you can and realize that you are helping someone today and hopefully for tomorrow and that's what matters the most.

We finished the trip with a quick stop in Ensenada and then to our favorite taco stand and finally to sleep on the beach after a great little dance party only to get up at the crack of dawn to head back to Utah! There were some great people on this trip and my friend Amy Lou even flew all the way from Tennessee to come too and it's weekends like these that are some of my favorites!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

I flew straight to Boise after the cruise to spend the week with my Grandparents and celebrate Thanksgiving. All my aunts and uncles were there and a good handful of cousins and of course the reason we all come Grandma's famous rolls and chocolate pies!

My Grandma and me!

But I also had a good week, we went to some movies together and played some games - my parents had to leave early and head over to Rexburg to look at a few more houses for the upcoming move (not until this summer still). It was just a mellow weekend but very enjoyable to just get some down time with the family.

Like Father like son - a vision in Khaki!

My cousin Scott and his niece Shaylee

Oh by the way if you're ever in Boise there is this great old school restaurant downtown called Rockies - my Grandparents took me there for breakfast and there is great food for an amazing price and the waitresses skate around on roller skates but they seriously haul - it's impressive!

Final Days at Sea

2009-12-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

For the last two days we were on the ship heading back to Miami and we just enjoyed a little down time. Attending some more of the activities (including Battle of the Sexes where the girls beat the boys and Annie and I won't let Joe forget it)! Another highlight was that Joe got to participate on stage two times - the first time was half way through the cruise when the juggler (who was funnier than the comedian) called him up to perform a part of the act where four gentlemen sit in chairs, then lean back on eachother - in a square of course - supporting eachother's weight until he pulls out all the chairs! Well he picked four gentlemen from different countries and so he threw in a bunch of stereotypes that had Annie and I crying because the Russian gentlemen would not put his butt up so they all fell down! It was hilarious and appartently he later told Joe that never happens but we didn't care that it didn't work - it was better that way. Then one of our last days, the activities director our friend Alejandro had Joe participate in a YMCA dance as one of the village people and that was another moment when we were all laughing so hard we almost cried! I have a few pictures from that!

Dancing hard with their "routine"!

This was the can-can and one time Joe tried to kick so high that he slipped and fell, it just added to the overall performance!

Our last night and Joe's final creme brulee (16 total on cruise!)

Of course we had three formal nights on the cruise I forgot to mention and we had our own table anyway so it all worked out perfect! But Annie and I got to use our bridesmaid dresses again - every girl's dream, well really Anna was just so nice that she let us pick our own dress and so we would want to wear it again!

First night sorry so blurry the only one I could find right now!

Ladies in black!

Finally we said our goodbyes to the crew members who really made our trip so much fun and to the few friends we made - well mostly my mom to the friends that she made, we walk down to the room and she'd be stopping and would say "Oh that was just my friend ____!"

Boedi and Sinicha - the best servers!

Wilson - not our stateroom attendent but close enough, we loved talking to him everyday and he even felt so close to us that he would tell us when we got burnt and when we got fat - true friendship!

Some of our favorites - the activities crew (minus Carl)!

But really the cruise was excellent, we loved the places we went, the cruiseline itself, and the people that we met it was truly a vacation to remember!

Curacao

2009-12-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

The last island we went to had some stunning architecture, most of it dutch influenced. It also had some vivid color on its buildings and apparently the story it that the prime minister would get migraines from all of the white buildings being so bright on his eyes so they ordered that all the building be painted in pastels. We walked around a bit downtown and saw the longest floating pontoon bridge in the world. When boats need to get through the bridge actually swings open and closed, we were on it when the alarm rang so we quickly ran off like the locals some tourists stayed on but it was kind of cool to see.

This was a shot of a few buildings from the ship but it doesn't do justice to the colors really!

This was as the bridge was swinging back closed!

Then we went over and checked out the floating market - these last two islands are only about 20 miles away from Venezuela so they ship over a lot of the meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables and sell them from their boats. Also a lot of Pelicans hang around looking for a free meal as they chop up the fish and throw the extras back into the water!

Afterward we just got a taxi to one of the closest beaches but we weren't super impressed because there were just too many people and it was too populated to really enjoy ourselves but we did snorkel just a bit more and try to soak up our last day on land before heading back to the ship for a final two days at sea!

Aruba - ooooh I want to take you!

2009-12-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

On this island we decided to rent another car to travel around and see the whole island (don't worry we were extra careful and I only reminded my mom of that girl who went missing a couple years back AFTER we left). We decided to go a bit cheaper and get just a car - however tip of the Caribbean - Aruba is the island to rent a jeep on, we took the car on a few steep hills and dirt roads and lets just say we're glad we made it back with all the tires still in tack!

First we headed over to one point of the island - saw the Colorado Lighthouse named for the USS Colorado that sunk off the coast (A lot of sunken ships here too including one that was somewhat uncovered and close to the shore - we only later learned that it was a sunken ship two miles off the coast that was brought in by a hurricane a few years back)! Then we just stopped by a local beach and got some sun and tried to cool off - Aruba was different from the other islands in that it had this desert theme to it and a lot of cactus everywhere too!

Then we drove over to the World's largest land bridge - well where it had been, it collapsed a few years back but they had another baby land bridge right next to it so we stopped there and on the way we found this old abandoned Fort along the coast constucted with these great rocks! So we stopped to do a little exploring!

Posing in the windows and jumping to the shelf over Joe's head!

The Natural Land Bridge that had collapsed

Just running into The Danger Zone, and Annie and I posing on the Baby Land Bridge making bridges with our bodies - trying to spice our pictures up!

We then drove on through Aruba's National Park which actually has quite a bit of land preserved and we also ended up at these caves that at one time had been right along the coast and formed by the water constantly pounding in - there were all these tour guides to show us the ancient pictures of chiefs that were all high on mushrooms when they painted and they showed us the dripping of these minerals over many years, and our guide Valentino (aka Rambo) told us that the fruit bats lived in the very back of the cave and that they bite you if you try to catch them and after he finished that speech he was like "so you want me to take you to the end of the cave" It only took about ten minutes of course I paused briefly or just went stiff everytime a bat flew by me and the further we went into the cave the HOTTER it got - well just much more humid so we were dripping with sweat by the time we got to the end but it was still really fun.

The ancient drawings and crawling through the cave - notice how sweaty I am it was HOT!

Our guide Rambo and the three of us at the end of the tunnel

Afterward we just went to one more beach to cool off before we headed back to turn in the car. If I go again I guess some other places to stop, besides the rum factory, is the water refinery plant which cleanses a lot of water for the islands, and the gold mining factory which has been reopened I think due to the price of gold right now!

Barbados and Pirates

2009-12-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

The next island we went to was Barbados, and we got a tip from some of the crew members to head to this place called the boat yard. It was just a quick taxi ride from the ship and you paid $10 admission for a chair and umbrella, one free drink, access to the floating trampoline/iceberg, at high tide they opened the rope swing, and a complimentary taxi back to the ship - so not a bad deal.
The pier that we swung off later that day,

and the iceberg in the Caribbean we scaled!

We enjoyed the beach and the water but probably our favorite thing here was when we walked about 1/4 of a mile down the beach and then swam out about 100 yds to these ship wrecks off the shore. The water was really clear and there were plenty of fish constantly swimming around us (I think the last group fed them)! But it was probably my favorite snorkeling we did on the trip and Annie had a great camera that was waterproof up to ten feet so we really had fun with that too!

One of the sunken ships

After all this exposure I totally got burned today!

Of course sunken ships remind me of pirates and we did have one lady on the cruise who had an eye patch, and she would change it daily to match her outfit (one even had the classic skull and crossbones). She was super into fashion and she had some awesome outfits so from time to time we would say "Pirate lady 3 o'clock" so that we could all see her dress of the night! And super funny story one night we did a little line dancing with the crew and Pirate Lady was behind us and mom toltally turned around and smacked her in the face - probably in her good eye which could have been terrible but Annie and I had to look away because we were busting up laughing and continued laughing all the way down to our room - I love pirates and she provided some great entertainment for us!

Antigua & St. Lucia

2009-12-22T23:23:00.000-08:00

The next Island was Antigua - after a full day we wanted to just relax so we walked around town for about an hour and then checked out a very small museum of history of Antigua before we just caught a taxi to a nearby beach. We ended up at the place where a lot of employees go I guess and we ran into our activities director with some of his crew and it really only solidified the friendship that was forming.

The next day we stopped in St. Lucia - it was Sunday so a lot was closed down but we were able to find a church to go to and get there in time for the meetings. We looked up some info online but to get there Joe just had to start asking locals - He started by "Do you know where the LDS church is? No reaction or understanding. Ok then do you know where the Mormon church is? Squint eyes together like they may have heard of that before. Ok then do you know where the church is where you see guys just like me with white shirts and ties walking around, maybe with name tags? Oh yeah I think they just meet somewhere up on the hill! And to our surprise we met the only two sister missionaries in the East Caribbean Mission. The ward was very pleased to have us visiting and although the members are relatively young to the church they are working to learn the basic details of the gospel and scriptural stories - It's here when I realized what Elder Bednar was talking about with senior couple missionaries - a lot of places they are needed to build zion by sharing their knowledge and experience in the church.

These girls were super cute and sat behind us in Sacrament meeting and played with our hair and wrote us notes about how much they loved us.

This little one loved our sunglasses

Afterward we were walking back to the church and came across the National 15 and under Cricket team practicing for a tournament, the coach let us come into the complex and watch them for a bit - and he was flabergasted that Joe had never even seen Cricket (is that even how you spell it?). I still don't understand the rules, people in New Zealand said that we could watch a three day match and still not get it - but I don't know if we can understand American Football we should have a shot. However, St. Lucia is a beautiful island that is very natural and I'd like to go back and see a bit more of it.

St. Maarten and Advice To Live By

2009-12-22T22:48:00.000-08:00

Our second stop was St. Maarten/Martin which is an island that is split in half, the Dutch preside over one half and the French on the other. However they co-habitate quite well so there is no border crossing or huge difference from one side to the other which allowed us to rent a car (sorry Joe a Jeep) and spend the day driving around and seeing a large chunk of what became one of our favorite stops.

Beautiful Water and Mom pointing a cannon at our ship?

We first stopped at Ft. Amsterdam and just explored this beautiful point and then headed over to Maho Beach where you are right next to the St. Martin Airport so no joke planes are coming in to land right over your head while your swimming!

Annie and I under a plane, and I took this one of Joe - the plane was so big I couldn't even fit it all in the frame of the picture!

Then we drove around to the French side and stopped at another great beach to do a little snorkeling (we decided to pass on the nude beach - which was a good thing because we ran into the Missionaries) When they made a "border" stop to take a few pictures and finally headed back into town to turn in the rental car - but the day was great and so much more affordable to just do our own tour!

I'm on French soil, Mom is on Dutch soil!

Then that night after our dinner and show Annie and I headed over to sing at least one karaoke song before the night was through. We were excited to just have fun until we got there and it was older gentlemen singing one right after each other and mostly ballads - oh tough crowd. Then we got a little nervous but decided ok lets do a duet, but what songs can we sing and we gotta pick one that is conducive to this crowd - then we came up with it "Aint No Mountain High" Lets just say we were a breath of fresh air and had the people clapping and smiling (and we weren't good vocally) but we were dancing around and just having a ball! The crowd not only clapped I definitely heard some cheers and whistles when we were threw! We even got called over by a potential agent after the show she advised us that we were great and everyone loved us especially the gentlemen - but if we really wanted to win this contest they were having we needed to wear some short skirts and low cut shirt so we could show off our Boobies! Then the old guys would vote for us. That is advice to live by I guess! Needless to say Annie and I decided to consider our options a little more and we weren't heartbroken when we didn't make the finals at the end of the cruise - mostly because we were up against a guest who could belt out Josh Grobin's "You Raise Me Up!"

Classic girl choreography to the song! Next song - "My Humps" by Fergie, what does that even mean! I don't know, no one knows but it's provocative and it gets the people going!

Sea and Shore

2009-12-22T22:15:00.001-08:00

On Monday we boarded the Celebrity Constellation and departed Miami toward the Caribbean. We had two days at sea to rest up, enjoy the sun, play some of the games from the activities staff (who would become some of our favorite people ever!), meet our room attendents and servers (more great friends by the end of two weeks), attend the evening shows and acapella group, and oh yeah of course how could I forget - EAT!

Food Art and Joe LOVING his Creme Brulee which he ordered everynight - ususally paired with another dessert and after he had finished the first four courses including most nights two entrees! In his defense it was exceptional food!

Those first two days I don't remember much - too many people by the pool and using towels, books, and bags to "reserve" seats that they weren't using for hours at a time. Although I wasn't upset I had to pace myself at first - after being in Alaska all summer my body needed to get gradual exposure. So we attended a lot of the activites on board and after being invited to attended "Bingos" - our activities director was from Argentina so he loved to throw in those extra "s" sounds - and lucky me I won the last round which was blackout and split the prize with one other man, so I won $77! With that kind of luck I thought about hitting up the casino for just a minute but instead watched other people lose a lot of money.

I've got the winning ticket!

Then our first stop was St. Thomas, Virgin Islands! There was a big hype for shopping here and we walked around a bit but then decided to spend our time doing a walking tour of Blackbeards castle and the 99 steps leading up to it. There were also some really cool houses from the late 1800's that we were able to tour. And we learned how to make rum - unfortunately we had to turn down the free samples, luckily we had Banana Fosters later on the ship! A common occurance at dinner would go like this: Mom "Does this dish/soup/dessert/sorbet have alcohol in in?" Me: "Probably" as I either ordered or ate a bite of that dish!

So each stop the cruise takes pictures of you - after about 3 I found out that they were optional, this theme was pirates and although I LOVE pirates these two kind of creeped me out. My mom liked the picture but didn't want to spend $10 on it so she took a picture of the picture!

Annie and I wanting to be Captain Bingos too!

Blackbeard's Castle and Mom and I in the shackles

Cruise

2009-12-22T21:37:00.000-08:00

Right after the wedding we flew over to Florida and my Mom, Joe, and me met up with Annie to take advantage of my discount cruise for working up in Alaska this summer. The downside of being an employee is that they can pull you last minute - so we were booked on the Panama Canal cruise originally leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale but got pulled three days before and switched to our next choice a two week Caribbean cruise leaving out of Miami.

Annie was trying to help Joe start to fit in as one of the girls!

We first had to find a place to stay Sunday night before we could board our ship so we started calling friends who we thought were close. Well after we were referred to a friend of a friend of a friend we took a car up to Miami and met our new friend Adam! He was so nice to share his apartment with us for the night and we walked around and got some food before we all just crashed - we stayed with him after the cruise as well and made some great memories so needless to say we're real friends now and we told him to call us up if he ever needs us to return the favor. My mom was a bit surprised by this whole situation by the way - but I just told her that if she wanted to travel with us college students she had to travel like us too which means sleeping on the floor or in our case in the bed of a mutual stranger!

Grabing some Cuban cusine with Adam and the view from his apartment complex - Mom was scared 36 stories up, "Let's just call this MY edge!"

A "Shotgun" Wedding

2009-12-22T20:47:00.000-08:00

I was so glad that I was able to travel down to Texas for Damon's wedding. We had so much fun and were so impressed by Tara's family and friends and how welcoming they were - they made sure that we had the best time in Texas and that we were never hungry it seemed!

We stayed out at a ranch outside of San Antonio and all day Friday we took a tour of the land - 2700 acres that we traveled by jeep, four wheeler cars, and some even in a hummer! Anna and I went for a run and ended at one of the man made pool/pond to take a quick dip from the refreshing heat, and then we shot lots and lots of guns!

Joe, Mandee, and Levi driving around!

We started off with the shotgun and the Texas girls kept showing up the boys and later we went to the Rifle range and shot a variety of pistols and some even shot the huge combat issued guns [I of course didn't know any of the names just liked to shoot them]!

Then onto the real reason for the trip - on Saturday we headed in to the temple and it was beautiful, I was on baby duty outside so I kept walking laps around the temple trying to get Damon's nephew to sleep. Afterward we took pictures outside and then two cars headed downtown for a VERY quick trip to the Alamo to remember! Seriously it was a 10 min walk through I don't even think I know the real history on the Alamo so next time I'll be better prepared so I can really appreciate it - oh and we didn't get to do the River Walk either downtown which I hear is a must do as well. Next time San Antonio!

Temple with my mom

Probably my favorite photo of the trip! Robbie was just repositionig the car but John was definitely driving them around waiting for the couple!

The Happy Couple - so many cameras I didn't take many pictures!

The Alamo Walk Through

After that excursions we followed the google map directions back to the ranch and although we were running a bit late (and we had to eat our snacks in the car - I fed Marcus Japanese while he drove) but we made it just in time for the ring ceremony which was by the pool and under this gorgeous chandelier hanging from the tree. Then we headed to the reception at the "Barn" - understatement for this place - and had some great food, listened to Damon's siblings sing a song for the new couple, danced a bit, and just celebrated Damon and Tara!

The Ring Ceremony

It was a great weekend, Damon was beyond happy and we couldn't be happier to welcome Tara into the group and I look forward to getting to know her better too!

Pictures and Updates Coming

2009-12-08T22:45:00.000-08:00

I didn't forget about the pictures and some more of the updates, I've just been distracted by traveling and mostly struggled with finding a way to import my camera card to display the photos from my recent adventures. I leave tomorrow for Brazil, just for a week to celebrate the Graduation of the kids that Kaiizen sponsors through Project Educate so I'll be down in Maceio again but very excited to see them!

The cruise was great, I have some excellent stories! Thanksgiving with my Grandparents was enjoyable like always and great to spend time just visiting and eating Grandma's rolls and pies! Then visiting friends in Utah is a blessing and such a reminder why I love these people so much and how much I miss them in my daily life and finally a pre-Christmas trip to Mexico was a great reminder why we work so hard sometimes to help others because it's SO worth it!

I will update my blog once I get back and catch up on the craziness of November and December in about a week - so until then take care!

A Wedding and a Cruise!

2009-11-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

So this weekend I was able to go down to San Antonio for the wedding of one of my best friends - Damon! It was so fun, a family friend of the bride hosted us at his ranch - we drove around in the jeeps, four wheeler vehicles, and even a Hummer - like the original. We shot guns and ate amazing food and of course the best past we got to go to a beatiful temple and everything went so well. We even did a quick remembering trip (To the Alamo of course - seriously so quick and I want to go back and do the river walk too)! I don't have access to post pictures right now so I'll do it later - there were so many cameras too I'll confess I didn't take a lot!

And now for our after wedding trip we are going on a discounted cruise - part of the perk of my job this summer. Unfortunately since we are on an employee rate we got bumped about two days before we were confirmed to cruise the Panama Canal - I'm a bit bummed but we got our second choice which is a 14 day cruise to the Caribbean leaving out of Miami the following day. So we had to change a few reservations and we got to meet a friend of a friend of a friend who let us stay with him in Miami last night - a serious life saver! But we depart today and I'm not even sure everywhere we stop - St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Antigua, Aruba - Jamacia, oooh I want to take you - sorry side tracked. So luckily we're avoiding the Hurricane, well now only a tropical storm and hopefully we'll have good weather for the most part - I'll update with pictures when I get back!

Chicago

2009-10-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

While booking my plane ticket home from Texas, Southwest was having a special to Chicago. Well my friend Mark lives there and I had wanted to go visit him and see the city, so I headed up to Illinois (another first for me) and after Mark patiently waited through 2 hours of traffic we were finally reunited.

We were able to go to the city of course we made our way to the famous bean which is cooler than I ever thought a bean could be, we walked down to navy pier, saw the skyscrapers, listened to street drumers, and of course ate traditional Chicago Deep Dish at Uno's!

As a special treat look what we found as part of the city art on display - a metal moose or an "urban" moose as I refer to some up North. What better way to end my season from Alaska! Thanks Mark for being a great host - and for watching all those crazy Hero's episodes late into the night, I can't wait to see you again!

Four States - One Day!

2009-10-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the pause on postings but I have completed my very long road trip across the country. On our last day driving together AL and I left Denver and headed east (besides my layover day in New York this is the furthest east I've been in the United States - kind of crazy huh)! So my first times through both Kansas and Oklahoma, and not as bad as everyone says, yes it's flat but the sky was really cool that day!

Also fun story about Kansas and Oklahoma, we saw signs for Cracker Barrel and wanted to eat there together so we stopped in Kansas at one about 2:00pm and it just so happened that is was chicken cheese broccoli casserole night but it didn't start until 4pm. We asked the waitress if they had any ready by any chance and they didn't so we made an executive decision, get back in the truck and drive until we found a restraurant after 4pm. Sure enough outside of Oklahoma we were very happy and I got a surprise, because we were close enough to Texas apparently the Dr. Pepper is different down here (I think it has something to do with the sugar), but it was almost too sweet for me - which is suprising right!

And after the Daines put us up for the night after a long drive I said goodbye to Amy Lou after a great Alaskan adventure and 19 days with one great red truck - what a trooper. But I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat and AL you were a great road trip buddy! Miss you!

National Parks and Rocks

2009-10-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

So since I've been traveling with AL she has increased my awareness on two subjects: Geology (that's what she has her degree in) and National Parks! Our park system in the United States is actually pretty great and AL totally chewed me out for being in Utah 5 years and not taking advantage of what I had nearby. So on the way to Denver we stopped at Arches National Park, and let me tell you I'm in LOVE! It was so beautiful and so fun - I'm totally going to go back and spend more time there and hopefully visit the other major parks nearby too!

The Windows Arch

Then when we got to the Denver area our friend Mark took us up to Estes Park in the Rocky Mountains which was beautiful in a different way. We saw Rams in the canyon and Elk on the golf course and some of the first snow fall of the year in the mountains nearby (well we drove through it the night before too)!

Estes, CO Elevation: 7,522 ft.

My dad was out hunting in Washington and this guy was so close!

Then we ended our Denver stay by meeting up with the Giblette clan for dinner which is always a good time with many laughs, I need more excuses to come back!

Me, Chantel (Sydney) & Josh, (Brooklyn) Tara & Brent, Michelle & Clint

NZ Reunion

2009-10-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

Well since I was passing through Utah over conference weekend I figured why not see what friends from my study abroad can I get together for a mini reunion! After a few e-mails and some out-of-towners that made a great effort we ended up having quite the turnout - I think there was half of our group, including yes the one boy (who we apparently didn't drive to a mental institution after months of girls singing in the vans) but now is a "real" lawyer - congrats Josh! We of course missed our other friends who were not able to attend but hopefully it won't be long before we see them again too!

Back Row: Colie, Sharmaine, Emily, Janne, Shelly, Jessica, Josh, & Amy Jo

Front Row: Rachel, Rebecca, Tara, Me, Alicia, Meagan, Stephanie

It was so good to see everyone and it's so funny how the volume levels just rise when we get together - everyone catching up on missions, marriages, school, job, etc. and how much we still laugh when we get together! I'm so grateful for a group who actively invested in relationships with each other while we were in our program, and how hard we all work to stay in touch. Love you guys!

Tara, Em, Jess, AJ, Rach, Megs, Me

Tweed Street Crew - when you ride your bike everywhere your best friends are usually those who live close by (and you know you really like them when you constantly ride into the wind both ways just to watch a movie or play games)!

Are you ready for some Football!

2009-10-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

After we left Oregon we stopped in Boise for a night to visit with my grandparents and to meet my cousins daughter who was born while I was up in Alaska. (I don't know why but I sometimes just completely forget to get the camera out - I'll take pictures over Thanksgiving)! Unfortunately the stop was short as we had a schedule to keep and a football game to get to Friday night!

First we stopped by the Malad Gorge on our way to SLC, then we met up with my friend Marilyn at "The Pie" for their famous University pizza and headed down to tour temple square!

Then we got down to business and drove to Provo, hit up the bookstore for some Cougar apparel for the game! We enjoyed watching a game live as the Cougars beat Utah State and it was just great to be back in the stadium - AND my friend Steve who walked onto the team was able to go in for some plays so I was so happy that I was there in person to watch him play (he almost sacked the QB his first play)!

AL almost had the fight song learned by the end of the game - GO COUGARS!

Steve is the one on the bottom right (#96) - so proud of him!

And thanks again Rob (Cody & Benji too) for the tickets!

Oregon

2009-10-07T21:44:00.001-07:00

So second stop in the lower 48 was the Portland area! I was able to spend some time with my niece and nephew (he cries when he looks at me though because I'm not his mom)! And my niece is getting so big and talking so much - she is really growing up and it's so fun, unfortunately she doesn't YELL my name anymore but now I can teach her great things to say.

Sitting by the Red Cedars near Multnomah Falls

Then I made sure to take Amy Lou out to Lincoln City to see the Oregon Coast for the first time - Shaun also called us to let us know that there was a Tsunami warning that night from the Samoa earthquake, it was ALL the news could talk about although the waves only rose .5 - 2 ft larger than normal, but we enjoyed the coast anyway!

And we got to meet my friend Matt for breakfast on the way out - it was this great little mom & pop place called "The Cake House" on Ross Island bridge and 10th street near downtown Portland - great price and HUGE portions!

We're going to be BFFLFE!

(Best Friends For Like Freaking Ever)

The stay was definitely too short though so I'll have to go back and visit again here soon!

Spokane

2009-09-28T01:17:00.000-07:00

Although we only had a few days here at home I wanted to make sure to show AL the most important! Friday we just kind of recouped after four long days of driving but Saturday it was back to work playing hard - we went out and stop at Lake Cour D'Alene and walked on the longest floating boardwalk in the world. Then of course we headed out to Athol for some intense rides at Silverwood too!

The next day we went and explored Riverfront Park, rode the carousel, fed the trash eating goat, walked down to see the falls, and ran along side the bloomsday statues. All classic things that you must do while in Spokane. We also headed out to St. John for dinner in the country to show AL our amber waves of grain!

I think she had a really good time and although it's a lot packed in there is part of me that is looking forward to coming home and enjoying it firsthand again. Oh one thing that is really funny however is while in Alaska you could ask me population, elevation, and all sorts of random questions that I knew the answer too so Amy has been asking me these questions here and Washington and almost everytime I have to answer "I don't know"! Man when I get back I really should learn more about my own state!

The Alcan

2009-09-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

When I knew I was coming up to Alaska this summer I automatically had the desire to drive through Canada and take the infamous Alcan Highway (Alaska Canada Highway). On the way up though I wanted to spend time with my family and my new nephew and so I flew up for convience but when my friend needed someone to show her the Northwest and help drive her truck I jumped at the chance.
So we left Anchorage with a few friends and their cars and spent the next four days enjoying the open road. Day one was heading east in Alaska and finally across the border much to Amy Lou's dismay (she had a bad experience the first time coming up with the border patrol and declaring mase which she didn't know was illegal there). Once we entered Canada though some of the roads turned into carnival rides - the frost heaves cause sections to sink and rise creating these waves so it's hard to go over 50 mph in some areas, and I'll admit that once or twice I think I had all four truck tires off the ground! But we made if safely into a motel for the night -7 people one room = real road trip!

Day two we headed out and stopped in Watson Lake at the sign post forrest, this was so cool people from all over the world add their sign posts - some are "relocated" from their original place of origin and some are homemade and specific to those that posted them there. It was fun to walk around and see all the signs. Then we made a quick stop at Laird Hot Springs to relax in the pool and smell like sulfur from the rest of the day (not sure it was the best idea but it was fun)! We made it into Fort Nelson and my favorite hotel receptionist gave us a nice deal on a very good room with complimentary breakfast - and of course the much needed shower!

We made it to the end of the Alcan in Dawson's Creek on day three and this is where we split - half of the caravan headed toward Vancouver and the other two cars we went into Jasper/Banf National Parks. We were already enjoying the beautiful fall colors but the parks were gorgeous and had amazing rock structures and glaciers and gorgeous lakes - it was really one of my favorite parts of the trip and worth sleeping in the cab of the truck by a lake!

Finally on day four we enjoyed the park in the morning and made a few stops at waterfalls and ice fields and then we left our wingcar and out of the park - just in time to see two big horn sheep right in town. Amy Lou totally had a staring contest with the one (that's why we come up here)! We entered back into the US of Eh? (funny book we read about how Canada controls everything) with no real difficulty except that the border agent asked us what we do for an occupation and we had to explain that we are college graduates that just got down working a seasonal tourism job and have no real plans for the immediate future but are trying to figure out of lives. He just smiled shook his head a little and said "well welcome back"!

Quick staring contest you and me - you win again you ALWAYS do!

Oh I should mention too, everyone says that you see tons of wildlife on the Alcan and although there is wildlife abundant in this part of the world it's all a matter of timing. We were lucky enough to see Bison, Caribou, Elk, Deer, Moose, Bald Eagles, Black Bear, Fox, Big Horn Sheep and one car even saw a lynx and a wolf. So we were very lucky to get some wildlife accenting the beautiful scenery.

Look closely there is a black bear right by the trees!

So now I'll show Amy Lou my home town and the land that I love - it's good to be back in the lower 48 but I know that I'll miss Alaska for sure and hopefully I'll get to go back next year - it's a place that I feel like once you've been you now HAVE to return every so often to feel complete! And if you ever get the chance make sure you take the time to drive there or back - especially if it's in the fall season, it's bucket list worthy for sure!

Encore!

2009-09-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

Well just a few days before I left Anchorage my friends Luke and Tyler came back into town from their hunting trip (Luke got a Caribou and Tyler a Black Bear - they were pretty proud so I wanted to give them a shout out!) but we all decided that on one of our last days we'd try to go to The Lion King which was showing in Anchorage this month. We also heard about their student rush tickets so we got an amazing deal and were all able to go enjoy the show!

Of course the costumes were superb and the music inspiring adn overall I think we were all impressed with the performance, and yes we left singing the songs for sure! Of course the night was pretty funny we were in quite a rush to get home and change after we found out we got the tickets - and used Tyler's missionary ID instead of a student ID which totally worked - but then the boys weren't able to pick out outfits so Amy and I just took over and told them what they were wearing and we all got changed so quickly got back downtown and I realized I had only brought heels and we were suppossed to meet up with some friends from work to go dancing. So with about 12 minutes to spare we ran into JC Penny's downtown and I bought the first pair of black flats I could find (which were also on sale) and the whole trying on/transaction was done in 6 min, just enough time for us to run to make it for the curtain call!

Luke, Amy Lou, Tyler, & Me

It was such a great night and I was in such great company!

The End of a Season

2009-09-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

Well the leaves in Alaska were changing like crazy as our season came to a close and the weather inviting me to move a little further south for a while. But as my time here counted down I really just tried to enjoy the last few days visiting friends and taking in the scenery that I have come to love. So although this post is a little late it's just a closure to a great experience that I hope I will be able to come back next year and be a part of - and if anyone has availibility from about May - September and wants to work for a great company let me know and I'll try to help you out!

Alaska State Fair

2009-09-04T22:41:00.001-07:00

You know I LOVE the insert-your-face cut outs!

Well I have a few days off before I go back to my last week of work and I made sure to head out to the Alaska state fair. Luke and I got in just in time to see the lumberjack show, racing pigs, and went over to watch a hip hop group perform (I made a group of friends watch step up 2 the night before because they had never seen it!) however we quickly realized that the group was actually a dance group for people with mental disabilities but we had already sat down so even though we left the end of the lumberjack show and wanted to go back for the log rolling competition there is no way you can get up and walk away because you are disappointed with a performance that wasn't quite what you thought it was, however just afterward we we able to watch this great family perform from Florida (they were like the Brady Bunch but with instruments and the seventeen year old daughter wore her hair in a high ponytail and whipped that thing around every song while everyone wore the hugest smile THE ENTIRE TIME)! They were at the fair last year so we really lucked out that they came back - I can only cross my fingers for next year but the one daughter did dance kind of sexy so next year she could be knocked-up and I don't know how that would add to the whole act!

Getting ready to cheer our lumberjack on through the gruling games! Yo Ho!

(Which apparently is the official lumberjack cheer - I thought that was for pirates but either I've been misinformed or just didn't realize how closely related they are!)

Racing pigs - Ham Solo, Magnum P.I.G, and Franken"swine"

This was the best photo I got swinging hair far left - check, full grin on everyone ALL the time - you better believe it!

Needless to say we had a great time and I did get to see some of Alaska's giant vegetables that I tell my guests about becauase (insert tour director voice - kind of like a flight attendant) "Although Alaska has a shorter growing season they do enjoy longer daylight hours which help to more than make up the difference!"

Giant Cabbages and Pumpkins - All Alaskan Grown!

Then unfortunately my camera died so Luke got some photos once the rest of our friends showed up and we ate some traditional fair food as we enjoyed the night!

Clam Digging

2009-08-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Cody and I with our clams (and Shelby and Mason wishing they had caught these ones)!

In all the excitement of the animals I forgot to mention that last week right before I started my runs I was able to go back to Ninilchik where I went Halibut fishing and this time we went Clam Digging. At first I knew it was going to be another long day and I just wanted to sleep and relax but I was so happy I went. I learned what to look for how to best make the beginning dig and then how to try to catch them before they get away. We got a lot of young clams but about 25 bigger ones and enough that we made clam chowder once we got home. It was so fun, I love all these new experiences and all my Alaskan friends that share with me what they love to do!

Helping eachother spot and dig - sometimes it takes teamwork!

And sometimes we race to see who can get their clam first!

But you made need some help from friends too if you get a hold of one real deep and can't pull your arm back out!

Just make sure you kiss your first clam you catch to keep your luck going!

Alaska Wildlife Center

2009-08-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

I learned that a moose has 4 stomachs!

I love seeing animals up here in Alaska - and yes I probably see just as many moose around town here in Anchorage than I do out in the real "wilderness!" But yesterday we headed down about an hour south to visit the Alaska Wildlife Center where they have a bunch of animals - most of which were orphaned at a young age and brought to the center and since they weren't raised in the wild and really taught how to survive they will have to stay here as well. But of course they have lots of land and it's great to showcase a lot of our animals that we have around the state!

Besides moose I have seen black bear out in the wild from the train by some of the rivers!

Elk are only on one island up here - much more common is the Caribou I just couldn't get a good shot of them because they are too far away. We also have the Black tailed sitka deer but that's down in the south east part of Alaska!

The Bison were at once hunted to extinction but have been reintroduced to the state and now we have five major herds!

And these guys the Musk Ox are very funny looking but also a part of our important animal population. The hair that grows just under their belly is called Quiviut which is suppossed to be extremely soft and very warm (only the natives can harvest and sell it!)

And then the ever notable Brown Bear (Grizzly Bear), this guy Hugo came right up to the gate to say hello. The Grizzly and the Brown bear are the same species a basic separation are that most brown bear live closer to the coast and grizzly's are more inland. But either way they were all really fun to see and learn more about!

What a Beautiful Day!

2009-08-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

When your day starts at 4:30am I'll have to admit it's a bit difficult to get excited about going to work, but by 5:30am when the Alaska mountain range is visible from Anchorage your mood quickly lifts and you feel truly blessed to be awake and in a beautiful land.

Then as the sun emerges and you travel through the back country viewing glaciers and some of the color change of fall you again are in awe of the scenic masterpieces that surround you!

And finally after you drop off your guests and you travel along the train while watching an amazing sunset (again with the Alaska range in the background - and this is NOT a normal occurance) you know that you have just truly witnessed a BEAUTIFUL DAY!

The best part is that there were two beautiful clear days right in between about a week and a half of some clouds and rain - but just like my last post sometimes the weather is so similar to our own lifes, it's after we weather the storms that we appreciate the beauty around us. Unfortunately pictures will never do it justice but I'll still try to share the portraits of Alaska that I just love!

Singing in the Rain

2009-08-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Most of my posts are about my recent adventures wherever I may be and as I was looking over things the other day I realized is not a complete representation of my life. I am so blessed and grateful for the many opportunities and experiences that I have been able to have in my life in the past few years and they have definitely shaped me and helped me to grow. However my life is not ALWAYS exciting and wonderful and carefree and those closest to me know that I still have rough days and struggle with "figuring out the rest of my life" and there are days that I get frustrated and want to punch people in the face.

My life can be just like the weather here in Alaska, sunny for hours with a clear view or it can be covered in clouds and rain where you can't see anything in the distance. I don't normally share my struggles or my frustrations with everyone (especially not on my blog), but that's not because I'm trying to play up this amazing carefree life but because I find that when I focus on the negative it doesn't make me any happier - granted I don't pretend that they're not there I just try my best to take them for what they are and ask for help from those closest to me when needed and at times just try to sing in the rain. Focusing on the best things in my life which usually include my family, friends, and faith are what keep me going everyday - they make the good times that much better and the hard times that much easier. A Sweedish proverb says "Shared sorrow is half the sorrow, and shared joy is double the joy!" I completely agree so thank you for all those who build me up and constantly support me.

Now don't think I'm undergoing this massive hard time right now either my life is pretty enjoyable, but with the good comes the bad and I'm really just living life the best I can and hopefully it's the relationships I form and the knowledge that I gain that with be the defining factors of a life well lived!

Glaciers and Kayaking

2009-08-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

My last few days of my week off I was still determined to go out and see Alaska even though the weather wasn't great. A few of my friends from work and I headed over to Portage Glacier and their visitor center there. We then went on about a five mile hike up to Byron Glacier and although the top was all covered in fog we still got a decent sighting and luckily the rain didn't start until we almost got back to the car.

Mary, Me, and Amy Lou at the Bryon Glacier

Then we headed over to the town of Whittier (you have to drive through a 2.5 mile tunnel that is only one lane - and it's a dual road/railroad tunnel so on the half hour you can come into town and on the hour you can leave town it's pretty crazy). The Prince William Sound was also covered in clouds - it kind of reminded me our Milford Sound in New Zealand - and we got in our sea kayaks and toured around for about 3 hours. The water was beautiful we saw a few sea otters, salmon, bald eagles, and a ton of gulls that nest by this waterfall. Our guides were really nice and it was so fun even in the rain.

RCT Employees, the waterfall, and Amy Lou and I in our tandem Kayak on the Prince William Sound!

Of course I do love to play tourist so we went to downtown Anchorage to ride the trolley, my friend Jody is a local and she gives the tours. It was her last day and her 585th tour of the summer (man I'm glad I don't have to repeat the same train leg three times a day at least I get a bit more variation). Then of course we completed the day with the traditional picture cut-out but really we had such a good time!

Trolley Time with Stephanie, Luke, Jody, and Me!

I catch bigger fish than Luke in real life too!

Salmon Are A Girl's Best Friend!

2009-08-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

So needless to say I LOVE FISHING - it was something I enjoyed doing with my dad growing up, back then I loved catching fish but not eating them - really I probably just liked being out on the boat on our beautiful Washington lakes drinking cherry coke and eating twislers! However this summer I have been able to fish for both Halibut and Salmon, and it has been a blast especially because the fish flock here to Alaska!

I kept a pink salmon to try - but check out the gum boots it was finally time that I got my own now I can make it through all that glacial silt to get those fish!

Last Saturday we went down to a town called Hope - so beautiful and the pink salmon were coming in like crazy (seriously I probably reeled in 20 fish for the 50 casts I did - and at one point we tried to catch them with our hands). Now we only kept two to eat the next day apparently the pink salmon or humpy as they're called because the males develop a hump on their backs aren't the best tasting fish and they don't freeze and keep real well. But it was so fun to even just catch and release, and of course it's all about who you're with too!

Our Fishing Group - and realy some of my favorites! Back: Me, Luke, and Emily

Front: Stephanie, Weston, Tyler, Marilyn, Cohan, and Cody

Cody had the best fishing outfit - flannel shirt, fishing vest, and camo waiters!

Marilyn actually caught one in her hands but it slipped out before we could get a picture - so cool though and I'll definitely back that story anyday!

The male pink salmon have a humpback so they are called "humpy" we only kept two but they were fun to catch, although the females would start releasing their eggs on the shore because they thought they were going to dry so we tried to put as many back in the water as we could!

Then just yesterday I went to Jim's Creek up by the Knik Glacier where I learned to ride a dirk bike and we fished for Silver Salmon. We got there just about 30 min after things had really died down but we tried to wait for the next run. The people we were fishing by were so nice and we were all joking that it's when you're not paying attention - so I started into my tour guide speech for my friend Tyler about the Chugach Mountains and Pioneer Peak and then this guy jumped on my line. I was so excited I screamed then tried to back up and reel and everyone just started laughing because of my sudden change in topic and then I was laughing but praying I wouldn't lose the fish and finally I got him up on shore (silver's are fighters that's for sure). But I was soooooo excited to finally get a real salmon I want to freeze it and take it home but I don't know how it'll do and in the excitement I didn't even get a picture with Tyler but THANK YOU so much for taking me fishing and showing me all the great spots - couldn't have done it without you!

My First Silver Salmon - so proud, he really just jumped on my line!

Thanks again Tyler!

The View From My Office Window

2009-08-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

In all the excitement of my adventures off the train I haven't talked a lot about my work up here - and boy do I work hard too! I work for Royal Celebrity Tours part of the Royal Carribean family and we are the land portion of a two part cruise, so you either fly in and start inland and head to the ship or you start on the ship in Vancouver, BC and then travel through the interior of Alaska (Note - if you ever plan this trip I reccommend starting on land first, it's a long vacation and there is a lot to see that way you can rest and relax once your on board)!

My view for most of the day giving commentarty to the guests!

(I do actually have a head set so I can talk even if I'm eating downstairs)

So the company has many jobs the three main ones I deal with are (1) motorcoach drivers - they stay with their group the entire time, so nice because no luggage gets lost and they take such good care of you (2) Tour Directors - also with their group the entire time giving some commentary and answering questions as they travel, setting up excursions for their guests, making sure hotel accomadations run smoothly, and reccommend places to eat etc. and finally (3) Rail Crew - this is us we get to "host" guests for 1 and sometimes up to 3 legs of the land portion. It's a nice break from traveling by motorcoach and it's so beautiful with the windows even if it takes longer! We have 4 legs total from Seward up to Fairbanks = 470 miles, we only run to Seward and back however on Fridays then the other days we run N-S between Anchorage and Fairbanks so a 12 hour day with guests (3 groups for 3 meals = 4 hours each) and then a 14 hour day for us with prep work and clean up!

The bar area - it gets a little crowded at times!

Now on the train we have 4 positions (1) Host Guide - this is ME! I give commentary as we travel, help to seat people downstairs and help bus tables to get people down quickly (we have up to 80 people and only 36 seats downstairs), try to spot wildlife we pass - let them know as we approach any nests, answer questions, clean bathrooms, help guests use our elevator, take guests pictures, adjust the heating and air conditioning, sell items from the gift shop, and sometimes help deliver drinks. Basically I do anything to ensure that our guests have a good time. Their Tour Directors do come on board but we try to let them relax a bit while we host them as well. (2) Bartender - there is only one so 80 guests and they make all the specialty drinks, espresso's, smoothies, etc. It is crazy busy right at the start so I try to help when I can and we just ask people to be patient as we work as fast as "trainly" possible - oh yeah we have to deliver drinks on a moving train, most of us can do 6-8 and so far NO major spills! (3) Server - we have two for our dining room downstairs and they have about 2 hours of a constant rush getting drinks, food, and checks only to turn a table over as fast as possible and do it again. Then clean up and rolling silverware and restock - like I said we work hard! (4) Cooks - we also have two on board so they prepare all our food - they do a lot of prep work to help them out and we only have about 6 items on each menu so that is very helpful but they are master's in the kitchen and they have to help run dishes at the same time. Really everyone helps anyone else when they can and I have a pretty amazing crew - not a lot of drama at all this summer!

Our tables downstairs with exceptional meals - some say better than the ship!

Some of our crew out on the vestibule when we didn't have guests!

Ok well this is long enough -that's the basics of my job and it keeps me really busy, luckily on the train we only work 4 days on and every other week an extra 5th day and then we get time off so I've been able to have a lot of fun. And really the best part is the view from my office window - it has been an exceptional summer and I really don't get tired of my job the view is different from the spring until all the snow melted and now into the middle of summer and we are even starting to see some color change in the trees so I'm so excited for fall! This last week too we had an exceptional sighting of Mt. McKinley from the rail so here are just a few pictures of what I get to enjoy all summer long! I am truly blessed!

Mt. McKinley (Denali) from the East 20,320 ft.

The Chulitna River and passing over Hurrican Gultch - 296 ft. in the air!

Fireweed all over, it blooms bottom to top and then winter is almost here!

Random cabin up in the broad pass area!

Beautiful clear water at Indian Creek

Unfortunately the camera can't ever do the mountain justice it's just something you have to see for yourself and it was truly beautiful that day!

More Fun and Friends!

2009-08-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

This summer has truly been beautiful up here and I can't be more grateful for all the great weather, extra sunlight, AMAZING friends that I've met, and all the fun things I've done as well. I usually work 4 or 5 days a week so I try to use my time off to be productive and still go on some great adventures. So here are just a few of the things I've been up too.

Watching summer baseball games with work friends!

Fishing for Salmon - we didn't keep anything this day!

Shooting guns - all kinds it was great!

And learning how to ride a dirt bike - I only stalled it once and only almost killed us once, but not bad for my first time - of course next time I might prefer something a bit smaller!

All of these things of course done in an absolutely breathtaking place!

The Great One

2009-07-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

So the largest mountain in North America is here in Alaska standing about 20,320 ft. It is known as Denali or "The Great One" by it's native name or Mt. Mckinley after a reporter from New York boasting the campaign of President McKinley over support for the gold standard for this country. The name battle is still continuing to this day as they ask for the mountain to be returned to it's original name, but no matter what you call it - it is without a doubt "The Great One!"

Well today I used one of my excursions to go up to Talkeetna and take a flightseeing tour of the Alaskan Mountain Range and in particular Denali. What's even better is that me, and my two other co-workers with me got right on the next flight that even had a glacier landing, it was perfect. We've had some forrest fires in the area so it's been a bit hazy down in the valleys but after we passed the clouds at about 6-7,000ft the moutain peaks were out and were absolutely breathtaking.

We got to circle the mountains and see about 3 different glaciers and we even got to land at base camp for climbing the west side of the mountain (about 95% of the attempts are made from the west) and they just closed the climbing season - about a week early with these high temperatures lately - so our landing will be one of the last because the chances of crevases with dramatically increase. Needless to say the view was gorgeous and such a great experience, I'm so glad I went and I'll probably head back again this summer for just a flight seeing tour again because it was really that good! If you make it here to Alaska - K2 Aviation out of Talkeetna has to be on you list!

My first snowball here in Alaska at base camp on Khalitna Glacier!

A shot of base camp as we were taking off!

Also while we were in Talkeetna I purchased a moose nugget - that's right a painted piece of moose poop. The Moose Dropping Festival is this Saturday and they sell 3,000 tickets max and a white painted moose nugget is put in a bucket with a number on it - you buy the ticket for $5.00 and are given another painted nugget with a pin to wear on your jacket/shirt/etc. and then on Saturday the bucket is hung over a large bullseye and they release the bottom letting the nuggets fall. The closest nugget to the center gets $1,500, second place $600, third through eleventh $150, and the farthest away gets $300. So send out your good vibes for #1066 Saturday at 6pm Alaskan time as the nuggets drop, and if I win I'll never look at moose poop the same again!

Hiking and Fishing and Eagles - Oh My!

2009-07-09T01:18:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks I've tried a little bit harder to not only learn about Alaska but experience it as well. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous and just the last few days Anchorage was breaking temperature records with 80 degrees. So a few of the highlights of the last little while have been my time spent hiking and fishing.

A few friends and I headed down to Alyeska - the largest ski resort here in Alaska and went for a 5 mile hike which had this awesome hand tram at the middle and you had to pull yourself across the cable line over the creek (or you can just bring some strong and energetic boys who get so excited they pull you across too)! It was so beautiful and definitely an evening well spent.

Then this last weekend we went down to Homer, Alaska and went fishing for Halibut in the Cook Inlet - it was awesome we could actually see Mt. Redoubt the whole time (the volcano that "hiccuped" earlier this year. The fish were biting like crazy and they were down on this mound about 120 ft. below us so it was a nice workout to reel them in. The biggest one we caught was 33 lbs. mine was probably just 20 lbs. but that's ok because those are better meat to eat anyway. We caught our limit of 2 fish each quickly and were back to the cabin to clean and filet them then package them. 70 bags of Halibut! It was quite the day and we just had our first cookout tonight - so good, we cooked the Halibut cheeks in sprite and they call it "poor man's lobster" so that was fun too!

But the crazy story was the night before we went fishing in Homer we were down on the beach skipping rocks (the boy's favorite past time here in Alaska - I really like it too though!) and this duck was out in the water beyond us. Naturally the boys tried to hit it with their rocks but couldn't but then from behind us this bald eagle swoops down over the water and the duck has no chance it clutch's it out of the water and swoops back over us then proceeds to fly to the light post just behind us and pluck it's feathers and eat it! It was like animal planet right in front of us - super gross but we all couldn't look away, we watched him for like 30 min before we finally drove home. We saw tons of moose and eagles this weekend and it was such an amazing drive - seriously if you haven't been to Alaska yet, and the interior of Alaska, it needs to be added to the bucket list!

I Hear The Train A Comin'

2009-06-26T00:36:00.000-07:00

Well once again I chose a job where it's sink or swim, and at the start at least I was able to tred water. We trained for a week on policies, emergency procedures, etc. while us host guides tried deperately to learn everything about Alaska that we can. Honestly I feel like I'm back in college again only this time I deserve a degree or at least a minor in Alaskan History! What makes it harder is that there is not an "official" history book so sometimes I get conflicting stories and views of what really happened or numbers that aren't always accurate. However it's been great to learn so much about the rail line and events that happened here in this beautiful state.

Now at the same time that I'm learning about Alaska I wan't to also be experiencing Alaska but my group was able to ride the train to Fairbanks on training and then have a whole day to do tourist stuff before we headed back "live" or with guests. I absolutely LOVED panning for gold at the El Dorado Gold Mine (I panned - well Kyle the boy that helped me - panned $19 of gold flakes) then we took a river boat down the Chena River and stopping at a re-created native village and seeing the dog kennels of an amazing woman who competed in the Iditarod.

And one of the highlights of the week too was that Anchorage hosted the World Championship Beard and Mustache Festival so some of us went downtown to the parade and took pictures with some of the competitors and we even snapped a great photo with the two time champion of the freestyle division!

ALASKA

2009-06-26T00:16:00.000-07:00

I am in awe of Alaska right now - the weather has been beautiful, the landscape is breathtaking, the sun is always up it seems, and the people are friendly! It has been a great start. I had the only friend I knew up here take me around and introduce me to some people, my roommates are so sweet, I've seen moose and Mt. McKinley (or Denali as the locals call it), and we took the train for a practice run down to Seward - Alaska just keeps getting better!

And I celebrated my birthday here which is usually pretty chill but again I said the people are great I invited some friends from church to Moose's Tooth Pizza for dinner and 28 people showed up, after only being here 9 days so it was great to get to know them all and have a good time. On my actual birthday I was on the train but one of my favorite co-workers brought me a cake, it was so nice! So needless to say a great start to the summer!

Welcome to the Family Gage!

2009-06-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

My brother and sister-in-law were blessed with baby Gage Shaun Grimmett on April 23, 2009 and we couldn't be happier with this little guy! I was able to drive over with my family a week later and then stay in Portland for about 10 days before I started work in Alaska.

We got to go to the park as a family and Shaun and I took Maisey to Sesame Street Live downtown which was so fun. It was so great to spend time with my family, they are just so important to me and I love being with ALL of them and I only look forward to all the vacations, holidays, and quality time that we get to have in the future. I honestly feel like it's only getting better the older we get and I'm so glad that my siblings are some of my best friends and that I couldn't ask for a better sister-in-law and now the best niece and nephew! Love you guys!

That's What FRIENDS Are For!

2009-06-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

So needless to say I have the BEST friends, but I am truly blessed to celebrate that I have had four of my closest girlfriends for HALF of my life. We became complete as the Sullivan 5 the summer we were all 12 years old and we not only made it through Jr. High and High School we had so many GOOD TIMES! I was able to see ALL of them in the month of April and spend some quality time with them which was so nice. We are slightly in different stages of life and may live farther away then a 5 min bike ride but these girls are still my favorites and they have given me so much love and support and really are such a HUGE part of my life. DaNae, Celeste, Katelyn, and Lisa I LOVE YOU all so much! You are beautiful women and my best friends, thank you for your friendship it has blessed my life more than you will ever know!

On the Road AGAIN!

2009-06-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

After my last week in Arizona (and don't worry it snowed on me in April - if you can believe that) but I got the opportunity to drive home to Spokane with all my stuff. Now I really have come to appreciate road trips and I think driving can be very theraputic especially for myself having time to think and I do occationally just jam out to a song in the car by myself too! But if I was going to drive all that way you better believe I was going to see everyone I could along the way.

So thank you friends and family in Las Vegas, Provo, Salt Lake, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Boise, and St. John I know my visits were very quick but I had such a good time catching up and just being with you and laughing and visiting. I am so blessed by the friendships that are in my life and I couldn't ask for a better family as well, so thank you for making time for me and I'll hopefully see you all real soon again!

Back in Mexico

2009-06-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Ok still catching up but really quick - at the beginning of April I was able to go back down to Mexico with Kaiizen again and it was so good to see all my friends and ALL of the kids! They are so great and I just can't get enough of them. This was a small trip too and it was really weird not to know everyone before we went down but because they're were less people I got to talk to everyone and it was really fun being a bit behind the scenes for a trip.

Bombay wanted to paint my face and we got to color in the Nursery with the kids!

Plus I brought over two other trailwalkers from Arizona and we added another friend Justin in Huntington Beach. The highlights of this trip were definitely Disney murals in the Nursery, Fear Factor with the kids, Kaiizen Idol (Josh and I did a duet to "A Whole New World"), dancing with the kids, listening to the Kaiizen band play "Disturbia" - Budinger taught the kids while he sang, SO FUNNY! Teaching Chewy how to start a fire and just sharing the experience with both old and new friends! Seriously such a great trip and I'm sad I'm going to miss the next one again too but I'll find a way to get back down there after Alaska!

Matt and Jonathan taught fire skills and Justin and I helped too with the Little Mermaid mural!

Wedding and Snowmobiling

2009-06-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

So in February I had a two week break and I got to go home to Spokane to be with two of my friends as they got married. Congrats again Anna and Robbie I was so happy to be able to celebrate with you - and yes once I get married we can be "couple friends" too!

Karmen, Me, Annie, Kellie, and Katie

After the wedding I was able to go down to West Yellowstone and go snowmobiling with my friend Joe and his Uncle and cousin. Complete with great weather and a couple stops at the same Denny's - it was such a good trip!

Pics from Arizona

2009-06-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

My only picture on the trail, with Jonathan (day 15 for me!)

Doing what we do best on our off weeks - Kareoke!

Ramsy and I visited with Santa (notice the short sleeves in Dec.)

Went hiking with the crew to Camelback Mountain!

Trail Name

2009-06-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is something that I was gifted while I worked at Anasazi, I used in when I would make a speaking around the fire or in some of the ceremonies that we did as part of the walking in the wilderness. This is so special to me but I wanted to share it, it was given to me my second week and when they read it to me I couldn't help but cry because it was absolutely perfect! So here it is:

JANEL:

Through our walkings with you, we have seen and felt some of the many seeds of greatness within you. We have sat together and thoughtfully pondered these seeds of greatness and have decided to give you the Anasazi Trail Name. The name we have chosen for you is GOOD HEARTED WILLOW!

GOOD - When we think of good, we think of goodness, and we've seen the goodness within you. We have witnessed your selflessness on many occasions. Those that are selfless are good. We also have felt your strong desire to help things go right, so that goodness may abound all around you. We also wish that you always retain a remembrance of all the goodness the Creator has provided for you and those you love. We challange you to strive to emulate goodness in all you do.

HEARTED - We know you desire to have your heart in the right place. The location of the heart is the focal point of our thoughts, desires, and intentions. We've seen your intentions and desires manifested here on the trail, and we know you are in the right place. The heart is also a symbol of purity, and greatness, and we have witnessed these qualities within you. May you always keep your heart pure to be entitled to special awakenings that the Creator has for you.

WILLOW - According to native folklore, the Willow tree is reveared to be nurturing, motherly, thoughtful, wise, and kind. The Willow provides shade, comfort, security, and is giving in nature. Often times we see the Willow as a protected place to ponder. You also, Janel, like the Willow have these same attributes, and characteristics, for we have seen them. Continue to let them grow. There will be storms to face, and you may sway and bend as the wind blows harder, but you can always remain strong, as the Willow as you stay true to these values and characteristics.

GOOD HEARTED WILLOW we give you this name so you may have a belonging place within Anasazi. And we wish you will always walk forward in you life's walking and nourish all the many seeds of greatness within you.

We are honored to have walked with you!
(Given by: Eager Warrior of Light and Beautiful Firefly)

Anasazi Update

2009-06-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Wow I don't know how to do this but I've gotten way too far behind so this section will be just a recap about my time at Anasazi - a wilderness therapy program located in Arizona! Which is actually better because I don't think I could adequately express it in words!

Week 1: Moving/Training/First Week as a Trailwalker

I have never felt more alone in my life moving to an area where I didn't really know anyone and really the first time I had left my solid support group of constant friends/family! Out in the field I actually wanted to get bit by a rattle snake so I could "honorably" leave the trail. But I learned that I had come to grow and progress and that usually stems from hard things so I stayed on - probably the best decision I could have made.

Week 2: A Name and a Place

Well I walked with just one girl young walker this week and it was great how we connected. The hikes were still difficult but managable and I realized it's not even about the physical challanges at all but really tackling the emotional and mental challanges that plague our lives. (The copy of my name will be listed above - and it's perfect!)

Week 3: The Boys

My first time walking with boys I was nervous but the second night I made fire and they really appreciated me. My trailwalking partner was so great and we communicated so well - honestly every week I feel like I'm in a psuedo marriage and learn so much about relationships and families. We experienced the coldest night on the trail (frost on our sleeping bags at 8:30pm) and almost slept cold the next night but one of the boys made fire completely in the dark and that whole process will be one of my treasured memories from the trail.

Week 4: Anything you can do . . . I'll probably break my ankle

I walked with the boys again, I love talking to them/teaching them to respect girls and to be motivated in the important things in life (seriouslly they feel like little brothers). Well we had one INTENSE day to put it lightly and the storm was rolling in so we were trying to hurry and the last mile they all made a jump from this rock shelf over this 6 ft pond to keep hiking down the stream bed. My turn last and I lept for it and hit the sand bar only to hear the loudest snap come from my leg and I immediately collapsed. I was 98% sure I just broke my leg and started crying because I knew how difficult it would be to get me to a hospital from where we were. However we waited a few minutes and I was able to continue limping the last mile while one of my partners carried my pack. Not broken just a bad sprain and the boys were able to help me those last two days which brought us all closer together.

Week 5: Bring on the awakenings!

Without a doubt a week to remember, I was hiking on a sprained ankle my partner had a hurt back and we were with 4 girls. However once we got started so did my awakenings and as I shared them with my group I recieved so many more including such a peaceful experience while walking down to fill up my canteens (to be honest it was an awakening on marriage!). This was also my first week to name one of the young walkers and what a great experience - these girls and this week I will NEVER be able to forget!

Week 6: All Girls!

My first time walking with all girls and rather uneventful week except I hiked them about two days worth all at once and so they really showed their strength as I was not LOST but took them "another direction". Actually the highlight of the week was when after one firecircle we started into an improptu compliment circle where everyone gave a real heart felt compliment to EVERYONE - what a night!

Week 7: On my own!

Well I started off with one trailwalker/ she got pulled from the group (we only had 1 sinagua women - 18+ age group) then I walked with Phil my friend from Spokane, and he got pulled and finally I finished by myself. But we had great discussions about life, sang a little Taylor Swift and worked on our books and skills.

Week 8: Rabbit Stick

This was my second week on a double (I had one day inbetween) and so I got to do the intake for a young girl. The food was more limited which was even harder but so rewarding to teach her how to make fire and use her knife safely and get her ready for her experience out in the wilderness - I got to walk with her two more times so very fulfilling to see her walk through the program.

Week 9: Unexpected Turns and Rattle Snakes

Well the week started off great (walking with just one sinagua women) and we had some great conversations. Then day 2 my trailwalking partner fell and really hurt his back so we rested a day but he still couldn't move well, so we split up his pack and backtracked to get him out and some medical attention (my pack probabaly weighed over 60 lbs. that day!). Then I finished out the week again by myself but the conversations were great and the alone time actually let me think about A LOT of things. Also I was able to ready Elder Eyring's book "To Draw Closer To God" it was so great and really inspiring!

Week 10: Double the FUN!

Well I got a surprise at the end of week 9 - a girl had to stay out and it naturally fell to me so I accepted, my first honest double! But it led into probably my best week ever. The girls (ALL 5 of them) were great and we had some pretty hard things to deal with but we made it to our destination completely on their determination to push through sprained ankles and vomiting, etc. My trailwalking partner was absolutely amazing - so positive, we really shared the responsibilities equally, had great communication, was in tune spiritually, and we were the BEST team! After 16 days out in the wilderness it was so comfortable and I was actually sad to leave that week but was so thankful for everything that happpened!

Week 11: SNOW - Really?

It had to happen, I had a week were I really struggled. I knew it was my last and I was trying to be ALL there ALL week but we had a girl decide to sit in the worst place we could possibly be, people got sick (including myself), and a storm rolled in where it rained all night and then SNOWED in the morning - that's right in APRIL in ARIZONA! Luckily we were able to teach the girls to play mafia and had fun with them and sill talked during the day and worked on skills so we were productive but it was a struggle I won't even start to lie. Eventually I left with the girl that was in her Dawnstar (or last week) so I got to take her to her family camp and then walk her parents into her - SO REWARDING! Also I got to do her final ceremony and take her back into civilization - it was great because it was also my last week so I felt as if I was concluding my walking as well.

Honestly this is all just the tip of the iceberg for this experience, if you have any questions please ask and anyone who had four months to spare, it is a bit intense but so worth it and I know it is an extremely inspired program and the families that choose to walk forward it can really make a difference in their life.

I am Good Hearted Willow and I have Spoken!

Quality & Sleep

2009-02-17T22:12:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time Tuesday night right before I go back out to the trail to work for a week and of course I just flew back into town so now I'm running around trying to get everything ready and I haven't slept a lot in the past few nights trying to spend it with friends so I had to make an executive decision tonight I am going to sleep so I can actually do my job tomorrow and also so that I can ensure the quality of the posts that will follow next week when I get off. Hey I'll even add pictures to go with my updates to really make it worth it but here's the quick update:

- I got a job as a tour guide for the railroads in Alaska this summer and I'm moving to Anchorage beginning ish of May
-I am going on Kaiizen's April trip to Mexico (I've missed two in a row)
-April 17th I'll leave Arizona and I'll drive up through Vegas, St. George, Provo, SLC, Boise, and Portland before I head up to Alaska so if you have time and will be in any of these locations I definitely want to see you.
-I love you all very much, thanks for being patient and supportive!

A Long Time Gone!

2009-02-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

Well this is just a real quick apology - I have not updated my blog in a real long time mostly because I was having a hard time adjusting to the new life I had kind of chosen for myself and didn't want my friends and family to worry about me, however I learned that I do not just always have to have it together and there is so much about the last few months that I want to share so in the next few days I'll be updating my life until about now and sharing some of my fondest memories (Good AND Bad)!

Arizona Here I Come!

2008-10-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Well it's official I've finally made a decision with my life (well for now). I just got the call this week and am moving to Arizona to work with Anasazi, a program that hikes throught the hills of Arizona with youth that need to head toward a new direction with their lives. I'll be working as a trailwalker so hiking with them and helping to guide them around 12-35 miles a week. I work 8 days on 6 days off and I've very excited to work with this program and spend some time outdoors (maybe a little regrouping for myself too!). So if you ever come by Mesa in the next 8 months give me a call and I'll keep you updated on my experiences. Thanks for all the love and support over the past month while I've been figuring things out. Love you all!

Oh for more information on the program visit www. anasazi.org!

Viva la Mexico

2008-10-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well it was that time again to head down with Kaiizen to Mexico. This trip was great - we celebrated the Chinese New Year with activities, fortune cookies, and fireworks. We played with all the kids at the elementary school - jump rope, bounce houses, and tug-o-war!

Then at the orphanage we had all the boys go through this Ninja course and emerge with their own sword and bandanas, and we had activites to turn the girls into Asian princesses. Then of course we moved right into a marshmellow gun war which all of our shirts had these little residue circles and I'm sure I got so much spit on me - but it was way fun. After pizza dinner we headed out to the soccer court and lite off some fireworks we picked up in Nevada the kids loved it. Saturday we took the kids to see Beverly Hills Chiuchacha (spelling?) but so fun to listen to their little laughs throughout the movie. All in all it was a great trip and here are some pictures too - enjoy!

Damon and Nathan as they go through their Ninja training!

The battle lines are drawn for the Marshmellow war!

And the girls (with the help of Morgan) are ready to go - check out their costumes!

Me, Miriam, and Rachel walking around Ensenada after the movie!

Missionaries

2008-10-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today was bitter sweet, I got to go to the Missionary Training Center here in Provo and drop off my cousin (& best friend) Amy who is headed to the Texas McAllen Mission. She is going to be an amazing missionary but I'm not going to lie often times when I need to talk to someone or vent or tell someone how funny I was I call Amy. That's going to be the hardest part of these next 18 months is just not seeing her or being able to visit with her. Although I know the time will fly by and I'm so excited for her to embark on this experience - she'll help a lot of people.Hey it's me Amy I'm now officially at the MTC and leaving on my Mission!

Callie, Amy, & I - and yes we have plans to skydive summer 2010 when she's back!

Also since I was traveling when Ryan went into the MTC and since Wednesday is his Preparation Day where they get to do Laundry and write letters and what not I may have told him to look for us around a certain time so that I could see him one last time before he left for Mexico. And since his birthday was on Monday I may have brought him and his companion Cafe Rio and Mt. Dew. Happy Birthday Ry!

So good to see Ryan - he's just so grown up and really coming into his own - LOVE HIM!

Hermano Grimmett and Hermana Kolb I'm so proud of the both of you and I wish you the very best in your travels and experiences. I know Heavenly Father will bless you both greatly and I can't wait until we're all together again. Love ya!

The whole group at the MTC today Ryan, Me, Pam Holmes, Kaleb, Amy, Callie, Audrey, & Don

Girl's Weekend

2008-10-14T15:52:00.001-07:00

Well after coming home from all my travels I decided to drive home for the weekend to spend some time with my family (especially before Amy left on her mission) and the first weekend in October my mom's side of the family was having a girl's weekend so I drove on home.

I left Thursday afternoon and stayed up in Rexburg with Natalie & Keith and was also able to see Rachel & Heath who had just moved back and all of us girls met Stephanie J for ice cream that night. It was so good to visit with them but I was having such a good time and totally forgot to even snap a picture - but thanks girls for spending time with me that night.

Then I drove home on Friday headed to a hockey game with the fam and talked about what I want to do with my life (I constantly have about 3,000 thoughts racing through my head about this). Saturday we headed up near Priest River, ID to my cousins house for our girl's weekend. By 6pm everyone was there my mom and all of her 5 sisters, 9 of us cousins, and a few of the kids. It was so much fun we made dinner and just visited - looked at pictures and told stories, laughed at jokes and Amy and I got them all to watch Baby Mama at 1am. The next morning we made breakfast and visited some more and let me tell you my family has some great stories. It was actually so great and I realized this weekend that although every family is different, we are actually a pretty good time. So thanks Charity for sharing your lovely home and thanks to every one who made it a priority to come - this could be a great tradition!

Sunday after we headed home Amy and I hung out for a while until our lack of sleep caught up to us and Monday after she left I went over to visit my friends and their kids. First to see Celeste and her kids, they are getting so big. We watched a couple SNL skits laughed just like old times and had some lunch, by the way I LOVE the dresser that you stained. You are just amazing! Then Katelyn was in town visiting her mom with the girls so I got to go over and see them before they left - thanks for waiting. Lauren is so big now (3 yrs.) and just has so much energy and Brooklyn has this amazing red hair and was a bit shy but it was still so good to see them.

Celeste, Ben, & Me - Below is a picture of Lucy!

Katelyn, Brooklyn, Lauryn, and Me

I ended up driving back down to Utah through Boise and stopped for the night to see my Grandparents and some family. Then made it back in Utah just in time for Sarah's wedding reception and got a chance to see a bunch of the girls I went to New Zealand with. All in all it was a great trip and just helped me to kind of collect myself as I prepare to make some life decisions. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to visit!

London, England

2008-09-30T23:26:00.000-07:00

Our layover on the way home was in London, England. Chris's aunt and cousin met us at the airport and we all took "the tube" into the city. We walked around for about 5 hours saw Buckingham Palace, took a pic with a royal guard member, saw Big Ben, Parliament House, and just a bunch of stuff. We even went on a little boat tour which was very fun, the tour guide had a good sense-of-humor. I made sure to grab some fish & chips while I was there - so good!

Sorry my camera died so Chris took most the pictures that day!

Krugger Park, South Africa

2008-09-30T23:24:00.001-07:00

So after Swaziland we drove north back into South Africa and headed to Krugger Park. We stayed at a backpackers near the Crocodile River. Friday we went on a guided tour through the part - it has been experiencing a bit of a drought the past two years and they're heading out of winter down there so we stayed near the rivers and water features to see the most animals as possible.

We were mostly looking to see the Big 5 - these are the five most dangerous animals to hunt, which is how they got their title. They are the Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo (cape usually), Lion, & Leopard/Cheetah - these last ones are similar and usually are by themselves so pretty difficult to see but we were hopeful.

First thing we saw these Rhinos - right off the road it was awesome, then after about two minutes the one facing us stood up, turned around, and laid back down so both of their butts were toward us - it was pretty funny! And 1/5 on the Big Five!

Then we headed down to the hippo pool where we were actually allowed to get out of the car - THE #1 rule that we had to promise not to do, but we were accompanied by an armed guard. I guess hippos are actually the number 1 killer of people (apparently they are a lot faster than they look and also very protective).

Throughout the day we saw lots of animals here are some of my favorites.

The next day we drove our own car into the park and drove near a different river for half of the day - we saw more animals and even some Hyenas, this little guy actually came out to the road and was running around everywhere - they are pretty sick looking animals but I liked this one.

So we saw the Elephant, Rhino, Cape Buffalo, and Lion - the cheetah/leopard we could never find but since we saw this hyena I'm going to say we saw 4.5 out of the Big Five!

Moya Centre, Swaziland

2008-09-30T23:22:00.002-07:00

Josh had previously made a contact with this woman named Jane who runs an amazing center here in Swaziland. Her home is here and she has dedicated her time to really making a difference in her own community. When we met her I can just tell that she is always working hard and is constantly going, the first time we pulled up she was going to try to track down some kids that had run away.

A few of the ways she helps is by setting up gardens for the community. One is by the center itself and they use it as an educational garden and have a learning session with members of the community to come and learn how to grow different herbs and vegetables that they can manage. The center has also planted a large garden for one of the schools in the community so that they can feed the children and any extra produce they send home to their families.

Chris playing with the kids in the preschool - so shy around us at first but oh so precious!

Another big focus of theirs is working with child-headed households so children who's parents have passed away and left them alone or children who had been intrusted to their grandparents that have also died leaving them with no idea where their parents are. We were able to use $300 US to buy 15 packages of food for these type of household. The money went such a long way we bought (10 lbs bags of maize[corn], 5 lbs of rice and beans, sugar, salt, soup mix, oil, and some suckers) This totally loaded up the back of the Kia and Chris had some stuff falling on him as we made the drive - but it was completely worth it and I know Jane will make great use of the food.

While we were there we were also able to meet Nafumto - a 18 yr. old girl who is very smart. She want to go onto more schooling to find a good job but her family is experiencing great trials right now. Her mother, herself, a younger brother and sister had no place to live, so their grandma took them in. Unfortunately she recently passed away and they once again need a place to call home so that she can continue her schooling and soon provide for her family. She is so smart and will achieve great things.

Nafumto a girl with amazing potential and she deserves better!

As we asked her what will happen after the month of mourning they are allowed and where they will live she just looked at us and said "I don't know." Well it just broke my heart and Kaiizen committed that we will help to raise the $3500 US it will take to build them a two room house with a small cooking shelter out back so that Nafumto can go to school and then provide for her family without the stress of looking for someplace to live. If you would like to help at all please contact me and all donations will go to this family in need.

Swaziland Tour

2008-09-30T23:22:00.001-07:00

This was one of the best days we toured a rural chiefdom on the other side of the valley. Our tour guide Richard took us out to this area and we got on the ATV's and started along the roads. On our way down we saw a group of men skinning and butchering a cow (usually this is only for celebrations) and sorry Josh and Chris have more pictures my camera died this day - plus I felt awkward taking a photo of this but I'm glad Josh didn't.

Our first stop was at this local store that sells a few different items and of course soda and actually there is a little building next door that grinds up corn for people in the area at a small cost (the business man is definitely benefiting more though), anyway we met this little girl named Dolly - whe is 13 years old and slightly mentally handicapped but she can stay by the store keep the chickens out of the bags of cornmeal and when some women need to go into town she actually watches there children and shares a soda with them. She was playing with Josh and they were just being so funny - so I snapped a picture.

We then continued and visited different houses - next up was Evelyn she is such an amazing lady always working to tend her crops or animals, make her own ropes, thatch a roof, etc. This is where we had lunch which was taking a half an avacado, mixing it up with a little salt, pepper, and mayo and spreading it on a roll. She gave us a tour of her house the cooking hut, showed us how she hand grinds the corn with the stones. It was awesome and she is just so cute we were really grateful for her sharing a bit of her life with us.

We traveled to two other houses that day one family searches the mountains for these crystal rocks and sells them for 5 Rand = about 10 cents so we were able to purchase a few of those. Then we stopped by another house that grows quite a bit for their family. They have herbs, maize (corn), avacado, papaya trees and much more. Overall this day was awesome because we really got an overall feel for how the families in the rurual areas live.