curve ball, some changes

What a whirlwind week it has been. I feel like I was picked up in a tornado, spun around a few times and put back on the ground.

I have some news. I am returning to Connecticut at the end of August. This week I got a call from my old employer who runs an a nanny agency in Connecticut telling me about an opportunity to work for one of her friends. Most of you who read this blog, know that I am a nanny by profession. At first I had dismissed the call, until I realized it was an answer to the prayers I'd been saying in the past month. Lately the future, particularly my economic future has been weighing on my mind. I was getting anxious at the fact that I will have student loans coming out of grad school and no gaurantee of a job, especially not in Utah where it seems that everyone wants to be a teacher. Last time I checked the districts out of curiosity there was nothing. Here in Utah I am working for an AMAZING family, so I kept dismissing the promptings that I need to really find something where I can save as much money as possible. I am making an ok salary, enought to pay my bills but there just isn't enough to put any sort of significant amount in the bank for savings and in this economy, it just makes me nervous. I'd been attending temple sessions, pondering, and praying in search for answers this past month. Monday evening I had a dream that I was talking to my old boss and she was telling me about some lovely families who needed nannies. Not even a joke I woke up to an e-mail from her asking me to call. That was Tuesday, and I interviewed with a new family that evening. After speaking with the family and working out logistics, and a couple of talks wih my parents and prayer, I decided to accept the position. It wasn't easy though, because the people that I work for in Utah are so kind, generous, and such examples to me. I will be sad to leave them. I have to be strong though and realize that I have done this before and still have great relationships with all of the families I work for. I love the kids I have been blessed to watch over the years with all of my heart. I also have to recognize the positive impact having a large savings will have on my future.

As for grad school, I will continue with my master's degree but will be switching to Early Childhood Education. My undergrad is in Human Development and Early Childhood so I feel like this will be a comfortable degree for me and one that I can build upon my experience. I don't know that I will be pulled away from nannying to teach pre-school. I am quite comfortable as a nanny, but it will be nice to have the qualifications and I am happy with being able to get my teaching certifications in Connecticut as it ranks in the top three states in the Nation for education.

As for the dream...I know it sounds random, but the next step after grad school will be Culinary School. The ultimate career goal for me is to have lots of little aspiring chef's busy in a kitchen classroom, and I am their teacher. Some day!

I am always amazed at the curve balls in life. The quick and sometimes not so quick decisions to make, and the answers to prayer we recieve. I am truely blessed, and very fortunate. With all of life's opportunity, I really do feel like, the luckiest girl in the world!

2 down, 48 to go!

A couple of weeks ago, I completed my third half marathon, second in the USA. I am one step closer to reaching my goal of running in every state in the nation. The Jackson Hole, Wyoming half marathon was well, quaint. I don't know that I would recommend the organization as most runners couldn't find the start line because it wasn't where the website said it would be, however, I would definatly recommend the scenery. There were about 150 runners and most of the race took place on a bike path which is set alongside the mountains and at a couple of points crosses the Snake River. I didn't train for this race as well as I would have liked, but I finished. With each finish it pushes me to do more, and to run harder. I enjoy that feeling so much! For sure I stopped for a Bear Lake Raspberry Shake on the way home and was glad I did it! Still deciding which race to train for next!

a little excitement

Ok, so this is not THAT big of a deal but I am finally headed to a different city for some play time. You know me...I am a travel bug and I get the itch probably more frequent than most. I am headed to St. Louis at the end of the month to visit a friend. I haven't heard a lot about this city, so if anyone has ideas on places to see, things to explore please comment and let me know! Hope you all are having a great summer!

some honest venting

Ok, this is mostly for my lady readers, because I know some of you are going to understand what I am saying and feeling. Let me preface by saying most things in my life are going well...so don't be worried that a couple things are weighing on my mind. I just feel like expressing what I have felt lately.

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do to improve it's not good enough? I have been feeling like this, especially when it comes to my own body. I understand that I am a child of God, I understand that my body is a temple. But do I love the body I was given all the time? Not so much.

I feel like my body is the one thing holding me back from my potential. I excercise nearly everyday, whether running, swimming, hiking, rollerblading or going on walks. I eat lots of fruits, vegetables and proteins. But it doesn't seem to make any difference. I usually only eat desserts on occasion, but it feels like I shouldn't have any. I gave up all types of soda and juice completely and only drink water. No matter what I do, my body stays the same or seems to be the thing that isn't great. Sometimes I don't like my body at all, and I get embarrased to see people that I haven't run into in ages. I want different arms, a new stomach, leaner legs, leaner everything and a more defined collar bone.

I sometimes am upset that I was given this body. I wonder why I didn't get the ballerina frame or the gymnast muscles, or the nice jaw line or the fast metabolism. But after thinking that, comes the guilty feeling that I should love the body I was given because it is healthy and God created it. I feel like I treat my body well, why can't it treat me well? Isn't this supposed to be a give and take relationship?

say what you will

about Michael Jackson's recent years, but I still think he's one of the most talented people that ever lived!

zions national park

Sometimes it's easy to take for granted our beautiful surroundings. These pictures are long overdue, but Camille and I had a great hike in Zions National Park. It's such an overwhelmingly stunning place and I am so glad we made the trip there. Utah's natural beauty is definatly something to take in and take advantage of.

thought this was awesome, and just thought i'd share

Stand By Me

bryce canyon

Camille and I decided to go on a little roadie this weekend to some of Utah's spectacular National Parks. I take for granted how extraordinary the state I live in is sometimes. The pictures may not do it justice, but it's worth a shot. Out-of-town-readers...next time you come to the USA or Utah, you must give me a shout and I will gladly take you here for some hiking and some of the most picturesque nature you have ever seen!

i love people...

I have a lot of thoughts swarming around in my head at the moment, but I will just share the main one for now. This past week I have been thinking about the people in my life alot. Well, actually I was inspired by a new friend who was telling me how he enjoyed people. And I can attest to you that this friend unconciously spends his days making those who cross his path happier and more confident. Some of the people I know, I have been friends with for twenty years, others...a couple of weeks. I have come to realize that I just genuinly love being around, meeting, entertaining, conversing with, and even watching people. When I lived in New York, often times while taking a Subway, I would watch the people that stepped on and off and wonder what thier lives were like. I love people because they are shy. I love people because they radiate joy and sorrow and excitement. I love people because they express emotions in general. I love my friend Shelly because she has an office voice and never fails to make someone feel comfortable. I love my friend E because she speaks with grace and intelligence and wears clothes to match. I love Camille because she doesn't ever quit at anything and can't talk and laugh at the same time. I love my dad's stunning perfect smile and how my mom wraps bundt cakes in clear celophane and ties cute bows around them and gives them away. I love Amanda's tell it like it is attitude, my boss Julie's sweetness, and Angeline's elegance. If you are not mentioned by name in this post, it doesn't mean that my love for you hasn't entered my mind, because as I think about all the people I have had the pleasure to rub shoulder's with in my 28 years, I am overwhlemed at how lucky I have been. I am so incredibly blessed with meaningful friendships, a loving family, engaging aquaintances and even strangers who influence me every single day.

i. love. people.

not to brag but...

I'm pretty positive I have the best mom in the world...and to confirm it, she was nominated and did recieve the "Mother of the Year Award". She's all over the TV, I'm so proud! Click HERE to watch my mom on Television.

How cool is that?

happy mothers day

to the greatest lady I know....

LOVE YOU MOM!

What should I make for Mother's Day Dinner?, I was assigned to dessert!

salt lake marathon and a new goal

I don't have pictures of me in the marathon because well, I was running (or just trying to finish rather), but I wanted to say that I had a great time running the 1/2 Marathon on Saturday in Salt Lake. This is only my second race. Last year I did one in China. But I learned something, I love to race! So remember how sometimes I get crazy ideas? Well, at about mile 8.5 I was thinking of some goals that I wanted to set. I got what they call, "runners high" and found myself just running freely and happily (it lasted til about mile 11 where I started slowing down and hitting my "wall", but anyways...my thoughts turned to doing more racing. I am still kind of young, pretty healthy and I felt strong. So, I have set a new goal to run a marathon in all fifty states! I am excited about it for a couple of reasons. 1. Because I love to travel and would like to see parts of the country that I haven't been to, and 2. Because it keeps me motivated and I have no excuse not to stay fit.

So, that's it! All I need now is some friends to join me in the journey, was getting pretty bored running by myself on Saturday. Hint Hint. Wink. Wink.

pretty unique, but pretty funny

I was recently introduced to The Flight of The Conchords from New Zealand. They are probably an aquired taste for most, because they use the kind of humor you have to you know..."get". It's not typical kind (just like The Office), but I have found myself laughing out loud several times while I watch thier stuff...these two guys are just so random. This clip is about how love is like tape, sometimes it breaks off or finishes before you are done with it. lol.

the tulip festival

So tulips are my favorite flower! If they weren't before, today changed my mind! My Mom, Shelly and I went to Thanksgiving Point to the Tulip Festival today and it was gorgeous. It took me back to my time traveling to Holland with Camille and looking out the train windows and seeing tulips for miles! There were even daffodils and blossom on the trees which made this spring experience even more delightful! The pictures are self explanitory so I will just let you enjoy the flowers as much as I did. I even bought a bunch to match our kitchen! So fun!

short and blond

Alright Blogger Buddies...you voted...short and blond! And here is the result! I was a little nervous to chop off the long hair that took me so long to grow, but I am quite happy with the result. Kirsten at Studio L did a great job!

i love this so much!

Let me once again bring you some music and brag about my talented friends. Jon Schmidt doesn't know me by name, but Steve Nelson (the one playing the cello) and I are like brother and sis. He's the brother of Camille who I have mentioned several times in recent posts. So anyway, you HAVE to watch this if you love Cold Play's "Viva La Vida" and Taylor Swifts "Love Story" as much as I do. It's absolutely brilliant! Bravo Steve, Bravo Jon...sooo much talent! Love you!