It is not what brings us together today....

Today, my nieces, who are 5 and 7, decided they were going to try and find me someone to marry.

The options consisted of:
a few guys I am related to,
a few who are currently married,
and Justin Bieber.

Guess that didn't work out.
In all fairness to them...
none of my ideas have worked yet either.

and the search continues...

Just in case...

Never been hunting--not sure I really plan on going hunting but, just in case...I passed my hunters safety yesterday! Who'd have thought?!

Team Finish

TEAM NAME: Team Finish
OUR GOAL: To Finish

So, a few weeks back I was asked last minute to run in a half marathon relay. There were 3 of us running and the guy that asked me to run said he was willing to do either of the 2 legs left if I would do the other. There was a leg that was 4 miles and another that was 5.5 miles. I of course opted for the 4 mile leg since the race was in about a week and I had not run as much as I should have prior to then. He told me that there may be a few small hills in my section and I expressed concern about them if they were not small, he assured me I would be fine and that "it was not like I was going to be running up a mountain or anything." I ran hard for the next week, ran consistently and felt like I was ready to run my 4 miles.

Well, on Wednesday 3 days before the race my friend said he had gone to drive the course and check it out. He mentioned in the text that he could not lie and that I had some pretty serious hill climbing. I immediately panicked and went to check the course map and elevation change online. I only had one more day to run and was totally freaked out!!! Come to find out I was the first leg of the race. According to the map online the race began at Mountain Dell Golf headed up Emigration Canyon (which was sounding a lot like a mountain) and then back down and ended at the U of U. The end of the first 4 miles was at the peak of Emigration Canyon. MEANING---I would start 1,000 ft. higher in elevation than I had been running that week and would run about 1,000 ft. up from there. 1,000 ft. elevation gain over 4 miles did not sound good. The 5.5 miles going all downhill started sounding like a dream.

To make a long story shorter, I made it. I ran Thursday night on my treadmill at an incline for 4 miles trying to convince myself I could do it. I had hoped to drive the course prior to running it as well, but somehow never found the time...I think it was a blessing. If I had seen the course prior I would have completely psyched myself out. It is amazing what you can do when you know that 2 people are standing at the top of a 'mountain' waiting for you to get there and can't begin until you do. I prayed my guts out to make it up that mountain...I did.

Done and done!

THE FORCE

*I was driving down State Street and suddenly with my eagle eyes spotted a shampoo chair on the side of the road. You know I flipped around to check it out. It is in mint condition and now in the basement of yours truly! Free dollars my friends!!

*I was heading to the freeway to go to Park City when I came upon the chair. The bad news is as I was coming out of Parley's there was a Highway Patrol man, sitting in his usual place, waiting for someone to let gravity get the best of them. You guessed it...and the minute he pulled out so did I, I was history. That hill sucks! Bottom line, I was riding my brake and still got clocked at 83! The bad news is I really was going 83, no denying it, but so was everyone else. The speed limit--65. He came to get my lisence and registration and I was totally shaking as I gave it to him. I was imagining the bad news of a ticket going 18 over. The officer went back to his car for about 5 minutes. He returned and in all of his kindness let me go with out a ticket and just told me to slow down! Yippee!

TONIGHT THE FORCE WAS DEFINITELY WITH ME!

GrOw Up?!?

*Remember the time...

...my niece said.... "You know Julia, people that look like adults but, are actually just kids. Like you." ( I am guessing this stems from the idea that all of my brothers and sisters are married, have their own children they have to watch over and play with, and do not live in their parents house. I think in her eyes me and my four year old niece are pretty much in the same boat.. I just look like an adult.)

...I went to watch the same niece ice skate yesterday and decided maybe I should do some skating with her. My sister in law told me it was five dollars. So I took the five dollars up to pay my dues and the two ladies at the counter informed me it was only four fifty but, it was going to take a second cause they had to get out of the program they were in and switch to the register program on the computer. I was in a little bit of a hurry, I was only on my lunch break, and was pretty sure it was five dollars and I did not need change. I questioned them and said, "only four fifty.. you sure it is not five?" They kinda looked at me a little weird and said, "ya four fifty". I shot them another weird look and they then asked, in a confused tone, "well, how old are you?" With hesitance I answered.."27." I then paid my five bucks. Come to find out if you are 17 or under it is only four fifty.

The Blog

Not that I need to announce this in any way, shape, or form... because if you are reading this you are full aware, but, my blogging has gone down hill really fast. As a matter of fact I think half of my blogging efforts are me writing about not writing. I so love the blogging idea, in theory, I am just not very good at it. With that in mind...I am going to give it an effort to be better, if for no other reason than that I have never kept a journal for more than a short period of time and am trying to become better at it. As I look at my journals from when I was young, I would write consistently for a good week or even a month and then disappear for a good month, sometimes a year, or maybe two or three. I have the all time worst memory and as I look back on things I have done in life, or try to remember how I felt or what I thought at a certain time, it would be nice to remember, at least a little bit.

It has been a while...things keep happening..and I have not posted one darn thing

This post may be moderately...to extremely boring-- but it needs to be recorded. ***consider yourself warned

-I went to St. George with some friends a few weeks back and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a perfectly relaxing weekend and had some really good laughs! Much needed and equally enjoyed.

-I had the great opportunity of running The Race for the Cure. I love that race. It touched my heart to see so many people running in celebration and remembrance of loved ones. Most races I run for the race, hoping to better my time... that race I run merely for the awesome feeling it is to do so. LOVE IT!

-Lake Powell...need I really say more. Other than the occasional wind storm and a few other minor scares--I get nervous kinda easy.. working on that...I love Lake Powell. It is super relaxing, at least for me and my singleness with no children, yet at the same time plenty of great entertainment right at your fingertips. And who beat out everyone in the horse shoe tournament?! Yours truly!

-Me and 'America', meaning the voting (or not voting maybe) population of American Idol, are on a break, not really on speaking terms right now. Need I say more?! All cheesy goo aside, I do not care who you are, you can not deny that kid can sing, I mean really sing!!

-On a brighter note 'So You Think You Can Dance' started and I have zero complaints about that!

so ya know...

*These pictures have nothing to do with anything other than they made me laugh!

*My windshield wiper fluid is full... I got my oil changed on the weekend and they filled it right on up! Love that!

*Went on a walk with the ladies in the fam on Sunday and it was absolutely lovely.

*Pep is being the ultra mom (husband out of town, her 3 kids, and an extra 5 month old)--she is the bomb.com!

*Scott and Kat are not going with us to Lake Powell. I am not very happy about it to say the least!

*Cass got her hair cut and colored by yours truly. It is adorable.

*Oh, the weather! LOVE IT!!!

*Went running last night-- the weather was perfect.

*Bore my testimony on Sunday...felt good... should do that more often.

*I could really like this new pair of Keene's...trying to resist the purchase.

*Played ultimate frisbee and a serious game of capture the flag last night. It was good times, just got a few minor abrasions from the event.

*And so ya know... I realized once again on Sunday that I may or may not have the cutest nieces and nephews, well, ever!

Spicing up Stake FHE

Really?!? What could be better than a singles stake talent show?! I am sure your thoughts are--- probably just about anything-- except for when I am in it...and dancing to the SpIcE GiRls!!! Not going to lie--pretty much good times. Loved it!

Kip and I both love technology!

Yipee!!! I may or may not have purchased a computer this week. Kinda excited about it! Maybe it will help me get into my blogging mojo---that is banking on the idea that I have a blogging-mojo in me somewhere, not sure I have experienced it yet.

So Ya Know...

*I watched the finale of the Biggest Loser last night and it was absolutely inspiring. It is amazing the things that you can do when you decide you can and put your mind to it! Ali is the freaking bomb.com

*The Jr. High School Musical was a roaring success! Loved it...just missed it a whole lot! Good work Nat and Lisa!

*Not sure what is up with the weather?! Monday was beautiful and then...well, Winter decided to grace us. I guess I should look on the bright side...we could have not experienced the beauty of Monday.

*I met a guy from Africa that I am... (I know you are hoping for some good dating news right here---do not get your hopes up--- trust me I wish that is what I was about to tell you)...hoping to share the gospel with.

*I am seriously contemplating chopping my hair this week...I have thought about it a thousand times before but I think it may really be time.

*My cousin just got back from his mission in Florida, I got to hear him speak on Sunday...he has some physical trials that I think would make serving a mission more difficult than for most, but he showed so much faith in his Savior. It helped boost my faith in him as well.

*Started getting more information on my High School Reunion-- 10 years really?! So not ok---I gotta find me a husband!

*Hmm... I gotta go golfing!

ThE PuBlic LiBraRy!

I can not count how many times people have asked me what it is that I do and I wished that I could have their facial expression on camera. When just getting to know someone and they ask this question, I have gotten many a weird look when I answer that I am a full time librarian and a part time hair dresser. Somehow, people just don't seem to think the two fit. Well, what is nerdier than any of this??? Quite possibly that there were some sort of celebrations with cake, ice cream, and lunch because I have been at the library for ten years today! I have not quite decided if it is a good thing or bad! I guess it could be far worse, I could have the same job title and pay I started with... that would be bad! Luckily that has all changed a few times. Anywho, bottom line... I aM GrAtefuL fOr mY JoB!Grateful I have a job, it is a low stress job, I feel comfortable and competent there, I like the people I work with (all sooo different from me, but help me to be more accepting and less judgemental of all those around me), they treat me well, I kinda like that if when I am gone for a few days things are a bit out of control--makes me feel sort of needed, I make enough to pay for what I need, and I do not have one thought about my work once I leave there--- I can fully leave my work at work. I may dread it from time to time... it is work...but I truly am grateful, for so many reasons, that I have it.

Nay, Speak No Ill

Let's just say, today while I was at church and we were flipping through the hymnal looking for a song to sing in Sunday school, this is the hymn I suggested. To you it may say 'NAY, SPEAK NO ILL'.... but to me, in all seriousness, I requested, luckily to only a few, "Nay, Speak Number 3!!!"

SO YA KNOW...

...first off, anytime I begin with this heading I become aware that I pretty much only use it when I have too much to say and have been a blogging slacker!
...I went to the Disney Princesses on Ice and it was a super great time. My cute nieces were both feeling a bit under the weather which was unfortunate but we loved it none the less. Natalie knew exactly what every song was from, for example a song from Mulan came on and she informed us that is was from Mulan 2. Very insightful I would have never known a '2' even existed
...My nephew Ezra is still adorable--I actually think he is getting more adorable as the days go by
...Spring has sprung it seems, at least most of the time, and I love it.
...I bought a pedometer. Linds has been the walking/moving queen as of late. She is in some competition for school and she is gung-ho(is that a word(s)?!...either way I am sure I spelled it wrong). It has inspired me
...got to color Easter eggs last night... I love coloring Easter eggs. I attempted to create the Backyardigans. It was good times
...playing "kick ball" with Bentley brightens my day.
...in less than a week I should have $0 on my credit card and the proud owner of a new laptop
...Startstruck performed at a fundraiser for Best Buddies and they were adorable. Got to walk a 5k for the event...made me excited for some summer running
...I am not posting my typing score due to the fact that my high is shameful --linds and kelly are nuts!
...I may or may not hear the golf course calling my name. And even better I have 10 free rounds! THANKS MOM AND DAD
...the local Jr. High is putting on a show. I have co-directed it the last 3 times it has been done. Not going to lie...uber jealous and I totally miss it
...life is good.

so ya know...

...windshield wiper fluid may just be one of the best things ever. I absolutely can not stand to have a dirty windshield. The worst are days when the snow is melting so the car in front of you is constantly throwing stuff at your windshield-- but not enough that it gets really wet, just dirty. When I drive with some one else I always seem to wonder how they can handle their windshield with spots on it. The slightest thing on mine, drives me nuts. ---oh and the other day, not sure if anyone else noticed, but something that came out of the sky was like a big mud speckle rather than snow or rain.

...book club was once again a hit. The book we read "Left to Tell" is one of my new favorites. It was very humbling and inspirational. If you have not read it I highly recommend that you do. I am amazed at the things that go on in the world that I know little to nothing about.

...I got the best looking elephant from my friend Karla last night. It is made of, well-- I am not sure, maybe wicker. Any who, I actually have a smaller version of the elephant she gave me and now they are like a little elephant family...love it.

...the way the weather looks, maybe not so much feels quite yet, is making me excited to bring out the Buddy. (my amazing scooter)

...right now at this moment I am grateful for the comfort of my favorite jeans (these pants really deserve a post of their own, so.... to be continued)

...sometimes it seems that I can not find good balance. For instance, if I focus on something in my life specific that needs improvement-- something else that I was doing at least mediocre at starts to slip. I have got to figure this out.

...it occurred to me last night at book club, while thinking about a part of the book we discussed, that maybe many times that I pray for things and do not seem to be finding the answers that maybe the Lord has placed me right on the road to finding them but, I am not walking.

...in a world of counting calories---Diet Coke brightens my day.

a small nudge...

Alright, the reality of the situation is as follows: I have absolutely nothing exciting, or non-exciting for that matter, to blog about but, I am sick of seeing those stupid cheeseburgers every time I get on the computer!!!

As I was just sitting here thinking about all that I could or could not blog about I came to recognize that there are a lot of things that I take for granted or fail to see the good in, on a regular basis.

1. My flat iron (every time I blow dry my hair I ponder what life would be like if I had to go out in public looking that way)

2. My job

3. Parking in the garage

4. Shoes (Honestly ---meaning, yes shoes so I do not have to go bare, but really multiple pairs i.e. Which brown pair should I wear?)

5. Advil

6. My ward (as I was actually typing this I had a little bit of a cringe... the idea that I am in a student ward means I am not married and it is the constant singles scene. Not exactly what I would say I dream of in life right now but, very much so SINGLE is my situation and I am very grateful I have somewhere that I can go to church, feel the spirit, and not feel completely out of place)

7. Elastics and bobby pins

8. Cell phone (remember as a kid when you would have to call collect for a ride home... we would always say a whole sentence when you were supposed to say your name.... "come and get me at the mall")

9. Coordination (I am not the most coordinated person in the world but, I am grateful I can do a jazz square or throw a ball if I want to)

10. The internet (sounds a little silly but, sometimes I find myself being frustrated that ours won't work right when I want it to or how much crap is on the internet now but, never stop to think about when so much information was not right at our fingertips---the communication possible, email, BLOGS, Google, paying my bills online, so so many things---YIPPEE for the world wide web)

11. Windshield wiper fluid

12. Under armour

13. Deodorant (a little awkward but, I forgot to put some on the other day and quickly recognized how grateful I am for it)

...I guess that is enough for now but, grateful for the small nudge to remind me how much I have.

Bringing it back!!

The only thing important about this picture or post are the earrings me and Kat are sporting. My mom hand painted these in the early ninties and sold them at The Quilted Bear. We are thinking about bringing them back. We even had shirts to match...

....the answer is NO. I know your next question was can you still get yourself some? Sorry... they were a limited edition!

hmm...

A few thoughts (this is so not like me but, I am going to give it a try)...

-Why is it so hard to motivate myself to run when I LOVE the feeling I get when I do?
-I kinda had a bad attitude about working Saturday rather than Friday on a holiday weekend but, now I am kinda grateful cause it seems a little like I get two weekends.
-Single Awareness Day or if you rather, Valentines Day...yep, still pretty much sucks.
-Working at a library I come in contact with soo many interesting and weird people...I shouldn't judge, maybe I am one of them.
-Colbie Caillat is pretty much amazing...singing is her thing and she does it well--LOVE IT.. putting on an entertaining concert-not so much. I have come to realize there are not many artists that I think have an amazing talent for singing live as well as entertaining. I have a greater appreciation for those that can do both.
-People make dating and falling in love look so easy.... HOW?!
-Calorie counting--- the joy of my life.
-My nephews and neices may or may not be the best thing ever.
-My sister who is over 4 years younger than me is having child number two in less than a month... kinda scary... but could not be more excited for her. She is a wonderful mom and wife--- hope to someday be as good as she.
-I am on the look out for a good pair of red shoes so if anyone sees any great hits let me know. I have decided everyone should have a pair of red shoes.
-I love the mountains, they are beautiful. When I see things like the mountains... or the ground with fresh snow... it makes me wonder how people could ever believe God does not exist.

TAGGED...

10 Years ago:

Really... so not ok... I was a senior in high school. I had some really cool bangs, big hair, and a whole lot of layers. I drove this sweet white Dodge Aries, that I inherited from my grandpa, which should in itself say enough, but is a wonderful explanation of how I got the guys. We called it the SUB-ZERO cause the window got busted out and the heater sucked. Thought I was in love with my high school boyfriend-- well, at least every other week. That is probably enough on that... senior year... good times!!

5 things on my to-do list today:

1. clean out my car
2. cut hair
3. run
4. trim my bangs
5. put my laundry away

5 Snacks I enjoy:
(ok let's be honest-- maybe I should just put 5 snacks I do not enjoy that is far easier!)

1. licorice (black or red)
2. cinnamon bears
3. dots
4. valentines small gummy hearts-- cherry?!
5. fig newtons
6. caramel popcorn (made by my dad)
...did it say 5?

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire:

Buy a house, TRAVEL, pay off my car (or let's be honest trade it in and get something sweet), pay what needed so my parents could go on a mission, pay my tithing, donate to charity, you know I would buy some (meaning multiple pairs of) shoes, invest some, who knows... First thing I should do is get an accountant and some one to make me control myself.

3 of my bad habits:

1. Procrastinating
2. SNOOZE!!
3. Lack of patience


5 places I have lived:
(this question sucks)

1. Jamaica St.
2. LaSalle Dr.
3. Kalia Cove
4. Kamas, UT
--that about sums 'er up--I gotta branch out!

5 jobs that I have had:

1. Papa Murphy's
2. Hair Dresser
3. Librarian
4. Oakcrest Girls Camp Counselor

5 Things people don't know about me:

1. I love to pick at things... anything... you name it I will pick at it. I was that kid who put glue on my hand and let it dry just to pick at it. Peeling skin--deluxe. Scabs are also bad news.
2. I can fall asleep in a few short seconds...anywhere. I have a very hard time getting through any TV show or movie without falling asleep.
3. I must go to the bathroom right before I go to bed. I mean if I even so much as start talking to someone for a second or stop to put something away, between going and getting in the bed, I must go in and go again.
4. I love galoshes or wellies. I own three pair. I had to buy my first pair out of state cause you could not find them anywhere. Funny thing is you see them all over the stores right now but I never see anyone wear them-- I think I am the only one.
5. I love quotes and quote books. I heard of someone who started a blog just of quotes.. I may have to do it. I collect all of these quotes or hear them and write them down but have no organized way of keeping them. I have 3 picture frames in my bathroom that I have dismantled a quote book and switch the quotes out every so often.

....I tag Katrina---Pepper ---and Cassie