2020 in Review

Well... I didn't make any goals for the year... mostly I just tried to survive, with the rest of the world. ;)  I never could have imagined all that the year would bring.  It wasn't easy, but I was blessed and learned a lot.  It's been interesting to go through a global challenge, but realize that it (and other concerns) created different problems for each of us.  While I'm more grateful than ever for health, a home, a supportive family, food to eat, work to do, good friends, peaceful retreats to the mountains, technology that's helped us stay connected, and the direction of the Spirit, 2020 was kind of a lonely year.  I have a new appreciation for many of the simple and most important blessings in my life.  Here are a few highlights....

Things I Learned

During this unique year, I've been reminded of the importance of:

• recognizing the tender mercies of the Lord 
• being humble
• listening to the voice of the Lord and His Spirit
• studying His words
• listening to others
• seeing people
• being kind
• caring
• looking to God
• praying and fasting
• being patient
• continuing on, pressing forward with faith
• coming unto Jesus Christ and believing in Him
• remembering and trusting that we are in the Lord's hands
• remembering Him (and that He has not forgotten us)
• expressing gratitude 
• giving compliments
• praising God
• being still and quiet
• learning from the journey and any challenges that come
• seeing the good and being the good
• appreciating and feeling connected to generations gone before
• working and waiting
• being united even when we're different and far away
• building and maintaining relationships
• reading good books
• having good conversations and discussions
• visiting beautiful and peaceful places

Family / Relationships
Grandma Kunzler passed away on January 9.  It was a real blessing (more than we knew at the time) to be able to be together with all of her posterity in January to celebrate her life and goodness and remember the things she taught us--love the Lord, love each other, love truth.  Beginning in March, I was grateful for weekly family Zoom calls, as well as outdoor adventures scattered throughout the year.  Even the drive-by visits were nice.  I got to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with my parents in St. George which was rejuvenating.  I was grateful for regular walks and some hiking trips with friends, as well as a weekly Come, Follow Me study group via Zoom.

Traveling
I missed traveling this year, but luckily I didn't have any plans to go anywhere when the year started, so there was a little less disappointment.  I did get my passport renewed in January, so I'm ready to go when I can again! ;)  Even for an introvert, it was a little claustrophobic to be home so much, but I'm more grateful than ever for my warm and comfortable home, as well as good books and hiking trails.  I'm grateful to have traveled so much last year and look forward to seeing some new places someday (maybe Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Croatia, Thailand, Patagonia, Machu Picchu, and Mt. Kilimanjaro).  

This year, getting out of the house consisted of:

• The office - I was still there in person almost every weekday.  I shifted from Trax to driving to work in March and was grateful for more time in the mornings and less traffic.  I was grateful for chances to observe the construction progress at the Salt Lake Temple.  It really has been a unique year on Temple Square.
• The mountains - I love the mountains.  Even with more people on the trails, I found beautiful places of solitude and peace in some favorite spots--Albion Basin, Willow Heights Lake, Mill D, Lake Solitude, Dog Lake, Timpanogos, the Suspension Bridge, and the Draper trails.
• St. George - I made it to St. George three times this year--Father's Day weekend, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I'm grateful for a place to get away and relax and be with family.

Reading
This year I read the Book of Mormon three times.  It was such a blessing to study this incredible book this year!  I can't think of anything better to help put life into perspective and deal with the daily challenges.  This year, I was particularly looking for "the great things the Lord hath done... the covenants of the Lord... and Jesus--the Christ, the Eternal God."  I found that and more!  

The Lord is mindful of all of His children--from Lehi, Nephi, Laman, Lemuel, Jacob, Enos, King Benjamin, Zeniff, Abinadi, Alma, Alma the Younger, Amulek, the sons of Mosiah, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and their sons, Helaman, Mormon, the Brother of Jared, Ether, Moroni, Joseph Smith, to each one of us.  He guided them in the wilderness.  He guides us.  He provides commandments, prophets, His Spirit, light, peace, strength.  We can believe Him and trust Him and follow Him.  He keeps His promises.  He is with us.  If we will listen, see, open our hearts, give place, seek diligently, choose Him, wait for Him... He will be there.  All things testify of Christ.  All that is good comes from Him.  Jesus Christ is THE way, the truth, and the life.

One of my big takeaways and something I look forward to studying further next year is the constant invitation to "come unto Christ."  What does that mean?  How do we do that?

In addition to this study, I read 95 books. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order):

• Saints, Volume 2
• The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Neil L. Andersen
• The Millennial Messiah by Bruce R. McConkie
• The Gateway We Call Death by Russell M. Nelson
• Eve and Adam by Melinda Wheelwright Brown
• Finding Christ Through the Book of Mormon by Susan Easton Black
• What the Scriptures Teach Us About Adversity by S. Michael Wilcox
• What Seek Ye? by S. Michael Wilcox
• The Founder of Our Peace by John Hilton III
• The Power of Stillness by Jacob Hess, Carrie Skarda, Kyle Anderson, Ty Mansfield
• I Saw a Pillar of Light by Robert L. Millet
• Almighty, Redeemer, and Spirit by David Butler
• Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times by Jonathan Sacks
• The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
• You're Not Listening by Kate Murphy
• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
• The Great Influenza by John M. Barry
• Real Change by Sharon Salzberg
• Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
• The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King
• The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner
• While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin
• If I Were You by Lynn Austin
• A Light to My Path by Lynn Austin
• What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
• The Other Side of the Bridge by Camron Wright
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba
• Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown

I was also grateful for those who recognized and shared goodness this year.  With so much that was negative and discouraging, there were many that shared hope in large and small ways.  Those examples in word and deed were inspiring and encouraging to me.

Learning / Service
I learned a lot this year and have a new appreciation for challenges others face.  I found that I needed to be more intentional with service this year.  I could have done more, but I found meaningful one-on-one opportunities to reach out to neighbors and friends and family members, as well as spending time learning about others' trials and giving where I could.  

• Temples - This year I attended the temple regularly in January, February, and March. Since then I have really missed attending the temple, but I appreciate its blessings and peace even more. 
• Service - While I couldn't be at the temple, I made an effort to index more and participate in family history work, part of which was helping to type up some of my Dad's harvested memories, which was really fun.  I have a renewed commitment to consistently write in my journal.  I spent time listening to friends.  I spent time reading and learning about people and organizations that need help.  I'd like to do more next year.  I recognized even more the sacrifices and generosity of others and the small things that people do to lift and inspire others.  I'm grateful for these examples and hope to better express my gratitude next year.
• Church - I enjoyed teaching Sunday School again this year--two classes in person and three classes via Zoom.  My testimony of and love for the The Book of Mormon has grown.  I know this book is the word of God, it brings us closer to Him, and was written for our day.
• Fitness and Nature - Hiking and walking were lifesavers this year.  I tried to avoid weekend hiking crowds, but long summer nights were a great time to explore and find peace.  I worked hard to try to keep myself and others around me healthy.  I hope to work on being even healthier next year.

I'm grateful for all that I've learned this year and am looking forward to a brand new year to keep learning and growing.

2019 in Review

2019 was pretty great! I accomplished some goals, learned some things, grew a bit, had some fun, and also found new opportunities and direction along the way. Here are a few highlights....

Family / Relationships
I loved spending time with family this year and had quite a few chances.  

• Although I missed the spontaneous family trip to Disneyland in April, I did get to spend a weekend in Carlsbad in March with Matt's family.  
• I made a weekend trip up to Washington at the end of April to see Josh and Kirsten and the Skagit Valley tulips.  
• Many of us gathered together in Utah at the beginning of May to celebrate Grandma Morgan who passed away at the end of April.  She was and is such a blessing in my life.  I learned so much from her and will always remember her happiness, kindness, and love for everyone.  I'm glad I had so many opportunities to spend meaningful time with her in the mountains and beyond.  I miss her, but am grateful for so many happy memories together.
• The same weekend in May we celebrated Mason's baptism.  
• Cari and I (and usually Mason or any of the rest of her family that was willing) spent time hiking together in all the seasons.  Josh and Kirsten stopped by for a few days too and we went to Lake Blanche mostly together (when I could keep up).  Dad is always a willing and encouraging hiking companion when he's in town.
• Matt and Josh surprised me for my birthday and came to hike the Tetons with me and Cari and Mom and Dad.  It was a really sweet weekend.  
• I made another trip to Washington in September for Noah's baptism and Harry's blessing.  It was fun to meet the newest nephew (who is darling!!!) and spend time together in Washington (it's a great place to have two brothers). ;)  
• We all got to be together in St. George and Lehi for Thanksgiving this year.  It was really nice to all be together for a few days.  

I tried to spend a little more one-on-one time with the nieces and nephews this year.  Kayla and I went to In-N-Out to celebrate her elementary school graduation!  Kai and I had fun learning quite a few spelling words together.  Mason and I enjoyed hiking together to Lake Desolation (8 miles... he's a good little hiker!).  Hailey and I have fun doing whatever Hailey's doing.  ;)  She always makes me smile.  Noah inspired me with his football knowledge and catching.  Henri and I wrote notes together at Thanksgiving and he was my best helper with the Thanksgiving puzzle.  Charlie (or Captain America, that day) and I hiked up Rattlesnake Ridge (it was kind of a highlight to see how he'd make everyone smile).  Harry is the sweetest thing--love him!  I need to spend more time with him and am grateful for Marco Polo. ;)

I enjoyed catching up with old friends and roommates who came to town, traveling or hiking or celebrating Chinese new year with other friends, and building meaningful relationships with friends in my neighborhood that I met with regularly to study the scriptures and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I've learned and grown much at work this year and am grateful for dear friends and mentors and leaders there.  I celebrated weddings and new babies with some friends and mourned with another who lost her father suddenly.  I was grateful to be able to get together with our "Loto Taha family" in December.  Relationships truly are such a blessing and purpose of life!

Traveling 

2019 was a good year for travel!  Here are some of the adventures...

• Australia / New Zealand - This year's travel highlight was Australia and New Zealand in February. It was WONDERFUL! My friend Kat and I visited Sydney where we walked across the harbor bridge and around the harbor, including the Opera House. We took a ferry to Manly and walked around the beaches there, too. We went to church at a Tongan ward and then flew to Queenstown, New Zealand (South Island). We stayed in a great little airbnb and explored the city for a couple of days. Then we spent a couple of nights in Te Auna where we did part of the Kepler Track, and the Routeburn Track, and cruised the Milford Sound. We saw lots of sheep, waterfalls, and gorgeous landscapes. Then we flew to Melbourne where we did a temple session and drove the Great Ocean Road. We stayed in Lorne near the beginning of the road for two nights. The Twelve Apostles were quite impressive. It was a fantastic trip! I'd love to spend a lot more time in New Zealand some day.
• Carlsbad, California - I spent a nice weekend in Carlsbad while Matt's family was living there in March. It was lovely! We could walk to the beach from their house. We spent time in the tide pools, seeing the La Jolla sea lions, and walking around Torrey Pines.
• Kirkland and Snoqualmie, Washington - I made it to Washington twice this year, once at the end of April to visit Josh and Kirsten and see the tulips in Skagit Valley (BEAUTIFUL! Highlight! Must see!); and once in September for Noah's baptism and Harry's baby blessing (wonderful!).
• NORTH DAKOTA - I made it to my fiftieth state, North Dakota, over Memorial Day. It was actually very nice. My friend Melanie and I flew to Bismarck, did a temple session, looked around the state capital, and then drove to Dickinson. We walked around a little bit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and then went on to visit Devil's Tower. We attended church in Casper, Wyoming before stopping along the pioneer trail sites on the drive home--Independence Rock, Martin's Cove, 6th Crossing of the Sweetwater, and Rock Creek Hollow. These were special places I was grateful to see!
• Driggs to Jenny Lake - I celebrate my fortieth birthday hiking 23 miles from Driggs to Jenny Lake with Dad, Cari, Matt, and Josh. One of my very favorite hikes and one of the most beautiful places in the world! I've now done it four times and hope to do it again sometime in my life. Mom was a patient driver and supporter. It was a really fun day (expect for the last three miles of blisters). It was nice to spend a long weekend with my parents and siblings. I'm grateful for their support and encouragement throughout life.
• St. George - I made it to St. George twice this year, for Thanksgiving (with the whole family) and for Christmas (with Mom and Dad). It's a great place to get away to when there's time.

Reading
This year I read the Book of Mormon and the New Testament. This has been my most important reading and study this year. I've loved learning about the Savior! It has changed me. I feel like I know Him better. I want to continue to learn and focus on Him. I know He lives and loves us. I've had the chance to study with family and friends throughout the year which has helped me learn and apply even more.  

In addition to this study, I read 102 books. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order):

• A Republic, If You Can Keep It by Neil Gorsuch
• Free to Believe: The Battle Over Religious Freedom in America by Luke Goodrich
• Witness for His Names by Jeffrey R. Holland
• His Holy Name by Dallin H. Oaks
• The Priesthood Power of Women by Barbara Morgan Gardner
• L. Tom Perry: An Uncommon Life, Vol. 2 by Lee Tom Perry
• The Second Mountain by David Brooks
• Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin
• From Heart to Heart by Russell M. Nelson
• The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede
• This is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick
• The Divine Center by Steven R. Covey
• Listening is An Act of Love by Dave Isay
• The Mortal Messiah, Book 4 by Bruce R, McConkie
• Crossings by Melissa Inouye
• The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
• Insights from a Prophet's Life: Russell M. Nelson by Sheri Dew
• Follow Me to Zion: Stories from the Willie Handcart Pioneers by Andrew D. Olsen
• Love Your Enemies by Arthur C. Brooks
• Daughter of Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
• The Prosperity Paradox by Clayton M. Christensen
• Learning in the Light of Faith by Henry B. Eyring
• Grace Works by Robert Millet
• Where We Belong by Lynn Austin
• Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin
• Blessed by Lloyd D. Newell
• Faith is Not Blind by Bruce C. Hafen
• An Early Resurrection by Adam S. Miller
• First Principles and Ordinances by Samuel Morris Brown
• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
• What a Friend We Have in Jesus by Chieko Okazaki
• A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
• Handcarts to Zion by Leroy R. Hafen
• Silent Souls Weeping by Jane Clayson Johnson
• Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver
• Wishtree by Kathrine Applegate

Service / Learning / Other Exploring

• Temples - This year I attended three new temples - Melbourne Australia, Bismarck North Dakota, and Las Vegas Nevada. I'm grateful for the blessings of the temple in my life!
• Service - I was a hostess again at the Festival of Trees in December. I found a few causes to support for Christmas and want to be more involved in the community in 2020.
• Church - I have loved teaching Sunday School this year and learning about the Savior's life and teachings in the New Testament. One of the greatest blessings of my life this year has been a consistent Come, Follow Me study group.
• Fitness and Nature - I was a little more social with my fitness goals this year. For about six months of the year I was pretty consistent working out at my gym before work with a friend. I also found friends and family to take hiking quite a bit this year which was nice. I made it to Desolation Lake, the Snowbird Tram, Albion Basin, Lake Blanche, Willow Heights Lake, Driggs to Jenny Lake via Alaska Basin and Cascade Canyon, and lots of the Draper trails.

I'm grateful for another year. Life is great!

Korea - An Important Part of Who I Am

It was 16 years ago this week that I began one of the greatest adventures of my life - serving as a full-time missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Busan, Korean.  This experience has continued to bless my life, as it did this week very directly when we got together for a very special mission reunion.  Every missionary that ever served in any mission in Korea....for the past 60 years was invited and it was WONDERFUL!  I enjoyed seeing old friends and companions, but was particularly grateful for the chance to be reminded of who I was 14-16 years ago.

I was reminded of the courage and quiet confidence I had as a missionary.  I was full of purpose and meaning and confidence....in the Lord and His plan....and great love for a particular group of people.  Being around those people and the language and the memories helped me to remember who I truly am.  I had a strong testimony before I left on mission and I really wanted to share it, but having the chance to share it in Korea helped me to keep it simple and focused on the most important things and words that I knew.  ;)  There was no fear....just faith and love!

There are many things I wish I knew before I went.  I was kind of immature, but I also had an almost childlike faith and confidence.  Being with missionaries and Koreans again helped me feel and remember those experiences and the person I was then.  I'm proud of that person and time in my life.  I feel like these people knew the real me, the person I want to be.  I have grown in many ways since then, but have maybe lost some of the faith and confidence in myself.  I was grateful for the reminder of who these people know me as.  I immediately felt the same special happiness and confidence when surrounded by those memories.  I remember the greatest compliment I ever received as a missionary was from an investigator who told me that I had a heart like a Korean.  ;)

Koreans aren't shy, bu they are humble and teachable, they love and give and care about each other, they're united as family.  Being together as missionaries from several generations with the shared love for this wonderful group of people was uplifting.  There is a unique sense of belonging and unity among Koreans and those who served there - pride, joy, unity, gratitude.  I remember Elder Eyring coming to speak to us at a mission conference in 2001.  He talked about Helaman chapter 3 (see Helaman 3:24-27) and how thousands of people would join the Church in Korea because of the continual faith and prayers of the returned missionaries who loved these people and continued to pray for them.  I thought of this promise and have increased my faith and prayers for these people that I love!  :)

Here is a video of the program from that night.  Obviously it doesn't include the one-on-one time visits which were the highlight, but it does capture some of the culture, and history, and miracles, and blessings of being a part of this group.  One particular blessing I found was at 1:07:20 in the video.  It's a picture of some servicemen in Korea - some of the first "missionaries" - and right near the top middle of the picture is my Grandpa Morgan who was there at that time.  That is something very special that we share - a love for Korea and the sweet people of that land.  I'm grateful to remember who I am....and who I can be because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2014 in Review

It's been a pretty great year!  I'm grateful for the adventures, opportunities, blessings, and lessons learned in 2014.  It wasn't a perfect year.  I have much to improve and learn and change, but based on the goals I set for myself I'm happy about my progress.  Here are some of the highlights:

Study:  I'm still working on the best way to organize a gospel studying journal (probably electronically), but I have enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon, learning from Joseph Fielding Smith and the Gospel Principles manuals, with some study of the Old Testament, and various topics as the need and interest and inspiration has come.  I also decided to start studying all of the General Conference talks since I was born.  I'm trying to keep a list of favorite talks and quotes and hope that will grow into more organization and inspiration in 2015.

On a somewhat related note...Reading:  This hasn't been on my list of goals the last several years because it's not a problem - I love to read and might spend too much time reading.  :)  I read 60 books this year.  See my Goodreads profile for all of book reviews and ratings, but some of my favorites this year were:

• Little Princes:  One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan
• Leaving Microsoft to Change the World:  An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children by John Wood
• An Invisible Thread:  The True Story of an 11-Year-Old Panhandler, A Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny by Laura Schroff
• Covenant Hearts:  Marriage and the Joy of Human Love by Bruce C. Hafen
• Strengthening Our Families:  An In-Depth Look at the Proclamation on the Family by David C. Dollahite
• 52 Life-Changing Questions from the Book of Mormon by Brad Wilcox and John Hilton III
• The Continuous Conversion:  God Isn't Just Proving Us, He's Improving Us by Brad Wilcox
• Becoming His:  A Daily Journey Towards Discipleship by Emily Freeman
• Let It Go:  A True Story of Tragedy and Forgiveness by Chris Williams
• Heaven is Here:  An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph, and Everyday Joy by Stephanie Nielson
• Focused:  Staying on Track, One Choice at a Time by Noelle Pikus-Pace
• Divine Signatures:  The Confirming Hand of God by Gerald N. Lund
• On Earth As It Is In Heaven by Jeffrey R. Holland and Patricia T. Holland 
• Not My Will, but Thine by Neal A. Maxwell
• I Will Lead You Along:  The Life of Henry B. Eyring by Robert I. Eaton and Henry J. Eyring
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Teaching the Gospel:  I LOVE my calling as a ward missionary.  I need to do it much better, in fact I don't know that I've done very well, but it is something that's on my mind a lot and I am grateful for the opportunity it gives me to spend time with the sister missionaries, know the investigators and reach out to those who need a friend.  I think it's kind of what the gospel is all about.  I did love the opportunity to be a part of two really wonderful baptisms this year - a golden girl in our ward and my sweet niece.  I'd say that's a pretty good year and I want to do better next year.  :)

Service:  So, I still haven't found a consistent place to volunteer in the community, but I have been involved and am grateful for those chances.  Some of my favorites this year - learning about the candidates and serving as a delegate at the Salt Lake County Convention on April 12, ushering at the Lamb of God during Easter, helping grandmothers, attending the temple, serving at a community Thanksgiving dinner in St. George, making donations to several organizations and a local Sub for Santa effort, and hostessing at the Festival of Trees.  I want to do better next year.

Sleep:  I need to sleep more.  I didn't do great with my goal of an 11:00 pm bed time this year, but at least it was rarely past midnight.  I want to be more consistently early to bed, early to rise next year.  :)

Running:  I feel great about my running this year.  I ran my second marathon, the Utah Valley Marathon on June 14, down Provo Canyon finishing right next to the under-construction Provo City Center Temple.  Two weeks later I participated in my first team relay that I really quite enjoyed - the Wasatch Back on June 27, 28.  Avon Pass was a bit muddy this year and I didn't know my teammates ahead of time, but we had a great time.  It was beautiful and I think I kind of like relays - it's a fun way to see beautiful places, get to know people, and exercise.  :)  I'm inspired to do more next year.

Music:  I feel like music was an important part of my life this year, although I didn't find a consistent group to sing with.  I appreciated music :) from performances of the Lamb of God, the Utah Symphony, the Tabernacle Choir, and lots of Pandora, particularly at Christmas.  I sang with our ward choir and the Priesthood Department choir a few times this year, all of which were very meaningful.  I signed up to sing with a group that was cancelled - hopefully that will be something I can be a part this Easter.  I am grateful for music.  It truly blesses and enriches and inspires my life.

Language:  I took a Spanish class.  It was great and quite fun!  I had lots of people willing to help me practice.  I really do need to learn Spanish and my goal next year needs to be to learn, not just take a class.  :)  The basics were very helpful though and made me more excited to try.  Apparently other languages besides Asian languages can be fun, too.  :)

Travel:  Travel is always a highlight of life!  This year I had several really great trips:
* Portland for Josh and Kirsten's wedding on May 2 with a weekend stopover in Snoqualmie and Seattle - HIGHLIGHT!
* Washington DC for Sarah and Brian's wedding on May 24 with a Memorial Day run around all of the monuments.  I love DC!  It was fun to be back.
* Alaska in August was AMAZING!
* St. George is growing on me.  I kind of like it.  I made three trips there this year - Pioneer Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I'm glad for the time it gives me to drive and think and enjoy the open space.  I love the hiking in Zion (good thing I got there on Christmas Eve!).

Relationships:  I feel good about my progress in building relationships this year.  I love living close to family and feel like those relationships have been sweeter the last couple of years - with parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces and nephews.  I had a couple of fun sleepovers with the niece and nephews and was a part of many large and small family gatherings that are a blessing in my life.  I am grateful for good friends that I keep in touch with from previous life experiences and good opportunities I've had to make new friends at work, and at church, and in the community this year.  I'm learning who I am, gaining more confidence, and learning how to love others better.  I am reminded that life is all about the relationships and how we treat and love and serve each other.  I want to do better.

A few other highlights that don't fit into these categories....time together reflecting on grandpa Morgan's life, a new nephew, some nice runs and walks around City Creek Canyon, lots of beautiful fall leaves, a baby luau, all of the family together for a week in October, hiking Timp, lots of Christmas lights at Temple Square, a job that I love, and lots of pictures.  I'm grateful for the blessings and opportunities life brings and look forward to 2015.... :)

June - The Month of Running

Back in February I was searching for motivation and decided to sign up for the Utah Valley Marathon.  I'm glad I did.  I like to run and I run more consistently when I have a goal.  I went on some great training runs around City Creek, the Avenues, and in Washington DC.  I was feeling pretty good until June 14 at 4:00 am when the bus kept driving and driving up Provo Canyon for over an hour.  I was thinking there was no way I was going to be able to get myself all the way back to the finish line!  As the sun started to come up we were off...leaving starting line in a cow pasture near Wallsburg, UT.  I began putting one foot ahead of the other and slowly by slowly started to make my way there.  I felt really good for the first half marathon....and it was BEAUTIFUL watching the first rays of the sun light up the back side of Timpanogos!  Then the wind started picking up and more uphill than I was anticipating slowed me down a little bit, but somehow I made it to the end.  It was fun to do it with my dad and to run through my old neighborhood and running routes in Provo to the new Provo Temple site.  It was a beautiful day, wonderful to be outside and accomplishing a goal (in just over 4.5 hours)!

While I was training for the marathon a friend asked me to join her team for the Ragnar Wasatch Back (200 miles, 12 runners, 2 vans, and about 34 hours from Logan to Park City).  I have always wanted to do a relay and thought this would be the perfect opportunity.  Even though I only had a couple of weeks between events and didn't know the rest of the team, I had a great time and am glad I did it!  I actually learned a lot participating and would recommend it to anyone that likes running, seeing beautiful places, and getting to know new people.  It's quite the adventure and LOTS of fun!

I had one of the easier legs - 5, 17, 29 (just over 16 miles total, including my extra half mile to run through the traffic to get to my first exchange).  My first leg was my hardest - about 8 miles up Avon Pass which is usually a hot and dusty continual uphill, but with a big thunderstorm the night before it was a mud hill.  I appreciated the overcast skies and a few of the same runners that kept encouraging me up the hill.  My other legs were through Morgan at dusk and then through Heber City the next morning.  Between runs there was time to cheer on teammates and other runners, get to know other teammates, relax a little bit at Snowbasin, wait in traffic, meet up with our other van, eat, sleep for a couple of hours under the stars on the lawn of North Summit High School, run into a few friends on other teams, and enjoy the beautiful place that I live!

A few things that I learned:
* training and a specific goal is important
* a little bit of encouragement and cheering helps a lot (from teammates, other runners, spectators)
* teamwork is key - it's important to learn to work together, communicate, assume the best of each of other and positively encourage and support each other
* it's fun to get to know new people - you learn a lot about people being stuck with them for 34 hours - I had some great teammates and was inspired by their talents
* runners are a happy, positive, encouraging, crazy group (in all the chaos and tiredness I only saw anyone get upset or be rude maybe once or twice...it seemed uncharacteristic of the rest of the world)
* we live in a BEAUTIFUL world!  (I need to get up to enjoy the sunrise more often!)
* it's wonderful to do something new and different!