Sunday Ritual

On my mission we had a code of ethics, or values that we were to live by. One of those values reminded us that preparation is the advantage. I rattled off this value every morning during companionship study, a ritual where two missionaries that form a partnership practice for the days events. Although I rattled it off, I'm not sure I really implemented it. "Preparation is the advantage", blah blah blah.

Last Tuesday I was watching my new favorite time waster, a TV show entitled The Biggest Loser. All political correctness aside, it is my absolute favorite show. The contestants, pairs of families, are busting their butts to get in shape, be healthier, and earn a little cash. I have formed unhealthy TV friendships with these people and faithfully tune in every Tuesday evening to see their personal gains and physical losses. An added bonus of my TV love affair is the weekly advice given by the contestants' trainers. Last week the advice was familiar. Apparently in weight loss, preparation is the advantage.

Call it what you will, but this time I listened. Sib and I spent the evening preparing healthy foods that will be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the coming week. The goal is to avoid the unhealthy landmines that hunger brings to those who aren't prepared. My past life labeled this as "if ye are prepared ye shall not fear." My new life tells me "if ye are prepared ye shall not eat McDonald's".

We exhausted ourselves preparing the chicken, veggies, brown rice, wheat pasta and fruits. We were so busy preparing ourselves for the week we'd forgotten to eat dinner. We had no choice but to end the healthy food prep session with chocolate donuts.

Nate and Hollie- Newlywed Style

It's been a long, long time coming. Nate and Hollie tied the knot. I don't really know what that expression is supposed to mean, but you get the drift. Sunday's wedding ceremony and celebration were both beautiful and extremely fun. Kudos to the happy couple for throwing such a great party.

I admit I got teary eyed in the ceremony- something about seeing my little brother in his tux waiting for his bride seriously threw me off. If I'm going to own up to the crying I must confess there was swearing also. I wasn't prepared to hear the presentation of "Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Leslie". Swore right out loud after that announcement due to shock. Much to my sisters' enjoyment. (Sorry Grandma...) As Bob Dylan said, "the times they are a' changing."

However, much to my surprise actually, the entire day felt joyous, lighthearted, and just downright fun. I say anytime you can toast to the future, remember the past, avoid catching the boquet, mingle with loved ones and rock out on the dance floor all in one night... well that's a good day indeed.

I'm proud of my brother and excited for him to start this new journey.

As for the next wedding? Well, Austin DID catch the garter... Krys? :)

For those who are interested, here are some pictures from the days events... there are a lot. Enjoy!

Register to Vote

"The tongue hath the power of life and death" -Proverbs

At this point we all know the election is coming. It's on every newspaper front page, every news channel, every SNL skit, and all over YouTube. It's safe to say that we all have an opinion at this point- one way or the other- for who we feel should take the reigns at the end of this term. We have power to express that opinion on Nov 4th by casting a vote. But are you registered? The deadline is THIS WEEKEND!!! If you don't register to vote THIS WEEKEND your voice is taken away; you can't vote in November.

Hit up the post office, the courthouse, the student government offices at your local university, or visit this website to find voter information in your city and state. All you need is your driver's license number, your full name, and your home address.

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER!!

STOLEN!

My camera was recently misplaced (aka: left behind in an automobile and swiftly carted off to Pleasant Grove). I couldn't be happier to have it back in my position so that we can continue our Kodak moment exploiting together. I also couldn't be happier that my friends, who we shall call A and J, toted around my ever so sleek Cannon Elph and documented their weekend. Here are the pictures I got back from my camera's visit to PG. I just want to personally thank A and J for allowing me to attend the Pleasant Grove High School football game vicariously through their documentation. Would never have wanted to miss it!

STAB

I'm becoming an expert at procrastination. This blog, in fact, is a perfect example of how instead of doing the gazillion things I need to to secure myself a future I choose to forgo studying and replace it with extraneous* activities. (*For the record, extraneous is a Top 100 GRE word... that basically means this blog is like studying. 2 birds. 1 stone.)

During one such procrastination moment today (20 minutes of delay to be exact) I watched an old DVD that I made almost 4 years ago at Utah State. The DVD was a compilation of the adventures of the 2004-2005 Student Activities Board, violently reverenced back in the day as STAB. I laughed, I cried, I loved it.

To those of you who particpated in that crazy-town year of programming: this is a shout out from momma. I was going to email everyone and say "Thx 4 the memories" but I have only a few emails. And Fall Out Boy would sue.

I guess you could say it's getting pretty serious...

All Growed Up

I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. There are certain moments when it feels like the world around us slows down and allows us to take everything in and appreciate the moment. These occasions are few and far between but they become tangible in our memories as a sweet reminder of all the good this life has to offer. I had one of these moments last night. I quietly looked around a beautiful reception hall and was taken aback by change, friendship, gratitude, and happiness. Last night was somewhat of a high school reunion, only a much better version because it only featured the people I actually want to see. I spent three great years with these wonderful people in the maroon and grey halls of Jordan High School. Shared lockers, secret santa gift exchanges, choir robes, bus rides, AP tests, peddling candy bars, football games, lunch times. These memories feel stiff and dusty but they are respected because they have become the foundation of what seems to have become a collective friendship. Years after recieving our diplomas we are very different people in very different places. Looking around the room last night I saw educated men and women who now bounce babies on their laps, drape an arm around their spouse, circle the room in a newlywed embrace, and talk confidently about their plans for the future. We once were students together but I can see now that the roles have changed- we are teachers, therapists, graduates, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, case workers, engineers. Time has pulled at the physical boundaries of our collective whole as we leave to study or explore job opportunities. Marriage, children, and master's degrees have pulled at the intensity of our relationships, forcing us to branch out. I used to be saddened by this, interpreting these changes as a loss of friendships. After last night I stand corrected. As I looked around the room I realized that regardless of proximity and other responsibilities we have found there is still a foundation that binds us together. We are not friendships lost, but rather friendships that have grown, adapted, flexed in order that we can include others and carry on. We came together last night for Emily, but I think we also came together for eachother. To each of my friends who were there last night: thank you for sacrificing your time, family obligations, studies, frequent flyer miles and even fragile hearts to be there. Although we carry on daily as individuals anytime we are together I feel the bonds come back. We are friends.

San Rafael? Swell! And other adventures of the weekend

My oh my, what a weekend! Friday night I drove to Southeastern Utah with my Padre to participate in my first 10K. Anytime the race is called "Little Mammoth Marathons" you know you're in for a good time... The race itself was beautiful and all things considered I think I did great! (Translation: I didn't die! In fact, I improved my race time by 1:50 min/mile) It was really fun to run with my dad and he definitely kept me going... even after almost killing me by amping up the last mile to a doubled pace... sheesh! Other weekend highlights included the hike to Rochester panel featuring some amazing petroglyphs and the ever so fantastic Little Wild Horse Canyon hike. The last hike mentioned absolutely BLEW MY MIND! It was so beautiful and such a fun hike, I give it 10/10 and recommend to all. As my father has been travelling the seven seas lately it was also nice to just to hang out with him a bit. Been about a year since I've spent more than a few hours with him. Good to have you back, Pa, however tempory.

All in all a great weekend of camping, guitar, good tunes on the iPod, great food on the camp stove, beautiful scenery, enjoyable company and another checkmark on the ole "to do" list. 10K? Been there; done that.