L-O L-O L-O L-O-V-E LOVE

I love food. I can easily pinpoint my favorite food. And that is…CHEESE. Pretty much any cheese. Besides the rotten or foul-tasting/smelling ones (i.e. bleu cheese). But I’m up for trying any cheese, any way you want it—plain slices/cubes/grated, melted, dips, squeaky, soft cheeses—you name it I want to try it. Love it all! Believe it or not, when I was younger, I would ask for my own block of cheese for my birthday. We always had cheese in the fridge, but I wanted my very own. I can’t go a day without it. Believe me I’ve tried…there was a time I thought I may have been lactose intolerant so I decided to stay away from dairy. Yeah right. That lasted maybe a day.

My second love is cereal. So much that I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I used to be a pretty picky eater…not so much anymore (and it shows—thank goodness for exercise). If I didn’t like what we were having for dinner, I ate a bowl of cereal. And could have eaten it all day, but my mom restricted me somewhat. Hardly a day goes by without cereal in the AM. I love other breakfast foods, but not for breakfast. Nothing beats a big bowl of cold cereal in the morning…along with a banana. (Gotta have that potassium. I attribute my daily banana eatage in the morning for never having a bloody nose…that’s right Not once. Never. At least not to my knowledge.)

And I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for my real TRUE love. Well that/it/he hasn’t come along. Maybe one day. Maybe. And maybe just maybe he’ll take first place. We’ll see.

Zzzzzzzzzz

Ok so lately I have THE WORST sleeping habits.

For one I don't go to bed til 1, 2...even 3 am. Terrible. But I do make the cut-off 3am.

For two, I can't sleep in anymore. At all. My body is too used to the work week I guess. I don't set my alarm Sat/Sun but I still wake up around 8am. Lame. Maybe if I laid in bed for awhile longer I would fall back asleep--since clearly I do not get enough sleep each night. But I can't lie in bed awake. I get too antsy. Things to do. People to see. Places to go. You get my drift.

For three, as a result I am addicted to napping--anytime, anywhere. Actually I love multiple naps. Even if it's only 10 minutes and I wake up feeling like death--my eyeballs feeling like bowling balls. But still so worth it.

But seriously...

Time to change things. I'm hoping this post will give me motivation to change my terrible habits. Here's to getting at least 6 hrs sleep a night...it's a start.

GOOD night!

*I am so against a blog post without at least one pic...I'll come up with something later. Clearly not going to get 6 hours of sleep tonight but I'll try tomorrow. Really I will.

On a Bicycle Built for Two

Today is a great blogging day...sick in bed.

On my day off yesterday, my friend (Kel) and I rented a tandem bike from BYU and headed up the canyon. Riding a tandem bike is always an adventure…ALWAYS.

I wanted to try riding in the back (I just learned this position is called the "stoker"). I usually take the lead (aka “captain”) because you have steering control. I have tried the back several times, but usually have a "freak-out" moment because I have no control--I want to move the handle bars left and right, but can’t. So we start out on Campus Drive--where the whole world is--where the sidewalks are crowded. Bad idea. Terrible place to attempt the stoker position. Let’s just say I’m sure I made someone’s day…or many. I put my feet up on the pedals. We wobbled forward a few inches and I immediately put my feet down and kept stepping trying to gain balance while Kel was continuing to pedal. I was screaming, she was screaming...basically creating a huge scene and I'm sure some comic relief. Both laughing hysterically (Kel saying that I had better stop or she was going to wet her pants…she’s going to kill me), I had to move to captain's position. But I am proud to say that once we got through the crowded sidewalks, and onto the Provo trail, I moved back to the stoker position…AND…SUCCESS!

Unfortunately…

The trip came to an end early. For the longest time we thought the tire was wobbly. In fact Kel and I conversed back and forth for over an hour about what could be wrong with the bike. Why we didn't get off the bike and check it out at this point? I don't know. I guess we were just having too much fun. But then it got to the point where I thought the whole wheel was going to come off. I had these visions of us flying off the bike and face planting it, or something terrible like that. The whole time I was thinking "we should have taken the helmets, we should have taken the helmets." That's right. We weren't wearing helmets. Not smart. Anyway, we finally decided to stop and get off the bike. And what did we find? A completely flat tire. Upon returning the bike, they inspected it and said it was partly their fault because the spokes were out of whack??? Thank you Jon for rescuing us! We owe you big time!

Reasons one should go on a tandem bike ride:

• · Sick of being unnoticed? Forgotten? Do it…everyone will stare and even smile…especially if you put bright red gloves on
• · Are you sad?...you’ll laugh…non-stop…hysterically…I don’t know why but it happens every time
• · What one change could you make to revitalize your health, relationships, and sense of well being?...Believe it or not, the answer could be a tandem bicycle. It will open up a lifetime of fun, closeness and shared memories.
• · Are you too competitive? Tandeming is the answer - it's the one activity allowing optimal workouts for both of you. Instead of working out alone, holding back or competing head-to-head, you're a team with a common goal. And because tandeming is fun (some would even say romantic), it's quality time worth repeating.
• · Need a date idea? What better way to get to know someone than riding with them on a completely ridiculous and presumably extremely complicated face-to-face tandem bike? This bike is the result of a year's worth of hard work by a Taiwanese inventor. It does include some nice features like being able to rotate the seats so it can be ridden back-to-back when the first date goes awry.
• · …and there’s the notion that you should try everything once (you’ll get hooked believe me)

Now that's what I call B-A-U-tiful

I absolutely adore Stewart Falls. And this last trip end of September was by far my favorite! I have never seen so many colors up there. We hiked it early afternoon on a weekday so there was really no one there…besides a few friendly femme/gay guys (I am guessing the latter—99% sure). They were so so friendly and insisted on taking a few (ok it ended up being far more than a few) pics for us.

I hike it every year—multiple times—and it never gets old. Never. If you’ve never hiked it before, it’s a shame. And you must go there soon. It’s an easy 2-mile in 2-mile out (obviously) hike. You won’t regret it. Chances are you’ll be hooked and make it a tradition as I have done.

*Oh and by the way, for any of you who don't know where it's at...up the Provo Canyon past Sundance. The trailhead starts just past Aspen Grove.

Isn't this enough to make you wanna go?

It's a...BIRD!

I had the privilege of going with my uncle Ed to fly falcons out in Cedar Valley one early (Did I mention EARLY?...6:45 to be exact) Saturday (Did I mention EARLY and SATURDAY in the same sentence?) morning. But it was so worth it. Once in a lifetime opportunity.

He brought two falcons. Walker and….dang it…I can’t remember the other bird’s name. ..probably because I favored Walker. He flew the best. Not kidding. It’s amazing to watch. Walker made his rounds soaring upward maybe to 700 ft (that was a complete guess). Then Ed released a live quail (aka prey). That falcon dove down so fast I almost missed it. Caught it’s prey mid-air and then landed. Ok my description is terrible. You just have to see it yourself. If you’re wondering why I don’t have any pics of this action…I couldn’t take my eyes off the bird. It was hard to keep track of the bird in the first place due to the sun peaking over the mountain. If I ever get the privilege to go again maybe I’ll try to get some video footage. Afterwards I did get some pics with them though.

A few other “bird flyers” (that is my choice title for them…or maybe “bird enthusiasts”…ok I’m not creative…at all) also showed up 15 minutes after we arrived. So they helped us fly our falcons and then we did the same. Ed knew them—“Bird flyers” are pretty much their own community. Some fly their birds in competitions. My uncle just does it for fun. He flies his birds 3 or 4 times a week. In fact the other guy (whom I found out knows my dad and his siblings from high school—it’s a small world) used a massive (and I mean massive—I estimate about 5’x5’) helium balloon to fly his bird. Now you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about. So he attaches the prey to the balloon, then hoists the balloon about 700 feet in the air (they can actually hoist it to about 1500 ft), and then let’s the falcon go. The falcon circles his way up to catch the prey, and then the balloon is lowered. I know, you never knew such a thing existed…I knew nothing about this either, for lack of better term, “bird world”. Fascinating huh. Ok maybe this is all so boring to you. But that’s because you haven’t seen it for yourself. I hope you get the chance one day.

They're beautiful...pics just don't do justice

Amberly Dawn Rupp

Today is Amber's birthday. She would have been 28.

First memory of you that came to my mind today...When I came down to BYU for EFY. We came down a couple days early and you took my friend and I to float the Provo River, out to eat, and I don't remember exactly what else, but I just remember having the time of my life. You let us tag around with you and all your friends. In fact, I think this trip with you was a major factor in my decision to attend BYU. The last day of EFY you had Krispy Kreme donuts delivered to my dorm room. So delish! So thoughtful of you and completely made my day.

Thank you for the wonderful example and influence you were and continue to be in my life. I can't forget your contagious laughter, your love for reading and history and anything outdoors, your love for singing (especially Disney songs) despite the fact you could hardly carry a note, your incredible bread-making/baking skills, your willingness to try new things (including ballet) when you were so uncoordinated, your determination to be the first to learn to slalom and win 50 bucks, your endless selfless service, your determination and desire (since you were 12 yrs old) to serve a mission, your unwaivering faith, your vast knowledge of the gospel--particularly the scriptures--you could rattle off any scripture.

Thank you Amber. You have left a great legacy. You are the kind of person I want to become. It only took you 20 years, but it will take me an entire lifetime. I miss you and can't wait for our reunion. I love you.

(Amber giving me a piggy-back)

De-bugging

(I wish I knew how to blur the license plate)

I hate washing my car. I find it so pointless. Why? Because I think I can safely say every time I have washed my car, it rained later that day or the day after.

Case in point. Take a good look at my car (you don't have to look too hard). Can hardly see the paint due to the millions of bugs taking over. A mattified mess of bugs plastered to the front of my car--sick I know. Actually, I think this was mainly the result of one road trip to Bear Lake. After I got back, the kids I nanny were disgusted by it so I figured I better take care of it. I took a trip to the car wash. Washed it. I can't remember if it rained later that day or the next day, but it RAINED! Come on, we don't get rain in August. $2 wasted.

Why do people wash their cars ? Is it just for looks...to show off their ride? Or do bugs and dirt and grime ruin the paint? I say just let mother nature take care of it.

(Clean and rain/spot-free for a few hours)

*Looking at the pic, I just noticed my car has a face. Big eyes widespread with a big cheesy grin--I like it. Guess it's true...all cars have face.

What I really do...

So as much as I would love to keep living in my fantasy world of vacationing almost every other week/wknd, summer has come to an end. Sighhhhh. But at least the summer weather is still around. And I can look forward to Hawaii in December and possibly another cruise in the near future. Oh and of course a few short road trips here and there.

Back to reality.

Work work and MORE work. I am still nannying full-time while finishing up my internship. Actually who am I kidding...I haven't even completed half my hours. Had good intentions to complete my internship by end of summer term but that obviously didn't happen. Too much play I guess...oops.

Let's start with nannying. I do love my job. But honestly I'm kinda getting tired of watching other people's kids. Is that terrible? No. I love kids don't get me wrong. It's just hard to do things their (parents) way when I believe differently and would do otherwise. Let's just say I've learned plenty 'what not to dos'. I also hate working at 7AM. Too early. Thought I would get used to it, but it's not getting any easier (probably due to my lack of discipline in getting to bed at a decent time). But I do love working 4-10s...I love love my 3-day wknds.

Now my internship. I'm interning at Dynova Laboratories--a nutraceutical company back east. Don't worry people, I'm stil in Utah...that's right, STILL in Utah. I do research and various projects. Currently researching case studies for capsaicin, which is derived from cayenne pepper. Specifically, using a capsaicin nasal spray to treat headaches, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. Interesting huh.

I am also training for a marathon. When I say training, there is NO consistency involved. Ideally, I would run 3-4 times a week. But that doesn't always happen. In fact, it's rare. And the marathon is in two weeks. Ahhh! But I'm still determined to do it. To finish it. That's it. No time goal or anything. I successfully ran an estimated 19 miler a couple weeks ago. I figure 7 miles on top of that is nothing, right? I hope. I'll let you know how it goes...if I survive.

Welcome to my life. It's good. Or at least I keep telling myself that!

Hoo-ray!

(Kyle and Kendall)

Kyle had his third and hopefully last cleft lip/palate surgery. People with cleft lip and palate tend to have abnormally large ears. Since Kyle really has no cartilage in his nose (it was quite flat), the surgeon removed cartilage from his ears to form his nose. He also pinnned back Kyle's ears. Kyle had the cutest ears--I'm going to miss those things. He has been through quite the ordeal--all these surgeries--but has remained quite the happy camper through it all. I think he's glad he doesn't have to work in the garden or out on the farm. Instead he gets to stay inside for a week playing his DS and watching movies all day. Love this kiddo to death! So grateful for him and what a blessing he is to our family! This one's for you Kyle! You're a stud!

(Kyle day after surgery. He has to wear the bandage/wrap for a week to stabilize and keep his ears in place-poor boy it's so dang hot right now)

SOLD! on Chacos

Anyone who knows me or has seen me over the summer knows I absolutely LOVE Chacos! They are my shoe/sandal choice of the summer. You can pretty much do anything in them-hike, swim, dance, play, jump, hula hoop (wink wink)...you name it! I actually have two pairs of Chacos...bought the second pair on clearance (thanks Kel) for a smashing deal thinking I would have them as a back-up in case my first pair broke. But who am I kidding...those things will never bust or break. I think they'll last me a lifetime. I don't like to spend a lot on shoes, but Chacos are definitely worth it! Trust me...I've sold plenty of people on them. If you're still trying to decide whether or not to make the splurge or if your faith in them is waivering, I am here for you!

My first pair of Chacos

Second pair-love the color but love the toe loop on the first pair best

Now that's dedication-pretty much wear those things EVERYday

*Yes I know, I have the ugliest feet in the world. I have been told PLENTY of times that I have finger-like toes...that my second toe is extremely longer than my big toe...that I have fat feet...and the list goes on and on. Come on people, like I don't already know. But I will embrace my ugly feet. I am perfectly fine with it.

One of the many places I call PARADISE

Spent 24th of July wknd with family and a few friends in Cascade, ID. Camping, food galore, bonfires, and boating-which included tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding. Always look forward to our annual trip to Cascade Lake. BEAUTIFUL area. Grandma and Grandpa Rupp came. It was so good to see them and they seemed to really enjoy the time away. Uncle Mark and Aunt Debbie and some of their family came. Aunt Rhonda and some of her family. And my entire family-Yeah! And our friends the Buckley's. A few other friends and cousins came and went throughout the weekend as well.

Absolutely love waterskiing. Hated it at first but my dad insisted we try everytime we made a trip to the lake over the years. And now I love it. Thanks Dad! I'm also learning to wakeboard this summer. I can get up but can't do any tricks. Fun though. And can't forget tubing-some seriously good times. Tube wars included. I had some terrible terrible painful spills (and so did many others), but definitely worth the pain...and bruises...and sore muscles...and wounds. Really it is.

HIGHLIGHT of the trip: the three little ones (Jenna, Kyle, and Reigan) learned how to ski! They skiied around the lake (well not the entire lake) without falling. We are so proud of them! And they were pretty proud of themselves too. I was so proud I almost shed a tear. I'm not joking. Love them so much and can't believe how fast they are growing up. They were also quite the brave little ones tubing. Such studs and studettes!

(I would have posted more pics of everyone doing their thing but my memory card broke and I only had room for a few pics on my cam)

I'm already missing the lake. But at the same time I've had plenty of sun-too much sun this summer and should probably stay indoors for awhile before I become a walking advertisement for skin cancer-ahhh! We're already planning another trip back Labor Day weekend. Can't wait!

*Side note: This blog has kinda posed a problem. A distraction and excuse for me to procrastinate other things. Like my internship that I should be working on right now. So I have now spent the hour I was suppose to work on my internship updating my blog. And now I'm off to go running. Even though I should be working on my internship. Maybe I will stay up til the wee hours of the morning working on it to compensate. Probably not. Oh well. Life goes on.

Got CHOPPED!

I cut my hair again-surprise surprise. I tried growing it out but I just couldn't stand it. It finally passed the 'crease-at-my-neck' annoying stage. Then passed my shoulders. And then...CHOPPED. Several reasons why. It's summer. My hair is black which equals you can fry an egg on my head in the blazing heat. My neck was getting sweaty too. And I just don't do hair-especially long hair obviously-like I don't know how to 'do' it as in 'fix' it. I'm a short bob a-line kinda girl...probably for life. And did I mention I love my hair stylist? Charisse Williams. She's amazing. Go to her. Metropolitan Salon in Provo.

Some things I LOVE right now...

1. Running!-st. george midnight 5k Moab half-marathon
   Graduating-exciting but scary...now what do I do???
   
   
   CRUISIN!
   Our assigned table boys at dinner were so much fun
   
   The emergency drill-Nancy looks like my small child
   
   Biking...especially tandem
   
   Moab, Zions...anywhere down south where the red rock lies
   
   Hiking-Stewart Falls
   
   Anything daring-paragliding ended up being 100% fun and not at all scary
   I'm ready to skydive!
   
   Boating-the lake-tubing-waterskiing-wakeboarding
   
   Snowskiing!...I miss it
   
   

   
   Triple love these kiddos. So glad they're a part of our family!

   
   

Fam Cancer Camp

A couple weeks ago we went to a cancer camp in Idaho near Sun Valley. BEAUTIFUL area. This is our second year attending the family cancer camp. Cancer patients and their families are invited to attend the camp. My younger sister Kaylee was diagnosed with cancer (Wilms tumor) when she was 3--she is now 13 and cancer free! My dad has never been able to attend because it is a busy time of year for him. So I go with my mom and little siblings. And Tanner joined us as well this year. We went canoeing and kayaking, geocaching, and mtn biking. We attended the famous family dance (we were Pitt and Jolie and family). Campfire and songs. Great food. Such a good time! And such a neat experience! A very sobering experience as well. I was particularly touched by a 15-yr old girl who was diagnosed with some type of brain cancer not too long ago. She was still going through chemo treatments and was very weak and sickly while at camp. One day during lunch she said something to the effect of "Mom everyone keeps staring at me." Her dad then said, "It's because you're beautiful." And she was like "Yeah right." I felt so bad for her. She had lost all of her hair and was very pale and skinny. Of course people were looking at her. And she had every right to feel down on herself. I was so impressed with her throughout the weekend. She was so sweet and would help the little kids around her. And she had such a good attitude through the puking, nausea and weakness she was experiencing. She has remained on my mind since then. I just kept thinking I have no reason to complain about my problems. Completely different but so small in comparison. I have so much reason to be grateful and happy. And I am! Can't wait for next year and hope I will see her again!

Canoeing...a bit chilly

three munchkins in the cabin

funky water trike

kayaking

Famous family dress up

Can you guess who?

I think they did a dang good job

minus the freakish looking dolls