SEE SUZ RUN

Let me just preface this blog by saying that prior to this last weekend I would not have considered myself to be a "runner." I finished my first half marathon, the PF Chang's Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Phoenix Arizona this past weekend. My official time was 2:04:15. I can now say, I AM A RUNNER.

The road to my first half marathon has been long. Back in August I could barely run a mile. Whenever I did run, I had pain on the lateral side of my knees. After visiting a sports medicine doctor and a physical therapist I was able to strengthen the muscles around my knees and gradually increased my running distance. Just when I thought I was getting to a comfortable running routine a new injury would emerge. But I kept on going.

My brother Jeff has run in three half marathons, two previous PF Chang's and the Salt Lake last April. He lives down in Phoenix. In November I decided to sign up for the PF Chang with him and take a trip to sunny Arizona. I had the best time running with Jeff. He has not run since the Salt Lake Half Marathon last April, and I was afraid that he would beat me. The first 3 miles were tough, but Jeff really motivated me. We stuck together for the first 9 miles of the race and Jeff ended up finishing about 10 minutes after me.

Running is physical but mostly psychological. When I am running I have to consistently remind myself that I can keep going when by body screams to stop. The sense of accomplishment I felt when I crossed the finish line is impossible to express. I realized that I need to push myself to set goals in other areas of my life just as I set the goal to run a half marathon. I can't wait to see what the rest of 2009 brings. My next half marathon is in March in Moab. My sister is apparently quite motivated by my time and is hoping to beat me. Bring it on Sis, bring it on!

Congratulations Amy and Dallin!

My best friend Amy got married on January 16th . I am ecstatic that Dallin is now a permanent addition to my life too. I wish you two all the happiness in the world!

2009 Financial Plan

I was watching Oprah last week and Suze Orman was on talking about finances. She is offering a free download of her latest book on Oprah's website. The book has some great advice for the tough financial times that we are facing. So go to click on this link and download the book for free until midnight on January 15th.

Boots

One of my nicknames is boots or bootsie (when you have four brothers you have an endless number of nicknames). I love boots. (Refer back to this post to learn more about my obsession with shoes). My office at school is in a hall way with tile floors and all winter long I hear students stomping and clomping around the hall in their snow boots. I would love to stomp and clomp around in my snow boots. But, I have to look professional. So I wear my boots to the school and then change out of them. I found some rain boots over the break and couldn't resist buying them. I'll put a picture up soon. They are Steve Madden's and they are gray and yellow. As a side note, I have a yellow coat that matches perfectly (I will write about my obsession with coats soon). I love snowy Saturdays when my inner child gets to stomp and clomp around all day in my boots.

Welcome Baby Jane

I am an aunt again. Baby Jane was born December 26th. I was able to hold her when she was just about an hour old. She weighed in at 8 lbs. 9 oz. Her little fingers and toes look perfect. She is adorable.

My niece, Emily had mixed feelings about being a big sister. Luckily we had planned a Emily, Suzy, and Nona day so we were able to keep her occupied with other things. After visiting her little sister we went to Rumbi for lunch. Who knew a glass of water could be so entertaining.

Then we went to build a bear. Emily picked a cute little rabbit. She decided to name her rabbit Hurley (I don't think she has been watching LOST so I have no idea where this name came from). She named the baby doll she got on Christmas Hersha and her imaginary friend is named Jello.

We caught TRAX down to Capitol Theater for The Nutcracker. Emily loved riding on the train. She thought that we might a tiger or a bear because the only train she has been on is the animal train at Lagoon. No tigers or bears were spotted but Emily still managed to enjoy the ride.

We got to the theater and took some pictures with the Nutcracker. Emily loved the Nutcracker's beard. Overall Emily liked the Nutcracker. She enjoyed it the most when Nona or I would narrate the production for her. Honestly 2 hours with no talking is a long time. My favorite part of the whole production was when Emily stood n front of her chair and danced just like the dancers on stage. She fell asleep during the last 20 minutes. She looked so cute all snuggled up on her chair.

I love the holiday season because of all the memories that come back of Christmas' past. I remember going to the Nutcracker as a little girl, sitting on Santa's lap, touring the Governor's mansion, and hearing Luke 2 on Christmas Eve. I remember the taste of the caramel popcorn my Grandma used to make. Nothing is better than sharing these memories with my nieces and nephews.

How I will spend the next 16 days...

1. Sleep in.
2. Read all the books piled next to my bed.

3. Watch movies.

4. Run, run, run. My first half marathon is coming up quick.
5. Spend time with family. We will be welcoming a new niece, Jane sometime this week.

MY NEW FAVORITE...

I just discovered Starbucks' Caramel Apple Spice and it is my new favorite. A teacher at my school recommended it as a cure to the common cold. It cleared me up for a couple hours and tasted just like apple pie. What is Caramel Apple Spice you ask? "Freshly steamed, 100% pressed apple juice is complemented with cinnamon syrup, whipped cream and our proprietary buttery, caramel sauce drizzle, creating a delicious balance between sweetness and tartness." Who can resist that?