Last year I got a crazy idea. Why not try and qualify for Boston? I mean, my PR is only 15 minutes off the qualifying time and that's when I wasn't even really trying. (I swear it was the plyometrics!) So 2005 was going to be the year to do it. I would have two chances: Salt Lake in the spring, and if that didn't go well then I'd shoot for St George that fall.
Well, Salt lake didn't go well and now here we are three weeks from St George.
I started another blog earlier this year dedicated to my Boston efforts. I wanted to take my training seriously. But with chronic injuries Boston kept feeling out of reach. I wasn't getting those quality workouts in that I knew I would need to get me where I wanted to be. There were no speedworkouts. There were no hill repeats. There were no plyometric jumprope routines.
So I was left feeling discouraged. There would be no way I was capable of holding the pace I needed to qualify. It was such a big dream that it scared me to think about it. But was my fear of failure holding me back? Were my chronic injuries manifestations of that fear? I suspect the mind-body connection is a lot closer than we let on sometimes. But maybe I've been capable of doing this all along, and I just need to push past the negative energy. Besides, frisbee has been my speedwork, and carting kids around a pool all summer has been my plyometric exercise. I think I'm closer than I know.
A few weeks ago I ran my best race to date. It completely rekindled the dream! If I can race like that in St George, then I am Boston bound. I'm still scared but I've found that excitement and anticipation that had been lost for a while. Without that mix of feelings I'm not sure it would really be worth it.
So come October 1st we'll know if next year is my year for Boston. If not, I will refocus on my goal of the Fifty States Club, and there will always be other years and other races for qualifying.
You never really know how you're going to feel on race day. I'm just counting on adrenaline and gravity to pull me through.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Montana has nothing on Texas!
They say that everything is bigger and better in Texas. If by everything they mean the sky, they're right on.
When I came here to West Texas, I traded in my mountains for a great expanse of open sky. At first I missed my broken skyline. I missed the safety I felt as the Wasatch loomed over me. But now I'm starting to appreciate the flat. The big bowl of blue. The large sunsets that encompass every piece of sky.
When I came here to West Texas, I traded in my mountains for a great expanse of open sky. At first I missed my broken skyline. I missed the safety I felt as the Wasatch loomed over me. But now I'm starting to appreciate the flat. The big bowl of blue. The large sunsets that encompass every piece of sky.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Japanese Princess
I found out a few days ago that my roommate, Rui, was bucked off a horse and kicked in the face. No neurological damage but she did break her cheekbone and her jaw is completely off-line. Supposedly she's having reconstructive surgery sometime today. Natalie said when she went and saw her at Mckay Dee Hospital the other night she was sad and anxious and upset. Her family is in Japan, so that must be hard. I hope she is alright. I've come to the conclusion that horses are evil.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
throwing the plastic, as it were
I was supposed to toss a disc around with this guy from frisbee today. He called and we set it all up. We'd meet each other at Frank Higinbothum Park a little after 5 o'clock. So I go over to the park and wait. I try and look for him from my car and then realized if I couldn't see him he certainly wouldn't be able to see me. So I get out and find a nice shady piece of grass out in an open area of the park. I wait some more. No sign of the guy. I'm pretty sure he hasn't stood me up because he seemed pretty animate about throwing a disc around. I'm guessing he has some other interest in me other than frisbee, if you know what I mean. But that is only speculation.
Finally I give up waiting and go home. I ask my sister if he called while I was gone. Twice. So I called him back thinking I was clear of this whole thing. Well, I was except for the fact that now we're going to have dinner tomorrow after practice. I am too nice and agree to things even if it might be against my better judgment. And besides, I might be taking things out of context. Maybe he does just want to eat with me. It's not a date, is it?
I can't just assume this kid wants to kiss my face off. Hopefully he doesn't 'cause I don't want to go breaking any hearts while I'm here in Texas! And I wouldn't want things to be awkward as we drive to Austin together... with his cat.
Finally I give up waiting and go home. I ask my sister if he called while I was gone. Twice. So I called him back thinking I was clear of this whole thing. Well, I was except for the fact that now we're going to have dinner tomorrow after practice. I am too nice and agree to things even if it might be against my better judgment. And besides, I might be taking things out of context. Maybe he does just want to eat with me. It's not a date, is it?
I can't just assume this kid wants to kiss my face off. Hopefully he doesn't 'cause I don't want to go breaking any hearts while I'm here in Texas! And I wouldn't want things to be awkward as we drive to Austin together... with his cat.
Volunteering
Yesterday (was it just yesterday?) I volunteered again with the Red Cross. I went to Reese at 1:30 in the a.m. I was helping out with Mass Care which meant I got to stock a table full of food for the evacuees in case they wanted something to eat; there were other tables with supplies, clothing, etc. But when it is the wee hours of the morning nobody really wants food, supplies or clothing. So we sat. And slept. And pretty much did some more waiting.
Around 7:30 a.m. there was more for us to do. I started helping out at the volunteer check-in table and was a gopher for a bit. This other girl and I had to go over to the dining hall to get a contact number for the person in charge there. I got to see some evacuees. They all seem so nice and grateful. Well, the few I actually saw.
So that has been my experience with volunteering for the Katrina relief effort. I should probably call the Red Cross and see if they have any other shifts available.
Around 7:30 a.m. there was more for us to do. I started helping out at the volunteer check-in table and was a gopher for a bit. This other girl and I had to go over to the dining hall to get a contact number for the person in charge there. I got to see some evacuees. They all seem so nice and grateful. Well, the few I actually saw.
So that has been my experience with volunteering for the Katrina relief effort. I should probably call the Red Cross and see if they have any other shifts available.
Monday, September 05, 2005
and after all the waiting I just wanna come back home again
The day consisted of waiting... and eating food. Then waiting some more. Then eating more food. Then waiting.
There was a rumor circulating that the planes were arriving at 11 o'clock; they'd take them to Reese first and then the overflow would be brought to us at the Coliseum. We had everything set up and ready to go. As the time ticked by we heard that the planes had been re-routed and were headed to Chicago instead. It made no sense. We had the resources, we were willing, and we were able. Why re-route?
Our supervisors at the Red Cross didn't have any answers either. They barely had communication in regards to the planes. It was all a waiting game.
But when you think about it, we didn't have it too bad. Yeah, we waited all day with nothing to do, but we had our needs met. We had shelter. We had food. We had running water and bathrooms. We weren't climbing onto roofs just to survive.
I'm volunteering again, this time at Reese. I'll go back tonight from 1:30am-9:30am. At least I know I'll be put to some use instead of waiting.
There was a rumor circulating that the planes were arriving at 11 o'clock; they'd take them to Reese first and then the overflow would be brought to us at the Coliseum. We had everything set up and ready to go. As the time ticked by we heard that the planes had been re-routed and were headed to Chicago instead. It made no sense. We had the resources, we were willing, and we were able. Why re-route?
Our supervisors at the Red Cross didn't have any answers either. They barely had communication in regards to the planes. It was all a waiting game.
But when you think about it, we didn't have it too bad. Yeah, we waited all day with nothing to do, but we had our needs met. We had shelter. We had food. We had running water and bathrooms. We weren't climbing onto roofs just to survive.
I'm volunteering again, this time at Reese. I'll go back tonight from 1:30am-9:30am. At least I know I'll be put to some use instead of waiting.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Evacuees
Three planes of evacuees flew into Lubbock today. Robert was at the airport doing triage, assessing them as they came in--sending the one's who really needed it to the hospital.
Ever since last night I've had the feeling that I needed to help out. Today in sacrament meeting they asked for volunteers for the Red Cross. We left church after the meeting and went over to the 58th Street chapel to watch the training video and get an assignment. I was scheduled for the 10:30pm-7am shift doing registration.
So when I got home from filling out my volunteer paperwork at the local Red Cross chapter, I ate some food and then went to my room to sleep so I could be up all night helping hurricane evacuees.
At around 7 o'clock I got a phone call saying my shift had been cancelled but I could volunteer tomorrow. So now I'm working from 6:30am-3pm. So much much for sleeping all afternoon to be up all night! Now I just have to wake up extremely early!
I'm going to be a Team Leader for my registration shift. What that means exactly, I'm not sure. Tomorrow should be an interesting day.
Please read my sister's posts for more insight on the situation:
Here come the 'Fugees
Correction and update
Update again
Ever since last night I've had the feeling that I needed to help out. Today in sacrament meeting they asked for volunteers for the Red Cross. We left church after the meeting and went over to the 58th Street chapel to watch the training video and get an assignment. I was scheduled for the 10:30pm-7am shift doing registration.
So when I got home from filling out my volunteer paperwork at the local Red Cross chapter, I ate some food and then went to my room to sleep so I could be up all night helping hurricane evacuees.
At around 7 o'clock I got a phone call saying my shift had been cancelled but I could volunteer tomorrow. So now I'm working from 6:30am-3pm. So much much for sleeping all afternoon to be up all night! Now I just have to wake up extremely early!
I'm going to be a Team Leader for my registration shift. What that means exactly, I'm not sure. Tomorrow should be an interesting day.
Please read my sister's posts for more insight on the situation:
Here come the 'Fugees
Correction and update
Update again
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Sabbatical.
I have at least one dedicated reader, his name is Mike. Sometimes Mike gets bummed out when I don't post very often. I guess that's a pretty good way to keep in the loop we call my life. So, Mike, I'm going to try harder. Check back from time to time to get an update on my adventures in Tey-hass.
Here is a list of highlights thus far from my sabbatical to the high plains:
Here is a list of highlights thus far from my sabbatical to the high plains:
- Getting practically attacked by ducks at the park. We were seriously swarmed by at least 45 ducks and/or geese before they even knew we had bread! We've concluded that I may be giving off some sort of duck phermone... but that is just a theory.
- Watching some kid dump his little brother into the sand as he was strapped into the stroller. His mom came running over in and started yelling at him. She called him a retard and I felt bad for everyone involved.
- Sleeping. It's been nice.
- I went running and didn't get lost. And to my surprise I saw one other person out on the road. Maybe people do exercise in Lubbock, Texas!
- Trying to hide cookies from hoberto, but dangit he's too smart for us! (he is a doctor, afterall). But don't worry, they're at the store buying more cookies as we speak!
- Playing with the two cutest, but craziest babies in the world!!!
Well, Texas has been pretty fun. I'll try to keep y'all updated frequently. Peace out texas style!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
My relationship with food tells me one thing: I have no self control.
There is always an epic battle going on in my head. My inner monologue fights between the two forces of my brain and my stomach. My stomach usually wins. This is an example of an actual conversation I had with myself this afternoon while contimplating whether or not I should make myself a Hot Pocket:
I'm not even hungry. In fact, I feel a little sick. Maybe just one?
So now I'm sitting here eating a hot pocket. And it's very likely that I might eat another one.
Okay, I did. This is why they say, "the kitchen is always open for Anna Jokes!" I have such an unhealthy relationship with food. I need to stop eating to fulfill a need! Whether that be emotional or social or just because it sounds and/or looks good. I need control in my life!!
The family motto, coined by Anna Jo:
"I'm not even hungry! Are you going to eat that?!"
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
all the little things that make up a memory
Camp is over. I'm unemployed. How do I sum up eleven weeks of my life?
I guess I can't, so I just have to move on. Nobody understands just what my job entailed. You have to be a camp counselor to appreciate the difficulty of the job. It's not easy, but it's so rewarding. It's physically and emotionally draining. But you look back at the relationships you've developed with these kids and it's hard to let go.
But I am moving on. I'm getting ready to leave this place and journey to the high plains. It is T-minus 7 days to sabatical. I signed a lease yesterday for this cool house that is a few blocks away from where I'm living now. I'm excited to have a wilderness for my backyard. This place was made for us. (If anyone wants to come over and sleep in our hammocks you are more than welcome. Hopefully we can find a good place to set up a slackline as well.) My life is moving forward. It always works out.
Change is the only constant.
I guess I can't, so I just have to move on. Nobody understands just what my job entailed. You have to be a camp counselor to appreciate the difficulty of the job. It's not easy, but it's so rewarding. It's physically and emotionally draining. But you look back at the relationships you've developed with these kids and it's hard to let go.
But I am moving on. I'm getting ready to leave this place and journey to the high plains. It is T-minus 7 days to sabatical. I signed a lease yesterday for this cool house that is a few blocks away from where I'm living now. I'm excited to have a wilderness for my backyard. This place was made for us. (If anyone wants to come over and sleep in our hammocks you are more than welcome. Hopefully we can find a good place to set up a slackline as well.) My life is moving forward. It always works out.
Change is the only constant.
Friday, August 12, 2005
It's the kind of day you could end on.
Today wasn't the last day of camp, but it could've been and I would have been okay with it. It was just one of those perfect days.
I took a group of four kids to Bridal Veil Falls up Provo Canyon. Ryan came and brought his dog. She's a bassett hound and the cutest thing you've ever seen. I fell in love with those oversized, floppy ears. So the counselor to kid ratio was 1:2 plus one incredibly cute puppy. Good times are bound to happen with that winning combination!
It was just a chill-type day. No stress, because not only is there only four of these little rugrats, but they just happen to be some of the best kids at camp. Mckenna, one of my absolute favorites was there. And Seiji? Come on! How can you not love that kid?!
The falls were beautiful and the day perfect. I'm going to miss it all. . .
I took a group of four kids to Bridal Veil Falls up Provo Canyon. Ryan came and brought his dog. She's a bassett hound and the cutest thing you've ever seen. I fell in love with those oversized, floppy ears. So the counselor to kid ratio was 1:2 plus one incredibly cute puppy. Good times are bound to happen with that winning combination!
It was just a chill-type day. No stress, because not only is there only four of these little rugrats, but they just happen to be some of the best kids at camp. Mckenna, one of my absolute favorites was there. And Seiji? Come on! How can you not love that kid?!
The falls were beautiful and the day perfect. I'm going to miss it all. . .
Thursday, August 04, 2005
I'm going on sabatical
So I'm leaving town for a month just because I can. I'm trekking east to the high plains. Lubbock, Texas to be exact. (Not Waco!!!) Nothing but flat land for as far as the eye can see. I'm excited for the change of scene; maybe it will do me some good.
I get to spend my time with cute babies, my sister and her husband. I'm excited. I found out today that they play pick-up ultimate frisbee three times a week at Texas Tech. I will definately be bringing my cleats. I think this could be a good time away from Salt Lake City. I'm going to miss everyone here, but it's only a month anyway. Really, it's an extended vacation.
So come the end of August I will be out of here!
I get to spend my time with cute babies, my sister and her husband. I'm excited. I found out today that they play pick-up ultimate frisbee three times a week at Texas Tech. I will definately be bringing my cleats. I think this could be a good time away from Salt Lake City. I'm going to miss everyone here, but it's only a month anyway. Really, it's an extended vacation.
So come the end of August I will be out of here!
Monday, July 18, 2005
It must be another sunny day...
So it's Monday again. I just came off a really good weekend. It was the kind that just make you happy. I feel like smiling.
Friday night I went to my sister and bro-inlaws Bastiel Day BBQ. Not only were there TWO cakes, but I found one of the quarters inside one of them and was Queen for the day. My mom found the other one; she is the most deserving of the honor. We even played Accronizzle.
Saturday I went to the Farmer's Market with a cute boy. Then I got to hang out with my dearest friend Cyndi Morris all night. We saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and I was scared by the squirrels (and the fact that Johnny Depp's character, Willy Wonka, looked creepishly like Michael Jackson).
Sundays are always nice. I get to go to church and then hang out with my family. My mom always makes at least one really good meal--usually more than that because she likes to please everyone. Then we get to play games. Last night we played Trivial Pursuit Pop Culture DVD edition. I won. And did I mention me and my sisters dressed up really crazy and took pictures? I love my family.
Now it's today. Another week of Club Ute is going on and I couldn't be happier. We're half way through the summer and I really feel everyone has gotten into a groove, especially me. Camp is running smoothly. No more random rainy day gym accidents, no more lost kids on TRAX. The days are hot, but the days are fun.
I got to look at the Evals the staff filled out about the Director, Assistant Director, and me, the Coordinator today. It was a very positive thing. It's good to know I'm being effective in my role at camp.
So, yeah. I guess you could say life is pretty good. Now all I need to do is stop wasting time IM'ing Cyndi and writing blogs and actually do what I came to the Marriott Library to do--Prep time! Activities just don't plan themselves!!!
Friday night I went to my sister and bro-inlaws Bastiel Day BBQ. Not only were there TWO cakes, but I found one of the quarters inside one of them and was Queen for the day. My mom found the other one; she is the most deserving of the honor. We even played Accronizzle.
Saturday I went to the Farmer's Market with a cute boy. Then I got to hang out with my dearest friend Cyndi Morris all night. We saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and I was scared by the squirrels (and the fact that Johnny Depp's character, Willy Wonka, looked creepishly like Michael Jackson).
Sundays are always nice. I get to go to church and then hang out with my family. My mom always makes at least one really good meal--usually more than that because she likes to please everyone. Then we get to play games. Last night we played Trivial Pursuit Pop Culture DVD edition. I won. And did I mention me and my sisters dressed up really crazy and took pictures? I love my family.
Now it's today. Another week of Club Ute is going on and I couldn't be happier. We're half way through the summer and I really feel everyone has gotten into a groove, especially me. Camp is running smoothly. No more random rainy day gym accidents, no more lost kids on TRAX. The days are hot, but the days are fun.
I got to look at the Evals the staff filled out about the Director, Assistant Director, and me, the Coordinator today. It was a very positive thing. It's good to know I'm being effective in my role at camp.
So, yeah. I guess you could say life is pretty good. Now all I need to do is stop wasting time IM'ing Cyndi and writing blogs and actually do what I came to the Marriott Library to do--Prep time! Activities just don't plan themselves!!!
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Cycles
Yesterday Mary ended and I started. I'm just keeping the hope alive.
Some people can't be open about these things (read: my siblings), but I feel it's a natural part of life that shouldn't be skirted around. Hey, guess what, I'm a woman. Deal with it.
"Amen, Sistah!"
Some people can't be open about these things (read: my siblings), but I feel it's a natural part of life that shouldn't be skirted around. Hey, guess what, I'm a woman. Deal with it.
"Amen, Sistah!"
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Anna Jo's List of Rad Things to do Before I die
Here is my list in no particular order. If I have accomplished one of my goals, the date is listed to the right. There are more that I never added and have probably forgotten about. I guess I will just have to live forever to get this all done.
1. run a marathon in every state (6/50)
2. **learn to surf** (8.3.04)
3. be a liftie at a ski resort to get a free pass
4. **marry the raddest guy, in the temple** (9.27.06)
5. bike a century
6. **triathlons!!!** (5.22.04)
7. **run the camp pendleton mud run** (6.11.05)
8. **see Ben Folds live (and his five? reunion show!)** (4.23.08)
9. be on while you were out or surprise by design
10. help an old lady across the street
11. become an awesome telemark skier
12. be a mom
13. speak ASL fluently
14. go on a humanitarian trip to a different country
15. write a children's book
16. take another pottery class and master the wheel
17. have a darkroom in my house
18. be an artist
19. make something out of sticks (wood)
20. **go scuba diving** (Spring of '05...)
21. **go skydiving** (5.8.04)
22. go bungee jumping
23. make stained glass windows and such
24. meet the brothers chap
25. make an independent film
26. get in the patagonia catalog doing something rad
27. become a hardcore outdoor enthusiast: travel to rad places to do
rad things
28. kiss in the rain! ("get some" rain)
29. **hike timp and watch the sunrise** (7.24.04)
30. do the big muddy outdoors adventure race
31. **win a race (at least my age division)** (5.22.04)
32. put up a slackline in my yard
33. own cool dogs
34. make a scrub skirt
35. date a bike messenger guy
36. be a member of a climbing gym with my husband and kids
37. sell something on ebay
38. do something new or start a hobby on each birthday
39. **try the elbow trick** (spring of '06--see above, #4)
40. go to iguacu falls
41. live sustainably
42. join a bowling league
43. **go to a movie by myself** (7.15.04)
44. be on the price is right
45. sleep in a park (like a homeless person)
46. use crampons
47. **go to havasupai** (10.7.05)
48. qualify for and run boston
49. train for a marathon or century en route for the race
50. ironman new zealand
51. bike across Utah
52. Utah grandslam
53. lotoja
54. slackline on the equator
55. raise awareness for something as I bike and/or run across the
state and/or country, etc.
56. hood to coast relay (oregon)
57. bowl a turkey on Thanksgiving
58. **go to costa rica!** (10.7.07)
1. run a marathon in every state (6/50)
2. **learn to surf** (8.3.04)
3. be a liftie at a ski resort to get a free pass
4. **marry the raddest guy, in the temple** (9.27.06)
5. bike a century
6. **triathlons!!!** (5.22.04)
7. **run the camp pendleton mud run** (6.11.05)
8. **see Ben Folds live (and his five? reunion show!)** (4.23.08)
9. be on while you were out or surprise by design
10. help an old lady across the street
11. become an awesome telemark skier
12. be a mom
13. speak ASL fluently
14. go on a humanitarian trip to a different country
15. write a children's book
16. take another pottery class and master the wheel
17. have a darkroom in my house
18. be an artist
19. make something out of sticks (wood)
20. **go scuba diving** (Spring of '05...)
21. **go skydiving** (5.8.04)
22. go bungee jumping
23. make stained glass windows and such
24. meet the brothers chap
25. make an independent film
26. get in the patagonia catalog doing something rad
27. become a hardcore outdoor enthusiast: travel to rad places to do
rad things
28. kiss in the rain! ("get some" rain)
29. **hike timp and watch the sunrise** (7.24.04)
30. do the big muddy outdoors adventure race
31. **win a race (at least my age division)** (5.22.04)
32. put up a slackline in my yard
33. own cool dogs
34. make a scrub skirt
35. date a bike messenger guy
36. be a member of a climbing gym with my husband and kids
37. sell something on ebay
38. do something new or start a hobby on each birthday
39. **try the elbow trick** (spring of '06--see above, #4)
40. go to iguacu falls
41. live sustainably
42. join a bowling league
43. **go to a movie by myself** (7.15.04)
44. be on the price is right
45. sleep in a park (like a homeless person)
46. use crampons
47. **go to havasupai** (10.7.05)
48. qualify for and run boston
49. train for a marathon or century en route for the race
50. ironman new zealand
51. bike across Utah
52. Utah grandslam
53. lotoja
54. slackline on the equator
55. raise awareness for something as I bike and/or run across the
state and/or country, etc.
56. hood to coast relay (oregon)
57. bowl a turkey on Thanksgiving
58. **go to costa rica!** (10.7.07)
Monday, June 27, 2005
Seven Canyons Fountain
So Liberty Park is one of the coolest parks I've been to lately. They have really improved it over the past few years. I remember a couple years ago when Marcus and I went out, we were waiting for a show at Brewvies so we decided to get Slurpees and go to Liberty Park. Neither of us had any idea how cool it had become. We played on the swings for a while and then started wandering.
We came upon a new interactive playground with musical instruments and different things to experiment with. It had a huge fountain for kids to play in during those hot summer afternoons. The ground was the bouncy, rubbery stuff made from old tires not the sand or woodchips I had played on as a kid. There was so much to take in.
We kept wandering and found a cool little area with all of the canyons of the Wasatch Front. We went through and named them all. City Creek. Red Butte. Emigration. Parleys. Millcreek. Big Cottonwood. Little Cottonwood. Yes, and there's the Jordan River flowing from Utah Lake toward the inland sea of the Great Salt Lake. And look, over here is State Street. And these squares are the city blocks! It was all here; A visual represention of the Wasatch Front: Canyons, streams, rivers, lakes, roads, buildings. It was truly amazing.
I don't think most people truly appreciate the Seven Canyons Fountain. What it represents, what it means. We took the Club Uters there today and I got to teach my "canyons" lesson. It was really a place-based lesson on watersheds, stormwater pollution and our role in it all. The lesson plan was pulled off the Storm Water Coalition's website -- Fred the Fish and Urban Stew. The kids were really into it, and I hope some of them came away with something. I hope they will make a concious effort in keeping our streams and rivers clean.
Even if they don't fully appreciate the meaning behind the fountain--I mean, come on, they're kids!--at least it's a fun place to play. I even took my shoes off and played in City Creek for a bit!
We came upon a new interactive playground with musical instruments and different things to experiment with. It had a huge fountain for kids to play in during those hot summer afternoons. The ground was the bouncy, rubbery stuff made from old tires not the sand or woodchips I had played on as a kid. There was so much to take in.
We kept wandering and found a cool little area with all of the canyons of the Wasatch Front. We went through and named them all. City Creek. Red Butte. Emigration. Parleys. Millcreek. Big Cottonwood. Little Cottonwood. Yes, and there's the Jordan River flowing from Utah Lake toward the inland sea of the Great Salt Lake. And look, over here is State Street. And these squares are the city blocks! It was all here; A visual represention of the Wasatch Front: Canyons, streams, rivers, lakes, roads, buildings. It was truly amazing.
I don't think most people truly appreciate the Seven Canyons Fountain. What it represents, what it means. We took the Club Uters there today and I got to teach my "canyons" lesson. It was really a place-based lesson on watersheds, stormwater pollution and our role in it all. The lesson plan was pulled off the Storm Water Coalition's website -- Fred the Fish and Urban Stew. The kids were really into it, and I hope some of them came away with something. I hope they will make a concious effort in keeping our streams and rivers clean.
Even if they don't fully appreciate the meaning behind the fountain--I mean, come on, they're kids!--at least it's a fun place to play. I even took my shoes off and played in City Creek for a bit!
Sunday, June 19, 2005
WBR for life!
I think the Wasatch Back Relay is a lot like pregnancy. Well, running in general is a lot like pregnency, I believe, but especially the Wasatch Back. The team hadn't even crossed the finish line yet and I was already starting to plan next year's race. I am even willing to be the team captain again. Next year we will have matching shirts and our vans will be decorated, not to mention the fact that the team will actually train together sometimes. Maybe we could even do it in 24 hours?
I guess I just forgot what I went through to get us there. The stress of putting the team together. The pain of actually running the thing. I am left with the good feeling of being done and the memories of hanging out in a van for more than 24 hours and running a ridiculously challenging race. What I went through was worth it in the end. I am willing to go through it again.
I guess I just forgot what I went through to get us there. The stress of putting the team together. The pain of actually running the thing. I am left with the good feeling of being done and the memories of hanging out in a van for more than 24 hours and running a ridiculously challenging race. What I went through was worth it in the end. I am willing to go through it again.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Soccer Camp
I've been walking on campus today and a Ute's Women's Soccer Camp is going on. It really makes me miss the days of my youth and wonder where the time has gone. Those girls are me over ten years ago. I lived for soccer. I would go to camps. I was in love with the game.
All these years later I still play every now and again. I've played a lot of indoor since High School. I played for Snow College and intramurals at both Snow and the University of Utah. Sometimes I wonder if I could have ever taken it farther; realized my untapped potential. Parts of me wish I had gone further, been better, but then again I think about all the other opportunities I have had in my life. Ultimate Frisbee is now almost my second love, and I appreciate so much the ability I have to run. But there is still a yearning in me to push a ball through the grass; to make that perfect pass; to tap the ball right past the Keeper into the back of the net. Sometimes it's almost magic.
Soccer was a major part of my life growing up. I know it shaped me in more ways than I realize. I look at these young girls out kicking a ball around on a sunny summer day and hope they appreciate the game and their potential. Maybe there is a Mia Hamm lurking in all of us. We just have to be brave enough to let her out.
All these years later I still play every now and again. I've played a lot of indoor since High School. I played for Snow College and intramurals at both Snow and the University of Utah. Sometimes I wonder if I could have ever taken it farther; realized my untapped potential. Parts of me wish I had gone further, been better, but then again I think about all the other opportunities I have had in my life. Ultimate Frisbee is now almost my second love, and I appreciate so much the ability I have to run. But there is still a yearning in me to push a ball through the grass; to make that perfect pass; to tap the ball right past the Keeper into the back of the net. Sometimes it's almost magic.
Soccer was a major part of my life growing up. I know it shaped me in more ways than I realize. I look at these young girls out kicking a ball around on a sunny summer day and hope they appreciate the game and their potential. Maybe there is a Mia Hamm lurking in all of us. We just have to be brave enough to let her out.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Hungry Hungry Hippos
So next year when the Wasatch Back Relay comes around I do not want to be a team captain. That's all I'm trying to say. I do not need this added stress in my life. I just want to run my three legs, sit in a van with a bunch of other sweaty runners, and have myself a good time.
Basically the WBR is this weekend. Currently, we do not have one female runner and possibly two male runners. We still need a second van. I have to coordinate when and where the two different groups are meeting on Friday. Oh, and if we don't find one more volunteer to sign up with the race director we'll get disqualified.
I have a team captain meeting to go to tonight. When will this madness ever end?
Basically the WBR is this weekend. Currently, we do not have one female runner and possibly two male runners. We still need a second van. I have to coordinate when and where the two different groups are meeting on Friday. Oh, and if we don't find one more volunteer to sign up with the race director we'll get disqualified.
I have a team captain meeting to go to tonight. When will this madness ever end?
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
B & E in P-town. . . Footie Club???
I guess you could say I'm a fugitive from the law. Okay, so the law was never involved, but I guess you could still say I'm now a criminal. I was party to a small amount of breaking and entering last night.
See, we have a theory. Rob can only know the things he knows because he has somehow hacked into Cyndi's email account. We had a mission to find some hard evidence proving this theory. The plan was as follows:
Cyndi and Lindsay were going to go to Rob's apartment and get him out of there for a while. Every time he leaves, he opens his bedroom window. Natalie and I would be waiting, peering behind a lattice fence waiting to see them leave. We would be a screen away from breaking in.
But we didn't even have to break through the window to get in. Rob wasn't home and his roommate let Cyndi and Lindsay in. The weird thing was that he didn't lock his bedroom door, which he always does. So they got the pink cowboy hat back and then sent us in to do the dirty work. We were to log onto his laptop and go to the yahoo mail website. We figured if he had been doing some hacking her email address might be left on the screen since it would have been the last one logged on. It was a no go. The fields were blank. We got out of there quick because we knew Rob had to be close--he had left a candle burning.
Before we went through with operation b&e, we tried to hack into Rob's email account. We ran in to trouble. What does Footie Club refer to? At least Cyndi's secret question is easy--What town is she from. I can't figure out footie club for the life of me! Especially since Rob is a pretty random guy.
Though phase one of the plan wasn't as successful as we had hoped, I am still confident we will get to the bottom of this sooner or later. This is a multi-level plan we've put into place and the next phase is going to be kind of fun. Let's just say my new "boyfriend", "Jake", and I are pretty much going to be "engaged" by the end of this week. Hey, I'm just trying to beat Lisa Bayley! ;)
See, we have a theory. Rob can only know the things he knows because he has somehow hacked into Cyndi's email account. We had a mission to find some hard evidence proving this theory. The plan was as follows:
Cyndi and Lindsay were going to go to Rob's apartment and get him out of there for a while. Every time he leaves, he opens his bedroom window. Natalie and I would be waiting, peering behind a lattice fence waiting to see them leave. We would be a screen away from breaking in.
But we didn't even have to break through the window to get in. Rob wasn't home and his roommate let Cyndi and Lindsay in. The weird thing was that he didn't lock his bedroom door, which he always does. So they got the pink cowboy hat back and then sent us in to do the dirty work. We were to log onto his laptop and go to the yahoo mail website. We figured if he had been doing some hacking her email address might be left on the screen since it would have been the last one logged on. It was a no go. The fields were blank. We got out of there quick because we knew Rob had to be close--he had left a candle burning.
Before we went through with operation b&e, we tried to hack into Rob's email account. We ran in to trouble. What does Footie Club refer to? At least Cyndi's secret question is easy--What town is she from. I can't figure out footie club for the life of me! Especially since Rob is a pretty random guy.
Though phase one of the plan wasn't as successful as we had hoped, I am still confident we will get to the bottom of this sooner or later. This is a multi-level plan we've put into place and the next phase is going to be kind of fun. Let's just say my new "boyfriend", "Jake", and I are pretty much going to be "engaged" by the end of this week. Hey, I'm just trying to beat Lisa Bayley! ;)
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