The Dirty Dash

Dirty Dash

Wipeout meets Boot Camp - Soldier Hollow style
(if you are unfamiliar with Wipeout, click here to watch what I mean)

This was one of the most difficult things I've done!  10k (6.2 miles) of hills, trails, mud, obstacles, water, laughter and fun!

Team member, Carole, got some great pics of us as we ran; and of course we got some other good ones from Flo Foto! By the way, you'll notice in the pics that we took our SWEET time finishing.  No point rushing through such great fun, right?

Squeaky Clean Start - 80s style :)

Andrew, Oscar, Rachel, Carole, Kristina

The Hogbails

tons of hills

Razorback Alley

The Pig Pen

We totally sank in the mud. And yes, we hurdled these walls.  Remember the boot camp analogy?

 

 

Hog Wallow

Secret Obstacle - smelled like duck poo.  I had to plug my nose while I ran so I didn't lose my breakfast!

Uphill to the Slop n' Slide

(Note: I did slide, but I only made it about half way down so I had to stand up to run again)

Pig Sty

And the FILTHY FINISH!

Flying Sumo

Last Friday, I took my best frind, Liz Draper, to dinner for her birthday.  We both love sushi, so I thought we'd try a new place in Park City, the Flying Sumo.

Delicious!

I hate that I forget to take pictures.  The food was so good and we had so much fun, that I just got distracted.  I had my camera in my purse, but alas...

So, instead you get google photos! :)

We had the Vegas Roll (Liz's favorite), Surf n Turf, and the best Sunset Roll I've ever had!

It was really quite comparable to Happy Sumo (which was previously my favorite), but the rolls were larger and the ambiance was better.  I'd actually say this is my new favorite sushi restaurant.  I just wish it was closer to home. Then again, it makes it a little more enjoyable to go to Park City for it.

So far this week...

So far this week, I've missed a day here

because...

I've gone through a box of this

sucked on plenty of these

faught away a lot of these guys

(thanks mucinex!)

stashed my purse with this (and used it a ton)

and made sure I got ample of this

I'm back at work 2 days now and on the mend.  Hope to be completely better soon!

Parmesan Pea Risotto

Who knew risotto was so good?

I had it for the first time a few weeks ago and was determined to make it myself.
I found a great Weight Watchers recipe and put it to the test.

Risotto is a very slow cooking food, but totally worth it in the end!  

Creamy and delicious!

Institute

For the first time EVER I found myself envious of those going back to school this fall.  I miss the days of change every four months, the social scenes, the learning, and all the possibilities that come with being in school.  Four years ago I never dreamed I'd ever feel this way, but here I am.

That's why I decided to take two institute classes at the U Institute of Religion this semester. And I love them!

I'm taking a D&C class.  The class size is small, most likely because of the time since the teacher is amazing!  I took a D&C class while at BYU, but it is definitely different when you are being graded vs being able to just enjoy the wealth of knowledge.  The other class is titled Gospel and Christian History and its packed full - standing room only if you're late.  I love these classes because they are typically taught by people who have spent time in the Middle East studying the history in the area.  This class is no different.  Brother Peterson has been there, he can depict real images to us, and my favorite part was how he was able to break down much of the biblical jargon, back to its Hebrew roots, that can be so difficult to understand.

Its going to make for a busy semester juggling these two classes with the rest of my busy life, but I couldn't be happier to be learning again!

Life Happens

My Saturday started out decently.  I went to the church building to clean since today was my assignment.  After we finished cleaning, I did a little Relief Society work on the clerk's computer.  Then I went out to my car with the intention of heading to my parents' house to alter my temple dress so it will fit me better.

Unfortunately, there would be no dress altering today, or anytime soon.  My car had been broken into and the only thing they took was my temple bag! The window was shattered and glass was all over the back of my car and in the parking lot.

I totally take blame for leaving my temple bag on the floor in the back of my car instead of in the trunk, but I was only there for an hour!  I do consider myself lucky, however, because my purse was under my driver's seat.  The thieves must have seen the green bag/XL purse that my temple clothes are in and thought it was going to be full of valuable things.  They smashed out my back window, grabbed it and left.  Didn't even search any other part of my car.

So instead of spending my day altering dresses, running errands, etc, I started replacing my stolen items and took my car to get the window replaced.  Not a cheap Saturday, but I guess sometimes Life just happens.

Rider's Cup

Special Olympics Utah

Saturday, I spent all day in Park City at the National Ability Center volunteering with the Special Olympics.  This was the first year of the Rider's Cup so there were some logistical issues, but overall it was a total success!

I started the morning assisting with the Equestrian competitions which consisted of cheering for the participants and helping distribute the medals.  I love the participants!  They get so excited about completing the competition and receiving either a participation ribbon or a placement medal.  You can see the excitement in the video below...best to watch to participant in the middle.  He loved to dance, did it all day!

After the Equestrian events ended, we took a break for lunch, then off the Cycling events!  This was much more exciting as a volunteer.  There was more interaction with the participants and coaches.  

I had to mentally revert back to my days with the Events Management Team at BYU and the Splash n Dash races to get the stop watch timing routines working.  Again, since this was the first year for the Rider's Cup, the Volunteer Coordinator didn't have any good direction for how to time the races.  Times like these I am very grateful for my experiences at BYU!

I made a lot of friends today: Lisa, Tyler, Cody, Frank, Tyrell, and others.  I just wish I had a camera with me instead of just my phone. But at least I got one of the participants.  I truly admire their excitement and courage!

I think its safe to say I'll be back again next year!