Sydney and I had a Hannah Montana PJ's Rock concert--it was basically the coolest night of the summer! I LOVE YOU SYD!

Backpacking Southern Utah

This backpacking trip to Coyote Gultch was one of the greatest blessings from God in my life--it was Fall of 2006 and feeling like the whole world had collapsed around me--I was able to get out of Provo, clear my head, enjoy the healing power of nature and develop friendships with a few people that have turned out to have a great impact for good on my life. I walked away a few laughs and photographs that now symbolize enduring even the darkest times in our lives--and just putting one foot in front of the other--even if/when you fall flat on your face in the mud...

Not able to sleep: a blessing in disguise

Tonight I planned to go to bed early. I turned down multiple social engagements and just wanted to call it an early night...I am exhausted from finals, am feeling under the weather, and I have to get up at 5:30 for my clinic shift tomorrow--but for some reason I just couldn't sleep--something that has been no problem at all lately.

So...for the story to come full circle you need to understand that my dishwasher hasn't really worked well for the past few months, but considering the 'manager' (who I like as a person, a great deal) happens to be 19 or so, a friend of the owner, entirely unqualified to manage rentals...(I learned that after trying for 3 months to get the washing machine fixed) so I have just been washing my dishes by hand. It's not really a problem, usually I have them done while cooking.

But...being so tired from finals this week...I wasn't quite as up to doing dishes and just put them into the dishwasher as I used them instead...so when I went up to bed earlier...set it on timed delay...just as I do every night I run the dishwasher...

Only tonight when I couldn't sleep sat at my kitchen table sorting through photos (which happens to be a favorite absent-minded activity when I am tired) and I smell smoke. The thought crosses my mind that something may have fallen onto the heating element in the dishwasher (I once melted the handle of a measuring cup that way) so I walk into the kitchen that is now filled with smoke, and open the dishwasher up to find nothing out of the ordinary--except for the small fact that my dishwasher is on fire.

I love God and the fact that being unable to sleep tonight truly was a blessing in disguise.

Utah Olympic Park

One of the best days I've spent in Utah was at the Olympic Park in Park City--First of all--Park City is wonderful--you're in the mountains, fresh air, less traffic, more diversity--even less light pollution at night so you can see the stars! I LOVE it up there!

My friend Stephan is amazing--he's an Olympic bobsled athlete and coach--and he took us on a private tour of the whole place. He isn't one of those athletes that sits around and expects to be served--he built--with his own two hands a practice ramp for the guys...Basically he's just amazing and I feel privileged to call him my friend.

The day couldn't really be any better--I got to spend it with Jeri and Stephan. Jeri is one of the biggest blessings in the massage program I am in--and in my life. We had a great time up there with Stephan--Jeri completely demolishing her fear of heights--and both of us attaining an all new respect for just what the body goes through in a bobsled--it's so intense!Stephan and JeriThe bobsled is seriously a trip!

And the ski jump...Who doesn't want to lock into those 4" tracks and go off that?!?The Zip-line was pretty great too!And the alpine slide...

Summer Ski Jumping!!!

Something to make you want to be better...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=flRvsO8m_KI

Watching this just makes me want to be a better person.
Not only does it make me want to run farther and faster...
It makes me want to purify my heart even more...assess motives...

It makes me want to be that kind of parent to my children.

Something to make you smile...

Recently, my friend's father was visiting from Russia and came to church with us. His English was about as good as my Russian--we'll just say that. Walking down the hall, he stopped at the drinking fountain to get a drink. He couldn't quite figure it out, looking around a little perplexed, some people standing around tried to tell him how to use it--which would be great if we were in Russia and they spoke Russian. I am from America and it takes me a moment to figure out some of the newly designed water fountains.My Niece and nephew happened to be at church with me that week--AND if you've ever taken 2 small children to a singles ward with no snack time or nursery--you know that at least 1 water break every hour is the least you can do for the sweet lil' kids. And so...Samantha (3yrs) happened to be standing there when Mr. Simakov most needed her help. She walked up, kindly took his hand and pushed the water button on the front of the fountain. He thanked her most warmly in words no one understood--but we all knew what they meant--especially Samantha.Every time I look at a water fountain I think of her sincere and loving example and how she was able to teach someone half a century older than her with a complete language barrier--I have a lot to learn from such a Christ-like example--Thanks Samantha!