Six Flags Magic Mountain

Saturday morning I woke up to the only clear morning we had in California. It was my wish - to be able to enjoy the 180* view of the ocean from Kathy's kitchen while eating breakfast. It was incredible!! I love that view so much!

After we ate, we packed up and drove up to

SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN

(yes, I ditched the last day of my convention to go ride roller coasters)

We got there a little late due to my lack of planning and the park was PACKED! I was a little frustrated that we got there late and that practically half of the entire nation's high schoolers were there!

But one of those high schoolers was my brother D! His high school physics class drove all the way out on Saturday to go to six flags too! It was SO fun to have him there with us!

The only roller coaster I had been on before was the one in California Adventure and the few in Disneyland so I was super excited! I nearly passed out on Goliath (due to the G-Force on that ride). I LOVED scream!! (we went twice). The wooden roller coaster was hilarious - I think it almost chopped our heads off! We broke down while on the Ninja. We went on a few more and then we stood in line for Tatsu (it's a roller coaster that you ride while laying down on your stomach!) It was well worth the wait!

That night, Kristin's parents took us to dinner! We were so spoiled on this trip and ate some wonderfully amazing food! It was a very fun day!!! 

ASHA

ASHA: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Last week was the national ASHA convention held in San Diego. Since it was so close, I decided to go! I left late Wednesday night and drove the 7 1/2 hours to San Diego.

Thursday morning, I drove down the convention center and joined the biggest group of Speech Pathologists ever! It was overwhelming! I was among hundreds of professionals. I couldn't believe that I was even allowed to be there with them! I couldn't believe that I am almost one of them! It was a humbling and nerve-racking thought!

The opening speaker thanked our field for giving her communication after a stroke. It was powerful. I was reminded of the true reason for why I am in this field - to make a difference, to inspire others, to improve education, to empower people! How exciting!

The classes throughout the day were amazing and I feel like I was able to remember how much I do love this field instead of how much I despise schoolwork! It was refreshing! It was exactly what I needed to finish up this semester strong!

The classes were even better on Friday and I had the chance to even walk down the bay to my favorite little outdoor shopping plaza EVER - Seaport Village Plaza! I ate lunch as I looked out over the bay and I walked around enjoying the live music and the Christmas decorations! It was a wonderful afternoon followed by more wonderful classes!

Friday night, I drove just up the road to one of the prettiest buildings - the San Diego Temple! It was incredible! I was able to jump in with another group and enjoy the beauty and peace inside the temple! It was one of the more neat experiences I have had in the temple in a long time! I love how you are never done learning in the temple!

And....

.......I got this..........

............... for FREE!!!!!!

Yes, I won an iPad!!!!! I entered in a few drawings at the convention knowing that I probably wouldn't win. Much to my surprise, I WON! :) I was shocked and so excited! (I guess I have my mom's luck: she always wins drawings!!) I can't wait to start using it!

Friday night, Kristin and I (Kristin came with so I didn't travel alone) drove out to Kathy's and they took me out to dinner for my birthday! It was so fun and the food was amazing! Then we walked out on the pier and looked out at the ocean until we couldn't handle the cold any longer (a whoppin' 10 min).

It was a wonderful weekend full of so many awesome things! :)

Half Marathon III

Race Week:

Monday - didn't get to workout

Tuesday - didn't get to workout

Wednesday - woke up SICK, slept for 17 hours, drank a soda,

and... didn't even get out of bed

Thursday - slept for 10 hours, drank another soda

Friday - hung out with family and attempted to eat

Saturday - ran 13.1 miles

I was maybe, just slightly determined to finish this race.

The first 6 miles were amazing!

I ran my fastest 10k ever!

And then....

I tanked!

I thought those next 7.1 miles would NEVER end!

I walked my entire last mile!

(Pathetic)

My dad ran the 10K and kept me going for that final mile! Thanks dad!

I still got my best time yet! - 2:17:30

Take THAT flu!!!

The only problem? - I was aiming for under 2:10:00.

I probably would have had it if I had ANY nutrients to rely on after my entire 600 calories from the past 72 hours would have lasted longer than 6 miles!!! ;)

Oh well, I finished!

Ultimately, that is ALL that really matters!

(It's like life... we all start at the same place and are trying to get to the finish line. Some get there sooner. Some take longer. Some are better prepared to get there. Some follow the path closer than others. Some take detours. Everyone has moments where finishing seems hard! And ultimately the time doesn't matter as long as each person makes it! - Running and the gospel have a LOT in common! - I could talk about this topic alone for HOURS!)

A New Season

Things are changing....

I feel it!

We had a beautiful fall that consisted of me wearing shorts until last week.

The red-colored trees never became a typical sight taken for granted.

The smell of pines never ceases to make me happy.

The trails I've been running never get old.

It was an amazing fall!

The view from our porch looked like this...

Saturday I woke up to a winter wonderland.

The skies are pink at night again.

The world is so quiet.

It looks so fresh.

I forgot how pretty a snow-covered world is.

I forgot how quiet it gets.

I forgot how beautiful it is.

It's a change.

But each season has it's perks.

I only have 7 months of school left.

I only will be living up here for 7 more months.

I only have one winter left up here.

I only have one more snowboarding season here.

I only have one more semester up here.

I only have one more spring to hike every single trail.

Today, my professor let me know that I got the externship site I wanted.

I couldn't be happier!

It is exactly what I think I want!!

My externship site is back in the valley.

That means I am moving back home in 7 months.

That means so many wonderful things...

But

I will miss it here.

Just like I will miss fall.

I guess that is what seasons are: things that come and go.