SLC Half!

Because I'm posting this, you can all safely assume that I did, in fact, survive the SLC Half. What a great experience! I got the exact time as I did my last race (Vegas) and I was thrilled about it. Why, you might ask? The elevation here sucks, I didn't train as hard, and the people who designed the course put a freaking hill at mile 11 that I had to walk partway up. (Side note. It's just rude to put a hill that far into the race. I mean, everyone is dying at that point. Put the hill at the first when we all have energy! So rude.)

All in all, I'm really glad I did the race. There's something so cool about running with thousands of other people and then crossing that finish line as everyone's cheering you on. What a rush! My dad and my cute friend, Brook, came to see me finish and it was great to have their support. For anyone who is contemplating doing a race (half, full, 5K, 10K ... whatever), I absolutely recommend it. You have such a feeling of accomplishment when you're done, knowing that you set out with a goal and completed it. I'm definitely planning on doing a half again, and I hope to break my time.

There are some hilarious photos that the marathon people took of me as I was running that I'm contemplating buying. If I do, rest assured I'll post them here. They're epic, to say the least.

Hey, Soul Sister, by Train is my new favorite song. It just makes me happy! I feel like I should be driving in a car with my windows down and my sunglasses on every time I listen to it. Can't wait for summer!

No Big Deal ... My Blog Is Now HOT

Isn't my blog amazing? My cute cousin, Brooke Firth, helped me change my blog from an ugly polka dotted nightmare to this cute thing. She designs blogs and has quite the knack for just about ANYTHING. I'm quite fortunate to be related to her. Thanks, Brooke!

Updates, updates!

I got a job - working for Farmers Insurance. I had been there for about two months ... but now I don't have a job again ... because it turns out they didn't need me. SO, I'm back to the fun thing that is searching for a job. Yay! (Insert sarcasm here.)

I've also joined a coed soccer team. Wait - you might be asking - have you ever even played soccer, Liz? The answer is, no. I never have played soccer. But, do I like to get in people's faces? Yes. Am I extremely competitive? Oh yeah. And do I need to work out? You betcha. So, I'm now playing soccer. It's been a ton of fun, actually. I'm not great, but I've gained a HUGE amount of respect for soccer players. They are athletes in every sense of the word. Running around (sprinting) nonstop for 45 minutes and then doing it again for another 45?? Wowzers. I get winded after about minute number 3. It was also nice to do something different. I usually do coed softball this time of year. Look at me branching out and trying new things! Yeah. Big deal.

Half-marathon update: Um, the half-marathon is in less than a month. Am I prepared? No. I ran 7 miles the other day INSIDE and that about killed me. So, I have only a few weeks to whip my butt into shape. I will run this half if I have to crawl across the finish line on my hands and knees! (I'm really hoping it doesn't come to that.)

On a completely unrelated note, I took two showers today. It felt great. Deal with it.

Is it just me or are there NO movies out right now? We were completely bombarded with movies at Christmas and now there's some Miley Cyrus (spelling) lame film they want me to see? No thanks. Robin Hood comes out in May (can't wait) and so I guess I'll avoid the movie theater until then. Oh, I heard that dragon movie was cute, though. Maybe I'll drag my butt over to see that.

Ben has less than 10 months left on his mission! It's going fast now!

Toodles for now, peeps.

Liz

Holy Crazy Life

I remember when I heard about friends and family who were out of a job and asking them, "What do you do all day?" In my mind, I couldn't imagine anything more boring. As I've discovered the past few months, looking for a full time job IS a full time job. I've also discovered that there is NOTHING more frustrating than looking for a job. (It outweighs not having a boyfriend by a looong shot.*) Yeah, the economy sucks. Yeah, I got my degree in Art History and there are like two museums in all of Utah. But even with all those different factors that I know are out of my control, it's still rough knowing you're smart enough and qualified to get a job, and for whatever reason, you don't get it.

Elsewhere in life, and on a happier note, I've signed up for the Salt Lake City Half-Marathon! My dear friend Amber convinced me to do it with her so .... I'm going for it. I've only done one half-marathon before (Las Vegas) and I had an absolute blast. There is NO way to explain the way you feel when you cross that finish line - it's amazing! It's a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. The race is in April and I've just started training (with my hot new purple running shoes - no big deal) so I should be ready. I'm hoping to get a better time than I did in Vegas but with the elevation difference here, I'm not holding my breath.

I know all my married friends are hoping for some great dating stories and I've really been thinking hard of some good ones to post.

Here was an awkward moment.

This happened last May - like the day before Mother's Day. I was at a gas station picking up some treats with this guy I was dating (he loved treats, and I LOVED that about him) and we went to the checker to pay for our things. As the man began scanning our candy he looked at me, smiled, and said, "Happy Mother's Day". I sort of chuckled and looked at the guy I was with and then back at the checker.

"Oh, I'm ... I'm not a mother," I said.

"Yeah," he said, looking back and forth between us with real significance, "but you will be some day."

Huh. So, that for sure created an awkward moment in the car driving back to the bf's place, knowing that man thought bf was going to someday father my children. Do people not look for wedding rings any more when they make comments like that? Just wondering.

A tip of advice: avoid Provo at all costs - especially if you're on a date. Now, I KNOW I'm prejudice against Provo. I know I am. I get it. And really, it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm a Utah fan (go utes!), but everything to do with the fact that there are a lot of really, really weird people down there. I'm not joking - EVERY time I have gone down to Provo, I've met the crazies. Never the normal people. Now, I KNOW there are normal folks that go to BYU because I have several friends that are cougar alumni, and I wouldn't hang out with them if they were nuts. But I swear, I always meet the freaks.

For example - on a date or a group date, please never suggest to build a fort in an apartment. Forts are for your nieces and nephews that are aged 5 and under - or your kids. That's fine. Mom and dad can help. Great. Otherwise? Not so much.

Why is it that there is nowhere to park in Provo? Are there really THAT many people that want to be down there? Do you think the city could TRY to do something to improve that? Also, why is it that no one shovels the walks in the winter? I went to four wonderful years of snowwalk-free school at the U. They even put salt down so you wouldn't slip. That was nice.

Is it really necessary to form a human tunnel at the Malt Shop while you're listening to "Piano Man" by Billy Joel and run around like an idiot? Yes, I know you've just gotten back from your missions. I understand that some people are weird because they haven't touched a person of the opposite sex for two years, but ... REALLY? When I was on campus down there a few months ago to get something at the bookstore, did people really just walk out of some building (is it the Wilk??) singing a hymn? I'm LDS and very proud of my religion, but .... isn't that slightly extreme?? Maybe I'm wrong. But this is my blog. And so my opinion counts. :)

Anyway, that's about all the great dating stories I can think of for the moment. I'm sure I'll remember more - I've got years of them.

Why you should never see a rated "R" movie.

What's with the old lady, you might ask? Well, buckle up and I'll tell you. A few months ago I went with some friends to the movies. Two of my friends were going to see "The Proposal" while my friend, Michelle and I wanted to see the Christian Bale/Johnny Depp movie "Public Enemies" because we both think chick flicks are lame. Soooo, I'm talking with my two other friends as we approach the ticket counter. I wasn't paying complete attention to Michelle but she later informed me that the ticket lady asked her to see ID. (To see a rated "R" movie, you must be over the age of 17.) It's about during this moment that I start to pay attention, because the ticket lady gestures toward me and says, "Or ... is this your mother?"

Um.

WHAT?

Yeah, that was my response. Think of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz and her cackle voice. That's how I said, "WHAAAT?"

Oh, don't worry, she tried to recover by saying, "Or ... I mean, your older sister, because you two look a lot a like."

False. Michelle and I do not look alike. Oh, and Michelle is only two years younger than me. So, we weren't entirely certain who should be more insulted - Michelle because she looks like she's seventeen, or me - because I could pass for fifty.

Next time you want to go see a rated "R" movie, maybe just don't.

Blind Dates - the classic moments.

Two blog posts in one day? Yep. Go figure, I'm in a writing mood at the moment. I was just reflecting over some AMAZING blind dates I've had. I always felt blogs were more for married folks - a place where they can brag about their hubbies and kids. Well, married friends ... get ready to be insanely jealous of some epic blind date moments.

Scenario number 1. I'd like to entitle this experience as "WTF"

I suppose this doesn't quite qualify as a "blind" date, as I met the guy briefly (about 8 seconds) before he asked for my number. (Don't worry about it ... I work fast.) I was playing the piano as a musical number in my ward, and Billy* spoke during the meeting. Precious, right? Yeah - we'll see. So, Billy came over to me after the meeting and we did all the cute little introductions. ("Nice piano playing." "Really? Thanks. Uh, nice talk.") Great beginning to a story, right? Right. Eventually Billy got my number and I skipped off happily. Oh, did I mention? Billy was hot. So, Billy called a few days later and asked me out for the weekend. Happy? You bet. Stoked? Oh yeah. The weekend FINALLY rolled around and Billy came and picked me up. As we start driving, he asks if it's okay if for dinner we do a BBQ with his fam. I'm thinking, okay, it's a little strange to meet the fam on the first date, but what the hey. He's cute, I like a good burger just as much as the next gal - let's do this thing. So, we get to his house and there are like 13 kids running around all over the place. Gotta love the fleet of little brothers and sisters. I get my plate and burger and sit down on the couch in his basement, chatting happily with Billy and any family member that happens to approach. Things are going great - until .... the family dog wanders in front of me. Side note - I love dogs. I have a dog. But this dog looked a little retarded. It had goober eyes and stunk and just looked gross. So, the dog is walking in front of me and starts making a really, really weird noise.

"Is your dog okay?" I ask Billy.

"Oh, yeah," says Billy. "He's just old. He does that all the time."

Back to the burger. Billy and I are happily chatting when, not five minutes later, the dog walks in front of me again and drops over dead. DEAD. He ceases to live. Am I lying? No. The freaking dog is dead right in front of me. What happens next? Complete chaos. The litter of children see the dead family dog and run to it, screaming, bawling, pulling their hair out. Billy picks up the dog, bawling, and they all run upstairs. (Remember, I love dogs, right? Okay, just so we're clear on that.) Sooo ... I am sitting in the basement, wondering what in the world just happened, wondering how my life could get any more bizarre. How long do I sit, you might ask? Oh, don't worry - about 45 minutes. Yeah. No big deal. By myself. In a strange house. Nada to do. Eventually Billy comes back downstairs and his eyes are totally red from crying. I feel really bad. Total awkward situation. So, I expect him to say something along the lines of, "Hey, sorry that this was way awkward. I apologize. I'll take you home and we'll do something another time." Well guys, apparently that's too much to hope for. Billy says, "Sorry, my dad and I are going to bury the dog in the mountains. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Um ... WTF.

Yeah, don't worry, I sat in his basement for another HOUR. Am I an idiot? Probably. Billy comes back home and I'm thinking that we can FINALLY get this date started when he says, "Okay. I'll take you home, now."

Really? REALLY??

So, Billy takes me home and I never hear or see from him again.

The end.

*The name has been changed to protect the privacy of the idiot - er, individual, and because I've actually forgotten his name.

Scenario number 2 - "What are you? Five?"

Here's another gem. I got set up on a blind date and we decide to meet at Chili's for lunch. I've decided that I love lunches for blind dates because if things go really retardedly, you can bail after a quick meal that you don't even have to pay for. Nice, right? So, I meet the guy at Chili's and he has his hair dyed red. Crimson. Not the color of a natural red-head, but red like blazing flames on the side of a ghetto truck. Ugly, right? But whatever, I figure I'm getting a free meal out of the deal. The guy and I sit down and the waitress takes our drink orders and comes back with my Dr Pepper. Love me some Pepper. So, the guy proceeds to unwrap his straw and then - oh yeah, no worries - he shoots the wrapper in my face. I sit there. Did that REALLY just happen? Don't worry, he puts the wrapper back on his straw and does it again. And again. And again. I'm sorry, is there something wrong with me? Is the universe conspiring against me to give me the gayest guys in the world? Possibly. Needless to say, never saw the red-head again. Thanks, buddy. Try again.

Scenario 3 - "I wanted to eat my arm."

Another set up. Great. Yeah, people have really strange ideas of guys they think I'd want to date. So, this guy (Matt. Hey, there are a lot of Matt's out there, and I don't care if someone does know this guy, he's a retard.) picks me up around 7. In preparation for this date, I choose not to eat anything because 7 is a time people pick you up to get dinner. Am I wrong? No, people eat at 7. Don't worry that we don't eat anything the whole night. In Matt's infinite wisdom, he decides to take us to that race car driving place way out in BFE by Tooele or something. So, we're standing in line, signing the liability forms, so you know, if I break my face open or something, I'm not going to sue the place, and he turns to me and says, "You know, you better have fun, because this is really expensive."

Huh. Okay. Did you REALLY just say that?? And no, he wasn't joking. Trust me. I checked for the sarcasm and ... NADA. So, I just mutter something unintelligible and continue to fill out the waver. Once we're done and in another line, he asks, "So, are you a good kisser?"

Oh no, you just didn't ask that. But ... YEP. He did. I was so shocked I just sat there for about 18 seconds, wondering if I should kick him in the groin or something else that would be good. I honestly don't remember my response, but I'm sure it was something like, "Yeah, I am. Too bad you won't find out."

The racing was actually fun. It was a rush. I had to wear one of those full-face helmets that smelled like barf, but it was still fun. Afterwards, and my stomach is already growling, he decides that we're going to go back to his place up in Bountiful and watch a movie. During the movie, he proceeds to try all the little flirty ways to scoot closer. Pathetic. Really. It was. He was such a gomer. Once we finish the movie and I'm ready to eat my arm, he says, "Hey, do you want to watch another movie?"

Idiot. No, I don't want to watch another movie. I want to eat. And I want to never see you again. So, I did the next best thing to hitting him. I told him I wanted him to take me home. When I'm hungry, I get REALLY cranky, so the whole ride home (from Bountiful to Draper) I did not say ONE word to him. Nope. Notta one. Do realize how long of a drive that is? We pull into my driveway and he goes to get out of his car to walk me to the door, but I stop him, say "thanks" and just run out of the car and into my house. Was I rude? Um, no. This creep was a jerk and an idiot. I ran to the pantry and gorged myself to the point where I couldn't sit down properly. Good times. Good times.

I've got loads more, though these are a few of the classics. Perhaps I'll post more in the future. Yay for dating.

Benny and I being silly the day he got his mission call.

Holy Hannah ...

So yeah. It's been like a year since I've updated this thing. Oops. Go me! And would you believe it - I completely forgot my login and password for about 28 minutes until the brain fart went away and I figured it out. Whew. It was touch and go for a bit there.

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving. I have no clue where the time has gone. It's sort of sad - I feel that Thanksgiving sometimes gets put on the back-burner as the holiday stuck between Halloween and Christmas. But I love it. Really. Getting together with family at my Aunt Bernice's house has been a wonderful tradition that I look forward to every year. I have an AMAZING family and extended family and feel extremely fortunate that we are all so close. I'm so excited for Thanksgiving this year. Aunt Shanna has the best yams - I swear. I love them.

I've been thinking a lot about my brother, Ben, lately. Ben is serving a mission in Taichung, Taiwan. He has been out for just under 10 months. I can't believe that it's already been close to a year, but still - it seems like I still won't see him in forever. Ben is amazing. We have always been such close buddies (well, maybe not when we were younger - when we were both hitting and punching each other every 12 seconds) and if you know Ben, then you know he makes himself known. It's been pretty quiet around without him, but Sam has begun to step up to the plate with regard to the loudness level. Ben is a great missionary. His mission president loves him and he works hard. I can't believe that he will be fluent in Mandarin Chinese when he gets home. From what I hear, he's already got a pretty good knack for the language. That's just incredible to me. Missionaries are so special to me. I think of Ben and my other brother, JD, who have served missions and I think it's nothing short of incredible that there are guys who take 2 YEARS out of their lives and dedicate themselves to service and sharing their beliefs.

Love you, Benny.