Long Lost Lake Powell

Way back in the day, six people, three cars, and two dogs headed south. For a few of us, it was our first time, but for some, it was just another trip to the land with more waterfront than the entire west coast of the continental US. As one of the destinations on my Top 10 Places to Hit This Year list (mind you, I've now hit a whopping 1), I was more excited than one could imagine. We headed out on Friday morning, arriving at Lake Powell a little after lunch. We set up camp, and went straight to the beach for some swimming–dogs and all. Before we knew it we were cooking dinner, watching the warm sun cast its surreal shadows on the lake as it slowly went out of sight.

Randy and Josh toast to a great first day

Day 2 was just a little more jam packed, complete with a speed boat rental and a set of water skis. We spent the morning making our way the 50+ miles out to Rainbow Bridge, the worlds largest natural bridge; almost as tall as our capital building and spanning nearly a football field in length.
We then spent the remainder of the day, or at least the remainder of our rental, working our way back to the marina, exploring as many small canyons as we could squeeze in, bother literally and metaphorically. We even found a sandy spot to beach the boat, have a picnic lunch, and spend some time exploring on land.
Of course, what would a trip to the great Lake Powell be with out some water activities? Most of us gave water skiing a try, although for some of us it came much more naturally than others, (note the author was one of those not so natural people), but some fun was had and even more laughs.

Ryan, obviously one of the naturals...

Me...ummmm....not so much.

One really monumental part of this trip was also our beloved J-dog. Jackson, always the boat chaser, never the boat rider, really made the best of the situation. Turns out, he actually came to relax a bit on the boat... Ok maybe a lot.

This trip was so much more than just a trip with great friends and filled with great memories... It was the first of many, many, MANY more Adventures in Utah. A few blogs ago, I exposed a new motto in life... To make each day count, with the one you love. I truly hope to always do that, especially when it comes to making the most of the undeniably gorgeous place in which we have come to call home.

These shoes were made for...walking?

It is with great sadness that I have to announce my dream of running the St. George Marathon will have to wait another year. A few weeks back, on one of my training runs, I made the mistake of aggressively increasing my mileage and decline in the same run. I ran 8 of the 13 miles at a 4-5% decline down American Fork Canyon, and as it turns out, injured my left foot. I then spent the next 3-4 weeks icing, and resting, throwing a few short sporadic runs in the mix when I thought I could. But regardless of how long I would rest between runs (sometimes even a full week), that next time out, I couldn't even go .25 miles without the horrible pain returning. I'd like to think I have a pretty high threshold for pain, especially when it comes to something I had such a new found passion for, but I reached a breaking point where I couldn't take it anymore.

What's next? For some reason I was emotionally attached to the idea of running the St. George marathon for my first 26.2. I haven't decided if I can wait the 14 months for it to come around again, or if I'll find something in the meantime to quench my thirst. For now, these shoes will keep on walking... that's just what they'll do...

Half a Decade—Whole lotta love

Five years ago today, Ryan and I started our journey together that continues to get better year after year. In my opinion, a relationship that cannot be broken and continues to grow stronger and more amazing after each hurdle, with every passing year.... is truly something worth 'blogging' about.

We met on Father's Day, 2004, when I went up to Ellenville, NY to watch my Dad do this crazy thing called hang gliding. Our first run in was short, but to this day, and my mom will attest, I really did know that something was different about him.... and no, not in the "short bus" different kind of way, but in a really amazing way. Our journey has many different phases, in many different states, with many amazing times, and some of those icky, trying times as well. But 5 years later, I know how lucky I am, and have made it a personal goal to not take it for granted, even for one day.

To making each day count, with the one you love.
Happy Anniversary :)

Ryan and I on our first anniversary, taking our first tandem flight together
July 2005

No News really IS good News!

Two months since my last update, and with lots to report, it's hard to know where to start, but the beginning sounds good. Last blog, I was waiting for news on the St. George marathon lottery. I got picked! I will run my first, full marathon on October 3rd, in beautiful St. George Utah. http://www.stgeorgemarathon.com/. To make the deal even sweeter, Leah, one of my very best friends, is traveling the 2,127 miles from New Jersey to Utah, so that we can run it side-by-side! We will share the experience of crossing that finish line some 26.2 miles later, together. Go team Dizzy and Slugger!

Running the Salt Lake 1/2 marathon in April

Shortly after finding out about the marathon, we also got word that an offer Ryan and I had made on a house, had been accepted. Before we knew it, we were elbow deep in all the worries and woes of buying a house. On May 30th, some 10-15 inspections, notaries, letters, and delays later, we closed on our very first, and may I say, ridiculously adorable house. It's a perfect first home, complete with 1/3 acre of plush, landscaped yard for Jackson, three bedrooms, two family rooms and charm that makes you feel at home almost instantaneously.

Pictures of our house, moving in, and getting settled.

Once we were moved in, the mad dash to unpack and get settled was on. Both sets of parents were planning to come out shortly after getting moved in and so we decided it would be a great time to have a housewarming party. But when our closing got pushed back 2 weeks, it only left us with about 10 days to get the house in 'housewarming' status. With some seriously long days, lots of running around and lots of help, we were able to pull it off. I'd even go as far as to say we had a lot of fun while we were at it. :)

Pictures from our Housewarming BBQ

Finally, as it turns out, the mad dash to keep our original date for the housewarming party was part of a larger scheme Ryan had in the works. On Saturday morning, before our guests arrived, Ryan asked me to marry him. He had remembered a long time ago, when I once very casually mentioned that I would love to have friends and family around at the time of the engagement, to share in the celebration. Go figure, guys do remember things :) After almost 5 years, I am still gitty at the thought of spending the rest of my life, with my best friend.

So in our case, it is true.... no news REALLY is good news!

Ryan and I, shortly after saying "yes" at our BBQ.

The New Love of My Life

For as long as I can remember, through all of the sports I've participated in, both high-school and college, there's always been a conditioning aspect that involved running.... and in three words–I hated it. Who would have thought that almost 10 years later (YIKES!), I have a new found love for it? It's my thing, it's time to clear my mind, it's the one place where I am actually able to turn off my brain but yet in that state of freedom, I can answer anything... go figure. A few months back I had decided I was going to try a half-marathon, not ever having run more than 2 miles in one stint. 12 weeks of training later, I not only ran the 1/2, but ended up finishing well under my "I'm hoping for, but probably won't get" goal of 2 hours. As I rounded the corner for the last mile, the cheers, the smiles, the feeling of accomplishment... priceless. It's safe to say–I'm officially hooked. I signed up for my first full marathon for October 09. It's a lottery, so everyone.... FINGERS CROSSED!

Kasey, a fellow BrainStormer, and I at the start line.

Getting pumped-up... I was bouncing around like a Mexican jumping bean.

I actually undershoot my goal time by so much, I beat Ryan and Jeff (another fellow BrainStormer) to the finish-line, so they caught my excitement after I actually had a chance to catch my breath :)

Winter Wrap Up

Oh, where to being? It's been a while and lots of good things have happened. Thanks to some late-blooming storms, this winter's snow totals are rounding out just under 700+ inches at our fav Little Cottonwood Canyon resorts. Thankfully, I got in a few extra ski days with some of my local loves and those visiting from afar. There were some nights out on the town and surprisingly fun nights had staying-in... but one thing remains the same, it was all in great company.

Enjoying a day at Alta with Ryan after some storms dumped some fresh snow.
A Cosmo Magazine gal pal and some of her friends from NYC came out to visit, so we headed to Deer Valley for a day of fun in the sun.

Carly and I out with the boys at our favorite local pup, Porcupine.

The gang hanging out at our place. This photo was taking before the white board was busted out for a riveting game of Pictionary!

Alive and well

Hi Friends!
Some of you have seemed concerned that I have not updated my blog in quite a while. I wanted you all to rest assured that I am doing well, and have just been too busy to update. I guess this is what they mean by you should be out there living life, instead of writing about it. But don't fret, I plan to spend some time on Sunday updating on my adventures out west. Miss and love to you all :)

Winter Wonderland

Over the last month or so, I've had a few different winter adventures here in Utah. I've had some visitors come and take advantage of my 2nd bedroom and help me tear up the slopes both on skis, and snowmobiles. I also ventured out in the backcountry one day to get in some first track, powder turns. Even in a dryer winter like this, Utah still keeps me outdoors.
Early February, Ryan and I made a backcountry run up Little Cotton Wood Canyon across from Alta. It was some unexplored territory, so I took it kinda easy but Ryan tore it up, as normal.

The following weekend I took Jackson up American Fork Canyon to Tibble Fork Reservoir where we played in the snow for hours. It was scenic, sunny and warm and one of my favorite days of the winter so far.

The adventures continued with a snowmobile tour up in Heber, about 20 minutes from Park City. A two and half hour tour led us to the peak of this ridge just as the sun set.

Finally, an almost perfect ski day at Deer Valley. I could not have asked for better weather, (I'm going to sound like a spoiled west coast skier) but maybe a little better snow conditions, but I was still smiling ear to ear on the last run.

Mom's the word

Fun times, laughs and some mild shenanigans filled my days this past weekend with my mom visiting from back east. It was so nice to have quality girl time and we spent it doing a wide array of activities including shopping, taking in a little aerial ski competition, riding the tram at Snowbird to 11,000 feet to take in the sights and my fav... reenacting the one of the best commercials of all time from Ikea....
"START the car!"
Great times were had and I'm sad to see her go.

Mom and I bundled up at Deer Valley watching the Visa Classic Aerial Competition.

All smiles as our new friends jump in the back.

Taking in a birds-eye view of the beauty that is Utah.

Great Start

I can't think of a better way to start off the new year than a great ski day, with great friends. With the weather on our side, temps in the mid 30's, lots of sun and 5-10 mph winds, a group of us headed up to the Canyons in Park City. We took the opportunity to snap a few pics in the Gondola and were on our way

Me all smiles, excited to hit the slopes.

Michelle and Brad sporting a little peace and love.

We continued on our way, hitting great run after great run. James, the self-proclaimed "beginner" in the group, was ripping down the slopes all day. Brad, our hospitable "ski school host", helped us find some fresh pow without leading us a stray. And Michelle got us the VIP treatment, all while making us laugh the entire time.

James, Michelle, Me and Brad on the lift.

After we called it a day, we headed to Mike and Megan's cabin in Heber. I made it pretty much all day with out a fall.... except getting out of my car. I then spent the next few hours just hanging out and having a blast with great company miles away from everything. A truly great day, surrounded by great people.

Like a true friend, Michelle snaps a pic of me after my graceful fall.

Lisa, Me and Michelle hanging out at the cabin.

Blast from the Past

Happy New Year! All things considered 2008 was a great year. I've been in Utah for just over a year now and still continue to be amazed by it's greatness. Here's a brief look back at some of my favorite moments from 08.

Looking back, I realize I have a lot to be thankful for. I only hope I can continue to succeed, have great times and be healthy in 2009.

Best wishes to everyone for the same as well.

My first winter in Utah and we got somewhere around 700+ inches of snow.
I skied a lot and enjoyed every minute of it.
Utah powder truly is like no other snow. Here, "It just pukes".

In April, Ryan and I saved a small black puppy from the shelter.
Little did we know, how great of a dog Jackson would grow to be.
Who knew someone could love a four-legged, furry creature so much.

In June, I had my very first Utah Mountain Flight at Camel's Point in Springville. I was the only one in the air, but enjoyed all 40 minutes of the
absolutely beautiful flight.

In July, Ryan and I met up with two of our closest friends here in Utah, Brad and Michelle, and went camping.Although I was petrified all night that I would be eaten by coyotes, it was an amazing experience to be so far out in the wild with such great friends. Utah is a beautiful place that I hope I never take for granted.

In September I went home to visit family and friends and got to spend some quality time with my niece. She is just delicious. It is not easy being so far from her but I am thankful every day that Giada is happy and healthy.

Finally, this fall I had one of the most enjoyable and serene hikes of all times. It was in Little Cottonwood Canyon with Ryan. The sun was setting, the colors were beautiful, and when I reached the top of the ridge... I felt home.