when did july end?

And where did my background go?? I guess I will look into that later.

I feel like the summer is just blowing by, but I have definitely been enjoying myself in the sunshine. For now, I will share some highlights of my week in Alaska (for work). I love these opportunities that pop up now and again (I was told a week in advance I was working in Alaska-- what a nice surprise) for me to travel and explore a new place. I hope I am always able to enjoy my own company, and to make an adventure of the opportunities that come my way.
The Seward Highway that heads south out of Anchorage is really beautiful. I loved the drive about a year and a half ago when I was here, and I can confirm it's gorgeous in both winter and summer. But I personally preferred the long sunlight hours of the summer months.

There were people fishing everywhere. Obviously, because it's July in Alaska. I did not go fishing but used my one free day for a glacier cruise. A kind coworker who is an avid fisherman sent me home with some salmon from his freezer-- it was so nice of him!

This is the tunnel to the town of Whittier. It's 2.5 miles long and only one lane, so they alternate turns for traffic coming in and out (both cars and trains). There wasn't much to the town, but driving through the tunnel was so cool. It's carved right into the rock, and the speed limit is 25 mph, so you get a fair amount of time in there.

Here I am on my day cruise through the Kenai Fjords. The cruise left from Seward, which was a darling town. This was such an amazing day. The mountains and glaciers surrounding the bays and along the coast were gorgeous. I saw five different hump back whales flipping around in the water throughout the afternoon. I saw a family of orcas swim up towards the boat, and then swim under the boat. One did a full body breach, right there in front of me. I watched a group of dolphins (who have the same coloring as orcas-- gorgeous) swim along our boat and then swing alongside a smaller fishing boat next to ours for 10-15 minutes. I loved how playful the orcas and dolphins were with the boats.

Up on the steep cliffs I saw a mountain goat and it's baby. And (in a different spot, thank heavens) I saw a huge black bear. It was a full grown male and it was amazing. I had wanted to see a bear so badly, and it was every bit as cool as I had hoped it would be, although maybe a little far away.

I also saw puffins, sea otters, sea lions, jellyfish, and lots of birds on the cruise. My friend Chris took me on a drive one night around Anchorage, and I saw a few moose too. Really close to the side of the road. One was so close we could hear him chewing. Totally awesome.

Watching this calving glacier was so spectacular. It was massive, and the ice was the most electric blue color. The sound of the ice groaning and cracking (while moving forward into the ocean at a rate of 3 feet per day) was as loud as thunder. It was such an impressive sight to see the huge chunks of ice break off and fall into the ocean. I spent a solid half hour watching ice move, and it was fascinating!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by how beautiful the earth is??

drug of choice: pcp

I still love the Portland Cello Project. And Portland's local music scene is just generally amazing. Thanks Christina for letting me follow you around to experience it.

Last year we went to their first attempt at a dance party, all in 80s covers, and it was AMAZING. I was worried they couldn't pull off something so fantastic again this year, but oh did they. The selections were varied across genres and decades, but consistently fabulous. I really can't believe how many different arrangements they wrote for this show.

My friends are so cute. And yes, I'm wearing leggings as pants (with cowboy boots I might add). So take that BYU honor code office-- they are too pants and should totally be allowed under short dresses and skirts!
Waiting for the show.
He was such a great sport to indulge us and take so many photos.
Still waiting, will the show start already??
Now don't bother me please, I'm dancing.
I really love this shadow picture. I'm feeling many repeats in the future (when I need something besides a good jumping pic to mix things up).

it's a known fact people prefer the sound of their own name to any other sound in the world

I spent the last couple weeks working from this cubicle:

Sigh.
And here I am, about three years ago, signing my offer letter at the end of the internship during summer 2007. That feels like a really long time ago.

this did not work

But I am determined for the two of us to wakeboard together before summer's end. Immediate crash complete with rope burn and bruises. Luckily no bloody noses, anger, or photographic evidence.

Future boating excursions will definitely involve the longer (real) surfboard that can surely balance two people at the same time.
Next time Daniel, next time.
And as always, a real pleasure to see Emily while in UT!

hotlanta

Last week I went to training in Atlanta and had a blast! Training is always a huge party, and this year was no exception, despite class 'til six and class on Saturday (summer blast nothing). Everyone is out 'til all hours of the night. I myself made it to bed before midnight only once during the week-- a far cry from my usual work week routine!

A coworker and I flew down early to explore the city. Unfortunately, it was so hot and humid, we lost motivation to do anything but lay by the pool. Or I lost motivation, and she was stuck at the pool with me, hard to know exactly how things went down... Not that I would ever consider pool time a waste of a weekend, especially when someone is there to bring you drinks. I enjoyed pina coladas for breakfast and mojitos and sliders for lunch.
This view is from the pool at night. The hotel was right downtown, and it was definitely an unusual feeling to gaze at skyscrapers from my pool chair.

We ventured to Gladys Knight's chicken and waffle house (one of many amazing meals shared that week).

Chicken and waffles are a surprisingly delicious and natural combination.

Standard frozen custard for dinner anytime I venture eastward.

Training Saturday allowed us to enjoy a Braves game Friday night. (Delicious chili cheese dog. Per the usual, I'm just there for the food.) Participating in the tomahawk chop was quite thrilling, albeit borderline offensive.

Then the Braves ended the night with a fireworks display that much exceeded expectations. I always forget how much I love fireworks until I see them. Luckily there will be more coming next weekend!

In Atlanta I also went to my first concert solo. Being out of town always makes me braver for trying things alone (and the long list of friends back home I could text to look busy didn't hurt either). I felt a little awkward there alone at first, but eventually got over that, and really enjoyed myself. I was glad I didn't let the lack of companions keep me from attending a show I wanted to see, because Matt Pond PA was excellent. And the opening bands, What Laura Says and Wintersleep, were both fantastic as well.

i love visitors

This post is long overdue-- but I couldn't let it slip through the cracks. A few weeks ago Jamie surprised me with a phone call Friday night saying she was coming down to Portland the following day. I was so excited to see her, and it was just the motivation I needed to finalize my post busy season ritual cleansing (of my bedroom).
We went boating with some of her friends, and it was really awesome. We also went to the starlight parade, hit up two happy hours in one day (that made a total of three for the weekend) and had an all around fantastic sleepover.

Jamie also got to see my ward building. It's definitely a unique experience, and this room is one of my favs. What is with all of those stones in the floor, and why is there a fireplace in the church? We also found a closet in this room full of firewood. This building has so many different rooms, hallways, and secret passageways throughout its two levels. My favorite spot is the stairway from the downstairs banquet hall up to the stage. Anyone who comes to visit can have a tour!

text of the day

This afternoon at work I received the following completely real and completely serious text message from my sister:

"What is the name of the store where you and Mom bought those magical rocks?"

Because yes on my last trip to UT my mother and I purchased crystals with specific powers applicable to current life situations for ourselves and for Kirst. And apparently she needs some more or wants to get some for someone else. So I told her where to find Turiya's in Sugar House and on her way she went.

duck 2010

Base Tan Weekend year 3 has been fantastic. Having Duck Beach as the back drop to a girls' beach weekend was really fun and I'm glad we could all experience Duck Beach together for the first time.
What is it about the salt water/ sand/ wind combo that makes your hair look so awesome? I love beach hair! (P.S. I have like a hundred takes on this photo trying to minimize the cleavage-- this is not a pornographic blog!)

Have you ever seen 26 YSAs get caught in a rip tide then need rescuing from 6 lifeguards? It's quite spectacular. It was probably their punishment for beaching on the Sabbath. Lol.

Few things beat a beach picnic.

I make every effort to enjoy my firm's swag whenever possible.

I really love this hat I purchased for my trip. It also saved my face from repeating the sun burn disaster from April.

There were these creepy white crabs all over the place. They're called ghost crabs and they're really really fast. Sometimes we'd see one during the day, but apparently there are a ton of them out at night. And apparently if you drop several in a cooler together things quickly deteriorate into a cage match.

A perfect six-person jumping pic. Tell me you're impressed. Our friend James was taking the pic and shared with us his theory that only mormon girls like jumping pics. I'm still deciding how true I think that is.

"OBX" for the Outer Banks. Well, actually it's "ObX" in this photo.

Kirst, RZ, me. So glad we could all get together. Although K-Hill was dearly missed.

Twin jumping pic.

We spent a lot of time taking photos. Clearly.

Strolling the three blocks to the beach.

There was a lot of food in the kitchen. I mostly lived off Nutella, pictured.

RZ serving. The volleyball tournament brought everyone together to the same beach. It was so crowded and so fun. And RZ's a fantastic volleyball player.

Beach time is perfect for self reflection.

And people watching. And gossiping. And tanning. And napping. And swimming.

welcome to 929 corolla drive

With 21 men and women staying in this beach house, things could get a little crazy. Let's hope they do. :)

sometimes

We have alternative FHE, in my hot tub.

new high, or new low?

New high or new low: buying Lady Gaga tickets ten months in advance for a show out of town during busy season? It's on a Saturday, I'm sure I'll be able to swing it. :) Besides, how could I 1) not see her in concert, and 2) not see her with Kirst and Linds? I couldn't. Clearly.

Ga-ga-ooh-la-la.

that's senior associate, to you

I got the official partner call Friday afternoon letting me know I would indeed be promoted to senior associate, official July 1. But who wants to wait until July to reward herself for a promotion at work? Certainly not me, especially with the AmEx gift card from a few posts ago burning a hole in my pocket.

I'm not really a watch person, but have been loving the white ceramic watches all over. Now, thanks to Michael Kors and Nordy's, I can check one more item off the list of accessories every girl should own. It's beautiful, right?

i have my saturdays back

I didn't have to work this Saturday, and I did so many things instead. Mostly running errands and cleaning, but that is my fav way to spend a Saturday. Here I am at the farmer's market with Jon after step. My game plan for Saturday AM for oh the next 8 months or so.

Breakfast was hash browns with eggs and thick cut bacon from Northwest Heritage Farms. Best bacon ever. I bought some of their sausage to eat at home this week. My breakfast beverage was unpasteurized cherry-apple cider. Umm, what?

i heart mom

I have a really great mother. And, my mom is one of my best girlfriends. It's a killer combination. She always knows what to say, and she never tires of having to say it. I have learned so many things from my mom, and will highlight some of the best lessons right now.

• The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of my mother is compassion. She has taught me to love, to forgive, and to have compassion for others. This lesson has been taught again and again through example.
• My mother taught me to be kind. Once, I was having a really hard time getting along with a girl in my second grade class. I was friends with everyone in the class, but this one girl really got on my nerves. I was venting to my mom, and she pointed out some things that made this girl's life very difficult. She suggested that maybe I had known this girl before this life, and we knew her life was going to be really hard, and I had promised her that I would find her and be her friend. And wouldn't I feel awful if I didn't end up keeping that promise? That casual, after-school conversation has really affected me.
• My mother taught me to love reading and to love learning-- in and out of school. She would read to us every night before bed, and help us with all of our school assignments. I can neither confirm nor deny that homework help continued into grad school.
• My mother taught me how to cook, clean, properly set a table, and host a lovely party. Our home was always clean, neat, welcoming, and open. We have always had room for visitors, regardless of the size of our home or budget. I can remember one of her young women who got kicked out of her house when she got pregnant living with us. Giving her a room involved my brother, sister, and I sharing one bedroom in our tiny little home. I have so many memories of random people at our house for holidays. Sometimes I really hated it and didn't want to entertain weird so and so instead of just having fun with my family. Sometimes I still do hate it, but my mother would never let inconvenience or a tantrum from me keep her from making a lonely someone feel welcome and loved in our home.
• Last of all, the most important thing my mother has taught me is to love my savior, Jesus Christ. She has taught me to listen to the spirit, and seek after the truths of the gospel. I have watched my mother perform hours and hours of church service. I have discussed gospel principles with her over and over again. She has taught me the importance of faith and obedience.

There are many other women who have played a mothering role in my life. I appreciate them, and I aspire to be like them. Happy Mothers' Day to them all!

new high, or new low?

I find myself asking this question quite often. It doesn't seem like the kind of thing one should find herself confused about, but I'm suspicious I'm not alone in this type of quandary. So why not post these questions to my blog as they present themselves in my life? Here is phase one, with many more to follow I'm sure.

New high or new low: setting the table (plates, napkins, forks, etc. all in place like mother taught you) for my audit team as we take a break for dinner and gather in a conference room to eat? It's just like family dinner, except totally not.

my right eye has developed a twitch

I'm susppicious there's a correlation with the 70-hour work weeks of busy season numero dos. (Numero dos for the year, that is. Although I did judt finish my second career busy season as well.) Heavens.

life is full of difficult decisions

At work they hace these "Encore Awards" to recognize people who they feel have worked extra hard on a certain project. This busy season I was the in-charge on several jobs, a responsibility usually reserved for your third year. It was such a great experience and I cannot believe how much I learned, and how amazing my coworkers were in helping me get through it.

An additional bonus of this great experience was an encore award. I've received these before at the $20 level, and get to log into the online system and pick out either a gift card or other gift. It's really fun and they have all kinds of stuff. This time, however, I have more cash money to work with.
I can get a $200 AmEx card, which is the jumping off point for evaluating the coolness of my other options. My fav choices are listed below:

I definitely need a new bike (I haven't had one since college). This bike is pink, which is awesome. I'd have to get my dad's opinion before making this choice, because I have no basis for evaluating a bike beyond its color. A quick google search revealed this baby to retail around $190, which would not be maximizing my prize. But, I would have a pink mountain bike, just in time for spring.

There is also a variety of meat packages from Omaha steaks. Several cuts of beef, lobster tails, and crab legs. So delicious, and so tempting. I could save them for a special occasion dinner party, or simply treat myself to a series of delicious meals. I did not google a price for these.

I've been wanting a medium sized suitcase, and this multiple piece collection could certainly meet all of my traveling needs. I did not google a price for these.

A navigation unit would solve many of my life's difficulties. Many. This one is a handheld one, but hopefully there'd be a way to plug it into my car so it didn't run on batteries. A quick google search revealed this baby to retail around $160.

Sigh. I've been plotting my slow and steady collection of Le Creuset cookware for my kitchen for years. I want the spring green ones to match my Kitchenaid. A quick google search revealed this baby to retail around $270. Definitely a steal for my level of prize money. Isn't it beautiful? This is a definite contender for my new gift.

Lastly, I'm not really a watch person. But it would be a great thing for any career woman to have. I've been loving all the white watched I've been seeing, and this Michael Kors one is lovely. A quick google search revealed this baby to retail around $220-250.

What would YOU choose if you had this excruciatingly difficult in front of you? Anyone who says something about getting the cash card, using it to buy groceries, and throwing extra cash money into savings, is no longer my friend. :)