the top ten of the second half of twenty ten

So remember when I used to blog? Me neither. Although the documentation has stopped, the fun certainly hasn't. I'm going to breeze over the months of Aug-Dec 2010, then jump right back in. So here, in no particular order (like I needed to make the post any harder to complete than it already was) are the top ten activities of the second half of 2010, or in other words, what on earth I've been up to:

1. Rachel married Ken!

It was a beautiful wedding, and now maybe I believe in happy endings afterall.

Photo of Rachel and Ken by Jonathon Canlas. He's amazing, although their wedding was, in fact, this beautiful.

L to R: Meg, Kirst, Lauren, me, Kristen. It was awesome to see these girls and catch up-- sometimes I feel like too much of my heart is spread too far apart, and I don't know what to do about it, except keep growing the size of my heart I guess.

Another highlight of the wedding was giving an impromptu wedding speech. I am always ready at a moment's notice to commemorate any of my friends in a toast, I just want you all to know that.

2. Whistler Break 2010 with Jamie

A bunch of the Seattle YSAs go to Whistler the first weekend in December every year. Jamie got me on the list this year, and we had an amazing time. I loved the slopes, the town, and the company.

Upon arrival (about 2am after a very long week at work), I met up with Jamie, then we headed to our condo. All sleeping arrangements had been made, so Jamie and I were left to divide the couch and one spot in a half occupied queen bed. I had already begged Jamie to get us anywhere but a couch spot, so she took the couch (thanks lovely) and I took the spot next to a guy I hadn't met, but was assured he was both attractive and a fireman. When we got into the condo, everyone was asleep, and there was a note written on a ripped off pizza box lid that said, "Courtney, your bed ------->. (You're the small spoon.)" YES. I don't know you note writer, but I already love you. There was clearly nothing for me to do but out on my p.j.s and climb into bed. That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the weekend-- I didn't behave much better on the dance floor!

Jamie and me, olympic rings, obv.

3. Skydiving!

My brother loves to skydive, and goes all the time (he's even certified to jump by himself-- intense). I have never had any desire to go skydiving. So when my mother decided she wanted to go for her 50th birthday, you can imagine my unhappiness. But I was not about to let her show me up!

I spent the morning quiet, grumpy, and largely in denial. I stood where they told me to stand, wore what they told me to wear, moved when they told me to move, etc. After all preparations were made, we were shuffled onto the airplane. At this point I was still very much in denial: my game plan was to close my eyes, survive the experience, then get to brag about actually doing it.

As soon as we reached altitude and they whipped open the door, I suddenly, and very involuntarily, processed what was happening. I was about to die. I started screaming, a scream I couldn't reproduce on command for a million dollars. Once people started jumping out the door, my screams turned into shouts of, "I don't want to go! I don't want to go!" My brother turns to look at me, laughing and smiling (bastard) then falls out the plane door. Then it's Kirstin's turn. I begin clutching the walls of the plane as my tandem instructor pushes me forward. He tells me to put my hands on my harness, and I do. We stand up, I shut my eyes, and we're out the door. One, two, three, I can feel us do a flip. Then I open my eyes, and begin having one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

You guys, I loved skydiving. It wasn't anything like I expected. I had been told it wouldn't be, but like I could take the word of a bunch of hateful, lying, adrenaline junkies (kidding, you guys were awesome). I've been wondering ever since how many other experiences in my life could be like that, if I could just get out of my own way and put my fear aside long enough to try something new. Great material for a church talk, which I've already used once, of course.

Feeling like rockstars, because we are.

4. Hawaii

Tropical vacay with mom, sis, bro, in early October. We missed dad like crazy, who's been working in Israel since the fall.

In the dream world in my head, where I own as many pretty things as I can dream of, there will be a serenity pool in the backyard of at least half of the houses.

5. Halloween

This holiday, being my favorite, is a highlight of every year. In 2010 I sewed my own costume (skirt). I was the cutest 26-year-old Minnie Mouse ever, and it was so worth the hours I spent drowning in tulle trying to make the petticoat for this thing.

Re-using my Minnie Mouse ears from Tokyo Disney was definitely the inspiration for this costume. I didn't dare attempt an entire dress (I need less time working and more time at home sewing), so I found a pattern for a short poodle skirt and used it for Minnie. Perfection.

6. Joint 59th birthday party with Jon Jon

We went to Big Al's for bowling and arcade games. It was delightfully fun, and 26 is feeling great!

Lucky for Jon, maybe I have already planned our next birthday too. He will probably have to move to get out of this annual obligation. Kidding, my friends can tell me no, and I promise to quit pouting in ten minutes or less. Maybe fifteen.

7. Sabbatical

I didn't show up to work, everyday, for an entire month. It was so fun and revitalizing, and I didn't accomplish a single thing I told myself I would. My firm has a sabbatical program where you can take a month (or more, but good luck finding room in your schedule for that) off, in addition to your allotted PTO. You get 20% pay, which covers taxes, health insurance, 401(k), etc. I spent most of the time visiting my family in UT. I can't believe how quickly the weeks went by, and using this program at work was definitely one of my best decisions of the year.

8. Thanksgiving w/ siblings

My mom spent Thanksgiving week visiting my poor, lonely dad who couldn't get away from work. So I flew to SLC and spent the week with Kirstin and Daniel. We had a lovely time, and I am so happy that my siblings and I are such good friends that a week of just us could be so enjoyable. Kirst and I have always been besties, but my brother and I needed a few more years of growing up and settling down (can you guess who needed which?) so now we can be besties too.

We had many kind offers to spend Thursday with family andf friends in the area. We politely and graciously declined all offers and ate Thanksgiving dinner at The Grand America. And grand it was. I ate way more crab legs and artisan cheese than any traditional foods, but didn't feel disappointed in the least. Every time we came back with a new plate we decided we had to share three things we were grateful for. There was a lot of gratitude expressed, to say the least.

9. Christmas w/ fam bam

Everytime I visit my family, I think about how nice it would be if I lived closer and could see them more often. If that didn't involve me living in UT, I would more seriously consider it. For now, a short flight will have to suffice. We spent the holidays playing, relaxing, cooking, eating, skiing, gifting. With only five of us, I can't believe how hard it still is for all of us to gather in one place. But I'm always glad we make the effort.

10. Drivers license suspended

Apparently the last time I moved I never updated my address with the DMV. And apparently I got a photo speeding ticket. And apparently it went unpaid for like six months (you know, because I didn't know about it). I got a call from my dad, who said they had gotten a letter for me from the OR Dept of Rev. I told him to go ahead and open it, thinking it couldn't be anything important. Then he told me it looks like I owe the state several hundred dollars and my drivers license is suspended. Eff. I try so hard to prove to my dad that I'm not mismanaging my life, and that moment right there put me back several steps, and out way more money than I cared to spend on a ticket.

You may be wondering why this is a hightligt of the second half of 2010. I think it's because it makes a good story, and one more go-to fact for two truths and a lie, which is always a weirdly hard game to play. Have you ever had your license suspended? Yeah, I didn't think so.

So that's it for 2010. Now I can move all my energy into enjoying 2011 (ha, like I haven't been already). Work is nuts, but I'm also traveling a lot, so I know I'll have stories to share between the long days auditing away!

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!