Best Fieldtrip Ever

Earlier this summer, I headed back to Utah to pick up my car and the rest of my belongings and embark on a cross country roadtrip to Washington, DC. Bringing my car over to the east coast is kind of a big deal. To help me make the journey, my good friend Tim joined me for the 2000+ mile drive. I'm not sure if Tim volunteered or if I was super persuasive, but for whatever reason he agreed to come along and I am SO grateful. We had some good times driving across Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, DC, and Virginia!

Day 1: Leaving Herriman at 4 PM

Leaving Utah (and my sense of direction...if there aren't mountains to the east how am I going to know which direction I'm going?

Day 1: Driving across Wyoming and Nebraska. I heard Nebraska was super flat and full of corn fields, but we drove through Nebraska in the night and I didn't get to see all the corn. I was a little disappointed.

Day 2: We got as far as Grand Island, NE the first day, rolling in around 3:30 AM, slept for a few hours and started day 2 at 11 AM.

Day 2: IOWA!!! My Favorite state! (well on this drive). Iowa is beautiful in July. We drove through rolling hills and saw cute houses on the tops of the hills. It really was charming, and I'm pretty sure I quoted 'Field of Dreams' the entire time we drove the state.

IOWA

Day 2: Welcome to Indiana. It was hazy, dark, and we got pulled over. I hate Indiana. Well, let me explain. There was quite a bit of construction so the speed limit was lowered. We had been behind a cop for a few miles and then he pulled off. He got back on and followed us and then pulled us over (Tim was driving). The cop asked for Tim's license, but not the car registration, which I had out and ready. First funny point, we were driving 45 mph when getting pulled over. Secondly, Tim didn't have his license, but a temporary paper copy because he was waiting for his motorcycle endorsement.  Thirdly, the cop asked us if our brights were on, which they weren't. He didn't believe us and asked us to turn the brights on and off as he waved his flashlight in front of the lights. He complained that he couldn't see and had to swerve all over the road when he was in front of us. He finally let it go and reminded us to keep our brights off. The best part of this story, well beside getting pulled over for having too bright of lights (I thought that was a good thing), was the cop himself. He had a ranger type hat on and a toothpick in his teeth and spoke with a complete hick accent--exactly what I would imagine from a 1980's cop show in the Midwest. Lesson learned: cops in Indiana are dumb.

Day 3: Cleveland, OH! My old roommate Meghan lives in Cleveland with her cute family. We rolled into Cleveland around 2 AM, but Meghan had left the door open and set up the downstairs for us to sleep. The next morning we played with her two adorable daughters, Mckinlay and Eliza, then headed off to Kirtland for the afternoon.

Day 3: Kirtland Temple

Inside the Newel K. Whitney Store

 We arrived safely in DC at midnight on day 3 of the journey. We spent the next two days exploring DC (monuments, temple, Arlington Cemetery). The trip was a success. Everyone and everything made it safely. The drive was much better than I expected and actually quite enjoyable...but I don't think I'll be making that drive anytime soon again.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

One major perk of living in a big city is access to Major League Baseball games. For those of you who didn't know, I am a MAJOR fan of baseball. I like to play baseball (softball). I like to watch baseball. I like to talk about baseball. I can watch a 3 hour game on TV and not get bored. For the past 9 years of living in Provo, I've had few opportunities to go to major league games. A few road trips to California were the only chances I got, but now that I live on the east coast, ball parks are a plenty! This summer I attended 4 baseball games and loved every minute of each game.

I also made a new goal: visit every baseball park on the east coast (Washington Nationals, NY Yankees, NY Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox). And if time and circumstances permit: Cincinnatti, Cleveland, Pittsburgh. I wonder how far Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Toronto are?? This might not get done in one summer, but it will get done before I leave the east coast.

A few highlights from this season.

Tuesday August 17: Seattle Mariners came into town to play the Baltimore Orioles at Cambden Yards. I planned this game early in the summer as Seattle doesn't come out to Baltimore all that often.

Yes, that's Ichiro.

My roommate Whitney and me at the Baltimore vs Mariners game

The group I fanangled coming to game to cheer my Mariners on.

Nationals Stadium (DC)

After game party

p.s. the Mariners won 4-0

A Capital Summer

Readers: I know many of you are saddened by the lack of posts for the past few months. I think I promised to have regular updates about my new life in the Capital, but I have failed. To make up for it, I'm going to enthrall all of you on a jumbo post of the highlights from Summer 2010, which sadly ends in 8 days.

Moving to the east coast has brought many new adventures and places to explore. While I'm still a little jealous of those of you in Utah and California with so many fun outdoor activities, I won't complain too much as I think about some of the awesome places and experiences I've had over here in the east.

Sailing with the R.S.

In June, I went sailing with some girls in the RS. We went up somewhere in Maryland and spent a few hours on a sailboat out on the Chesapeake (or somewhere near). I believe it was my first time on a sailboat and I had a blast. Somewhere, I think I got my Dad's love of water and boats and I just can't seem to get enough. Sailboats, speed boats, canoe, kayak, ferry, fishing boat...I'll take any of them. I think I've been on about every kind of boat now except a cruise ship and an submarine, so it looks like I'll just have to take more trips.

Happy Birthday America! (4th of July)

 

4th of July weekend was fantastic!!! Saturday July 3, I drove to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia to float down the river. We rented tubes and spent a few hours gently floating the river. Supposedly, we paid for the "rapids" but I'm pretty sure I could make bigger rapids in a swimming pool than the ones I saw on the river. Nonetheless, it was a very pleasant day and I met a lot of fun people on my journey down the river. Sunday, July 4, we had a BBQ after Church and then headed into the District to secure a spot to watch the fireworks. After wandering for quite some time, a few of us finally decided on the Jefferson Memorial. This seemed to be a perfect spot with large marble steps to sit on and a great view of the Fireworks over the Potomac River with the Washington Monument piercing the skyline. BEAUTIFUL!!!! For a girl who's spent more 4th of July's outside the US than inside the US since high school, I had a grand time and really enjoyed being on American soil for Independence Day! Monday July 5, was filled with a long run, some time at the pool, and another greatBBQ. What a weekend!

Shenendoah National Park

Sometime in July, Liz, Jackie, Sara, and a few others made an impromptu camping trip to Shenendoah National Park. We left late Friday night and drove a few short hours into Viriginia. The park is beautiful with lots of greenery and plenty of spectacular lookout points from the road. We set up camp in the dark (Liz and I are masters at tent assembly) and prepared for the following day adventures. The next morning we ventured out on a hike to find some natural water slides. While the hike was short and steep, the waterslides were a blast! I was a little hesitant at first (sliding down wet rocks just seems a little dangerous), it turned out to be so fun and I couldn't get enough.

Yup, that's me. It's way more fun if you throw your hands up!

Biking the Monuments

The Monuments in DC are always here. I see them almost every day on my way to and from work and whenever I go into the city. Even though they don't change, they are cool each and every time. While night is not the best time for taking pictures, it's definitely the best time to see the Monuments. What's even better than monuments at night? How about monuments at night by bike!

p.s. my favorite monument: Lincoln Memorial

What about Bob weekend

Have you seen "What about Bob"? Did you think they filmed the movie at Lake Winnipesaukee like it claims? Well, they didn't. The movie was filmed in Virginia at Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke, VA. About a month ago, a bunch of us went down, camped, rented boats, and went boating on the "What about Bob" lake. The day included wakeboarding, lounging, swimming, eating, visiting the house filmed in the movie, and a stop at Gutman's Cafe (which I didn't actually go to, but I heard from those that did, that it was completely closed up and not in service anymore). The lake was beautiful and we couldn't have asked for better weather. I don't get to go boating very often, so each time I'm afraid I won't be able to wakeboard/ski. Don't even worry, I got up right away, stayed up, and even managed to maneuver the wake! Oh, and I might have become the official wakeboard instructor on my boat! Have I mentioned how much I love boats and water?!?! SO FUN!

 PARTIES

Parties just seem to be a part of life as a young single. Someone always has a birthday, or someone is moving away, or there is need for more desserts, or people just want another reason to get together. Either way, this has been a summer for parties. I'm a little "partied" out, but I know that I will continue to go. I just have a few random snapshots from a few parties. Both happened to be themed birthday parties.

 "All things Nautical" 

 

"Billionaire" 

Well, those are most of the highlights of Summer 2010. There are a few other events that deserve their own blog post, so they will be coming shortly. I hope you enjoyed the update!

Peace out Provo

Hello Washington, D.C.!

After 8 years and 9 months, with breaks of varying lengths to Spokane, Ukraine, Mozambique, and Barbados, I have left Provo and moved to our nation's capitol. Technically, I live in Arlington, VA, but for the non locals, let's just say D.C. It's easier that way.

For the past 3 weeks, I've stayed on a couch, the floor, two different beds, an ottoman fold out bed, and now my temporary bed in my temporary (6 weeks) apartment--gotta love the couch/apartment surfing! I think I'm somewhat settled in for at least a few weeks and I pretty much have my work routine down. I'm still trying different routes to and from work, but I manage to make it both ways, so I'm feeling successful. Commuting to work is a bit different than driving to campus or even walking to work in Barbados. I'm not quite sure how I feel about the 40-50 minute commute each way (though I'm pretty sure it's less than 7 miles). In the summer it's great and I'm enjoying the heat and the sun and the walking. Winter, well let's not even think about that now.

It's summer, I'm in a big city, and my apartment complex has a pool. I'm good to go.

Stay tuned for the D.C. updates. Every week is a new adventure.

Reunion Part 2

Memorial Day weekend brought the college crew together once again, this time for Ian's wedding. Ian got married to Annie Anderson on Saturday May 29. It was a beautiful wedding in Salt Lake City. The day was packed with activities: breakfast, wedding, pictures, luncheon, reception. I love weddings and that it brings friends together. I really enjoyed spending the day with the whole crew and it's fun to see the group expand. I'm not sure when the crew will get together again (no weddings planned for now), but 4/5 of the group is on the east coast now, so maybe we can get together without a wedding.

I heart San Francisco

Two weeks ago, Alison, myself, and our friend Tim took a roadtrip out to San Francisco. Knowing that I'm moving to DC and the east coast, I wanted a final fling in the Golden State and to see my Steffers! It was a super quick trip, but included San Francisco, Ghirardelli Square, Palo Alto, a beach house, sand castles, and the Pacific Ocean. What more could you want from a California trip!! (well maybe some warmer weather and warmer beaches, but it's still Cali and it's still beautiful.)

Thursday: Al, Tim, and I left Provo around 2pm ready to embark on the long 12 hour drive across Utah, Nevada, and California. We made a stop at the SLC airport to pick up another passenger, Carlo. The trip was quite long, but luckily the travel companions made the voyage bearable and we rolled into Palo Alto around 1am.

Friday: SAN FRANCISCO! After sleeping in just a bit, we drove into the city to see the sights! We went down to the wharf, walked along the "boardwalk", meandered through some hilly streets, visited Full House Street, drove Lombard Street, and headed back down to the Bay for some Ghirardelli ice cream!

I LOVE my girls!!!

And did I mention that I LOVE ice cream, especially mint chocolate chip...YUM!!!

That night we drove to Capitola, a beach town about 40 minutes south of Palo Alto. We stayed there for the night.

Saturday: Capitola--We headed to the beach in the morning to go exploring and watch some surfers (in full body wetsuits. Pretty sure I would have wanted a dry suit and I have a high tolerance for cold water). That afternoon we joined a YSA activity where a professional sand castle builder was teaching singles how to build sand castles. I didn't see all the instruction, but the results were pretty amazing! We ended the night with a bonfire on the beach.

Check out the San Fran skyline!

It was a fantastic trip and I really do love being with my best friends Al and Steff. I'm glad we got a last hurrah in before I head out east. Now we really will be coast to coast.

Goodbye West Coast. I'll miss you. Wait for me, I promise to come back!