I did it!!!!

This weekend was full of appropriate occasions for me to make that statement. I guess it was kind of an exciting weekend for us.

I did it!! I graduated from BYU. Even though I finished at BYU in December, my ceremony wasn't until Friday. So although I already have my diploma and I've been done for awhile, I decided to walk in the convocation. Brennan really thought I should and I figured with no plans, as of now, to go to graduate school it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. My parents both came out for it. Which is kind of a funny story. I knew my mom was going to be here, but my dad made it clear from the beginning that he would be in the middle of teaching a class and wouldn't be able to make it. Then on Wednesday night I got a call from Brennan. He had called my parents' house to try to talk to my dad but my nephew, Caden, answered. He told Brennan that Papa was on his way to Utah. So without thinking, Brennan immediately called me because he thought that was strange. My first thought was that Caden got Papa and Grandma's plans confused or something. But then after a minute I said to Brennan, "I don't think I was supposed to know that." So anyway, they were planning on surprising me by having my dad fly out for the graduation, but Brennan inadvertently spilled the beans. (I don't think he'll be living that one down anytime soon. ) It was still a surprise, I just knew about 12 hours earlier than I was supposed to. It was great to have them here and I really appreciate all the sacrifices they both made to make it.

I've been a little disappointed with my choice in a major and what it has given me with only a Bachelor's degree. But still, I think I have learned a lot the last four years, both through my course work and through experiences outside of the classroom. I had the opportunity to get a college education at a good school and not everyone has that opportunity. So I will try to remember to be grateful for that and have faith that although it doesn't seem like it now my education will play a beneficial role in my life.

I did it!!! I ran a half marathon. A couple of months ago Stacy and Crystal convinced me to train for a half marathon with them. I hadn't been running on a regular basis until about 10 weeks ago when I started a training schedule. I think I asked myself why I was doing this almost every day, but I kept doing it. Then the week before the race my long run was supposed to be 9 miles and I completely failed. I just couldn't do it. I hadn't walked in any of my training runs up to that point, but I walked a ton that day. It didn't make any sense to me. I had just run 12 miles the week before without walking, and now I couldn't do 9?! It certainly increased my stress and anxiety about the race. But I did it!! My goal was just to run the whole thing without having to stop to walk at all. I didn't really have any time goals but figured there was a good chance it would take me at least 2 hours and 45 minutes. (Yes, I am incredibly slow. Yes, there's a good chance I could walk just as fast.) It was very frustrating to me to see people walking, running, walking, running but still going faster than I was. I had to continually remind myself I didn't care how fast I finished, I just wanted to accomplish my goal. And I did. And it felt good. I'm not fast, and I think I'm finally okay with that. I did, however, finish the race a lot faster than I thought I would. 2 hours and 32 minutes. Haha, I know, still slow, but hey, I'll take what I can get.
Stacy and I before the very early race. We trained along with Crystal but since she is in Iowa it was a little difficult to all run in the same race. :) We also cut the last week off the training program so we could run together before I move. Crystal and her running buddy race next Saturday. Good luck to them!!
Waiting for the race to begin. It was little chilly.
Stacy coming up on the finish line. She was a little speed demon and finished in 2 hours 13 minutes! Way to go!!
Coming up the last hill right before the finishing stretch. I thought it was a little cruel how hilly the last mile was.

There we are, just happy to have it over with. We couldn't have asked for better weather and the course was pretty and fun to run. Although I often wondered why I got myself into this, I am so glad I did it. Maybe I'll even do another one. :)
I've been trying to get in as much time as possible with these cuties. It's hard to imagine living far away from them again. Just thought I'd post this adorable picture of them from the other day. Enjoy!