Running on empty

Saturday was the 4th Annual Salt Lake City marathon & 5K and the 2nd Annual Salt Lake City half-marathon. I guess they figured they could get a little more money out of people if they included a half-marathon as well since some people are only half-crazy (as opposed to those who run a full marathon) Well, I must be all sorts of crazy since I have participated in the insanity every year....2 full marathons and now 2 half-marathons. This year was of particular significance. Since I have been a little "under the weather" (apparently mono does that to you), I needed to truthfully, not run the race at all. However, I had paid my $50 and I was going to earn my nice tech shirt they give you. I also determined that I would run the entire race with my friend Natalie Blades (that's Dr. Blades, by the way....stats professor extraordinaire at BYU) since it was her first half-marathon. I must admit that although this was my slowest half-marathon, it was also my most fun!! Natalie is a great running partner and it is quite exciting to cross the finish line with someone who has accomplished a major goal. There was a point where I began to wonder if our finish would be all that great, but she did it. She ran the entire way, just as she wanted; and we beat the male winner of the marathon! (We start and finish at the same place, and yes, I do realize that they ran twice as far as we did, but a girl's gotta have goals!) All in all it was a great race and a good time was had by all. She is even looking forward to her next half-marathon and this time, I will get her across the finish line in under two hours!! Way to go Natalie!

The best things in life are free

What a great idea, a "money-free" weekend. Check this out for some great ideas. Who knew saving money could be a weekend adventure! PS--Thanks to Mandy for turning me onto the site The Simple Dollar

One if by land

Today marks the one year anniversary of my participation in and completion of the Boston Marathon. Here are just a few pictures of that memory filled weekend. Stratton's always seen to want to climb on top of bronzed animals to have our picture taken. Some random woman even took our picture (on her own camera) because she thought we looked so cute!

Easter brunch and Wicked, what a fun way to spend the day before the race. However, I may have eaten a little too much (I left off the picture with the 27 desserts we consumed!)

Packet pick-up at the expo with my buddy Jim Grua.....I have a blue number because I was so fast I got to start in the first wave of runners!

Here I am 2 blocks from the finish line. Yes, I do realize I am running a different direction than the other runners, but I just had to stop and chat with my sisters before finishing. Besides, I was curious as to what exactly they were wearing.......

Yes, that is my face on their t-shirts. I had told them not 2 days earlier that they had better not do something like unto this; however, I was secretly very happy and flattered that they had gotten up early that morning (after I had left) to make these shirts just in support of me!

Because last year was such a fun time, I have been a little sad/disappointed that I was not running this year. That is, I was, until I learned what the weather conditions were like. After a major storm over the weekend the forecast for today is......3 to 5 inches of rain with 20 to 25 mph winds, gusts up to 50 mph, winds coming out of the east (the entire Boston Marathon is ran from west to east....in other words, strong head winds the entire 26.2 miles)....not ideal marathoning conditions. Besides, nothing can compete with the memories of last year! I will run Boston again, but that first year will always have some of the best memories!!

Contracted!

I haven't got a new disease to speak of. However, I have my first, official, legitimate real estate contract!! It is merely a contract with a buyer to use me as his sole representative to purchase a home. But, it means work for me (and hopefully a paycheck soon!) I'm just very excited for me! (I think maybe I'll frame a copy of that contract.)

Psycho!

My crazy neighbor is at it again. She is 77 years old and is the most bitter person I have ever met. She has serious issues with where and how people park.....on a public street no less! She will leave a nasty note on your car if you park in front of her house. Basically, she just doesn't want you there. So, yesterday, she and my roommate (Dixie) got into it because Dixie has been parking in front of her house. Crazy said, "I don't want to look at your car all day." Apparently, she sits in her front room, looks out her window all day and plots ways to make the rest of the neighborhood miserable!

Radio Rundown

I've recently become a fan of the radio, again. What with iPods and great CDs (thanks Meggie!) I've had little need to listen to the radio. However, I've recently discovered (and been turned onto) a few great stations in the SLC/Provo/Orem market....sorry for those of you who don't live in the area. If you're around, they are definitely worth checking out. 91.7 KOHS....Orem High School's own radio station....few commercials and some great music 94.1 KODJ....the best hits of the 60s and 70s...what else needs to be said 100.7....Movin' 100....I can't remember their tag line, just know you will be singing and dancing in your car (basically, you can't stop "movin'" to the music) 106.5....KOSY....any station where a DJ says "Tell my what's on your heart....." how can you resist something so cheesy? If I've missed one of your favorites, let me know, I'd love to check it out. And for you out-of-towners let me know what you're listening to (and where) so I know what to tune into when I'm in your city!

License to Kill (I mean sell!!)

OK, so I really wish I was a 007 and had a license to kill! But, all I have is a real estate license (finally!) Official government departments can take a long time to process paperwork (especially when they lose it.) So, if you or anybody you know is looking to purchase some real estate (homes, land, investment properties or even a double wide.....one of my office mates just listed one) just let me know, I'm your woman!!