Let's hear it for the Boy!

After a stressful morning dealing with irritating people, how do you change the mood in the office? I say, bring on the 80s! There's nothing like a little Boy George to lift your spirits and get you dancing on a Friday afternoon! It's a good thing I'm all alone so I can really let my hair down. How can you not love the Boy!

The beating of my heart

About a month ago, I sent my heart rate monitor off to the Polar factory in New York for a little repair. The screen on the watch kept locking up and it showed that the battery was running low. So, to maintain the warranty and to keep in waterproof, it must be serviced by an authorized Polar repair shop. I packaged it all up and said goodbye to my training buddy. I will thrilled yesterday when not only was my watch returned, but they also gave my a new transmitter and strap (the part that actually goes around your chest to read your heart rate) Upon reviewing my invoice, I was only charged for the new battery. Unfortunately, as I began to reset the time, I noticed something very strange.....every time I hit a button, a message appeared on the screen saying "Warning, Low Battery"

So, my little watch is being sent back to New York for a new battery. They did send me a UPS label for faster shipping and did promise to send it back next day air; after they replace the battery!

Oh, sweet mystery of love!

I love the Hale Center Theater! Last night Megan, mom and I went and saw Thoroughly Modern Millie. I had no idea how great it was. Apparently, they both love this as they have both seen the movie and kept comparing the musical to the movie staring Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore. With or without knowledge of the movie, it was a great show. Besides, how can you not love a play with a line like, "I found an emerald kind of love!" I do believe Megan began tearing up on this line. (I don't know if it was from sentiment or from holding in the laughter) If you're looking for a fun night out, you can still get tickets; and I highly recommend it!

Wouldn't it be nice?

I love the world of blogging! What a great way to stay connected as family and friends. (Check out these great blogs as well: Mandy, Megan, Hannah) But even cooler, to get a shout out from Harry (Hanna's 62 year old Dad) who I met at the starting line of the 2006 Boston Marathon. I love the intra-web!! PS--I must agree with Hannah, runners are some of the best people you'll meet and Harry is one of the coolest!

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!!