Emmers

Score.

2012-01-29T16:56:00.003-01:00

One reason I love my job:

Thursday
Me: "um... I don't have anything on my calendar tomorrow, can I have the day off to go skiing?"
My boss: Absolutely, that is a great idea. Have so much fun!

So... on Friday, Heather, Annie (and fetus), and I went skiing at Sundance! It was a much needed adventure after all the stress of getting my thesis wrapped up. I logically don't think that a thesis is that hard... it just takes time... but for some reason it is more draining than ever anticipated. But when its done, its done (which it really isn't, but I feel like it is). And the good news is that there are ski days to forget all other life stressors.

A more positive note...

2012-01-17T04:50:00.003-01:00

My roommate had the day off and turned our overflowingly disgusting garage into an awesome trainer club for us! (Ok, it may still look like a nasty mess but this is a drastic improvement).

I seriously have not been so stoked in forever! Can't wait for spin parties!

omgsh.

2012-01-17T04:43:00.003-01:00

So, have you ever heard of those people that live the majority of their lives with what they think is a major disease. They are part of all of the support groups, talk about it ALL the time, and it becomes their entire identity... then, one day... they go to the doctor and some fabulous new test came out and the doctor actually says, "sorry, but you have been misdiagnosed your ENTIRE life... you actually are just allergic to your facewash (or some other ridiculous thing)..." Well, from what I understand, they go crazy... they feel like their best, worst friend died and they can no longer identify with what they have consistently identified with for so long... they have to start a new life WITHOUT the disease.

I hope that is what happens with me and grad school. lol.

J/Kish. I was and am seriously dying a little bit recently with working full-time and doing this biz, BUT... I still like it in a masochistic way and am still sincerely considering a PhD. I might be somewhat overdramatic? Nah... not me.

broken record.

2012-01-06T06:22:00.003-01:00

I have postponed my thesis defense a million times (3 = a million in my world). It has never really been my choice (not that I fought it), my professor has always encouraged the date adjustment. Well, each time I pushed it back we said, "this will be great, we will have so much time to really sort through the data and discover the major implications of our research..." and then the next deadline sneaks up and time is too short or stats are not finalized and we push it back again. Well, ready or not (but really only ready) I will be defending on February 3rd, which means I actually have to have a finalized product by January 20th to my committee and the Dean. 2 weeks. I keep finding flaws in my stats. I still have to write the discussion/implications of research and write the article that we hope will be published in JAND! NBD. Bring it.

Anyways... the point is that my life lesson is: working full time and finishing a Master's is definitely possible (and I would do it all again), but it was/is way harder than I had naively anticipated. If I didn't really love my job, it wouldn't be worth it. But, I do. And, I love grad school. So, I am happy (with a side of stress and anxiety).

Back in Biznus

2012-01-03T04:14:00.003-01:00

The holidays somehow give license to some element of chillness (maybe b/c I don't run a household, I am not a crazy gift finder, and I don't feel any pressure whatsoever to bake holiday anythings)... it is therapeutic... I feel like everyone at work just says things like, "well, after the holidays we'll and everyone smugly nods, probably not believing the holidays will ever end. Well, I got a head start b/c I worked today (turns out I bank 8 hrs of PTO if I work a holiday which means I can use it to do adventurous things on non-holidays... it makes perfect sense in my head... so I do it.) I initiated like 50 work projects (ok, 3) today b/c now it is the "we can do anything, make everything happen, and save the world ALL in 2012" feeling. I love it. It is almost the same feeling as the first week of school after summer... you almost WANT homework and you want your trapper keeper all organized with 7 different highlighters organized and tucked away. Anyway, I am not sure what that had to do with anything other than to welcome in 2012 and all of the excitement and hope for new adventures and opportunities...

Now, in loving memory of the holiday season, a few highlights!

- Viva las Vegas with the V-laus family to go watch BSU kill ASU. What an opportunity to wear orange and blue, eat fun food, yell and scream, go to red rock, drink Serendipity's frozen hot chocolate, drive fast and zoom in and out of traffic, hit the outlets, and catch up with my childhood friend randomly. Everyone wins in Vegas.

- Falling asleep to a million different movies

- Christmas Eve at Grandpa's house - very traditional

- Skyping Max on his mission

- Running with Momma and the girls!

- Christmas dinner with the Petersons and Laneys

- SIU (but really Yogurtland) with Nats and Shan and then dinner with Rach all in ONE day. Sounds too good to be true but it really happened. The funny thing is that it used to be super typical behavior and now it is a little more rare, but still amazing.

- Getting surpise attacked with silly string and party poppers by my 30 year old roommate and her 35 year old boyf. (Conveniently, we all have the maturity of 15 year olds)

- Hanging out with the sibs and the rents

- Kri read me 2 books! The Mansion and Black Heels to Tractor Wheels... both fabulous, yet very different. If you want a fun/easy/cheesy/rockstar novel to read... Black Heels is your book... I not so secretly enjoyed it and welcome any set ups with cowboys at this point... but really. Give my number out like candy to any man that wears Wranglers... well, use good judgement.

- I rang in the New Year in Logan and had a fabulous cousin dinner in Logan.

Thank you 2011... you've been good to me!

Random sampling picts from my life recently

2011-12-27T01:07:00.001-01:00

Rock bottom...

2011-12-15T05:50:00.004-01:00

1 final. 5 days (really almost 7 b/c we got it early) to take it. It is open note. Due on Friday.

Things I have done in an effort to avoid the inevitable experience of taking the exam:

1) Watching Youtube videos (subject matter includes but is not limited to: conjoined twins, 4 yr old girl talks to dead father, spelling bee clips, "I don't want to get married until I get a job".)
2) Criminal Minds
3) Watching my co-worker's daughter star in PBS's live showing of the NYC Ballet's Nutcracker. Oh and heytelled Mary (another co-worker) the entire time talking about how rad it was)
4) Snacked on random food - let's just send a shout out to my amazing VT'ers who brought me homemade (and BEAUTIFUL) caramel apples.
5) Did some weight training
6) Normal WWW checks... pinterest, fb, blogs
7) Talked to Nats on the phone
8) Hung out with T-Rat and debriefed with Amy about her speed dating activity

I have hopefully hit rock bottom on this effort to avoid this exam b/c I have to make something happen with it by midnight on Friday...

I am experienced enough to logically recognize that sitting down and focusing on it would be the wisest and most efficient method for dealing with the situation, I just can't make it happen...

Take 1 minute and do this for me!!!!

2011-12-12T18:05:00.001-01:00

Please consider signing ADA's petition to President Obama to urge CMS to include RDs in obesity treatment. We need 25,000 signatures for the White House to review:http://wh.gov/DWX. Announcement of this petition is being pushed out through ADA’s social media, Eat Right Weekly and various electronic mailing lists, electronic communities and leadership groups.

Dietitian Christmas Party!

2011-12-07T02:40:00.002-01:00

For our Dietitian party this year we went to Harmon's and had their chef do a cooking class for us! We did a Fit and Flavorful themed class - we whipped up some turkey loaf, tandoori chxn, and soup. It was incredible. We had a blast! I have fun co-workers!

Love when my boss and Mary pull the best friend thing:

Heather's "heart" healthy turkey loaf... gluten free no less:

Erika gets things done... always pick her for your team, you will never regret it... look at she handles that blob of meat... amazing:

My cooking team!

Me and Heather:

NERD

2011-12-01T05:19:00.004-01:00

Nutrition Expert = Registered Dietitian (NERD) (this acronymn is courtesy of my BFW, Erika)

OK, that was just to preface the fact that I wanted to reiterate what I have probably stated a MILLION times... I really, honestly, and whole-heartedly LOVE my job. It is so fun to be a Registered Dietitian. I have literally never had the Sunday night blues (if anything, it has been the Sunday night butterflies b/c I am stoked to go back) and I sincerely enjoy my work. I like the drama, excitement, and challenge that management brings. It is fun. So... I highly recommend that you find what you love and DO IT!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T04:18:00.002-01:00

So... What happens when it is time to serve Thanksgiving dinner to a bunch of hospital employees and the TEN turkeys that were cooking did not hit temperature until an hour and forty-five minutes later? Kind of a big deal. And, kind of a big error...

What I did when I had to work Thanksgiving:

2011-11-24T20:40:00.003-01:00

- Hung out by myself at my house... couldn't watch Criminal Minds because I was alone... not healthy
- Watched Tina Fey SNL clips off of Hulu
- Watched old movies off of Netflix
- Cleaned my room (maybe this is the real reason that I got assigned to work... I had to hit rock bottom bored before I could possibly decide to make that effort)
- Ran through what I call downtown Holladay - sort of reminds me of Star's Hollow (you know... the fictional town that Rory and Lorelai lived in)
- Ate left over tikka masala
- Listened to music really loud.
- Finally came to work and I am now blogging.

I will actually do real work, it just is the dead point in the afternoon where not much can be done... we don't start doing the dinner feast until 4:40...

All-in-all it sounds pretty boring but I actually enjoyed it! After I get off, I am off to Logan to chillax with the familia for the weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving back.

An affinity that I do not have....

2011-11-23T02:57:00.005-01:00

Mitch and I listend to Tina Fey's book Bossy Pants on our way to and from Boise this past weekend... if you love Tina Fey, you will love her book... (warning: some of her language is pretty course). The point of brining up this book is that she talks about how she just does not have an affinity for animals... co-workers show her pictures of their pets or tell her stories and she just has ZERO feeling about it... I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND HER! Everyone... literally, EVERYONE I work with has a dog and views it like a family member. I really don't have a problem with it, I just don't understand it. At all. Really. People show me picts of their dogs and I just think 1) about how many additional germs enter their home and 2) I wonder if they wash their hands between touching the dog and preparing food (I am a dietitian after all). Then, I hear stories about how a new puppy kept the owner up all night bark/yelping or the pains of potty training and I sincerely do not conceptualize WHY someone would want the added responsibility, cost, effort, or germs.

Before (well, I guess after) you think I am a heartless jerk, I do sincerely express and show interest in people's dogs b/c they clearly care about said pets and I actually do care about the people...

Quick related story: last night I went and got a quick hair trim - the random lady began telling me that she had a split shift that day and spent her long lunch putting pictures of cats online. I explored this a little further and she divulged that she has been involved in a cat rescue mission for over 20 years and she volunteers a lot of time for the organization. Fascinated, I kept asking questions... she personally has 10 cats... the ones that no one (literally NO ONE) wants... one has a tumor, one is blind, another is missing legs, and 3 are feral (which does not make anyone feel safe). She proceeded to tell me that one of her cats has to take 4 prescriptions... Next, she shared that her group is working on getting rid of gas chambers in shelters (apparently an uphill battle).

WoW. I was intrigued. Seriously. Maybe because I am on the fast track to being a cat lady... I can't even type that without twinging a little and vomiting in my mouth. I will never own a cat (but, I think its cool you do Nats LOL)... I think I was intrigued mainly because I do highly respect the passion and dedication this woman has even if I don't understand the cause itself...

Go give your pet a hug from me... otherwise, it will never feel my love. Rock on.

Girlf

2011-11-22T04:21:00.003-01:00

Clare is home! I went home this weekend to see Clare after her mission. She gave a fabulous talk and shared a lot of great experiences. After all, she did have the best mission in the world.

It was fun to have the family together and we just spent a lot of time bantering and eating. BSU won. Kri was happy. It was a lot of fun to have Steph around too! Good life.

WELCOME HOME CLARE!

I feel grown up when...

2011-11-15T00:51:00.005-01:00

- I pick up my dry cleaning
- I go to work meetings and talk about budgets and human resource things
- I sign up for my healthcare benefits
- I say I "went" to BYU

Otherwise, I don't really feel that grown up...

2012... I guess

2011-11-14T04:04:00.003-01:00

I took Friday off to work on my thesis as my statistician promised that I would have my complete statistics back. I met with my prof at 8:30 AM and she offered a little different plan... she essentially said that I had worked too hard to have to rush through the key feature of the research (determining what the heck everything means and what is relevant to the world that reads JADA or what will be JAND). So... the department is going to pay my Winter tuition and let me defend in January or February because it was not my fault that we didn't have adequate time. Initially, I was pretty annoyed because I honestly just want to be done. I am sick of working AND going to school. Eventually, I came to terms with it and completely agree that it is better not to rush anything and I would rather do it effectively... especially when I finally received my stats at like 3 PM and very little of it made sense and wasn't quite what I had anticipated.

The other good news is that because I don't have to frantically write a lot about management rotations in dietetic internships this week, I can go home and see this little treasure report her mission:

i make soup.

2011-11-08T04:54:00.002-01:00

I just realized that when I am stressed out and it is cold outside, the only thing I want to do is make soup. Sort of a weird thing but it is what I do. For example, I had to complete my take home exam for my class a week or two ago and I couldn't focus until I made my favorite tomato soup. Tonight, instead of doing anything else that I could have possibly done... I made chxn/veg/noodle soup. Normal? Not sure. Reality? Yes.

After my little soup escapade, I went to FHE and sat with my roommate Amy... we felt like Bleeker's little side flavor (from Juno) -- the one he said, "She smells like soup. Have you ever smelled her? I mean, her whole house smells like soup!"

Boise

2011-11-07T05:42:00.002-01:00

I am still waiting for my stats so I sort of feel like I am hearing the ticking before a bomb goes off. It is almost more stressful because nothing can be done... Just wait, wait, and HOPE that stats kid pounds it out ASAP. I have 2 weeks to consider the data, determine implications, write it out, and format it. NBD. So... naturally, I did what any self respecting grad student in such a predicament would do... Went on another trip :-)

My family has always run the Zeigiest half marathon... It is a key event every fall that warrants a trip home. I didn't know for sure if I could even go for the weekend and between my sort of insane work and school schedule, I sadly admit to an entirely sedentary lifestyle over the last 3 months. Long story short: I can hardly walk today without remembering that I need to run more. Holy sore.

It was great to see the family... Had my regular slumber party with the kids... Lets just say we may need to reevaluate future sleeping arrangements bc I somehow got the foot of the bed while they enjoyed actually being in it. Madison has officially experienced the excitement of SHATTER nails.

All-in-all, it was a great trip. Good to see the fam, the Petersons, and the CP ward.

Check this out...

2011-10-31T01:40:00.002-01:00

Check this out... CLICK HERE

TEXAS!

2011-10-30T16:43:00.003-01:00

So... my stats guy has struggled to get my information back in a timely manner. This has inhibited my ability to be able to complete my end. Thus, I went on vacation - I went to visit Megs and Danny Brown and Lauren Laird in Texas (she was in town getting "lasix")! It was really fun to catch up with the Megs and Lauren and to get to know Danny better. Lauren's parents were kind enough to let us stay with them and we spent Friday with them - they took us to Ruggles Green which is a Certified Green Restaurant. We hit up the outlets as well.

Megs and I went to the Houston Temple, met some highway patrolmen, ate some amazing burritos, ate ka-la-cheez? (way good Polish pastries), hung out with Hannah, creeped Pinterest together, took a driving tour of Texas A&M, spent the afternoon being read children's books by Barbara Bush recordings at the Presidential Library. Saturday night was full of real Texas BBQ at J Cody's with friends and some wii tennis. I have also been formally introduced to Blue Bell ice cream and I recognize that my life will never be the same again. The trip ended with a creepy motel slumber party and 5 AM wakeup call.

Good friends = the good life. Can't wait for Philly 2012.

From C the F (Carry the Flame)

2011-10-30T01:09:00.003-01:00

I am pretty freaking nerdy and I bought the history of the American Dietetic Association AND I have actually been reading it... it is called "Carry the Flame." Plus, when I work on my thesis ALL day, I get really excited about dietetics and LOVE everything about it (I already said I was a nerd... admitting it is the first step).

I have a few highlights that I will eventually post for my little RD friends out there but today I will just share this:

They quoted a 1938 book published by Woodhouse regarding nutrition-related job opportunities @ the time:

About foodservice dietitians: "These jobs in food service are not for weaklings. Physical strength is essential... this is not the job for a person who wants to be alone to work in peace... The manager must have her eye on a hundred details, be open-minded, and willing to try new methods. Lack of tact and alertness in dealing with customers is fatal."

Also, this what a manager said of the kind of RDs she liked to hire for food service:

"They must be able to cooperate. They must have pep and endurance and a capacity for unlimited work. They must be able to keep their heads, even though the boiler has sprung a leak and the dishwashing machine has broken down in the midst of a meal and in addition to that there is a fire in the neighborhood and the lights go out!"

Its time for us to C the F.

Dear Mr. Creepy,

2011-10-20T22:17:00.003-01:00

Remember the first time you "flirted" me on The Planet? Yah, I didn't respond. Oh, and then you re-"flirted" me. Do I really have to clarify that I am not desparate? I will not respond to a 42 year old man who has a child molestor's mustache. I don't think there is room enough in your double wide for both of us...

Sincerely,

EKV

PS. I don't want to raise your children that are potentiality closer to my age than you are.
PPS. A tip, consider changing your pict... Instead of inspiring confidence, it makes people think, "does the sex offender list give you a digital copy of your annual update picture?" Just saying...

glimpse into my life.

2011-10-16T17:15:00.003-01:00

1) I had a defense date for my thesis. November 17. I was excited to be done and it was going to be the best thing in the world to wrap up prior to Thanksgiving break. Well... turns out that you have your statistics back from your statistician before you can finish writing your methodology, results, and discussion sections of a thesis. Oh and you can't really rely on any specific time frame to get them back... you are at the mercy of the grad student that the Egg is making do your stats. I am not bitter (clearly). So now, I will probs be defending the last day of class or on a reading day. I won't technically graduate until April (which isn't that big of a deal) but sort of unnecessary. The silver lining is that I no longer have to cancel my trip to Houston to hang out with Megan & Danny and Lauren... (that was a scary possibility)!

2) I love riding my bike in the fall. Nothing better. The trees are beautiful. The temperature is just right. Everything feels right and makes sense when you are riding a bike in the fall.

3) Yesterday, Shan, Paige, and I filmed for our Legislative team's training vid for the dietitians in the state of Utah... stay tuned... it will be blasted out and I will post the link when we get it done. We had a good time, so if nothing else... we win.

4) CNN money came out with top jobs that will save the world. 1) public school teacher (my roommate Amy), 2) Non-profit program coordinator (my roommate Tracy), and 3) dietitian (me) -- that is my house. Clearly, we are a power house.

5) Have I mentioned how absolutely EXCITED I am about the new opportunity to donate to the temple travel fund?!?! The people in Cape Verde have to save a lot of money so that they can get to Brazil and be sealed and I saw so many families work so hard so that they could have that opportunity... it is worth donating to. My swearing donations are now being directed to that fund :)

right now...

2011-10-12T05:10:00.004-01:00

1) I just had a slumber party at Rach's house - we caught up on the current season of Grey's and had dinner. It feels so right to yell from our bedrooms as we fall asleep...

2) I drove to campus a random way b/c I was in Pleasant Grove... it happened to be my favorite bike route - SO pretty and I miss it. It is sort of weird b/c I don't miss Provo except for random things (like having decent restaurants near my home, my favorite bike routes)

3) My stats aren't ready for my thesis. I have to have my thesis turned into the dean by Nov 4 or something like that. Not quite sure how all of this is going to pan out. NBD. Who needs sleep? What was I thinking?

4) I like my new living situation A LOT. My roommates are rad, our house is cool, and it is a happy place.

5) Work is good but a little bit CrAzY - I can't say that I recommend going to school and working full time. It impacts your stress level. Kind of. A lot. But, I guess when I am done I can sign stuff: MS, RD, CD... that will be worth it all... Plus, I at least love it all. I derive some sick enjoyment from this world of dietetics.

2011's "Fa-nen-say" (as Clare calls it)...

2011-10-03T01:34:00.005-01:00

This past week was the American Dietetic Association's annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in San Diego... I LOVE FNCE... so many RDs in one building just does something for my soul... I really cannot explain it, but I love it. BYU invited Annie and I to join the undergrads and interns because they had a few open spots and naturally we jumped on the opportunity.

I don't know that I will trust BYU's accommodations in the future (see below - especially love all the men just staring at the parking lot full of BYU coeds), we had to have an emergency rape prevention class with the students and reteach the buddy system. The rooms definitely smelled like smoke and I wouldn't be surprised if the motel was a crime scene at some point. The good news is that we all survived and had so much fun that nobody really cared.

We rolled around on the trolley.

Most importantly, we met up with Natalie Nelson Marsh! Nats decided to come last minute and she definitely won the FNCE MVP award because we love her (Tough criteria huh?) Nonetheless, a very prestigious award... we don't hand that out like Soy Joy bars.

We went to Coronado a few times...

This is Dr. Nyland - the chair of my thesis committee/my dietetics hero.

BYU won the Spirit Award... this involved all of us being invited up to the ADA President's suite for a little gathering... I am standing next to the ADA's CEO, the treasurer, the president, and president-elect. NBD. The president, Sylvia liked my cheer, "We've got spirit, we've got pride, we've got Sylvia on our side." Highlight of the event was probably when my professor introduced me to the Prez as the "future president."

All of the BYU students/faculty + the ADA Prez:

Back to Coronado - this time we road bikes all around... so fun. Shannan and I tested our relationship on tandem... we passed.

And of course... us in our element: THE EXPO (oh and me and Annie accidentally matched... whoops... the vendors referred to us as the fuchsia twins...)

All-in-all: Amazing trip - San Diego, Coronado, and Laguna, great company (love my FNCE friends), good classes, great networking. Historic.

Next year: Philly. Who's in?

2011-09-22T23:56:00.000-01:00

Because you all adored my awkward interaction, my friend sent me a copy of one of her best as well to share with the blogger world. Yup, this is real. (If you click on the picture it should let you open it up bigger)... ENJOY!!!!

OK... I am going to share this.

2011-09-20T04:14:00.003-01:00

The facts: I am 26. I work all day (predominantly with women) and go to grad school... My entire grad program is female. My ward is fine but there are very few boys I would even potentially find interesting and for each of them, there are probs like 7 girls trying to get with them (I don't like lines). Oh and I also don't really enjoy going to awkward ultimate frisbee games that are solely designed as part of an inefficient mating ritual. And, I can't work forever... I need a sugar daddy that likes to do things like change flat tires and work out the details of my elaborate dreams... nbd.

So...
A few of who I would consider my "normal, cool, single friends" have shared the art of online dating with me. I thought, like many of you are currently thinking, "awkward... online dating...desperate... uncomfortable... bla bla bla" but, I finally did it (Judson, now you can't joke about my online dating accounts b/c now its real...lol). Anyways, I am clearly not overly embarrassed or uncomfortable about it (or I wouldn't be blogging) but I am also not very committed considering it has been 3 days. My general philosophy about the awkwardness of all dating is that it will either be, "fun or funny."

All of that prequel was just so you could all enjoy some of the fruits of online dating... some nice gentleman apparently liked my profile and decided to send me a message - I get an email every time someone sends one and it says, "Don't let him get away! Check him out and reply today." (Catchy, right?!) Here was the message:

Hello
It is with warmth and much interest that I am sending you this message since I really have good feeling after reading your profile. I am a mature man seeking a partner and soul mate to be part of my life and who will be all things that is wished and needed for on both sides. I like your profile and sincerely believe that you may well be of great importance to me.Would you wish to be friend and possibly much more with me? Would you like to let me know how you feel about this possibility?

I am serious to love and build a family, I would like to give my family all my love and energy, and I am also a independent Man who has my own thought. My request is not high, I just want to seek a responsible and honest, easy-going woman to share my life with Her, the life would be meaningless without the warm love, without families, lover and friends, do you agree with me? let me know what your wish is,i will appreciate honesty and sincerity.

Regards

(I left the punctuation etc to maintain the integrity of the message).

Yup. I don't have words. Oh wait, I do: did this guy really copy/paste some awkward intentions form letter into a message and send it like it was directed for me? LOL. I didn't know my 15 bucks would be SO worth the experience... but, it already has been! Also, I guess I can mention that part of his screen name does include the word "cool"... just saying.

I am laughing my head off.

Stay tuned.

yeah, yeah, yeah

2011-09-19T03:10:00.003-01:00

1) My church is at 1:00. We start with Relief Society. I got back to SLC today at noon. I jumped in the shower and got out/got ready quickly and finally checked my phone at 12:50 to find a little text message from the Relief Society Counselor saying, "hey I know this is a late reminder but just making sure that you remember you are teaching Relief Society today"... Imagine immediate panic! I quickly deducted that the lesson was on the gathering of Israel... I was SO absolutely confused why I was teaching because I swore that it wasn't my turn but this chick was in charge... I called the counselor as we were heading out the door at 1:02 and she was like, "um, yeah, pretty sure you are teaching..." T Roller and I jumped in the car and she pulled the lesson up on my phone and we read it all the way up to the chapel...

I walk in and the board read, "Lesson: Emily"... a few minutes later another girl comes up to me and said, "um, did you prepare? I thought I was teaching..." PHEW! I totally would have done it but I was SO glad that I wasn't as irresponsible as I previously thought I was :) OMGsh!

2) Cousin Paige is a freshman at USU right now and she will occasionally hang out with my brother Mitch (who is getting a PhD at USU and teaches some undergrad courses). A few weeks ago we went to the Rocket Summer concert as a "Cousin Concert" b/c that is what we do... Paige's roommate was there and apparently another one saw her with Mitch. The next day one of her roommates pulled her aside and disgustedly implored, "umm... did you know that you were hanging out with a professor?" like it was the weirdest thing in the entire world. We laughed our heads off. I guess their parents should be proud that their coeds are grossed out by boys that are 10 years older than them :)

3) I still like my job. However, I think I might enjoy it more if I didn't have grad school that seems to take a kajillion hours a week on top of it. Whoops. My bad.

4) Steph, I loved the mutton busting post. Amazing.

5 Reasons why NMNM should come to San Diego:

2011-09-14T04:48:00.005-01:00

1) Me and Shan are both going to be there... double the pleasure, double the fun
2) it is FNCE... that is reason enough
3) San Diego is always more fun that anywhere else in the world...plus, you probably could stand to get out of your little delta world for a few days... it is healthy.
4) Jessie, Marty, and Judy probably miss you. A LOT.
5) EXPO. How are you going to get a year supply of Truvia samples or Chobani coupons? It is actually a key function of developing a food storage appropriately.

Just get a ticket and come :)

FNCE

2011-09-08T03:06:00.002-01:00

FNCE is coming up - it is early this year (September 24-27). BYU invited me and Annie to go with the undergrads/interns and we graciously accepted the chance to go to San Diego for an "educational" experience. Love. My. Life. But really, I do. Oh, I am supposed to be doing NDFS 601 hw right now... clearly, I am blogging instead. Whoops.

I love personality tests:

2011-09-07T00:24:00.004-01:00

Myers Briggs says I am an ENTP:

"What is over the horizon is almost always more interesting than what is going on in the here and now."

"Driven by inspiration, they tend to have a low tolerance for boredom and to become frustrated when things appear to be moving too slowly."

"...they also trust their abilities to improvise and respond to the needs of the moment."

"they tend to value others on the basis of perceived intelligence and ability, rather than on the basis of status. ENTPs, however are often aware of power and status issues. They can play the game if need be to achieve the realization of their visions."

"ENTPs tend to be gregarious, sociable people, and they can be quite exciting company.... it may also be overwhelming to others at times."

"ENTPs do tend to view their lives and people in an objective and analytical manner, and as a result they can be or appear to be insensitive to emotional issues or relationship concerns. Paradoxically, they can be skilled at discerning what others think or believe, when they choose to attend to others in that way."

"ENTPs also tend to have a high need for autonomy. This need, in conjunction with their belief in their own insights, often leads to their being dyed-in-the-wool individualists."

"They would much rather engage in intellectual banter than complete some meaningless task or be quiet by themselves." SO TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOL'd on this one:

"The ENTP female's lot can be a difficult one b/c she is frequently greatly removed from any stereotypical expectations. She is driven by all the argumentativeness and chutzpah that go with this type. Qualities that will not endear her to her colleagues in the workplace include intellectual arrogance, impatience when things aren't readily understood, arguing for the sake of provoking thought, and talking out of both sides of her mouth in the effort to stimulate conversation. The ENTP commits this "dual speak" to make others think, but it can be frequently mispercieved as flighty at best and downright obnoxious at worst. Whatever, it's certainly not feminine. Actually it's very ENTP and generally great fun. It's just that traditional organizations do not expect females to behave in this way, so ENTP females must compromise their natural skills and abilities for some form of social acceptance - or let the chips fall where they may, alienating the traditionalists."

"Another strength is their visionary enthusiasm for most of life. At their best they hear a drumbeat from the future."

"While they are socially able to work with most any group, their social effectiveness increases with their casual, interpersonal style."

Who knew a little test could capture so much... most of this is true. Oh, the only reason I typed all of this is b/c I had to review it for work.

My new life.

2011-08-31T02:30:00.004-01:00

Today was the first day of school... naturally, I set out my clothes (I really took this pict in Clare's honor b/c she loves to lay out her clothes for the first day of school): a nice blend of the Loft, BR, and murdered out Vans (for some reason I think I have to maintain some level of hard core ridiculousness and I persist in wearing murdered out Vans to work... it probably just makes me look stupid/unprofessional, but it somehow makes me feel like I am super legit.) If a pair of shoes works, you work it hard.

I was SO excited to go to school... I am SUPER nerdy but I LOVE going to the Eyring Science Center at BYU - there are just so many people I love there and so many fond memories and who WOULDN'T enjoy sitting through some introductory lecture where I don't even know what the freak the professor is talking about (what food service manager needs to know words like: amphoteric, zwitterion, pKa, and chiral? None. I don't even need to poll the audience on that.) Despite the pain, I will enjoy it b/c the professor is seriously stoked about it all... like, as much as I love hairnets and stainless steel, he loves talking about what he calls "May-cro nutrients".

As a result of my new school schedule, I now have to work sort of late on Tuesdays and Thursdays... like today, I stayed until 8. Oh, and my boss was still there later than me... maybe I don't want to be a campus manager when I grow up. Special thanks to my rockin' boss though for being flexible and chill enough to let me finish up school. Oh and also another shout out to Intermountain for being willing to pay for my summer thesis credits... I love my job!

Bear Bells

2011-08-30T03:02:00.003-01:00

We had a family hike up near the Tetons in Wyoming - a discipline hike actually. It was a fun/intense/serious hike... definitely not for the faint of heart (which I may have been). Those in the party included: Mom, Dad, Mitch, Alex, me, and our family friends Mary and Don. We ate fabulous food (see the cooler below with all of Momma's awesome meals). We read a book about grizzly bear attacks and maybe I did carry the hard cover copy of The Help the whole way and read it at nights. The morning after my first night, I told Mitch that I had read and he was like, "yeah, I could hear every time you turned a page"... this indicates absolute serenity there was. Tons of wild flowers and no sign of giardia (yet).

Oh hey.

2011-08-14T21:43:00.003-01:00

It seriously was such a foreign feeling to not be stressed out all weekend thinking I needed to study! Felt so good! Instead, I went to Kerry and Tim's wedding reception with the Eddingtons and then to "The Help." Slept in, played in the ward softball tourney, cycled with T Roller, went to "The Help" again, thai food, attempted to go to the hot springs but we failed, and hit up church today (after christening this home with Whole Wheat Sunday). Everything is right in the world :-)

Just one reason...

2011-08-11T00:10:00.001-01:00

that I love bridesmaiding:

On a scale of 1 to fun, how fun is this?!?!?!

And then it was over...

2011-08-08T22:58:00.003-01:00

So my graduate program has a requirement for an oral coursework exam before graduation. The only instruction of how to prepare was, "just review everything from the last zillion semesters and be able to integrate it all" (nkn). So my summer was completely clouded by this massive mysterious stress (I signed up for it, I accepted it). The last few weeks were full of mini panic attacks, hours studying, and lots of online shopping for therapy purposes. Today, I woke up, suited up, started driving to Provo and literally 20 seconds later I got pulled over for running a stop sign. I think that somehow the universe aligned and apparently someone got in an accident and my cop had to peace out with a warning.... Then I really did get to Provo and walked into the grad reading room.... There is nothing like having 3 PhDs in one room just staring at you. The fun lasted 2 hours. I knew a lot of the info but there were a few things that got me confused. At the end they asked me to step out and a few mins later I was back in there to hear the result. The options: pass, pass with deficiencies, or fail. I knew I would pass but feared the deficiencies... Halleluja. Now I am just recovering from functioning at such a ridiculous stress level.

Simple but Priceless.

2011-08-06T17:19:00.002-01:00

Setting: My new house

Conversation:
Emily: So what are you planning on doing today?
T-Roller: Oh, go for a run - do you want to go?
Emily: Um... YES!!!

And then: WE WENT!

You have no idea how thrilled I am to have roommates that will go running and riding with me! I hate doing things alone and I LOVE running and riding with people.

Halleluja for shared interests.

I am a masochist

2011-08-04T04:25:00.003-01:00

For someone who abhors moving, I did it again. I swear that I am staying here until I either get married, move to get a PhD, buy a house, or get evicted. Do you love that I left myself so many options?

Thankfully, my dad's cousin brought his truck, moving blankets and brute force to expedite the process. One load of furniture, one load of recreational equipment. The roommates rock. I love it already.

A day in my life...

2011-08-03T03:02:00.002-01:00

Well, it started out with a 2 hour meeting regarding some logistics for meal service and increasing patient satisfaction. I worked on my in-service. Had lunch. Had a meeting with one of our major vendors. Went to an RD meeting (which I love because RDs are SO FUN... and they are basically the only time Erika will hang out with me). Went to a 3 hour work dinner. Exhaustion. Doesn't sound so hard and it really isn't but it is ten and all I want to do is sleep.

Again...

2011-07-31T21:22:00.004-01:00

So, I am moving again. Mainly because the roommates are so fun, there is a trampoline, hot tub, bbq grill, garage space for Ruby, and cheaper rent. Same ward. I probably should have planned better in terms of timing but carpe diem right? What is the worst thing that can happen? Fail my orals. NBD.

Another highlight of my life this week was when my major professor gave me her cell phone number and gave me license to text her! Priceless.

Oh and this week I hit 5 years since I went through the temple! It has been an incredible blessing and I attribute ALL of my happiness in life to the commitments and blessings related to the temple. Something to celebrate!

is there a way?

2011-07-28T04:39:00.004-01:00

Is there a way to magically slow time down? I could definitely use 4-5 weeks in the next week and a half... let me know if you have any ideas.

PS. Megs is tricking out my blog, forgive the transitionary state in which you find it.

My best friend's wedding: Rach's edition

2011-07-26T01:52:00.004-01:00

Last week was SO FUN! Bridal shower, bridesmaid time (loved being with my GJ girls), Megan visiting, BRIDE BEAR, bachelorette party, SEALING, pictures, luncheon, more bridesmaid time, and a reception. Rachel has been my roommate for about two and half years and has become one of my best friends in the entire world. She is probably the most balanced, even-tempered person I have ever met and she "is SO FUN". It was fun to watch the whole love story unravel in our very own living room from day to day... we all knew pretty early on that this was where things were going to end up and we are all SO happy it worked out perfectly!

Rach's bridal beauty was incredible! She rocked black glitter Toms (and purple glitter heals) Her dress was gorgeous, her groom handsome and we won't even start talking about her hair because no one has the gigabytes necessary to even do it justice.

We had a lot of fun with 7 bridesmaids... We did end up doing a little bridesmaid flash mob at the reception and the groom did declare it as his favorite part of the festivity... just sayin' that my bridesmaid career has ended (or at least paused) with style...

3/3 this summer. Nailed it. I have a pretty strong resume if anyone is looking for a bridesmaid... and great references.

2011-07-25T20:25:00.003-01:00

"Most people do not accumulate a body of experience. Most people go through life undergoing a series of happenings which pass through their systems undigested. Happenings become experiences when they are digested, when they are reflected on, related to general patterns, and synthesized." Henry Mintzberg

"The person who influences me most is not he who does great deeds but he who makes me feel I can do great deeds." Mary Parker Follett

I liked.

2011-07-19T12:11:00.004-01:00

My old RA from freshman year at Kimball Hall wrote this blog entry. I think it articulates well and shares a sincere perspective that I found encouraging and honest.

visual

2011-07-17T16:51:00.000-01:00

This is what me and Annie do...

bla, bla, bla... rantings continued

2011-07-13T04:08:00.003-01:00

I have read multiple management books... I am pretty nerdy and read them for fun. When my friends were reading Twilight or Harry Potter 15 (or is it 16 now?), I was reading a book called Now, Discover Your Strengths. Fun, I know... that is why I read it. Well, a major take home message from the book (or that I made up that it was from the book... I am pretty sure I didn't fabricate it but you never know) was that everyone has certain personality qualities/themes and depending on the situation, said qualities can manifest as strengths or weaknesses. For example, one of my key themes/characteristics is that I am an Activator (defined: People strong in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They are often impatient.) I think you can imagine how this is fabulous in certain settings and horrible in others. I think I subscribe to this concept...

I fully intended on ranting about something else in connection with this but I sort of forgot and I am kind of tired...

Alternate/unintended ending to this rant is that you should totally read the book... parents would benefit from reading it b/c it provides some insight into why people are the way they are. Pretty much humankind in general would benefit.

I will rant more coherently in the future... I swear.

Small world

2011-07-10T23:13:00.005-01:00

In my new ward, every member of the Relief Society knows a different sibling... Mitch, Alex, and Clare have preceded me. None of my sibs has lived in SLC. Oh and the last name Vaterlaus is apparently not common.

The Prize

2011-07-07T03:14:00.004-01:00

One of my all time favorite people in the ENTIRE world is the birthday girl on July 7... Lori Laney is THE BEST. She was my fabulous Young Women's leader when I was young, maleable, niave and for my betterment, she has been a major influence in my life. Now, I consider her one of my greatest friends. Who else would stake out the other YW's houses on date nights to watch them get their first kisses? Who else would go for a 6 mile trail run with you and then want to go on a steep 15 mile bike ride (with her baby wagon on the back)? Who would give me her garage door opener all through high school? Who else could a girl trust to send her a slushy maker in AFRICA? Lori is the author of "The Prize" concept and ALWAYS gives the best life pep talks. Lori is one of those people that you don't have to see for months at a time and when you finally do, it is as though nothing has changed. I think she is great and everyone else should too!

Happy birthday Lori - you are so smart, so pretty, and so fun... you deserve a great day!

Bonus points for anyone who can guess how old she is... j/k.

yeah, yeah, yeah

2011-07-06T23:55:00.003-01:00

Summer has been pretty fun so far:

1) I still love my job. I wake up and I get excited to go to work. Everyone should find something they love... I just got especially lucky b/c the hairnets are an added bonus. I think I love that I never know what the heck I will be doing.

2) I had family night at the lake with the Petersons last week... it was reminiscent of family boat trips to Lucky Peak when we were growing up. We ate fried chicken, Doritos, baby carrots, and Oreos... the only thing missing was the table cloth but it wouldn't have been right to steal Tammy's role. So fun... I love James and Jerica!

3) Dating is always entertaining... I recently survived what I deem the MOST awkward/uncomfortable blind date EVER. I am seriously considering getting a bumper sticker made so people know how incredible I am.

4) My oral exam is coming. Picture 3 PhDs + me in a room for 1.5 hrs. They can ask me anything relative to my undergraduate or graduate coursework. Can't wait (sense my sarcasm please.) From what I understand most Master's programs don't subject their students to this... luckily mine does.

5) Just got back from McCall for the long weekend - loved it. Road biking, waterskiing, slumber parties with LVD, having Momma read to us, eating good food, soaking up IDAHO and all that it is. Good experience.

6) I am in love with my bed. I might consider it one of my finest purchases. There is NOTHING like waking up in the morning in a comfy bed with a down pillows and a down comforter. Nothing. Real Happiness.

I should probs stop making excuses and avoid studying the absorption of Vitamins A, D, E and K... word.

Cousin Ski Day: take 2.

2011-06-27T02:10:00.002-01:00

Rock on. I love summer despite the fact that I have graduate school responsibilities looming over me...

We had a cousin Biathlon day - shooting and skiing. Always a great combo. A few of my cousins and Uncle Bret went with me and Cousin Barrett this time. I love that I am sore today... the best pain ever.

Telescopes and Meteorites

2011-06-25T04:59:00.003-01:00

Mitch has a roommate that everyone calls "Radar." He told me that he is going to buy a wagon style vehicle very soon so that he can haul around his very large telescope. Then he offered to show me his moon rocks. I had to put on special gloves in order to touch them so as not to promote rusting with the oils on my hands. Apparently meteorites are a fairly expensive collector's item and each litte rock had its own story... One looked like a heart (the kind with ventricles, not a Valentine.) Unfortunately, we had to cut the show short so Mitch and I could catch a movie that made us both mad. If anyone is interested, you can just drop by Mitch's place... The show is free.

Just ask.

2011-06-24T04:27:00.002-01:00

Ask me anything related to the food service systems model. Just do it. I spent my entire evening reviewing and mapping it all out. Don't judge me but I am a total nerd and loved it. My oral coursework exam is SNEAKING up too quickly for my comfort. Maybe Pink says it best, I am "too school for cool."

The other highlight from the trip (and other ramblings):

2011-06-21T04:05:00.005-01:00

I fell in love with these:

Don't ask if I actually bought the last two bags at Smith's tonight because I was afraid they would never get more in...

Don't worry, half of my plate will be fruits and vegetables... I can only eat so much of those bad boys before my mouth burns too much.

I went to FHE tonight and had a blast (no stupid games) - there are some really fun people in my ward. Life is looking hopeful in my new little world. Factoid: there are two predominant professions for the ladies I have met: 1) teachers, 2) dietitians. I can get behind this...

It is inservice week and I get to talk about chooseMYplate over and over again and it hasn't gotten old yet...

My Dad Rocks.

2011-06-20T04:50:00.002-01:00

He is the greatest. Everyone says it... but mine really is. Who else is always there to save the day? I love my dad!

My best friend's wedding: Megan edition

2011-06-19T23:58:00.007-01:00

On Thursday after work (oh and the last thing I did before I caught my plane was clean up an overflowing fryer. This involved several gallons of vegetable oil, a squeegee, rolled up pants, and multiple boxes of rock salt) I flew to LA and met up with Rachel and we drove south to be with Megan before her wedding! The Mullen's were kind enough to let us stay with them at their beach side condo in Laguna Beach (we just had to go the elevator and push LL and we were literally ON the beach). It was SO FUN to stay with Megan and her family - I adore familia Mullen.

The view from the back porch of the condo!

On Friday, we had a really rough day of pre-wedding errands (ok it was more like this: we got manis, pedis, went to the beach, experienced/appreciated the complex's 360 shower, hit the rehearsal dinner, and took Megan to a dueling piano bar.) I finally met the groom in person - he is great and I am glad he is perfect for Megs.

The bride:

On Saturday, I used my educational expertise and folded linen napkins with Rach (any BYU RDs remember napkin folding day in NKN's class?!) Daddy Mullen would only let us have breakfast after we finished - bridesmaiding is so hard! The sealing was at the Newport Beach Temple and it was PERFECT! Megan looked stunning in her dress and Danny was handsome in his grey tux. Temple pictures ensued, a pit stop at Panera became necessary and then more pictures at the beach. The best part of getting back to the condo for the beach pictures was the fact that we couldn't find parking as the entire world was at the city beach nearby so there was horrible traffic... let's just say that 4 girls in bright coral dresses tend to draw the eye and we used our power for our good...

Look at all that bridal beauty!

The reception was on a yacht. It was so fun! There was a cocktail hour, basking in Megan's bridal beauty, dinner-ing, toasting, cake cutting, Sprinkles cupcake eating, video montage watching, and dancing. Then it was over, we were exhausted... it was a beautiful event. Well planned Megan and Shelley!

Before we boarded the yacht (with Ally Mullen and Rach)

Let's just say that Megan's wedding was "huge... just like [her] ____ at prom."

We (Megs and I) might have had an episode in our shared life where we watched Bride Wars... A LOT... we probably quoted that movie every 10 minutes as needed throughout the weekend.

Retraction

2011-06-14T02:46:00.004-01:00

-ish. I think my last post sounded negative. I guess it was. But, I didn't mean it to be. I was sincerely sharing facts. I actually sort of relish in people that make me laugh (read: wierdos) or that don't really make sense to me. Plus, major turn of events was that I know some fun girl in my ward (that I didn't go to yet) so that suddenly makes my transition less awkward. Plus, I went grocery shopping and have food now and that makes everything better (especially if you are a dietitian and think about food a lot.)

My boss invited me to go get woo'd by some food people but I had to be good at golf if I wanted to go. Thus, I stayed at the hospital and did paper work. New goal: get good at golf between now and next year so that I don't have to do real work. These are all important lessons to be learned by up and coming managers. I am glad I am a quick learner :)

I am INCREDIBLY excited to go to Newport Beach, CA this weekend. My fabulous friend, Megan Mullen is getting married on Saturday here (definitely the most appropriate and beautiful venue) and we get to go celebrate the festivities! I am also excited to meet the groom... who could be worthy of Miss Mullen, MS, RD? Can't wait to see this. Love bridesmaiding! Did I mention that the reception is on a yacht? And the cake is actually cupcakes from Sprinkles? And that she is THE BEST and I am SO HAPPY for her.

Are you supposed to grow out of slumber parties? I don't think so because I still enjoyed mine with Lori last night - lots of catching up needed to take place. She is my crazy friend who is embarking on a PhD... who does that?

Major highlight of last week was that I was cordially invited to attend FNCE 2011 in San Diego with BYU... Anyone who has followed my blog knows that FNCE = the best part of the year. I think it is because I feel productive on vacation and I am surrounded by my kind. Feels like home. Plus, San Diego has to be amazing. And, Shannan and Annie are going. The only way it could possibly be better would be if Megs, Lauren, and Nats came too... or at least Chris (like last year).

I initiated a new playlist tonight... I sense that it is going to be amazing.

Why does it rain right when you are going to go for a little road biking excursion? Things we will never have the answers for.

I will put my ramblings to rest for the day.

Wow.

2011-06-12T23:21:00.003-01:00

I have a hard time believing someone's excitement if they constantly say, "Wow... right on!" and "That's awesome" and other awkward/overly animated things in response to anything you say. There is something a little creepy about my new world and the people showing up in it. Oh, and I did get "shh-ed" at church... on my first Sunday. By the RSP. Always a good sign... however, at least I trial ran the wrong ward... next time, I will be all super reverent :) in the right ward.

I did it.

2011-06-06T03:09:00.010-01:00

I don't really know what my deal was. Logically, it was the smartest thing in the world to move up to SLC: I have been paying 300+ bucks/month on gas, spending 1-2 hours/day commuting, and let's face it: I am a Provo graduate. There is a time that (especially if you are single) you need to gracefully leave Provo.

Despite all of this logic, I sort of had a little panic attack about moving. As in, I was supposed to move up here a year and a half ago... and then again a year ago... and then in April... and then last weekend... and then Friday... and then Saturday.

I don't really know what it was that was holding me back: I am done with all of the fellas I know there, Megan & Lauren moved after we graduated, Natalie just moved (currently just down the street from my new apartment), Rachel fell in love, Millie went on a mission, and Shannan moved. My freshman roommates all moved away except Jan and I will still see her b/c I adore her and her family. Most of my other friends are married with babies or have have full-time jobs. I don't have to be on campus very much more to finish my degree. No valid/legitimate reason to stay. I liked my ward OK but I am definitely not a Wardie. My house wasn't super nice, however I did enjoy my roommates. WHY THE HECK DID I NOT WANT TO LEAVE?!?! This move was very reminiscent of my move to BYU as a freshman - my Young Women's leader/best friend, Lori had to come literally pack for me because I was incapable. I freeze. I am not a mover by nature I guess. Marked improvement years later - no one had to literally pack me up this time.

Finally, I did it today. I loaded up everything in Mitch's truck (he lent it to me while he was in Oregon running a marathon). Here I am.

There are really only 2 important things to me in my living space.

1) I have to have a down comforter and down pillows. I feel like I have earned having a fabulous bed.

2) There has to be a designated/safe place for Ruby. I kid you not that as Natalie and I were setting up my bed and arranging the furniture, the number one priority was finding a place for Rubes...

** I still have to get pillows for my shams... rest easy they are coming. I only wish it was freezing for one night so I could enjoy the euphoria of sleeping with my new down comforter. Instead it is boiling hot/ reminiscent of a little place I call Cape Verde.

*** Yes, I have a mountain bike in here too... and a few other pieces of recreational equipment :)

I have a problem.

2011-06-04T20:29:00.003-01:00

I have an apartment and a nice soft bed waiting for me in SLC. I have almost sort of packed up but not loaded my car. This blows. I have a truck to make it all streamlined. What am I doing instead? Oh sitting on my bed, with a head cold watching hulu, and looking at the mess that is around me.

A day that will live in infamy!

2011-06-03T02:22:00.003-01:00

Big day.

I will spare you my excited rant about this. Click here to find out more through a sweet vid! Or here to get to the new website.

RIP pyramid.

Minha Vida:

2011-06-02T05:07:00.004-01:00

In no particular order:

I turned 26:

Ruby's Ride (my car that I love) dIeD. On I-15. At 11 PM. Luckily, I had good company (Ashley Carr) and it was close enough for Mitch to rescue us without too much hassle. Cheers to an awesome dad who cancelled everything to bring me a car and take Ruby's Ride back to Idaho - same day service... you can't beat that. Lucky girl. RIP.

As previously mentioned, I bought a bed and dresser from Ikea... let's just say that the success of this venture goes to Erika, Natalie, and Chris for all of their help. For being a "highly functional person" (my professor once said that about me - I will take what I can get), any functionality I have I owe to the amazing people that I trick into being my friends. Suckas.

Cute dresser: I don't recommend buying a dresser from Ikea and having to put it together UNLESS you have 2 friends come help. Had I known the complexity of the process, I would have gone with the 3 drawer version :)

Disclaimer: no dietitians were harmed in this process. Who ever trusted us with a drill?!

There she is all set up - I have all of my bedding sitting in my trunk (courtesy of Captain Kri), just waiting to get put on... I don't know how I have no time and it is SUMMER... so fundamentally wrong. Moving is happening. I cleaned my Provo room tonight and threw a bunch of stuff away... now I just need to put the remaining things in my car and drive north...

PS. Nats, I don't think you should move. I might lose the majority of my functionality. (Not a very compelling argument for keeping you here but a basic truth).

So grown up.

2011-05-26T03:58:00.003-01:00

I bought a bed, mattress, and dresser tonight. I feel grown up. My friend Erika (featured below) was kind of enough to accompany me and help me make decisions (aka spend my money for me). Plus, we had Sweetish Meatballs at Ikea. What could be better?

More pictures to come when I get everything delivered, set up...

Finally.

2011-05-24T04:40:00.004-01:00

I finally signed a contract to move up to SLC. I walked in, I looked, I wrote a check. Now I have to buy a bed, pack, clean and go. The new place is literally only 10 minutes from work vs. my 30-60 minute current commute. I already justified an amazing gas save/new job purchase (rubber Nixon Re Run, purple = HOT = mine in 5 to 7 business days).

ramblings.

2011-05-16T03:25:00.006-01:00

1) I am sort of on an argyle sock jag... I have a million different pairs and I think there has only been about 3 days that I haven't worn a pair to work in the past month. If a sock pattern works, you work it hard.

2) On Friday night I went on a first date with some guy my little sister hooked me up with. I had talked to him on the phone a few times and had learned that he doesn't eat carbs. Don't judge me (or do, I don't care) but this approaches deal breaker status for me... I don't know if I could be with someone who doesn't eat carbs. All of my friends (that all happen to be RDs) agree. I even asked my ever wise boss if she thought it was a deal breaker... she whole heartedly did. LOL. I don't know if it is "deal breaker" per se but it does at least call for serious reflection. The best part is that now I am craving carbs all of the time. Right before our date, I went and bought a fatty loaf of whole wheat bread from Great Harvest. "Dietetics isn't what I do... its who I am."

3) I went to Texas Roadhouse for D$'s birthday dinner... one of the other guests ordered all sides because she doesn't eat meat/poultry. Don't restrict entire food groups people.

4) I met a guy that has this car on Saturday:

We went for a drive. How do you know when you're in love? That car made my heart beat in a way its never beaten before :)

5) In less than a month I get to go to Newport Beach, CA to see one of my very best friends get married... count down is on!

Living the dream:

2011-05-12T05:06:00.000-01:00

My weekend

2011-05-10T02:58:00.004-01:00

1 amazing mom
2 missionaries to talk to on Sunday
3 days in Boise
4 times polishing and repolishing Madison's nails
5 :45 is too early to go for a run... but we did anyways
6 families over for a running friends dinner party
7 :30 PM is too late to leave Boise to drive back to Provo
8 ish mile run
9 times that Max ate a sugar encrusted cracker in front of us on skype
10 times thinking, "I should move back to Boise"...

I won't though, not for awhile. Being a lunch lady at super huge hospital is too legit to quit. Some day. Then I can just hang out with my mom and all of my friends that are just a few years older than me. That would be the life.

2011-05-03T04:04:00.001-01:00

Don't ever buy one... it will drain you of all of your savings but hook you because she purrs. Trust me.

perfect (hilarious) gift.

2011-04-29T06:28:00.002-01:00

My mom gave me a gift to help me decorate my new office. A framed picture of each of my family members EATING random items or being near food. She felt like it was appropriate for my line of work. People are going to think I be crazy. Can't wait to take them into the office :)

It is not fair.

2011-04-20T04:43:00.003-01:00

I really shouldn't get paid to have so much fun. I love my manager. I love my co-workers. I love wearing a hairnet. I love that I have an office and I am getting new business cards. I love Intermountain Healthcare. I also love a good panini at lunch.

Again. I know I am a nerd. I own it.

I was thinking...

2011-04-18T02:14:00.002-01:00

about what I like to do the VERY most. Waterskiing or road biking? Dietetics or playing? Hanging out with old friends or new friends? Nights in or nights out? You get the point.

I was talking to my friend Heather (aka Lindsay Nabben) and were sharing the fact that we sometimes feel guilty if we even consider taking up a new sport... like we are cheating on what we already love (we are fiercely loyal people... don't judge us). And then I realized what the whole world probably already knows/recognizes (it was an epiphany for me in that moment - oh and I was laying in my spandies on my front lawn after a long bike ride so I was clearly not cognitively capable of deeper thought) that all good things are not mutually exclusive. Thank goodness. We can do everything we love... sometimes it has to be prioritized but there are so many fan-freaking-tastic things that we don't have to pick. I am so glad.

Random rant over.

Weekend Highlights: Retired from my clinical career on Friday (at least for now), Ruby and I road TWICE, I got addicted to season 1 of Grey's (pathetically... like I watched it all in less than 24 hours), Whole Wheat Sunday for Tim E's birthday, attempted 2 finals, finished one, hate the other one... strongly dislike NDFS 602 and the way it kills everything good inside me. Talked to a meat scientist for awhile. Caught up with Nats. Church.

Tomorrow: Start my new job. Can't wait.

Randoms.

2011-04-15T04:26:00.005-01:00

1) I went to manager meetings today for my new job, I technically start it on Monday. Let's just say that being "excited" is an understatement. I found what I love... I am on the right bus, in the right seat (Good to Great reference). Seriously. I am a NERD and I don't care who knows it.

2) The day after some casual/random conversation with a professor (while I was trying to distract him to avoid talking about vitamin E...45 minutes... I impressed myself), he stopped me at seminar and recommended Match.com to me. No joke. Hilarious. It all came about because he said his married son was an actuary and I mentioned I wanted to find me one of those... should probably be offended but I actually just think it was so random that it was hilarious.

3) I love when people openly admit to playing World of Warcraft and being part of sci fi clubs. Not joking. I think it is hilarious and fascinating.

4) I only have to take 2 finals and this semester is DONE.

5) How ridiculous am I to honestly believe that I will be blessed for missing the new Parks and Rec tonight for a Relief Society activity?

6) Love 30% off at Banana Republic courtesy of my Intermountain ID badge.

7) New favorite songs: This one and this one.

8) I thought I was being SO nice and SO fabulous when I made my friend dinner because he was super busy with his little science expirements. It really never occured to me that somone wouldn't like vegetables... maybe I hang out too much with dietitians because I don't think he liked the whole wheat vegetable blast pasta with feta cheese that I made for him... he was SO nice about it but definitely picked through and just ate the noodles (whole wheat no less... definitely an acquired taste). Who doesn't love a kajillion vegetables? Blew my mind.

9) Oh and I feel like everyone I have talked to recently tells me that they drink whole milk (random people, not patients)... this really just surprised me.

I finally have one...

2011-04-13T04:38:00.007-01:00

At BYU there is something that is COVETED by all. An intramural CHAMPIONSHIP t-shirt. You can't buy one, you have to earn it. After 2 seasons of paying dues (Beached Whales, Shoulda Loved Me for my Inna), we finally were very competitive this year. Disney Corp is negotiating a little something with us to buy our story -- 2 rough seasons, finally all of us come together from random aspects of life (b/c BYU demographic is so diverse...lol...Shannan is tan... does that count?), we have a good season, we enter the tournament, lose to Mr. Rogers. Fight all the way through the loser's bracket.

Then, we had to face Mr. Rogers in the championship game. One hitch, the tournament was double elimination so we had to beat them twice to become champions. What were the odds you ask? Who cares? We killed them. Twice. In a row. We won the shirts.

I can graduate and leave BYU knowing I have officially lived the dream. Go Water Buffaloes!

Frame it or wear it? j/k

before we left...

2011-04-11T02:09:00.002-01:00

Rach and I were going to have dinner at her future in-laws and before we left we had this conversation while we were each in respective bedrooms through the walls:

E: I am wearing shorts
R: What? I already have on jeans and long sleeves
E: It is just time... short season Rach.
R: OK, I will change
E: I am wearing my Sperrys
R: Me too

We both walk out wearing shorts and Sperrys.

E: oh you aren't wearing our matchy matchy Sperrys?
R: no... but I can... yeah, I will... [goes and changes]

Yup. We are 25.

I mostly LOVE everything...

2011-04-11T01:56:00.003-01:00

but I don't LOVE trying to find a place to live in SLC. Hassle. Live with roommates? Get my own place? Be a Turnberry joiner? Apply effort because I am getting kicked out of my current residence April 30th? Boooo. I wish it was socially acceptable for me to throw a tantrum. I guess blogging about it is the adult equivalent. Done.

Playing Interdisciplinary Team for Sister Vaterlaus

2011-04-05T17:05:00.005-01:00

Sister Clare Vaterlaus had to go in for a little procedure today and she took her own interdisciplinary team: a mission nurse (worked in shock trauma ICU at U of U) and her dietitian. Her appointment was at 8:30, she finally went in at 9:30. In the interim period I got to hear the First Vision in Albanian, I was updated on MTC "news" and updated her on the happenings with the fam. Then her procedure was about an hour so I talked random hospital talk/patient satisfaction things with the ICU nurse (she is 23... she isn't old.) Then we went to sit with her during her recovery phase.

These are just her morning meds... she is very proud of her cocktail.

Highlights of recovery included (but not limited to):

"I'm gonna sing for the prophet tonight... like Beyonce"

I said, "Sister Vaterlaus, we have to have companionship study right now!"
Clare: "I am SO tired... mumble mumble mumble... I just want to sleep... bla bla bla"

"I feel like Ke$ha and Celine Dion"

The doc said that everything was fine that he saw but he was going to send some tissue for biopsy... Clare responded in her completely groggy, confused state, "oh so I just have to bal.... bal.... ball... an...ce... my meds... balance... balance"

I don't remember the rest.

What role does the RD play on this team? Oh, she is responsible for getting the nurse and patient both some Subway and Jamba. I am so good at being an RD :)

NMNM

2011-04-04T03:25:00.003-01:00

Who wouldn't love this girl?

I do! Happy birthday Natalie! Hope it was THE best day EVER.

UDA 2011

2011-04-02T19:20:00.003-01:00

I love going to UDA because I get to be with "my kind" -- these are some of my favorite people in the world. Love them. Love UDA Conference.

Do you know what season it is?

2011-03-30T04:25:00.004-01:00

Inner tube Water Polo!

We are in the middle of the tournament - we plan on winning the intramural shirts this year! It is double elimination at this point and we have to win all of our games from here on out. We lost tonight in overtime... poor strategic decisions on our part. Should have been ours. Dang.

Our team name is the the Water Buffaloes... Megan's fiance, G3 provided inspiration.

RIP "Shoulda Loved Me For My Inna" and "Beached Whales."

oh and he wins again

2011-03-28T23:15:00.004-01:00

Favorite text back in regards to my new position is courtesy of my friend's husband, Judson:

"Congrats. Your potential SMQ (sugar momma quotient)just sky rocketed. Better update all of your LDS singles accounts"

too good not to share.

uh huh!

2011-03-28T21:57:00.002-01:00

Naturally, like every little girl, I always just wanted to grow up and be the head lunch lady. There is nothing more exciting than stainless steel, hairnets, mass feedings. Something so right about it. Don't you just get shrills up your spine? I do.

Guess what?! I am on track! I just accepted a position as an Administrative Dietitian over Patient Services and Food/Nutrition Educator at Intermountain Medical Center! I am excited (and scared)! Dream job? Check. Start in a few weeks. Aaaaaaaaaagh!

Guess how big I am smiling right now. Yup. You are right. THAT big!

Winter Semester

2011-03-28T04:26:00.002-01:00

is the best... it goes by WAY faster than Fall and I attribute it to the fact that you don't have another semester looming behind it, you have SUMMER! I cannot wait for summer! Ruby (my bike) is getting pumped to ride (Winter semster has destroyed any opportunity for that right now). The lake is begging to be shredded during cousin ski trips. My bank account is stoked to work a lot. Bridesmaid/wedding season begins (can't wait to post my 27 Dresses pict)! Long boarding. Probably moving to SLC. Thesis. Study with Mrs. Wells for orals. Some Boise trips PLEASE! Can't wait. CAN'T WAIT!

One Week

2011-03-25T02:01:00.001-01:00

until the Utah Dietetic Association conference... I cannot wait!

Factoids from my evening spent studying for Erika B, RD, CD:

2011-03-22T03:45:00.007-01:00

Did you know:

With processed foods in industrialized nations, we are ONLY consuming about 35-50% of the RDAs for potassium, calcium, and magnesium BUT we are consuming 2-3 TIMES the RDA of sodium. Could it be that the combination effect of a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle in our nation are providing us incredible job security? Yes.

Another interesting thing:

Diets high in animal proteins have sulfur containing amino acids (cysteine and methionine) which are metabolized to be sulfuric acid. Turns out that high dietary intake of these AAs promotes calcium excretion and effects acid-base metabolism that may contribute to osteoporosis. Good news though: high potassium diets may help correct this acid load dilemma because high potassium foods are also generally high in base precursors. Thus, through the metabolism of organic potassium salts from fruits and vegetablese our bodies can make potassium bicarbonate base. Win Win.

Take home message to the world: Choose fruits and vegetables over processed food as much as possible. Save your own blood vessels.

Sunday Night Blues

2011-03-21T04:00:00.002-01:00

Who doesn't get them?! Despite loving what I do, I get this pit in my stomach on Sunday nights thinking about everything I have to do the upcoming week and everything I didn't do over the weekend... I have made progress from my jr. high/high school days where I would BAWL and throw an "Emily fit" every Sunday night... but I am considering one right now...

This goes out to everyone I know who is feeling the same way at this very momento...

My friend Annie

2011-03-18T22:35:00.003-01:00

Annie is pretty cool. She is in grad school with me, we interned together and graduated together. There are a lot of random things that I love about her. For instance, I have never met a twenty-something year old who ADOREs comfort food like she does. If we but say the words, "pot pie" she finds herself in a frenzy. Don't even say "bread pudding" unless you have some available. Also, she has fabulous hand writing, she is an excellent writer, and she loves Jane Austen/Anne of Green Gables/The Larkrise to Candleford. As interns, I worked with Rebecca and Annie for several months. Rebs and I would talk incessently (and loudly... shocker) during the entire day so we naturally assumed Annie had heard everything and was up to date on whatever we discussed... bad assumption. Annie has an INCREDIBLE ability to focus on her task at hand. When she tells you a story, she gets a look on her face that indicates that she isn't really with you, she is reliving the story. I love it. She is classy, smart and funny. She is more than willing to do crazy things like meet the walk-in goal, wear a strawberry costume, or cut in PenCourt lines on Theme Day. She also has a very healthy love for candy - in fact, she maintains a drawer at her desk with the current chocolate covered cinnamon bear/lips/ghosts/santas that the Bookstore carries.

Knowing that, please love this story from my day with Annie:

Because she has fabulous hand writing (her dad gave her handwriting lessons as a child), she somehow developed a very strong preference for pens. Knowing this, I decided to go to the Bookstore with her as she made her bi-monthly pen shopping trip. This was exciting to me because I know so little about it - I get excited for a new package of ballpoint Bics... not Mrs. Annie Wells.

First, we arrive at the lower floor of the Bookstore and a store clerk greets us. Annie expresses her desire to purchase pens. He ushers us to the pen section. They engage in dialogue regarding thickness of something? diameter of the ink dispenser? Not sure... not a pen genius. I just watched in awe. Then another clerk entered the conversation... discussion continued for minutes. I still watched in awe. Finally, Annie analyzed the situation, performed a cost-benefit analysis (see Erin, she respects the budget) and she purchased a purple and blue pen. (They have to click b/c she HAS to click her pens... that is non-negotiable). As we were walking back up the stairs, Annie continued sharing the positive attributes about high-quality writing utensils as she reexamined her newest purchases... well, she quickly realized that she accidently purchased one .5 (unknown unit) pen and one .7 (unknown unit) pen. What would most people do? Doesn't matter. What would Annie do (WWAD)? Take that sorry excuse of a .5 (unknown unit) pen back. 2 months with an imperfect pen? Nem quase. No way. In short, I am now educated on the finer things in life. I succombed and purchased my very own Pilot G-2 07 clicky pen. It is blue. Don't steal it.

where my tuition money is going: an insight

2011-03-18T04:35:00.005-01:00

We had some crazy smart business man who has ran multi billion dollar companies come in to my Strategic Leadership class today and he said that one of the most important lessons he has learned was from his first manager in college:

If you don't like the path, you probably won't like the destination.

I liked it. I like my major. I like my thesis. I like my job. I like my family. I like my friends. A LOT. I think I am going to like the destination.

Truth:

2011-03-14T04:05:00.004-01:00

I am 25 years old (closer to 26 really). I need my mom. A LOT. I don't care who knows it. She can't just go out of town for a week without cell phone service again unless she takes me with her. Pathetic? Maybe. Truth? Yes.

She is the best:

Immortalized

2011-03-14T01:58:00.004-01:00

If you leave a hilarious costume around, the grad students are going to find it. If they find it, they are going to wear it. If they wear it they are all going to try and fit in it. If they have ridiculous pictures of themselves, they are going to want to do something with them. If they post them on Facebook, they will only be able to look at them a few times before the excitement is gone. Then, they are going to decide to make a flyer to send out to the graduate faculty wishing them a Happy National Nutrition Month. Then, they are going to do their homework and focus on what they are supposed to be doing...

What is faculty going to do when they get the flyer in their in-box? Oh some might send back a funny email saying, "You look BERRY cute" or "Ha ha, you made my day." Others may not respond verbally at all... they may just blow it up poster size and put it up in the Eyring Science Center. Why do I have a premonition that at some point in my illustrious career as a dietitian, one of the these 2 existing posters is going to come back to get me?!?!?!

The only thing we don't know is if they did it to make tease us or if they really liked it... regardless, we love walking down the hall and seeing our ridiculous pictures nearly life size. So, I guess we win?

We offered to sign them and the clinical professor responded, "No thanks, we plan on using these for years to come..." LOL.

Ws of W

2011-03-11T14:13:00.002-01:00

I adore my major professor... she is seriously the smartest, most chill woman and I appreciate her mentorship in my life/career. She always has something that is so wise to say to me and she talks me back into reality quickly/logically as needed.

Two phrases that she has imparted:

- If you don't have time to do it right the first time, when are you going to have time to do it again? (Her voice was in my head my whole mission saying this)

- Be calm and expectant of good.

She actually got them from her dad so maybe I should be crediting him :)

Max Wins!

2011-03-09T15:26:00.005-01:00

This is why I love Elder Max:

Love the card selection at the MTC:

Happy RD Day (Wednesday)!

2011-03-08T20:36:00.006-01:00

Happy National Nutrition Month and RD day! We maybe found this little costume in the dietetics computer lab and decided we should try it on...

EAT RIGHT WITH COLOR!

3 is ALWAYS better than 1. Plus, in graduate school you are supposed to learn to do difficult things.

If we were going to campaign more than we already are, these would be our captions:

Squeeze a little more fruit into your diet for the health of it.

A little effort and you can get it all in.

"That's one small step for Emily, one giant leap for health"

Fruit is way better than drugs.

Fruit makes life fun.

ramblings at almost midnight

2011-03-08T05:29:00.003-01:00

My life has been unnecessarily socially dramatic today. I feel sort of stupid about it because I worked in the transplant clinic today at the hospital and saw REAL life. It is one of my favorite positions to cover because I get a glimpse into peoples' lives and everyone has such a unique story. I love when people still have the funniest senses of humor despite years of difficulty. What was most incredible to me today was watching the spouses and caregivers with the transplant candidates and I couldn't help but wonder how they faced all of the challenges together. For most of them, getting accepted for a transplant is just one more thing that they have to do... I can only imagine the stress of having to deal with the emotional, financial, physical effects of end stage renal or liver disease.

I like my job because it reminds me about how much I don't know about life and how much I have to learn.

Ima get my tires slashed

2011-03-07T04:28:00.006-01:00

Just a little public service announcement - turns out that Audis are really fun to drive (fast and smooth)... only they are freaking EXPENSIVE to repair and they have the most ridculous things fall apart. Current problemo: the car alarm intermittently goes off without cause. All night. Ima get my tires slashed. I am SHOCKED I haven't received any hate notes either. Of course I have faced this with some denial in hopes that it would just go away. It hasn't. So I googled it tonight:

Apparently this is a VERY common problemo. Freak. Good news too, Audi cares so much about my safety that it is impossible to simply disable the alarm without extensive effort ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$).

Don't get me wrong, despite it all, I am still an Audi girl. Just feel like I should warn the American public that it might be good to avoid such an addiction cuz she be expensive and bothersome if it isn't real love!

Just one more you tube vid... but so good:

2011-03-07T03:33:00.001-01:00

Joy = Full

2011-03-05T23:13:00.003-01:00

My major professor once described me as intense. I get a lot of feedback from friends/family/coworkers/professors indicating that that I am a very passionate person. They probably speak truth. I am a little crazy and I do intensely/passionately LOVE things like National Nutrition Month, Dietetics, road biking, waterskiing, skiing, bla bla bla to the max.

There are a few things that TRUMP all of those activities though; one being how positively impactful a mission can be in someone's life. It doesn't matter where you serve, how you decided to go, if you are an Elder or a Sister, if you are a young missionary or older couple... missionaries have the opportunity to see/participate in miracles and the perk that accompanies that is learning to recognize TRUE joy. The real thing. I have always had a charmed life and been happy but I attribute learning how to feel the greatest happiness and joy from the time I spent in Cape Verde as a missionary. (Note: I am by no way indicating that I think you have to serve a mission to learn this, it just happened this way for me.) I learned how to love people better. I remember feeling like the Grinch and recognized that my heart had grown 3-4 sizes (it is now approaching normal people size... I had and still have room for improvement LOL).

Well, it has been 3 years this month since I have been home (I have been home twice as long as I was gone)... a lot has happened and I am insanely busy (road biking and skiing do take time) but I still think of my mission/Cape Verde regularly because it reminds me of what makes me the happiest: the gospel and families.

Knowing that, just imagine how I felt today when I heard:

Eneida and Corsino (the axe murderer and his wife) are preparing to go to the temple. (Going to the temple is big enough when it requires simply spiritual preparation, Eneida and Corsino will have to go to Brazil or Spain and it is going to cost a kajillion dollars...) This is SO exciting!

(PS. I ate A LOT of rice, beans, and eggs. A LOT!)

LuLu is still "FIRME" and her visiting teachee told me she is a great visiting teacher.

The church is young in Cape Verde - it is still predominantly first and second generation members. Imagine what retention is like in a young congregation... a little bit hit or miss... they are hitting it!

I laugh inside when little greeny missionaries leave and say, "I can sacrifice a year and a half or two years for the Lord..." I guess we could Bill Clinton the word "sacrifice" but really, is it a sacrifice to be blessed enough to have front row seats as some of the greatest people in the world are converted to the gospel through the Spirit? I am sure I learned a lot more than I ever taught.

My Favorite Missionary Scriptures:

1 Corinithians 3: 6-9
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

All of Alma 26, here is verse 37
Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

5 year old needs a job before getting married - funny!

2011-03-04T07:53:00.000-01:00

This is hilarious... she rants like I do over irrational things and she has Shannon Harker/Jacki Swift's attitude. Love this girl. I hope she decides to be a dietitian!

Happy National Nutrition Month!

2011-03-04T04:29:00.003-01:00

March is National Nutrition Month! This year's theme is "Eat Right With Color!" I love this month. RD day is March 9th! No LARGE gifts are necessary :)

Cousin Weekend

2011-02-28T05:36:00.004-01:00

About once a month, I go up to Logan for a Quayle cousin extravaganza. Who participates always depends on who is in town - currently, the only grown up cousins in Logan are Mitch and Barrett.

We started the weekend out right with dinner at The Beehive Grill - I tried the Caprese Italian Burger (Burger topped with fresh mozzarella & a Basil Aioli. Served with lettuce, tomato & onion -- I LOVED it). Then Mitch and I went to the movie Unknown - I liked... I would give it a 6 or 7... kind of jumpy so I got to flail my arms and scream.

On Saturday we really hit cousin weekend hard - we went up to the Beave and skiied the kajillion inches (at least a foot) of fresh pow pow - it was probably too much for my skill level because I found myself stuck A LOT but it was still really fun.

Then we went to Callaway's for dinner:

Then we decided to go for a late night snow shoeing trip up Green Canyon in Logan. We are slowly making progress towards are Insanity Tri (just waiting for the reservoir to melt so we can waterski, snowski and snow shoe in one day). I love snow shoeing! We came back exhausted (skiing powder all day and then snow shoeing is somewhat taxing for people that sit in their little offices all week writing theses and dissertations.)

Finished off cousin weekend with Sunday dinner with the other 5 Quayle cousins and our honorary cousin of the weekend, Kenzie (Cousin Barrett's "friend.")

Plus, Megan Mullen passed the RD Exam... a perfect weekend!

PS. Are we the only family that refers to their cousins as their title + their name? ex: "Cousin Payge" and "Cousin Barrett" - we always have and people always think we are freaking wierd. whatevs

Perfect day (winter edition):

2011-02-21T05:38:00.006-01:00

Spend all day skiing (quads must be burning before you can go home)

Go home and eat something FABULOUS like Red Robin's Bleu Ribbon Burger (with an undisclosed number of baskets of fries).

And then, fall asleep on the couch watching TV.

The LIFE.

My thoughts on graduate school:

2011-02-20T16:56:00.004-01:00

Before you start your graduate program you don't really have any idea of what you are getting yourself into. (Seriously. I had NO idea whatsoever about what coursework would be like or how my thesis would play out.) You begin by thinking any number of things such as (in no specific order):
- This will be a great step for career advancement
- It will be an incredible opportunity to work with and be mentored by my thesis advisor
- This will postpone me from having to grow up and work full-time for 2 years
- I love what I do, why not dive in deeper?
- Why not live off a graduate research stipend?
- Why not throw another credential back there? MS, RD, CD is pretty legit.

Then you start. It is new enough that when more tenured grad students complain about their projects or their classes, you don't believe that it could ever impact you similarly and you are still excited about starting everything. You justify things in your head, "well, my project is different" or "my classes are different."

And then,it hits. You discover every grad student goes through the same hellish ordeals... even if they are different, they all add up to be the same. What seems absolutely basic, direct, and simple somehow gets complicated because you have to rely so heavily on other people (or rats if you do animal research). Fortunately when that all hits, you look at your time frame and realize you are nearly done and you don't really care that some of it bites. The system is PERFECT!

Getting a graduate degree is definitely worth it if it is something you sincerely want... it probably isn't worth it just for a title or just because you don't want to grow up (because I think it actually makes you grow up... fooled me). The entire point of this post is to say, with grad degrees (and pretty much everything else in life... going to college as a freshman, going on a mission, picking a major, etc), you don't really know what you are getting yourself into, but as long as you have a positive outlook and strong drive it is going to be an enriching experience. I can relate it to running a marathon - self infliction of pain but it is somehow invigorating/worth it and you like it. Or, at least I think it is. Cheers.