Friday, July 6, 2012
Danny B's Big Proposal Adventure, Starring Ru Ru
My dear friend Amy Lou pointed out to me that I left out a big part of the story. Amy said " One thing your blog post didn't answer...how did the journal get on the bench?" Well I forgot to mention that Daniel coordinated the big even with his roommate, Andrew, who we call Ru Ru. Ru Ru was nice enough to accomodate the change of scenary from Salt Lake to Bountiful (depsite spending hours ahead of time with Daniel picking the perfect spot in Salt Lake) and wait for nearly an hour for us to finally exit the temple. Ru Ru also filmed the whole event and below is the video for all to see. Thank you Ru Ru!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Soon to Be a Bride!
On June 30, 2012, Mr. Daniel Lyons Bride asked me to marry him and I said yes! That morning Daniel and I had plans to run (we are training for a marathon after all), but I realized a little too late that I forgot my running clothes in Ogden. Instead, we went to the Original Pancake House for a delicious breakfast, ran some errands, and then got back on schedule to go to an afternoon session at the Salt Lake Temple.
When we arrived at the temple, We saw big yellow signs outside the parking garage saying that the temple was closed. I pulled up next to Daniel (we were in separate cars because we drove separately to Salt Lake for work and were both headed home to Ogden after), and suggested we go to Bountiful instead. Daniel looked a little stresed out and he hesitated a little, but then he agreed it would be the best idea. He seemed a little weird, but I just figured he was tired since we both had not been getting much sleep lately.
After our session at the Bountiful Temple, I suggested that we take a picture together because my friends at work have been asking to see pictures of my boyfriend but I didn't really have any! Daniel liked the idea but suggested that we head to the East side of the temple - right where there was a huge wedding crowd. That sounded like a crazy idea to me, so I tried to convince him to go to the other side. He said "Do you trust me?" and asked me to follow. At this point, I finally got suspicious.
He led me through the crowd to a bench in a quiet corner in back of the temple. On the bench we found a journal. Daniel said "Hey! That looks just like your journal! Maybe it's yours." I agreed. It did look like my journal, but I told him that it was definitely not my journal because mine looked a little more beat up than that one. He picked it up and said, "Well, let's just see," and began turning pages.
On the first page, I saw this:
Daniel said "That looks an awful lot like me! This must be your journal!" I had to laugh. This picture represents the day we met. We met at a church activity where a bunch of eligible bachelors shared their opinions and theories on dating. I remember that I was impressed that he said he didn't need anymore friends that are girls and that he was dating to find the girl he wanted to marry. I liked that he said this because I felt like he was saying that he knew what he wanted out of life. He seemed like someone who would be committed and loyal. The next picture was this:
This picture represents our first kiss. Yes, it was really that awkward. :)
This picture represents the first time Daniel told me he loved me. We went for a moonlit walk in the neighborhood and Daniel told a funny story and ended by telling me he loved me. As I kissed him and told him that I loved him too, we heard this strange Native American drum music coming from somebody's house. Now, we joke that it is our song!
Daniel flipped to this final picture. You can't tell from the jpeg, but it was actually a pop up! Amazing. And you'll notice that that is the Salt Lake Temple in the background, not the Bountiful. Poor Daniel, that's why he was sweating bullets. Daniel got down on one knee and said something along the lines of "This is the next page in the story of our lives. Will you marry me?" I think I said "YES!!!" before he even finished speaking.
I am sooooooo excited to marry my best friend!
When we arrived at the temple, We saw big yellow signs outside the parking garage saying that the temple was closed. I pulled up next to Daniel (we were in separate cars because we drove separately to Salt Lake for work and were both headed home to Ogden after), and suggested we go to Bountiful instead. Daniel looked a little stresed out and he hesitated a little, but then he agreed it would be the best idea. He seemed a little weird, but I just figured he was tired since we both had not been getting much sleep lately.
After our session at the Bountiful Temple, I suggested that we take a picture together because my friends at work have been asking to see pictures of my boyfriend but I didn't really have any! Daniel liked the idea but suggested that we head to the East side of the temple - right where there was a huge wedding crowd. That sounded like a crazy idea to me, so I tried to convince him to go to the other side. He said "Do you trust me?" and asked me to follow. At this point, I finally got suspicious.
He led me through the crowd to a bench in a quiet corner in back of the temple. On the bench we found a journal. Daniel said "Hey! That looks just like your journal! Maybe it's yours." I agreed. It did look like my journal, but I told him that it was definitely not my journal because mine looked a little more beat up than that one. He picked it up and said, "Well, let's just see," and began turning pages.
On the first page, I saw this:
Daniel said "That looks an awful lot like me! This must be your journal!" I had to laugh. This picture represents the day we met. We met at a church activity where a bunch of eligible bachelors shared their opinions and theories on dating. I remember that I was impressed that he said he didn't need anymore friends that are girls and that he was dating to find the girl he wanted to marry. I liked that he said this because I felt like he was saying that he knew what he wanted out of life. He seemed like someone who would be committed and loyal. The next picture was this:
This picture represents our first date. We went snowshoeing near Snow Basin, and we got a little lost. Daniel was so sweet while I was tripping all over myself and so easy to talk to and so funny! I really enjoyed his company. The next picture was this:
One day Daniel and I went on a 30-mile bike ride to the Brigham City Temple. We sat on the grass across the street from the temple and engaged in a DTR (that's Determine the Relationship for those who aren't up on the hip vocab). We decided we wanted to date exclusively.
I am sooooooo excited to marry my best friend!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Running Running Running
On Memorial Day, we ran another family race - The Memorial Day Classic Half Marathon and 5k in Syracuse, Utah. If you're ever considering a race in Utah, I highly recommend any race sponsored by Striders! These races always seem to be well supported and fun. The trail was beautiful and I got to run with some of my favorite people.
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| Me, Jay, Pop, Casey, and Becca |
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| Daniel, Maria (sister), Terrence (dad), and Lucy (mom) |
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The next big race is the Morgan Valley Marathon on July 28, 2012. Yep, the full blown thing! Last year after my first marathon, I said that I'd never do it again. It was sooo painful. Apparently I have forgotten all about that because Daniel talked me into doing another one and I'm actually pretty excited about it. Marathon pictures and recap to come.... as long as I don't die! :)
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Half Marathon x 2
While we were in Las Vegas, we ran a family race. It's becoming a regular thing we do when we go to Las Vegas. This one turned out pretty great. Pop and I ran the Laughlin Half Marathon and the rest of the crew ran the 5k.
Pop dragged me along the whole way and ended up finishing 10th in his division. I finished 5th in my division. Launce finished 4th in his division. Becca finished 5th in her division. Casey finished 3rd in his division. And Jason finished 1st in his division. Both Casey and Jason got finishers medals.
I had a hard time during this race. It was hot, the scenery was stagnant, and it turned out to be a completely flat trail run (rather than road) which made it tougher. We ended up finishing in 2:29:38.2.
After the run, we started joking about doing another race the next weekend. Before we knew it, our joke became serious and Pop decided to drive to Utah on a whim. "Why not," he said. "I'm retired!"
So, we found this pretty awesome race hosted by Striders in Eden, Utah. This half marathon is part of their winter training circuit and ended up being the best race I have ever run in my entire life! When we started running the temperature was a little colder than I expected at 18 degrees, but by the finish time it was around 46. I didn't mind the cold once we got going. In fact, I prefer it. The scenery was soooo beautiful! We saw creeks, horses, cows, sheep, ponies, old barn houses, trees, mountains... sigh, loved it.
I also loved that Striders provided ice cold Gatorade and Blueberry Pomegranate Gu Chomps (my favorite energy booster) along the way. At the end of the race Roosters and Union Grill (my two fave Ogden restaurants) served us breakfast. It was also one of the best breakfasts I ever had in my life (scrambled eggs with mild jalapeno peppers and homemade salsa, fresh baked muffins, orange juice, fruit, and yogurt).
The best part of all is that we got a new PR! We blew our previous time out of the water at 2:16:47.4.
Pop dragged me along the whole way and ended up finishing 10th in his division. I finished 5th in my division. Launce finished 4th in his division. Becca finished 5th in her division. Casey finished 3rd in his division. And Jason finished 1st in his division. Both Casey and Jason got finishers medals.
(Running the Laughlin Half, along the Colorado River)
I had a hard time during this race. It was hot, the scenery was stagnant, and it turned out to be a completely flat trail run (rather than road) which made it tougher. We ended up finishing in 2:29:38.2.
After the run, we started joking about doing another race the next weekend. Before we knew it, our joke became serious and Pop decided to drive to Utah on a whim. "Why not," he said. "I'm retired!"
So, we found this pretty awesome race hosted by Striders in Eden, Utah. This half marathon is part of their winter training circuit and ended up being the best race I have ever run in my entire life! When we started running the temperature was a little colder than I expected at 18 degrees, but by the finish time it was around 46. I didn't mind the cold once we got going. In fact, I prefer it. The scenery was soooo beautiful! We saw creeks, horses, cows, sheep, ponies, old barn houses, trees, mountains... sigh, loved it.
I also loved that Striders provided ice cold Gatorade and Blueberry Pomegranate Gu Chomps (my favorite energy booster) along the way. At the end of the race Roosters and Union Grill (my two fave Ogden restaurants) served us breakfast. It was also one of the best breakfasts I ever had in my life (scrambled eggs with mild jalapeno peppers and homemade salsa, fresh baked muffins, orange juice, fruit, and yogurt).
The best part of all is that we got a new PR! We blew our previous time out of the water at 2:16:47.4.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Into the Wild Blue Yonder
This past weekend, I headed to Las Vegas to see my dad retire after 26 years of dedicated service in the United States Air Force.
I had never been to a military retirement ceremony before, so I had no idea what to expect. It was pretty neat. It began sort of like a wedding processional. We (as the family and guest of honor) were asked to wait in a separate room while everyone else got ready. My mom lead the pack, then me, then each brother in descending order (oldest to youngest). My mom and I were escorted by a couple of really cute Airmen (this was my favorite part, ha!).
I had never been to a military retirement ceremony before, so I had no idea what to expect. It was pretty neat. It began sort of like a wedding processional. We (as the family and guest of honor) were asked to wait in a separate room while everyone else got ready. My mom lead the pack, then me, then each brother in descending order (oldest to youngest). My mom and I were escorted by a couple of really cute Airmen (this was my favorite part, ha!).
(Here's a picture of me and my escort that my brother snapped on the way out.)
We were taken to Pop's hanger. Our seats were labeled with our names and relation, in the front row of a sea of about 85 people.
Once we were in our seats, they asked each of us to stand to welcome the guest of honor. Pop was the last to march in right after his commander.
When we were all in our places, a member of Pop's fighter wing sang the national anthem, and the wing chaplain gave an invocation. Then we were seated and Pop's commander gave a history of Pop's career including his promotions, achievements, accomplishments, and individual stories about how he personally affected others' lives. Needless to say, this was a long one but it was still interesting to hear all that he had done with his career.
Every time Pop would get a new assignment, it would come in the form of "orders." After the history, one of Pop's colleagues who had worked with Pop on multiple bases, read his retirement orders. I could see Pop getting a little emotional about this time, receiving his last assignment. I know this is going to be hard for him because he loved his career!
After the orders were read, Pop was presented with several awards. Here's Pop after receiving his meritorious service medal:
When we were all in our places, a member of Pop's fighter wing sang the national anthem, and the wing chaplain gave an invocation. Then we were seated and Pop's commander gave a history of Pop's career including his promotions, achievements, accomplishments, and individual stories about how he personally affected others' lives. Needless to say, this was a long one but it was still interesting to hear all that he had done with his career.
Every time Pop would get a new assignment, it would come in the form of "orders." After the history, one of Pop's colleagues who had worked with Pop on multiple bases, read his retirement orders. I could see Pop getting a little emotional about this time, receiving his last assignment. I know this is going to be hard for him because he loved his career!
After the orders were read, Pop was presented with several awards. Here's Pop after receiving his meritorious service medal:
And some more awards.
And Mom even got an award.
(Mom receiving her military spouse's medal)
Then Pop presented Mom, me, and Becca (my sister-in-law) with flowers to show his appreciation for our support.
(Becca, Mom, and Me with our flowers at the after party)
Then there was a flag ceremony, after which the color guard presented Pop with the flag. This was fun to watch. I wish I had thought to video it.
Then finally, Pop gave his remarks. I felt so proud of him!
(Becca, Mom, and Me with our flowers at the after party)
Then finally, Pop gave his remarks. I felt so proud of him!
After Pop's remarks, the ceremony concluded and we had cake and chatted with Pop's guests. We also went back into the hanger to snap some family photos with the airplanes.
(Becca, Casey, Me, Pop, Mom, Launce, Jason)
And just for fun:
Youngest to oldest. Tallest to shortest.
Happy retirement Pop!
And just for fun:
Youngest to oldest. Tallest to shortest.16, 23, 25, 27
6'1", 5'11.75", 5'10", 5'4" + 3.5 inch heels
6'1", 5'11.75", 5'10", 5'4" + 3.5 inch heels
Happy retirement Pop!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Best Worst Thing
So I am starting a new job tomorrow. :D
When I got laid off, I'll admit that I was more than a little worried. I remembered the dark days following the bar when I had no job and no real prospects. My grandma put it nicely when I overheard her saying "I'm worried about MaryAnn. All she does is sit around and watch fat people." (She failed to mention that "fat people" is actually a T.V. show known as "The Biggest Loser").
Anyway, it turns out my worries were for naught. Though I was laid off, I never actually went a single day without working. I picked up some clients on my own, did some contract work, and even spent a short time at another firm position. I also had offers to choose from and all of the offers were actually better offers than my previous job.
I find this to be amazing, especially in this economy that we're living in. Lawyer jobs are NOT easy to come by. (If you don't believe me, see here, here, and here). I'm not taking the credit for all of my recent job-related opportunities. I've had the distinct impression that these blessings are the direct result of paying tithing. The book True to the Faith, produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contains the following promise: "The law of tithing requires sacrifice, but your obedience to the law brings blessings that are far greater than anything you ever give up." “Tithing,” True to the Faith, (2004),180–82. I believe this. To learn more on tithing, click here.
So here's the specifics. I am the 11th attorney to join Pearson, Butler, Carson, & Cook. I will be working with the bankruptcy practice group, mostly on Chapter 13 cases. I'm thrilled because I love bankruptcy practice, I'll have great mentors (something I've lacked at my two previous firms), I'll have health insurance (something I've lacked since I was still under my dad's insurance at age 21), and I'm getting a significant raise.
I feel like the whole lay-off thing was a blessing in disguise. Sure, it wasn't a great feeling to be laid off. I loved my old job and wasn't really searching for other opportunities. But being laid off forced me to see what else was out there. It might be the best worst thing that has ever happened to me.
When I got laid off, I'll admit that I was more than a little worried. I remembered the dark days following the bar when I had no job and no real prospects. My grandma put it nicely when I overheard her saying "I'm worried about MaryAnn. All she does is sit around and watch fat people." (She failed to mention that "fat people" is actually a T.V. show known as "The Biggest Loser").
Anyway, it turns out my worries were for naught. Though I was laid off, I never actually went a single day without working. I picked up some clients on my own, did some contract work, and even spent a short time at another firm position. I also had offers to choose from and all of the offers were actually better offers than my previous job.
I find this to be amazing, especially in this economy that we're living in. Lawyer jobs are NOT easy to come by. (If you don't believe me, see here, here, and here). I'm not taking the credit for all of my recent job-related opportunities. I've had the distinct impression that these blessings are the direct result of paying tithing. The book True to the Faith, produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contains the following promise: "The law of tithing requires sacrifice, but your obedience to the law brings blessings that are far greater than anything you ever give up." “Tithing,” True to the Faith, (2004),180–82. I believe this. To learn more on tithing, click here.
So here's the specifics. I am the 11th attorney to join Pearson, Butler, Carson, & Cook. I will be working with the bankruptcy practice group, mostly on Chapter 13 cases. I'm thrilled because I love bankruptcy practice, I'll have great mentors (something I've lacked at my two previous firms), I'll have health insurance (something I've lacked since I was still under my dad's insurance at age 21), and I'm getting a significant raise.
I feel like the whole lay-off thing was a blessing in disguise. Sure, it wasn't a great feeling to be laid off. I loved my old job and wasn't really searching for other opportunities. But being laid off forced me to see what else was out there. It might be the best worst thing that has ever happened to me.
My Professor. My Mentor. My Friend.
I just learned today that a dear friend of mine passed away. It hurts. Matt Bradley influenced my life more than he probably ever knew. I met Matt during my very first semester at the University of Utah. Matt taught my honors writing class - my favorite that semester and I don't even like writing! Matt encouraged me, stretched my abilities, and changed the way I viewed the world. I went on to take two more classes from Matt while at the U.Matt always went above and beyond. He was a big influence in helping me choose my honors thesis topic and helped me with the research (even though he wasn't my adviser).
Perhaps it was because of his young age, his vitality, or just common interests, but Matt became more than just a professor. He was a true friend. Matt introduced me to my ex-husband, came to our wedding, double-dated with us, invited us into his home, came to my birthday dinner, taught me about cycling, and convinced me to get a bike.
Matt helped me realize my potential. He kept in touch and cheered me on through law school. One time he wrote a Facebook message to me that said "I hope you are well, because in truth, you were always one of my favorite students." Silly that this meant so much to me but it did. It came at a time when when my confidence was wavering and I truly needed that boost.
In the divorce aftermath, Matt was sympathetic but his sympathy is not what helped me. It was his example. About the same time, Matt lost his leg due to a rapidly spreading cancer. I'm sure this was extra-devastating to Matt as he was an avid and competitive cyclist. Matt didn't let it get him down though. The second he was able to be fitted for a prosthetic leg, he was back on a bike and went on to race for the U.S. Paralympic team. Seeing Matt's example helped me to realize that going through hard things doesn't have to be the end of the world. Matt taught me how to live. He inspired me.
More on Matt can be found in today's Salt Lake Tribune.
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