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.

(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.

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!).

(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:

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!

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.

16, 23, 25, 27
6'1", 5'11.75", 5'10", 5'4" + 3.5 inch heels

Happy retirement Pop!

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.

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.

Karaoke Fail

A week ago I was at an impromptu karaoke party with some friends from the singles ward. Inside my head I was thinking about how much I love to sing Heart...

Me (after viewing the lists of songs): Hey! I want to sing "Alone."

(awkward silence)

Friends: Well, hey, MaryAnn if you want to sing alone you go right on ahead.

(friends probably thinking I'm totally full of myself...)

Me: Sweet! Who wants to sing with me??

Friends: I thought you wanted to sing alone?

Me (realization finally dawning on me): Oh! I meant I wanted to sing the song "Alone" by Heart!

Now everytime there is an awkward pause, one of these friends says "Hey, I want to sing alone..." haha.

This Is Eternal Love

Who has the best brother and sister-in-law ever??? Me! It's me!

Not only do they put a roof over my head, give me the clothes off of their backs (seriously McCall shares her cute clothes with me), and are the light of my life..... yesterday I came home to find this:

A beautiful rose with a sweet Valentine note. See, I told you they are awesome! I love you Launce and McCall! You made my day! :)

My New Trial? Opportunity? Blessing?

I've had to do and experience some hard things in my life, but apparently I still have some room to grow.

This week, I learned that I am being laid off my job, effective immediately. Yikes. I didn't see it coming and now I'm not sure what I will do.

One thing that I have been grateful for is a good network. As I've told my friends and colleagues about what happened, I've been so impressed with how many people have been willing to help by sharing information, putting me in touch with others who might be able to help, and sending job postings. There are a lot of really great people out there! I may have something big brewing, which is why I am calling this my new trial? Opportunity? Blessing? Nothing is set in stone yet, so stay tuned for details.

Richard G. Scott, (my favorite apostle), said:

"Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain." "Trust in the Lord," Ensign, November 1995.

I'm doing some stretching!