Run For Your Life If You Can Little Girl....

I thought people run races all of the time.

And three point one miles shouldn't be that tough, right?

I mean, I've been running for 2.5 years. 

I should be able to manage that. 

So, I signed up for the Run Through Lavender 5K down in Mona.

We woke up early (meaning I was up at 4:30 AM).

We got there at 6:15 AM.

The run started at 7.

We took a nap.

Then went to the starting line to stretch out.

And then we were off.

First mile was brutal and all uphill.

I walked some of it.

Even when I ran, I was passed by ladies who were pushing strollers.

I started to get discouraged.

It didn't matter that I'm only supposed to race against myself.

Ladies were pushing strollers and going faster than me.

I kept my eye on the finish line. Seriously.

All while my music was blasting.

And that last 0.1 mile, I ran.

I didn't even notice that friends had come to cheer me on the finish.

But finish I did.

And I got a medal, a t-shirt, and a lavender plant (which is dying...)

It took me 38:48.

My pace was 12:31/mile

It could be better.

But let's just say that it's too hot now to run.

So I'm going to ride my bike for a while.

One of My Talents

"Did you just google it?"

That was the response my brother just gave me (like it happened a minute or two ago) after he was asking me if I had a recipe on hand (I didn't).

But that's often the response when I come up with the most random of information.

Trust me. I'm a google guru. Perhaps that's why my masters degree fits me so well. 

But don't worry, Forbes was kind enough to let me know that I'm getting the worst masters degree for a job.

I'm suddenly very glad that I decided to take 4.5 years and work full-time while getting my masters degree. 

And also, none of you are allowed to ask me what I'm going to do with my degree. But you are allowed to give me leads on jobs. Just saying. 

Propositions

So.. I have to tell you a story.

But before I do, I want to post this adorable picture of my nephew and newest niece:

[source]

RIGHT?! 

So adorable!

Okay... Here's the other story I have to tell.

Maybe a couple of Sundays ago, I was sitting quietly in Sacrament meeting when one of the Elders Quorum presidents turned around and very loudly said, "Laurel. You can NOT move..." It was in the middle of sacrament meeting and I just shook my head and said that we should discuss this later.

After the meeting ended, he turned and repeated himself. I couldn't move. And I shouldn't announce it on Facebook. I explained that my roommate was moving out and I couldn't afford the rent by myself.

He looked at me and said, "You could move into my basement."

I waited a beat.

You have to understand: this boy is the epitome of a Utah Mormon. He calls anywhere outside of the Wasatch Front, "The Mission Field". He is a true blue, dyed in wool, Mormon. I think it's an endearing quality, but the weight of his offer seemed to hang in the air.

I looked at him and said, very slowly, "Did you just ask me to move in with you?"

Very quickly, the meaning of my understanding hit him and he turned BRIGHT red. Everyone around him chuckled at his discomfort. (Also, let it be noted that he lives with his parents still...). 

His response? "You seem nice... and clean..."

I was tempted to take him up on the offer. It's a little easier than trying to find an apartment. But I'm still in the hunt.

Annual Vacation

There are few things that I can count on these days:

1. A paycheck every 2 weeks

2. At least 1 good dating story per week (I think I may have 2 from this week and it's only Monday!)

3. Meeting up with my family for the 4th of July

Yep. It seems that 4th of July and Christmas are when some of the Teuschers gather together and have a grand time. And that we did.

Beach time.

Pool time.

Communicating in Spanish to the guy at McDonald's who got me ice.

Sunburn (which will become a tan...)

Shopping.

Having the car break down while shopping.

Babysitting.

Cuddling with a sweet six month old niece who is never sad.

Having small nephews randomly come up and give me a hug.

Napping in the middle of the day.

Homemade ice cream.

Fireworks from the backyard.

Late night conversations.

Going through grandma's jewelry and discovering the treasures.

Watching two nephews down manhole sized pancakes.

Yep... it was a good trip.

My mother has always wanted a girly girl. It only took an extra generation.

Good thing I remembered that darn "Pretty Pretty Princess" game. She was in love!

Happy baby!!!!

She lives for the water. She was sad every time someone took her away from the water.

Still a happy baby!!!

Searching for sand crabs.

And for a bit of Instagram magic:

That is a pancake... it's bigger than the plate.

(And I can't wait for the 27th when I can order a new phone with a better camera...)

Maybe I sent this to my boss... told him that I was thinking about him...

The top ring is my great-grandmother's wedding band. You can barely see the details but it had bells and flowers in it. I almost want a copy made for my own wedding band. 

The bottom ring is my grandmother's wedding ring. Also a gorgeous ring.

So... now I'm back into reality. And it's only Monday but I'm knee-deep into projects and getting new assignments. I don't know what it all means, but I'm trying to keep my sense of humor about me (and my boss says that my sarcasm is becoming less than subtle lately).