It's been a very long time since I've written an entry on my blog, but I'm going to try to get into it again.  Spring is here, the tulips are blooming in front of my window, my garden is planted, and I'm starting to wonder what kinds of summer plans I should make. 

Most of you already know that I ran a marathon last weekend!  A friend of mine had expressed her goal of running one someday, and I promised I would run alongside her if she kept up the practice.  The weather was spectacular - not too hot and not too cold, one of the first sunny days we've had in what feels like forever- and the course was beautiful.  We had a great view of the mountains, the trees were just greening up, and hundreds of spring flowers lined the way.  Since it was my goal just to run with my friend and enjoy the day, I felt great the entire race.  Nevertheless, I still appreciated the complimentary massages at the finish line :)  I brought my camara along, so we took pictures along the way.  

Sorry about the size of these pics, for some reason they're downloading in really poor quality :(. 

Here we are together at the half marathon mark and individual shots of each of us at mile 22 1/2 (still looking strong!)

In case you are wondering how to properly cheer for someone running a marathon, here's a good example: 

There were many groups like this along the way, and it was always so energizing to here them cheering and making a "loud joyful noise". 

    Here's picture to offer you a glimpse of the lovely fall weather that we've been having in Utah lately.  I remember several Halloweens as a kid that were "cancelled" because of snow storms, so I'm really appreciating the wonderful warm weather we've been having now. 

Speaking of Halloween, it's tomorrow!  I never really grew up as a super-huge Halloween celebrater, but since I work at a children's hospital, I have to get into it now days.  Every year my department chooses a theme, and each person takes a character.  This year's theme is "Charlie Brown", and I was designated to be "Pigpen".  I must say, it's not my favorite theme ever because the costumes are a bit difficult, as the charecters really just look like normal people.   I think my costume will make some sense when I'm with the rest of the group, but when I'm not I'll just look like I dressed up as "homeless lady".  Hmm.. is that politically correct?? Not sure the kids are going to get it.  Anyway, it should be a fun day, and very much exhausting.  Never underestimate the energy needed to take 125 kids in wheelchairs and hospital beds with IV poles trick or treating.   I may be able to run marathons, but Halloween is a whole nother story! 

 My parents were also able to visit me this fall.  We took a whirlwind tour around Utah, stopping at Zions, Bryce, and Moab.  It was nice for them to see where I live now, and to explore the State.   It is, after all, a wee bit different from Iowa!                                         

 As you all know, it's been quite awhile since I've updated this blog and I have a lot to add!  My big news is that I'm going to Papua New Guinea next week with Operation Smile!  For those of you that don't know, Operation Smile is an organization that does cleft palate and other facial surgeries around the world.  I will be using my Child Life skills to help prepare the kids (and their families) for the experience, and to support them after the surgery as they heal.  I am very excited for the opportunity!  I just found out about going a couple of days ago, so I have a lot to do before then!  I don't know much about the country, so if any of you do, let me know!  I will also be spending a night in Austrailia - yay for adding another stamp to my passport :)! 

In addition to my upcoming trip, I've been keeping quite busy this summer.  I've been enjoying the great outdoors a lot this year and have been rock climbing and playing ultimate frisbee weekly.  I've also been getting quite a few quick overnight camping trips in.  Because Utah doesn't get dew, we get to sleep under the stars.  It's so nice to have the canyons within a few minutes of my house.  I've been trying to take some pictures this year for your viewing pleasure, so here they are..

Here's a picture of me taking a break during a hike on July 4th.  We hiked high enough up that we ran into snow, s we were able to do a little sledding!  I wasn't able to get a picture of us going down (we moved a little too fast and had to make sure we stopped quickly at the bottom), but I did get a picture of us trying to trek across. 

Yes, I did make it over that ledge!  I was proud of myself! :)

This weekend I helped out with the Sea to Sea bike event - my church's cross-country benefit trip for poverty.  No, I did not bike across the country myself - I do not even own a bike.  I did help hand out water to the bikers and helped with the church service this weekend.  It was fun to meet the bikers from across the country and Canada, and even ran into somebody I had met on vacation to Prince Edward Island last year.  

Last, but not least, I went to the cheesecake factory for the first time last night.  I definately give it a thumbs up!  I recommend the Asian salad with a side of Kalua cheesecake.  Very tasty! 

Tomorrow is a holiday here in Utah (pioneer day - celebrating when the Mormon pioneers entered Salt Lake), and I was really looking foward to having a day off.  However, because of my trip next week, I decided I better work after all.  I'm a little cranky about it, but I guess I can't complain too much since I'll be touring the world next week. 

Until next time,

Rachelle