Favorite Places with my Favorite Girl!

Finally reunited.

It has been too long since I've seen this girl! We met when I was in Cali for PA school and it was instant love! She is probably the most inspirational person I've ever met. If you haven't read her blog, please read it now. Daily laughs, touching stories, and running motivation. And you can't forget the pictures of her adorable daughter! 

Our day started off bright and early with a much needed run through the beautiful canyons. Cool fall breeze, beautiful sunrise, and great friends. Her adorable friend Rachelle joined us and it made me want to move to Utah so I could run with these two every day. 

Cutest running friends ever. 

After the run Brooke and I had some quality time reading Elmo. I miss this little girl so much! 

Our adventure continued at the park where Brooke showed off her skills:

1.) Walking like a pro

2.) Swinging all on her own! 

A day doesn't start off any better than that. And that was only 10 am.  Janae then took me to two of her favorite places in Utah: Slurp and Cafe Rio.   She explained to that Slurp is the place to go for a drink in Utah.  They have all sorts of different sodas, ice cones, and coffee/tea that you get to add delicious flavors to.  That plus homemade bakery treats and ice cream = I can see how this place would get addicting.

Since I didn't get my fill of Cafe Rio on Saturday with my family... we went again!  It's probably a good thing we don't have one in Alaska, because this food is just too good.  Way. Too. Good.

With full bellies, we drove to Salt Lake City for a little sightseeing and shopping.  I had never been to Temple Square, so Janae gave me the royal tour!  It is one of the most magnificent places ever.  

We shopped for a while after our sightseeing, but baby told me I had to eat froyo, so Janae reluctantly gave in and we went to Yogurtland for an afternoon snack.  Don't judge my pumpkin spice/red velvet cake/macadamia nut/fudge brownie combo. You can't explain the tastebuds sometimes.  They want what they want.

The best way to end a perfect day?  Another trip to Trader Joes.

My sister is a saint and is letting me borrow a duffel bag to bring back to Alaska, so I had to fill it with things like this.

Cookie butter?  Don't mind if I do.

It was hard to say goodbye to Janae, but hopefully we'll get to see each other some time soon!  

Utah Fun

My parents picked me up from the airport and after a delicious lunch, they took me to my favorite place in the entire world.

Now that's love.

After wandering the aisles and getting delicious goodies like pumpkin butter, jelly beans, pumpkin soup, yummy cereals, and four different kinds of crackers... We reluctantly checked out. I was so tempted to fill my entires suitcase with TJ's food and ship it back to Alaska, but somehow decided not to. I don't know why because it's probably one of the smartest ideas I've had in a while. Luckily I will have another opportunity when I'm in Salt Lake City to go, so there's still a chance...

We drove from Vegas to my parents house in Southern Utah, and I quickly proceeded to fall asleep on the couch. I don't know why all flights out of Alaska have to be at 1:45am. I don't think I've ever flown during the day from Alaska- sure would be nice! I crawled into bed at 7:30 and found this on my pillow:

Have I mentioned how much I love my parents?

My thoughtful hubby took me on a surprise trip to my favorite running store, Skinny Raven, the day I left. I think pregnancy is making my feet grow or maybe my shoes are shrinking... So lately I've been getting blisters on the ends of all my toes. I decided it was time for new shoes and the guy at Skinny Raven sold me on these awesome new shoes:

The Adidas Energy Boost. Not only do they look awesome, but they feel great too. They're a neutral shoe that is full of new technology that I don't want to bore you with...  But basically they allow you to gain more energy from each step instead of it being released into the ground. And believe it or not, I can feel a difference when running in them! They also have a seamless top and toe box, so that means less rubbing and chafing. Less blisters? I'm sold.  

I took these bad boys out for a run on the trails near my parents house and remembered how much I love running outside. I've had to use the treadmill more than I like since starting my job (I don't like running alone in the dark at 5am!), so it was a very nice change to be outside soaking up the vitamin d.

Our adventures the last two days have involved a trip to Zion (but we couldn't get out of the car because of the government shut down) a fun show at Tuacahn Theatre, eating lots of yummy meals, and shopping! 

On our drive to Zion... The Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Now entering the park!

Who says you can't take great pictures from a moving vehicle?!

Stunning.

Blurry... but Tuacahn Theatre is right in the middle of the red rocks! So beautiful!

The real reason I am here in St. George is to run the St. George Marathon. Ha! Just kidding... As much as I am dying to run in the race, I know it's not good for baby. But that doesn't mean I can't pick up my bib and race loot! And who doesn't love a race Expo?! My mom and I went there last night and even though it made me sad I couldn't participate, it was so much fun to see the other runners with their faces shining in that "racer's glow." I watched as they got taped, bought and sampled all kinds of blox/goo, and walked around more than they should be :) I got my free samples of clif shot blox too. I call it sympathy carbo-loading. 

When I got home, I poured out my goodies on the bed and was immediately thrilled to find this:

Why yes, I will be getting a free froyo this weekend. Don't mind if I do.

The best part of the weekend is coming up... The arrival of my big sis!!! Wahoo! 

Care Package, TJ's, and BEST news ever.

I have the best big sister in the world.  No ifs, ands, or buts.  Yesterday when I got home from studying, I walked in my room to see a package sitting on my bed.  Inside were all of my favorite things: chocolate, Starbucks gift card, snacks, crystal light, and running socks.  She wanted to give me something to help get me through board exam studying, and I can't imagine a better surprise!

Those Mini Eggs aren't going to last long...

It's been almost 6 months since I've seen my sis, so I am looking forward to seeing her in one month at my Graduation!  She is a rockstar Physical Therapist in Utah and probably one of the smartest most selfless people I know.  Love her!

Since I only have one more month left in California, I decided it was necessary to do my favorite Californian things as much as possible.  It is a toss-up between numbers 1 and 2.  Maybe you can help me decide:

1.) Run every day in the beautiful weather
2.) Go to Trader Joe's every single day

I'm thinking #2 is probably going to take the lead.  I have literally gone to to TJ's almost every day in the last two weeks.

I like this aisle the best.  A whole section devoted to ice cream, desserts, and chocolate. 

Between their sweets, amazing salads and the yummy free samples, it's impossible to resist.

Salad Heaven. 

I don't know what I'm going to do without TJ's in my life when I go back to Alaska.  One of my suitcases will be just have to be devoted to Trader Joe's snacks.  Hopefully Alaska gets the memo soon and we'll have one there too.

Today is the SF Giants season opener home game.  Being from Alaska, I didn't grow up being a big sports fan (we don't have pro sports teams), so it was a big adjustment when I moved here!  I had no idea of just how vital sports were until I witnessed the fans of Stanford and SF 49'ers football, and Giants Baseball.  It is not a part of life for San Franciscans, it is a way of life.  The family I stay with have had Giant's season tickets for years, so they are off enjoying a day of celebration and fun!  Orange and Black are everywhere today...  GO GIANTS!

Lastly, in case this post wasn't random enough...

Need I say more?

You have no idea how excited I am.  Counting down the days until Thanksgiving 2014.