Slow...

I know, I know... I am HORRIBLE at keeping this thing up to date. Maybe I shouldn't have started a blog. Oh well, too late now, it's already been done. Things have kind of slowed down a little over the past couple of months and I'm starting to feel a little lazy! I went from having to schedule out shopping with friends to having way too much time on my hands.

This was a busy year. I started things off volunteering to help out in my running group in any way I could, to somehow becoming a coach in the same group! I honeslty felt like I did not have much to contribute. After all, I have only been running for a couple of years, have only completed 3 marathons. I'm not exactly what I would call a "seasoned" runner. However, I feel like I worked hard and gave it my best. Now the season is over and I am no longer planning weekly long runs... instead I have been moved to the Director's position and am responsible for about 200 runners! How did this happen!? Admittedly, I am very nervous and hope that I will be able to successfully run a productive program. I guess we'll see as time goes on...

I'm still at the sorority house. You know, when I first moved in last year I was so afraid that the girls wouldn't like me... I just did not want to be some tyrant that they hated. I guess things have changed a little, because I no longer have any qualms about whether or not they think I'm mean. Somebody has to tell people to do the dishes! I still can't believe someone would peel an orange and then leave the peel sitting on the arm of the coach as they walked away. I'm starting to feel a little mean because I'm tired of washing pans that I didn't use.

I shouldn't complain. In reality, I really to appreciate my current living situation. I mean, how many people get free room and board as well as a pay check to live where they live? I'm guessing not many... I am lucky.

Christmas is in three days and I am so behind on my shopping it is incredible. How did that happen? Did I not just get through saying that things had slowed down? I swear I get more done in less time when I am busy!

June 21st - 27th: Lake Powell with the Fam!

There is truly nothing like our annual family Lake Powell Trip. My family has been going since before I was born. My great grandpa Winn actually started the trip and it has been going strong ever since. My Dad actually proposed to my Mom at Lake Powell. Sadly, we have actually broken off into two smaller groups, but I guess that is what happens as we get older and have more and more commitments/responsibilities. We go each year with Holly & Dan and their kids. I really wanted Sandy, Tim and Dylan to come this year, but with the big move and all... they just couldn't make it. It will be really exciting as our family grows and we are able to make more and more memories together. In the mean time... here are some pictures of the trip.

May 18th - 25th: Mexican Riviera Cruise!

A friend told me about this cruise and in a random moment Megan and I decided to board the ship. I have to say that this was one of the best vacations I have ever been on! I went Para-Sailing, 4-Wheeling, went on a zip-line and road a wave runner in the ocean! I met some amazing people who made the trip even more fun! We stayed up late dancing, lounged on the deck, visited the Karaoke Lounge, had some great dinner conversations... I could really go on forever, but I'll just post some pictures instead. After all, doesn't a picture say a thousand words? Don't forget to check out the random video at the bottom. I'm not sure if the majority of you will find it funny, but for those who were on the cruise it's hilarious! Me, Megan and Sharlee on the deck of the ship. Megan and I at one of the formal dinner nights. Paul and I dancing. Biggie and I at Karaoke. Rachel and I just chillin at the beach in Puerto Vallarta. Me Para-Sailing in Puerto Vallarta! Baywatch Babes in Puerto Vallarta.

Finally!

I keep getting in trouble because I have not updated my blog. So here we go. I'm going to post a couple of seperate updates, just to seperate things out a little. My last post was in April I've done a lot since then. Which is crazy, because it does not feel like April was that far away.

Welcome Home!

Sandy, Tim and Dylan are finally home! After a long, three day drive from Chicago, they rolled in to town on Monday night. Last night my Dad helped them move all of their stuff into his garage for storage until they find a place. What would we do without parents? Seriously!
My job: follow around the toddler. It's great being the favorite aunt!

Chivalry Is Not Dead

On my way in to work today, I was getting off the elevator on the 11th floor and I noticed how the gentleman also exiting waited for me to exit first. He was older (and no doubt wiser) and actually closer to the door than I was... but he stepped back and let me go before him. It is incredible how that simple action can make you feel so special!

As I have gone about my daily activities I have begun to notice these small moments of respect in abundance! I see it in the man who stands holding the door for me, waiting while I take extra long because my heels do not allow me to move quite so fast. I see it in my boss, who always makes sure to list a womans name first on any reports, who gives up the bigger hotel room to a woman co-worker/peer.

Noticing these practices brings to mind all of the little things that I love... I love it when a guy opens my car door for me, or places his hand on the small of my back to lead me through a room. I love it when guys try extra hard not to swear in my presence, just because I am a woman. The warmth I receive from countless offered jackets when I am shivering is immeasurable. I appreciate the neighbors who come out to help with the heavy garbage cans. I am indebted to the men who come help me move my heavy furniture, I would NEVER be able to do it on my own. When I have car trouble, my first call is always to a guy and he is always there before I can even say thank you or start to cry.

Who ever said that chivalry is dead? Oh my gosh, it is amazingly present. I know I am old fashioned. Maybe that is the reason I love Country Dancing so much, it puts us back into our gender roles. We stand on the edge of the floor, waiting for a guy to come ask us to dance. Out on the floor, I depend on him to lead... so I can choose to follow. I love being a woman. I love the men that allow me to feel loved and special because of it.

I'm here!

So I keep getting emails from everyone telling me to check out their Blog. This, in turn, lead me to think about starting my own. I tried to think about a really cool title, but inevitably ended up with the standard, Amber's Blog. I feel like it really captures what I'm trying to do here, don't you think?

Life is going pretty well right now! I have a great job at Wells Fargo Bank, with the best boss I have known to date. Not only does my boss encourage me to work hard and strive for perfection, but Wayne also inspires me to be a better person all around. I feel lucky to be working for such a good person.

I'm trying to actually figure out what I want to do, education wise. I'm taking a couple classes right now at Salt Lake Community College. I love feeling as though I am making some headway, learning new things, but I am struggling with where I want to take my education. I know I need to get myself into some sort of pathway to success, but I just haven't figured that out yet. I'll keep you posted as I sort this one out.

I'm living in the Chi Omega Sorority House as the "House Mom" and really enjoying myself. I have to admit that I only feel my 27 years when I'm around those who are 7 years younger than myself (was I really that immature?). It makes me wonder what my parents/grandparents/aunts & uncles/boss really think about me when I open my mouth to speak. I've also learned to really appreciate being an adult, having adult conversations and living in peace and quiet. I remember feeling like I had really "grown up" when I came to the realization that my parents were real people, just like me, and that they were just trying to make it like the rest of us. I remember feeling so wise when I started to see how much my parents and grandparents really had accomplished, just by "enduring" to the point they are currently at in their lives... However, I guess I've just hit the tip of the iceberg. While life is definitely enjoyable, it is long and hard and I have a great respect for those who are going before me, paving the way. So I guess the point of this small ramble... The large difference in maturity I see within the 7 year gap between my roommates and I, is a little humbling with respect to the age difference between those I love and respect the most. The small milestones and personal realizations we hit as we walk through life are the ones that seem to make the biggest mark in our lives.

I love life, I love who I am slowly becoming. Here we go... blogging.