2012: Year in Review

Can you believe another year has past? Here's my 2012 year in review, idea taken from my sister's blog. 

What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before? 
EFY counselor, hiked Mt. Timp, half marathon, Miss SUU pageant, graduated college. 

Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
These were my resolutions. I'm happy to say that for the most part, I did. I ran a half marathon, tried new, healthier recipes, broke fashion rules, visited the temple often...Yeah, I'd say it was a good year. 

Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sister-in-law gave birth to my niece Lucy.

What countries did you visit?
None. 

What would you like to have in 2013 that you didn’t have in 2012?
A better understanding of the Spanish language & an ability to converse in Spanish better. 

What dates from 2012 will be etched upon your memory, and why?
July 5: I lost someone. September 13: Half marathon. December 6: I got my mission call. 

What was your biggest achievement of this year?
Graduating with my BA degree in Communication/Spanish with an overall 3.96 (and getting an A in Communication Theory -- my senior capstone class that I took in the spring). And running a half marathon.

What was your biggest failure?
Letting fear impact decisions. 

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Thankfully, no. 

What was the best thing you bought?
My iPhone. 

Where did most of your money go?
Most likely, it went to paying for my phone each month, and on new clothes (I changed my style a little this year). 

Did you meet anyone new this year who had an impact on your life? 
Yes! A few people. New roommates & a few new friends. 

What did you get really excited about?
Spending 10 days in Asheville with my sister. 

What song will always remind you of 2012?
"Wanted" -- Hunter Hayes

Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Happier
b) About the same
c) Richer

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Cooking.

What do you wish you’d done less of? 
Spent less time being indecisive. 

How did you spend Christmas?
With family. Playing games. Watching movies. Eating yummy food.

Did you fall in love in 2012?
Just like. 

What was your favorite TV program?
Embarrassingly enough, I watched Pretty Little Liars this year. 

What was the best book you read?
"The Sugar Solution"

What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Lumineers. 

What did you want and get?
A degree. New experiences.

What did you want and not get?
A relationship with a certain someone. I thought I wanted it, but looking back, it's been a good thing. 

What was your favorite film of 2012?
Les Miserables. 

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My friend made me a cake on my birthday, and the weekend after, I had an ugly sweater party. I turned 22. 

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A visit to Texas to see my friend Sam. 

How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2012?
Bright lipstick. Ray bans. Boots. Skinnies and flowing shirts. And more skirts! I curled my hair more. And sometimes had a middle part. 

What kept you sane? 
Friends. Letter writing. Family. Vacation. 

Who did you miss?
Family scattered across the country. Friends on missions. 

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012. 
Happiness depends on ME. 

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"I won't give up." -- Jason Mraz

santa letters.

I love traditions, especially at Christmas. One of my favorites is the annual letter to Santa. I can't remember a year not writing this letter. Once it is written, we burn the letter in a pie pan & sprinkle the ashes in the snow. The next day, the letter to Santa would appear again "taped together" ... magic, right? Anyway, for the last few years, my mom, sister, and I have found great joy in writing this letter. Usually it's quite late at night & our silly sides are apparent. Here are some snippets from the last few years (2009-present):

• This year for Christmas, Becky really just wants happiness, but she is willing to take material goods that will bring temporary happiness. (2009)

• Mom really is just reading the paper, and doesn’t care about this traditional Christmas letter, but is more concerned with the West Valley homicide. (2009)

• Please take care of our family members. Give them gifts of happiness, love, peace, and good cheer. Remind them, “We don’t have all we want, but we have all we need. Our stockings may be empty, but our hearts are full indeed.” (2009)

• As always, Cheri enjoys things to make her “pretty” for the fellows and anything vintage, lovely, or of good report. (2010)

• Mom feels that the walls in her new place now feel “loved” and are “happy to be picked” … as Becky says, “just like spirit children.” (2010)

• Cheri was supposed to save children in Mexico in December, but her service trip got cancelled due to the raging gang violence between rival drug cartels in Northern Mexico. (2010)

• Becky has a job at USAID (kind of like Mother Teresa’s executive assistant … it’s a good start). (2011)

• Cheri had the adventure of a lifetime this summer — in love and travel. Unfortunately, both were temporary. She thought he might be Mr. Right, but apparently he was Mr. Right Then. (2011)

• We’re pleased that it’s snowy, cold, and magical & that we will indeed have a white Christmas (thanks in advance for that, Santa). (2012)

• Mom also got a new position at work, which keeps her busy. Her children can’t even talk to her on the phone anymore. (2012)

• It’s been REAL, Santa. Merry Christmas & happiest new year. Peace on earth & in the middle east. (2012)

But, seriously. I am so blessed. I am grateful for family, traditions, and the magic & spirit of the season. Merry Christmas. 

the graduate.

freshman year.

sophomore year.

junior year.

senior year.

When writing this post, I decided to include random self portraits. Turns out I've changed my hair a LITTLE during the past 3.5 years, though that's beside the point & really not relevant to this post.
-----

Last week marked my final week of finals (until grad school ... one day).

I can't believe that one day, I'm a college senior. And the next, I'm done. It still hasn't hit me yet that there are no more "first-days-of-school" photoshoots, no late nights at the library or the ELC, no more amazon.com/half.com book buying, no keeping track of syllabi & homework & quizzes & assigned readings & presentations & group projects & tests & ...

Nope.

I'm done.

College graduate.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Spanish (hola ... kind of like "holla!" you know).

Who said I was old enough or ready to be a college grad?

Here comes reality. I can no longer say, "When I grow up, I want to be ..."

Nope. Now, I must go & do, or rather, go & be. The world is waiting.

PS. I will definitely track down a cap & gown for pictures, obviously.

new york, new york.

It's late. 
2 a.m.
I have 1, 001 thoughts swirling around in my mind right now. And I should go to bed. But, I have an exciting bit of news to share!

 

I have been called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New York New York South mission. AND I will be speaking Spanish. I report April 3. 

I feel like this is perfect for me, honestly. People would say, "You speak Spanish. I bet you'll go to South America!" but all along, I very easily saw myself going stateside, speaking Spanish. I'm so excited that I will get to use the language I've studied for years, and in New York, no less. I couldn't be happier right now. 

This is my favorite photo from the night. I opened my call in Cedar City with a few friends. But, I also had 5 very important people with me via FaceTime/phone calls. It was quite exciting. I'm sure they mostly heard screaming, but I'm glad they shared that moment with me!

My best friend Rebekah got her call in November. She will be going to Russia & we will be in the MTC at the same time, even for her birthday! I'm excited to share this journey with her.

I would love to tell you more at a later time ... after some sleep. But, here is one of my favorite quotes. I heard it a few months back when I was deciding about going on a mission. 

"We must put God at the forefront of everything else in our lives. When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. " -- Ezra Taft Benson

Exciting times are ahead! 

Also, my mission has a blog that the mission president's wife updates each week. How perfect for a social media freak like me, right? I've already read plenty of the posts ... 

new york, here i come...in a few months.

you have stolen my heart.

Dear Cedar City,

You have stolen my heart.

I never could have guessed that four years ago when I first visited campus as a high school senior that you would eventually play such a HUGE role in my life. I remember sitting for a presentation in the Starlight Room & looking out at the red rocks surrounding this little place.

A distinct thought came to me: "This is where I'm going to school."

What? No. I shook it out of my head. That wasn't my plan. BYU. That's where I planned to go. Yet, time and time again (3 times to be exact), I visited campus & left thinking, "I really liked it again, dang it." I was upset that where I was supposed to go was somewhere down south in a town I'd never heard of in between Parowan and Kanarraville (which I'd also never heard).

 Now, I have less than a week of class. Just three finals. And I'll be done with my degree. An SUU graduate in communication & Spanish. Wow.

Time really flew these past 3.5 years. I can't imagine my life without the dear people I've met at SUU in it. My best friends. The professors who chat with me on the way to class, in Walmart, who take my class to IHOP for international pancake day, sing Christmas carols while horseback riding, or write a special note on my test because I didn't do as well as they knew I could.

The roommates (and non roommates who practically are roommates) who have become my best friends ... who have seen my SILLY, crazy, weird side & still spend time with me (SHOCKER). The people who have given me rides to countless places due to my lack of transportation, endured an hour in the grocery store with me so I could price match ads, who invite me to Taco Tuesday, Krave, and St. George Temple trips.

I thought I was a pretty outgoing person in high school, but even that changed in college. I shared my talent (and had friends who would listen, offer feedback, and encourage me to continue writing music) at SUU Idol, open mic nights, SUU's Got Talent, Miss SUU, backyard concerts and ward/stake talent shows.

I tried new things. Newspaper. Editing. Presidential Ambassador. Certified tour giver. Tele-counselor. Department representative. Intern. Radio show host. Horseback rider. Rock climber. Graphic design wannabe. Traveler.

I fell in love for the first time at SUU.

I fulfilled a dream of studying abroad, which influenced my decision to minor in Spanish.

I could go on for hours sharing memories of this town, this school, these people who have impacted me so greatly.

But, I think I have made my point -- how glad I am that a silly high school crush convinced me to attend an event at SUU. If he hadn't been an ambassador, let's be honest ... I might not have even given a thought to going on a campus tour. But he was, and I did.

Cedar City, a little town, holds a very big spot in my heart.

**I also posted a blog about SUU that has some favorite photos on the tbirdnation blog. You can read it here.

life lately

                 

I can sum up the last month of my life in one word: unpredictable. 

Do things ever really turn out the way we plan? I think this is a constant theme on my blog -- being surprised by what happens.

I've often heard that life is what happens when you stop making plans, and I suppose I've come to see the truth of that statement. Sometimes, in just one day, you become great friends with a coworker (the one pictured above). Courtney and I have been Presidential Ambassadors together for 2.5 years, have worked together for 1.5 years, and somehow, in the last month, she has become a treasured friend. We even traced it back to a simple conversation that happened at work. 

I think it's these random (though not-so-random to God) friendships that remind me how kind our Heavenly Father is to us. He knows exactly who to place on our path & when. This last semester (and especially month) has taught me much about His timing. It is truly better than ours, because He sees the whole picture. At times, I get so frustrated. I think, "But, this is what I want. This is what should happen. This is what is best."

Yet,  if I had it my way, how many lessons would I miss? How many friendships would not be developed? How many tiny miracles would I cease to see in daily life? How many blessings would I forfeit if I insisted things be done my way in my time? 

To quote an excellent talk given by President Henry B. Eyring in Oct. 2012 General Conference:

"His time should be soon enough for us since we know that He only wants what is best for us."  

Though life lately has been quite unpredictable, it is clear that I have also been blessed in countless ways -- through 2 a.m. FaceTime conversations, 25% off of a book for a final project, pillow talking with best friends, unexpected answers to prayer, phone calls with my siblings, holiday traditions with my mom, letters from missionaries at the perfect time, gentlemen who are really gentlemen, free Thursday dinner, wearing capris on a bike ride in November, #tbirdnation pride...the list could clearly go on & on.

So, in spite of (or perhaps because of) the unpredictability, I am quite thankful. 

the ugliest of them all.

I love a good ugly sweater party. Two years ago, I kicked off the holiday season with an ugly sweater bash. Last year I planned to, but ended up leaving town early for Thanksgiving. It was great to have a final hoorah this year before graduating. And there was quite the turnout! Pictures will do better justice than my words, so enjoy.

These faces were just so fitting for the occasion -- Also, Courtney won for ugliest sweater

Rebekah even accessorized with Santa earrings

Awkward Family Photos on the couch

People came and went, but this was the main group for the night. There are some ugly sweaters in that crowd!

Happy Holidays. If you're wanting to host a party this year, make it an ugly sweater occasion.

Why don't we just dance?

Group shot.  This just looks like fun, right? 

A few weeks ago, the institute had its annual Fall Formal. This year, however, it was Girls' Choice. I've never been one that has been too scared to ask a boy to dance, and this was no exception. My date and I had a blast dancing mocking other couples on the dance floor. You know ... the jr. high style? Swaying back and forth? Oh, and then there is the classic bear hug. That's always a good one at the institute dance. Enough talk. See for yourself the fun we had.

Take 1. And probably my favorite from the night. This was the -- "Hey, let's pose like high schoolers."  

Take 2. This is the ... "what is my date doing?" face. Also note that, while I am clearly laughing, the lowered eyebrow shows my apprehension at whatever is going on with my date's face. 

Take 3. This was taken on the photographer's "do a cute pose" cue.

There you have it. Being lame is not an option for us. 

roommate hunting.

Today, I went in to chat with my landlord about the lease on my house. I've shared a room all semester, but my roommate is getting married in December. Apparently, I have to find a roommate or my rent goes up. I asked how this could be, when I signed a contract. Oh, the contract ends in December. I still don't understand how it is my responsibility, but I'm so excited to start roommate hunting. NOT.

If you know of anyone looking for a nice, close-to-campus, super affordable home in Cedar, let me know!

life lately.

...in 1-3 word descriptions:

pumpkins.

rosie the riveter.

candy.

work.

Spanish.

syllables. 

cookbooks.

20 seconds.

adobe illustrator.

running.

spelling bee.

bzzzz.

long nights.

campus events.

new people.

apple cider.

sleepovers.

impeccable timing.

grocery store dancing. 

decisions.

crunching leaves.

simplifying.

colors.

boots.

sheep tunnels.

scarves.

cuddling.

cookie dough.

game night.

interviews.

graduation.

memorizing.

studying.

provo.

halloween.

lit-up phone screens.

caramel apples.

zombie run.

pretty little liars.

trick or treating.

singing. 

RED. 

kittens.

roommate story time.

Beautiful Pedestrian Boy.

Remember how I competed in the Miss SUU pageant? Well, the song I sang for my talent was a self-written silly few verses called "Pedestrian Boy." I sang it for the SUTV show last week & thought I'd share it with the blogging world. If you watch it, let me know what you think!



Also, even though I knew Kevin was behind me, I am a very jumpy person & that was quite literal.

A Provo Getaway.

This weekend, I escaped to Provo with my friend Rebekah (also known as Reba, Bekah, Reb). We didn't have definite plans, which was perfect. It was relaxing, fun, and a great break from thinking too much about midterms and this semester. 

First, I was able to visit my dear friend Sam, who was here on an unexpected visit home from Texas. I was happy to be able to actually speak with him (and eat Ben & Jerry's) over a medium other than FaceTime or Twitter.  Weekend success #1. 

Bekah and I decided to try on her brother's belts & take silly pictures. This, for some reason, led me to start doing the "Boot Scootin' Boogie" on his front porch. Who knows? Random dancing. Weekend success #2.

Saturday afternoon we drove around Provo and up to the Y-trailhead to see the beautiful leaves (it's one of my favorite parts of fall, you know). While at the trailhead, we had a spontaneous photoshoot. Weekend success #3.

After church on Sunday, we decided to make chocolate chip cookies because her brother had only-the-best chocolate chips (Guittard) in his cupboard. I realized that I was kind of being Andrew's shadow in the kitchen. I couldn't help it! I really wanted to eat some cookie dough. Reb captured this candid moment of me leaning over Andrew's shoulder. But, the cookie dough was divine. I had to wait about six hours to eat a cookie because I was in a self-induced sugar coma. Don't you worry, the cookie was tasty too. Weekend success #4. 

So, all in all, I had a fantastic time! And this weekend is fall break, which means even more great adventures. Hallelujah. 

She's beauty & she's grace.

We celebrated the night at Chili's with delicious oreo molten lava cake. 2010 Queen, me, and 2011 Queen ... who all lived in the same house!

Remember this post? The pageant was a blast, honestly. Whoever thought that a non-pageant girl could have so much fun doing a pageant?

Quite a few people told me after that I was the "funny" contestant, which fits perfectly with my roommate telling me last week that I am that "awkward funny" girl. I'm glad that people appreciated my wit.

I ended up being selected as the first attendant, which means I received an SUU hoodie, homecoming tshirt, roses, and peanut butter M&Ms (only my favorite).  I will also be in the homecoming parade with the queen & second attendant, sitting all fancy in a convertible. Can you believe it? And we walk on the field at halftime at Saturday's game.

I'm glad that I decided to try out, because it's been such a different & fun experience. Here are some photos of the night:

We were given a bag of items (red fabric, pipe cleaners, tulle, zip ties, and ribbon) and were told to make a "spirit costume." The theme of homecoming is "SUUper Heroes" so, naturally, we made a SUUper hero costume. Good thing I have creative friends! The best part was walking on to the stage with a black jacket on, stopping center stage, dropping the jacket, and striking the above pose before continuing on to the MC for the question portion. And when he asked how I made the costume, I simply said, "Costume? This is what I wear everyday when I save the world." 

All of the contestants before the show started. This was our outfit for the choreographed dance number. 

Pre-talent portion with roommate (and 2011 Queen) Samae. I played a funny song that I wrote called, "Pedestrian Boy." The crowd seemed to enjoy it! I wish I had recorded it.

Getting ready to go on stage for the formal wear. I was wearing 6-inch heels at this point.  

I had so many friends to support me after the pageant! 

My roommates -- the Amandas. How I love them! What great pageant coaches ;) 

So many friends were there with signs too. This, of course, was my favorite!

A shot of all the girls + MC Dallin. 

                         Moral of the story? Take those chances. Even if they seem silly.    

Wait, who is this?

The story is long, but it'll make you laugh. Promise. 

The time has come for me to share with you an account of a date I went on the first week of school. It went a little something like this...

The weekend prior to school starting, I had gone home (to hike Mt. Timp) and had seen a few friends from high school while there. I started talking to Jason*, a boy I had a crush on at 15, had hoped to go on a date with at 16, and now, at 21, had not been on a date with. Well, Jason and I talked about SUU (where he attended school his freshman year) and the Shakespeare Festival. He mentioned being in town the following weekend with his sister to see a play, and I told him we should meet up.

The first FHE of the school year, I found myself surrounded by 70+ young single adults at the kickoff bbq for my ward. There happened to be a young man there who I'd spoken with about a month before, but had lost contact with since  leaving this little area of southern Utah for the last bit of summer. Well, said young man (who has an impeccable style, mind you), asked if I wanted to do something that weekend, and got my number. I was happy (and was already planning in my mind the outfit I would wear on the date).

Fast forward a few days. I receive this text, "Hey Cheri, it's Jason. I might be able to get us tickets to a Shakespeare play..." followed by a day & time. I was shocked. I thought Jason was going to a play with his sister. My high school crush? Asking me to a play? I didn't think I'd see him, let alone go on a date. The day of our date, I was sitting in class, and get another text from Jason. He has a meeting & our date would have to be delayed. I was confused at what meeting he might have, but said that was fine and proceeded to wait an extra hour.

While sitting on the couch waiting with my roommate, I told her how dismayed I'd been at hearing nothing about the date I'd been asked on at FHE. Why hadn't he called? It was the weekend. Was FHE boy a flake? Soon enough, the phone was ringing. The date I'd envisioned for about ... 6 years was here! Okay, that was inserted for dramatic effect.

But ... something was off. Our conversation went a little like this:
"Who is this?"
"Jason."
This isn't Jason."
"Yes it is..."
"No, it isn't. Who is this?"
"It's Jason."
"Ok, sure. Anyway, my address is..."
"Right, do you still live by..?"
"Yeah...well I don't know who this is, but I'll see you in a minute, Jason." (said with a bit of sass)

Then, seconds later, I see a tall, dark, handsome man walking to my door. That's when it hit me. You see, FHE boy's name was also Jason. And as it turned out, I'd been talking to him all along.

Laughter, shock, and surprise ensue between my roommate and me in our living room. I had no idea what to say or do when opening the door, after the fool I made of myself on the phone claiming that he wasn't Jason, so I simply said:
"Oh, it really is you. I guess your voice sounds different on the phone!"

Or I thought you were someone else. Oops. Needless, I was still quite excited that FHE Boy was not a flake, but also disappointed that I hadn't worn the outfit I'd planned in my head, remember?

And the whole night, I kept laughing at the silly mistaken identity. He kept asking me why I was laughing, which I repeatedly blamed on other things. Now, I must be sure to mention that I was quite excited about the date I was on. I was just shocked/surprised/in awe & trying to figure out how I'd been completely blindsided by the whole matter.

But, that's quite the story, don't you think? So, word to the wise ... always know who your dates are!

*Name changed to protect the innocent, obviously. 

Miss Congeniality

I have really taken this "live up my senior year" to heart. As in, I auditioned for the Miss SUU pageant yesterday. Well, I got the phone call last night and I made the cut! So, I will be performing next Tuesday. It's not a scholarship pageant anymore; it's just a fun homecoming event.

This means I have to ... find a dress, perfect my talent, practice interview questions, and learn a choreographed dance number with the other 7 contestants.

Now, this situation makes me laugh because:

1. I am not a pageant girl. Pageant girls tend to be dancers, classical pianists, opera singers, or cheerleaders. In my mind.

2. Even though I don't get nervous singing or talking in front of a large crowd, performing a group number or walking across the stage in a formal gown gives me butterflies.

3. For the past two years, someone from my house has won the pageant. This is how it all got started, with Runge telling me someone needed to compete. Well, I joked around at first that I would participate, and then actually went forward. She is very excited to have a roommate in the pageant again ... I keep telling her to not get her hopes up.

4. This status on Facebook elicited the greatest number of "likes" than I've ever had (I think). I believe this is because people are shocked.

5. My boss Kenley said (after I tried out yesterday), "Wait. You are doing a beauty pageant? You? You seem like a girl that's down to earth ... and is like an AP student."

So, here's to new adventures! I'm constantly saying that on this blog, aren't I? My apologies.

five things friday.

hello from the mac lab! taking a blogging break. 

Today, I'm working on part two of my typography project. I love having to read about how letters were formed, how typefaces are created, and the history of fonts. #NerdAlert. 

Tomorrow, I'm running the Cedar City Half Marathon. I'm a jumbled mess of nervousness & excitement. And I'm chugging water today like there's going to be a drought.

Last night, I visited this most beautiful place called Yankee Meadows. It's gorgeous. I've never seen so many stars in my entire life. Plus, tin foil dinners? Yum. 

Currently, I'm obsessed with bands including Imagine Dragons, Modest Mouse, & Of Monsters & Men. Check them out. All of them. (Music Monday post worthy? Yes). 

Fall is almost here. I can feel it in the air. And the thought of wearing boots (or needing to buy a new pair..), cardigans, scarves & skinny jeans ... is simply bringing a big smile to my face. Ooh, and those drives through the canyon with the changing leaves? Eeek! 

Those are five things on my mind. Enjoy! Happy Friday!

the roommate bakers.

Amanda and the vegetables from the backyard garden!

With zucchini, tomatoes, and squash out of our ears, Amanda and I embarked on a baking journey on Saturday.
First, we used zucchini for brownies. Yes, brownies. And they are delicious. You can't even taste the zucchini, so don't stick your nose up at the idea.

Then, we made zucchini spice bread. Also delicious. In turn, I was way too excited for fall after the smells filling our kitchen Saturday afternoon.

We had buckets of tomatoes. Salsa? Good idea. After a quick trip to the store for a can of black beans & a can of corn, we made a variation of "cowboy caviar" & also a spicier salsa with jalapeño peppers, but also peach. They were both delicious. And now they are both gone.

Finally, we cooked up a spaghetti squash for dinner. I had never had it before ... um, yum! Who doesn't like veggies? You are really missing out on some finer things in life.

Hours of baking, chatting, and laughing with one of my best friends ... and some great food too? It was a perfect Saturday. Amanda is moving to Las Vegas in the near future (to be with her sweet fiance), and I'm embracing all these last, little bonding moments before she leaves.

This might be a tangent from being Betty Crockers, but I feel so lucky to have such a great friend & roommate. It's those nights that, even when I intend to fall asleep before 11, we end up talking until midnight. It's those half delirious comments. It's the little heart-to-heart conversations we have that make me realize how blessed I am for having amazing friends.

And sometimes, it's the moments when you have a friend who will mix up recipes, not measure everything exactly, and allow you to substitue wheat flour for the white flour :)

cowboy caviar & jalapeno/peach salsa

trying out the zucchini brownies. yum!

The top of the world.

 Come on, who thought of The Carpenters with that blog post?

"I'm on the ... top of the world, looking down on creation & the only explanation I can find..."

 On Saturday, as a final hurrah to our summer, Bekah and I hiked Mount Timpanogos. Now, we invited at least 50 people from our school and BYU ... but no one wanted to join us (insert tears here).  Even though we were a bit saddened by this news, we figured it meant that everyone else was intimidated by the hike & our mad skills.  Heehee. Or so we kept telling ourselves that afternoon. Because, really. Who wouldn't want to hang out with us? We're funny. And semi athletic? But surely we are entertaining company!

14 miles. That's a long hike. I think that's the longest I've ever done, though I know there are more intense, longer hikes in the world. But, though I did have to remind myself a few times that the view would be "worth it," I can promise you...it's an incredible feeling when you reach the peak!

 I've heard of people hiking to the peak and arriving just in time for the sunrise. Now, that would be beautiful! Bucket list item? Maybe.

DIRTY. That's what 14 miles of hiking through dust, rocks, and dirt gets you.

Have you ever hiked Timp? Or does it sound like the last thing you'd want to do for fun?