the waiting game.

Folks -- this week has been REAL. And it's only Tuesday. Real what? I don't know. It has been ... unexpected, challenging, surprising. I've been stretched, strengthened, uplifted, sore, uncertain.

Life has been different than expected lately. As you recall, I have a mission call to the NY NY South mission. I've had my call for 6 weeks and have another 11 left to wait. It seems that life loves making me wait, and wait, and wait. For answers, for missions, for jobs, for love, for good deals, etc. I'm learning patience, right? 

Anyway, the awkward timeframe of things has been evident in many cases -- housing, job searching, & relationships, specifically. I love Cedar City & I wasn't quite ready to leave it behind when I received my call at the first of December. So, I made the decision to stay here & experience something during this fantastic waiting period.

Let me tell you. It's been 2 weeks since I've been back and boy, it hasn't been a thing like I planned. But life is what happens when you don't make plans, right? (Or at least I've seen that quote cross-stitched on burlap or written on some chalkboard-painted thrift store frame on Pinterest). So, for now, I'll find joy while playing this waiting game.

Here are a few things coming to mind:

-I have a roommate who would be a fab personal trainer. She has taken it upon herself to help me in my quest to be more fit before the mish. So, yesterday we started our training with an hour at the school track. Our routine included running laps, lunges, stairs, and dumbbell workouts. Today, I attended a class that she is starting to teach. I was already sore before the class from yesterday, and I have a feeling tomorrow will be worse.
-My best(est) friend is on a mission in Brazil. We used to talk multiple times a day, so an email a week has been a difficult transition. I was especially missing her last week. Well, being the in tune angel that she is, she asked her sister to call me. I am grateful that she was listening to promptings when I needed a little uplifting.
-Reality TV is ridiculous, but it's a fun bonding time with my roommates, and I look forward to our weekly Bachelor sessions.
-I just made darn delicious muffins & my house smells good as a result. Win win.
-People say NYC is cold. And I'm sure it is. But, judging by recent weather in Cedar City (negative 24 degrees last night), I think I'll be fine. NYC was 43 degrees, FYI.
-My ward is the best. And it's part of the reason I wanted to stay here a little longer. We went ice skating for FHE at a rink located at my bishop's house. He's pretty cool -- and my dad's first cousin.

Sorry this post is long & lacking photos. If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. Here is a song you should listen to (I heard it on my Imagine Dragons Pandora station...and I love it, especially when working out - -> "My body tells me no, but I won't quit.")



xoxo,
Cheri

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?

the half.

**no, this is not me. and does not look like me when I run. it's just a visual for this blog post.

For years, I've had "run a half marathon" on my bucket list.

This week, I started training for it. The race I want to run is the Cedar City Half on Sept. 15. That is definitely not 12 weeks away, so I'm not following the schedule exactly. But I can already feel my endurance increasing & my muscles working hard.

Today I ran nearly 4 miles in 40 minutes, which is slower than I ran in cross country, but the 10-minute pace works for me. I also recently purchased new running shorts, capris (clearance for $10. Score!), and socks. Nothing motivates you (well, besides perhaps relationship woes) like new running gear!

I can't wait to run in Asheville for the next 10 days with my sister. I think running is a great way to explore when you are traveling.  And then to run again in Cedar. I love my little town!

So, with that being said ... if you have run a half marathon, do you have any tips? Or even if you haven't, what are some great running/"pump up" songs?

Any & all advice is appreciated!

school so far.

HAPPY 500th POST!

WEEK 1 is almost over.

This week has been hectic to say the least. Classes started Monday; I found out I can graduate in April if I switched into one class this semester. I'm both excited and freaked out that I could very well graduate with my BA in 8 months. What?! There are pros and cons to staying for what should have been my senior year, but everything with graduating has sort of fallen into place. So, I'm going in that direction right now.

Second, I'm part of a new project. I post every Tuesday on this site. I will be posting mostly about campus events, things that go on in Cedar City, and my classes. Please check it out...especially on Tuesdays ;)

Third, the boy might be moving to Cedar. This would be awesome. He did surprise me a few days ago though, which made me so happy.

Fourth, I've been trying to exercise more so this week I've gone running Monday and Wednesday morning before class (getting up 3 hours before my 10 a.m. class makes me feel pretty good!). And Tuesday and Thursday I rode a bike. This morning I got to class only to find out it was cancelled and since my next class isn't until 1 p.m., I decided to go for a bike ride. I came back to find out I went 5 miles! I know that's not a ton on a bike, but it was good for me.

Alright. Two more classes. The last one doesn't get out until 4. That will make for good Fridays...