DC

Things I love about DC:

Walking- so many people walk. Walk to work, walk to grocery shop, walk to go out to eat. You’re never alone because someone is always walking right next to you! So neat. I think tomorrow I’ll start talking to someone cute as we walk so we can pretend we’ve been best friends forever and just happen to be walking in the same direction.

Grocery shopping in business suits- It is quite difficult to find a grocery store in the city, but there is a little (and I mean little) Trader Joes halfway underground on L and 25^th. It’s more convenient to shop after work on your way home, so everyone is still dressed up buying all this organic food with their “green” shopping bags! I love it. I feel so grown up and healthy. After all I am 22 now!

Free entertainment- whenever I feel like it, I can walk into a museum, take a jog around the White House, see some historical monuments- my favorite being World War II and Lincoln. Sadly there is construction going on between the two, and the reflection pond is no longer so it’s not as peaceful as usual.

The Metro- amazing! Fast. Cool. Underground. Easy to use. Cheap. Safe-ish. Need I say anymore.

Happy Hour- yes I don’t drink, but I do eat ice cream…and Ben & Jerry’s have 3 scoops for $3 during happy hour. That’s what I call true happiness!

The American Red Cross- the whole reason I have been so fortunate to come to Washington DC every summer the last three years. I love my job, I love what the company stands for, and I love Jen and Brian who I get to work with each day! The students this year were completely wonderful and I already miss everyone.

Tribute to our Father

Happy Father’s Day! I have a little story for you…Years ago two people fell in love. The birds and the bees, la-de-da, and twenty-four years ago a young adult Andy, became a father. His beautiful wife, Troy, gave birth to a skinny little girl named Kristin on February 3. A couple years later on May 6^th, a pleasantly chubby child, Katie, entered into the world. The children were the most beautifully brilliant children any parent could ever ask for. Kristin and Katie grew up and became Andy and Troy’s greatest treasures on Earth. Well…those amazing little children would be my sister and me! So as a tribute to our wonderful father, here is a list of why he is the Best Dad Ever!

A-advice: he always knows what to say and has our best interest in mind.

N-nice: he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body and is genuinely nice without trying

D- diligent: whether with family, church, or work, he takes his responsibilities serious

R-real: what you see is what you get and we think it’s pretty darn great!

E-excited: even if it’s just posing with his Easter basket, dad is excited about the simple things in life

W-wisdom: dad is intuitive and shares his insight when we need it most

D-dancing: it is how our parents met and his mad skills make for a great dance party even if it’s just in the kitchen

O-optimistic: he is always so happy and has the brightest outlook on life

N-no filter: you think after 3 women coaching him when to keep his mouth shut, he’d get it. But no- if it’s on his mind, he’s going to say it and most the time it’s pretty funny if it’s not too embarrassing

A-acts goofy: Dad is a goof-ball, but that’s why he’s so fun and why everyone loves him

L-loving: dad loves us soooo much and he is quite a lovable guy! I think we’ll keep him!

D-daddy-daughter dates: even though we have to take turns, we love our one on one time and all the special things he does for us

M-macho: or at least that’s his perception of himselfJ Shhh, just keep telling him that he is!

C-camping: thank you for making Lake Mojave my fondest memory and favorite place to be. As well as all the camping, backpacking, and hiking

L-learning: he is always reading, surfing the web, watching the history channel, and learning. He’s a pretty smart guy

I-inspiring: you have inspired us to get great educations and are the reason I did a triathlon

N-never gives up: whatever curve ball life throws at him, he catches it and runs with it

T-treats: he’s a mean baker, loves his goodies, and always makes sure his girls are never without their favorite treats

O-open arms: dad is a big cuddler and gives the best hugs

C-coaching: he is standing on the sideline coaching us through life, not to mention following me through my entire volleyball career

K-kind: he is so kind and makes friends wherever he goes. Literally!

Dad- you truly are the greatest and we can’t imagine our lives without you. You have been there for every moment of success, sadness, excitement, heartache, and happiness. You are a blessing in our lives and we love you with all our hearts. Thank you for everything. We hope you enjoyed your day!

NYC

As I found myself with a free Saturday while in DC, I decided perhaps New York City is where I should spend my time! The only time I had been to NYC was a day during my 8^th grade trip. I had a great time then, and couldn’t see why I wouldn’t take this sweet opportunity to enjoy it now.  So I bought a bus ticket, and took a four hour bus ride to the big city! With the help of my great friend, Jennifer, I had my entire day planned.

High Line Park

I got there around noon and was dropped off at the New Yorker. Then I made my way to the High Line. The High Line is a park elevated on a 1930’s freight rail structure. The High line delivered meat, produce, and milk to the port on the west side, but the last train ran in 1980. And now it is a beautiful park! From there, I went to the Gansevoort Hotel to view the city. I went to the top of this fancy place where some sort of cocktail party was happening and took some pictures of the city.

View from Gansevoort

As I walked through the city, I realized just how big New York City is! I mean I grew up close to San Diego, went to college in the biggest city in Utah (Salt Lake City), and worked in Washington DC the last three summers, but New York City is real big! I felt pretty small in this giant bustling city.

Union Square was my next stop! I grabbed a smoothie, walked around some of the shops, and enjoyed a stroll through a fabulous farmers market! It was great to see a community come out on a beautiful Saturday and enjoy some sun, music, and fresh produce.

Union Square farmer's market

I walked up Broadway where people are scattered everywhere. There are cute tables and chairs in the middle of the streets where so many people enjoy a meal. I walked past the Flatiron building and then through Madison Square Park.

Flatiron Building

At this point I notice I’m starving, so I head to Times Square. I sat on the steps, eating my chicken and steak kabobs (bought from a street vendor), and stared in awe. As a marketing major, this was one of my favorite parts. It’s overwhelming how many brands are flashed before your eyes.

Delicious!

I made a quick stop at Radio City and Rockefeller Plaza. There was a great Saturday market going on so I may have bought a couple scarves and such! Then I walked down 5^th Avenue and window shopped. Why? I’m not rich, not appropriately dressed, and I was on a mission.

Then I went to the Plaza! I even went inside! It was gorgeous and the people were so nice. I took myself on a little tour of the place. They have a fancy hat shop that I loved! I also went to the Eloise store just to get the book…and of course they didn’t have it! So I ask politely, some strings were pulled, and I walked away with a signed copy of the book form the artist! As well as a free notepad! I love my life.

The Plaza

My last stop was Central Park-so beautiful and so big. I could spend a whole day there, which I really think I might do next time!

Well there’s my NYC story. Sorry for the lengthiness, but I hope you enjoyed it. I certainly did!

Transitioning

My time in Florida has come to an end. I loved my time there, but I am ready for something new. What I will miss most: my roomies Jackie, Katelyn, and Emily. My fellow CP’s: Emily, Travis, Eric, Michele, and yes even Tyler! The people I worked with: Ber-NICE, April, Cavelle, Crystal, Deb, Wendy, Ingrid, DAD (Anthony), and MOM (Patti). Magic Kingdom, Rockin’ Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, Lion King show, my precious animals Kitten (rhino) and Luna (baby elephant), California Soarin, and select other rides. Twistee Treat. Hot weather. Beautiful beaches. I think that’s about it.

Katelyn & Me at my favorite Beach!

This is Heaven

I had one week in Salt Lake where I got to see my close friends and family. I especially loved sleepovers at Ericka’s and my seeesters. Dinner at Whit’s. Sweet awesome jammin’ party at Ben’s. Temple with Rachel, and a great weekend with my parents and Kristin as they came to my graduation!

Ben's Par-tay

Graduating with my best friend Ericka:)
(She's so tall!)

My darling family

Goodbye Westmini!
Tootles

And now I get a lot of “me” time in Washington DC. I live at George Washington University, work at the American Red Cross, and spend my evenings alone, usually walking around the city, working out, and reading. Oh yeah, and trying lots of new foods! It’s been great so far.

Cruisin'

My first cruise experience: Pretty Dang Good.

Emily, Katelyn and I went together and we had so much fun! A well needed and deserved trip for us! There was so much to do all the time and the food was fantastic and plentiful. I have become very accustomed to 3 course meals...every meal!

We had the cutest waiters!

The Bahamas!

Day 1: Found a sketchy place to park the car, jumped in a shuttle over to our port in a van that was falling apart. We were late by about ten minutes, but we made it on the ship! Anxiety running high? Oh, yes...first cruise, late-almost didn't make it, middle of the ocean, dizzy...you get the idea. We explored the ship, enjoyed the sun, and had a lovely dinner. We started to settle in and went salsa dancing with a little

 "Brazilian teacher" in very tight jeans.

Day 2: Bahamas! Went to the market, played at the beach, caught up on some sleep-nap, and relaxed. It was a full moon that night so the ocean was so bright! Formal night! A comedian and a musical performance.

Day 3: Coco Cay! My favorite morning, as I did yoga on the beach with a beautiful boy from London in the rain! It was brilliant! Still in love. Found a hammock, or as Emily would say, "ham-mock," and layed for...awhile. This is where we were also corrected by a lifeguard that our "boat" as we called it, is a "SHIP!" Our bad...it's a ship apparently. Watched the belly-flop competition, enjoyed the sunset, and went to bed early.

Katelyn's feet and I'm in the background

Day 4: Key West! What a beautiful little city. I really loved it there and would love to go again. We became jewelry snobs and snagged some free pearl earrings! more sleeping, laying out, reading and such. Our last dinner with our cute waiters we love so much. Emm rocked some karaoke! Then we played Quest-an adult only game where we split into teams and compete in a human scavenger hunt. This is where we met our darling Ukrainian boys who I might still be in love with! The five of us had so much fun and spent the rest of the night together dancing and such.

My favorite statue-thingy in Key West!

Day 5: Had breakfast with our cute Ukrainians and sadly had to get off the ship! It was a great trip and an amazing time with the girls. Love you!

The cute Ukranians!