Google and a Lyft

Good news from today...

1....  I got an email from someone at Google.  Before you all get excited, let me tell you the story.  My friend, who works at Google, must have been talking to some in 'People Operations' (aka Human Resources) and he emailed me to set up a time that we can chat and find out what I'm looking for.  I'm not sure what, or if, he has any pull but I'm excited to talk with him.  Obviously, the more people I keep talking to the better.

2.... I decided to try and make some extra cash by becoming a Lyft driver.  I got approved and decided to active my app to 'driver mode' to see how this goes today.  I got a call and went and picked up this girl.  I drove her to Trader Joe's.  I told her she was my first rider and we had a nice chat.  During the course of our chat, I told her I was looking for a job.  By the end of the ride, we exchanged numbers and she said she's going to check with some people she works with (BTW she's a speech pathologist) and see if she can help me out.  We'll see how this goes but it made me happy.  I'll to you more about this Lyft experience later.

Tell Me Something Good

Well... it's been over six months and it's time for me to update this blog.  As most of you know... it has been a hard year for me.  However, although, its still hard right now, I decided to make an effort to find something positive to talk about each day.  Some days it will be hard but this is my goal for October.  I'm going to do my best to do blog entries to reflect on the positive things going on around me.  So... here we go...

It's still 'early' in the day so I'm going to tell you about last night.  Around 10:30 pm, I started talking to a friend of mine who works for Google.  We had talked awhile ago and he said if there are any jobs that look interesting at Google, let him know and we'll work together on getting a good application submitted.  I've been looking for a new job for about 6 months and it is FRUSTRATING.  The hardest part is knowing where to look for the jobs.  Anyway, long story short.  We had a good 3 hour conversation and find many, many jobs that I would potentially enjoy.  He's only able to refer 3 positions as an internal candidate and obviously there aren't any promises here ... particularly since the campus is HUGE and him and I wouldn't even be close to the same department.  However, what felt good is that he thinks my resume looks strong and there's some good potential.  If nothing else, it's a little bit of a self-esteem boost to know that I still have people in my corner and they see the value in what I've done professional and how I act personally.  Both of these traits can be used in my career.  So... stay tuned...

Sidenote: I told him if I got a job at Google, I'd take him to lunch.  He laughed and said "Okay... Good thing the food in Google's cafeteria is free for employees so I'll take you up on that."  Just a funny comment and not a bad perk.

Google... if you're reading this... I am smart, quick learner and you won't regret hiring me.  Give me the chance to prove it!!!

Coming to Terms

This is really hard for me to admit and come to terms with but I feel like it will be helpful to write this down.  I'm warning you.... This blog is straight from my heart and it's not the most uplifting blog I've written.  READER BE WARNED....

I want to write positive things and talk about how much I love this City, etc., but it's not true.  I don't know what I expected but I was hoping to at least start to feel like I have friends and I'm in a groove.  It's not true.  I told myself that I would give this move 6 months before I give up.  The time is getting close.  Everything felt so right coming here but now I don't know.  I am 5 months, 2 weeks into this new chapter and it's pretty much the hardest thing that I've ever done in my life.  I have never felt so alone as I do right now.  I have always felt that I am good at making friends but now I don't know.  I had a friend that lived in NYC for a short time and he told me that if he was (a) married, (b) had his family, or (c) had his friends, he would enjoy it more.  I thought it was crazy that he only lasted a short while.  It wasn't long after I got here that I completely understood where he was coming from.  (P.S. He moved back to Utah and his life is now exactly where he wanted it to be.)  I've been trying to be patient but this past week I really hit a breaking point.  This is definitely one of the finer trials in my life.  Before coming here, I had ever indication that this was what I should be doing but now it doesn't make any sense.  Last night was the first night (in over five months) that I honestly had someone here to listen to me.  I finally completely broke down to my roommate.  There is a lot of stuff built up and it has been a really hard weekend.  I realize that this is part of life, but that's not what I want to hear. I really was ready for a change from Utah but I at this point, I would take back my static life in Utah where I had people that I can call on, count on, and see to this life where I feel like I could go weeks without hearing from people and have no one here to count on.  It's just really hard to keep being patient and positive when I'm so confused.  How can everything seem to have fallen into place before coming here, from blessings that I received before coming, to inspiration that I personally received that made it seem like this was what I should be doing and now I'm about as sad as I've ever been in my life.   This job isn't working out like I thought it would.  And this week I'm realizing that this might not be a good fit, even though it's exactly the job I wanted and was so excited to take it.  I realize that sometimes things just aren't a good fit but how long do you go before you just give up and start looking around.  I'm not one to throw in the towel but now realize that is my pride talking.  This next week and month is going to be a very telling time and if this is 'rock bottom', this there's only one place to go from here.  Things are bound to get better....

The Grass is Greener....

.... Once Winter is Over


People have been asking me how much I'm enjoying San Francisco... that's a difficult answer.  Let me just put it this way.... I'm excited to see what it holds for me but right now... I'm not sure.

I need to just spend a few minutes sharing my thoughts....

Let me just tell you, I think this is one of the more difficult things that I've done in my life.  This a challenge, an adventure... I am lonely yet positive... I don't feel like I made the wrong decision but I can't wait until the day comes where I feel like I have friends.  I realize now (again) how lucky I am to have the church and wards and stuff.  Hopefully, I'll be able to get a calling and home teachers and visiting teachers soon so I can start feeling some attachment to something here soon.  Good thing I have a big family, otherwise there wouldn't be a point to have a phone anymore.  That's going to change soon... I just know it.

I know that it this place is going to feel like home soon.  I'm going soon forget about this time by myself and enjoy my stint in the Bay Area.

On a more positive note.... I did go running on Saturday to an amazing view of The City.  One sunny days, it would be even better but I've already decided this is going to be my favorite place to go running.  I'll try to post a pic later...

San Francisco Lessons Learned

1. Everyone owns a dog.  If you don't own a dog, you wish you had a dog.  Dogs are reasons to come to work later, leave work early, conversations starters.  If you don't like dogs, you better go to a different city. 
2. Utah driving rules don't apply to the streets of San Francisco.  People let you in lanes when you put your blinker on.  A yellow light means to actually slow down and stop... not hurry up so the next 5 people go through the light behind you.
3. Parallel parking is key to finding a place to park.
4. Parking 5 blocks from your destination is considered "close". 
5. Sunny days are valuable.  It seems like anytime the sun is out, people are super excited.  The thing is... I've seen more sunny days than foggy days but I sure that's going to change (but the way people are excited for the sun each day).
6. No one cares about college football... unless they are a transplant for U of U or BYU.
7. Everything is organic. 
8. Not only do I have still have to figure out how to recycle, but now I have to figure out how to compost.  And... by compost... that doesn't mean scraps of food for the garden.  If you pay attention, your plasticware, food containers, etc. could be compostable. 
9. Garage spots are gold.  If you find a place with a garage... its like hitting the lottery.
10. Everyone is democratic and an Obama lover.  I thought I was more liberal but that changed once I got here.
11. 80% of the people I meet work for some internet-based company (yeah... it's kind of weird to drive around and see the headquarters for AOL, LinkedIn, Art.com, etc.)
12. Headphones are a key part of any commute, whether walking, riding the train, or driving.

As I learn more things, I'll keep you posted.  This will be critical when you come visit me.

Falling into Place

I just wanted to take a second and recognize how Heavenly Father keeps getting in my way....

• Finding a job in California (it wasn't my original plan for a "fun" place to move but it's definitely a good replacement... and technically I was putting it on lists when I told people where I wanted to move...).  Not only finding a job but finding the exact job that I want, in an area that I want to be in, in a new area, with an effort to start a new life and get out of my Salt Lake City rut.
• Housing has fallen into place
• Todd House (housing by the temple... which gave me a sense of familiarity when moving to the Bay Area)
• San Jose (house with a family while I got familiar with the job and the area)
• Two temporary housing options opened up within 12 hours of each other in Palo Alto giving me a chance to get to know other single, LDS people and start making a social life
• Spot opened up in a house in San Francisco that is exactly what I want... (it's in the area I wanted to move into, with a garage, off the beaten path of SF... and room for ALL of my stuff.  I was thinking about getting my own place but the girl I'm moving in with seems great... and she doesn't have anything so we'll make a good team.)
• The girl I'm taking her spot from in the place in SF, is going to take my spot in the place in Palo Alto... she just got a job South and doesn't want to commute either.
• Job is great and in great area of The City
• Friends out of the area who suddenly remember people they know in the area and connect me with those people... which is leading to finally starting to make friends

That's all I can think of right this second... I'll come back and add more later.  All in all, its been a slow change and I feel like I'm friendless.  However, its only been a month and ultimately things are really good and I'm happy.

Adjusting to the New Life

It's happening... I finally feel like I'm going to be getting settled....

I've been here in California for 2 weeks and 2 days now.  I've been at the new job for two weeks, today.  And, today I finally got placed with a client.  I am now working 3 blocks aways from the AT&T park... you know... the place where the San Francisco Giants play.

It has been an interesting few weeks.  I stayed for the first week and a half staying at the Todd House... which is the place where out of town temple workers can stay the night if needed.  I've done a lot of temple work during these past two weeks.  This week, I'm staying with a 69 year old woman who loves to talk... I mean LOVES to talk.  I realize now that I can't just walk out of her house in the morning.  I need to plan at least an extra 20 minutes while she tells me everything about her life and her children and the people in the ward and the lady she knew when she was living in that other house across town.  She has been so welcoming but after spending almost two weeks alone, this is quite the opposite end of the chatting spectrum. 

However, next week I'm moving into a new place... like... really moving in.  I won't have a bed, since that's still stored nice and securely away in Utah but I'll get me one of thse fancy air mattresses.  The one and only single friend that I knew (and a formal roommate) suddenly had a place open up in Palo Alto.  It will be about a 45 minute commute but it will be with several girls and this can lead to a quick social life I'm hoping.  YAY!!!  My clothes (after two and a half months) will finally get a closet and I won't feel like I'm living out of boxes ... er... grocery bags and suitcases anymore.  YAY!!!  This is a short-term lease so in Janaury I'll be deciding to stay in Palo Alto or move into the City (that's local talk for San Francisco just so you know). 

Last of all, I'm a public transit commuter now.  I rode the Cal-Train for the first time today.  Luckily for the conducter was forgiving.  I bought the wrong ticket.  (I was wondering why it was only $6 instead of $18 for a roundtrip ticket but thought maybe it was a deal today :})  He was nice and educated me on how this thing works.  I got a one-way for my ride home and did it correctly this time.   

I got to walk about a mile each way today to and from work.  You know.... I think I'm going to like it here.  There has been a little bit of an adjustment time but I'm happy.  Everything seems to be falling into place nicely.

Well... My stop is next.  Maybe next time I'll have pictures to include rather than just a lot of words.

Warning: Excessive Social Media Updates Ahead

I'm just going to warn you all... you might be getting quick updates everyday on here.  I've already been Instagram-ing, Facebook-ing, Tweet-ing, and texting things I'm experiencing now that I'm already here.  I don't have any friends to talk to each day.... so get ready for me to be one of those Social Network-ing people.  Don't worry, let's pray it doesn't last long....

I'm here in the Bay Area and being patient about these new changes in my life.  I feel like a fish out of water... I'm not sure if I fit in yet but it'll happen soon enough.  Remind me when I get depressed about moving here that its going to be worth it and I just need to be patient.

Today is my second day of work.  Day 1 was spent at the 'office' and now I'm working remotely.  This is the view from the 'office'.  I'm hanging out in some coffee shop on the corner of Sacramento and Fillmore.  I decided this was a good day to come into the city.  Apparently, this is a normal thing.  I'm not the only person is who been camped out here today.  And... the people watching keeps for good distractions.

I'll let you know where I end up tomorrow....

P.S.  Did you know when you type in 'San Francisco' into Pandora, you get a bunch of hippie songs that come back to you??? 

And I'm Heading West....

Well.... it happened.... I'm moving again!!!!  But... This might be the biggest move and decision of my life.  However, that said... I think it might have been the easiest decision of my life.

So, here's my story...

Awhile back, I had decided it was time for me to make a career move.  I was in a good job and working on a second Master's degree.  When deciding to study for an MBA, I knew there was something in store for because going for an MBA was not part of my life's goals.  However, this was the best curve ball I've ever been given.  This helped me figure out what I actually want in a career, a decision that I am so excited for.  In addition, I knew that I wanted to try a different place, rather than SLC, UT.  I was hoping to go East... I'm going West.  I'm headed to San Francisco with the exact job that I want.  In fact, I think its better than what I could have planned for.

 

During the course of 10 (yes... 10 interviews), a boutique (which really just means small and specialized) healthcare consulting firm in the Bay Area hired me as a Consultant.  Here's the lovely hotel room that I had to stress and prep for the interviews with two other Consultants for "coffee" and for lunch, and then the ultimate interview with the CEO and Founder.  The women I had lunch with asked me when I had my "freak out" moment.  I hadn't had it until on my flight back to SLC, through the LONG weekend until I got the amazing offer on Monday morning (6 days after my interview).

So, this lead to quick decisions and packing... and packing....

(This is my Christmas/Camping/Halloween/Growing Up Stuff Boxes.  This is just the beginning...)

 

 

And packing....

And creating a disaster....

And more disasters....

Checking things off my "To-Do" List...

Meeting with the movers...
(It was a 28 foot truck... don't worry, I didn't fill it up... its just what they had)

 

 

More (bedroom packing)...

Movers are hard at work... (Pretty much the best decision to hire movers rather to creating friends that will ultimately hate you for working for pizza...)

Things are disappearing...

But still a mess...

And now to put stuff in the storage unit (It's still light... but not for long)...

It looks like so much space... but....

It fills up quickly...

These guys are good at Tetris... (That's my friend's stuff in the front area)

We're getting closer... (This is where I slept on move-out day... P.S. good thing I didn't see many people that day... this was day two without a shower and wearing the same clothes... I felt pretty disgusting at this point...)

And this is the final day and the good-bye to this place.  I loved this house but happy to give it up to head to California.

 

I have no idea what's in store for me or where I'm going to be living two weeks from now, I am so excited and so calm for this new opportunity.   

 

In the words of Cyndi Lauper:

And I'm heading west without a sad goodbye

And I'm heading west, oh

I'm like a letter with no address

Just like a book I read, I'm heading west

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtdkugGBO3o

Legacy

I've been wanting to write a post for awhile and while I think of great posts at random times, I haven't written any of those posts down yet.  Tonight, I decided to put my thoughts down on paper.  I just want to take some space and recognize a few of my blessings. 

This past week or two, it seems that I keep hearing sad news.  Life is short and I realize, yet again, the importance of taking each day and make it meaningful.  Live your life so that your reputation and legacy will live on.  Live in a way that everyone you have met during the years will be happy to have known you. 

Now... on a more positive note.  Can I just say that I love my family!!!!!  As I hear of how others interact with their families and their in-laws, I feel so blessed.  My parents have taught us well and have raised the most incredible family.  My siblings are my best friends.   And... I don't use that phrase lightly.  Our family does not have the drama that other families are privy to.  Our family wants the best for each other.  And... we like each other.  We actually want to see each other and spend time together.  Now... first of all... I'm pretty sure that it's just my family who reads this so maybe I just I'm just trying to score some brownie points... But for the one or two other readers, you'll just have to deal with all this sappy stuff. 

What's so good about this group... Let me tell you...

• They are smart

• They produce cute kids
• They are provide service to others
• They are educated
• They are goal-orientated

• They are faithful
• They are good examples of success marriages
• They are fun

• They demonstrate how to be genuine friends
• They love to cook dinners and make messes of each others' houses

• They successfully added in-laws that fit in well with our family
• They will run Ragnar with me and not hate me for it
• They will feed me if I just stop by their house because I don't feel like making my own food
• They will call me at midnight, just to return my phone call
• They are funny

• They will give me career advice and support my professional goals
• They will go running with me, even if they are tired

• They will help me to rake leaves and tell me its because its a teaching moment for their children
• They are dedicated to the Church and their callings
• They live the Gospel in every true way

I think that's a good list for now.  There are more reasons... but we'll save those for another time.

(Disclaimer:  I don't have a ton of pics on my computer so sorry I couldn't get pics of everyone, in every situation.  Guess I need to come to Michigan to fill in the holes...)

Solo Trip to NYC

Has anyone ever taken a vacation on their own?  Hmmm... me either.  But I'm going to try it.  There's a conference in NYC that I want to go to, so I'm going.  And, it looks like I'll be going by myself.  At least for work, whenever I've gone to a conference, I know that I'll be seeing people I know when I get there.  Not sure that will be the case this time.  This will be good practice for when I get that job that allows me to travel every week for work.

I heard of this conference that sounded good.  So, I looked for airline tickets and got a pretty good deal... So... I booked them.  NYC transportation is easy... so this leaves a place to sleep.  I need to figure that one out.  If anyone knows of anyone in NYC that I can stay with, please let me know.  A few nights on a couch never hurt anyone... right???

Goals for 2012

Alright... here's my annual proclamation of what I want to do this year and maybe this year I will actually accomplish it...

I have a  few New  Year's Resolution.  However, since I was in Idaho for Christmas and then went to Florida for the first week of January for the Ragnar Relay, Florida Keys, I decided to start my goals after I got home.  So... I officially started on Monday.

Right now, I am doing Fit Program via Kelly's work stuff.  I've made it 3 days successfully.  However, today, I also decided to get the "flu".  So... that really helps in not eating junk food... but that also means I'm not eating today.  A few more days like this, I'm go to just shrivel up.  I'll be back to normal by tomorrow though... I'm giving this flu one day to invade my body.

So... here goes... Goals for the Year (not in any particular order):

• Visit Michigan (I'm taking donations from anyone who REALLY wants me to come visit)
• Pay Off Car
• Finish and Graduate from the U of U with a MBA
• Lose 35 Pounds, at least (yeah... I'm putting it out there)
• Get a New Job
• Go to Argentina
• Go to the Temple Monthly
• Do 1 Race per Month (1 month down, 11 to go)
• Read the Book of Mormon (from start to finish)

Passing Classes and End of Semesters

23.  I'm Thankful for ...... Passing Classes.  A year and a half ago, I randomly (yes... randomly) decided to go back to school for my MBA.  Sometimes, I'm still not sure why but I know that it's going to benefit me.  I have 3 sessions left of my this semester (which translates into 12 hours of classroom attendance).  I have successfully completed 4 out of my 6 semesters.  I'm also thankful that I only have one class right now, rather than the 3 that I started the semester with.

Thanksgiving Dinners... Over and Over, again

22.  I'm Thankful for ...... Thanksgiving Dinner(s).  Yes... I realize Thanksgiving isn't for 2 more days, but I've already had 2 dinners and still excited for Thursday.  I think this is one of my favorite days of the year.  The family traditions is going to be different this year but looking forward to it just as much as always.

21. I'm Thankful for ...... My Parent's and All They Do for Me.  I don't even know what to say here but my parents are great examples of how to live the gospel, doing service, being understanding, and keeping track of all of their kids.  They are awesome grandparents.  And... my mom is great cook (My dad can cook too but at a different level to my mom.)

20. I'm Thankful for ...... Decorating for Christmas.  I realize I'm technically 5 days early, but I don't care.  My tree went up yesterday and my house is disaster but Christmas is here.

19. I'm Thankful for ...... Musicals.  I went and saw My Fair Lady at Halestorm Theatre on Saturday with a good friend of mine.  I am amazed at the talents that people have and their ability to get up in front of people. 

18.  I'm Thankful for ...... My Roommates.  It's so good to have roommates that I can talk to, watch TV with, cook with, and all in all, just enjoy living with.  Plus, I grateful for roommates who are sticking around and not getting ready to move after.  I have a good house right now.

17.  I'm Thankful for ...... Projects That Come to an End.  I had a work retreat that I was in charge of on Thursday.  It was a long day and a long week but it's done and now to play catch up at work.

16.  I'm Thankful for ...... My Bed.  I just love my bed and my blankets. 

6, 7, 8, .....,15

15.  I'm Thankful for ...... My Brothers.  They are funny, smart, and most of them are great dads.  They are great friends to me and have been able to really demonstrate the importance of good character and being yourself.  They have also shown that chivalry is not dead.

14. I'm Thankful for ...... My Sisters.  They are all good examples of faith, being stalwart, and service.  If I could grow up to be like them them, I think I'll be doing alright. 

13. I'm Thankful for ...... Sundays and Church.  I'm grateful that I'm able to go to church and have a spiritual renewal.  I'm grateful that the Gospel is there regardless of where you are attending church.  I'm also grateful for my friends help me enjoy my Sunday afternoons.  Some may think that these guys don't deserve it... but it's one of my favorite things to do.  It's my one day of a week to cook (well... except this week where all we had was leftovers but they still ate them).

12. I'm Thankful for ...... College Football.  There is nothing I enjoy more (well... there probably is but you know what I mean) than heading to Rice Eccles Stadium, even in rain and snow.  Saturday I was able to enjoy a nice, strong win over UCLA and was able to watch it with my brother and my nephew, David.  Now... that was fun.  David was cheering on the teams and football (I mean... literally yelling "Go Football! Go Teams!").  He was high-fiving everyone one touchdowns (everyone within three rows of him in any direction), and was even showing us his Ute Pride by showing us his "U". 

11. I'm Thankful for ...... The Veterans and Italian Food.  Today we celebrated our family heritage.  The Fishers have come from a great line of people.  We have been taught from daily examples of the privilege of living in this country.  I am thankful for the patriotism that I feel constantly.  And... we have been blessed with the ability to cook well and eat well.  That's the Italian in us...

10. I'm Thankful for ...... Education.  I know.... That's a stretch but I am.  I never would have thought that I would have completed as much school as I have but things have worked out and the more I learn, the more I become excited to keep learning.  However, I'm going to say, this is the last of the formal education I'll get.  The rest will be for fun.

9. I'm Thankful for ...... Hatch's Hot Chocolate. I flew home from North Carolina and 2 minutes after getting off the plane, I received a text from a friend. He wanted dessert and seeing that it was a little too cold for Nielsen's, I convinced him to try out Hatch's. AMAZING!!!! Hot Chocolate was great! Conversation was great! Nice little break before going back to reality.

8. I'm Thankful for ...... Being Able to Get Away.  There are not many things that I like to do alone but traveling on business trips is one of them.  I enjoy flying alone, wandering through airports at my own speed, having my own hotel room, and truly having my own schedule.  There is something about it that just makes me relaxed.  I won't trade traveling with friends but when the time is right, those business trips can make for a nice break.

7. I'm Thankful for ...... Understanding Professors and Technology.  I had to go out of town for work, the same week that a final for one of my classes was due.  Not the best as far as timing goes.  However, due to the advances in technology, I was able to lug around my laptop and complete this assignment and send it back to my professor.  It may not be the best paper I've ever written but I was able to get it down and finished another class in my program.

6. I'm Thankful for ...... The Chance to Start Over and Make Changes.  That's all for that... I'm just glad that things don't have to continue down the same path but if a project, or a goal I've set, or whatever.... if things are going right... it's not the end of the world.  There's a chance to make things different.

Roadside Assistance and Coast-to-Coast Traveling

5.  I'm Thankful for ...... Roadside Assistance.  I'm thankful that USAA is open 24 hours a day so I can get someone to change my tire at 5:30 am and get me to the airport.  Even though I had to reschedule my flight and day, at least I wasn't stranded and made it to North Carolina.

4.  I'm Thankful for ...... Being able to travel and see different part of the country.  Everywhere I go in the United States is absolutely beautiful.  Two weeks ago it was Seattle, living in Utah, and now North Carolina.  Every place has it's own character and is just beautiful.

3. I'm thankful for ....... the Fall and boots.

3. I'm thankful for ....... the Fall and boots.  I'm thankful for this Fall weather. I love being able to layer my clothing in a way that makes sense for the weather.  I'm thankful for boots; I'd wear them everyday but I try to limit myself... a little bit at least.  I'm thankful for the changing of the leaves and the cool nights where you have to bundle up in a blanket, yet nice, crisp days.

I'm Thankful For...

It seems that every November, Facebook is saturated with people being thankful for things.  I've decided to take a lesson from them and do my own 30-days of Thanksfulness... So, here I go...

2.  I'm thankful for ....... health care and medicine.  These areas have given my dad a career that he is great out, it has provided me with a bachelor's and master's degree.  It has given me several jobs.  It has shown our family the miracles that come through modern medicine. 

1.  I'm thankful for ....... the education that I've received.  I know I may seem like a perpetual student, but I'm glad that I'm able to choose where I want to go to school, that I have had the ability to go to school, and I have the option to continue to learn and progress, scholastically.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another year has come and gone and it finished in a fantastic way!!!!

For the past month or so, I knew my birthday was coming.  Really... who forgets something like that.  I knew I had scheduled a class on Thursday but definitely didn't want to go to class that day, so in an effort to keep my day open, I went on Tuesday night.

Now... for the past few weeks I have this friend (Josh) that kept asking me what I was going to be to be doing for my birthday.  I plan parties and dinners but this is one thing during the year that I do not want to plan.  Call me selfish or whatever, but it's just the one day of the year that I for sure want someone else to do the planning.  So... I just kept telling Josh I didn't have anything planned.

Now comes the week of the BIG DAY... Still no one has really said anything to me.  Josh is still asking me what I'm going to do but now he's telling me "don't worry, you'll find something to do."  So... come Wednesday (my birthday is the next day) and still no plans for the BIG DAY.  However, I do have a great friend, Melanie, who wants to take me out for dinner.  I wake up to a text from Melanie asking where are are going.  I give her my few suggestions and she shoots down one of them.  During the day, I get a text for a my friend, Steve, wishing me a happy birthday.  He's a day early but that's okay.  I never really expect too much and the thought from him is nice.

So... Now it's the end of the day and Melanie is coming to pick me up for dinner.  She brings along her roommate, Gennie, and we now head to Katie's house who's decided to come.  I'm excited.  I'm going to one of my favorite places for dinner, with some of my favorite people, and I'm starving.  So... we go to pick up Katie....

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone is at Katie's house.  Pretty much the best surprise ever.  Here's the secret... I've always wanted to have a surprise party.  I've always wanted someone to throw one for me.  Apparently this was in the works for a while.  They pulled it off.  I started wondering if something was going on but this is not what I expected.  I thought maybe... there would be something later in the week ... or maybe Melanie was having some people meet us that restaurant.... or something.... Not a party.... I definitely liked the surprise party and BBQ!!!!!

They put together dinner and dessert and basically had my favorite pieces of food, including (and not necessary mixed together and not in any particular order):

• Shrimp
• Raspberries
• Corn on the Cob
• BBQ's food (in this case shish kebabs)
• Risotto (at least something that I want to learn to make)
• Salad with walnuts
• Peaches

In addition, the party had most of my favorite people.  It was perfect.  Wouldn't have changed a thing.

The rest of the weeked was great too.  I went to dinner with Kelly and had a good time at Z'Tejas.  Ate way too much but it was so good.  Went shopping with Melissa Hansen and then off to play some intense dodgeball in Lehi with 5,000 of my closest friends from U of U and BYU.  Watched the end of the BSU game again Toledo.  Went golfing with Steve and Mark O. and then off to a very QUICK lunch with Kelly before taking her to the airport (she was crashing Russell and Kim's family vacation). Watched Utah beat BYU on Saturday, which was awesome.  Made Mexican Haystacks on Sunday and had some good friends over for dinner.  And... finished with celebrating Tina's birthday and took a few hours chatting with Tina and Fernando. 

It was pretty much a pretty AWESOME!!!! weekend.   It was PERFECT!!!!