Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Tuesday Tangents

This weeks edition of TT is going to be a grateful Tuesday Tangents because it's all I can really think of right now. I'm just so dang grateful for my life!
1. I'm grateful for my sense of sight. I've done my fair share of traveling in my young life and I wouldn't trade the beautiful scenes and people that I've witnessed for anything. Sight is my favorite sense. Hearing music and smelling fresh bread are amazing, but seeing the fall leaves and rolling oceans  are my favorite.
2. I'm grateful for my career. I love that I get paid to take care of people in their time of need.  I love that when people ask what I do for a living that I can say that I'm a nurse. I love that I can improve someones day just by listening to their concerns and answering their questions. I couldn't ask for a better way to spend my working life. 
3. I'm grateful for my friends. My childhood friends: the faithful group of 7 aka "the posse". We pick up right where we left off when we get together and I'm so glad to be a part of their lives. Not many people can say that they are still friends with the same people that they were when they were kids. We have had our share of ups and downs but I sure do love them! My work friends: I work with the greatest people. We can laugh off bad days and make ourselves cry of laughter at our inappropriate comments. Yes, nurses to laugh at patients. It's our coping strategy when you drive us crazy...which is daily. My traveling friends: I don't know how else to word this constantly growing group. My travels and adventures have brought so many great people into my life! They have had such a profound effect on my life and made my journeys so memorable. 
4. I'm grateful for my family. I love them. They would do anything for me and I love nothing more than sitting around our kitchen table teasing each other. I don't even mind that I'm usually the topic of these jabs.
5. I'm grateful for where I live. The politics get annoying and I hate how much money I lose to taxes but I'm so, so, so grateful to live here. I feel safe. That's the best way I can describe how I feel. 

Until next Tuesday. 

Monday, September 24, 2012

A Weekend in St. G

This past weekend was so much fun! My friend Whitney and I (we met on the Mercy hospital ship this summer) went to St. George to stay with our other Mercy friend Jenni. We got there super late on Friday night and woke up early Saturday to go hike Angels Landing. All week, I tried to psych myself up for the last part. The part where people have died and you have to hang on to a chain to not fall off. I'll do just about anything but I'm a klutz so I was a little worried. Anyway, Zions is BEAUTIFUL!!! Utah is just so dang pretty and I take it for granted. The hike was stunning and sweaty and full of good people watching. I made it to Scouts Landing and tried about 10 ft of the chain section and chickened out but brave Whitney kept going. I was not alone. There were so many people that didn't have the guts either. I made friends with a Dutch lady and laughed to myself at the crazy foreigners and a nut talking about California Condors for hours. Needless to say, I wasn't bored while waiting for Whit. I sent her with my camera so I can pretend I did the whole thing. The views from where I made it to were amazing and I'm completely satisfied with my hike! We made it back in time for a little swim for Whit and a short nap for me before going to Hairspray at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. It was so funny and we loved it! On Sunday, we went to the Brigham City temple dedication at Jen's singles ward and had dinner with her cute family. Our good friend Maren (also a Mercy friend) happened to be down in St. G with her family so we went and picked her up for a Sunday drive. Even with our best attempts, we didn't spot any polygamists but we did see an amazing sunset while overlooking the beautiful town. We met one last time for breakfast at my favorite St. George eatery---the Bearpaw. It was a great way to end the trip. Until next year St. George. 
On our way
Angels Landing Hike in Zions
The sign that scared me away from the top. I knew that people had died, but this sign informed me that 6 people have died since 2004. I knew my uncoordinated hiking skills could earn me a spot as #7 on the list.

Hairspray at Tuacahn

Such a funny guy! 

Sunday drive  

Sunset on Dixie Rock
Me and Brigham chillin in the park

Friday, September 21, 2012

The Rest of Summer

Since I had to turn on the heater of my car this morning, I've come to the conclusion that my summer is drawing to a close. I almost teared up but then I remember a) fall clothes are cuter than summer clothes b) I had an AMAZING summer. Like the best ever, ever, ever. After my big trip this summer, I was determined to still squeeze in a few things that I missed from a summer in Utah. I did more than a few, I've been a busy kid.
Getting soaked with Celeste at my first Real game. Totally worth it.

Our view from the front row. Thank you sir. We enjoyed it.
A rare moment without rain.
Annual Bee's game with Jocy.
Park City/Heber Parade of homes with Celeste. Amazing! I could live with this view.
Salt Lake Parade of Homes with Joc. Always a good time.

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There is so much more but this is all I have pictures of. Now I'm off to St. George to soak in a little more sun time! Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Tuesday Tangents

Welcome to this weeks edition of Tuesday Tangents. 

-Ricky Lake is back? I remember watching her as a kid and by the end of the episode I'd feel all white trash and sassy. Let's just say I won't be watching her "Who's the Daddy---I Slept With 8.3 Men in 4 Days"episode. Ick. Speaking of those special shows, watch the king of "Who's the Daddy", Maury. This clip is too funny! 


-Toyota just came out with a bigger size Prius. Still ugly.

-I love fall! Every change of season I go a little bit crazy with shopping. This past week was no exception. 

-Lesson learned. I should not go shopping when I'm half asleep after work. I tend to end up not caring how much I spend. BAD. 

-The BEST egg rolls are found at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center cafeteria. Come visit me at work and try one. YUM!

I'm off to soak up a little of this fall amazingness with a hike up Sundance. Happy Tuesday!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

An Ode to Logan

Oh Logan, you are the perfect college down. Going back last weekend reminded me how much I love Cache Valley. Coming out of Sardine Canyon, I got a few tears in my eyes. I'm pinning it up to the fact that I know I will never move back and even after 3.5 years, I'm still sad about that. It's just so perfect! Small, no Zoobies, good food, really good food, great people, and it is home to my beloved Utah State. I traveled up for the Utah State vs Utah football game. It was literally the best game I've ever been to. And best of all...we won! I went with Camille (high school friend) and her cute family. We had great seats and I felt a little like a student for a few hours. I stayed at her house after-thank you Mill! The next morning, I met one of my best nursing school friends Shelley at Angie's and we recapped our summers over my favorite breakfast place. I wanted to reminisce a little bit more so we went up to campus and looked around. It is so beautiful! Ah, I miss it. Thank you Logan for a good weekend!

Go Aggies!



Wednesday, September 12, 2012

September 11th

How did I spend my September 11th? By sleeping in, ordering 6 years worth of my photos online (I really need to get caught up on scrapbooking---understatement), meeting up with some Mercy friends for dinner at the Banana Leaf, and going to a late night showing of Spider Man (waking up after 4 hours of sleep for work reminded me that I'm not 19 any more!) at the dollar movies. While eating Sri Lankan food, a kid ran down University Ave. holding a large American flag. It was beautiful. Even if I think that Provo runners are a little cheesy at times. I love, love, love this country. If traveling as much as I have has taught me one thing, it would be that I'm so grateful for where I live. I feel safe, I have opportunities, and I have freedom. During a tour of the Killing Fields in Cambodia last month, I listened to an audio guided tour about the genocide that took place there in the 1970's. I felt physically ill as I listened to what those poor people went through at the hands of their own government. 48 hours later, I landed in the United States more relieved than ever to live here. Becoming such good friends with so many military people this summer also made me grateful for our servicemen and women. They sacrifice so much on our behalf and I have a new respect for them. Anyway, regardless of politics and my insanely high taxes, I love this place!

Our view on Center Street.


Getting our Curry on.
A little fuzzy. Love these girls! 
One last thing. A shout-out to my little sister: Happy 15th Reag! I love you!




Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Tuesday Tangents

I may have copied this idea from about 1,456 other blogs but it's just too good to pass up. So, welcome to the first edition of TT. 

-As a recent late-blooming fan of Gossip Girl (begin watching only if you want to become addicted and waste a lot of time. I'm on season 2...and counting) I must discuss a few characters. Chuck Bass. Oh my. I love to hate you. And I love to love you. What is up with the constant stink eye? Somehow it whittles its way into my heart. 


-Serena Vanderwoodsen. For the longest time, I couldn't figure it out what drove me crazy about your character. I've discovered it is the fact that you don't open your mouth more than 0.5 cm when you talk and you are especially monotone. But, I still love you.


-My new favorite Pandora channel is Mumford and Sons. Check it out.

-My love for Tay Tay (Taylor Swift) has quadrupled. Her new song "Ronan" is awesome. She wrote it about a little boy who died of cancer at age 4. Her lyrics were inspired from the blog his mom wrote after his death. I don't have kids, but this song still hurts the heart. Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0g_IpgsRs0.

-DownEast Outfitters has jacked up their prices! Call me cheap, but if I want a $34 dollar t-shirt, I'll go elsewhere. I did however find a little gem this weekend. Their warehouse store in SLC (375 West Hope Avenue, SLC). It's a little ghetto, way cheap, and it has a good selection. 

-Zupas. You are ruining my waistline. I've been way too many times (like 5) since arriving home. The Nuts About Berries Salad and Honey Bacon Club Panini is my favorite. If you go, tell them you want the Aubrey special (exaggeration). They should know me by now. Embarrassing.

Well that's it for this weeks Tuesday Tangents. Join me next week.


Monday, September 10, 2012

Life since the boat.

Tomorrow marks 1 month since I arrived home from my summer on the Mercy (a Navy hospital ship). I still miss it almost every day but life has been good at home. Before I left, I was told that I would be blessed significantly for my service this summer. I had no idea what this would include. It turns out, one of the blessings was a crazy social life. Before, I had a small circle of friends and a few work friends. I rarely did social things and I was content but not happy. For the past month, I have been so busy trying to fit everything in. My life is dramatically different than when I left in May. Here is a small glimpse into the last month:

Wicked with Char and the Peck sisters.

Mercy reunion. Love/miss these girls!



Our Asian pose.

Hike up Stewart Falls with work friends.


Friend Party. August Edition.
More to come!

So, I'm starting a blog.

After a little pressure from a friend and years of blog stalking, I've decided to join the world of bloggers. Some of you may be wondering where the name Kish came from. It's a nickname, a terrible one at that, that my childhood friends have called me for years. As ugly as it is, I still love it because I love those who call me it. Enjoy!