2012 Recap

2012 was a great year. 

For what started out a rocky year, 

with losing my job 3 days prior to the year beginning, 

turned out to be a year to never be forgotten. 

Year of Dreams lived up to it name. 

It was a year of growth.

 A year of love. 

 A year of new relationships.

A year of travel.

A year of laughter.

A year that I am so grateful to have had. 

In the last 365 days I have learned so much about myself, 

realized what I want my future to look like 

and what direction I need to go to get there. 

2013 has big shoes to fill.  

Thank you 2012 for being so kind to me!

Year of Dreams

IceSkating

Winter is officially here in Utah.  Which means lots of fun activities. 

Skiing, Ice Skating, Sledding!

Aubree had some friends from back home in town so we went to Temple Square

 and then headed to Gallivan Center for some ice skating! 

I'm almost disappointed to report that NONE of us fell.  Which knowing us, that is a little strange.  

Happy Winter!

San Fran

What do you get with:

Two girls and a boy,

a car,

over 2,100 miles in said car,

5 days,

and one of the best cities around?

Our trip to San Fran!!

The Year of Dreams is coming quickly to a close.  

And I needed to keep the dream alive.

San Fran was incredible. 

I had been to San Fran several times for day trips when we would go out to spend time with my family in Sacramento, but never spent multiple days there seeing the city. 

We biked together, (yes, all together on one bike) 

walked lots and lots, 

was serenated by the bum in Ghirardelli Square, 

walked through ChinaTown, 

experienced Fleet Week, 

walked through a parade, 

Pier 39,

 Fisherman's Wharf while eating sourdough bread, 

ate our way through the city

and spend lots of time in the car

On top of seeing the city, I was able to spend some quality time with my sweet cousins. 

They were kind enough to let us stay with them and treated us like royalty. 

I still wake up craving homemade breakfast.

Thanks for being amazing hosts.

On our way back we decided to stop by Lake Tahoe since none of us had ever seen it before.  

Absolutely gorgeous.

Too bad it was beyond freezing.

Loved the city.

Loved the people I was with. 

Pretty much loved everything about it and can't wait for the next trip.

Governor's Gala

 

Tyler and I was lucky enough to receive an invite to the Governor's Gala last weekend from my boss.  

For the record: My boss invited my date for me.  He loves Tyler and always is asking about him!  Tyler happened to stop in for a visit at my work.  We were all chatting at one of my co-workers desks and he pulled me aside to ask me if I wanted to go to the Gala.  Before he extended the invitation he said, "I need Tyler over here too."   Good thing Tyler would have been my first choice... otherwise it could have been REAL awkward.  

It was a great excuse to get a pretty new dress and have Mr. Wall in a suit.  

We had a great time at dinner, but I think we both agree that dinners like this our not our scene.  

Good thing we only have to play the part occasionally.  

Thanks, University of Phoenix for sending us to the Gala.

Autumn has arrived

I have decided anyone that doesn't claim fall as their favorite season, hasn't experienced a gorgeous Utah autumn.

So many things that I love about this season. 

The wardrobe choices are unlimited: jackets, boots, scarfs, hoodies, t-shirts.

The weather allows you to be outside during the day but when you take a deep breath at night it gives a burning sensation in your nose. (one of my favorite things ever)

The Carmel Apple Ciders.

Utah games.

Haunted houses.

The list could go on forever. 

There really isn't anything about fall that I dislike, except for the fact that it does not last nearly long enough. 

I was lucky enough to spend this last weekend up at Tyler's cabin in Timber Lakes.

Gorgeous. 

I was there about a month again and the mountains were just starting to change colors. 

When I saw the mountain below in the morning I was shocked. 

I couldn't believe how much it changed from just a few weeks ago. 

My only wish for the day was to go over and be in the "burning leaves".

Tyler did not disappoint me. 

After I finished up some work, we headed to town to grab some lunch 

from the one and only, Dairy Keen.  

(If you don't know what that is... you need to google and go!)

There we actually found out that it was the local high schools Homecoming Parade. 

We watched it for a bit and then grabbed some food. 

The best surprise of the day was running into my dear friend, Kristen. 

I miss her dearly and was so happy to run into here. 

After lunch we ran a couple of errands and headed back to the cabin. 

We were getting closer to the cabin and I was just staring at the mountain. 

Tyler turned off to see if we could find a road to go over there. 

We didn't have much luck. 

But he wasn't done trying yet. 

We went back and got the 4-wheeler and went and explored. 

We would get so close to finding a way over to the "burning mountain" (that's what I kept referring to it as) 

But we couldn't quite get all the way over there. 

We drove around for quite a while. 

Ready to end our adventure;

Until we stumbled across this hidden little treasure.

And behind here was a grove of pink leaves.

I never in my life have seen anything like it. 

I immediately said, "I wanted to go lay down in there."

Luckily Tyler didn't look at me like I was crazy and laid right down with me.

 (Photo credits to Tyler John)

 So incredibly beautiful.

It is moments like this that you really have to stop and appreciate. 

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the things and people I have been blessed with in my life.

Especially people. 

Tyler being one of those people. 

I do not believe in accidents.

It was not by chance that we were brought into each other lives at this time. 

(If you are thinking... "Finally, Morgan has a boyfriend!" Don't get ahead of yourself.  I have the world's best friend)

Many times I feel like he is my right hand and always counting down until M&T time begins.

When Tyler is involved a good time is guaranteed.

I am thankful for the laughs, support, silence, honesty and love given to each other. 

Grateful for another wonderful person brought into my life 

and even more thankful that we can be 100% ourselves with each other. 

People like this come around far and few... and I have every intention is keeping him around for as long as I possibly can and thankfully he agrees. 

This afternoon is one that I will remember for a long, long time. 

Side note:

As I look back at old posts, the ones that mean the most are the ones that I actually document what I am thinking rather than just what I did... So excuse the sentimental thoughts at times. 

It is for me. 

I have stopped keeping a journal journal and basically use this.

Wicked

Wicked came to town!  

We bought our tickets nearly 12 months prior to the show coming... so it seemed like it took FOREVER to finally come!  

This was my third time seeing the show and I love it more and more with each time I see the show. 

LOVE.

Jennifer brought her girls to see the show this time and it was fun to watch them fall in love with the show.  

They knew all the music so it was fun to see watch them see the story come to life.

Come back soon Wicked!  I already want to see you again. 

Where are my ruby red slippers?

As I am sitting at my desk right now and can't think of a place I would rather be right now than on the lake. 

This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago up at Pineview with some of my favorite people. 

I wish I was there right now.

I've also decided wakeboarding with a pal, makes it that much better.  

Even if I almost took him down with my rope.  

(I borderline don't feel bad since he monsoon sprayed me... three different times!) 

Here is to an amazing summer. 

With lots of laughter and fun in the sun. 

Incredible friends.

and warm weather that I don't want to end.

Spandex and Peddaling

I'm starting to second guess some of the activities I do for fun. 

I rode the ULCER ride again this year and opted for the 67 mile portion. 

The first 50ish miles were great.  

I'm not the fastest, but I just keep going. 

The last 12ish miles were DEATH!

I honestly thought I was going to kill myself, I was HOT, thirsty, hungry, out of water and ready to be done.

But I finished! 

Important lessons were learned during this ride:

A. Don't stay up late the night before the race.

B. Hydrate up the day before and the morning before the race.

C.  A mini Luna bar does not equal a breakfast for this long of a race.

D. Purchase a mini snack bag like Jilly so you can munch on treats easily during the ride. 

E. 67 mile rides you have to train for.

F.  Listening to LMFAO helps you get through the last few miles when you want to quit.

I was actually shocked how quickly my body recovered from this ride.  My legs weren't sore at all, I just craved a lot of water for the next 48 hours.  So I will take that compared to previous rides.

10 years and counting

I'm still in complete shock that I not only am old enough to have my 10 year reunion, but attended my reunion.  I have fond memories of high school that I discussed here.  But fond memories or not I still was a little hestitant to go.  Thanks to my dear friend, Jilly I went and had a great time. 

After I hit the lake in the morning, I headed to my parents house to shower real quick before I headed down to the park.  There were quite a few familiar faces down there and of course faces that I was certain I had never seen before in my life.  (I'm sure the feeling is mutual) 

Chelsi, me and Jillian

Jenilyn, Chelsi, me, Jilly and Aubrey

Us ladies chatted it up for quite sometime even though most of us keep in pretty good contact.  From there we had a few hours until the dinner portion of the reunion at Maddox SteakHouse.

Sean was uncertain if he was going to come to the dinner portion and I assured him he was going and picked him up on my way.  We had a great chat on the way up and felt like old time sitting on the tramp in our backyards. 

Some of my favorite ladies

I'm so glad Vashti was in town for the reunion it worked out perfectly!  We had not seen each other since graduation since she moved out of state and I was busy doing my thing.  Her laugh cracked me up and you can't just love being around this girl.

I'm really glad I ended up going to my reunion even though I was dreading it because I am in a different stage of life than most of my high school friends.  Made me realize more than ever you have to enjoy the stage of life you are currently in and not always want to rush to the next stage.  Because all the stages in life will come in due time. 

Class of 2002.... we will see you in another 10!

A morning at the lake

Summers are supposed to be filled with lots of fun in the sun and on the lake with your friends. 

Summer 2012 has not disappointed. 

There has been many hours spent on the lake with my favorite Wall boys.

The morning of my reunion I decided to hit up the lake with these two gentlemen. 

We had a great time and there was hardly anyone out on the lake. 

We were all able to get some time on the wakeboarding and surfing.

This was my first time wake surfing for the year and Tyler was kind enough to be my coach on the back of the boat. 

(side note: best boating pal ever.  He not only coaches me surfing but also puts on my wakeboard every single time.  

Top notch, this one!)

Thanks to his coaching skills and my natural ability (totally kidding) I was able to start getting the hang of it.  Before the season ends I will have this down.

To another great morning on the lake!

Apparently one time in Vegas is just not enough

Best part of summer is being able to go on fun little getaways and it couldn't have come at a better time. 

Work was BEYOND stressful and a few days away from the office was heaven. 

Zach, Stacy, Shanda, Tyler and me all loaded up after work on a Thursday and were Vegas bound until Monday. 

We had a little bit of a late start thanks to our prompt gentlemen 

AND

then us girls had the car loaded before they got to my place and we have had it unbalanced which caused for a stop in Lehi to reload the car. 

 It was a long, cozy drive with five of us in my car.  (sorry Zach, Stacy and Shanda)

But the drive was field with lots of singing, watching the latest date of Mormon Bachelor and lots of laughs!

Once we arrived around 1:30am we were beat!  We loaded our stuff in and tried to go to bed.  TRIED being the key word.  Us ladies snuggled up and got a case of the major giggles.  (Sorry, boys!)

And apparently the boys could here EVERY word even when we were whispering.  

The next morning we hit the pool and relaxed our little hearts out in the Lazy River. 

 We also were able to go to Lake Mead with Tyler and Zach's cousins.  

Although it was 112 degrees while we were boating with a water temperature of 85 degrees we still had a great time.  

Plus, being pulled over for a safety check by a boat full of Coast Guard gentlemen didn't hurt the experience at the lake.  If only Zach would have stopped talking to them...

 After the lake, we were all starving so we hit the showers and went to Sushi Samba on the strip.  

Thank goodness that Vegas never sleeps because it was almost 11:00pm by time we got to dinner.

After dinner, Tyler and Zach's cousin Jordan and his pal, Lawrence came and met up with us and we headed for some karaoke.  

Never a dull moment with the Wall boys!

We were all reminded that we are old and our bodies do not quite recover from lack of sleep like they use to after staying out until 4:30am.  

We hit the pool and relaxed until it was time for Serendipity and Phantom of the Opera.

It was a fantastic night and I'm so glad we finally made it to Phantom.

 When we came back from the play Jordan and Lawerance were hanging with Zach. 

So that led to a late night of chatting.  

Or so I was told... I was out cold on the floor.

Before we went to bed, we thought the boys really needed a wake-up call at 4:30am.

The phone just kept ringing and ringing, but eventually it did the trick!

Sunday included some more pool time.  

When you're on vacation you skip the Sabbath, right?  

That's what we thought.  

We also enjoyed some tasty dinner with Tyler & Zach's family.

Us ladies came back to the hotel a little early so we could cheer on Jef in the Bachelorette!

 And then we were Utah Bound the next morning. 

 

 Let me introduce you to the World's Best Co-Pilot, Tyler John

Remember that wake up call we gave the boys?  

Tyler tried to get us back by setting an alarm at 4:45... you can see he set it for PM not AM so it didn't work. 

But when I was setting my alarm for Tuesday to go to work I noticed an extra little surprise for me.  

Nice try, PC!  Nice Try! 

So glad I was able to escape to Vegas with four of my favorite people.

Perfect Vaca!

A mini Vegas Vaca

 Anyone that knows me, knows that I am always down for a vacation. 

So when my pal, Tyler called on Monday and said, 

"Lets's go to Vegas this weekend and meet some friends!" 

It was a no brainer. 

We booked our hotel the next day. 

And were on the road Friday morning. 

We left bright n' early,

(Okay maybe 30 minutes later than planned since I didn't wake up on time, sorry Ty!)

Long drives always create many laughs and this drive was no exception.  

You learn a lot of things about people when you are with them for an extended amount of time.  

I thought I had learned quite a bit about Tyler in Lake Powell. 

WRONG!

I did not know he was a murderer until this trip. 

We were peacefully driving along and singing to some tunes when all of a sudden.... 

BAM! Right on the window in front of my face was a bird. 

I'm sad to say, the bird is dead and my friend is a murderer. 

Watch out little birdies! 

 Once we made it to Vegas we headed straight to "Thunder from Down Under"! 

Fine... I wish.  

We actually headed straight to the pool and waited for our friends to get there.  

We had quite a bit of time to hang out while the others traveled in. 

Once all of the crew had arrived we took a trip down the strip and before we knew it, it was 4:00am!

Once I realized what time it was, I was done.  

The next day included tasty lunch from a deli on the strip and lots of walking and ended at the pool before we had to get ready to see this... 

The show was awesome!  I always loved watching them on "MTV's America's Best Dance Crew!"

Then we headed to Serendipity for a birthday celebration for Christina's birthday.

One of my favorite Vegas dining places.

Overall trip assessment:

Singing to Disney favorites passes the time driving very quickly.

Walking the strip multiple times in not my favorite.

Vegas has WAY cooler restaurants than Salt Lake does. 

Spending time with new and old friends makes for a great weekend!

And last minute trips are a good decision.

Thanks, Tyler for another successful trip!  

You are officially my 2012 Summer Travel Buddy!

Glow in the dark midnight run

Summers are always full of lots of fun runs and 5ks. 

Earlier this year we decided we only wanted to do fun ones

We started the year off with "Color me Rad" and then stumbled across this Glow in the Dark midnight run. 

After we spent the evening in Park City; Stacy, Dave, Tyler and I headed to Ogden to go get our run on. 

Stacy and I gladly dropped the boys off to the 10k start and we continued on to the 5k starting line.

(Note to self: NEVER EVER eat dinner less than 2 hours pre-run, especially pizza)

Everyone was decked out in glow sticks.  It was great.  

You couldn't see much more than 10 feet in front you, except for the glow in the dark apparel people were wearing.

Our (me and May) only goal was to beat the boys.  Stop judging us... we are not runners and they both are. 

So as soon as we crossed the finish line we sent this picture to the boys tell them saying "Just sitting here waiting for you to FINALLY finish!"  

That put some pep in Tyler's step for his last mile; and he came barreling in. 

All of us at the finish line!

Poor Miss May had to work in the morning and we didn't even get home until after 2:00am. 

After we finished we were all getting ready to get back in the car and drive to Salt Lake when this happened.  Tyler and I were both laying on the ground laughing about something when I said "we need a picture."  We tried to take one... Tyler's eyes closed... another... cut off head...another... my eyes were closed.  So we just opted for the most ridiculous photos ever and ended up with this precious gem.   

(Note to self: put camera away after midnight)

Alpine Slide

I forget how many fun things our great state has to offer, until out of towners come and we go explore.  

Park City is one of those places I don't go nearly enough. 

My friend, Dave came to town to visit from Kansas City and after a fun day at the pool we decided to all head up to Park City and ride the Alpine Slide.

Dave, me, Staci, Tyler and Zach  (picture courtesy of Tyler's instagram)

 

 Tyler and I decided to race or should I say who go to the bottom first, since there is a rule about racing.  Little did I know my friend is a CHEATER! So here is my loser face!  (BOOO to the cheater!)

There was perfect weather in Park City and suprisingly enough, not a lot of people.  We walked right on the slide and sat immediately for dinner.  It's officially decided I need to take more Fridays off and go enjoy!