My 2015 in Review

This last year was pretty amazing sauce for me!

And, with that being said, I look forward to a wonderful 2016 ahead of me.

Highlights of 2015

• Dad came to San Francisco with me on an overnight.
• Visited Ireland for the first time ever...and started to show off my Honey Bunny a little bit more.
• Saw Paris a second time. 
• Had some dear friends visit Chicago, and let me play tour guide.
• Saw the Cubs play an amazing baseball game, that later sent them to the playoffs.
• Worked some awesome overnights with some awesome crews.
• Euro-tripped it, again, to Amsterdam with Paul and his auntie. Was a first time for him in Amsterdam. Him and I made a great traveling duo.
• Flew to Iceland, with Paul and my brother Flint, and road tripped the entire island on the famous Ring Road.
• Saw the groundbreaking of a new LDS church in downtown Chicago.
• Took a day trip to PDX for Paul's birthday - all in a day, and even got first class coming home!
• Haribo candies sent me a gold mine of free Haribo gummy candies. BEST! DAY! EVER!
• Watched my brother Cash marry his longtime girlfriend Kali. Funnest wedding all year!
• Took an epic family road trip to Durango, Colorado with my whole family, and Paul.
• Watched the airplanes land at SXM airport in St. Maarten. Then balled my eyes out trying to get out of that airport...
• Jetted to Switzerland, for the most life changing event ever. I GOT ENGAGED! AT THE BASE OF THE MATTERHORN!
• Had more visitors to Chicago - Flint, Paul, and my Mom. And had a few more friends that came to visit too.
• Watched the Chicago marathon, and cheered on those runners.
• Spent those major holidays surrounded by family.
• Witnessed the CTA Christmas train - which was a big deal for me.
• Said goodbye to dive of a restaurant, that will always have wonderful childhood memories. Long live the Cow, may you rest in peace Top Spot.
• Saw Star Wars, fell asleep, and ruined it for those who hadn't seen it. Therefore, took a break from social media. (New Years resolution for the new year: shut up!)
• Rang in the New Year surrounded by my family.

Houghton, Boston, Houston - I love the USofA!

I love the USofA!  I am seeing the states one flight at a time.  One of the perks of being a flight attendant is, of course, seeing the different cities throughout the United States.

Houghton.  As of recent I have gotten to know the small town of Houghton, MI very well.  It's (one of) the farthest north places you can go in Michigan.  Home to one of the top schools in the US - Michigan Tech.  And, has some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen...next to Alaska, Utah, and parts of Canada.

This small little town features a main street with some quaint little shops, restaurants, and fascinating old buildings.  On this particular overnight I ventured out and walked amongst the shops.  During my stroll I found myself at a historical old building claiming to once be the library in this small town.  It had now been turned into a museum.  I walked in and saw that the small building had a few pictures on the wall. A sweet little lady, named Debbie, sat at the desk and offered me some information.  Before I knew it time had quickly gone by and I was almost in tears in the history she had shared with me about this old fashioned little town of Houghton.  She left me spellbound as I took the rest of the time to walk around the small room and look at the pictures she had just discribed to me.  Almost 100 years ago this Christmas (day) a tragedy struck this copper mining Finnish town.  As the town was having a Christmas party in the town hall someone screamed out, "FIRE!"  Just over one hundred people partying inside the building fled the building, running down the very small staircase to escape the "so called" fire.  Making the rush to get out of the building many were killed.  Mostly children.  And when all was said and done, there was no trace of any fire.  I was in shock to hear this story, then to see the black and white pictures strung on the walls really made my heart ache.  Who would've ever known this small town housed such a dark past.  I needed to leave this museum, and lighten my heart.  I walked through the town looking at the old buildings, walking across the bridge that goes across the Portage Waterway, and enjoyed the beauty of this small town.  I spent three weeks in a row coming to this town, and was happy to do so.

Boston.  Oh, how I deeply have fallen in love with Boston.  Boston, MA is my new favorite city in the USofA.  Seriously, how did I not get there sooner.  I was given the trip to Boston a week in advance.  However, after seeing that I would have a very long overnight in this city I knew that it would be taken back by the flight attendant who dropped the trip in the first place.  After arriving to work and meeting my crew I told them that I probably would not get to enjoy the last overnight in Boston.  Much to my surprise the flight attendant I was working with said, "it's all yours.  I know the flight attendant who dropped this trip and she is stuck in the Phillipians, so you'll get to see Boston"  I was shocked, and excited.  I was getting to go to Boston!

We arrived late that night, so off to bed I went.  I had planned to get up early and hit the train first thing in the morning, so I could get into the city and see what I could with my limited amount of time.  Our hotel is a quick five minutes from the nearest train station.  Luckily the hotel was kind enough to drop and pick us up at the train station.  I was dropped off and hopped on the train to head downtown.  I was amazed at how quickly I figured out the train system.  (I feel like such a pro since moving to Chicago and learning the public transportation here.) Within a few stops I was in the heart of downtown Boston.  I came up from the underground stop and looked around being whisked back to the 1800's (or 1700's) by the look of all the old buildings, and cobblestone roads/sidewalks.  Seriously, cobblestone was everywhere.  Seriously, I was in love from the moment I saw the cobblestone.  I also realized that my walking would need to be careful - seeing as I am sort of a klutz, this could be problematic.  However, I am happy to report I did not trip once during my strolling through Boston.

A wonderful crew to go to Boston with:  Jarroyd, Daniel, me and Adrian.

I had been wanting to get to Boston for some time.  This trip was finally allowing this.  My first and most awaited stop in all of Boston was to go eat at the famous B&G Oysters where I had watched from TV in small town Utah, about this particular restaurant talk about their famous lobster roll.  I always said, if I ever get to Boston I am going to this very restaurant and having one of their famous rolls.  So with my trusty smartphone set up with google maps I set out.  In no time at all I had reached my final train stop, walked up the escalator and was back in the city, now southern downtown.  I took to my right and walked down the cobblestone streets for about four blocks, when I finally made a left and headed one more block when to my astonishing eye, I beheld the restaurant I had been wanting to eat at for some time now.  This was all so surreal - it was like I was in a dream.  The time was just after eleven, and I suddenly panicked that maybe I was too early.  Walking up to the door, it was closed, saying continue to the back of the restaurant.  As I made my way around the very old building looking through the windows the restaurant looked very quiet and unopened.  I kept going.  Once inside I noticed that I was the first customer of the day.  Even so, they were open, and that is all that mattered to me.  The host seated me near the bar, and I didn't even hesitate to tell her I was here for one of their famous lobster rolls.  She quickly took my order, and I basked in my surroundings of their very quaint and swanky little restaurant.  I was in complete astonishment I was finally here.  Patiently I waited for my roll to arrive.  After some time the waitress brought me my much anticipated roll.  I didn't want to eat it, it was so beautiful.  Of course, I had to have a picture with it...  After one bite I was hooked.  If I were to die today I would die happy.  This lobster roll was everything I had ever dreamed it would be.  I savored each bite, and didn't want the roll to disappear. (Then I cam back to reality when my bill came - almost $40.00 for the thing.  SHEESH! )

Time was ticking away and it would soon be time for me to return to the hotel and go back to that thing people call work.  With my limited time I tried to see some major highlights of downtown Boston.  I saw the sight of the Boston Massacre, saw Paul Reveres home (from the outside), and stopped at the famous Mikes Pastry (where I was glad I actually had cash on me since that's all they take).  With the amount of time I had in Boston I think I did pretty well on seeing what I did.  I couldn't have asked for such nice weather, and the size of Boston did not even intimidate me.  I guess after living in the big city of Chicago I feel like any other city I go visit is just like a little town.  There is much more I would love to see of the beautiful city of Boston again, but for now, this visit was just perfect.  Look out Boston, I will be back!

Houston, takes me back to last January as I was there for one of the many flight attendant interviews I was attending.  I hadn't been back since.  Now after finishing flight attendant training and met so many new people who quickly became my close friends I actually have people I know who live in Houston.  I was so excited for my 24 hours in this concrete city.  Immediately upon arriving I called up my two favorite people and we set out for dinner at a famous Tex-Mex restaurant.  Now if you know anything about Houston, it's intertwined by lots of freeway.  It's not my favorite city, but I didn't really care.  I was there to see friends and have me some good American Mexican food.  We sought out only the best in Houston, and I was not disappointed.  In fact, I can't get those chips and salsa out of my head.  They were the best I have had in a long time.  Mmmmmmhhhhhmmmmm!  I also found a new favorite restaurant in the Houston airport called Bullritos.  Another Tex-Mex.  Every time I have a layover in Houston I get all excited.  I don't eat a lot of airport food, but if i'm in Houston, oh I'll be eating this airport food.  It's cheap, good, and makes for more than one meal.  SWEET!  I still feel like I haven't seen much of Houston, but it's not really the most accessible city.  You have to have a car to really get around.  And, last time I was there I saw the temple, so what else is there to really see. ;)

Enrique, white girl, and Miss Angela.  (Holding their drinks.)

Jennifer and I.  One of my new favorite flight attendants I had the pleasure to work with.

Party Like it's 1998 or 2002?

My high school days were pretty sweet.  I had some great times in high school, and I had some awesome friends too!  I am trying to think back to one of the last times we were actually all together.  I know for sure when we graduated high school ('98) we were all together.  Then one last time in 2002 at my mission farewell we were together.  My little gang of friends consisted of me, Alisha, MinDee, and Leah.  We were inseprable, or so it seemed.  Soon after high school, one by one the three of them met the man of their dreams and were wisked away into that thing called marriage.  This marriage thing did not stop us from staying together.  Over the last fifteen years we have been able to stay connected.  Whether it be phone calls, texts, emails, or even regular mail we have kept our friendship going.

(I think this photo was taken in 2000 - I look horrible in this picture!)

Umpteen years later - like nothing has changed...except for the fact
they have a bunch of kids.  And, I'm still single?

Now that I have finally got my dream job (Flight Attendant - WOO HOO!!!) we decided it was now time to get together.  I have the means to get my girls on a plane, so let's meet up in the awesome city, my new home, Chicago.  And that we did!  

Seeing as my girls are all stay at home mom's with a bunch of kids to tend to all day it seemed easy to come to the city on a weekend.  After all arriving early saturday morning we immediately hit the streets and saw the sites.  There was no rest for these busy mom's...if you come to Chicago don't expect time to rest and relax.  Nope, we be out seeing all the major attractions and eating plenty of awesome food.  Eating so much that you will want to be out seeing the sites trying to walk it off!  That is how I roll here in Chi-Town.

First order of buisness was a stop at Mindy's Hot Chocolate.  After all my girls arrived it was that time of day to either eat breakfast or have an early lunch.  Mindy's Hot Chocolate was the perfect place for brunch.  The hot chocolate was amazing!  It was filled to the rim kind of a cup, big enough to serve more than one sipper.  Topped off with a very square homemade marshmellow.  The dip of the spoon left it coated in chocolate.  Oh gosh, I think we just died and went to heaven.  After almost getting full on a huge cup of thick chocolate we ordered up brunch.  All us girls chatted over hot choclate and delightful food, it was like we just saw each other last week.

One large cup of hot chocolate that will knock your socks off!
And, break the bank...

After checking into our swanky hotel downtown, in the heart of the city, it was time to hit the streets of the big city.  We hit all the major sites, Michigan Ave, Navy Pier, the Chicago river, the famous flamingo structure, and ending the day with dinner at Giradonos.  I think I might have wore these girls out, kind of need to after all the food consumption.  Back to the hotel, where I completly knocked out - first one to go.

Riding the water taxi through downtown Chicago.

Gotta have Chicago style pizza.  (I'm so sick of this stuff!)

The next morning I was called to work, but was sort of blessed to have a late show time.  Still was not happy about being called in to work though.  I knew it was a possibilty, but I didn't want it to happen.  It happened.  Up and at 'em we went.  Trying to do as much as possible before I had to leave the girls.  We ended up having an awesome breakfast downtown at an old classic diner called Lou Mitchell's.  Breakfast was worth the wait.  After the scrumptious meal it was off to church.  Not with much luck...we showed up just in time to hear the closing remarks of the final speaker.  Oh well, we tried.  Lastly, they dropped me off and bid me farewell.  Then with my recommendations and directions they continued to play in the big city without me.  I was upset, and distraut.  But, what was I to do?  I will look at it as being grateful I did have a little bit of time to play with them in my new home.

Me not wanting to leave...It was really quite sad.

Kentucky is For Real!

I went to Kentucky - to which I richly adore that state!  Hello - Libby loves Kentucky.  Duh!  It's my home away from home.  I happened to have four days off in a row, and just needed to get away.  So, called up my girl Holly, and left the next day.  Just after hitting up church for about an hour I then hopped the "L" to O'hare, and then bound a plane to Lexington, KY.  An hour later I was in Lexington.  Just like that - poof!

Holly and I haven't seen each other in almost three years.  You would have never even know because it was just like we had seen each other yesterday.  It's crazy how you can just pick up where you left off.  Love that feeling.  The first thing on the agenda was to go get me some grub.  She knew of just the right place - a little southern home cook'n, and an ice cold Ale8.  Doesn't take much to speak to this girls heart.  We ate some meatloaf, mac and cheese, creamed corn, squash, and butterscotch pie.  Oh it felt good to be home.

We didn't have much planned - basically just wanted to catch up.  I did want to go see some Beattyville, and take a trip down memory lane.  How did I ever serve my mission in that sad town?  That's what I kept wondering the whole time we drove through the slowly dying small town.  As we were there we wanted to go eat at our favorite spot, The Purple Cow.  But, sadly, it has been shut down.  Even more sadly enough we ended up at Dairy Queen - gag!  The only thing it had going for it was the Ale8 on tap.  Bleck!

After a dinner of champions what better way to work it off then by going on a hike at the Natural Bridge State Park.  It was, of course, humid as ever, and the sun was beginning to set.  We pull up to a parking lot with a few lonely cars.  The surrounding shops had already closed down, a sign that maybe we should not start a hike this late into the evening?  Well heck, it's Kentucky, what's going to happen here?  Most people don't even know this place (Kentucky) is a state.  Just like some people don't even know Utah is a state.  Like that one episode of Friends where Joey and Ross are naming states and Joey say's, "Utah?  You can't just make up a state."  Something like that - you get my drift.  Digressing here.  Basically nothing exciting happens in Kentucky.  Tonight was different, tonight on a darkened path things happened in Kentucky!  A few steps on to the trail we run into a lovely little couple heading back to their car (BEFORE THE SUN SETS - like smart people).  I, naturally, stop them and start talking to them.  They are friendly and chat it up with me.  They also forewarn us of the encounter they had about 100 feet up the trail with a rattle snake and dead copper head.  Oh LOVELY!  Thanks for the heads up.  By the way - I HATE SNAKES!!!  Holly and I decide to venture on.  We came all this way we are not turning back.  Besides I need to work off that nasty meal I just ate at Dairy Queen.  Snakes shmakes - we are hiking onward and upward.

We pass the 100 feet where the apparent snake sighting was, and feel pretty darn good with ourselves for pushing on even though we are most likely surrounded by snakes.  We put them, the snakes, out of our minds.  We have a sunset to catch.  Making it to the top of the natural bridge we look around at the vast Kentucky rolling hills of green, and bask in the beautiful sunset to the west.  As we are enjoying the different arraying colors of the sky it soon falls dark, and fast.  Two blonde's are out hiking in the thick Kentucky wilderness.  Don't worry, we had our cell phones.  Guess what both our smart little phones have...they have a flashlight.  Woot!  Woot!  So, these two blonde's start their hike back to the car.  Cell phones in hand shinning bright like a diamond (had that stupid song in my head all day) we start our quick hike down the trail.  Holly in the lead we are moving at a fast pace.  With about a quarter of a mile left Holly comes to a very abrupt stop throwing her arm out to stop me when I happen to see movement.  Holy SH.......Holy S*%#!!!  Yeah I swore a couple of times - seeing a huge copper head snake will make anyone yell out words that should never come out of any ones mouth!  I am in a pair of Chaco's - well duh, and start running BACK UP THE TRAIL!  Because I am in Chaco's I immediately think the snake will bite my open feet.  That is why I WAS RUNNING BACK UP THE TRAIL...  Holly remains (surprisingly) calm and yells, "if you are going to run why don't you run to the parking lot - away from the snake?"  Don't misunderstand my storytelling here - Holly was just as scared as me.  She just was a lot more calm - not that it takes much for people to remain more calm then me.  I come back down the trail closer to Holly and tell her that maybe we should throw a rock at it.  Clearly I was not thinking straight...then I tell her let's get a stick and poke it.  Again my mind was a mess.  Because of our hurried pace back to the car our hiking/lights had startled the snake and it had slithered off to the side of the trail allowing us to at least pass it on the opposite side.  Holly saw that there was enough room to get by and said we should just go - we have no other choice!  She takes off.  Well, I guess I better too???  We pass the snake and are on dead run for the parking lot.  Good thing the rest of the trail was downhill, as it helped in making a quick getaway.  We get to the car and both are shaking.  Did we really just encounter a copper head?  Did we really just see a snake?  Are we certain it just wasn't our minds playing tricks on us?  If you are still engaged in this rather dramatic story I will tell you that, we really did encounter a snake!  Now on it being a copper head...we are unsure, but the presence of that slithery serpent was quite apparent.  It took a few hours to shake that image off, but after some junk food (clearly we had worked up an appetite, and Dairy Queen was no longer lingering) and the final stupid Twilight movie we were surprisingly able to sleep good.

It was so great to just jet set to Kentucky and see my friends/family.  It was a much needed trip even if we didn't do anything too exciting.  Who says seeing a snake isn't exciting?  Kentucky is FO REAL!  Libby still loves Kentucky.  Always.  

Hello, from the past two months of my life!

Libby loves Chicago.

I am loving life here in the biggest city in the Midwest.

There is so much going on right now that I don't even know where to begin.  I hate that I am behind in my blogging.  It bothers me so much.  I miss this outlet, and I miss reading other peoples blogs.  I just haven't had the time that I thought I would...

Trying to get my priorities straight so that I can actually get back to my blogging ways.  For now, I will just post all the pictures from the last two months and hope that they can tell the story for now.

As I waited to find out where I was going to be based
I spent some time with family over in Moab.

My tour guide, Klinton J. York did a wonderful job of showing
me around his home town.

In complete shock that this would be my
form of transportation.  My first sighting of
it was nerve wracking...now I'm a pro.

Came to Chicago on a quick trip to find an apartment.
The Cubs were playing and we decided - let's
go out to the ball game!

As we were out looking for apartments my two friends
saw "my peeps."  I yelled down the Elders...
we chatted it up, and found out that my now church
was right around the corner.  It was meant to be!

Small in size, but big in stature.  Not your typical Mormon Church.

Had a BBQ with our dear friend Alvin.

Met up with some other friends from class and had dinner
at a Vietnamese restaurant.

Two friends from California came through St. George,
and it just so happened that our schedules matched up.
We went and ate at the fancy Painted Pony.

Had a lovely going away party thrown by my awesome cousin
Anisa.  Had all kinds of good food,
and Chicago style hot dogs.

A water fight almost got started and poor
Anisa got hit right in the face...it was supposed
to be that I got hit.  Poor thing.

My first trip as a Flight Attendant sent me to Eugene, OR.
Beautiful city.  I also got to see a friend, Rashelle who lives there.

Moved to Chicago - started sleeping with a guy...

We all had the day off - so it's time to start exploring
the big city.  Gotta eat some deep dish Chicago
style pizza...so sick of the stuff now.

Enrique and I had the day off and went to spend time in
city.  First thing to happen...bird pooped on him.
I, of course, peed my pants...

The Bean.  Ya gotta see the bean...I've seen the bean
far too many times already.  Still not sick of it!

Hanging out at the Magnificent Mile like I own the place!

The start of hopefully many run ins with friends from afar
at the Chicago O'Hare airport.  Glad I got
to see Erin on her layover home from Italy.

Free concert in the park.  Don't mind if I do.  Best part about
it was the weather, the music, and the new found
love - Goose Island Spicy Ginger Ale.

I got to work with Dena on an overnight trip to Salt Lake City.
We were so excited!!!

Took her on a tour of Temple Square!  She loved it!

Over nighted in Milwaukee, WI.  Beautiful city.
Had some good tasting cheese!

Just another night out on the town with these Hoohas!

Always have to eat sushi when the four of us our together...

That same night the Blackhawks (Chicago Hockey Team)
won the Stanley Cup.  The town turned into a major
riot - a good riot.  Things got CRA CRA!

Took a trip to a free zoo - Lincoln Park Zoo.  Was a long trip
and Enrique fell asleep on the train...

After exploring the zoo we had to eat.  We found
this awesome Peruvian restaurant a few bus stops
away.  My first time eating Peruvian food.

Just before we moved from our hotel there was this

restaurant I had been dying to try almost two miles

walking distance from where we were staying.

The burgers were awesome - dripping in fat!  Can't beat that!

Guess who I happened upon as I sat ready at the airport.
My dear friend Tara.  We spent the whole day just chilling at the
airport.  Wish all my days of just "sitting" could be with her!

Spent the weekend in West Lafayette with family.  I am
so sad they HAVE to move back to Utah.

No airport in West Lafayette, so I had to take a two hour
train ride up to Central Station in downtown Chicago.
 Would take a train any day!

My new found love - fried cheese curds!  Since I fly to WI
all the time - this is a staple found just about everywhere!

Spending the 4th of July in Winnipeg, Canada.  Good thing
I had an awesome crew to spend it with.  Also
met a Minneapolis crew too!

The first officer had me stand by the plane and take pictures.
Was a little bit odd, but I'm glad we took them. 

Got to spend a little time back in Utah for the remainder
of the 4th of July weekend.  Started off with a bang -
falling out of a chair...

Missed my summer days in Cedar eating Tiki Shack sno cones!

Got to see a few friends:  Erin, Lisa, and Auntie Camee.

A rare moment with all the Williams kids.

Got to meet the new addition to the family - precious little Braylee.
Even got to be at the blessing - SCORE!

Also got to see this bugger.

Following the 4th of July my dear Aunt Debbie passed away.
Timing worked in my favor for once, and I was
able to make it home for her funeral.  It was also
a huge blessing that I got to see her the previous weekend.

Just another beautiful day at the O'Hare airport.

Birthday lunch at the White Palace Grill - turning the big 33!
HOLY COW!  Getting old!

Got to play tour guide for Jo Jo's family.
And, we had to take them to The Bean!
I love Filipinos! 

Had another run in at the O'hare airport.  Got to see my dear
friend Tony from Victoria, Canada.  He had a quick layover,
and it just so happened I was picking up my sister.

The sister decided to come stay the weekend with me.
I took her on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier.  Rode the
water taxi from the pier to Sears tower, and just walked
all over downtown.

Cousin Libby Sr. showed up and the three of us spent the day
exploring the city.  Had to go to the free zoo.

I've been wanting to eat at restaurants found through the
show "Diners, Drive-inns and Dives."  This is one of them -
Glenn's Diner.  I will so be coming back to this one.

Glenn's Diner has a cereal bar - you can't beat that!

Had to stop by Goose Island Bar for some awesome drinks
during happy hour.  Cream soda, grape, and spicy ginger ale!

Of course we had to see The Bean.

I have been busy, as you can see.  Loving every moment thus far, and I look forward to more adventures here in the big city.  Also looking forward to more family and friends coming to visit.  And, I have major hopes I can get back to my blogging routine.  Wish me luck!