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.  

I'll Let the Pictures Explain!

New Years Eve.  My cousin totally throws the best parties ever.
She has one in the works for my new Flight Attendant job!  Bless her!

Houston Temple.  Such a beauty.  LOVED IT!

Staying in Houston for yet again another interview.

At my Mom's Sister's funeral.  It is always nice to see
family you haven't seen forever.

Libby squared.  We are both going crazy
making the new and hottest thang.

Chicken curry - new favorite!
(The lamb dish...not a fan...and I grew up on lamb?)

First time eating real (for Utah) Indian food.
First time for me at least, and a few others!

You know I have met the one when
I hold this type of sign at the airport...

My new hottie Matt!  Yup we are on our way to
being travel buddies for life!
(Thanks Libby Sr. for finally introducing us!)

The one moment of clarity up in SLC in that eversion ridden city!
(Jordan River Temple)

Going crazy at Sam Wellers.
Spent the evening with my sister seeing
her new life in the big
city of SLC (Suga House)!

My little banana!  

Flying home from Phoenix.  Talk about the quickest flight ever.
50 minutes from Phoenix to Vegas.
Didn't get the job, but had a great experience!

Yup I got stuck in snow on the top of Brian Head,
and was 20 minutes late for an interview.
No help from anyone, and I used a garden tool to get me unstuck!
Shockingly enough I still got the job????
Didn't take it though cause I finally got my dream job!

I shouldn't have favorites....but she has won my heart. 

I love these kids!  I hope Denver will get to be
my new home so I can see them more often!

Eating at Denny's in West L.A. since the cheap hotel didn't have any free breakfast.
Yes I walked there by myself having crossed
four lanes of traffic at no cross walk.
Yes my Dad had a come apart...

Having to ask for a tooth brush and tooth paste when I got stuck in L.A.
due to weather delays from traveling home from Denver.
NO I DID NOT PACK ANYTHING IN MY CARRY ON.
APPARENTLY I WILL NEVER LEARN...according to my Mother!

My little baby rat that got sent to good
will in the big move.  I'll miss this ugly guy!

Possibly had my first and hopefully last "panic attack"
due to job searching, and moving in with my parents
(which is only for two weeks, but still I'm living with my parents)!

My cousins sent this to me for Valentines Day.
This is the BEST Valentines day card EVER!
Seriously, I can not stop gushing over this!
(This is my desktop picture - can you tell
I am so in LOVE!)

Daddio turned the big 60!
He had me make a pecan pie, and coconut cream cake.
YUCK!  But, anything for his birthday!

My dear friend MinDee who is my new favorite hiking buddy.
(Thanks for letting me yell at your kids the
whole time....kids, heights, and I do NOT mix!)

Starting the hike to Angels Landing...only went to the chains
because we had kids, and I will
never ever hike the chains again.  EVER!  

One of my favorite set of kids, Mommy, friend, and Hairstylist.
Cutest picture ever!
Thanks for letting me touch your tummy too.
(I'll give back and let people touch
my tummy if I ever get knocked up.)

28 homes in the Parade of Homes and we
did all 27 IN ONE WHOLE DAY.
And, we even had a lunch break at Camille's.
 Chicken salad sandwich was SO GOOD!

To The Landing of Angels

It only took me A LOT OF YEARS to finally hike the most sought after "bucket list" hike here in Southern Utah, known as Angels Landing.  Nestled in the beautiful and very popular National Park known as Zion.

Several days ago (on May 12th) one of my sweet co-workers, Vonae, asked me to hang out with her on the weekend since her hubby would be out of town.  She came barreling into work Wednesday morning telling me she wanted to do something fun - a hike per-say.  I said, "why not?"  As we began discussing our weekend plans I told her my park pass would soon be expiring this month, so why don't we go to Zion.  Perfect!  I then tell her it's been years since I have really done a hike in the canyon, besides your typical cement trail jaunts that just about anyone can do, and has done.  I begin to mention that I had never done Angels Landing, and that once upon a time I actually wanted to make the "ascent," but have since grown weary of heights.  So, I swept that goal of hiking Angels Landing under the rug to never be swept out again.  However, she was sold on my "once dream" to conquer the landing, and made a quick declaration that this Saturday (May 12, 2012) we would hike all the way to the top.  She assured me she wouldn't let me fall and we wouldn't stop till we made it to the top.  Vonae was very bound and determined to get me to the top of this Landing.  After a day of pondering and much thought I told her that, "I was only kind of young once, so I'll do this."  Then I let the prayers pour out.  "Please don't let me fall....please let people be nice, and please let me hold the chain the entire time.....etc., etc., etc.,"  I also told several people my goodbyes in case I was one of the yearly fatalities up on Angels Landing.  Believe it or not I left my parental's uninformed of this hike, they have me on life insurance, and one word that I was hiking this hike my Daddio would've been a nervous wreck!  (Just a random side note....the small little sidewalk hike known as Emerald Pools has more fatalities then Angels Landing....)

This is not for the faint of heart...

Well worth the hike just to see this majestic view.

Saddie, Myself, and Vonae

What goes up.....must come down.....

Saturday morning came fairly early.  We packed some lunches, picked up Vonae's friend Saddie, ran into a heard of sheep, and before 10:00am we finally found ourselves amongst the crowds of people in Zion National Park.  Apparently everyone, including TWO YEAR OLDS, (which frankly, is FREAKING child abuse that parents would take two year olds on this hike!  My fear of heights was sustained until I saw a two year old running around on the very top unsupervised!!!!) were out hiking this very popular trail.  After riding the shuttle to the wrong hike and realizing .5 miles into the Emerald Pools hike we turned around to catch a shuttle and get off at the correct hike.  So, our warm-up consisted of a fast run with a backpack full of water and food.  We made it to the shuttle just in time to make it to the trail head and began our little journey up to where angels land....or fall - at least that's how I was looking at.....

The hike was up hill consisting of switch backs and beautiful scenery.  Which I stopped at frequently to enjoy the beauty - and catch my breath!!!  And, I just love to talk to people on the trail and find out where they are from.  This nice little trick (of looking at views and talking to tourists) allows me to catch my breath, and keep me from reaching the blasted chains I would soon have to hold on to for dear life!  We finally made it to the "landing."  (Which I wouldn't mind hiking to again and again.)  But, there, in the distance, I could see the chains and sheer cliffs just steps away.  (Okay, some of you have done this hike and might think I am being a bit dramatic - but when you are becoming more afraid of heights the older you are getting - well it was sheer cliffs on BOTH SIDES!)  My two cheerleaders Vonae and Saddie said they would go between me and not let me fall.  This didn't quite comfort me, but somehow I got up the chains.  I never once looked away from my feet and just kept my eyes on the ground, or chain.  Thus allowing me to make it to the top.  I met some very nice people along the way, one old couple who had met us along the trail cheered when I arrived on the very top saying, "YEAH Libby!  You made it!!!!"  I never did catch their names, but they were so kind and sweet - some of the "angels" you meet when hiking this particular trail.  Once on top we enjoyed the view and ate our lunches with the 100 other people who were chilling on top too.

However, what goes up....MUST COME DOWN!  I was not looking forward to the holding-on-of-chains-passing-people-all-the-way-down to the landing, but that was looking like my best (and only) bet...unless by chance there happened to be a helicopter that would fly up and get me...not a chance!  Going down Vonea and Saddie talked the whole time keeping my mind off of the sheer cliffs hanging on both sides of me.  Of course, meeting the handsome Holland hunk half way down the chains is always a huge plus.  He was rugged, blue eyed, accent lathered, and single.  That was about the best ten minutes of standing on an edge of a cliff I have ever had.  Coming down ended up going very quickly, and before I knew it I was back to the landing, and happy to survive my one and only trip to the Landing of Angels.

I guess I can kick this popular Southern Utah hike off my list of goals.  If you aren't afraid of heights I would totally recommend this hike to you!  If you are afraid of heights go with people ("Angels") who will "lift" you to the top with lot's of cheering.  I did meet several nice "Angels" on this hike, and forever will remember them in helping me to reach the top.

108 Days of MY Summer Vacation

Woweeeeee!  Where, oh where, did this summer vacation of mine go.....

My summer vacation started out with a bang.  The Sis and I did a VERY LONG ROAD TRIP - remember that???

14-15 days...give or take a few, (I can't remember) of traveling in a circle amongst the states of Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.

4 days of Cake Decorating Classes - to which I might add, I'm not a fan of decorating cakes.  I was stressed the whole time because of my chemistry class that was going on the at SAME TIME.  And, I think the icing we had to make was absolutely disgusting.  Therefore, my cakes that I ended up producing got thrown in the trash.  My final cake for the class didn't even make it to class because of stress and poor planning - that cake was a complete mess, and so was I!!!  I will say that the one thing I gained from this experience was some nifty baking tricks, and an admiration for anyone who decorates cakes.  Let me just fork out the big bucks to those cake decorators in the world, because you won't ever see me decorating another cake!

Me and my two girls - Staci and Reagan at our favorite flower bed - Presidents house.

 Some of the other fun flower and ground girls.  (Back:  Julianne, Kim, Kali, Reagan, Staci.  Bottom:  Vonae, and Me.)

63ish days of working the grounds of SUU.  I got "stuck" with two younger girls in a threesome this summer, and let's just say I wasn't looking forward to it.  BUT, I ended up having a blast with my two young co-workers, and we had a fun time working together each day.  Reagan (20) and Staci (18) taught me a lot.  I go back to what my Boss said when he paired us up, "You can learn a lot from these two girls."  I said, "How can I learn something from a 20 year old and fresh new High School graduate???"  I looked passed the age difference (finally) and had a great time working the grounds with two young'ns.

Kyle, Me, (Kyle + Me (Libby) = "Kibby") Erin, and Auntie Cami!!!  Best 31st Birthday EVER!

3 days of birthday celebration!  The night before my birthday my Sis and one of my Bro's baked me some cookies, lite a candle on fire, sang "happy birthday," and let me open my presents.  The day of my birthday I was surprised with flowers, singing, and Dairy Queen ice cream cake!  What a wonderful surprise from dear friends!!!!  A few days later I was then treated to dinner by another friend to a very yummy BBQ restaurant in Cedar City.  Tasted so good, but left smelling like a fire pit - worth it, I think so!

5 days of Tiki Shack snow cone eating!  I know, totally disappointed in my lack of support to one of the best Snow Cone shacks this side of Hawaii!  Next year I will not disappoint!  (If you haven't stopped on main street in Cedar City at the decorated camping trailer known as the Tiki Shack then you, my readers, are missing out!  When you go, (next summer since they closed for winter) please get a snow cone with your choice of flavor, vanilla ice cream on the bottom, sweet and condensed milk on top, and then lastly topped off with whip cream - HEAVENLY!)

73 days, and still going....UGH!  I planted a garden.  I have decided that gardens as big as mine are for people who have kids that can help, or for people who have a spouse, and you are both retired.  I bit off more then I could chew, and this garden has been a lot of work.  However, I have reaped the benefits, okay a lot of benefits. I have more squash then I know what to do with - anyone want some?  Contact me!!!!  Sheesh! They say that when planting a zucchini plant or squash plant you plant two.  Two, just in case one plant doesn't make it you'll at least have one.  Oh no, I planted three different types of squash and six plants each of the different squash.  That makes a total of 18 FREAKING plants.  And, on top of that, I accidentally dropped some pumpkin seeds that surprisingly popped up, so now I have a huge pumpkin plant taking over a section of my garden.  Anyone need pumpkins this fall????  Well, at least I can say that I learned a lot from this garden experience.  I know what to do next time, and what not to do.  Next year, I do not see a garden in my future, at least not a very big one.

5 days of culture, as I spent time going to plays at Tuachan and Shakespeare.  I got to see "The Glass Menagerie," which was very interesting, depressing, and hit a little to close to home.  "Romeo and Juliet" where I leaned back and slept through most of the play...it was free so I wasn't out any money, and I was taking my Sister - who loved it!  "Noises Off!" which was was hilarious, clever, and I very much recommend.  "Grease" which was SO AWESOME - such a classic in my book!  And lastly, I got to see "The Little Mermaid," which was actually kind of silly - cool affects, but super silly.  (I also get to go see "Dial M For Murder" in October, which is a fall play during the Shakespeare festival.)

This is me FINALLY passing chemistry - thumbs up yo!  (Don't worry I just signed my tutor up for another semester with my Food Science class - Lord help me!!!)

38 days of studying my pea brain out over chemistry!  And not to mention I spent $700.00 on a tutor who FINALLY got me to pass organic bio chemistry.  How does it go....
A big bag of sunflower seeds $3.59
Over due fees at the library for using a study room $2.30
70 hours for a personal tutor $700.00
Passing chemistry after the fourth time (or 9th time - all together)...PRICELESS.  Heck yes, FREAKING PRICELESS!!!

 The whole hiking gang at Kanarraville Falls.

A couple of days (here and there) hanging out with family, having barbeque's, going hiking, camping, and river rafting - yeah buddy.  Our latest hike took us to the canyon right up the road from my bro's house.  Kanarra Narrows, as we always called it growing up.  We finally set a date and went and hiked the narrows.  Had a most beautiful Saturday afternoon, and couldn't have picked a better date.  The narrows were packed with people and we had some interesting experiences, but we didn't see any snakes and we all survived each other.

Lastly, out of my whole summer vacation I only watched about 20 days of Netflix.  Shocking, I know!  I should've just put my account on hold as I was so busy with chemistry, chemistry, and well whatever else I did this summer.  I didn't put it on hold, so my very few dvd's I recived over the summer sat in their envelope for days, sometimes weeks without me watching the dvd.  I also watch instant, so the rest of my watching days were set to my latest crave, (or the flashback to mid 90's watching "My So Called Life" with the beautiful Jared Leto) "Take Home Chef" - which I used to watch when it aired years ago on TLC.  This show only lasted two seasons, but has over 100 episodes.  AND, the only time I would get to watch that show was when I had dishes THAT HAD TO BE DONE.  I clean dishes and watch a beautiful (straight) Austrialian man cook dinner.  Oh the life I live!  I also want to put in my two cents about this whole Netflix - raising the price thing.  IT STINKS!  But, as my Mommy tried to calm me down...she said, "Libby, it was bound to happen - get over it!"  I'm sticking with Netflix, but they can forget me converting any more people over to their company.  SHOOT - I used to have such a strong testimony of them and their company, but then that thing called money and greed got in the way and this is how they treat their consumers.  Nu Uh - I don't think so.  I tired to wait it out by making a threat (either "you don't make us pay or I'm canceling my account") via Facebook, along with umpteen thousand others....but those Netflix folk are sticking to their guns and I am just going to have to buck up and pay the extra money a month.  So, I'm sticking with them! I am even paying the $16.00 (actually $17.07 - just got my first bill) a month so I can have one unlimited and instant viewing.

My new home - what a mess.  Wish I could find time to unpack instead of just doing a little here and little there!!!!!!

And lastly, I spent all my other time trying to pack up my CRAP and move.  Yes, I cut the cord from my younger brother and moved out to the big city of Cedar City.  I wish I would've done it sooner.  I will miss my Bro - he has been a fantastic landlord/storage unit, but the time has come.  Now I really can make fun of people who are my age and still live at home!  I moved to Cedar City, and it has taken me forever to get my CRAP to my little basement apartment that is just blocks away from campus, and in the heart of downtown.  I live below an old family friend who is my age and has a little boy.  I love my new crib, and I am almost done decorating it - you want a tour...I will be making a video of my new digs just cause it's been a while since I have made a lame video.  Stay tuned - it's going to be a good one!

I know my summer wasn't as exciting as most of my family and friends, but I sure did stay busy.  I guess that's all that matters at this point in my life.  Won't this next year of mine be interesting to watch....can't wait to see where I end up!