And Now I'm Back

.....from outer space.

(Please say that at least one person gets the reference).

Because of my 19 month hiatus from this blog I will treat you with a 19 point list of random loveliness. None in order.

1. I'm truly back from Tennessee and Kentucky (its own planetary system to be sure).

I flew into Salt Lake City on August 27th, and received quite the royal welcome from mi familia.

2. Reunited with the Mizzy!

3. Playing the most beautiful instrument with some talented youngsters.

4. I'm thinking Stevie is not too excited to have me back as her mother 

and I like to play around in Provo. 

5. One of my favorite places to be in on a college campus. Especially with those gorgeous mountains behind! (I really missed the mountains!)

6. Can you find the "Y"?

7. Seeing mission buddies! You talk about these moments as a missionary, but it seems surreal that you are able to hang out...in pants.

8. Stalking my childhood home. Those trees were definitely not that size. 

9. Visiting Jeb's grave in Malta. So glad he is closer to the rest of the gang!

10. Seeing MANY General Authorities! D. Todd Christofferson is somewhere in that mix. 

11. Being overwhelmed with all the new nephews and nieces. "They're everywhere, they're everywhere!"

12. Still being entertained by the elder ones. He asked me to handcuff him to the chair. Being the charitable aunt I am, I had to oblige. 

13. One of the members in my mission sent me this picture. Her daughter named her African American doll and stuffed pig "Sister Johnson" and "Sister Johnson" from when I was companions with a Sister Johnson. What a honor. 

14. Reunited with Pickle! Both proud of our Southern missions!

15. We received a knock on the door one evening and a guy from the ward bought a dozen roses and was giving a rose to each apartment. I happened to be the one to answer the door so they all claim it was for me.

16. What happens when you add Halloween and S'mores together? You get orange marshmallow cream = deliciousness. 

17. Mission Reunion!!! It happened to land on my one month of being home anniversary and was such a tender mercy to see so many of my good friends. Luckily I didn't have too many awkward "do we hug or shake" experiences. We all just went in for the hug.

18. 8:30 am church means special roommate bonding time.

19. And just another picture of the siblings. Thanks for singing in sacrament meeting!

Just So's Y'All Knows:

I got my Associate's Degree.

I also did not fall once on the Rexburg sidewalks.

They should give me another certificate for that.

I also actually received my Associate's a few semesters back and just recently requested it.

How's that for academic ambition.

26.2

WARNING: This post has an incredible amount of pictures and text ALL having to do with running.

I did it.

I ran the 26.2.

I think the easiest way to capture this is by random sections so here we go.

*My fan club! The signs they made for me were perfecto!*

Spectators at the race: Any support is welcomed and marathon fans are almost as crazy as the marathoners themselves (almost). There were cowbells, posters, cheerleaders, and cameras. Many of the locals set up sprinklers (heaven-sent) and their own aid stations with fruit and popsicles. My favorite was the "Temptation Station" where they offered beer and doughnuts. 

*Right before I left*

The Course: It was well set-up and an overall great course. It was mostly downhill with only two little hills (except the hill at mile 25 didn't seem too little). It included residential areas, highway, and city. I always love being in the midst of the tall city buildings so ending the marathon there was absolutely perfect (except for the hill at mile 25). 

*Finish line*

The Finish Line: I think I was just in a state of awe. Running a marathon is one of those things that most people put on their bucket list, but never really get to it. Not this girl. The whole experience seemed to just float by and when I crossed the finish line, all I could think of was, "I just ran a marathon."

*My medal has become the apartment's pride and joy*

My medal: The coolest thing ever! It might not be a big as my 10k medal, but it has a cool swivel thingy in the middle that reminds me of Hermione Granger's time turner.

Refuel: They were sadly lacking on food at the end. C'mon, I just ran all morning! They did have some chocolate milk though which tasted oh-so-good. After I got some shut-eye and a shower we went to Macaroni Grill which was a perfect celebratory meal.

*My sister and mom finishing the 5k. Remember that hill at mile 25 that I keep complaining about? Well, they totally dominated it and the 5k. Good job ladies!*

Weather/Fuel/Pit Stops: It was a super nice day which translates into Janeen-don't-dehydrate-or-else-it-will-end-horrible. I made to take precautions with plenty of sunblock and a hat. About mile 16 I was at the point of dumping water on myself at every aid station. I also made sure to drink water or Powerade at every aid station as well. This required one restroom stop at mile 14 where I had to wait a couple of minutes to get in. Curse men who can just go in the bushes off the side of the road. Other fuel included GU, otter pops, and  oranges. I learned early on in my training that my stomach doesn't do too well with many fuels. 

*Low-fiving it*

Pace: My official time was 5:02:55. Yes, I was 2 minutes and 56 seconds from being under 5 hours, but you know what, I don't regret my time. That is where I thought I would be based on my long runs throughout training. I had an absolutely horrendous negative split (running the 1st half in 2:15 and the 2nd half in 2:45). Oh well. The first bit was a lot cooler and a steeper decline....and my legs were more fresh.

One of my biggest goals for the marathon (other than finishing it) was to enjoy the experience. My half marathon experience was not that hot and I wanted this race to be different. And different it was. There were times when I was tired, but holy crow, that's 26.2 miles so of course there's fatigue. I even prepared myself to "hit the wall," but it never came. (Probably because my pace wasn't painfully fast).

The thought that has ran through my mind as I have reflected upon this is that the marathon experience is beautiful. The human body is incredible and there is great growth which is involved. My love for running has increased and you bet I'm going to keep running my little heart out. 

Does this mean another marathon in the future?

Who knows, but for now, the SLC Marathon has been one of the most incredible life experiences yet. 

Smile

I got this message on Facebook from one of my old high school teachers:

I just have to pass this along to you: The other day I complimented Jim* on his happy demeanor and his friendly "hello," because he always smiles and says "hello". He said, "Oh, I got that from Janeen. She was always cheerful and happy, so I thought if it worked for her it would work for me." You never know who you will influence! So keep up the smiles!

*Name changed...because so many people read this blog. 

This completely made my day. I haven't seen this kid in two years and yet he still remembers me and my smile. I can't stress enough the fact of who is watching you. Your own personal fans come from everywhere.

I wrote a journal entry for my education class today about wanting to influence people in a positive way. That was a main factor for me switching my major from English to English Education. In the past I refused the consideration of being a teacher. I wanted to be an editor or publisher. More money, more fame, and more city. Being an editor would be quite the life, but it's not the life I have in mind. No matter where life takes me I will be teaching whether it be through missionary service, church service, motherhood, English teacher, piano teacher, or all of the above.

I want to be an influence for good in the world!

Thank you "Jim" for letting me.

Killer Whales

On August 10, 2011 I fulfilled one of my Life Goals.

Number 13 to be exact.

We got our tickets with a Whale watching tour and set off with some 50 other individuals.

After viewing some seals, sea lions, and eagles we were off into the deep blue.

With a 90% chance of viewing the whales, I was praying that I would not be in that 10%. (That's a full tithe pay right there.)

A few minutes passed before or attention was directed to one side of the boat where a large dorsal fin had been spotted. Pretty soon the other side of the boat had some more of our black and white visitors.

Within a few minutes we were surrounded by the roughly 88 resident orcas putting on a show.

My friends, it was absolutely breathtaking.

To be able to witness my favorite animal in its natural habitat was seriously a dream come true.

These pictures did not capture the memory quite like it has been planted in my head so maybe one day you'll just have to see what I'm talking about in person.

My excuses:

a. The regulations the boats had to follow

b. My 3 year old camera that does not include any fancy lenses.

c.The photographer wanted to spend more time seeing them with her own eyes. (: