Utah - Sam & Steve's Wedding Aug. 14 - Aug. 19, 2007

Well, I made my travel rounds and landed back in Utah just in time to move out of my apartment and make it to Sam's wedding. Good thing I made it to her wedding, since as a bridesmaid, I was an instrumental part of the wedding party:-) It was great to have Mom & Steve and Dad & Debbie all there to meet Steve. They hadn't given Sam the ultimate seal of approval, but they have now. I'm so grateful for the way Sam came into our lives through my brother, and the way she loved TJ during great challenges was amazing. I know TJ certainly gives his seal of approval too.

It's been a whirlwind of a summer as I traveled much, completed my thesis, moved out of Utah, got lost in D.C. and Palo Alto, CA and attended weddings for some of my most favorite people. Every summer should be so eventful! I'm slightly dazed believing I'm supposed to be heading back to BYU, finishing a thesis or something. But I do recognize it's time to move on to the next big adventure that awaits. Whatever, whenever, wherever, whomever it may be:-)

Washington DC - Aug. 7 - Aug. 12, 2007

Who knew! There's a place where singles are appreciated so much that they have their own lane on the freeway! The yellow signs say "Single Lane Ahead". D.C. is surely the place to be:-)

I went out for a Communications Conference to present a paper, and mom joined me to celebrate her Bday on Aug. 10th. Though D.C. is a popular tourist attraction, I don't know how many people can say they enjoy the city in August during humid, 100 degree weather. Can't say I enjoyed it, but it wasn't unbearable. Besides, my hair is always thick and luscious in humidity:-)

Lessons learned from this trip: I recommend the popular tourist spots, but don't try to see it all in one trip. You miss out on a lot if you're rushing from one place to the next. Even the the White House (couldn't find parking) and D.C. Temple (missed the street, and heading out to Gettysburg) were drive-bys. In case there is any question, the Pentagon does not give tours, let alone let you enter the parking lot. My mom used to go all the time when she was young, but different time period and her dad worked at the Pentagon.

I also recommend the Newseum that will be opening soon. We had a sneak peek as AEJMC delegates to see this gigantic media museum. Way cool! Inspired me to rent Goodnight and Goodluck about Edward R. Murrow (still haven't seen it). The Newseum will definitely be on my list next time I'm in D.C.

Moral of the Story: When in D.C., in mid-August, view the sites at night, especially the National Mall (all the memorials). It's open until 11:45 pm. Gorgeous city lights as we walked around Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, etc until 11:30pm. In hindsight, probably not the safest idea, so don't walk around without tons of people. Or just jump in with a random tour group wandering along the path.

Connecticut - July 25 - Aug. 1, 2007

Nothing like a summer vacation on the East Coast. Of course, a good vacation requires some outdoor chores and a house to paint. My dad and I were busily engaged in yardwork, painting the house, and fighting off hornets (at least the mosquitos stayed at bay). Great way to get a classic tan. The sun isn't as strong out there, so I always get a nice deep tan. It's kinda strange, but I turn a different color. Like Purple! Just kidding.

I enjoyed the fresh berries and apples from the yard and veggies from the farmer's market. Ah, that is the way to live. Seafood, veggie gardens and all the fruit you'll ever need to survive. Though we stayed in Westport, CT most of the time; we also went out to Pawcatuck, CT (borders RI) to visit my Aunt Helen's house built in the 1600's, and housed by a sea captain. What a tale it must tell.

We ventured out to Mystic, CT for the annual 24hr reading marathon of Herman Mellville's classic, Moby Dick. I've never read it, but as Herman Mellville recited the first chapter by memory (ok, maybe just a guy pretending to be Herman), I was inspired to get my own copy. Such passion for the sea is expressed in the first chapter, and since I was a fish in another life:-) I knew this is a must read.

Vacation is not complete without boating and fishing (at least pretending) in the Atlantic! I actually caught a Bass, while dad and Aunt Helen caught dog fish (they bark at you, funny looking creatures). No fish were harmed during our boating experience; we threw them back. My dad and I also swam from CT to RI! Sounds catastrophic, huh? Okay, I think it was really hundreds of yards to swim between the two states.

This is a highly recommended vacation destination, but I'm partially bias to the permeating childhood memories that pop up as I visit family on the east coast.

Additional note on Cali trip - July 21, 2007

An additional note to my Cali trip may seem cheesy, but is a bittersweet memory. It was wonderful to see my brother's best friend get married in the temple. Though it was not planned, Brian married Keri on July 20th, two years to the last day he saw TJ on this earth. My brother passed away at 5am on July 21, 2007. As he went into a coma on July 20th, friends and family gathered to sing hymns, share scriptures and say goodbye for now. From one best friend to a new best friend, I think TJ had a helping hand in bringing Brian & Keri together.

Northern California - July 20, 2007

After flying home to Phx (this time it was planned), I flew off to San Jose a day later for Brian & Keri's wedding. Always love trips to CA! My mom and I toured Stanford and got lost in Palo Alto. Then we headed to Sacramento (new travel territory) for the wedding. After both Steve's cut out of the trip (Mom and Samantha's), it was just the girls. Great chance to get some quality girly time in.

Beautiful temple in Sacramento, as it was virtually empty. Awesome time with the Price's and Keri's family. One of the cutest couples ever! Brian did well. Keri and him are great together.

CONSUMER REPORT: Hyundai Sonata - Man, this car can get up and go! 0 to 60 in .02 seconds or something. Unfortunately, as I learned the hard way, it doesn't gracefully come to a halt. I was balancing two jamba juice smoothies when my mom braked to catch a turn we ended up missing. During this stunt, one smoothie flew through the air with the greatest of ease to land on my clothes and the floor in front of me. I was a gummy bear for the rest of the day, as I stuck to everything or everything stuck to me. MORAL OF THE STORY: when renting a Sonata - use cupholders.