For unto us...

... a son is given.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow....

***This post is dedicated to Annie, Stephanie, Hannah, and Elizabeth who don't think I write enough...which I am not going to lie - it has been a while.***

Yesterday, the eastern seaboard was hammered with snow - including Philadelphia and its greater suburban regions. In anticipation of the storm, on Friday and into early Saturday morning the many events we had planned for the day were canceled one by one (the work party, a run, choir practice, last minute errands). The snow started falling between 3 and 5 AM and still hadn't stopped when it got dark. Lowell and I enjoyed the day watching movies as we were quickly snowed in - literally. In the afternoon I attempted to go outside our apartment from the front entrance and snow was higher than the doorstep.

This morning we got up to survey the damage...on our balcony 14 1/2 inches. A random spot in the grass at our complex - 12 inches. Near our car 18 inches. I think the official weather report was 15 1/2 inches for our city - however with the wind blowing and near blizzard conditions who can be sure.

And just in case you thought I was lying - here are some pictures from this morning.

Oh how I miss our covered parking.
This is Lowell's car.This is mine. Luckily, Lowell dug me out. :) What a nice husband.Our balcony this morning, shot from below so you can see the accumulation at our door. Luckily, this is back door. We haven't stepped foot out there yet.. According to the forecast we are done with snow for a little while. Let just hope we can avoid freezing rain on Thursday when we have to fly out, last year was almost disastrous...so far we are in the clear.

New Philadelphia Temple Location

I'm not one for rumors, so had to verify this.

What I most love is how this is the last open spot on Benjamin Franklin Parkway - easily the most recognizable, safe, popular, and visually appealing location in the entire city of Philadelphia. The picture above shows the difference between each location.

What a difference ½ a mile makes. ESPECIALLY in Philadelphia. How I hope we'll be here when this is temple is dedicated.

This just in....

"A baby is God's opinion that life should go on."
- Carl Sandburg

Lowell or Elise, Jr.
Coming May 19, 2010.

Broadway, U2, and late night NYC

Seven months ago, I purchased tickets for Elise and I to go see U2 in New York City in September. On the floor, General Admission, in front of the stage.

One month before the concert, we re-allocated some funds in our budget to make a very condensed, exhausting, albeit enjoyable adventure.

I don't believe we walked more than 1/4 mile between the bus in front of our apartment complex, the transit bus from Philadelphia to NYC, and the subway from Madison Square Garden to the Manhattan LDS Temple. Amazing how effective public transportation can be.

After the Manhattan Temple, we went to our 2nd Broadway show since coming back East. The first was Mary Poppins for Elise's birthday, and for my birthday we decided to see West Side Story.

I love West Side Story. For so many reasons. Unfortunately, this show didn't meet the high expections I had. When you're seeing the FIRST Broadway revival for an iconic show in musical history - especially when said show director was heavily involved with Bernstein and Sondheim for the ORIGINAL production - wouldn't you expect more than a bunch of GAP models posing as gang members? Bah!

That said, the two Latin women playing Maria and Anita were absolutely incredible. THAT was the kind of electricity I was looking for. On top of that, "I Feel Pretty" is a much more beautiful and meaningful song when sung in Spanish. Just sayin'.

We then took the train to Giants Stadium (the next three pictures are professionally taken from other concerts, please click on them!).


Incredible stage.


Great music.


I'll summarize the U2 concert with 80,000 people singing along with the following photo. That's your good friend Bono in the background. Yes, we were that close.

Train ride back to Penn Station, and we arrived back in Manhattan at 1am.

We had a room waiting for us at the YMCA, however our bus was leaving in five hours. I'm a sucker for romantic song lyrics, and two of my favorite love songs are Paul Simon's "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and Animal Collective's "Summertime Clothes". Paul Simon refers to a couple falling asleep at the end of a date, holding each other at night in a doorway with the lights of Broadway immersing. Animal Collective (weird band, but oh! such a beautiful song) sings of a couple who can't sleep, so they spend the entire evening walking around downtown Manhattan with nobody around, enjoying each others company and the quiet of the late evening, finally going to bed at sunrise. Those songs have always made me want to walk around New York City, late at night, with the woman I love.

We didn't last as long as either of them, though. We made it until about 3am, then left Times Square absolutely exhausted. Slept for a little over two hours, then made the journey back to West Chester, showing up for the last half of the work day.

Random, quick trip. Jam-packed of goodness. Bless my dear, darling wife for going along with these activities. She's amazing.

Baltimore Marathon

"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."
Steve Prefontaine

Since my last year at Brigham Young University, I have wanted to run a marathon. My only experiences with organized racing were two 10K runs (6.2 miles), both of which I loved.

I would love to tell you there was some great underlying motivation to run a marathon. However, there wasn’t. I just wanted to run a 26.2-mile marathon – simple as that. I'm not a runner by nature, and I will never claim to be so. It's just an experience I wanted to have. Now, I'm hooked.

The following picture was taken by a friend, Janae Lakey, who attended the Boston Marathon recently, and was the final push I needed in starting my training.


Click on that, if you need to see it a little bigger. A man with no legs, running the Boston Marathon. This was at mile 23. How can anybody view this image and then say they can't run a marathon? To me, this image, obliterates any personal limitations or excuses. Of course, I don't know his familial situation, if he has children, etc. Yet any personal, selfish excuses for procrastinating simply cannot hold a candle to this picture. This man in this picture will perhaps never know how much I am in his debt.


The entire race was wonderful. Beautiful weather, kind runners, effectively organized, and everyone along the route was so extremely kind.


I will openly confess, though, that Baltimore is a very polar city. The majority of the race was along BEAUTIFUL avenues, through well-maintained parks, and along their stunning harbor. A few sections, though, I was amazed they had us running through. Think 1940's Polish Ghettos, slightly americanized.


A few Lowell-isms for you.

• Run a marathon yourself. Seriously. Marathon running has suffered a bad image by those who complain about their experience. Well, they didn't train properly. You will be tired, and yes, it requires time. But it's not hard. It's just tiring, and takes time. Big difference there. And if you think you don't have the "time" to, put a hold on your NetFlix, cancel the internet, put your Wii in the closet, and you'll be be surprised how much you do NOT miss any of that. I believe one of my first thoughts after crossing the finish line was some combination of "That's it? Not as hard as they say." and "I can't WAIT to do this again!"
• If you can find the time to run for 40 minutes a day on M-W-F, and an hour on Saturday, you can easily prepare to run a marathon. Make sure you buy a manual, though. I'd recommend mine, however many are just as good.
  
• When you run a marathon, use a fuel belt. I feel confident in saying I didn't "bonk." I don't believe I hit the wall, and I attribute that to both my training routine and my wonderful fuel belt (you'll see that in a few pictures above). People who hit the wall and have their body give up on them are the ones who don't have a fuel belt. I am convinced that Marathon Organizers are only required to provide the minimal amount of liquid to keep you from dying; after that, you're on your own. Combine your fuel belt with the sports drink they provide every few miles, and you'll be a lot more hydrated, refreshed, and happy. (Long-time runners will laugh at this. Forget them.)
  
• To the makers of "Body Glide": Thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for helping me avoid any and all rashes, blisters, or other uncomfortable feelings in my feet and elsewhere during all of my training and during the marathon.
  
• If you don't run a marathon, use some other excuse than "bad knees." Bad knees = untrained, non-strengthened knees. BIG difference. There are simple exercises you can do twice a week which, over time, will strengthen your knees to the point of experiencing no trouble whatsoever. I'm living proof of that.
  
• To the random woman who slowly was passing me in the last mile, and encouraged me to push myself harder by saying, "Oh come on, I've been right behind you the entire marathon. You can't let me get ahead of you now!" Thank you, mystery woman. Thank you for cheering for me by yelling "There you go!" as I found a new reserve of energy to sprint the last 2/10 of a mile. You entirely changed my experience by your few kinds words and your anonymous friendship.

I'm very, very happy with my Marathon Time. Not posting it, though. It's different for everybody, and the fact that we've run should be good enough. No use comparing times. Let's start doing that the second time around.

Next year, I will be running the 2010 Baltimore Marathon again (ahem... Jon Dewey, feel free to join me). I hope to run the 2010 Chicago Marathon the weekend after that. It's amazing what running one does to your body and mind.

Sneak Preview

Coming this week.

New blogs.

Yes, that is in the plural.

Mine has been the responsibility to write a few over the past month.

The time is now.

The place is here.

We are the people.

[fade out]

Happy Birthday Lowell!

Happy 27th Birthday Lowell!

I hope this next year brings as many joyous and fun memories as the previous. This year will definitely be tough to beat, but I am certain you are up to the challenge.

Thank you for being such a light and an example in my life.

I love you! Happy Birthday!

Elise

The First Day of School and Other Happenings...

You may remember this post from last year - and my confusion/relief/feelings of not knowing what to do with my school-less life. Well, never fear. I got a job in a high school. As such, last Monday was the first day of school and with it was the annual first day picture so kindly taken by Lowell before I left for work. And for once, no new clothes the first day (I am saving my most recent purchases for colder weather.)

As for the last days of summer, most of our time has revolved around Lowell's running. He is training for the Baltimore marathon next month. Typically he runs four days a week and is in the gym two others. On day a couple weeks ago he returned from a run while I was watching the adorable Logan. Logan decided to get in on the fun and "stretch" like Lowell on the deck. I had to get a few pictures.
Last Saturday was Lowell's longest run yet. 24.5 miles. He set out for it to be 20ish, however the call of Independence Hall drove him onward. So, he ran from our house to Independence Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and up the Rocky stairs. I pulled up just in time to watch him finish. I am so proud of him and his hard work!

The Final Steps:
The Way Back Down:

Movin to the country gonna eat a lot of peaches

A few weeks ago, Lowell and I journeyed to Linvilla Orchards for their annual Peach Festival. We enjoyed a hayride, apple cider slushies, fresh blueberries, and of course - PEACHES.

Sadly, while the peaches looked great on the tree and were fully ripe, they were not the best quality. I think this summer has been too cold and wet for all crops. Hmmm, maybe better luck next year.

Amish Paradise

When our plans for the beach fell through yesterday (blasted rain and hurricanes) we needed to find something else to occupy our minds. A trip to Lancasters outlets was what we settled on.

As a back story to the upcoming pictures - last fall my mom and sister, Stephanie, came to visit. We journeyed to Amish territory in Lancaster for shopping at the outlets. However, Stephanie seemed more fascinated by the Amish themselves than the actual shopping (except for the Coach Outlet). Her mission was to get a picture of "my Amish" as she affectionately called them. And - when opportunity presented itself perfectly, I told her not to do it right at the last second. The rest of her trip, Steph was devastated that she didn't have any good shots and it was all my fault.

Saddly, I had not returned to Amish country again until yesterday. Lowell and I settled on our mission -- - cute back-to-school clothes for me(I do work at a school you know) - and pictures of the Amish for Stephanie. Here is how we did.

Our first few Amish sightings were unsuccessful. We did find this older couple driving down the road. However, I thought it was a little early for Amish sightings and my camera wasn't ready right away.
Next, we were happy to find an Amish gentleman pulling into a gas station with his buggy...please explain that one to me. :) In the back of his buggy appeared to be a large wooden chest. My guess was he was going to sell it.

Third was a man in an open wagon - however he was too quick for my camera. Right as we approached the Wal-mart with buggy stalls was our final attempt on the return home - we found a buggy jaunting along with a young girl looking out the back. Sorry about the poor picture quality, it looks better bigger.

Hopefully, this is enough that Stephanie forgives me for last fall. I really did try.

Now on to the clothes. My mom asked for pictures and pictures you shall see.

The Banana Republic Factory Store is my friend...and fits my budget...especially when they are having clearance sales on pretty much the whole store. I came away with a shirt, sweater, and pair of pants (that dare I say might be too long!), however I could have come out with much more.

Round one of shopping concluded with Texas Roadhouse, ribs were on Lowell's mind (also a promise to go to the Roadhouse I think is what completely sold Lowell on the idea of a trip out there, not that he wasn't happy before but this cemented the decision in his mind).

After a lunner (lunch/dinner combined) we headed to the Pottery Barn Outlet and bought pillow covers. I am still not sure - what do you think?

Finally we stopped at Dutch Haven to pick up a ShooFly Pie (something I had never heard of until Pennsylvania and never tried until yesterday). We stopped and shared with our friends the Ahlmers - thanks guys for letting us invade.

I do say the day was a great success.

Jiminy Crispies!

If this doesn't make you smile, you have no soul.



For all of you who wish to join me in organizing something on this scale in 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, please let me know.

A Good Day

Today has been a good day.

Why might you ask?

Well -

• Today was a "late start" half day. I got to sleep an extra 30 minutes and got off work at noon. Yay for the summer schedule! Boo that I only have two more Fridays of "freedom."
• I actually had work to do at work - and it was valuable, not just mind-numbing. Anyone who has spoken to me knows actual work has been hit or miss this summer. That is what I get for being a secretary at a high school that works year-round.
• I was able to meet my husband for lunch. We had a picnic outside his work complete with our WaWa Hoagie Fest Encore Hoagies. Lowell's was a yummy meatball, however I forgot to put condiments on my turkey (yes, sad day without lettuce).

• After exiting WaWa with the said hoagies, I found a gift card tucked into my driver's side window. After a little exploration I found it had $0.45 on it! Someone was very generous. ;) (However, yes I was excited because no one EVER does that to me). Lowell thinks the gift card will buy three Now-and-Laters.
• I came home and cleaned my house.
  
• There is a loaf of Banana Bread baking in the oven.
• Lowell will arrive from the first leg of his 15 mile run in approximately two and a half hours. I will then wait an hour and pick him up at the Church building for a nice Friday evening in August.
  
• As soon as I log off the computer I will read my scriptures and work on my Relief Society lesson for Sunday - all while enjoying the orange glow of my anniversary flowers.

See I told you it was a good day!

Toodles,
Elise

3 Crazy Years

It is hard to believe, but today is our third anniversary! The past three years have been full of excitement, new adventures, and many moments of spontaneity and fun - all of which are amazing experiences we have enjoyed together. I am truly grateful to be married to my best friend. He makes me laugh daily and loves me unconditionally. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Happy Anniversary Lowell!

Shipping off to Boston

Since arriving in Philadelphia last year, Elise and I have slowly worked through our "To Do" list of tourist activities.

When we received a pre-wedding party invitation in Boston for a friend with whom I served in Chile, an extended weekend seemed in order.

(the wedding couple)

We haven't been to Boston yet, so took off work and enjoyed a long weekend.

Massachusett's State House and the Boston Commons are beautiful. I would be very happy living on Beacon Hill.


We took an audio tour of the historic sites in Boston. Paul Revere's Home, King's Chapel, site of the Boston Massacre, etc.

Beautiful narrow streets, and the area around the State House is primarily covered in brick. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

Saturday morning I went on an "exploratory" 13-mile run of downtown Boston.


We also visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum. I don't consider myself the biggest attendee of museums as a whole, however the JFK museum was rather disappointing. Having visited the museums for Richard M. Nixon, Abraham Lincoln, and Harry S. Truman, JFK's didn't really measure up. Seemed like a "lite", watered down exhibition in my mind. (and for the record, the standard against which I will judge all presidential museums is that of Harry S. Truman in Independence, Missouri. I knew nothing about the man before entering, and was thoroughly satisfied upon leaving)

That said, the museum is located on a point surrounded by the harbor, with a lovely view.

After the JFK museum we headed off to the wedding party, about 30 minutes outside of Boston. I love the wording of their sign - so against the grain. (click on the sign for a better detail)


They are a great couple.

En route to Boston, we stopped by some more historical sites: Walden Pond, Lexington, Concord, the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson, and perhaps Elise's favorite stop: the home of Louisa May Alcott - author of Little Women.


On a final note, Elise LOVES these freeway signs in Massachusetts. They have pioneer hats! She thought it absolutely adorable!



I would recommend Boston to anybody. We truly fell in love with the city, and if I end up applying to Harvard for graduate school, half of my motivation is so that I can actually live in that area. Great city, great atmosphere, great history.

Wii Fest 2009

I love my husband...



Too bad the bass player failed the song - four times in a row. This was the first attempt - sorry it is so short.
(You can hear me in the background - I thought it was Lowell who made it fail, yes I will admit that I was the one of little faith.)

They came to play...

This weekend my former roommate Carolyn and her husband Steve were in town. We enjoyed showing them around our town for the weekend. It was great to see them, especially since due to a mis-communication we never really said goodbye in Provo after graduation. (She was out of town when I thought she was back and she thought we would be in Utah longer than we were.)

Friday night we went out for Thai food in the Borough. Saturday we headed into Philly to see the sites there including the Rocky Statue, The Love Statue, and several sites in Historic Downtown. Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures on my camera so you will have to look at their blog when she posts...hint hint, nudge nudge, Carolyn.

We were also convinced to try a new site and explored the Eastern State Penitentiary. So cool! I highly recommend it!
Intently listening to the audio tour...
A somber picture for a somber place:I really like the lighting in these!
On the trip, Carolyn and Steve were introduced to the joy that is Wawa - and more importantly Wawa's Hoagie Fest. On our way to Baltimore we had to stop for treats to sustain them on the flight home.

Thank you Carolyn and Steve for coming and for the wonderful time! The door is always open! (That goes for all other friends and family who want to see the East Coast. You won't be disappointed.)