Tickle Me Pink Tuesday

I'm so freakin tickled that I'm nearly wetting myself with excitement!

PT camp starts again next week! I LOVE it! I love that Purdy has all sorts of forms of torture dreamed up for us. I love the social aspect of working out with fun friends and meeting new ones. I love that three days a week, I have Ralynn in my ear giving instructions, and me seeing if I can actually do them. If anyone lives in the southwest end of the Salt Lake valley (Think neighborhood of 2200 west and 7800 south) and want to join, email me and I'll give you the deets. THE BEST!

The sun is shining. Really, no joke this time, it's shining and has been for a couple of days. And better yet, is supposed to for a few more days before clouds sneak back in. Talk about soaking up the vitamin D. I have always been a sun worshipper, and summer with it's wicked hot self, is the yin to my yang. It can't get here fast enough, but for now, the sun and warmer temps are doing the job.

That my BFF cousins are coming to town. Their daughter graduates from BYU, and they are squeezing in a dinner with us. Now growing up, there were four of us. Me, my brother, T, and her brother A. All about the same age (within a few years), and we called ourselves the Fabulous Four. Oh the stories I could tell you! But I'll save them for a memory post or two. Anyhoo, my brother and A live near me, T and her husband are back east but are coming out and we are getting together Saturday night for dinner and a "reunion" of sorts. I can't wait! I love them all so much!

Splenda is having surgery Friday. That tickles me you say? Why yes. Yes it does! See he has this terribly deviated septum. He can't breathe through his nose very well, is constantly congested, snores like a freight train and is constantly tired (due to lack of decent sleep). We have finally talked him into going and getting it checked. The ENT doc was quite frankly surprised at his level of blockage. So Friday, it's gettin fixed!! Of course, he'll have a couple of bad days, but that is what drugs are for. Once he gets past that, I think he will feel better than he has his entire life!

C is doing better. Neck still stiff and sore, but what's hysterical? And yes, we have to find things to laugh about right? He is SO DRUGGED UP. Annnnnnddddd.....working. I happened to be working at his office today at the hospital and it's quite comical. I am so glad nothing was seriously damaged. I'm glad he didn't break anything or worse. And, I am glad he is amusing me today.

Tuffy's creativity. Seriously. The kid has always been creative and a quiet thinker and someone who is constantly "out of the box". Enough so, that school basically sucks for him. He doesn't fit "the traditional norm" so it is a struggle to even get through. How I can't wait for him to be done. He really belongs in a special high school for creative culinary art students. That is his passion and that is what he does best. He is never at a loss for coming up with something cool to either eat or just look at. Take for example this:We were just sitting at the table being bored, making small talk while waiting for Splenda to come home. He had just downed a Jones soda and was fiddling with the lid. Next thing I know, "Hey check this out Mom" He's created a stick figure with the Jones bottle lid and scraps he took off of it. Cool kid.

What is tickling you pink today?

Monday - Missionary Update

Family,

Hey there, how is it going? All is good here in Chile, just thinking about what really is going to happen with the changes here. Sounds like the week actually went pretty good for you guys, as it did with me. Apart of the fact that Corb hurt his neck, and Tuffy was sick….Not going to lie this week was really cool, and ill tell ya why…

As far as the missionary work here goes, this last week was kind of difficult. But this sector has progressed sooo much when I got here, it is ridiculous. That is what is good. I think this week we will be looking at changes here in Radimadi. I am not sure who is going to go, nor stay, but there is going to be changes here I think. Alright, here is something else pretty cool that happened this week. On Sunday we went to do our visiting teaching to the Familia Murillos. They live on the farm and we needed to take a car ride to get to the house. It was really really cool there. We had a BBQ, and after we went to see the cows and the horse. There I did something that I never thought in my life I would do. I got up on the horse. I am not going to lie to you, it was really scary, but was nice just to get the sweet picture that I am going to send to you guys. All in all, the farm was great, just got a little bit scary with the whole horse thing. When I got on her, she panicked for a second and try to take off. Luckily she calmed down enough to get the pic haha.

Also this morning, my comp made what is called Jello Cake. It actually looked really gross at first, but it tastes really good. It is Jello, bread, and Creamed Milk. Its weird but good. Thank you guys for sending the package, that will probably get to me in about two weeks!

Hmm I was trying to think of a name that you could put on the Mustang….the only name that comes to my mind, and I think that it is from revelation… .. Musty the Mustang .hahaha. I know, lame, but that is all I got. Still no baptism. It loks like that will have to be for the next month. Today we are going to get together as a district and eat pizza. I am not going to lie to you guys, but….THAT IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!

I am pretty sure that next week I will have a lot more stuff to write you guys . It just not a whole lot of stuff has happened here. Just the good old missionary work!! I love you guys lots thanks for all that you do for me!!!

Elder Catmull

p-s If you see Michelle tell here to check her email haha. I am not sure how often she uses it….


In case anyone is wondering, Elder L would be the caucasion one : )

Tuffy,

What is up dude. Sorry that you were sick, I know that sucks, but hey you gotta be better by prom, it is a blast. Looks like your group is going to be pretty tight. At least that is what parents say. I am sure you guys are going to have tons of fun. Dude, congrats with the drums I am pretty sure that you a rocking it up there. I am pretty sure that you will be surprised also…….cause here I have gotten really good beatboxing. I know it is kinda weird, but seriously dude, I have gotten pretty good haha. Oh dude, do me a favor and get some of your hot friends waiting cause I am getting home soon!!! I am serios dude haha. How is school going dude? Are you excited to end your high school year? Or I mean, are you excited to end this school year? I hope dude that things are going good for ya man. Just let me know if there is any way that I can help you out with anything. Have a great week dude! Love ya and miss ya.

Elder Catmull

Spiritual Sunday

What do you get when you mix a UFC fighting match on TV, a crowd of testosterone filled men, and alcohol?






This.....

The.End.




Okay, not really, and certainly not my spiritual thought for the day, but I can bear my testimony of the fact that when you mix a bunch of beer influenced young men with an UFC fighting match on in the background. Someone.is.going.to.get.hurt.
Just saying........

Yes, that is my oldest son C. Yes, he is fine. Nothing broken, no disc damage, just a severely jammed neck and muscle spasms.

I did get a spiritual thought from our 3 hours in the ER. As soon as I dropped Sissy off to Splenda at the church while he was setting up chairs, I could see a shadow briefly cross his face and I knew he was thinking, "Me and the hour and 10 minute wrestle SOLO?" But, what to do?

I toddled C over to the ER while he moaned and groaned in pain with every little bump I happened to hit in the road. I should have grabbed my scriptures or my 3 conference editions of the Ensign that I am sorely behind on, but didn't think that far ahead. Instead, once they gave him his morphine shot and he was out, I was forced to read whatever outdated magazines the hospital happened to have in the exam room. After reading about parenting, which confirmed that I sucked, I stumbled upon a small little magazine that was titled Guideposts. It was filled with real life uplifting stories of people with their challenges. One story touched me deeply and the man writing it shared a very profound thought. Well, for me anyway.

The story was about his wife's battle with depression for the 60 years they have been married. Not only the battle she faced, but he as well, as her husband, having to watch and deal with her. He related how his boss one day called in him to talk about his challenges. She said to him, "Think about the difference between thankfulness and praise. Thankfulness is us-centered; when things work out the way we want, we're thankful. Praise is God -centered; praise means becoming aware of God in your life right now.......Praise is the beginning of healing."
I love that thought. I pondered on it for several minutes. Then the intercom came on in the exam room informing us that the LDS Elders were there with the sacrament if anyone wanted to partake. I headed to the conference room and was met by three very elderly gentlemen. One was shaking so bad with palsy, that I feared he would fall right over. They introduced themselves, and since I was the only one there, proceeded.

Can I tell you how humbling it is to watch a very old man, gingerly get on his knees and pray? How seeing another very aged man shake with palsy yet manage to hold a hymn book and read a verse? And to watch the third man struggle to get himself down on one knee to offer the prayer on the water. Can I tell you that the Spirit is the same whether you are in your home ward, or a small conference room in a hospital. The sacrament ordinance is the same, and with my thoughts leaning towards praise more than thankfulness at those moments, it was particularly meaningful.

I made it back to church in time to pick up Sissy from nursery and greet a few of my ward family members. Splenda survived the Sacrament mtg wrestle match, and luckily in his case, versus C's, no one got hurt.

Sissy's Sun-derful weekend

Oh my, oh my, was the weather gorgeous! After a deep phunk filled several past weeks with gray skies, rain and snow, the sun finally came out and the temperature's rose. Which means.......playing outside!
Had to do a trip to the park with the slides, and the swings and best of all? Playing with her beloved Poppa!



Today was all about family and friends.
My sister kicked off the spring/summer grilling season with a combined birthday party for some family members and friends. For sissy,it was all about the tramp,




an umbrella

More tramp


and of course, the best part of all?? The birthay cake and goodies...Thanks for having us Chet and Mindi - Smithfield was beautiful, the weather perfect and the food to die for. Even the buffalo burgers!

SLC Marthon - 1/2 marathon - and yes I kicked it!!!

Holy sore knee's Batman! I am not gonna lie, but this post is going to be a bit of an upper for me, brace yourself.

I've been nervous and preparing for my first ever 1/2 Marathon, which for those of you that don't know is 13.1 miles. I chose to run the Salt Lake City Half Marathon.

I woke up, or rather, just got out of bed since I didn't really sleep, at 4:15 am. Cooked my oatmeal, got dressed, shoes on, hat, gum, sunglasses and bib. Chad picked me up at about 4:45, I grabbed my Monster and we headed for the Shark's house.

Got Shark's bike loaded up, everyone's gear in the truck and headed for the U's campus. Chad's an old pro at this, so he got a great parking spot and he and Tib started to get their gear unloaded, and bikes ready. We are joking around and pinning on our bibs when I realize my bib number.Seriously?! The mark of the beast? This is SO NOT BODING WELL!

As I am sitting in the back keeping warm, it suddenly dawns on me! I DON'T HAVE MY TIMING CHIP!! CaaaaRaaaaaaaP! What to do? There is no way I am calling Splenda, I left him with Sissy crying. Nope, not going there. Okay, Chad? Can I take your truck run home, get my chip and get back in time for my start?

Race home, praying all the way that every cop was downtown supporting this race. Run into the house, grab my chip, my lucky earrings and quickly pee. No way am I using a porta-potty.

Race back up to the U, crossing my fingers that they haven't shut the road down and I can park either in the same lot or close by so that Chad and Tib can find the truck when they get back. LUCKY ME - The parking spot gods are smiling on me! Quickly send a text to the Shark to let them know where I have parked the truck and where the keys are.

Begin heading for the start line. TONS of people! TONS! Starting to feel very intimidated! Now, I have a psychological NEED to be right at the start line. I realize that I will get passed, but for some reason, I HAVE to be right at the line. So I wrest my way in with the big dogs and keep moving to stay warm.

They let the hand bikers go first, they always inspire me by the way, and then our turn to move up to the chip pad and start line. He does a count down, the gun sounds, and we take off. Yup, getting passed. Totally okay with it! Just keep going. It's downhill so the start is a pretty quick one. I hit the first mile and the clock shows a 7:09 time. Wow, okay, if I keep this pace, I will be okay, but I am also realistic to know, it's a long run. Longer than I have EVER done, that will not be my average pace. I start patying attention to the folks who pass me, and believe it or not I start passing others here and there. Decide to keep a roadkill tally in my head.

For those non-runners - a roadkill is someone you pass up. Now if they pass you again, you can't count them. You have to pass them and stay ahead of them. Keep this in mind for later in the story.

Continue on, and really I am feeling fantastic! The course is beautiful, and while a little chilly by my standards, it is tolerable. In fact, before I even got off campus, my jacket had been tossed to the side of the road. Keep plugging along and enjoying the route. People are all along side the entire way. Holding signs, clapping, cheering and shouting words of encouragement. It really is an adrenalin rush! Hit the 6 mile mark, and realize okay, you've done a 10k now, assess how you are feeling. Mmm, actually pretty good! A little less than half way, you can do this.

Keep going and for the most part the course is either a slight down hill or flat at this point. And somewhere along the line I was told it the last 3 miles were flat so no problem.
When I did hit mile 6 I noticed the clock again 45 minutes and some change. Sweet, if I can keep this up, I should be able to reach my goal. Just keep going.

Mile 9 - Liberty Park. Run through the park, but now it's concrete and not asphalt. I can totally feel the difference and it's killing me. That was a loooooong mile. Finally out of the park, and back on asphalt and back to a slight downgrade.

Turn on State street heading north. Slight upgrade that continues getting a little more up with each intersection. FLAT MY ARSE!! This was horrible! My pace slowed way down, I was hurting! All I kept telling myself was to just keep moving. Stopping, or walking was NOT an option. At least I knew that once we hit South Temple, we'll turn and get off this mother-truckin hill!

Sure enough, albeit NOT soon enough, we hit South Temple and turn west headed straight towards Gateway. Slight down hill, I have time to make up so I lenghten my stride and pound it down. Turn the corner, now there are tons of people lined up along the course cheering every single runner on! Final turn into Gateway and I am now sprinting with the little bit of energy I have left.

Into the final chute. Hundreds of people are lined up and yelling, whistling and cheering. I pull out my ear buds to enjoy it all. I finally get close enough to see the clock and what the crap!??!???!?? 1:40 ?? HUH? Sprint a little faster.....Okay, I can see I need to be quick to keep it in the 1:40, cause now I see a 50 something seconds........

Finally hit my foot on the pad and my time as I crossed? 1:40:57. One hour, forty minutes and 57 seconds! I am ecstatic! I continue through the chute, grab a water bottle shoved at me and start looking for Splenda, Mom, John, MIL, Shark and Chad. No one. Continue walking through the chute now really starting to feel the pain in my legs.

All of a sudden I hear my name and the Shark comes flying at me like a bat outta hell! AAAAAAHHHHHH! We are screaming and yelling like a couple of banshees! I think Chad might have taken a step backwards and pretended he didn't know us for a minute or two.

I get caught up to date on how they did on the bike tour and I was not only very impressed but SO HAPPY for them. They finished a 26 mile bike tour in 1:43. AWESOME!

Start walking out of the way and wondering where mi familia is. Use Sharks phone to call and they had completely missed me. They didn't even know I was done. They were looking for me in blue and I was in pink. Oh well, Tib got some shots of me from behind. Thankfully, she is a techno wizard as well and added the arrow so you can actually see it's me.



She also was kind enough to get a pic of me with my medal at the finish line since Splenda still hadn't found us yet.


Finally, my fam found me, chastised me for not being in blue like they expected and we enjoyed some post race small talk. Sissy was particularly ornery, Chad and Tib needed to go get their bikes and get back to the truck and I was now starting to get cold. One last picture with my racing besties


Home to ice the knees, stretch and rest the muscles and then I got a call bringing a little fact to my attention. My bib number 6669, is my trainers birthdate. NO, it was NOT the mark of the beast and bad luck, instead it was the mark of the Purdy to whom I owe so much for helping me for the last year become so physically fit and able to do these kinds of things. Knowing that was just like pure icing on the cake!

So final results and tallies:
Half-Marathon Official Time - 1:40:58
4,125 total runners
I placed 310th overall.

2,544 total women
I placed 72nd overall.

192 in my age category
I placed 5th.

Am I pleased? HECK YEAH! Not only did I completely obliterate my goal of 2 hours, but in such a large race with so many elite runners and competitors, I held my own. I was there in the running with true athletes. I can't even begin to explain my high.

Last but not least:
Melissa's Roadkills? 31
Melissa as someone else's roadkill? - TMTC (too many to count)

And of course, Splenda taking the traditional picture at home with my baby Jordan and Jesus smiling in the background

Now to recover, get the sore muscles taken care of, the sore knees back to normal, and then begin training for the next big race.

Not gonna lie..... I LOVE RUNNING!

Red Face Rant

>

Oops-a-doodle Obama - is that his new nickname or shall he be known simply as the
Four Year Faux-Pas?

Thank you

I just wanted to thank everyone who has been so encouraging to me the past several days. I am nervous for tomorrow, but I have no idea why. All the comments, emails, phone calls, texts and spoken words of encouragement are so appreciated!

I couldn't ask for a better support system (well, besides Victoria Secret's, but that is another post).

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

xoxoxox
M