Friday, September 17, 2010

Best sporting event of all time – US Open in NYC


Anyone who knows me well knows that I’m obsessed with the US Open.  I spent two nights there.  The first night I went with Alisa Baker, Carly Mattson, Ellie Marble, Jenn Wheeler, Maria Merrill.  We had a great girls night out and enjoyed watching Federer win his match.  The second night was spent with Kaitlin, Susuda, and John (yes, we are still friends after traveling together for almost 80 days).  We cheered Nadal on to a victory!  The match ended around 10:45 pm but we wanted to watch an exhibition match with Martina Hingis, Anna Kournjkova, Pat Cash, and Mats Wilander…..so we stayed until 12:30am.  The Open just sucks you in and you never want to leave!  

PS - we are true fans because it was FREEZING cold and we stuck it out!





Twelve hours of fun - Salt Lake City


I spent the day visiting friends I haven’t seen in awhile.  First, I met up with Sara Collins (you might remember her as Lizzy from previous posts) for lunch.   She had just quit her job the day before so I had to hear the scoop.  I welcomed her with open arms to the unemployment club.  She also purchased the Jetblue unlimited pass, so you will be seeing her pop up again on my blog as we travel around together.

Next, I visited Amber Blakesly, a dear friend who used to live in NYC.  We caught up on life as we looked out on her amazing view of Utah Lake.   My mouth watered as she told me that she had bought a meat grinder so she could replicate the Shake Shack burger in SLC.  I can’t wait to visit again in October and hopefully the weather will be nice enough for a BBQ!

My last stop was to visit Thomas Jones and Joe Dixon (more friends who used to live in NYC).  Joe hosted a little BBQ on the roof of his apartment building.   We ate burgers and reminisced or maybe I should say commiserated about the glory days working in NYC.  Below is a picture we took with an old poster of a New Yorker magazine cover that pretty much depicts some New Yorker’s views regarding the geography of the United States.  If anyone ever comes across one of these posters (that doesn't cost $500), I would die to have one.  Buy it on the spot and let me know!  




Thursday, September 16, 2010

And here we have Idaho – Rexburg


Props to any of you who recognize the title of my post (Idaho state song).  My longest stop so far on the world tour was to my homeland, Rexburg, Idaho.  I spent two weeks here visiting my family and friends.  You might be wondering what I did to fill my time, well let’s just say it was action packed:

·      Ate delicious home cooked meals
·      Played Rook with my parents and sisters (Katie and I lost due to a tragic “sluffing” mistake)
·      Went to the Madison vs Rigby high school football game (ran into a dedicated blog reader, Tiffany Alleman)
·      Saw every $2 movie possible
·      Met my future sis-in-law, Rachael Davidson (big fan of her)
·      Helped with wedding stuff
·      Participated in a book club with the Franz girls (we read "The Glass Castle")
·      Planned my future Jetblue trips and fall trip to southeast asia
·      Spent a day in Jackson Hole and Jenny’s Lake 
·      Spent the weekend at the Franz cabin on Henry’s Lake (Ann's 30th bday weekend)
·      Enjoyed the East Idaho State Fair on Labor Day


Who can resist attending the biggest football game of the year!  Madison pulled out a win against our rivals the Rigby Trojans.  Thanks to Michael, who is living with the Franz's and plays for Madison, and Andrew, who is teaching Seminary at Madison, we had a reason to attend the game.  

Book Club: Sara, Sally Franz, and Nicole Franz


My parents, my sister Katie, and I went on a day trip to Wyoming.  Our first stop was Sidewinders Tavern, a delicious restaurant in Jackson Hole.  I had an amazing BBQ brisket sandwich and sweet potato fries.  I will definitely be returning to this place.  Then we headed up to Jenny's Lake.  We saw two moose on our way.  We made it just in time for a magnificent rain storm.  The thunder and lightning was incredible.  The clouds completely covered the mountains (thank goodness they cleared so I could take a photo of the Grand Tetons).  My dad and I thought the coast was clear so we ventured out on a little hike around Jenny's Lake.  Our luck ran out as we approached the parking lot.  In a matter of seconds another storm attacked us and we were soaked.  On our way back we stopped at the most delicious ice cream shop in Jackson Hole.  The ice cream was made out of all natural ingredients and let me tell you, the ice cream was INCREDIBLE!!  Definitely worth the drive to Jackson for that little bit of heaven!  




I spent a couple of days at the Franz family cabin at Henry's Lake.   It was Ann's 30th birthday weekend and we sure partied hard! We had a great time cooking hot dogs and s'mores over the campfire, riding four wheelers, popping wheelies on dirt bikes, water skiing,  getting some target practice in, playing games, lounging in the hammocks, and tanning on the dock.  Life is great when you are in the good old outdoors! 








There is nothing I love more than going to the East Idaho State Fair.  Words cannot describe the classy things you see there.  I went with my parents and sister and let's just say it didn't disappoint.  We sampled all of the classic fair food: elephant/tiger ears, funnel cakes, corn on the cob, corn dogs, homemade bread, and fudge.  I rode some amazing rides, got a free back massage, and toured the various 4-H and other exhibits.  I took a few pics of my favorite exhibits.  I love Idaho!!!










All you can jet pass – Jetblue

I was devastated last year when I couldn’t take advantage of the “All you can jet pass” Jetblue offered last year.  So….needless to say I was ecstatic when they announced they would be running their promotion Sept 7 – Oct 6.  I purchased it within an hour of hearing about it! I’m ready for an action packed month of traveling to NYC, Tampa, Florida Keys, Pittsburgh, Boston, Aruba, and Salt Lake City!  I think I might need to go to rehab to treat my traveling addiction.


Sunshine - Los Angeles


After spending a few weeks in Northern California, I decided to head south to visit some of my favorite people in the universe: Lyn, Jason, and Carter Johnson.  Lyn was a gem to let me stay with them since she was in the middle of her busy season at work.  Jason and Carter were great hosts when Lyn was at work.  We played super Mario (I’ve lost any skill I had acquired when I was younger), ate delicious meals, went to the beach, and had girl time while getting manicures at the mall.  Lyn’s brother and a great BYU accounting friend, Joe Hillstead and family, met up with us to go to the beach.  We had a great time catching up and reminiscing about the good old BYU days.  The accounting program bonds people for life! 

PS – Sorry for the lack of photos.  I was too relaxed to take any.