*Monday Memos*

*MONDAY MEMOS*

   

 (If pictures are too small, just click to enlarge) 
Weekly recap of my rather crazy, insane, but fun and rewarding life!

dear monday, I ran five miles this morning.  It was freezing!  I had to wear my winter gear!  Brr....

Still no word from Boston on whether I got in or not.  Dang. It's hard to wait!  I got ready to go to the American Mother's National Board meeting in SLC.  Diane asked me if I wanted to go with her.  Deanne invited the state board. We met in Farr West.  It was a lot of fun to chat.  We talked about Boston and Lesa and Gary S.  Interesting.  The meeting was at the Marriott by City Creek.  We snuck in during it's progress but as we entered, they all stopped and Deanne introduced us and they treated us like celebrities.  Hah  AMI does respect the Utah members but my idea of "National" doing that was quite a surprise.  The meeting was good.  The board is much younger board than I expected.  Trust me it didn't used to be that way.  I haven't attended a National Board Meeting since I was the Utah Young Mother in 1994.  Things have definitely changed since then.  Barbara B. Smith was the National President.  Now, a very young and hip woman is.

We ate lunch with them.  During lunch we had to introduce ourselves and say WHY we were a part of American Mothers. I told them I was a part of it because when Dave was in med school I was basically as single parent for many years and it was the support system I needed.  I told them that I am in now  because of the great association of the women. The women in American Mothers truly are the cream of the crop.  Diane told me I did a good job.  I was glad she said something because I had no idea how it came across. The communications director came up and asked us if we would write up what we said so she can put it on the website.  

This is about half of the board.  Several were unable to attend.  After lunch we sat in on more of the meeting.  It was very inspiring.  The cute communications lady was all gung ho about how to increase membership and get publicity etc.  I had to chuckle a bit under my breath because I have been in AMI for 26 years and that has been the same ongoing issue that I have heard for those 26 years. But I wasn't going to say anything.  Us old die-hards understand that is and has always been the frustration.  There never seems to be a solid solutions.  Sad, but true. 

As we were leaving Diane was the spotlight.  She just glows.  She dropped me off at my car and then I ran to Costco and a couple other places.  When I got home, Dave had made stuffed green peppers using our garden peppers.   Mmm.... I was so grateful. It was rainy.  Check out those deer.

I applied to be on the Utah Running Team.  In order to be on the team you have to qualify.  You have to qualify by submitting your age grade times.  Meaning there is an age grade calculator that determines what your race times would be in your prime.  If it is above 75% (which is tough) then you qualify.  The calculator adjusts your performance to what it theoretically would have been during your prime running years (your 20's and a portion of your 30's depending on the race distance).  My 3:58 marathon PR put me at a 68%.  So, according to the calculator with that time I would have run a 3:23 marathon in my 20's and 30's.  That's amazing to me!  But, that time wouldn't qualify me for the team.  I needed a 3:37 marathon time.  But, my half marathon time does. With my 1:43 half marathon time, it adjusts to a 1:27 and that is at 75% and so I qualified!  Woo-hoo!   They send you a race shirt that you are supposed to run in at least six races while wearing it.  There are a lot of perks for being on the team such as race discounts etc.  I guess we will see.  But at my age, I am very excited to be a part of it.  From the pictures I saw there aren't too many peeps in it that are my age.  That needs to change!

My shirts came in the mail.  Pretty exciting for me!

dear tuesday, Dave was off.  I got in a run, but not far.  I put Carson's package together.  He loves Pandas, Dalmations, and sharks.

Then Dave and I headed to Logan.  The leaves were changing and so pretty! 

Dave needed new church shoes and I figured we could go that way to shop for them, instead of Ogden and then we could also take the boys out to lunch. And we could also finally see where they live!  They were both booked until 3:30.  We picked up McKay and took him to get temple clothes. 

Taylor was done by then and so we grabbed him.  They wanted to go eat at Hu Hot. It was pretty good.  You put what you want in a bowl and then they cook it for you. 

After lunch (really dinner because it was so late) we saw McKay's place and then Taylor's. McKay's is right in the middle of the action but Taylor's is pretty far off.  I met one of his roommate's dog Addy.  It was fun to see them both of the boys.  They are so busy, but also having the time of their lives.  Not sure Taylor would agree because all that boy does is study and go to school.   But they don't have the pressure they will when they get married and have a family.  So I hope they enjoy it while they can!

This is McKay's ward roster.  Pretty cool.  Each apt has a photo and phone number of each person.  You could just look through and choose a different date each night! 

We then went to Kohl's and got shoes for Dave.  Good thing we found some because he had to rush back for his stake meetings.  I had a webinar I forgot about.  I was beat.  I never used to be this tired at night, but lately.....I am bushed!

dear wednesday, I got up at 6 and practiced my harp.  I then headed to my group lesson.  There was only three of us there, but it went well. I took my harp but April was unable to come and so I didn't have to take it in and set it up. I hauled it all that way for nothing.  Oh well.  I'm glad I didn't have to carry it in, but I hate driving it around.  I worry it does damage to it.  I think I did better than I usually do at my group lessons because I was more prepared.  

When I was leaving Colleen called and really wanted to talk. I told her I could meet her right then but she couldn't.  We chatted on the phone for a good 45 minutes.  Her life is a bit crazy.  I headed to Farmington Station and shopped at my favorite store, Home Goods.  I am trying to decide on a entertainment console for the basement. Just can't decide.  

I ran a few more errands.  I called Karen and Mom on my way home.  Dave had meetings.  Bryce headed to Idaho.  McKay came home but I barely missed him.

The first thing I did when I got home was check my email.  I'm IN!!!  

I was accepted to run the BOSTON MARATHON in 2018!!!  

I was very excited!  I have been sweating it the past week!  But, I honestly thought I would get in because the largest cut-off they've had was a 2:28 and I had a 3:34 buffer. HOWEVER, this year the cut-off was 3:23!!!  That means I got in by 11 seconds!!!  Yes, 11 seconds!!!  Way, too close for comfort!  SHEESH! 

That is the highest cut-off they have ever had!  No one could believe it!  Including me!  Wow!  I just kept thinking 11 seconds!  What if I had stopped to tie my shoe, or dropped my water bottle, or stopped at the aid station and had another rub down on my hamstrings?  SO MANY THINGS I could have done and I would NOT have received that acceptance letter!  Wow!   It goes to show you that you really can't relax until you have that acceptance letter!  I have so many friends that barely missed it and I feel bad for them!  On the BAA facebook page, a lot of the people that missed the cut-off are pretty upset and saying they need to lower the standards because it's too hard.  I disagree.  Boston has ALWAYS been hard.  Not as hard as it is now, but it's always been tough to qualify.  If they lower the standards then it's not Boston.  It won't be the prestigious race it has always been.  If anything, I fear they will make the standards tougher than they already have.  I think they tightened the standards four years ago.  I hope they won't do that again.  People just have to know they have to run at least five minutes faster than their BQ time to be safe.  But, the feed was blowing up with some unhappy peeps.  I am in shock!  Seriously!  I can't believe I cut it that close!   I truly did not think the cut-off would be in the 3 minute range.  Wow.  They turned down over 5000 runners that qualified this year.  An all time high.  What's crazy is I thought the qualifiers would be smaller this year because most of the qualifiers BQ AT the Boston Marathon and the numbers were way down this year due to the heat.  So either more people BQ'd at other races or more applied because it's the five year anniversary of the bombings.  Not sure why the numbers of applicants were up.

Here is my FACEBOOK post:

WHEW!!! I am feeling SO blessed at this moment (and slightly freaking out!). I AM IN!!! I never thought I would get to run Boston ONCE, but now TWICE is more than a dream come true for me!! 2018 Boston Marathon here I come! I squeaked in by the hair of my chinny chin chin this year by 11 seconds from this year's cut off time which was the highest ever at 3:23. My buffer was a 3:34!!! That is much too close for comfort! They turned down over 5000 runners who qualified this year which is an all time high. Just 11 seconds slower and I would not have received this acceptance email today! I think I like having a higher buffer like last year (12 minutes) instead of cutting it so close! 
#whewthatwasclose #bostonbound #bostonmarathon2018 #igettolivemydreamTWICE #dreamsdocometrue #countingmyblessings #freakingout #bringonthewintertraining  #morehardworkahead
For those I totally confused, go here (it explains it better than I do): http://www.baa.org/…/2018-boston-marathon-qualifier-accepta… OR HERE: https://www.runnersworld.com/…/2018-boston-marathon-cut-off…

Here is what the BAA's Facebook said:
We at the Boston Athletic Association are appreciative of the support of the running community towards the Boston Marathon, and understand the desire from so many to run Boston. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept everyone.

A total of 28,260 runners submitted applications into the 2018 Boston Marathon, with 23,198 qualified runners having been accepted into the race. Those who ran 3 minutes, 23 seconds or faster than their age and gender qualifying times were accepted into the 2018 Boston Marathon.

For a detailed breakdown of registration numbers, including time cut-offs, please visit the following link: http://www.baa.org/…/2018-boston-marathon-qualifier-accepta…

They also posted this with the caption below it:

The positive words of encouragement shown by Boston Marathon qualifiers who were not accepted into the 2018 race towards fellow runners who were accepted has been inspirational and uplifting. The motivation and determination shown by all Boston Marathon qualifiers - both accepted and not - through Facebook is a testament to the supportive running community around us. Whether you are entered in the 2018 Boston Marathon or are eyeing a future running of the race, we applaud your positive spirit. We are excited to celebrate the 122nd running of the Boston Marathon - only 200 days away!

This was actually posted on Thursday.  But if you clicked on the comments of this on Facebook there weren't that many qualifiers who were being inspirational and uplifting. Sadly, quite the opposite. I think this post was to encourage it, but it didn't seem to happen.  It is a very hard pill to swallow when you work SO hard to BQ and then DO BQ but STILL don't get it!  I would have a hard time with that as well.  Getting in Boston is tough.  I guess that's why so many want to run it.  Either way, I am breathing the biggest sigh of relief you can even imagine!!! Whew!

dear thursday,  I got up and watched Becky Edward's webinar that I missed Tuesday night.  I posted some screen shots and some of the handouts to help me remember.  Here topic was the power of our thoughts.  Basically cognitive therapy.  I have been studying a lot about that subject the past few months and I am amazed at how when we change our thoughts our emotions follow.  We have thoughts BEFORE the emotion. I have been reading an amazing book on the topic.  This just re-emphasized it.

I did the last of my speedwork for this training at the track. There wasn't a soul there. Yippee!  It's not really the track because it's still cement, but it will do.  I ended up doing 4x800's.  It was TOUGH!  Have I mentioned how much I hate speedwork.  It's of the devil.  But a necessary evil if you want to get faster. Or remain that way. I was a little discouraged after my first couple, but then I ended up with a 3:36! Yippee! I needed that for my confidence going into the marathon!  

I didn't have to rush off anywhere today.  That was a nice change.  I ate lunch at home with Dave.  Then I went to find some gifts for peeps who had peeps pass away.  Didn't accomplish much.  I went to Stake YW Volleyball.  It was fun as always.  

After it was over, I cleaned up the stage of stuff that had been there forever.  I was once again exhausted when I got home.  I think this training is finally taking it's toll!   I am a tad concerned that I am still not on Boston's Entry List.  Kinda freaking out a wee bit.  I contacted them and they said it will refresh soon but that was 36 hours ago. Hmm.....  

dear friday, I was only supposed to go three miles today.  Taper time is tough mentally.  You want to run farther but know you can't because you have to rest your body so it can recover before race day.  It actually got a bit hot.  61°.  I won't be running in that heat again until St. George.  It's cooled off way too much here.  Can't remember the rest of the day other than I ran errands and went out to dinner with Dave to Old Grist.  He has a cold and I am praying I don't catch it before race day! Sarah sent me this picture of Carson with some of the stuff from the package I sent him.  Love that face!

dear saturday, I met Robin at 7:30  am and we did our final marathon training run!  TAPER TIME!  ONE WEEK from today I will either be having a suffer-fest or feeling like the past four months of training were worth it!  We found a boat load of change today!  We walked around the high school parking lot and found this:

Then as we were running up 4th north, I saw an huge pile of pennies that had been dropped or someone emptied their ashtray!  I went crazy picking them up because I knew Robin would grab her share as well, so no photo.  Oh well.  Here's what they looked like in our hands:

After I felt like I should have shared them equally with her.  I'm a penny hog!  haha She said that I saw them first and so it was okay.  There were 30 pennies total!  HOW FUN IS THAT?

Running definitely pays!

Even though I check three or four times a day, I'm still not on the BAA Entry List for the 2018 Boston Marathon.  I am a little nervous about that, but I think I just need to be patient. 

Conference was AMAZING!  My favorite talks were Pres. Uchtdorf and Elder Holland's.  I needed both.  I ran to Kent's for their early bird sell and so I had to watch the last half of the morning session after.  I bought a lot of food for the boys. Saw a million peeps I know shopping.  I was feeling bad because I should have been watching conference.  But the sale ended at noon and I knew I could watch it as soon as I got home on the rebroadcast on channel 11. Taylor was home.  Yay!  Made him lunch.

McKay had gone to General Conference.  He made it back in time for the Priesthood session.  I enjoyed my alone time while they were gone.  I really do love to be alone. Okay, not totally alone...me and Mr. Cat.  

I thought about watching a movie, but decided to catch up my blog and read some. Julie and her cute grand-kids stopped by.  Someday I'll have some of my own..... Someday......

Dave and I stayed up until 1 a.m. watching Follow Me Boys!  Haha  It was a great movie.  An old one for sure, but it was obviously captivating because neither of us could hit the hay until it was over.  

I am going to post the conference summaries at the bottom of this post.  So many amazing talks!

dear sunday, I went to bed at 1 a.m. but like clockwork, I still woke up at 5:30!  UGH!  Serves me right for staying up so late!  Mr. Cat jumped on me and that didn't help.  He is so affectionate at 3 a.m.  That's actually the ONLY time he is.  Taylor had gone to the morning session of conference. He took a girl from SLC.  I loved watching because Dave gave me a foot rub almost the entire morning session!  Felt SO good!  The talks were amazing.  Sadly, Elder Robert D. Hales passed away between sessions.  Pres. Monson was also not in attendance for the first time that I can remember.  My favorite talk was Elder Neil L. Anderson.  He had some extra time and so he quoted from many of the talks from yesterday and today as well as read many quotes from Pres. Monson.  He finished (SO appropriately) with some words from Robert D. Hales and he just wrapped everything up so nicely with Pres. Monson being gone and Elder Hales passing away.  Pres. Monson's health is not good and so I was so impressed when he quoted Pres. Nielson and talked so much about him and his diligent service.  I was impressed because Pres. Nielson will be our next prophet. His entire talk was so inspired and was the perfect ending.  Everything was so perfectly appropriate.  It leaves no question that these men are prophets, seers, and revelators.

We had our traditional German pancakes with fresh fruit and orange Suzette syrup.  SO SO SO good! Then we all kind of just hung out the rest of the day.  It was so fun to have the boys home. I feel bad Sky didn't make it home.     

From Middle-aged Mormon Man's blog:

Elder Jeffrey Holland picked up where Elder Christofferson left off – Celestial goals can seem beyond out reach, such as “Be ye therefor perfect.”

He has heard many saints expressing concern that they just can’t be good enough.

“As children of God we should not demean or vilify ourselves”

“I would hope we could pursue personal improvement in a way that doesn’t include getting ulcers…”

“I believe that Jesus did not intend his sermon on this subject (perfection) to be a verbal hammer for battering us into our shortcomings. No, I believe he intended it to be a tribute to who and what God, the Eternal Father is, and what we can achieve.”  (I had to rewind three times to get that down.)

Our inability to reach perfection is not an excuse to goof off our dumb down our behavior, and the only way we will receive perfection is as a gift from God.

Story of the “Parable of the Unmerciful Servant.” (Matthew 18)

“Let’s strive for steady improvement, without obsessing over what behavioral scientist call “toxic perfectionism.” We should avoid that latter excessive exception of ourselves, and of others, and, I might add, of those who are called to serve in the Church, which, in the Church, means everyone.”

He referenced a great quote from Leo Tolstoy:  “I reply that I am to blame, and vile, and worthy of scorn because I do not fulfill them, but in this respect not so much in the way of exculpation, as in explanation of my inconsistency, I say:”Look at my former life and look at my life now, and you will see that I am trying to fulfil them. I have not fulfilled one ten thousandth part, it is true, and I am to blame ; but I have not fulfilled them, not because I have not wanted to, but because I could not. Teach me how to disentangle myself from the net of temptations in which I am caught ; help me, and I will fulfil them.” (Leo Tolstoy)

This was a great pep talk for when we are being to hard on ourselves, without excusing us, but rather pointing us towards the Savior.
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LDS general conference: One-sentence summaries of October 2017 talks

From the website:https://utahvalley360.com/2017/09/30/lds-general-conference-one-sentence-summaries-of-october-2017-talks/

Women’s Session

Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

Women play their part in the gospel by being righteous, articulate, different, distinct and doing all of that happily.

Sister Neill F. Marriott, second counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

Our sins and pride create a gap between us our Heavenly Father, but the Savior’s Atonement closes that gap.

Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary General President

“The Spirit will confirm to each of us individually our divine worth.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency

You cannot allow circumstances determine your attitude.

---

Saturday Morning Session

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency

When you feel inadequate, rely on the Lord.

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women General President

Seek to uplift and serve others in your community and ward; attend meetings with the intent to be a “giver and a supplier.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve

The gospel plan every family should follow is outlined in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”

Elder John C. Pingree, Of the Seventy

Everyone has a role here on earth, so we must yield ourselves to God so He can use us for his work.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Quorum of the Twelve

Adopt Christ into our hearts and our everyday lives.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve

Don’t let our desires to be perfect debilitate us.

---

Saturday Afternoon Session

Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve

Avoid spiritual blindness by wearing your gospel glasses.

Brother Stephen W. Owen, Young Men General President

Christ gave us a winning life when he gave us the Atonement and the opportunity to repent.

Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve

Be humble and modest in life.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve

There are no coincidences in life — the Lord is an active participant in our lives.

Elder O. Vincent Haleck, Of the Seventy

Develop the same heart as the widow in the story of the widow’s mite, willing to sacrifice for the growth of the Lord’s church.

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve

Do you cherish the Book of Mormon for the blessing it is?

---

Priesthood Session

Elder Dale G. Renlund, Quorum of the Twelve

Like the rocket delivers the payloads, the priesthood delivers the gospel of Jesus Christ and the covenants we make with the Lord.

Elder David F. Evans, Of the Seventy

Put the work in to gain your own testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elder Richard J. Maynes, Of the Seventy

Place your trust in the Lord; then earn the trust of Lord as well as your wives and your children.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency

Receive the light of Christ, live in that light and share that light with others through your actions.

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency

It takes faith to receive revelation that God calls men to be his prophets and apostles on the earth, and everyone has the ability to receive that revelation.

Sunday Morning Session

Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President

“Lasting joy is found in focusing on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and living the gospel as demonstrated and taught by Him.”

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, Of the Seventy

Recognize the miracles in your life because this life is a miracle.

Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve

The “exceeding great and precious promises” from God are found in our sabbath observance, in the home and in the temple.

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

While life may take us on an unexpected path, we can have hope and peace through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Elder W. Craig Zwick, emeritus member of the Seventy

“To look beyond what we see, we must look at others through the eyes of our Savior.”

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency

“Be consistent and persistent in following the prophet’s counsel,” and know faith drives out fear.

---

Sunday Afternoon Session

Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve

“The trek back to our Heavenly Father is the most important trek of our lives.”

Elder Tad R. Callister, Of the Seventy

The Book of Mormon exists because of revelation from God.

Elder Joni L. Koch, Of the Seventy

Members of the church should be united in their efforts to help each other return to our Heavenly Father.

Elder Stanley G. Ellis, emeritus member of the Seventy

Hard times can be good for us as long as we move forward with faith and trust in our Heavenly Father.

Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella, Of the Seventy

“From the First Vision and the Prophet Joseph Smith, we received knowledge of the reality and sacred mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the cornerstone of our religion.”

Elder Ian S. Ardern, Of the Seventy

When we have questions about the church, we are invited to ask God for answers.

Elder Jose L. Alonso, Of the Seventy

Through service and forgiveness and real love, we can be healed.

Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve

Follow the example of the prophets in how they turn their faith to action.

Elder Robert D. Hales, former Quorum of the Twelve

Even though Elder Hales died prior to the closing session of conference, Elder Andersen spoke of Elder Hales’ preparation to give a talk. Elder Andersen read part of Elder Hales’ talk: “Our faith prepares us to be in the presence of God.” Rewatch or read the entire three lines from Elder Hales’ talk here.

dear random, Facebook had a link from a company that puts your FB photos in a book.  They showed you what yours would look like and so I took some screenshots of it.  These are small, but it had some fun past memories.

This is from a POSITIVE IQ test I took. Kind of interesting.

The shirts for Big Cottonwood were PURPLE this year!  And I didn't run it this year so I could run Peach Days with Taylor!  But I had to buy one anyway!  SO STINKIN' CUTE! 

 My ornaments for 2017 came!  LOVE THEM SO MUCH THIS YEAR!  I had to get Carson a Panda one (of course!).

The turks are back and I loved these pix with the deer and all of them.  Usually, Mr. Cat is in the middle of them all too.

 

 

dear conference quotes, (sorry about some of the duplicates)