How the Other Half Lives

Since my company sold earlier this month and my new job doesn't kick into action until next week, I've had quite a bit of free time on my hands these past few weeks. I've spent a big chunk of that time with three of my closest friends, all of whom are moms. Instead of putting together marketing strategies, conducting conference calls, and running staff meetings, I've been jumping on the trampoline, going swimming, and watching Signing Time. Although I've always admired my friends who are moms, I've gained a whole new appreciation for how much work it is. It's also been been surprisingly fun.

Like everything in life, there are pros and cons to every situation or circumstance. Developing a career and mothering young children are no exception. A few pros to working full time include: adult social interaction and stimulation, new challenges and opportunities to further develop skills, dressing up in cute clothes every day, and feeling a sense of accomplishment and praise for a job well done. A few pros to motherhood that I've observed: being able to go swimming every day in the summer, a relaxed pace that enables living in the moment, and seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Both have their place and both bring me satisfaction and fulfillment. Because I don't yet have kids of my own, it's been really fun for me to experience firsthand some of the benefits associated with "the other half."

Amanda, Allie, and Brit . . . thanks for letting me "shadow" you lately. It's been so much fun for me to hang out with you and your kids. You are all amazing moms and I am thoroughly impressed with the great job you're doing. Starting Monday, it's back to the world of full time work for me. I am looking forward to getting back into my groove, but I will miss the swimming, trampolines, treats, stories, and other pros that come along with spending the majority of my days with kids.

A Pleasant Day in Pleasant Grove

I first met Brit in junior high school. She was outgoing, popular, and friendly to everybody. I was much less so. We became friends at age 13 when we both tried out for cheerleader. Our friendship grew, and by high school we were inseparable. We talked on the phone several times a day. We took long walks on the boulevard and then sat on streetcorners for hours to finish our conversations. We carpooled to school every day. We had sleepovers every weekend. We went on each others' family vacations. We read each other our journals. We shared half gallons of Snelgroves Burnt Almont Fudge ice cream in the middle of the night. We loved it that our birthdays are 4 days apart, we are the same height, and our eyes are exactly the same color of hazel green. We were best friends in every sense of the word.

After high school, we were roommates during our freshman year at BYU. Brit was still outgoing, popular, and friendly to everybody. I was even much less so than I had been in high school, in part because I hated Utah County. We routinely stayed up late talking into the wee hours of the morning, discussing everything under the sun. We shared clothes, groceries, and rides home for the weekend. We took long walks to Brackmans Bagels in the dead of winter because neither of us had a car. We both gained the standard "freshman 10" pounds, probably because we were still sharing half-gallons of ice cream in the middle of the night.

After our first year at BYU, we both decided we'd had enough of Utah County. She backpacked through Europe with her brother and cousin and I transferred to the U. It was the first time in over 5 years that our lives took us in different directions and it was a big adjustment. Since then, our lives have continued on their individual paths but we have always remained close.

Brit is still outgoing, popular, and friendly to everybody. And I'm still quite anti-social by comparison. This point was driven home to me earlier this week when I spent the day with Brit in Pleasant Grove. Brit was giving me a walking tour of her neighborhood and we couldn't walk 5 feet without Brit greeting or waving to one of her neighbors. As we stopped to chat with various neighbors representing all walks of life, it was apparent to me how much Brit's neighbors love her and how lucky they are to have her around. Brit was in her element. I was not. I teased her that I felt like we were in Leave it to Beaver. And she told me that I am her fancy "city mouse" friend.

As I drove home, I reflected on what an amazing person she is. She is kind, selfless, and giving. Anybody who knows Brit understands her uncanny ability to make everybody feel welcome. She is an amazing mother and is raising her daughter to exhibit the same wonderful qualities she possesses. And almost 20 years after we first met, she is still one of my very best friends.

Brit, I love you. Thanks for a pleasant day in Pleasant Grove. Let's do it again soon!

Summer Solstice

I spent the longest day of the year hiking in Big Cottonwood Canyon. I reconnected with an old friend from my early days at BD about a week ago. He and I share an interest in hiking, so he invited me to spend last Saturday hiking with him. We met at the base of the canyon and headed to Silver Fork Lodge for brunch. For those of you who aren't familiar with Silver Fork Lodge, the view is one of the best kept secrets in Utah. We enjoyed our breakfast of omelettes and huevos rancheros while sitting outside on the deck, overlooking the spectacular views of the canyon. It was really great to catch up and the setting was top-notch.

After breakfast we hiked to Broads Fork, which is adjacent to the Lake Blanche trailhead. It was a beautiful hike, but a bit more vertical than I was expecting. The 96 degree weather certainly didn't help. Quite frankly, it kicked my can! I am a significantly slower hiker than Jon and didn't want to be the one to hold us up, so I did my best to forge ahead. Man, was I feeling it. I guess I need to beef up my game if I'm going to keep hiking with Jon.

The view at the top was absolutely worth it and we had a nice time relaxing in the sun before heading back down the mountain. We reflected on the way down on how spending the day hiking is our idea of a perfect summer Saturday in Utah. I am continually amazed at how therapeutic the mountains are for me. I always feel better when I'm in the mountains. Now if I could just keep up . . .

Silver Linings

If I've learned one thing during my almost 32 years of living, it is that life is not always easy or fair. This has been proven to me through observing the lives of those with whom I am closest and is also evidenced through my own life. However, I have also learned that hardships and trials are usually accompanied with silver linings that make life bearable. I have been very aware of these blessings in my own life lately and I can't help but feel a tremendous amount of gratitude for . . .

. . . a mom who calls me daily from her business trip, just to check in on me

. . . a best friend who gives me a standing invitation into her home and family, shares her four children with me, and makes me fudge balls just because she knows they're my favorite

. . . an old friend who reconnected with me and then invited me to brunch and a day of hiking in the canyons

. . . a good friend who invited me to go walking on a Saturday night (just what I needed) and then convinced me to join her and other friends for a trip to Peru in September

. . . a dad who makes time in his busy day to have lunch with me and goes out of his way to help me any way he can

. . . a former boss and good friend who is willing to make calls on my behalf and who also gives great advice, both personal and professional

. . . an invitation to join my dear friend (who not only sympathizes but empathizes with what I'm going through) for a home-cooked Sunday brunch and a few days later spending the day hiking to Timpanogos Cave with her 14-month-old baby in beautiful American Fork Canyon

. . . a spontaneous road trip to Yellowstone with my brother, who is also one of my very best friends, where we mapped out our dream round-the-world 6-month travel adventure

. . . an understanding new boss who sees enough value in me to bend the rules and allow me to work from home rather than relocating right away

. . . a strong and healthy body that allows me to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and long walks with friends

. . . a sister who is willing to leave her husband and kids for the night to have a sleepover with me just because she knows it will make me feel better

. . . good friends since childhood who make the time for a quick lunch, even with a tired baby, and who give me great advice with more impact than they could possibly know

. . . my oldest and close friend who takes time away from her 3-week-old newborn to talk with me over dinner at the Mandarin

Life isn't fair and it most certainly isn't always easy. But I have a tremendous amount for which to be grateful. My family and friends have always been there for me, and they are the silver linings that make the hard times bearable. I only hope that someday I can repay the favor.